If you’re like me, you like to be prepared for just about anything, so to help you out, I have some of my herbal tips and tricks for survival listed here in one handy article. Read on to find herbs that you can gather around these parts easily, and that will offer you help with just about anything: no matter how sticky (or spooky) your situation might be!
Dandelion – Not only is it a wonderful herb, it’s also found pretty much everywhere. The seeds can be used as a fire starter, and you can make a quality salad out of the flowers and stems. I would highly suggest ingesting some dandelion if you’re planning on eating some questionable canned foods, as it works as a great liver protectact!
Rosemary – Losing your mind? Rosemary is a circulatory stimulant, which means it helps stimulate your brain’s memory and concentration. Who doesn’t need help remembering where you hid the extra supplies, or where the nearest gas station is? I use rosemary for extra brain support when I need to concentrate on fixing my temporary shelter, or when it is my turn to keep watch at night. I also occasionally use it to temporarily distract any lurking predators (it’s very aromatic which means it can do a pretty good job of covering up scent trails). Lastly, if you end up being one of the last remaining people on earth you might be worried about premature baldness (due to all the stress) but don’t worry, this herb has your head covered.
Pumpkin Seeds – You might want to think twice about throwing those seeds away when you’re carving your jack-o’-lantern this year. If you find yourself drinking some questionable water, don’t sweat it! Pumpkin seeds can be used to eliminate tapeworms, intestinal worms, and to ease intestinal inflammation. The seeds are also great source of protein and zinc. Pumpkin seeds can also be used to treat burns if you use them as a poultice.
Potatoes – Though not considered a herb, a good old potato can offer a lot. If you need to make a mad dash, it’s a great way to get some carbs into you quickly when having hypoglycaemic crashes. You can also use a potato as a mild battery or as a poultice to help draw infections out of cuts and scrapes.
Yarrow – This herb has many uses; it’s one of the best herbs to aid with many digestion issues and it can also be used as an astringent to help stop bleeding (including when you are experiencing your period or want to prevent attracting nearby vampires). Please be cautious when foraging for this herb, it does look similar to poison hemlock and water hemlock (which is also poisonous).
Old Man’s Beard – You can make this into a tea. It’s a good way to help make your hair nice and shiny. This way you can help others see that you’re not a zombie and therefore not a threat. You can also use this herb as camouflage if you are trying to hide your appearance.
Nettle – Forgot your daily dose of vitamins as you flee from the horde? Don’t worry! Nettle is an easy way to get your vitamins in a pinch. You can make a tea with either the root or the leaves. The root offers a vitamin boost, and the leaves are traditionally used to help reduce inflammation. You may want to use gloves as some species can sting if you are touching the fine hairs on the stem, or the top part of the leaves. It’s also mild adaptogen which means it helps your body recover from stress.
Rose Hips – Worried about others confusing you for a zombie if your teeth loosen, your swollen gums turn purple, or you start to look (and feel) tired and listless? Prevent scurvy by making rose hip tea. It’s a fairly easy way to get your vitamin C levels up. You may need to use gloves as the rose hips can be quite acidic if you are picking many at once.
White Willow Bark – Running low on aspirin? Why not use nature’s source straight from the plant!? This analgesic can also be braided into baskets to help contain your herbs and supplies as you run from shelter to shelter and scour empty houses for more necessities. The wood can be used to create bows to hunt and defend yourself too!
Garlic – Running out of antibiotics? Garlic is great for upper respiratory infections, inner ear infections, and staphylococcus, dysentery & pneumonia. Cough attracting unwanted visitors? Garlic helps to ease away coughs, bringing your stealth mode back to the top. Voice too hoarse to call for help? Garlic can bring those pipes back. Blood pressure too high from all the defending? You guessed it, garlic! Vampires on your tail? Come on now, that’s just silly…
Licorice Root – Though it may not stop a bite from transforming you into a zombie, licorice root has some great properties to help you get over any other viruses and bacteria that may come your way. Licorice also helps to heal the body from the inside out-–anything from stomach ulcers, heartburn, food poisoning or gastritis, can be combated with this root. Higher cortisol and adrenaline levels are a given during apocalyptic times: licorice’s stress reducing properties can take a bit of the shake from your hands. This herb also cleanses the respiratory system, making it a great herb to reach for when you’re running through burning rubble; it also helps to coat the throat and suppresses coughing. Just be cautious of your dosage if you have high blood pressure or low levels of potassium.
These are just a few herbs that may help you. There are many more herbs out there that can be found in numerous books and resources. You may need to grab another guide if you are in other areas of Canada, North America, or if you find yourself on a new continent all together.
Please note that there has been no double-blinded placebo-controlled studies to date on zombies to confirm if these herbs will prevent certain zombie infections, cover your tracks, or make your brain more unappetizing compared to others!
If you are looking for more information on herbs, or would like to find some new ways to support your health, you can book a FREE 15 minute meet and greet with me! Call 403-452-0029 or click here to book online!
I’d be happy to help you with any concerns you may have. But, for now, stay safe!