(Bugout.news) In normal times there are two constants: Death and taxes. But in times of emergency, when the civil society has collapsed, those change to sickness and death. Everyone dies, regardless of the situation, but in normal times we don’t worry much about getting sick because medical care is always close at hand. In times of trouble, however, the medical system – like every other facet of normal life – will crumble, leaving you to your own devices.

And chances are real good that at some point you or your loved ones are going to experience some form of illness or injury, the latter of which is another subject altogether. But for the purposes of this article, let’s stick primarily with sickness and illness you can mitigate with things you can grow.

For one thing, herbal medicine has been around for centuries, so this is nothing new or “faddish.” In fact, before the advent of modern medicine, herbal medicine was used for everything from pain control to nutrient supplementation to the treatment of burns and other conditions. In our own country, early settlers used herbs and other medicinal plants to treat themselves since doctors were few and far between, if there were any at all.

There are may different kinds of herbal supplements and medicinal plants but let’s focus on the top 6 that are easily grown, proven and the most useful to someone trying to survive a breakdown in society:

1. Aloe vera

This versatile healing plant can be used to treat a person internally and externally. Consuming aloe vera gel by mouth is good to treat osteoarthritis, bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis, fever, itching and inflammation, and as a general tonic. It is also used for stomach ulcers, diabetes, asthma, and for treating some side effects of radiation treatment.

Externally it is used as a remedy for skin conditions including burns, sunburn, frostbite, psoriasis, and cold sores. Some people also use aloe gel to help surgical wounds and bedsores heal faster. Here is a source that tells you where to find the gel from within your homegrown aloe plants.

2. Lemon grass

In addition to helping to ward off insects like disease-carrying mosquitos (think Zika virus), lemon grass has a numerous health benefits and serves not only as a healing plant but also as a plant that can keep you from getting sick in the first place.

Lemon grass benefits “include relief from stomach disorders, insomnia, respiratory disorders, fever, aches, infections, rheumatism and edema,” says this source. “The defensive antioxidant activity of the lemongrass herb protects against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and helps in maintaining optimum cholesterol levels, cellular health, nervous system, healthy skin and immune system. Lemongrass is also effective in treating type 2 diabetes, cancer, and obesity, while also aiding in detoxification. It is extensively used in aromatherapy and helps to combat fatigue, anxiety and body odor.”

3. Dandelion

These are found all over North American (and often in your own front yard when you don’t want them to be – but you will want them if things go south). As noted by NaturalNews in 2012:

[Dandelion] contains substantial vitamins and a host of plant-based minerals, especially potassium. The herb stimulates the flow of bile from the liver into the gall bladder, making dandelion a key ingredient in liver cleanse formulas. It helps to break down liver fats and is an effective diuretic. The scientific community has been frenetically studying dandelion recently, due to encouraging evidence that dandelion suppresses the growth and invasive behavior in several types of cancer.

4. Sage

This delectable herb is easy to grow and contains a bevy of health benefits. For one, it has excellent anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory qualities, “and once inside the body, acts to reduce inflammatory responses by altering the concentrations of inflammatory messaging molecules (like leukotriene B4),” this source notes. “The rosmarinic acid in sage and rosemary also functions as an antioxidant. The leaves and stems of the sage plant also contain antioxidant enzymes, including SOD (superoxide dismutase) and peroxidase. When combined, these three components of sage—flavonoids, phenolic acids, and oxygen-handling enzymes—give it a unique capacity for stabilizing oxygen-related metabolism and preventing oxygen-based damage to the cells.”

Here’s how to prepare it (minus the sugar).

5. Chamomile

This is one of the best medicinal herbs the world has ever known, used by ancient Romans and Greeks as salves for healing wounds (this modern study confirms that). Also, chamomile helps keep blood sugar regulated, serves as an antibacterial, a soother of muscle aches, and even a sleep aid.

“There are many applications for dried chamomile including tinctures and essential oils though the easiest and most often used is an infusion or tea,” this source reports. “For stomach ailments, muscle spasms, and help in falling asleep, use about one tablespoon of dried herb per cup of water. Pour boiling water over the herbs and allow to steep for about 5 minutes. Strain and enjoy.”

6. Echinacea 

This leafy plant has long been used as an effective reliever of cold and flu symptoms.

“Echinacea was commonly used by Native Americans for hundreds of years before the arrival of European explorers, settlers and colonizers. It is endemic to eastern and central North America and thrives in moist to dry prairies and open woodlands,” says this source. “By the early 1800s Echinacea became a popular herbal remedy among those who had settled in the USA, and soon became commonly used in Europe as well. It became much more popular after research was carried out on it in Germany in the 1920s.”

Learn how to prepare an Echinacea oral compound here.

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