The Human Path

“Sustainable food and medicine”

http://thehumanpath.org
Top 25 Herbs
to Consider for Post-Disaster and Remote Environments
More information at http://theherbalmedic.com or http://thehumanpath.org

Herb Preparation and Use Contraindications

Bilberry Leaf (Vaccinium myrtillis) Bilberry leaf is extremely useful for urinary tract infections as well as injury Preferable use is always in formulas
healing. It is similar to cranberry in its effect on the bacteria in the urinary (not alone). Contains some medium-
tract during an infection. toxicity constituents and should
It also increases microcirculation to damaged tissue – whether applied never be taken more than 3 weeks in
externally or taken internally – which helps speed healing, inhibits a row without taking a break from it
infection and inflammation. for the same amount of time.
It can be prepared as a tea, decoction, tincture or dried and encapsulated.

Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Black Cumin seed is an excellent anti-inflammatory. This is useful Can be harsh on the stomach lining if
internally for allergies (such as food allergies), auto-inflammatory illnesses, not heated prior to usage. 15-20
seasonal allergies (e.g. hay fever), tissue inflammation from injury. minutes at about 150 degrees F in an
Additionally, this plant has been historically used for dyspepsia (difficulty oven is usually sufficient.
with digestion), a mild immunity booster, skin issues (such as eczema –
probably related somewhat to its anti-inflammatory potential as well as
the fact that it is a mild liver stimulant and blood cleanser), galactagogue
and relaxing respiratory expectorant/bronchodilator.

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) The Black Walnut leaf and (especially unripe) hull is very effective as an Avoid taking for more than 2-3 weeks
anti-fungal (internally and externally), an anti-parasitic for worm or in a row without an equivalent rest.
parasite formulas, and an anti-bacterial. It also assists healing in bruises, It is a medium-toxicity herb. It may
soft-tissue and bone. exacerbate tinnitus (ringing in the
Black Walnut is also a mild lymph mover. It can be prepared as a tea, ears). Use with caution during
decoction, tincture or dried and encapsulated. Externally it could be pregnancy.
applied directly in a poultice, or used in a soak or bath. Most conveniently
it would be used as an oil or salve (e.g. for ringworm). It is very bitter, and
tincture form is preferred.

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www.theherbalmedic.com
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) Boneset leaf should be harvested at the start of the bloom of the flowers. Best to always use Boneset in a
This plant was named for its used for dengue fever which was at one time formula, rather than by itself. Limit
called “break bone fever” referring to the intense muscle aches and pains. use (even in a formula) to no more
Boneset raises the white blood cell (WBC) count and activity level in the than 3 weeks, followed by at least as
body. It is a superb diaphoretic and is one of my first go-to herbs for a bad long of a period break.
case of flu, as well as any situation where you need a stronger and more
active immune system. Consider this for most viral (or protozoal)
infections when fever is present.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) Chamomile is a very useful herb in so many ways. From mild pain relief, to Use with care if by itself during
anti-inflammation of the gut, to being a calming nervine and calming pregnancy, can be a uterine
digestive upset, it is mild enough to be able to take long term, yet very stimulant.
effective as a short-term herb as well.
As a mild pain reliever for everything from headache to PMS to urinary
tract infection pain, musculoskeletal discomfort, minor sunburn, this is an
herb that can be tinctured or made into a strong tea as it has a very
pleasant flavor. Aerial parts are used (leaf, stem and flower).
Chaparral (Larrea spp.) Internally & Externally – Chaparral is extremely effective at helping the Chaparral can be toxic in larger
body deal with any herpes family virus (chickenpox, shingles, HSV1 or 2, or quantities or over time, avoid taking
cold sores). it internally for more than 2 or 3
Externally – This plant is an amazing tissue healer, as well as being anti- weeks at a time without an
microbial and anti-inflammatory and is a primary ingredient in many equivalent period of rest. Some
wound powders, salves or anti-bacterial formulas. Chaparral is very drying people are highly sensitive to it and
and can be used on non-healing diabetic ulcers and other infective sores. will feel flushed or otherwise reactive
It is also very useful for dealing with sun or UV damage as well as being to it, discontinue if that is the case.
good in any burn remedy.
The aerial parts are used (leaf, stem and flower).
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) Comfrey is a superb mucosal and general tissue vulnerary. Externally, Use with care internally, no more
comfrey can be applied to minor abrasions, irritated skin, minor burns, than 1 month without equivalent
closed-tissue injuries (sprains, strains, broken bones) and more. Comfrey amount of time off. Externally, use
is an excellent respiratory expectorant and mucosal vulnerary for the with care on deep wounds as it can
upper airway (dry, hacking cough, sinus infection, general sore throat), or close a wound quickly and prevent
anywhere that a mucosal vulnerary is needed (i.e. urinary tract during a drainage, trap infections, and cause
UTI, stomach lining when working with an ulcer, esophageal mucosa when potential for serious (anaerobic)
working with damage from acid reflux). The leaf is most commonly used infection to develop
internally, and the root externally.

Copyright ©2014 Sam Coffman

www.theherbalmedic.com
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea is, among other things, a superlative immune booster (raising Excess use can cause nausea or
purpurea and pallida) WBC count) and tissue healer as well as a tissue detoxifier. Use Echinacea dizziness, Recommended use is no
internally to help the body against onset of illness (especially upper longer than 3-4 weeks at a time
respiratory), as an immune-booster and especially in formulas for bacterial
infection.
Use externally on the mucosa or skin itself to detoxify and heal infections
of the mucosa or skin (e.g. infected or ulcerated wounds, infected insect
or animal bites, strep throat, etc.).
Most commonly the root of the angustifolia or pallida, and the flowers and
leaves of the purpurea are what is used.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) Feverfew full herb (root, leaf and flower) is another potent anti- Contraindicated in pregnancy. If
inflammatory. It is most commonly used for headaches and even experiencing soreness of mouth or
migraines. A decent migraine formula that is successful for some (there is ulceration, reduce or discontinue
no such thing as an herb or a pharmaceutical that works for every migraine usage.
successfully) would consist of Feverfew, Skullcap and Black Cumin.
Feverfew is also very useful for PMS, pain and cramping associated with
menstruation and is anti-parasitic.

Goldenseal/Barberry/Algerita These plants are not completely interchangeable in every way. However, Pregnancy, hypertension. Avoid
/Oregon Grape (Berberis spp. they have in common that they contain the alkaloid berberine. This (and taking internally for more than 2 or 3
and/or Hydrastis canadensis) other constituents in these plants) found mostly in the roots, make all the weeks at a time without an
plants very anti-bacterial against particularly gram positive bacteria such equivalent period of rest.
as staph and strep. They are all particularly good in one way or another
for infections and other issues of the gut as well as any mucosal surface
they come into contact with, or even externally on a staph or strep
infection of the skin.
They are also all useful as bitters for the digestive system and what would
be called “liver decongestants” in the case of digestive issues ranging from
GERD to IBS when it is related to a sluggish (or overworked) liver.
One important to note is that the addition of MHC (5’-
methoxyhydnocarpin) into a formula with berberine, can increase its
antibacterial efficiency by 16x, in anti-bacterial action against staph and
MRSA infections. MHC is usually contained in the leaf of the same plant.
For this reason, both root and leaf should usually be used.
While berberine is water soluble and all of these plants would be fine in a
tea, they are too bitter for this. Better to use as a tincture or even
encapsulated if taken internally.
Copyright ©2014 Sam Coffman
www.theherbalmedic.com
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) This is a wonderful herb for anything related to bone, connective tissue, Do not take Horsetail longer than
hair, nails and tooth enamel healing and regrowth. The above-ground approximately 3 weeks at a time,
herb is used. Superlative tissue healer especially for broken bones. without a break of 2 – 3 weeks in
Internally – Horsetail is useful for osteoporosis, broken bones in the between dosages. Large amounts of
healing stage, torn or damaged connective tissue, healthier hair and nails this herb over time can cause kidney
and regrowing tooth enamel as part of cavity repair. irritation.
Externally - Horsetail works very well as a poultice or plaster for bone and
soft-tissue healing.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) The root of Licorice is a highly useful mucosal vulnerary for the upper Should be avoided by those with
airway, esophageal and stomach mucosa. This makes it extremely chronic high blood pressure
effective in helping recover from acid reflux, stomach ulcers, dry coughs, (hypertension). Can exacerbate
canker sores and sore throats. hyperglycemic conditions.
Licorice is highly restorative and is also an anti-inflammatory and helps to
promote absorption of nutrients through the gut. It is can also be effective
with auto-immune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) Internally – Leaf and flower (and more potently, the seed) are commonly Contraindicated during pregnancy.
known as a respiratory expectorant (both relaxing and stimulating) and is Watch for signs of overdose –
also a very effective smooth muscle relaxant. This applies to respiratory nausea, mental confusion, weakness,
tissue, in the case of bronchial spasms, asthma, etc., but also to the urinary salivation, diarrhea
tract, in the case of urinary stones, as well as the gut, in cases of intestinal
colic and cramping, and the heart, for angina.
Externally – Can be a useful anti-infective and anti-inflammatory in wound
treatment, but is even more useful as a pain reliever for external injuries
and burns.
Marshmallow root (Althea Marshmallow root (and also leaf, although not used as often) is a May lower blood pressure in some
officinalis) superlative mucosal vulnerary for restoring mucosal and submucosal tissue people.
that is suffering from infection, inflammation, or any type of irritation. An
ideal herb for upper respiratory issues, such as sinus infection, sore throat,
mouth and gum sores, dry cough and irritation to any upper respiratory
mucosa.
Externally- Marshmallow is also useful in helping draw out infection while
softening skin and soft tissue around an infection and sooth inflammation.

Copyright ©2014 Sam Coffman

www.theherbalmedic.com
Meadowsweet (Filipendula Meadowsweet is a superlative anti-inflammatory for pain relief. It is the Can cause nausea or vomiting in large
ulmaria) plant that aspirin was originally derived from (salicylic acid) and is effective doses.
in most contexts where a pain reliever is needed.
The whole plant can be used, but normally it is the leaf and flowers.
Internally, as a cold and flu herb because of its diaphoretic properties, it
works well. It also is useful for most types of headaches, pain from injury
and arthritic pain. Meadowsweet is a mild diuretic as well and in this
regard it is useful for UTI pain. It is gentle on the digestive system (unlike
the willows) and works well for inflammation, gastritis, chronic ulcers and
even GERD in the digestive tract. Externally, it can be used for
inflammation, swelling and pain and is also a tissue healer.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) Root: Internally, Mullein is useful for UTI’s – especially in a formula. It is a None known
diuretic. Mullein root also helps soften connective tissue and ease pain,
especially lower back.
Leaf: Internally, Mullein leaf is very useful as a respiratory expectorant
and mucosal vulnerary during upper respiratory infections. Externally,
Mullein leaf is very good at drawing out infection from abscesses,
splinters, etc., as heated poultice
Flower: Infuse in oil and apply as an ear oil for ear infections. Can be
formulated with Garlic for this purpose.

Nettles (Urtica dioica) A “power food” and nutrient dense herb that is very useful in support and None known
regeneration for a myriad of nutritional deficiencies – to include anemia,
sugar addictions, lack of energy, convalescence. Nettles leaf is extremely
useful in the case of allergies – especially respiratory symptoms – as an
anti-inflammatory and decongestant. Nettles seeds are useful in herbal
formulas for UTI and urinary stones, as a mild diuretic and urinary tract
vulnerary.
The root is also useful as a soothing anti-inflammatory in the urinary tract
and for men who suffer from prostate inflammation and/or benign
prostatic hypertrophy (BHP). This also makes it a useful herb in UTI and
cystitis (bladder infection) formulas.

Copyright ©2014 Sam Coffman

www.theherbalmedic.com
Plantain (Plantago spp.) Leaf: Plantain has a wide variety of medicinal uses. It is probably first and None known
foremost an excellent vulnerary both on the skin as well as the mucosal
tract. This makes it useful internally for upper respiratory illness and
injury, stomach ulcers, acid reflux, sore throat, and infections of the upper
respiratory system (to include sinus and throat). Plantain is also a decent
relaxing expectorant. Additionally, Plantain contains baicalin which makes
it an excellent adjuvant herb in staph and strep anti-bacterial herb
formulas. Externally, Plantain is famous for insect and animal sting and
bite relief. It works well in salve formulas with herbs like Gumweed for
poison ivy/oak relief.

Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum spp.) Bark, Berry, Root Bark are all extremely (and for the most part High doses can cause a “feeling” of
equivalently) good medicine. Internally, Prickly ash is an excellent mouth or throat swelling, numbness,
diaphoretic (cold and flu, fevers, chills), diuretic (UTI’s), antimicrobial (esp. excessive tingling. Use dropwise
anti-viral), analgesic (esp. back and nerve pain, sciatica, etc.), peripheral dosages if using it along. Otherwise,
vaso-dilator, analgesia and healing for gum and mouth sores, lymph mover best used internally in a formula, not
and “carrier herb” in a formula – especially for the upper respiratory tract. alone.
Externally, Prickly Ash is a superb carrier herb for soft-tissue injury
formulas as well as a counter-irritant for non-healing wounds/ulcers.

Skullcap (Scutellaria spp.) Root, Leaf and flower: Skullcap is a very effective nervine – having a Root only: Avoid use during
calming and relaxing effect on the body and mind. Although not a strong pregnancy.
analgesic by itself per se, it is very useful in cases of shock (after trauma), If buying Skullcap online, ensure that
lessening anxiety from drug or other addiction, insomnia and depression. It the supplier has not adulterated the
is useful for anxiety or stress related cardiovascular issues such as herb with Germander (which can
hypertension, palpitations and spasmodic angina. build up toxicity over time). Know
Skullcap also mildly stimulates digestion and is a mild diuretic. It is your supplier.
effective alone but also works very well in formulas. Skullcap (especially
Baikal Skullcap - Scutellaria baicalensis) also contains baicalin which makes
it a useful adjuvant herb in anti-bacterial formulas.

Copyright ©2014 Sam Coffman

www.theherbalmedic.com
Sweet Annie (Artemesia annua) Sweet Annie has been used, probably for thousands of years, by Chinese Strongly contraindicated in the case
Medicine to treat a number of ailments, most notably malaria. More of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
recently it is being talked about and used for Lyme disease and bacterial Best if used in formulas, and should
co-infections. only be used for 2 -3 weeks at a time
Internally – A very effective anti-bacterial, fever reducer, and cold & flu with a rest for at least that long in
herb. between
Externally – useful for tissue healing, wound healing and as an anti-
infective.
Usnea (Usnea spp.) Highly effective against gram positive bacteria (strep, staph, tuberculosis), Usnea should not be taken longer
especially in the respiratory and urinary tract, as well as in and around than 3-4 weeks at a time, without a
infected wounds or skin infections. Usnea is a relaxing expectorant and break equal time in between
can be useful for most respiratory ailments. It is also a nutritive and dosages. It can build toxicity in the
restorative herb for immune modulation and chronic conditions that liver over time.
create fatigue, and also stimulates appetite and digestion.
Externally - it is also a decent anti-fungal (e.g. ringworm). On the skin,
aside from being an anti-infective, Usnea is a vulnerary and stimulates
tissue healing,

Wormwood (Artemesia A very good anti-parasitic herb, especially for roundworms and pinworms Strongly contraindicated in the case
absynthium) (can take approx. 2 weeks to expel), arguably effective against protozoan of pregnancy and breastfeeding and
as well (such as Giardia). Can be a very powerful sweat inducer/fever should only be used for short periods
reducer, and can help with nausea, food poisoning and digestive of time.
stimulation.
Externally – Wormwood is an anti-inflammatory and can help with bruises,
contusions, insects stings and other inflammations and abscesses.

Copyright ©2014 Sam Coffman

www.theherbalmedic.com
Yarrow (Achillea spp.) Root, leaf and flower: Yarrow is superlative in its effect on the body in a Can cause skin sensitivity
number of ways: Internally, it is a hemostatic and astringent (internal (photosensitivity, etc.) in a small
bleeding, diarrhea), diaphoretic (excellent cold & flu herb, fever and percentage of people. Avoid use
chills), tones and relieves irritation and congestion in the genito- during first trimester of pregnancy.
urinary tract (diuretic, urinary incontinence due to UTI or
inflammation, urinary stones, congestive dysmenorrhea, PMS, fibroids)
and other mucous membrane (mouth and gum infections). Externally
it is a superior wound and tissue healer, hemostatic and breaks up
congested or congealed blood (bruises, sprains, strains, inflammation
around soft tissue injury).

Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis The whole plant can be used and is an amazing anti-infective for many Avoid usage in the case of pregnancy
californica) organ systems in the body. Most commonly, Yerba Mansa is used for and breastfeeding.
respiratory issues such as acute or chronic illness of the upper and/or
lower respiratory tract whether bacterial or viral: Bronchitis, sinus
infection, pleuritis, pneumonia, strep throat, cold and flu, asthma.
However, it is an excellent wound healer externally as well, and probably
stimulates lymph and immune reaction anywhere that it comes into
contact with tissue.

Copyright ©2014 Sam Coffman

www.theherbalmedic.com