Herbs Used By the Pioneers

Jo Francks MH

In Utah we celebrate Pioneer Day on July 24th. But Utah isn’t the only state where pioneers immigrated to the area. Many states and countries have had groups of people create their homes in a new place and when they did they brought with them their beloved medicine from their previous home. These were seeds carefully chosen to bring with them as medicine to keep them healthy and well. It was also necessary to learn about the local plants and how to use them as food and medicine. 

Because they had to rely on what they grew to survive, not only did they need to think about food and medicine but also plants to deter pests and to resist disease. Companion planting was used as a survival method out of necessity. 

As a medicine, dandelion seeds were chosen by the pioneers to bring along because dandelions were good medicine for almost everything. It’s hard to think about a world without dandelions because they grow so abundantly out of control, but they have been a valued medicine for many people. The whole plant is used medicinally. The root is used for the liver and as a blood purifier, the leaves help the kidneys as a diuretic and stimulate bile flow in the liver. They are also very nutritious. The flowers were used the same as the leaves and to make wine, jam, and as a dye for fabric.  

Many pioneers had learned methods used by Samuel Thompson. He used lobelia to purge the system and cayenne to build it back up. Cayenne was a staple for emergencies because of its ability to stop bleeding and increase circulation and stamina.

Yarrow was valued as a treatment for stomach problems and fevers. It acts as a diaphoretic as a very warm tea to produce perspiration in a dry fever.

There were many tree barks which provided wonderful treatment for many different ailments. Poplar bark and willow bark both contain salicylic acid and were used to reduce pain. Oak bark and its astringent properties helped with diarrhea, hemorrhoids, tooth and gum issues, and to heal old wounds. Wild cherry bark gave its expectorant blessings to those suffering with coughs, colds, and other lung problems. 

The pioneers relied on plants, prayer, and perseverance to keep them well. When doctors came around the use of plant medicine was slowly replaced with drugs. Today many people are turning back to the use of plant medicine as a means to bring back true health. We have mentioned a few plants that have been used for hundreds of years with good results. Dr. Christopher encouraged his patients and students to find out what was growing in their own backyards and use it. I encourage you to do the same. 

Recipe

Pad Thai Zoodles

For the Dressing

2 TBS minced ginger

4 small cloves garlic

¼ cup lime juice

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup avocado oil

¾ cup coconut aminos

1 TBS honey

1 cup raw cashews

For the zoodles:

4 small zucchini, spiralized

1 cup grated carrots

2 cups shredded purple cabbage

¾ cup green onion, thinly sliced

1 ½ cups bell pepper, thinly sliced

Topping (use as many or as few as you like):

2 ripe avocados, sliced

Chopped cashews or sesame seeds

Fresh cilantro

Place all dressing ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. This can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. 

Toss veggies and zoodles together in a bowl. Top with dressing, sliced avocado, chopped cashews (or sesame seeds) and fresh cilantro. 

This delicious recipe was provided by Laura Hampton, a student at the School of Natural Healing. Thank you Laura!

 What’s in Your Backpack? 

Back to School Suggestions

 

Jo Francks MH

Whether you’re going back to school or on an afternoon hike, it’s always good to be prepared to face any small emergency that might come up. A few simple remedies in your backpack will bring comfort and healing when a situation arises. Here are some suggestions on what you will want to have in your backpack this fall. 

Cayenne:

First of all, for many emergencies, you’ll want to have cayenne. This will stop bleeding and has been used to stop heart attacks. It is used to prevent shock, hypothermia, and to give you a quick energy boost. It stimulates and equalizes circulation helping with lethargy and brain fog. In your backpack you can pack either cayenne powder to mix in water when needed, or an extract to use either in water or straight in the mouth in an emergency. 

Healing Ointment:

Never leave home without some kind of healing ointment. This can be Dr. Christopher’s Complete Tissue and Bone ointment or something else of your choice. This comes in handy for those awful paper cuts. You’ve all had one and healing ointment feels better than lemon juice. The ointment can be carried in a small jar or even in a lip balm tube. Why not use it on your lips? Many high schoolers are very concerned about the condition of their lips.

I like to use an ointment containing comfrey and calendula for healing, pain relief and for itching. You can add other herbs you like to it. Here’s a short video on how to make a calendula ointment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOLyNGKLSro

Rescue Remedy:

This is a Bach Flower remedy to use when you're faced with a stressful situation. Is it pop quiz time? Did you forget to do your math assignment? It’s the end of the quarter and you’re failing chemistry? Do you have a newsletter due? Well, Rescue Remedy to the rescue. This will help you stay calm and not freak out. This comes in many different forms including drops, gummies, and a spray.

Immune Support:

It’s important to keep your immune system strong to prevent picking up the latest virus or bacterial infection going around. 

Echinacea is used if you have been around a sick person. Start taking it 3 times a day or every hour if you have symptoms. This will help kick the immune system into gear to help fight off infections, sore throats, colds, flus, and runny noses. 

Red Raspberry Leaves can be used every day and will help build the immune system. It will also be helpful for girls who have symptoms of PMS or menstrual cramps.

Other herbs to use to help with immunity are garlic as a natural antibiotic, calendula, lemon balm, cat's claw, and elderberries. 

The wonderful thing about herbs is that many of them have similar properties so if one isn’t available you can choose another that does many of the same things.

Pack a few of these items in your backpack and you will be ready for a lot of things you might face on the playground, in the classroom, or on the trail.  

Energy Bars

These make a great after school snack

1 ½  cups chopped pitted dates

1 ½ cups rolled oats

2 tbsp coconut flakes

2 tbsp chia seeds

½ cup nuts (walnuts, macadamias, brazil nuts, etc.)

⅓ cup natural peanut butter

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

Add the above ingredients to a food processor and pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and sticky. 

Line an 8X8 baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the mixture from the food processor into the pan. Add ¼ cup dark chocolate chips and mix into the dough. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan. Remove from the pan by holding the parchment paper and lifting out of the pan. Cut into bars.