Survival Skills: 3 Wild Plants For Colds And Flu

Can’t make it to the drug store right now? Whatever the reason, you do have some options in the winter season. Look for the three following plants to lessen the symptoms and shorten the duration of your next case of the cold or flu. All you need is a sharp eye and a patch of wild growth to find these common and potent medicinals.

Mullein 

Mullein is a plant that favors dry rocky soil and full sunlight. It can be found growing throughout the US. An easy way to spot patches of these plants in cold weather is to look for the chocolate brown skeletons of the second year plants. Look for 4-6 foot tall stalks, which often have branching flower heads that resemble the arms of a saguaro cactus. The part you want for medicine is velvety green leaves of mullein, which can still be found in the winter growing in basal rosettes on one year old plants. Use the green leaves for head colds by crushing the leaves into boiling water and breathing the steam. This medicated steam will act as a decongestant, greatly helping your head cold.

Barberry

The little red berries of barberry contain a compound called berberine. This acts as an immune system booster, helping your body to fight off viral attacks like the common cold and the flu. The bitter taste of the berries isn’t very inviting, but eating a handful each day you’re feeling sick can shorten the illness, much like elderberry and Echinacea. Look for small bushes with small dangling red berries. The two native varieties of the shrubs will have thorns in sets of three, growing all over the twigs. The introduced Japanese species will have single thorns growing around the twigs. All three species can be used medicinally. Check the seeds of the red berries of all species for an additional point of identification. These should contain dark, slender seeds – typically two per berry.

Yarrow

This non-native plant can be found growing coast to coast on sunny open ground, although it’s originally native to Europe. It’s most common use is as a poultice for cuts and other wounds. But you can fight colds and flu with it by making a tea from the leaves. Chop up the fresh leaves and add one tablespoon of leaves to one cup of scalding hot water. Soak the leaves for 10 to 15 minutes. You can sweeten the drink if you need to, or drink it commando style. The anti-viral compounds help your immune system through its battle, while the diaphoretic compounds can get a sweat going to help break fevers.

Just make sure you use a field guide or guidance from an expert for positive identification of these plants. The last thing you need to do is poison yourself while you’re already ill.

Have you made medicine from wild plants? Would you like to? Join our upcoming Herbal Medicine Intensive class and make 10 take-home medicines with wild ingredients.

Written by Tim MacWelch First draft published on outdoorlife.com