Show 44: Plant ID for Emergency Herbal Medicine

Well, Judson, I also know herbalists (or other natural health care providers) that are very well trained in their fields but have no idea about how to identify, find, grow or harvest herbs.

Its all well and good to know which is the best herb for the individual and to be able to go to a stockpile of herbs, tinctures or other preparations to get what the individual needs. But as you say, when you are in an emergency situation without access to your apothecary, that knowledge isn’t very helpful unless you can find something to use.

Some schools have plant identification as part of the curriculum but often it is just a short class that might include a field trip.

I learned, as you did, identifying the plants that are in my immediate area and expanding from there. After all, the most important herbs to learn are the ones that you have at hand.

I am going to have to buy a coleus plant and do some experimenting.