It is to be hoped our hunters and hikers have at least a rudimentary knowledge of the bush. Hopefully they also take along a medicine or first-aid kit in the event of injury or other mishap. Obviously more serious accidents in the field require treatment by a medical professional.But what about minor day-to-day problems in the bush? Someone in the party develops an upset tummy or fever or headache. An allergic skin rash or insect bite makes life somewhat uncomfortable. How can we alleviate these irritating inconveniences without returning home?But before giving hints to our intrepid bush survivors, a word of caution. Do not take or apply any of the natural medications unless you’re 100% sure of the exact plant type! Otherwise it could aggravate the problem or present even more serious side-effects.

Still, many of these treatments have benefited humankind for hundreds – if not thousands – of years. And there are even treatments using ordinary herbs or remedies. So, apply commonsense and you’re a real survivor!

Obviously we’re giving only a sample; the list of medicinal plants is almost endless.

Aloe (Aloe vera): Common across Africa, this plant used in China, India and also by the Romans and Greeks, has many applications nowadays.

• Slicing off a leaf produces a gel which can be applied directly to burns and other wounds, as well as insect bites;
• Moderate quantities of the gel mixed with water or sweet juice is useful as a tonic;
• Add the gel to boiling water as an inhalant for bronchial congestion.

Apple (Malus spp): Yes, ordinary apple! Someone in your party will have some in the rucksack. Use them for emergencies.

• The juice of an apple, mixed with oil such as olive oil, is useful to treat cuts or chafed skin;
• Apply a pulp of boiled apple to skin infections;
• An infusion (like a tea but not boiling the water too much which results in loss of beneficial oils) is useful for feverish colds.

Burdock (Arctium lappa): The roots are often used rather than the leaves.

• A decoction (boiling for an hour to produce a reduced extract) can be used for skin conditions such as persistent boils, sores and dry eczema.

Bluegum (Eucalyptus globules): Originally from Australia, this tree is now quite common across southern Africa. The medicinal qualities of its essential oil are now widely recognized.

• Pour boiling water over the leaves to produce an inhalant for chest infections.

Capsella bursa-pastoris: Although a medicinal plant, it’s considered a garden weed in South Africa. Its common Afrikaans name “Herderstassie” roughly translates as “shepherd’s suitcase”.

• An infusion (like a tea) of the leafy parts is helpful in cases of chronic diarrhea;
• Cuts and a bleeding nose can be treated using a compress made from the infusion or a tincture;
• Bleeding wounds can be treated with a poultice made of the fresh herb.

Camile (Chamaemelum nobile & Chamomilla recutita): It’s recognized by the tiny white flowers.

• An infusion of the fresh flowers is useful to combat spastic colon or indigestion, even insomnia and stress;
• Mouth infections too are treated with the infusion.
• Add some flowers to boiling water for an inhalant to relieve hayfever, asthma or bronchitis.

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea): Our hunting party might not be carrying bags of this vegetable, but then some might be found at the lodge.

• Pounding the leaves into a mash, apply directly onto wounds, using a bandage to keep it in place.

Chilli (Capsicum frutenscens): Spicy foods are now getting more popular, so why not have some for the “chilli-con-carne” dish? Why not use chilli for bush emergencies, too?

• A weak infusion (like a tea) made of chilli can be used for colds, fever or even shock;
• For a sprain or bruise apply a compress soaked in the infusion (for a short while only – otherwise the skin may get blistered;
• A very weak tincture (mix of the product with alcohol - such as vodka - and water) will relieve a sore throat.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Known in Afrikaans as “perdeblom” (horse flower) or “molslaai” (mole salad), this herb has been used medicinally in Europe since the 15th century.

• A tincture or decoction is used to treat toxic conditions such as eczema or inflammation of the joints.

Featherfoil (or feverfew)(Tanacetum parthenium): The English name hints at the familiar tiny white flowers, while the Afrikaans “koorskruid” (fever herb) points to its medicinal usage.

• One leaf can be eaten daily to prevent the onset of migraine (fry the leaves if side-effects are felt inside the mouth);
• A tincture every 30 minutes may help if the migraine is imminent;
• Fry the leaves in some oil to produce a warm poultice which is placed on the stomach in cases of colic pains.

Flannel mullein (Verbascum thapsus): Its long tapering stems were used in antiquity as lighted torches, and also in treatment of a diverse range of ailments.

• A tincture of the flowers is taken for throat infections and chronic coughing;
• An infusion of leaves and flowers in water or milk treats colds, bronchitis, asthma, and even insomnia and diarrhea.

Garlic (Allium sativum): The antibiotic qualities of this common plant has been known for 5 000 years. Do not let the smell put you off; it’s exactly the smelly sulphuric compounds that are beneficial.

• Eat freshly crushed garlic or garlic juice in moderate quantities for digestive ailments such as dysentery.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis): Take a small piece of ginger root on the trip; it’s small enough and quite nice with food – apart from being healthy.

• A decoction (boiling the herb for an hour to produce a reduced extract) is good for colds or nausea. If available, add a pinch of cinnamon.

Nettle (Urtica dioica): Afrikaans “brandnetel” hints at its ability to sting, which is what the Roman armies did when they introduced the herb to Britain. They stung themselves to keep warm.

• Drink an infusion or apply a compress for arthritis pains, gout or eczema.
• As a wash, it can be used for burns, insect bites and wounds.

Onion (Allium spp.): Used commonly in food, onions as a medicinal plant have anti-septic and stimulant qualities.

• As a pulp or compressed it can be applied to boils, sprains and for earache;
• Fresh onion juice can be rubbed onto insect bites or between the toes for athletes foot.

Tea (Camellia sinensis): Drinking tea is so commonplace that we tend to forget its medicinal qualities. Someone is bound to have a teabag or two in the rucksack.

• Black tea without milk and sugar is good for diarrhea or food poisoning;
• Insect bites can be treated with wet teabags.

Tussilago farfara: Whilst called “hoefblad” (hoof leaf) in Afrikaans for its shape, the Latin name means “cough remover” which hints at its application.

• The yellow daisy-like flowers or leaves can be decocted (boiled to reduce) or prepared as a tincture for chronic or persistent coughing;
• A poultice made of fresh leaves is useful for sores and wounds.

Verbena officinalis: Called “ysterkruid” in Afrikaans (iron herb), it was considered a holy plant in Roman times.

• Leaves in an infusion can induce perspiration in cases of fever illnesses (the Chinese treated malaria and flu in this way);
• The pulp is used to treat insect bites, sprains or bruises.

White willow (Salix alba): A common tree across the land, its active ingredient was eventually synthetically produced as the chemical known as aspirine.

• A tea brewed from willow leaf can be used to combat feverish colds and headaches;
• Even a liquid extract made from the bark can be taken for headache and fever.

Conclusion:

Interesting as it may be to try natural medications, modern city dwellers should take care when venturing into the outdoors. Good advice is available from expert guides or specialized websites, but these are not at hand in the bush.

Therefore, in an emergency, why not talk to the local inhabitants? They often have an incredible amount of expertise and practical experience with natural remedies.

Go out and enjoy!

Sources:

Penelope Ody: Kruie, Die Natuur se Medisyne. Human & Rousseau, Kaapstad / Johannesburg. (First published by Dorling Kindersley Limited, London, 1993).

Sarah Garland: The Complete Book of Herbs and Spices. Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. New York / Montreal (Frances Lincoln Limited, London, 1979, 1993)