🌿 The Herbalist’s Survival Guide: 30 Essentials for Uncertain Times

As the world continues to shift — from extreme weather to rising food costs and supply chain disruptions — many of us are turning to nature not just as a hobby, but as a lifeline.

Whether you’re aiming to live more sustainably, reduce your reliance on pharmaceuticals, or simply be better prepared in case of emergency, knowing your plants, herbs, mushrooms, and seeds is no longer just “witchy wisdom” — it’s practical knowledge.

In this post, we’ll break down 30 herbal and natural allies you should have on hand, grow in your garden, or know how to forage.

🌱 Why Herbs Matter More Than Ever

Plants are the original medicine. Long before big box stores and pharmacies, humans relied on plants for food, healing, and survival. With modern systems becoming less reliable, it’s wise to return to the wisdom of the earth — whether that means growing a medicinal garden or stocking a shelf of tried-and-true remedies.

🌾 10 Herbs You Should Always Have on Hand

These herbs are staples — easy to grow, multipurpose, and powerful. Keep them dried, tinctured, or in seed form.

1. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

   Uses: Stops bleeding, reduces fevers, supports wound healing

   Keep: Dried flower heads for poultices or teas

   
   

2. Plantain (Plantago major)

   Uses: Bug bites, stings, cuts, drawing out splinters or venom

   Keep: Fresh or dried leaves for salves or poultices

3. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

   Uses: Immune support, cold and flu prevention

   Keep: Dried berries, syrup, or tincture

4. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

   Uses: Skin healing, antifungal, antimicrobial

   Keep: Dried petals for infusions, oils, or salves

5. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

   Uses: Calming, digestive aid, sleep support

   Keep: Dried blossoms for teas or tinctures

6. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

   Uses: Lung support, coughs, asthma

   Keep: Dried leaves and flowers

7. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

   Uses: Immune support, antiviral, wound healing

   Keep: Dried root or tincture

8. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

   Uses: Stress relief, antiviral, mild sedative

   Keep: Dried or fresh for tea, oil, or tincture

   
   

9. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

   Uses: Headaches, nausea, digestive relief

   Keep: Dried leaves or essential oil

   
   

10. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

    Uses: Adaptogen, stress management, immune boost

    Keep: Dried root or tincture

🍄 5 Wild Mushrooms Worth Knowing (And Knowing How to ID Safely)

⚠️ Important: Never consume wild mushrooms unless you’re 100% sure of your identification. When in doubt, don’t eat it.

1. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

   Uses: Immune support, cancer therapy support

   Use as: Dried mushroom for tea or tincture

2. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

   Uses: Immune modulator, adaptogen, calming

   Use as: Dried slices for decoctions or tinctures

   
   

3. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

   Uses: Antioxidant, immune booster, antiviral

   Use as: Ground and simmered for tea

   
   

4. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

   Uses: Nerve support, brain health

   Use as: Cook fresh or dry and use in tinctures

   
   

5. Morel (Morchella spp.)

   Uses: Nutritious and immune-supportive food

   Use as: Cook well and eat (never raw!)

🌿 5 Weeds You Should Learn to Love

These grow abundantly and are often overlooked, yet offer powerful healing:

1. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

   Use the leaves for digestion, the root for liver support.

2. Chickweed (Stellaria media)

   Cooling, soothing for skin and internal inflammation.

3. Cleavers (Galium aparine)

   Great for lymphatic drainage and spring detox.

4. Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

   Effective for stopping bleeding — internal or external.

   
   

5. Nettle (Urtica dioica)

   Nutritious, anti-inflammatory, great for joint pain and allergies.

🌸 5 Seeds to Grow or Stockpile

If you’re planning to grow your own herbal medicine or food, these seeds are must-haves.

1. Holy Basil (Tulsi) – Adaptogen, great for stress and colds

   
   

2. Borage – Supports adrenal function, beautiful edible flowers

   
   

3. Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) – Soothes mucous membranes

   
   

4. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) – For external use only: bone & wound healing

   
   

5. Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) – Detoxifier, especially of heavy metals

🧰 Herbal Prepper’s Toolbox

Here are some tools and supplies you might want on hand to make the most of your herbs:

• Amber dropper bottles (for tinctures)

• Mason jars (for infusions, decoctions, salves)

• Cheesecloth or fine strainers

• A mortar and pestle or herb grinder

• Labels and waterproof markers

• Dehydrator or drying rack

• Organic alcohol or vinegar (for tincture-making)

• Coconut oil, olive oil, and beeswax (for salves)

🔍 Know How to Use What You Have

All the herbs in the world won’t help if you don’t know how to use them. Here are some basic ways to prepare herbs:

• Tea (Infusion): Steep leaves or flowers in hot water for 10–15 min

• Decoction: Simmer roots or bark for 20–30 minutes

• Tincture: Soak herbs in alcohol or vinegar for 4–6 weeks

• Poultice: Apply mashed fresh herbs directly to skin

• Salve: Combine infused oil with beeswax to create healing balm

🔥 Final Thoughts: Be Your Own Apothecary

The world is changing. But with a little knowledge, your garden, pantry, or backpack can become a source of healing, resilience, and self-reliance.

Start small — grow a few herbs on your windowsill, learn to recognize wild plants around your home, and stock a few trusted remedies from reliable sources like Naturalis Herbal.

Being prepared isn’t about fear — it’s about empowerment.

🌐 Want to Get Started?

At www.NaturalisHerbal.com, we handcraft small-batch herbal remedies using ethically sourced and wild-foraged ingredients. Browse tinctures, teas, body care, and learn more through our blog.

Let’s reconnect with the land — and with ourselves.