If there comes a times when we are not able to get to or access a hospital or doctor; we will have to rely on our own know-how and medications for health issues. There are many things we can have on hand for times like this and even times like now. It’s a good idea to try and become more reliant on ourselves than institutions for our health care as much as possible. Learning what to store and how to use it is part of being Intellectually Prepared.

From my own study and combined with notes from a webinar titled: “What if there were no medicines tomorrow?” featuring Professional Herbalist and Traditional Naturopath, Laurence Smith; I have this list of ten items to have on hand for just such times.

Like my guest blog post a couple months ago going over the top 10 essential oils to store, this top ten list is also helpful and vital for emergency storing.

(Disclaimer – I am in no way associated with Laurence Smith, or any of the products he mentions, or any company’s listed or pictured here. I am simply sharing information I found very helpful).

1. Colloidal Silver  and Colloidal Silver Gel

Silver is like a second immune system. It has a broad spectrum it reaches with no resistance build up. It’s a first line of defense for bacteria and viruses, and considered the first of the top ten health “ammunition” to have in your armada.  It has many topical and internally.  The webinar talked about Silver Shield and Silver Shield Gel which provides a more fine particle sized silver giving a higher bioavailability rate and no risk of heavy metal contamination.  I personally have used colloidal silver to ward off sicknesses and strep throat.  It’s one of the best things to keep in your medical and health preps.

2. Elderberry  Immune Defense

A second most powerful and potent immune defense. Elderberry is the best antiviral. Take this when you begin to feel a cold or flu coming on – like even a tingle in your throat. Take often to keep sickness away. Try looking for this herb with Vitamin D added, like Elderberry D3fense from Nature Sunshine which was the product recommended in the Webinar.

3. Olive Leaf Extract

Besides being a natural anti – bacteria, fungi, viral, yeast herb; Olive Leaf Extract is known for helping you live longer. There are many benefits of Olive Leaf Extract that have been known for ages and now proven by scientists. It helps lower blood pressure, keeps arteries healthy, helps lower blood sugar levels, helps prevent tumor growth (anti-cancer), protects the brain and central nervous system by suppressing inflammation, can help prevent arthritis. These top three items are all a powerful defense against sickness, bacteria and viruses.

4. Mullein (Lambs Ear)

Officially known as Verbascum Thapsus, Mullein is a fuzzy leafed biennial plant. It is known as the herb of the lungs. Powerful as a respiratory remedy; it has been used to treat asthma, coughs, tuberculosis and other respiratory related problems. Not only that, you can use it as a mild astringent, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory. You can treat hemorrhoids, bruises, burns,  gout and clear your ears out with it. Mullein can be ingested, or used topically.

5. Hawthorn

Hawthorn is good for the heart, like a cardiac tonic, it strengthens the heart. Hawthorn berries can make your heart beat stronger and even normalize a heartbeat.  They have also been used to benefit the circulatory system altogether and treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, angina, and congestive heart failure. On an interesting note, the thorns of the Hawthorn are believed to be what the Romans used in making the “crown of thorns” placed on our Saviors head at the time of his crucifixion. Hawthorn has been around and used for many centuries.

6. Capsicum

This is a hot pepper, like cayenne, which contains the active principle capsaicin which is used to cool pain. You can apply directly to a wound or swallow. It can be used for pain from inflammation, psoriasis, muscle spasms, and even dry mouth. In the webinar, the presenter said he used this on a woman to stop a nose bleed and just seconds after she swallowed some capsicum, her bleeding stopped.

7. Yarrow

Yarrow is a healing herb and a great go-to source for helping children as well as adults. It can ease fevers and shorten the length of colds and flu’s, and help you relax during an illness. When used topically, it eases skin rashes and itching. Good for cuts, abrasions, and stopping cramps; yarrow is shown to have an effect on every organ in the body and thus it brings balance to your system by harmonizing it.

8. Activated Charcoal

Similar to regular charcoal, activated charcoal is made specifically for medical purposes. It can treat poisonings, lessen gas, treat bile-flow issues, and lower cholesterol levels. Basically, it is effective at trapping chemicals and preventing their absorption. You can even put activated charcoal in a straw and use cloth on each end, and use it as a water filter.  The same thing with two face masks; put some activated charcoal in-between the masks and tape them together and you have a mask that will filter out poisons and poisonous contaminants as you breath. This is a great item to keep in your cabinet and emergency supply kit.

9. LBS II (Lower Bowel Stimulant)

LBS is a lower bowel stimulant and support. It can help production of digestive fluids and bile, and help you have a bowel movement. It also helps you have better digestion. This is important when your body is needing to get rid of toxic waste, and especially if you do not have access to a doctor.

10. Slippery Elm Bark

Native to North America, the Slippery Elm tree can get up to 60 feet tall. Bark from this tree is collected in the spring for many medical purposes and has been used for years. It relieves coughs, sore throats, colic, diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel, stomach issues, and even expels tape worms. You can apply it to the skin for burns, wounds, cold sores, boils, abscesses, toothaches, and as a lubricant to ease labor.

So these are just the top ten items that could be extremely useful in an emergency situation or in day to day health care. Best of all, you don’t need prescriptions for these, they are all natural and good for you. Many of these items are things you can find in the wild or make yourself.  I’m finding that learning about these things helps me feel more confident in my own ability to help my family.  Are there any that you would add to this list?