5 plants to use as medicine found in the Midwest (and beyond)
Updated: Oct 14, 2020
What would you do in a disaster and you don't have access to medicine for all your aches and pains? For most people, you will be out of luck, but for the Minimalist Prepper, you will know just what to do. Minimalist prepper's learn what they might need before they are in a survival situation. Today you will learn about 5 different plants and trees found in the mid-west to heal your ailments.
1. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Most people know of sage as an herb for cooking, but don't realize the powerful health benefits it provides. The leaves are what is used for harvest of this plant You can use them in a tea, as a gargle, or use it topically.
Habitat: Well drained soils, grasslands, sunny areas.
Helps with:

Oral Health
Menopause symptoms
Blood Sugar Levels
Memory and Brain Health
Lower ‘Bad’ LDL Cholesterol
Preventing certain cancers
Skin aging
Bone health
Diarrhea
These and other benefits can be found here.
2. Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatorium)
Agrimony is mainly used as a tea with the leaves, flowers, and roots. Although it can be used topically as well. It is supposed to help clear up blemishes on the skin due to bacteria. Some lotions are infused with Agrimony for it's topical benefits.
Habitat: Fields, roadsides, sunny areas.
Helps with:

Upset stomach
Mild diarrhea
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Diabetes
Gallbladder disorders
Fluid retention
Preventing certain cancers
Tuberculosis bleeding
Corns and warts
Heart tonic
Sedative
Antihistamine
Alleviate sore throat
These and other benefits can be found here.
3. Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum)
Solomon's Seal can be ingested or used topically. The beneficial part of the plant is the root. Once you harvest the root, you can dry it out to be used for long term use. The flowers may be of use as well. There are reports of using the dried flowers and crushed roots as a snuff to get rid of headaches.
Habitat: Woodland areas, dry to moist soil, part shade to full shade, and some sunny areas.
Helps with:

Skin conditions
Boils (furuncles)
Bruises
Hemorrhoids
Lung disorders
Skin irritation
Anti-inflammatory
Wound healing
These and other benefits can be found here.
4. Elder (Sambucus nigra)
There are about 12 species of Elder trees, so it shouldn't be hard to find them. Many people use the fruit for making pies, jelly, and jams as well as for health purposes. Make sure to boil the berries for 20 to 30 minutes before consumption or they can give you an upset stomach.
Habitat: Woodland, roadsides, ponds, lakes, some shade, but thrive in sunny areas.
Helps with:

Respiratory diseases such as influenza
Colds and catarrh
Diaphoretic
Diuretic
Laxative
Anti-inflammatory
These and other benefits can be found here.
5. Willow (Salix alba)
There are several varieties of the Willow tree that is used for medicinal purposes. The active substance in the bark is called salicn. This is actually the the key ingredient in aspirin. you can also boil the leaves and branches as a growth hormone for root growth in other plants.
Habitat: Rich soil areas near streams, lakes, rivers, or marshes.
Helps with:

Arthritis
Common cold
Fever
Flu (influenza)
Gout
Headache
Menstrual cramps
Muscle pain
Swine flu
Back and joint pain
These and other benefits can be found here.
Disclaimer
Make sure to thoroughly research any plant, tree, or fungus before ingesting them. Some species have different varieties and may not produce the same medical benefits or may even cause harm. The more knowledgeable you are the more you can help yourself and others.