The following is a list of herbs that the government doesn’t want you to know about. They are so rare and obscure that even discussing them in print may be dangerous. You see, pharmaceutical companies are also very interested in seeds. Many of today’s most profitable medicines utilize natural ingredients and their chemical derivatives. To advise anyone of the free benefits available to them in their own backyard is to step on the toes of the powerful multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry. It is therefore crucial that you understand that the following herbs are not intended as cures, medicines or anything that you would normally rely on a doctor to prescribe to you.

You are not about to receive medical advice or physician approved suggestions. You are simply going to see a list of “off the grid” remedies and treatments which folks like you may use if they do not have access to a hospital or FDA approved medication. You may want to consider, however, that some of these plants, herbs, sprouts and roots have been used by human beings for thousands of years and may wind up of great value to you, as well.

• Arnica Montana (Arnica) Breaks down into a cream or ointment which can be effective in soothing muscles, reducing inflammation and healing open wounds. When it is brewed as a tea, it can relieve stress, sleeping problems and emotional trauma.
• Actaea Racemosa (Black Cohosh) It is known for relieving menstrual cramps and symptoms of menopause, hot flashes, irritability, mood swings and sleep disturbances.
• Eupatorium Perfoliatum (Boneset) May be able to treat symptoms of influenza and is helpful in treating aches, pains and fever.
• Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Widely used for relieving upset stomach, ulcers and menstrual cramps. A tincture made with calendula leaves can help heal wounds. Calendula is a high-end ingredient in many expensive cosmetic products.
• Nepeta Cataria (Catnip) Has been used as a digestive aid for centuries. A natural sedative which also helps ease digestion, colic and diarrhea. Can also be brewed as a tea.
• Capsicum Annuum (Red Pepper) Aside from its edible form, red pepper can treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and shingles. A very diverse item.
• Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Soothes and calms. Even known to prevent nightmares, explaining its popularity with children. A tea brewed from the leaves and flowers of the chamomile plant can help ease stress, anxiety and panic attacks.
• Cichorium Intybus (Chicory Root) A natural sedative and anti-inflammatory which can be used to treat jaundice. It helps the body resist gallstones and liver stones and aids in reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Can be very useful in ridding the body of parasites.
• Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Can be used as a first aid treatment for external wounds. Can reduce inflammation associated with sprains and broken bones.
• Echinacea Purpurea (Purple Coneflower) Used for over four centuries in treating infections, wounds, blood poisoning, malaria and diphtheria. Echinacea tea helps the body regain strength and rids it of the common cold up to three times faster than doing nothing. Easily grown.
• Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Great for eczema, dermatitis and other skin related allergies and ailments. Reduces inflammation, eases bloating caused by menstrual discomfort and strengthens functions of the liver. It can also alleviate some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and other nerve disorders.
• Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) The Chinese have used it for centuries to treat hernia, indigestion and abdominal pain. Chronic cough can be alleviated by brewing it as tea. Fennel oil can be used as an external pain reliever for sore muscles.
• Tanacetum Parthenium (Feverfew) Helps relieve migraines and prevent constriction of blood vessels in the brain, one of the leading causes of migraines.
• Hyssopus Officinalis (Hyssop) Hyssop goes so far back that it is mentioned in the Bible. It is a great expectorant and stimulant. It is often used for relief of muscular rheumatism, as well as, for bruises and contusions. Tea made from the flowers of this herb can be helpful for asthmatics.
• Lavandula Officinalis (Lavender) – Though popular in soaps, shampoos and fragrances; Lavender is also a natural remedy for insomnia, anxiety, and depression. It is known for its soothing effects and is even thought to be able to help prevent hair loss.
• Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm) – It is a member of the mint family and is used to help treat sleep disorders when brewed as a tea. It can also be rubbed on the skin to ward off mosquitoes.
• Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) – Useful for treating asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, cough and the common cold. It can aid in milk production for breast feeding mothers. It also helps to dissolve kidney stones and improves kidney function.
• Valarian Officinalis (Valerian) – Used as far back as the 2nd century A.D. in treating insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, seizures and epilepsy. Valerian is a natural anti-anxiety remedy. Also useful for treating headaches and migraines.
• Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) – Used for treatment of minor bleeding, inflammation, fever and infection. You can use it topically to ease discomfort of hemorrhoids, stop bleeding, and as an anti-inflammatory to ease swelling. Tea brewed from the flowers and leaves will help stop diarrhea and purge the body of bacterial infections.
• Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) – Used for help with indigestion, to treat muscle pains, arthritis, and to improve circulation. Tea brewed from its leaves can slow brain degeneration resulting from Alzheimer’s disease. It is also thought to be able to counteract the nerve degeneration caused by Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Keep in mind, you want to be using non-GMO seeds. Unfortunately, even though we may see some of these plants and herbs in our store-bought teas and ointments, they are far less impactful than they should be. The reason is that few big companies bother with using heirloom seed, and those that do charge the consumer heavily for the end product. Seed quality is just as important as seed type. You can have all of the aforementioned seeds stocked and neatly prepared. They will do little good, however, if their nutritional and holistic benefits are gone before they are ever planted.

Other seeds to take into consideration are crop cover seeds, such as hairy vetch or clover. These crop covers loosen up the soil and feed the soil nitrogen which feeds the plants for the following season. These crop covers are also food for livestock such as cattle and sheep. When the crop cover is mowed, the cuttings can be used as natural mulch.

Possessing a vast array of food choices when times get tough will lift spirits, maintain nutrition, and provide energy. Do the necessary research and find the best plants for you and your family. Become familiar with local planting cycles. Finding pertinent information regarding soil conditions, natural fertilizers, and seed germination will get you ready for a good planting season.

Each region of the country is beneficial to the growth of specific seeds. Consult the map on page 2 and the regional lists on page 18 to see which seeds are right for your region.

Seeds not only provide dependable crops year round, but can also be used to produce edible sprouts which have an extremely high nutrient and vitamin content, as well as helping save money. Traditional varieties of seed can be saved and used, but hybrid seeds have a one-time use and therefore should be overlooked if possible. They will not grow back each year and are often deprived of essential nutrients. Non-genetically modified seeds (non-GMO) or heirloom varieties are the way to go.