In the natural environment, trees are one of the most widespread types of plants in the world. In practically any type of climate or geographical area, some type of tree can be found and used. The most common uses that first come to mind in a survival or wilderness exposure scenario is the use of trees for shelter and as a source of firewood. But, it is less known that a huge range of trees also has a big role to play in a range of medical applications.
The same is so prominent that through history, some types of trees have been absolutely essential for helping people with medical issues, both acute and chronic. This is not true just for folk medicine but also many modern branches of pharmaceutical science which apply the same principles even today for modern drugs. This is the reason why everyone should know as much as possible about trees with medical uses – the same knowledge could one day provide them with a life-saving element in their survival situation. Here is the essential list of the trees that provide many medical and nutritional benefits that all those who might find themselves in a situation where this information can be more than important.
1. Alder
The bark of the alder tree includes salicin, which is an anti-inflammatory compound that is then, once ingested, metabolized into the form of salicylic acid. The same can then tone-down or stop an inflammation from spreading. In the Native American culture, a form of red alder bark was employed to treat points, but also skin inflammation and insect bites. Additional tribes used a special type of infusion from the red alder bark to create a pulmonary remedy that was used for tuberculosis and lymphatic disorders. In recent years, studies showed that red alder includes lupeol and betulin, both of which showed to be important agents against the growth of a range of tumors.
2. Apple Trees
The main benefit of the apple tree clearly lies in their fruits. Apples are delicious and rich with a range of health-related compounds. These include dietary fibers, flavonoids, and antioxidants. The last ones are especially important because they work to reduce many chronic illness risks like cancer, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and kidney issues. Apples are also widely used to control instances of both diarrhea and constipation, being that they are a great bowel movement regulator.
3. Ash
This tree belongs to the Oleaceae family and has several important domains of medial use. Ash tree can provide diuretic and laxative properties, which were sometimes used to reduce excess body fat deposits. It is also antirheumatic and anti-inflammatory in interactions with illnesses like arthritis. Finally, the bark of the white ash is used to treat instances of dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps – it can be used by making a tea from a small amount of the same bark added to the boiling water.
4. Beech
There is no doubt that trees with medicinal uses definitely include beech. Its bark provides antiseptic, antacid and antitussive properties. Beech can be used by applying dry distillation to its fresh branches, which provides a type of tar that is both antiseptic and stimulating for the skin and internal organ. In contact with the skin, the tar helps with many skin diseases while internally, its expectorant properties help with coughs and other airway inflammation problems.
5. Birch
The main element of birch that is used in a medical context is its leaves. They are loaded with vitamin C and are in fact employed in many pharmaceutical products. When used as a boiled and drained tea, birch can do a lot of good in the case of urinary infections that impact the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureters. Additionally, its diuretic properties are regularly employed to increase the output of urine.
6. Cedar
A range of traditional medical approaches applies cedar as a cure for both the spirit and the body. In fact, many Native American tribes in the Northwest used red cedar for treating cough, stomach pains, cold treatment, and a fever reducer. Regular addition of small amounts of cedar to a person’s diet has shown to be an effective addition to the treatment of chronic arthritis.
7. Elder
The elder tree has always been seen as a plant that has a highly medicinal use to its parts. Here, the elder tree shows its versatility as its flowers, leaves, bark, and berries can be sued for medical purposes. This makes it one of the most practical trees with medicinal uses in the wild. The flowers, which can be brewed into a tea can be used as a diaphoretic, making them a great cure for high fever. The bark, on the other hand, can be mashed down into a pulp ideal for skin ointment.
8. Elm
Elm was first and foremost known for its bark and its medical properties. The use of its bark goes back centuries when people employed it to cure digestive tract disorders, both chronic and acute. That is why elm bark tea is still used to stop severe bouts of diarrhea. When used on the skin, elm bark provides antiseptic properties. This is the reason why its bark has been applied to clean open wounds to stop festering ones from spreading the infection further.
9. Hawthorne
As a distinctive plant in many ways, Hawthorn is very useful in a medical context as its flowers, berries and leaves all provide health benefits. It is primarily used for blood vessels and heart disease but covers chest pain, congestive heart failure, and irregular heartbeat. There are recorded uses for it when it comes to low and high blood pressure and the hardening of arthritis – atherosclerosis. There are multiple known uses for digestive problems like diarrhea, indigestion, and instances of stomach pain. Some evidence even points to its use as a sedative that reduced anxiety and provides overall relaxation especially when its flowers and berries are mixed and used for tea.
10. Hazelnut Tree
Not surprisingly, hazelnut tree provides its most cherished product in the form of its nuts. Hazelnuts are not just delicious, they are crammed with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidant compounds, along with a big serving of healthy fats. In a survival setup, hazelnut tree might not be seen as a part of the group of trees with medicinal uses, but it will provide all the necessary food for any individual. When regularly consumed, these nuts regulate blood pressure, stop inflations from foreign and reduce blood fat levels, so their medical advantages in the long-run are also noteworthy.
11. Ironwood
Ironwood bark is the main carrier of the medical benefits, being that it acts as a hemostatic, blood tonic and an astringent agent. In the wild, a toothache can be relieved if an infusion of the bark or its pulp are held in the mouth. In the right environment and under the right preparation, ironwood can be treated into a shape that is able to help with coughs and colds, but also very serious problems like hemorrhages in the lungs or major kidney issues.
12. Linden
This tree has a history of use in the cases of infections and feverish colds, where it can induce a healthy bodily reaction of excess sweating. In the upper respiratory organs, it can reduce congestion in the nasal cavities, relieve a cough and throat irritation. Linden even has some sedative effects that are very helpful with things like high blood pressure and nervous palpitations.
13. Maple
Everyone knows about maple syrup and its delicious addition to many sweet meals. However, it also has benefits when the sugar maple is used for tea, where the tree’s inner bark can be produced into a diuretic, blood tonic and expectorant. The uses also cover diarrhea, coughs, and eyesight issues. In a particularly good production environment, the maple can even be converted into an ointment for some types of temporary blindness.
14. Oak
The bark of oak is used for a range of medical treatments. White oak bark, in particular, is useful when it is converted into a tea that is then applied to bronchitis, caught, fever, colds, arthritis, and diarrhea. Oak is also applicable to the digestive tracts. Here, it is known that it can be used to stimulate appetite and even improve digestion for those who use it.
15. Pine
Pine can be immediately used when it is found in the wild. Its needles have been used for medical purposes for centuries, where they are ideally suited for making a quick tea. The same liquid has inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties, while also being high in Vitamin C content. Also, the same tea can help with coughs and congestions, so any survival-minded individual has to know about it.
16. Poplar
The unopened and dried-up leaves of poplar are used for medical purpose. It is a part of the group of trees with medicinal uses mainly as an ingredient in cough medicine. Poplar can be used for skin issues like sores, cuts, frostbite and even sunburn.
17. Walnut
This tree has been used to make medicine for ages, especially when it comes to folk approaches to healing. The leaves of this tree are anti-inflammatory, alternative and anthelmintic. Internally, they are applied to issues like constipation, diarrhea, asthma and chronic coughs.
18. Willow
The bark of the willow has been known as a powerful medicine for more than two millennia. In many ways, it is the true precursor or aspirin and its use helps with headaches, menstrual cramps, gout, and osteoarthritis. Modern medicine has been inspired by willow bark by such a measure that many still see aspirin as something that would have been impossible without this simple yet extraordinary tree.
With the knowledge on what these trees with medicinal uses provide, anyone can become healthier and also have a backup supply of medicine in the wilderness.
