Herbal First Aid

Aftercare for All

Who Have Experienced
Police Violence:
bumps, bruises & burns, chemical weapons

exposure, taser, handcuff injuries, & trauma.

Plant Medicines for Resilience!

Black Lives Matter.

Native Justice Now.

 Intro

1 Plant medicine for

resilience

2 Disclaimer

3 Prevention

4 Legal considerations
Herbal Strategies:

6
Herbs & protocols to

detox from chemical

weapons exposure

9 Love Your Liver!

11 Respiratory Support

15 Boost Your Immunity

17 Remedies for bumps,

bruises, burns, taser,

and handcuff injuries

22
Nourish your nervous system:

emotional trauma, anxiety,

depression and insomnia

27 Recipes & Resources

 Now more than ever,
humanity needs the healing
power of medicinal plants.

#1 Plant Medicine for Resilience:

Humans and plants have an interwoven relationship

extending far back into our history. Our bodies have

evolved in constant conversation with plants,

developing receptor sites for chemicals only the

plants produce. When we turn to plants for healing,

we access a strength much bigger than our species.

Now more than ever, humanity needs the healing

power of medicinal plants.

This guide focuses on care after experiencing police

violence using plant medicines that are

complementary to the protocols set forth by street

medic networks. For basic first aid skills and in-the-

street treatment please reference street medic

publications and consider taking a Street Medic

training near you.

The medicines referenced here are found in most of

our kitchens, are easy to grow, drought tolerant,

abundant, or readily available at your local herb or

health food stores. Endangered or at-risk plants are

not included. Note that the information we’ve

provided is only a snapshot of each of these herbs

which are dynamic beings and do a lot more for us

than what we’ve presented to you. 1

Disclaimer:

The statements, remedies, and techniques

described herein are not meant to diagnose,

prescribe, or treat any disease or substitute

medical care by a licensed health care

practitioner.

Don’t forego common sense and prevention, such

as wearing a mask, washing your hands, and

following street medic guidelines for avoiding &

preventing injury during protests.

Don’t delay or forgo necessary medical treatment.

Follow all public health recommendations, and

when in doubt, seek guidance and care through

established channels. Know your scope of practice

and respect your limits. If you don’t know an herb,

read or ask about it before using it. Ask permission

before offering others any kind of treatment.

Don’t ignore side-effects, contraindications, or

herb-drug interactions when using herbs &

supplements. This includes taking possibly harmful

doses of otherwise generally safe substances.

Herbs work, more is not always better. Pregnant

people should approach herbal remedies with just

as much caution as allopathic remedies.

Always listen to what feels right in your body.

2
A Nod to Prevention:
Fortunately there are steps that you can take to

decrease your risk of injury on the streets

Pandemic or not, hygiene cannot be underestimated.

Washing your hands is the single best way to avoid a

virus or bacteria. If you were in a crowd of people,

take virulent viruses into account and know what

symptoms you should be on the lookout for over the

next two weeks as per the CDC. Learn the options in

your area for free testing. Have a plan to isolate

yourself for two weeks before coming into contact

with especially vulnerable people.

Avoid wearing oil-based skin creams, etc. including

oil-based sunscreen as these may trap chemicals. DO

NOT use recipes for “barriers”, esp. if they contain

oil-based ingredients as they will be yet another

thing to remove from your skin. Don’t wear contacts

- they can trap chemicals in your eye and get

damaged.

Use appropriate personal protective equipment

(PPE): goggles, N-95 respirator (if you have one),

gloves, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes.

Use the buddy system.

Make sure all devices are charged at full power

Carry any needed medications on your body, in

original containers with your legal name on them. If

you use a rescue inhaler make sure you bring it even

if you don’t expect chemical weapons to be used.

Did we mention to wash your hands as often as

possible?
3
 Don’t expect protection from
police violence while wearing
a red cross or providing first
aid care.

Legal Considerations
Anyone who is injured at a protest or in jail needs to

document their injury promptly and well, and work with

your local grassroots legal team if there is one.

Exercise caution when using your phone or camera. The

police can seize it and subpoena you for your photos

and videos. Helpful advice by the National Lawyers

Guild on how to document injuries for legal reasons

Don’t expect protection from police violence while

wearing a red cross or providing first aid care. Quite

the opposite - medics have been targets because of

our ability to spread calm and mitigate the fear of

chemical weapons. If you are in a position where arrest

or injury would put you at greater risk due to your

health, documentation, or other status, consider

avoiding the front line and offering aftercare to those

who need it. This is a vital service for the long term

health of movements, and is the focus of most of this

document.

4
 Herbal
Strategies

5
#1 Chemical Weapons Exposure
Pepper spray and tear gas:

Exposure to “incapacitating agents” such as tear gas

and pepper spray could potentially lead to lingering

health problems. The toxins from the chemical

weapons can stick around in our bodies, disrupting

menstrual cycles, taxing our liver, endocrine, and

immune systems. Additionally, these agents may

damage the protective lining of the lungs, which can

make us more susceptible to lung infections and

diseases. Damage to the eyes is possible especially

if the person was wearing contact lenses at the time

of exposure.

If exposed, help your body to eliminate the toxins as

quickly and effectively as possible in order to

minimize long term effects.

Immediate steps to decontaminate:

Support your body’s innate ability to detoxify. The

liver, kidneys, lymph and skin are the main organs

that carry off body wastes. The following plant

remedies and other protocols will support them all

simultaneously, appropriate for detoxification.

Wash your hands including getting underneath your

nails. Remove contacts. Gargle to remove possible

residues in your mouth or throat. (This is especially

important if you might have been exposed to a viral

respiratory infection. Repeat 2-3x daily with warm

salt water). Do not bring your contaminated clothes

and other items inside. Be careful what you touch,

put everything into a trash bag and seal until it is

ready to be washed. Do not put clothes in the dryer.

If items have a lingering odor like chemicals clean

them again.

6
 COLD shower 1st!: Your skin is your largest organ. It

is important to first cleanse it by taking a COLD

shower first so that you don't open up your pores to

more chemicals. A castile soap or baby shampoo is

best. Be careful of lingering chemicals in hair

contaminating the water and running into eyes.

NEXT:

Hydrate! Drinking adequate water is the most

important action you can do for your overall health.

Make sure you’re consuming enough water to urinate

8 times a day. Most people need at least 2

quarts/liters on a normal day, so add 50% more to

your regimen when preparing for or recuperating

from exposure. Rather than guzzle all at once, sip

consistently throughout the day for proper

absorption. This will have the added benefit of

keeping your mucous membranes adequately moist

which is our first line of defense against viral

infections. Squeeze lemon in your water for added

benefit.

Tip: Simply drinking herbal tea supports your

kidneys and overall health.

Replace your Electrolytes: Electrolytes are the

electrically charged minerals that our bodies need to

conduct normal biochemical functions, maintaining

an electric voltage throughout our cells so that

signals can pass easily. Sweating causes you to lose

electrolytes As we age our ability to balance

electrolytes wanes. See ‘Recipes’.

7
 Epsom salt scrub then bath: After you’ve taken a cold

shower (see above) hot shower followed by a

thorough scrubbing with epsom salts left on the skin

for 10-15 minutes before a follow-up wash can help

draw toxins from the body. For a bath, use epsom

salts or sea salts and soak for only 10 minutes. Toxins

your body has eliminated during the soak will be

reabsorbed after that time. Be sure to accompany

this with much water consumption.

Oatmeal for irritated skin. Place the oatmeal in the

sock or nylon and tie or secure with a rubber band.

Plop in the bath occasionally squeezing the sock to

release as much of the oatmeal starch as possible

into your bath water. For added benefit you can add

½ - 1 cup of baking soda, 3 - 5 drops of lavender

essential oil. Soak for 30 min.

Some helpful terminology to know before diving into

the herbs:

Infusion: steeped tea. See ‘Recipes’.

Decoction: boiled tea. See ‘Recipes’.

Extract and tincture can be interchangeable. This

mostly means that it was preserved in an alcohol

extract however if you are sensitive to alcohol then

you can find most extracts in a glycerite base or

often as an oxymel, an herbal vinegar.

8
#2 Love Your Liver
A mainstay of herbal detoxification is supporting the

liver. The liver’s main job is to filter blood coming

from the digestive tract. Your liver must work

overtime to filter out the toxins from chemical

exposure.

Life-habit choices: Getting regular, *adequate*

sleep is key. Turn screens off at least an hour

before bed. Your liver continues to work while you

sleep, especially around 2am.

Dietary considerations: Hydrate. Drink an 8oz

glass of water before bed.

Avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, processed,

sugary, fried or high fat foods will make its job

easier.

Back off dairy which can slow down your digestion

causing harmful inflammation.

Inflammation: When you’re inflamed

your body can’t break down certain
invaders like some viruses or a food
you’re sensitive to, thus making your
immune system work harder to heal
an infection or injury.

Keep things moving with a high fiber diet: Eating

seasonal fruits and veggies will help clean out your

colon. Eat the color of the rainbow! Consider

adding Miso soup, seaweeds, and shiitake

mushrooms to help your body heal. Psyllium seeds

or husks are an inexpensive fiber addition to the

diet. Always take psyllium with at least two cups of

water. Discontinue if irritation or gas occurs.

9
Herbal liver & digestive support

Bitter herbs taken before meals to stimulate gastric

secretions to help your body process chemicals.

Fresh dandelion greens, artichoke, digestive bitter

blends.

Milk Thistle seeds (Silybum marianum): Prevents and

treats liver damage from chemicals, viruses.

Capsules, extract or cold infusion. Standardized

powdered extract at 85% silybum is most effective,

in capsules, or 30-60 drops tincture, 3x daily.

Herbalist Kami McBride keeps seeds in her pepper

grinder which makes it fun and easy for all to add a

teaspoon on your meals.

Burdock root (Arctium lappa): It encourages friendly

bowel flora and gently increases lymph, kidney, and

liver function. It is an antimutagen with a long

history of use in “cancer formulas”. Burdock helps

to stabilize mast cells, which reduces allergic

reactions. As decoction, 2 cups per day is most

effective. As extract, 50-80 drops 3x a day, or ¼

tsp powder eaten with meals. Eaten fresh, it’s

known as gobo in sushi rolls or miso soup.

Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale): acts on the

microflora of the gut. Helps with chronic

constipation due to poor fat metabolising, clay

colored stools and sluggish liver. 1- 4 cups of tea a

day, ¼ tsp with meals, or tincture extract, 30-50

drops up to 4x a day. You can add 1/4 part of the

dried dandelion root to the burdock in the crockpot

or on the stovetop. “Dandy Blend” is a palatable

freeze-dried dandelion root tea available on the

market.

10
 Triphala is a blend of three fruits used in Ayurvedic

medicine and is “quite possibly the best formula for

normalizing gastrointestinal function available.” It

improves liver function and improves it against

environmental toxins and improves digestion. It’s

anti-inflammatory, enhances circulation, expels

mucus from the respiratory passages, fights

infection, for constipation, general toxicity, and

much more. Powder in hot water, can add honey or

taken as a capsule. (Easley/Horne)

#3 Respiratory Health:

Mucous is your protective barrier! Thankfully we can

actively take steps to care of our mucous

membranes. Avoid dryness of the mucosa, especially

important after injury or viral respiratory conditions.

If you run dry then hydrate and consume moist foods

including nourishing veggie or bone broths.

Herbal steams gently penetrate the respiratory

mucosa, ease dryness, help with congestion and

coughing, are antimicrobial - good for your lungs

especially if you may have been exposed to or

showing symptoms of a respiratory viral infection.

Boil water and add a mix of 1-4 aromatic kitchen

herbs of your choice: (1 TBS each): Rosemary, Thyme,

Sage, Clove, Oregano, Basil, Bay leaf, Eucalyptus,

Peppermint, Conifer leaves or lavender. Place the

pot somewhere you can sit down in front of it

comfortably. Check that the water isn’t too hot for

your face then make a steamy tent with a big towel

over your head, inhale through your nose for 10

minutes. Do not re-use. Here are a couple of great

video tutorials:

Breathe Easier With a Decongesting Herbal Steam

by Herbal Academy

How to make an herbal steam by Mountain Rose

Herbs.
11
Humidify the air: If your house or workplace is

excessively dry, consider running a humidifier or

simply put a pot of water uncovered on the stove,

wood heater, or radiator. Add the above-mentioned

herbs.

Eat garlic! The sulphur you smell on your breath is

medicinal and healing to your lungs as an

antibacterial and antiviral. Add it into your foods at

the very end when cooking them. As soon as garlic

touches heat it begins to lose some of its medicinal

properties but raw garlic can be too irritating, so

cook it only slightly.

Demulcents to soothe and coat your mucous

membranes Especially important for dryness or dry

coughs.

Mullein leaf (Verbascum thapsus): is excellent lung

support, especially if you are asthmatic, have a dry

cough, or have been exposed to contaminants. Tea

is best. An extract is good too. As a tea make sure

to strain the mullein leaves through a coffee filter.

Mullein’s tiny little hairs, which look like the cilia

of our lungs ‘coincidentally enough’, can be highly

irritating! As an extract, you can take 40-60 drops

every four hours or so, immediately following

exposure. After a day, decrease this to 30-50 a

drops 3x a day.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Has an ancient

history of use in China and the Middle East.

Strengthens the endocrine system especially the

adrenals; for sore throats, heals the stomach.

Contraindicated with high blood pressure. Drink 3

cups daily, 10-20 drops of herbal extract. Don’t

overdo the licorice, a little goes a long way.

12
 Marshmallow root (Althea officinalis): This slightly

slimy medicine is very soothing for dry coughs,

irritated throat and mucus membranes in the

bladder, stomach, and intestines as well as in the

urinary tract. Marshmallow requires cold water to

release it's medicine. Simply place 2 TBSP of the

powder or chopped root in a jar, fill with cold

water, cap and soak 1-2 hours or overnight. For

chopped root, strain it and be sure to squeeze all

the slime out. For powdered rt, shake and sip.

Drink ½ - 4x daily. You can add to tea or juice.

Store in the refrigerator where it will keep 3-4

days.

Expectorants
Too much mucus? Cut back on the dairy, sugar,

processed foods and add expectorant herbs to

help bring out mucous hung up in the lungs.

FIRE CIDER is great here. (See Immune/Recipes).

Thyme tea: For some people thyme works better for

them than echinacea, especially if they always get

wet/damp lungs infections. It is warming and

drying, ½ a cup 3x daily. It also goes great in fire

cider.

Elecampane root (Inula helenium): is indicated for

a wet cough that helps bring up old hard mucus &

lung grunge that may be stuck down in your lungs.

It is antiseptic and indicated for a ticklish cough

and pain in the chest. This herb is warming and

drying so if you already have a dry cough,

elecampane might not be the right herb for you. Or

pair it with the above herbs for added moistening

affect. It also stimulates digestive and liver

function. Extract is 20-30 drops 3-4x per day. Two

cups of tea per day. 13

 Yerba Santa leaf (Eriodictyon californicum): This

warming and drying plant clears phlegm from the

chest and opens air passages. Especially helpful

for asthma and profuse expectoration. (Easley)

Also for wet bronchitis or pneumonia. Tea ½ cup 3x

per day; extract 20-40 drops 3x daily. (Winston).

Grindelia(Grindelia squarrosa): dried leaf or fresh

unopened flower buds: This warming plant breaks

up old, hardened mucus. It eases breathing in

bronchitis and asthma, is antispasmodic, and can

be combined with the herb plantain to pull thick

mucus out of the lungs. Caution: not for long-term

use or kidney or heart disease. 5 drops every 15-

30 minutes during coughing fits. 1-3mils 2-4x per

day. (Easley/Horne)

Antispasmodics: Coughing can be your ally but but

you can use these herbs to ease coughing with

irritation that keeps you from sitting in peace or

resting:

Wild cherry bark (Prunus serotina): It has a long

history of use in cough remedies. This remedy cools

phlegm and soothes and dries out mucous

membranes. Cold Infusion (strong) ¼ - ½ cup, 3-5x

per day. Tincture, fresh bark 10-40 drops, 1-4x per

day. (Easley/Horne)

Onion cough syrup: decongestant to lungs, breaks

up and moves mucous. May be important for

shortness of breath with a stuck phlegm.

(Rose/Easley) See recipes!

Onion, Garlic, Mustard: Don’t underestimate the

power of onion, mustard, and garlic external chest

packs to bring circulation to your chest and open

your lungs up! See recipes! 14

#4 Boost Your Immunity:
For centuries humans have used herbal medicines for

supporting our immune systems however herbs are not a

magic cure-all. Make sure that you’re consuming

adequate amounts of veggies that are the color of the

rainbow (rich in antioxidants), getting adequate sleep,

staying hydrated, exercising, nature-bathing, sunset-

watching. Exercise and movement in general supports

the lymphatic system which is intricately a part of our

immunity. Helping our body sweat is one of the best

ways to assist the skin in eliminating wastes: movement,

baths, saunas.

Foods should be simple and warming: broths, soups,

and teas. Foods that are rich in sulfur-containing

compounds are detoxifiers and immune-enhancing:

Garlic and onions (Alliums), and the Brassica family

of vegetables: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and

brussels sprouts. Avoid foods that weaken the

immune system and cause mucus: sugar, carbs,

processed foods, dairy, and junk foods, fruit juices

including orange.

Did you know that your kitchen spices can be used as

immune-boosting teas?! Boil water and steep a mix

of whatever you have: Fresh ginger (the powder is

good too but note that it is very drying), cinnamon,

star anise, rosemary, oregano, turmeric, & thyme.

Important allies during cold and flu season and

respiratory viral infections, these are warming,

sweat-inducing, pungent herbs that will drive

blood circulation toward the skin and mucous

membranes thus supporting our immediate immune

defenses. These herbs also thin fluids - meaning

too much mucus.

15
 Yarrow and Lemon Balm are also great here.

Be sure to use more than a culinary dose! Make a

strong-tasting hot tea and drink while hot!

Fire Cider is inexpensive and easy to make: This

blend is made up of kitchen herbs that are

antiinflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial. It is

known to be used for colds and flu, to stimulate

sweating, to relieve bronchial congestion, and

overall a boost for the immune system to help fight

off bacteria and viruses. See recipe near the end of

this doc

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea/angustifolia):

extract and tea is a well-known and widely used

short-term immune booster. It can strengthen and

clear lymph and helps the body fight viral infections.

Elderberry flowers (Sambucus): are a longstanding

remedy in tea for feverish cold or flu.

Elderberry syrup: is one of our best antivirals. Studies

have proven it prevents the influenza virus from

replicating. 1 Tbsp 4X/day for adults. Can be taken

long term in a single daily dose.

Vitamin C: to reduce oxidative damage after injury;

1,000 - 3,000 mg daily.

Vitamin D & Zinc: are also very important to

supporting a healthy immune system. Current RDA of

Zinc is 8mg for women and 11mg for men. The daily

recommendation of Vit D3 was recently upped to

4000IU/day. To assist recovery from injuries, you

can increase the Vit D3 dose to 10,000 IU/day for a

couple weeks.
16
#5 Herbal Remedies for bumps, bruises, burns, taser,
and handcuff injuries:

Minor Bumps and bruises

Arnica (Arnica montana or A. cordifolia): to reduce

swelling, bruising and pain from an injury. Use

topically as a cream, liniment, or oil. DO NOT put

on cuts or open skin. Great internally as

homeopathic tablets only.

St John's Wort (Hypericum): anti inflammatory,

supporting recovery from blunt trauma, bruises,

sprains, or experiencing numbness or pain. It

stimulates nerve regeneration and repair and helps

heal wounds. Use as a liniment or massage oil

externally. Use with caution in the sunlight. Used

internally this herb may cause photo-

sensitivity. Fresh extract internally, 5-25 drops

and then add 10 drops every 10 minutes until the

pain subsides. Avoid when taking SSRI

antidepressants.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale): has been used for

generations to aid in the healing of injuries by

stimulating cell growth. (Easley/Horne). Avoid use

on wounds deeper than they are wide, and where

cancer or tumors are present. Apply fresh or dried

leaf as a poultice, compress, or soak. Also as a

salve or oil.(Easley/Horne)

CBD, and if possible, with THC (cannabis): Helpful

for a trauma and and if one needs to rest

comfortably after being injured. Forms: oil, salve,

and internally via extracts or cannabis-infused

honey or foods.

17
 Tinctures of CBD or THC in small doses or THCA

(unheated) extracts can be excellent to have in

your toolbox.

Keep an unheated alcohol extract (liniment) in a

spray bottle for a quickly absorbing topical

application that is also antimicrobial and

antiviral.

A simple oil based extract made from whole

flowers (preferably not distillate) is multi

purpose as it can be taken orally or used

topically. This is preferable if there are

abrasions that would be irritated by alcohol.

You can also make tea in water and use it as a

soak or wash for bruises or sore muscles. A few

drops of oil in a warm bath with Epsom salts is

also really soothing, especially mixed with some

other herb oils or essences.

To soothe the eyes: Cooled chamomile tea bags or

placed in a bandage.

Handcuff injuries:
Handcuffs may cause damage to the nerves in the

wrists, causing numbness, tingling and weakness in the

hands. The sooner you are treated, the better for your

recovery. Handcuff injuries can be very sensitive so you

may have to be extremely gentle and patient, gently

massaging oils into the affected and nearby regions

over a long period of time. The numbness can be long

term and become a serious problem if left untreated or

undertreated. Herbal medicines shine here!

Ice is debated as the most beneficial for

immediate aftercare. Certain injuries do better

with heat. Some do better with hot and cold

contrast therapy. Rest your injuries as much as

possible. 18
 Arnica salve, liniment, or cream - best immediate

after.

St. John's Wort oil: (See above)

CBD and if possible, with THC (cannabis): See

‘Bumps, Bruises’. Mixes well with St John's Wort.

Heracleum (Cow Parsnip): Clinical herbalists in the

Lower 48 successfully use the root or seed tincture

topically for stimulating the nerve bundles to

regenerate.

Burns
Canisters fired into crowds are at high velocity and can

be very hot, which can cause second-degree/partial

thickness burns from extended exposure. Burns could be

caused by tasers as well.

Lavender essential oil (EO): is versatile and great

for burns, blisters, bug bites, rashes, wound care

and is one of the only essential oils that you can

use directly on your skin. It is antiseptic. A couple

drops goes a long way.

Honey (raw or organic): Soothes inflamed skin,

relieves pain, brings moisture to the area and

stimulates skin regeneration. Its antibacterial

properties decrease the chance of infection.

Aloe Vera: Especially great for minor sunburn. Add

Lavender essential oil for an extra boost.

19
 Taser Injuries
This weapon delivers volts of electricity that overrides

your central nervous system causing it to curl up,

clenching all muscles. It takes control of a person's

body away from them while simultaneously delivering a

lot of pain. There is often a superficial skin injury with

possible surface burns. Some tasers shoot a pair of

metal barbs into the skin, attached to the base unit

with small coiled wires. It may be useful to learn how to

remove the barbs.

A National Institute of Justice Study found that the

use of Taser-type weapons was implicated in the
death of 200 individuals. Find out how many stuns
were used in the incident and for how long.
Increased risk for complications are found with a
cumulative use of over 15 seconds. Discover as much
as you can about the individual’s health history.
Conditions that put a person more at risk include
cardiac disease, pregnancy, and extreme mental
states. People with these conditions may need
monitoring and/or follow-up medical care.

Before making contact with the patient, be sure

the taser device is no longer active. Wear gloves

and snap the wires if still attached. They probably

won’t be if the person is in your care. The

disconnected barbs themselves cannot deliver a

shock.

20
 Expose the two or more barbs attached to the skin

and determine if any vital areas are affected.

Special concern is needed if the barb entry is near

an eye, on the face or neck, or in the breast,

armpit or genital areas. Place your hand on the

person’s skin at least 4 inches away from the barb

- you want to avoid raking your hand with the barb

as it comes out. Next, grasp the dart between your

thumb and index finger and pull directly up from

the skin surface. This will minimize any further skin

damage. Carefully place the dart in a standard

sharps container or other well marked hard sided

container and dispose of, or consider keeping for

evidence.

Treat the wounds. Wash with regular soap and

water, use an herbal salve or lavender essential

oil, and cover with a bandaid. Repeat a couple

times a day until healed. Monitor for infection.

Holistic Treatment for Taser

Electrolytes are key! See the description above to

see their importance here.

Nettles: tea is nourishing with a high mineral

content, and key for acetylcholine balance.

Acetylcholine is a compound that occurs

throughout the nervous system, a chemical

messenger released by nerve cells to send signals

to other cells, such as neurons, muscle cells and

gland cells. (See more about the nourishment of

Nettles, listed above).

21
 Magnesium: The average person is deficient in

magnesium. It is extremely important for so many

processes in our bodies. It can help address

sluggish digestion, impaired sleep quality, restless

leg syndrome, grinding your teeth, muscle spasms,

and chronic muscle stiffness and tension. Dosage

per directions on the bottle but be consistent

Nervines: See nervous system

Adaptogens: See nervous system

Consider injuries from falls that might cause non-

visible internal bruising

Epsom Salt Bath

Massage & Acupuncture

#6 Nourish Your Nervous System: anxiety, trauma,

depression, & insomnia:
The physical and emotional effects of intense

emergency situations may stick around in our bodies

long after the actual events have ended. This can show

up as disturbed sleep, nightmares, anxiety, agitation,

and depression.

Sleep: Did we mention adequate sleep yet? Your

body’s best way to heal.

Breathwork can have profoundly calming effects

immediately. Anytime you want to hack your vagus

nerve to reduce the fight-flight-or-freeze stress or

improve decision-making, take two minutes (right

now!) to do 10 rounds of breathing: 4 seconds

inhaling, 8 seconds exhaling.

22
 Acupuncture for addressing anxiety and post

traumatic stress, to detox, respiratory support, help

your eyes heal after chem weapons, balance

menstruation, bring your body back into balance and

more.

Plant remedies: The following mix well together.

Nettles (Urtica dioica): is an ideal all-around herb

with high iron and mineral content and supportive of

many body functions. Anti-inflammatory, anti-

allergenic properties. It increases oxygen transport

in your blood, calms you down and supports your

body in returning to its regular, strong self. 1-4 cups

of tea daily. Extract 15-30 drops 3x daily.

Concentrated Nettle Extract made by Herbs, Etc.

called "Chlor-Oxygen" is handy to carry in the

streets. One drop in a quart of water.

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): Soothes nerves, for

irritation, anger, and chronic stress. Helps calm brain

function and inability to pay attention; For

oversensitivity to stimulation and may be twitchy

even in sleep. (Easley) It is helpful for insomnia.

Fresh tincture 10-25 drops, 2-3 times/day. hot tea 3-

4 cups daily.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): “makes the heart

merry” and is easily cultivated. It elevates the mood,

soothes the digestive tract, relieves body tension,

strengthens and tonifies the nervous system including

memory, and can be helpful for panic attacks that

are fear/terror based. 5- 20 drops of tincture 2 – 5 x

day or 2 – 3 cups daily.

23
 Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): soothes the

nerves and digestion stomach. Great for children. 2-

3 cups of tea a day. 25-30 drops 1 - 4x daily.

Whole milky oats (Avena sativa/Avena fatua): is an

excellent nerve food for a depleted mental and

physical exhaustion with irritability and lack of focus.

(Easley/Horne). Use cautiously with gluten sensitivity

or allergy. Fresh extract 10-30 drops 3x daily; 1 - 4

cups of tea daily.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): If you can’t fall

asleep because your mind keeps running,

passionflower has your back! Also for treating

anxiety, headache, and muscular/nerve pain. Fresh

extract 30-40 drops before bed or 3x daily; 2 cups

per day.

Lavender essential oil for panic attacks, depression.

Keep a bottle handy to smell throughout the day. 3

drops in your diffuser or bath. Diffusers can be found

at big box stores like Ross or Marshalls for $10.

Adaptogens:
Adaptogens increase our body’s resistance to physical,

biological, emotional and environmental stressors. They

provide a defense response to acute or chronic stress,

restore the balance of the endocrine system, and

modulate the immune and nervous systems, helping us

become more resilient (Winston). The repeated rush of

adrenalin from confronting police brutality and the

resulting emotions of grief, anger, and fear can

severely tax our adrenal glands resulting in deep

fatigue and exhaustion. 24

Holy Basil/Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum): An important

Ayurvedic herb used in India for the mind and nervous

system. It lifts the spirits while increasing clarity of

thought and dispelling depression. Addresses chronic

stress, protects the heart, lowers blood pressure and

cholesterol, enhances digestion. It is also for

protection. Infusion, 3x daily. Extract 30-50 drops 3x

daily. Pairs nicely with rose petals

Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum): An important

Ayurvedic herb and one of the best tonic remedies of

India for anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and poor

muscle tone. It “gives the virility of a horse” and can

help you have deeper, more restful sleep. 1 tsp

powder decocted in your milk of your choice and a

little honey before bed. 40-80 drops 3x daily. Avoid

this plant if you are sensitive to plants in the

nightshade family, do not use the powder if you have

excess iron, or if you have hyperthyroid disease.

Caution with barbiturates and thyroid hormones.

(Winston)

Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum): This

mushroom has a long history of use in Chinese

medicine demonstrating immune-enhancing effects,

for anxiety, insomnia, bad dreams, moodiness and as

a general health tonic. Decoction, 3 cups of tea

daily.

Licorice root: See demulcents.

25
Flower essences:
These remedies work on an energetic level and can be

profoundly healing. Flower essences are super safe,

super sustainable, work well in stressful situations and

long after a traumatic event. They are a great option if

you are sensitive to herbs or are taking multiple

medications. You can make your own or purchase at

your local herb store or online: Alaskan Flower

Essences, Desert Alchemy, Bach, and Flower Essence

Society.

Five-Flower Formula or Rescue Remedy: for overall

recovery from shock & trauma, especially for

immediate use.

Red Clover: for self-aware behavior, calm & steady

presence, especially in emergency situations. (good

for mass hysteria/easily influenced by panic)

Coral bean and Gold: specifically indicated post

traumatic stress.

Gold Alaska Essence: for personal power; post

traumatic stress, holding back.

Elm: "psychological smelling salts", temporary

conditions. Gives strength to the strong in moments

of weakness.

Oak: Chronic conditions. Overachievers, overworked,

extreme inner pressure.

Olive: no reserves left, deep inner tiredness, physical

and mental fatigue

26
 Aspen: best remedy for developing courage.

Pink Yarrow: earth upheaval, climate

crisis/apocalypse fears. Supports to the open,

protected heart

Nasturtium: "professor syndrome", over-

intellectualizing; Moves intellect out of head and

into heart.

Hornbeam: clears the head, stiffens the spine.

Weariness and exhaustion in the Mind.

#7 Herbal Preparations and Recipes

Medicinal Teas: The difference between a cuppa tea

and a cup of Medicine is all in the steeping. Teas are

affordable and effective.

Infusion: (for leaves, flowers, stems): Put 4

Tablespoons of dried herb in a quart mason jar. Place

a metal utensil in there to conduct the heat and

prevent the glass from shattering. Fill with boiled

water, then cap and let the tea steep for a minimum

of 40 minutes or 4-8 hours (less if the need is

urgent). Strain, keep in the refrigerator for up to 3

days. Drink hot or cold. The key word is steep. Do not

boil leaves, flowers and stems.

Cold Infusion: 15g per 1 liter of cold water - put

herbs in a jar, fill with cold water, shake and let

steep for 4-8 hours or overnight. Strain and then

keep in the fridge. Shake every time you serve.

Decoction: (for roots, bark, mushrooms): Put a few

handfuls of the medicine in your crock-pot or medium

sized pot with water. After bringing to a boil let

simmer, covered, for 4 - 8 hours. Store in the fridge

and drink it hot or cold. Should keep for 3 days.

27
Infused Oils:

Fill a jar with dried plant material leaving 1-2 inches at

the top. Fill with oil of your choosing (olive, grapeseed,

sunflower etc). Shake daily and let sit for 2-4 weeks.

Do not pack the herbs in the jar but do keep them

beneath the oil. Strain, toss plant matter, label and

store in a sterile bottle in a cool, dark place.

Liniment:

Fill a clean pint jar 3/4 full with your herb mixture.

Cover completely with vodka or witch hazel extract.

Shake and then top off with more of the solvent. Check

after 48 hours to see if more solvent is needed as the

herbs absorb and swell. Allow to infuse for 3-4 weeks,

shaking regularly.

Fire Cider:

MASHH Clinic Fire Cider

2 bulbs garlic, 6 in fresh ginger root, 6 in fresh

horseradish root, 12 cayenne (red pepper) pods, 1 head

parsley, 1 onion, 2 cups fresh or dried rosehips. Chop

everything up or grate it, soak for 2 weeks in 1/2 gallon

apple cider vinegar, shake daily. Strain, press, and

add: juice 1 lemon, about 1/2 cup vegetable glycerine

or raw honey if preferred. Bottle in sterilized glass

bottles, label and tell all viruses to take a hike!

28
 MASHH Clinic Collective’s Concentrated
Electrolyte Rehydration Formula

For groups (approximately 4-5 gallons or a large sports

beverage dispenser):

Ideally infuse the tea the night before (& clearly label

date/time) so that the herbs infuse overnight and hot

fluids have time to cool down. If you solar infuse, do it

the day before you need it.

Tea:

1 part each of any of the following: Hibiscus, Tulsi,

Peppermint, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Lemongrass

½ part of Spearmint

¼ Lavender (optional)

¼ Rosehips (add towards the end or you destroy

their medicinal Vit C properties.

Mix with a little warm water or tea to melt the sugar

and salt:

2c sugar (Note that honey is heating so won’t cool

people down.)

1c mineral-rich sea salt (table salt not

recommended.)

About 1 QUART fresh lemon juice, or 10-12 fresh

squeezed lemons. (Can squeeze them yourself or buy

quarts which saves on a lot of time. If you use fresh

lemons be sure to have a machine to juice them.)

1 cup Aloe Vera Juice * NOT Aloe gel! =purgative

(optional)

1 drop peppermint essential oil to 10 ml everclear or

vodka (optional but helpful)

Strain and pour into a 5 gallon vesse

lAdd block ice floating in it’s own container. Ice

keeps it from spoiling in very hot temps over the

course of multiple days.

29
continue..

Dosage is one ounce per 16 oz water.

Be sure to label the dosage VERY CLEARLY or people

will fill their entire water bottle. “JUST A SPLASH” is

all that is needed.

Single Serving

A Tablespoon of an herb or two of your choice: mint,

hibiscus, lemon balm, tulsi

⅛ teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoons sugar

1/2 a lemon (or lime)

Easy-To-Make & Effective Onion Cough Syrup:

Decongestant to lungs, it breaks up and moves mucus.

Soothing. May be important for shortness of breath with

a stuck phlegm. (Rose/Easley) It is good in tea or on

crackers!

1 - 2 onions

Up to 1 pint raw honey

Chop onion finely and place into a pint jar

Fill the jar to the rim with honey.

Stir around edges to release any air that is stuck in

the jar and then fill up the rest of the way with

honey.

Let sit for 3 - 5 days, stirring everyday. Check daily

to make sure that it is not beginning to ferment.

The onion will release a lot of water into the honey

and make it much thinner than it originally was.

You can strain the onion out or leave in and eat the

honeyed onion chunks.

Store in the fridge. Should last about 3 months.

Consume liberally as needed.

30
Chest Packs:
Onion Chest Pack: This really works! For soothing

coughs and breaking up congestion, aids in

circulation, is expectorating, can help you sweat.

Supports breathing and can ease coughing for sleep

so that the body can heal. Onions are especially

great for elderly and children.

Directions: Chop it up and place on the chest as

hot as can be, cover with a rag, a hot water bottle

and towel for 15-30 minutes. Can follow with a

chest rub, menthol salve.

Onion Poultices, Syrups, and Tinctures. Pantry

Medicine

Mustard Chest Pack:

For supporting your body with a cough, cold or

stubborn chest congestion it is super beneficial for

opening and stimulating lungs! Mustard can be

irritating or even burn, so use with caution. That’s

why you mix mustard powder with flour. Search for

how-to videos on youtube for a tutorial.

31
 Resources

Common Kitchen Spices and their Medicinal Qualities

Kitchen Spices printable zine

Mutual Aid:

https://mutualaiddisasterrelief.org/collective-care/

Black Cross Health Collective conducted tests on tear

gas and shared their results on what was and wasn’t

most effective: http://www.blackcrosscollective.org

Rosehip Medic Collective, great resources for chemical

weapons exposure and street medics:

http://www.rosehipmedics.org/

How to Treat Pepper Spray and Tear Gas in the street.

Video tutorial

United Plant Savers tracks endangered and at-risk

herbs

Books:

“A Family Herbal” by Rosemary Gladstar

“The Herbal Kitchen” by Kami McBride

“The Modern Herbal Dispensatory; A Medicine-

Making Guide” by Easley, Horne

“Under Pressure; Herbs for Resilience” by Janet Kent

and Roger Peet

The Prisoner’s Herbal by Nicole Rose.

Find a Street Medic, Wilderness First Aid Responder,

Basic Life Support class near you

32
 Compiled by herbalists, street medics,
herbal first aid specialists and educators:

Dixie Pauline, Grassroots Apothecary, MASHH;

Greta Montagne, Gentle Strength Botanicals, MASHH;

Dana Aronson, Wild Kin Botanicals;

Ingrid Bauer, MD, Five Flavors Herbs;

Jocelyn Laurel Pena, Paramedic, Blackcap Medical

Collective, MASHH.

Spring 2020

Questions about this document:

MASHHclinic@gmail.com, dixiepauline@gmail.com

Please share this document freely, give credit, and we

ask respectfully that you do not use for profit.

Thank you!

33