Top 3 Medicines Found in Nature

Nature is cool and scenic and also packed with medicinal plants that help heal and restore. Here are the top 3 found in the forest.

1. Willow Tree (The Forest’s “Aspirin”)

Found worldwide, particularly along water sources (wetlands, streams, and damp parts of the woods), many species of Willow contain salicin in their leaves, bark, and roots.

Centuries before it was chemically synthesized by the Bayer Company, Indigenous peoples across North America chewed on small twigs or brewed a tea from the bark to treat:

• Fever reduction
• Pain relief (headaches, muscular pain, and arthritic conditions)

How it works: Salicin is the natural precursor to acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin).

2. Elderberry (The Forest’s “Cold and Flu Fighter”)

This large shrub or small tree often grows on the edge of the forest or in open, sunny clearings. It is recognizable by its clusters of white flowers in early summer and its heavy, drooping bunches of dark purple-to-black berries in late summer.

Warning: Only the flowers and the fully ripe, cooked berries are safe to consume. The bark, leaves, roots, and unripe berries can be toxic.

The berries, used in syrups and teas, are celebrated for their:

• Immune-system support (reducing the duration and severity of the common cold and flu)

How it works: Elderberry is exceptionally high in antioxidants and has powerful antiviral properties.

3. Witch Hazel (The Forest’s “First-Aid Kit”)

This understory shrub or small tree thrives on the woodland edge, preferring damp but well-drained slopes. It is unique because it blooms in the fall or winter with unusual, wispy yellow flowers.

Witch Hazel is an excellent environmental medicine that is applied topically. A decoction made from steeping the bark or leaves has powerful astringent properties. It is used for:

• Soothing skin irritations (insect bites, poison ivy rash, or minor scrapes)
• Reducing inflammation and stopping minor bleeding (hemorrhoids, varicose veins, or fresh wounds)

How it works: Witch Hazel contains high concentrations of tannins, which cause skin and blood vessels to constrict, effectively reducing inflammation and bleeding.

Liquid Forms & Uses

Plant	Common Liquid Form	Primary Uses
Willow Bark	Liquid Extract / Tincture	Often used as a natural alternative to aspirin for headaches and minor aches.
Elderberry	Syrup / Liquid Drops	Popular for boosting the immune system and managing cold/flu symptoms.
Witch Hazel	Astringent / Toner	Primarily used topically to soothe skin irritation, reduce inflammation, or as a facial toner.

A Few Suggestions

• Willow Bark: Brands like Herb Pharm or Horbaach offer alcohol-free liquid extracts that you can mix into water or juice.
• Elderberry: You’ll find many “immune support” syrups (like Sambucol or Garden of Life) that are actually quite tasty.
• Witch Hazel: This is almost always sold as a clear liquid (like Dickinson’s or Thayers) in the skincare aisle.

Nature super healing!