A nifty little guide to the wild-side of aspirin
Have ever gotten stuck in the woods with a pounding headache or had a nasty sprain, but did not have anything to relieve the pain? Believe it or not, there is a way you can take care of these issues without ending your jaunt in the wilderness early and running to your local pharmacy. The key is in part of a tree and Survivalists Outfitter has the answer.
Bark up the right tree
The solution to making your own aspirin is getting the right type of bark. Trees with the right elements are listed below:
· Quaking, trembling or American aspen (also known as poplar trees)
· Bigtooth aspen
· White willow/European willow
· Black willow/pussy willow
· Crack willow
· Weeping willow
· Purple willow
Weeping Willow
All of these trees contain salicin. This is the main ingredient that is used to treat aches and pains, just like in the store-bought, synthetic version, acetylsalicylic acid or ‘aspirin.’
How to harvest salicin
To turn salicin into what we know as aspirin, here are the quick and easy steps:
1. Break a small branch off of a willow or aspen tree.
2. Using a knife, peel off the woody, outer layer of bark.
3. Scrape or peel fragments of the inner bark that are small enough to chew
4. Chew the fresh inner bark and swallow the liquid. If you would rather dilute the bitter taste, simmer 2 teaspoons of inner bark in a cup of water and let cool. Strain the inner bark and enjoy.
Bark shavings photo courtesy of survivaltopics.com
Whether it is in tea form or straight inner bark, salicin can be consumed up to four times daily.
Have any questions about today’s blog? If so, let us know!
Keep informed and stay healthy!
~Charlene Marie
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