Aspirin, for instance, which is now produced synthetically, was once merely salicylic acid derived from white willow tree bark. So there you are, on the second day of your backpacking adventure, trying to enjoy the phenomenal views from the 12,000-foot meadow you stand in. Unfortunately, your back is cramping from carrying too much weight, and your stomach hates you for the three energy bars you inhaled an hour ago. You put down your pack and start heading up an inviting little knoll to relax a bit. Just as you reach the top, you slip and tumble down the slope, scraping your arms and legs.
Life can be rough like that sometimes.
If you learned a bit about mountain medicine you would know to look for an astringent like yarrow, betony, or bistort, to stop the blood from oozing out of your abrasions. Betony, made into a tea, could serve as an astringent, cleaning out your scrapes and, taken internally, could ease the tension in your achy back. A strong, bitter tea made from the root or herb of gentian could also help soothe your stomach. You'll get to discover first hand the potential of natural medicine. Many medicinal plants could save you when nature decides to throw you for a loop.