The Role of Medical Botany in First Aid

Authored By: Camilla Gaudio

Art By: Julia Chen

In remote settings where supplies may be scarce, plant-based approaches have long played a crucial role in medicine. Medical botany offers valuable insights into treatments for common wilderness injuries such as wounds, burns, and infections. Aspirin, an everyday painkiller, traces its roots back to Hippocrates’ use of willow bark (Salix alba) containing anti-inflammatory compounds. Another example includes black birch bark (Betula lenta), which has been used as a source of wintergreen essential oil for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Research has shown that plant-derived bioactive compounds can promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection. Many pharmaceutical drugs trace their origins back to plant-based compounds, illustrating the long-standing and intertwined relationship between traditional remedies and modern medicine.

Willow bark (Salix alba), a natural source of the pain-relieving compound salicin, played a key role in the development of modern aspirin. In 1897, chemist Felix Hoffmann modified salicin to create acetylsalicylic acid—the active ingredient in aspirin. In addition to salicin, willow bark contains flavonoids and polyphenols, compounds known for their antioxidant, antiseptic, and immune-supporting properties [1]. Similarly, black birch bark (Betula lenta) has historically been used as a source of wintergreen essential oil, which contains methyl salicylate—another compound with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Crushing a leaf or scraping bark from the black birch releases a distinct wintergreen scent, familiar from over-the-counter creams like “Icy Hot” that ease muscle pain by creating a cooling then warming sensation [3].

In addition to pain relief, several medicinal plants offer effective wound-healing and antimicrobial benefits, making them valuable in the absence of modern antiseptics or antibiotics. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), long used to control bleeding and fight infection, contains compounds that promote blood clotting and have demonstrated strong antimicrobial effects [6][7]. Crushed yarrow leaves can be applied directly to wounds to reduce bleeding and minimize the risk of infection. Plantain (Plantago major), another widely used medicinal plant, accelerates tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation, making it effective for treating scrapes, insect bites, and minor cuts [8]. When mashed into a paste, its leaves can be applied directly to injuries in a wilderness setting.

Soothing agents for skin irritation and burns also have botanical origins. The gel from the Aloe vera plant, native to South Africa, is a well-known remedy for minor burns and skin irritations. Although composed mostly of water, the gel contains glycoproteins and polysaccharides that reduce inflammation and speed up healing. Furthermore, clinical studies have shown that patients treated with aloe vera gel healed nearly nine days faster than those who did not receive the treatment [5]. Unlike many topical creams or gels that may require additives or preservatives, aloe offers a pure and immediate solution directly from the plant.These plant-based treatments offer solutions that are both time-tested and supported by modern research. Additionally, many plants offer a complex mix of bioactive compounds that work synergistically—potentially enhancing their therapeutic effects and minimizing side effects.

It is important to note, however, that while medicinal plants can be effective, incorrect identification or dosage may result in adverse effects. For instance, an overdose of salicylates found in willow bark or black birch can cause gastrointestinal irritation or allergic reactions. This highlights the importance of education and proper guidance when using natural remedies. Carrying a field guide to medicinal plants is one way to gain a better understanding of safe identification and usage, especially during hikes or backcountry excursions.

Medical botany not only provides practical first aid solutions in the wilderness but also continues to inspire modern pharmaceutical innovation. Understanding and respecting these natural remedies can empower individuals in emergency scenarios and contribute to the broader development of sustainable, plant-based medicine.

References

1. Mount Sinai. (n.d.). Willow bark. Mount Sinai. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/willow-bark#:~:text=The%20bark%20of%20white%20willow,inflammatory%20effects%20of%20the%20herb

2. Vane, J. R., & Botting, R. M. (2003). The mechanism of action of aspirin. Thrombosis Research, 110(5–6), 255–258. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1894700/

3. Mount Sinai. (n.d.). Methyl salicylate overdose. Mount Sinai. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/poison/methyl-salicylate-overdose

4. Yale School of the Environment. (n.d.). Black birch. Yale Nature Walk. https://naturewalk.yale.edu/trees/betulaceae/betula-lenta/black-birch-66#:~:text=Black%20birch%20has%20many%20commercial,wood%20of%20the%20black%20birch

5. Mount Sinai. (n.d.). Aloe. Mount Sinai. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/aloe#:~:text=In%20a%20review%20of%20the,that%20aloe%20actually%20delayed%20healing 

6. Mount Sinai. (n.d.). Yarrow. Mount Sinai. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/yarrow

7. Benedek, B., Kopp, B., & Melzig, M. F. (2007). Achillea millefolium L. s.l.–Is the anti-inflammatory activity mediated by protease inhibition? Pharmaceutical Biology, 45(7), 518–524. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3232110/

8. Samarghandian, S., Borji, A., Farkhondeh, T. (2015). Evaluation of Plantago major extract on wound healing in rats. International Journal of Surgery, 13, 39–45. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26455401/