Taking herbs while camping is a great way to practice preventative health and enjoy the wonderful aroma and flavor of these herbs as well.
How?
Plants in camping meals
First, using herbs in meals and also adding fresh vegetables or berries that you can find at a local farmer's market while camping.
Aren't those farm markets just the best to discover? There was a small farm stand near the camp where we stayed with fresh tomatoes and plums that operated on the honor system. Simply place your money in the metal box and receive your product.
Fresh mint is a nice addition to your drinks and garlic is great added to egg dishes for breakfast or dinner.
Dinner one night was jambalaya, a delicious Cajun rice dish with tomatoes and rich herbs.
A vegan sausage was added for protein along with sautéed onions, green peppers and mushrooms. This dish has a combination of garlic, paprika, dried thyme, oregano and basil along with some cayenne pepper.
The other night I made a coconut Thai noodle dish. Most of the ingredients didn't have to be kept cold, which made it nice for camping. The herbs used were curry, garlic and a small pinch of ginger. A fresh squeeze of lime and a few spoonfuls of soy sauce enhanced the taste. Yum!
Herbs for first aid
Second, herbs are also great for camping first aid.
Essential oils are handy to take and come in small containers. My favorites are peppermint, lavender, tea tree, oil of oregano, and wintergreen.
Lavender is good for insect bites, sunburn relief and relaxing the nervous system.
I like it too mint ohl for its cooling effects on sunburns or insect bites. Cools the sting and reduces inflammation.
Tea Tree Oil is another good essential oil for bites and stings.
Oregano oil is a natural antibiotic, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory, so it's good for a variety of uses like bug bites and camping pains. Do not use for sunburn as it is a hot oil.
I have been paddling quite a bit in various beautiful bays while camping and straining my lower back. Wintergreen essential oil is considered a natural analgesic as it helps relieve pain when applied topically.
Remember to always dilute essential oils in a cream or carrier oil like sweet almond oil before use. Lavender can be used neat or directly on the skin.
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