Helping Families Learn Homesteading and Self-Sufficient Living
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Many people are unaware of the plethora of wild food and medicine that exists just in their backyard. There are still folks who classify dandelions as “weeds” and kill them at every turn. I have never understood why someone would want to take away the beauty this flower offers, but I haven’t always understood its value as food and medicine.
A simple walk through the Boreal forest illuminates the various flora and fauna who reside there. If you know what to look for, you will be able to harness the power of some of these wild plants to boost your health and remedy illness. In a time where pharmaceuticals are endless, it is important to remember the ways to make medicine from the plants that surround you. These 20 foraging plants are a great place to start and can all be found in the boreal forest and beyond.
It is unsafe to harvest plants, and especially mushrooms, if you aren’t absolutely sure. To prevent any unsafe mix ups, I use a guide on Alaska’s wilderness medicine and a separate guide on mushrooms. That way if I stumble upon something questionable, I am able to reference the experts.
Learning to work with the natural world to stay healthy provides immense connection. There is maybe no greater way to live a simple life than to grow or gather your own food. There are no crazy additives or fillers in the food from a forest. Just simple, clean food as nature intended.
There was once a time that it was common knowledge to know the medicinal plants around you. If there was an ailment beyond your scope, a doctor or healer, who specialized in medicine, would usually know what to use. Today this skill is lost except among those who still practice wildcrafting. Wildcrafting is the practice of harvesting herbs and plants from a natural environment to use for food or medicine.
There is a movement taking place that celebrates wildcrafting. It is leading to a shift in our desire to learn more about the natural world around us. People are moving towards natural methods of healing and eating. The desire to learn how to make medicine from the natural world is stronger now and it grows more every year.
It is important for humans to remember these lost skills so they are not forgotten completely. Wild-crafted medicine is beneficial to our bodies. Herbs and plants concocted in just the right methods work wonders for healing but also for prevention, which is the key to good health. When your body is healthy and you can make your own medicine, you consequently won’t have to rely on a doctor as much.
In this guide, we’ll explore 20 great beginner plants to get you started on your journey with wild medicine.
Gathering plants for medicine heals you twice. The first time is when you are walking through the forest. Nature therapy and fresh air are just as good as medicine. The second time is when you consume the medicine you’ve crafted from the forest. From trees and shrubs, to berries and mushrooms, these 20 plants are sure to give you a good place to start.
Spruce is used in several ways to heal different ailments. It packs a heavy punch of Vitamin C which is perfect in the Winter. The wonderful thing about Spruce trees is that they are an Evergreen tree and do not lose their needles once it is cold. This makes them perfect for Winter Foraging.
Spruce is antimicrobial against fungi and bacteria. Steeping their needles in water creates a wonderful tea that is perfect for the common cold or flu. Spruce “gum” or the resin can be used as a lozenge for cough and sore throat. It is also used as an antiseptic on wounds.
Most willows have been used as medicine for a very long time. The inner bark contains Salicin, the ingredient used to develop Aspirin in the 1800’s. It is especially helpful for headaches, colds, and fevers. You can make Willow Bark Aspirin that is comparable to the over the counter medicine, minus the other harmful ingredients.
Most parts of the Birch tree are medicinal and this makes them a wonderful beginner plant. The fresh smell of a Birch tree is divine. The twigs, leaves, and catkins can all be used to make a Vitamin C rich tea which is perfect in the Winter. Birch also contains a pain relieving compound , and similarly to the Willow has traditionally been used to treat pain. Birch syrup is still a luxury used in treating cough and colds. It is very important to learn ways of harvesting that do not harm the tree.
Also known as Black Cottonwood, this tree has a long history in treating lung ailments and skin problems. The buds are used internally to treat cough. They are used externally to treat inflammation and sprains. The bark can be ingested to soothe menstrual pain. It has long been used to treat rheumatism and scurvy. Harvest the fresh buds in early spring to make a salve, which is called Balm of Gilead, to treat sore muscles from summer work.
Highbush cranberry is found in dense thickets and moist or swampy forests. Also known as “cramp bark,” the name speaks for itself. Because it is antispasmodic, it acts as a muscle relaxant. A tea from the bark eases menstrual cramps and stomach troubles. The leaves are used in treating sore throats. It is one of the easiest shrubs to find here in Alaska and grows in abundance in many places.
One of our personal favorites in my home are Wild Roses. These gorgeous flowers bloom in the Summer and offer the most beautiful sights across the Boreal landscape. The leaves are traditionally used in salads and teas and the rose hips left behind after the flower disappears are very high in Vitamins A and C. Steeping rose hips in hot water makes a delicious floral tea that eases coughs and colds.
This beautiful flowering shrub grows well in the swampy thickets among Black Spruce trees. Labrador tea has long been used as a tea to help ease sore throat, chest congestion, coughs, and other respiratory ailments. The leaves and flowering shoots are edible and medicinal.
What better beginner’s plant to forage than Blueberry? It is easily identifiable and most people already know the flavor profile. Blueberry leaves pack more of an antioxidant punch than the berries do and so blueberry leaf tea is a great way to fight free radical damage. Between the berries and leaves, there are many uses such as treating neurodegenerative diseases and fighting inflammation. It is also beneficial in fighting Urinary Tract Infections.
These edible and medicinal berries are used in a variety of ways. Tea from the leaves is beneficial in treating colds. Tea from the berries treats kidney problems. Just simply chewing the leaves provides relief from a sore throat and eating the berries helps an upset stomach. Lingonberries are a popular cuisine among Alaskans and other countries in the far north such as Scandinavia. The berries are prepared into a jam to enjoy long after they disappear for Winter.
Another great beginner’s plant to forage and one of our personal favorites is Dandelion. They are hard to miss and grow in abundance almost anywhere that plants can grow. Dandelion is nature’s nutritional powerhouse with vitamins A, B, C, and D as well as potassium, iron, and zinc. Every part of the dandelion is useful: the flowers, roots, and leaves.
It is traditionally used to treat kidney and digestion issues. The leaves make a lovely addition to salads and the flowers make delicious jelly that tastes similar to honey. Traditional Chinese medicine uses dandelion for breast milk production.
Yarrow has its roots in European folk medicine. It is particularly beneficial in treating wounds and minor bleeding. A poultice made of this herb speeds wound recovery times and eases inflammation. The flowers, stems, and leaves are all used to make medicine. It is powerful for fighting infections and reducing bleeding. The beautiful blooms of Yarrow can be found between June to September in a Boreal forest.
This versatile herb can be found in a variety of places and grows abundant in the Boreal forest. The leaves are used in a tea to treat coughing and respiratory issues like Bronchitis. The leaves can also be crafted into a poultice to treat blisters, sores, burns, and insect stings, and inflamed skin. Similar to Yarrow, Plantain is also great for wound healing applications.
Red Clover has been studied for it’s many benefits in menopausal women. The isoflavones that it contains are similar in structure to Estrogen and offer numerous medical benefits. They have been shown to reduce hot flashes and also blood cholesterol levels. Other studies have shown the benefits of Red Clover for bone structure in menopausal women. Besides being medically beneficial, the tea made of Clover is wonderfully aromatic.
Fireweed is best to collect right after it begins blooming. You can harvest from where the leaves begin on the stem and up. Boiling this plant makes a tea that is beneficial for digestion, lung, and bronchial ailments. Fireweed is rich in magnesium, manganese, vitamin B6, niacin, folate, calcium, and vitamin A. Because of the high level of antioxidants, this herb is great for the circulatory, immune, and digestive system.
This herb is one of our Summer favorites because of its surprising burst of pineapple flavor. It is a powerful herb used for identical purposes as cultivated chamomile. Wild chamomile is perfect for relaxation and digestion. It can be used to treat fevers and relieve pain. The tea from chamomile is perfectly enjoyed after meals to aid in digestion and in the evenings to promote restful sleep.
One of the most abundant mushrooms and one you can find in any season are Birch Polypores. They naturally grow only on Birch trees. There is a long surviving history of humans using these mushrooms. They are incredibly useful in treating intestinal parasites. It has long been used as a tonic for the immune system and an antiseptic to treat wounds. It has antiviral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties.
Chaga is the gold mine of mushrooms in Northern climates. It is the one that everyone seeks to find growing on the bark of Birch trees. Chaga has been used for centuries to boost immunity and health overall. You can usually find it ground into powder and used in teas.
Its health benefits are so potent that you can find this mushroom over the counter in a health food store. The modern uses of Chaga include fighting inflammation, immunity booster, aids in preventing and fighting cancer, and helps to lower blood sugar and cholesterol.
If you are lucky enough to find this gem in a Boreal Forest, then thank your lucky stars. Finding Chaga has been my biggest challenge as one who wildcrafts medicine.
Arriving in early Spring, Morels boasts a pleasant taste sought after by wild food enthusiasts. They contain pleasant flavor and medicinal value, so consequently they’ve been used as traditional medicine for centuries. Modern research has demonstrated their medically potent qualities to back it up.
They contain some of the highest levels of Vitamin D among all the edible mushrooms. Morels are high in antioxidants and have been used to treat tumors. It has been identified that Morels are exceptionally great for our livers, helping to relieve our bodies of toxins and free radicals that cause heart disease, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease.
The most common way to ingest Morels is to simply cook them into your favorite meals, but a tea can also be prepared to enjoy its benefits. It is important to cook Morels before consuming as they contain a small amount of toxins that can be harmful if eaten raw in large quantities.
These tasty mushrooms love moist areas, and can usually be found after a nice rainfall. They love to hide around creeks and other moist areas. Just like many other mushrooms, Chanterelles are anti-inflammatory and help lower the risk of cancer. They contain plenty of chitin and chitosan, polysaccharides that help protect cells from damage and stimulate new cell production.
The most common form of ingesting Chanterelle is to simply eat them with your favorite dishes. A sautee of buttery Chanterelles is some of the finest food you can consume. A tea can also be made from dried Chanterelles and consumed for its wonderfully beneficial qualities.
Another tasty mushroom sought after by wild food eaters is the Oyster mushroom. It can be identified by its gills that run all the way from the top of the mushroom and down the stem.
It has been traditionally used for treating high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, and certain infections.
Just like Chanterelle, the Oyster mushroom makes a lovely sautee in butter. Tea is another powerful way to consume this mushroom when it is dried.
Mushroom teas pack a powerful punch. Teas made from various dried mushrooms are popular in use as tonics for immune and overall health.
There are many wild foods to be found in a Boreal forest, especially during the warmer months. Many combine as food and medicine, which works hand in hand with what Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
When you are able to create simple foods and medicines from the forest, your health is taken back into your own hands. Whether you are a beginner with foraging or a master wild crafter of food and medicine, these 20 plants of the Boreal forest hold wonderfully medicinal value and can add flavor and health to your life.
If you are on the path to live simply, by growing and collecting your own food, living seasonally, and traditional skills, then you’ll love these other articles from Borealis Mom:
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Are you planning on visiting the wonderful Golden Heart City of Fairbanks, Alaska and are looking for kid friendly activities? If you are wanting to visit Alaska, chances are that you are an outdoorsy family because outdoor recreation abounds in this beautiful place. Hiking is one of the easiest and cheapest kid friendly outdoor opportunities here. Read on to learn about 5 easy, kid friendly hikes around Fairbanks, Alaska.
Maybe you are planning a visit to Fairbanks or maybe you are already a resident and are looking to get out and explore the trails. This guide will be a great starting point. If you are looking for a more remote experience that still offers an easy trail, Castner Glacier is the place to go. I have an entire Ultimate Guide for driving there from Fairbanks, as well as what gear to pack, and what it is like to actually hike to the cave itself.
The trails I am discussing in this article are based in or right around Fairbanks, Alaska and are easily accessible for anyone.
First up, nestled inside the city itself is the hidden gem, Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary. This nature reserve is preserved by the Wedgewood resort and boasts two beautiful scenic walking trails that connect around a small lake.
These trails are rated as some of the easiest to walk in both the Summer and Winter. The groomed trails are accessible even to the youngest of hikers, no snow shoes needed!
Wedgewood is an excellent place to watch wildlife, especially birds. Wildlife roams abundant through this rich boreal forest. From squirrels, beavers, and moose, there are plenty of chances to catch a glimpse and snap a picture of the wild life thriving here.
The .7 mile Taiga trail heads West of the lake through a forest of Birch trees and White Spruce and towards a large observation deck overlooking the lake.
The Wander Lake Trail wraps around the lake for a scenic 2 mile walk. There is a photography blind to capture pictures of the wildlife like the birds who frequent the lake.
Each season will capture the beauty of Alaska. From Aurora viewing in Winter to enjoying the midnight sun in the Summer. This place will offer one of the easiest hikes around Fairbanks, Alaska without having to leave the city.
Connected to Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary is Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. The former dairy farm operation turned into a wildlife refuge for migrating birds in 1966 and provides 1800 acres of prime wildlife viewing among it’s various trails.
There are a variety of habitats at Creamer’s Field including wetlands, boreal forests, and large grassy fields. Located just off of College Road in Fairbanks, it provides easy access to many acres of beautiful landscape and wildlife.
Enjoy this easy hike on one of its various trails, including the Boreal Forest trail, Seasonal Wetland trail, and Farm Road trail. To gain a better view, you can climb one of the observation towers along the trail and get a bird’s eye view of the fields and forests.
Creamer’s Field has multiple outdoor recreation opportunities so it’s common to see cross country skiers along with dog sled and Skijoring teams. A wonderful place during both Winter and Summer, you don’t want to miss this easy and scenic route, one of the most accessible hikes around Fairbanks, Alaska.
On the edge of town, surrounded by approximately 750 acres of wilderness, is the Tanana Lakes Recreation area. This place is the perfect place to spend the day because it has multiple trails.
There are 3 notable short hikes in this area. Firstly, upon arriving at the park entrance, the Chickadee trail (0.19 miles) and Flicker trail (0.56 miles) are right up front. With quick and easy access, these are great starter trails.
You’ll walk alongside the front of Cushman Lake and enjoy the pleasant sight of birds and other wildlife. There is a mix of White Spruce and Birch along with wild shrubs and plants. Moss and Arctic Roses cover the Spruce forest floor. There are breaks through the trees with spectacular views of the lake.
Secondly, after the first two trails at the front you have Eagle Trail. The Eagle trail is on the back side of Cushman Lake and is 0.66 miles long. This is another short and easy hike to add to the list of kid friendly hikes around Fairbanks, Alaska.
Adjacent to North Pole City Hall is the hidden gem, Beaver Springs Slough Nature Trail. This 0.8 mile trail stretches through the heart of the city. Along its path is Beaver Springs Creek which is abundant in beavers and muskrats. You’ll be surprised at the amount of wildlife to be found right in the center of the city.
The forest surrounding this nature trail is full of paper birch and white spruce trees. Like the other trails, there is lush forest undergrowth consisting of wild roses, fireweed, and other beautiful flowering plants in the Summer.
There are two ways to access this trail. One trail head is adjacent to City Hall. Additionally, the other is located at the 5th Avenue Park. The fact that there is a park at this trail is another beneficial factor to get the kids involved! This is one of my family’s favorites because they get to play at the park when we are done with the hike. There is no better motivation than a park for kids.
This loop trail is located out of North Pole, Alaska at the Chena Lakes Recreation area. There are actually 3 different trails along this loop. Among them, the inner loop is the shortest and is 2.6 miles long. It is an easy trail that follows along the Chena River.
Along the trail are guide signs to let you know that you are on the right track. There are also wooden educational signs that teach about the flora and fauna that live there. Opportunities to see wildlife abound in this area. For example, we once even spotted a lynx while out on this trail!
In addition, the unique location of this trail allows you to view the succession of plants along the river. River Willows give way to the Poplar, Spruce, and Birch trees that make up the Boreal forest that the trail winds through.
This is a perfect trail and by far my family’s favorite of the easier trails. It is not too long or too short, but is just right.
To sum up, you just can’t visit this beautiful city without walking on at least one trail. Most of these that I have listed are short so they are doable during the Winter with proper gear. As a mama who loves to explore and adventure, I understand the usual barriers to hiking with kids. Unless you hike regularly, the trails will need to be short and sweet. There are also bonus points if there is a fun park at the end to play at like the one in the center of North Pole.
My passion for hiking is immense. Consequently, my kids have developed a love for it too. I thoroughly enjoy taking my kids on my adventures with me. I know that we are making memories and they will be cherished forever. It isn’t always easy, but there are ways to find adventure as a mama who loves the outdoors.
Whether you are just visiting or already live in Fairbanks, I hope this guide for easy starter trails will get you in the right direction for the experience of a lifetime. As Werner Herzog put it, “The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot.” Check out Fairbanks from a new perspective on your next visit.
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So you’ve watched a few reality shows about folks living in Alaska and are probably wondering how much of that is true. Having moved here a few years ago from Georgia, there were plenty of questions that I had to move here in order to learn the answer to. I don’t think you should have to live here to figure it out. That is why I am here to tell you about what it’s actually like living in Alaska, at least here in Fairbanks.
To be honest, for most people life is just like anywhere else. Sure, there are nuances. Fairbanks ranks the coldest city in the United States. Alaska in general ranks as the coldest of the 50 states. There is around 20 hours of darkness on the Winter Solstice and 20 hours of daylight on the Summer Solstice.
But overall, things are pretty normal in town. We have our Walmart and Costco. We still live regular lives like families in the lower 48. I’d say that the schools are the same, but the ones here have recess all the way down -20 F.
People commonly ask me about what life is really like up here. I think there are many misconceptions about what Alaska is and is not. I will go through the four most common questions that I am asked to give a glimpse of the Alaskan life.
This is probably one of the coolest parts of living in Alaska but it is definitely one of the hardest to fathom. The first time that I had ever heard of Alaska was in the fourth grade. I was in a new school and my first friend had just moved down to Georgia from Fairbanks, Alaska. She told me about the Northern Lights and she mentioned that there was no sun during the Winter. This intrigued me.
This is location dependent. Where we live in Fairbanks, it does stay pretty dark during the Winter. There is still daylight, but it is limited and usually more like a dusk appearance. This is really just during the month of December around the Winter Solstice.
For the residents of Utqiagvik , the sun will not return for 65 days. Utqiagvik is very far North, as far as you can get before reaching the Arctic Ocean. This is why they lose all daylight for two months of the year.
Summers are the exact opposite with daylight. This is the land of the midnight sun for a reason. Here in Fairbanks, we receive around 20 hours of daylight on the Summer Solstice. In Utqiagvik, the sun does not set for about 2 months. It is very fascinating to walk outside at 2:00 am and it looks as if the sun is just setting.
Alaskans are known to mow their grass or go kayaking in the middle of the night during Summer. The picture below was taken at midnight while out riding ATV’s. This is our time to go, go, go!
Believe it or not, people are often surprised whenever I tell them the temperature in the Summer here. Yes, we definitely have mild Summers compared to my home state of Georgia, but it can still get hot. Deep in the interior, our Summer temperatures can get up into the 90’s. Surprising?
Not everyday is this warm, though. There are certainly a fair share of rainy and cool days. Days where we need a light jacket to be comfortable. Even in Summer, the mornings can be a little chilly with temperatures in the 50’s.
Alaskan Summers are bustling with such beauty and the warm days just add to the perfection. If it were always cold there wouldn’t be the gorgeous wild roses blooming down our favorite forest trails. The berries wouldn’t be so plentiful.
Alaska weather is erratic at best. One day it might be a sunny 90 degree day where you are wearing a swimsuit in the house under fans. The next it might be cloudy and 50 outside. As Alaskans, we brace for it all and enjoy every ounce of warmth the Summers have to offer.
The first thing that detracts people from living in Alaska is the cold in Winter. People have lived here and thrived for thousands of years, even in the Winter. Good Winter gear is the key to being comfortable outside.
Being from South Georgia, we didn’t have a clue about which Winter gear to buy when we arrived. It took research and experience to figure out what works best for each of us. Dressing as a grown adult is different from an infant.
The best practice is always layers. Layers trap in heat but also provide the ability to shed if needed to prevent sweating.
The best investment you can make to stay warm is merino wool. There is a reason that wool has been the cold weather choice for thousands of years. It is quite itchy, which is why we opt for merino wool. It wicks away moisture and stays warm even if it is wet. Merino wool thermal layers and socks are the optimal choice.
Next we put on our regular clothes like pants and a sweater or shirt. For the kids, next year we are going to buy all of them fleece buntings to wear for this layer for ease of getting on and off.
For children, a snowsuit is the way to go. Easy to take on and off, it will save your sanity while getting out of the door and are much warmer as a one piece trapping in all of that heat. But Snow bibs (insulated overalls) do just fine, especially for adults. I’ve worn my pair of Carhartt Women’s Bibs since we’ve been here and have never gotten cold in them. They are durable for the amount of activity I do as well.
Winter jackets up here are made for this type of extreme cold, and you’ll need one to be comfortable. A balaclava and beanie hat are essential for keeping your ears warm. A nice pair of insulated snow mittens will make or break your day.
Spending time outdoors in the extreme cold is doable and can be enjoyable if you dress for it. There are things like hand and foot warmers to help you along. Alaskans have developed the art of getting it just right to be as comfortable as possible during the Winter.
I am going to disappoint you here when I tell you that this is entirely dependent on location and other circumstances. We have a unique situation. According to research, Georgia ranks #5 for low cost of living and Alaska ranks #47 for being extremely expensive. It would make you believe that living in Alaska is much more difficult than living in Georgia. This has been far from the truth in my family’s experience here.
What the chart doesn’t include is the increase in wages that make up for the cost of living. It doesn’t show the endless amount of high paying jobs that make up for all the extra costs. It also doesn’t account for differences in lifestyle.
The reason we moved to Alaska in the first place is because our plans are to buy land and build our own off grid cabin in a remote area of this state. Because we plan to live off grid completely, we don’t mind living partially off grid now, which saves us a tremendous amount in rent. It’s true, the standard rental for a 4 bedroom home here in the city is expensive. We would certainly have a much “easier” life living in one, but the cost would eat into the savings for our dream life. No, thank you. As P.T. Barnum said, “Comfort is the enemy of progress.”
Living in a smaller home, without all of the amenities is a learning experience and great practice for whenever we are fully off grid. We spend less in fuel oil to heat our home and the electricity is minimal.
The only expenses we have that are more expensive living in Alaska than they were in Georgia is the cost of gas and fuel oil in the Winter. There have been times that gas was actually cheaper here than Georgia (my wonderful sister and I keep track), but it usually averages to be more expensive. Costco really mitigates this expense for us though.
Speaking of Costco, I am able to feed my family a much healthier diet here because there are more affordable organic options in the grocery stores. We have always tried to be as frugal and healthy as we can with groceries. As I write this article, certain food staples like eggs and milk are cheaper here than they are for our family in Georgia.
Whenever I am discussing the cost of living here, I am almost always talking about Fairbanks in particular. Alaska is enormous and different towns will have different costs, especially the farther out you go. The cost of milk here in town may cost $4, but can cost $12 in a remote village. The logistics of shipping to those areas increase costs dramatically.
Even when we are off grid, we plan on making our supply runs to Fairbanks as much as possible to save on those increased costs. Gas, fuel oil, and everything else is much more expensive in remote areas.
Depending on who you ask, you’ll probably get mixed answers about the reality of living in Alaska. Everyone’s experience is different. If it were super easy this place would get overcrowded fast because of the breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities. It is as wonderful as it is difficult at times.
This is a place that you either hate or love, with no in between. If you ever get the chance to experience Alaska, you will greatly miss it and long to return. For all of the hardships that Alaskans endure, we stay here. It is worth it to enjoy the many great benefits this state offers.
Alaska is called the last frontier for a reason. If you can survive the challenges, there is no better place in the world to live off grid. There is no better place to have a true remote experience. As a traveler passing through on vacation or a die hard resident, Alaska will grip your heart tight and forever hold a place there.
Living in Alaska changed our lives for the better. Our experience here grows with each passing year. We have gained so many skills, experienced truly remarkable sights, made lifelong friends, and have joined a community of resilient people who would go to the ends of the Earth for their neighbors.
We absolutely love our lives in Alaska and wouldn’t trade it for anything. I fully intend to become an old Sourdough one day as I age in my cabin living off of the land. Who knows, maybe you’ll still be along for the ride even then.
Did any of these answers surprise you? Maybe you are an Alaskan resident and have an entirely different experience than we do. I would love to hear about it! Let me know what you think in the comments.
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