Unfortunately, most of them are laxatives, and while they work VERY effectively (cascara, from which exlax is made, and called "the kybo rocket" by my old scout troop) that's not as exciting as say... anti-biotics. There are a myriad of topical antiseptics as previously mentioned, but one I noticed was missing was red alder. Supposedly (I honestly don't know, but I've heard this) alder sap can not only be topical, but can be effective if concentrated and taken internally. I also know pacific yew is effective for mild cancer-treatment, and is in fact a protected species specifically because of the drugs made from it, but I imagine the efficacy is significantly less. You might try a tincture of the bark, and then concentrate it as much as possible, but honestly, if you're in a situation where you are treating cancer in the woods, something is already very wrong.
I also heard there is a plant in the Pacific Northwest with purple flowers and leaves that look like mint called "heal-all", which is supposed to be good for various respiratory problems and a handful of other ailments. Does anyone know of this plant, and if so, how effective it is?
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