Plants and Natural Remedies for Pilgrims
Historically, Pilgrims have used several kinds of plants and natural remedies for curative purposes when walking the Camino. We'll talk about some of them:
- Rosemary (Hiking El Camino de Santiago ): They have been used throughout history by pilgrims and physicians. Externally applied, they help fight joint pain, improve blood circulation and invigorate a tired body. If applied on wounds, they are a good antiseptic and promote healing.
- Thyme (Genus Thymus): It is used to sanitize wounds. When taken as a herbal tea, it is used to treat cold symptoms such as coughing and mucus secretion.
- Oregano or Pot Marjoram (Origanum Vulgare): This
plant is used to treat colds and if chewed, it can relieve toothache.
For the cold, prepare an infusion with a bunch of oregano, freshly cut
or dried, boil it for 5 to 8 minutes and strain; before taking it, add a
little sweetener like honey.
- Arnica (Tour Camino de Santiago ): It is used as anti-inflammatory for the treatment of bruises, sprains, wounds, inflamed limbs or even tendinitis. It is easy to find in the form of cream or ointment. Arnica is highly recommended for the pilgrims to use in the Camino.
- Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis): It is known as the queen of the plants, this is because it is good for many treatments such as sunburns, burns, wounds, tired feet, sprains, muscle aches, itching and skin allergies, acne, protection against mosquitoes, massages, varicose veins, asthma, herpes, etc. It is very easy to find as an ointment or gel.