When the Pharmacy is Gone: What Would You Do if You Could no Longer Get The Medicine That You Needed?

I wanted to take a moment to deviate from the typical prepper information and delve into something that we can all relate to. The reality is that we all either take medication or we have a family member that takes medication. Some of the medication is just for routine health maintenance like vitamins, supplements, or even birth control pills. Other medication is life saving and it must be given at all times. Just to give you an idea as to what I am speaking of, let me use a few personal examples.

My daughter has asthma. It is moderate asthma and well controlled at this point, but it has been serious in the past. She has an inhaler that she keeps with her at all times and we have a nebulizer that we keep here at home. If she has a particularly bad breathing day then she will use the nebulizer. To use, this we also need albuterol and budesonide, two important medications that keep her lungs working when they would otherwise fail.

My wife has a serious genetic heart condition that can be deadly. she has to take high doses of beta-blockers to keep his blood pressure low or his condition could rapidly spiral and land him with heart failure. If the meds are gone, then he will eventually have serious life-threatening issues. That is one of the biggest reasons why medical prepping has become so important to me.

While our family has a few unique health concerns, we are not the only ones. There are literally hundreds of thousands of families all over the country that have serious medical issues. So here is the big question: What would you do if you could no longer get the medicine that you needed? What would you do if the pharmacy shut down and was not an option? There are numerous possibilities for how this could happen, but lets just say that the pharmacy is no more and there is no chance of getting the drugs you need. Then what?

I am a passionate fan of holistic medication and natural remedies. Through months of research, I’ve discovered that there are some things that you can do to be better prepared for medical survival. Let’s look at some of the more common medications and the natural alternatives that you might be able to use. Keep in mind that you need to operate under serious caution. Natural does not always mean safe. And never, ever stop taking your prescription drugs without a doctor’s consent.

These substitutions are meant for emergencies and you should use them at your own risk. As much as I love health and prepping, I am not a doctor, so talk to your healthcare provider about these issues if you have concerns.

Aspirin and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Aspirin is used for a variety of issues such as pain and even as a blood thinner. But did you know that aspirin poses a serious threat to your body? Long term use can lead to stomach bleeding and ulcers. However, if you do need to take aspirin each day, there are a few alternatives you could turn to in an emergency.

For blood thinners, there is natural vitamin E. 100 IU’s of natural vitamin E can be just as effective as aspirin. Ginkobiloba has been used for hundreds of years to combat clotting. It is a great remedy for circulation issues as well. Water is also another great thinner. It might sound, crazy but staying hydrated can help keep your blood thinned and circulation healthy.

For pain killer or anti-inflammatories, try using Turmeric, Ginger, or even devils claw. Devil’s claw has been surprisingly effective in treating joint pain and muscle aches.

Statins

Statins are used by the medical industry to lower cholesterol levels and to help guard against heart attacks. There are several natural things that you can use in a survivalist scenario that can serve as a great alternative to prescription statins.

– Garlic

– Olive Oil

– Dark Chocolate

– Coconut Oil

– Fiber rich foods

– Red Wine

Blood Pressure

Most issues with blood pressure are related to poor diet. The best way to combat this issue is through a smart diet and through losing a few pounds. However there are others that inherit this problem through genetics or some other type of medical mystery. Regardless, there are a few natural remedies that you can take advantage of.

– Potassium is your friend. Try eating foods such as bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, and even coconut water. All of these will help to lower blood pressure.

– Garlic. Again, this pungent ingredient seems to be a cure all!

– Eat foods high in magnesium and calcium

– Reduce the amount of salt that you consume. Less is more.

Antacids/Heartburn

Heartburn is a serious issue that is uncomfortable and can be debilitating if it gets bad. You do not have to suffer through digestive disturbances, even in a SHTF situation. Try these items and see how effective they could be in helping you.

– Almonds have been used for years. They naturally reduce stomach acid. Try eating 15-20 and you will notice improvement in less than 30 minutes.

– Aloe Vera Juice is great for treating ulcers and calming an upset stomach.

– Apple cider vinegar is a great after dinner shot. Mix 2 tablespoons into a glass of water and drink right after a meal.

– Apples

– Bananas

– Basil Leaves

– Baking Soda

– Buttermilk

– Ginger

– Garlic (again!)

– Cinnamon

– Grapes

Type 2 Diabetes

Keep in mind that the following is based on new research. There really are zero approved alternative medications for diabetes but these are showing real signs of promise.

– Chromium. This is an essential mineral that plays a huge role in the metabolizing of carbohydrates. It has been shown to help cells respond correctly to insulin.

– North American Ginseng- has been shown to help with blood sugar levels.

– Magnesium is a natural mineral found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and even grains.

– Cinnamon. Studies are showing that as little as 1 gram can improve the glucose levels in people with type-2 diabetes.

Before the Pharmacy Closes 

My number one recommendation is to stock up on your medication now. Ask your doctor for extra refills and then store than for emergencies. Consider calling in your refills a week early and then hoarding that extra week of pills in an emergency stash. Over time, those supplies will really build up.