Need advice

I am sitting out for a new adventure with my grown son as we are planning on an off grid property. The question I have is I need help with frontier medicine or substitution of prescription pain killers to something natural that can be grown. I’m on meds for PTSD as well as failing spine issues ( no cure no surgery available at this time ) when we make the move I will be single again weeee. So I could really use some advice on plants to help that will be grown in a short growing season . I’ve tried valerian root saint John’s wort with no effect . I’m going through a lot mentally with having my heart broke but I’m pushing forward . We are looking at properties that have either a lake or creek stream river connection. I just could really use some help . Thank you my email is sbdpredatorteam@gmail.com. I’m hoping my son who is 29 meets a great lady before the love me at 57 I’m not holding my breath for love . Thank you everyone

I hope your new start works out for you, Mike.

There a thread here on using wild lettuce for pain relief: https://permies.com/t/50721/harvest-wild-lettuce-Lactuca-virosa

I haven't used it so can't vouch for it's effectiveness, but have a lot of prickly lettuce as a weed on my land, which I want to try harvesting next season to help relieve my husband's back pain.

Its okay to seek and try natural remodies for things.  Some people find that they work and some people find that they don't.  My advice would be to research and try, hopefully under the supervision of a naturopathic dr. if you can afford it/if your insurance will cover it.  Gut also remain open, if you try for a while and things are getting worse rather than better, that its okay to take medical shit if you need it.  In my mid 20s I got off my brain medicine to try natural options.  I tried various things under a naturopath who was specialized in mental health options from the earth.  After nine months I was way too suicidal and miserable to continue trying things so I had to get back on the medicine I knew helped.  It doesn't fix it, but it takes the edge off so I can use my coping skills etc.

Obviously some people find that this works for them so its worthy of trying!  Just keep tabs on yourself to know how far is too far to go if there isn't relief occuring.  And yes, try several options if you're able to, to give each a chance to kick in and help you if it can.

I'd wait until things settle down for you though as you're coming out of a really difficult life change.

Are you wanting to forage these or grow them? Or buy them?

These threads might help:

https://permies.com/t/259326/Simple-natural-pain-remedies

https://permies.com/t/15511/Joint-Health

I'm sorry to hear you are going through this. While I don't have any PTSD or spine problems, I have had my fair share of chronic issues, and I know what divorce feels like. So if you are have an especially bad day, feel free to PM me.

Willow bark is known to help with pain... but probably not potent as you might need for chronic back pain.

Keep in mind that your diet plays a big roll in chronic pain. Getting any excess weight off the joints and back would lessen the amount of pressure and probably lessen the pain. Getting rid of inflammation and toxins can help a variety of pain issues. Resetting the gut microbiome can really help your mental well being.

How and when herbs are used can change efficacy, as well. Finding someone to help you figure out how the energetics of *your* body works will help you figure out which herbs will be the most effective fit, for you, as well as how to use them. Some herbs, like ashwaganda and tulsi are great for almost everyone in distress, because they're 'adaptogens', which help balance our body systems, relieving both physical and mental/ emotional pain.

You mentioned a short growing season, but not your location, which can make an enormous difference in what you'll be able to grow well, too.

I deal with pain in my spine and hips on a regular basis. I was visiting a small shop the other day and told them I dealt with pain every day. They gave me a small candy and said it was cinnamon. I popped it in my mouth and right away the flavor hit me. It was cinnamon with CAROLINA REAPER. Took the pain away right away. I've been using that for a few weeks now and it gives me relief every time.
I also have some wild lettuce chopped up in quart jars filled with vodka. You have to wait 4-6 weeks for the solution to finish "perculating". A shot glass of that stuff works well also but it only lasts for a few hours. I am not much of a drinker so between the two, I have my pain sort of under control.

For the ptsd, I very much recommend a people-focused dog. They'll show you if what you heard was outside yourself. They'll help you stabilize heartbeat and breathing when you're trying to calm back down. You'll sleep better with them around.