Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute

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Wheeping Forsythia: Medicine of the Yellow Flower

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Wheeping Forsythia

Weeping Forsythia (Forsythia suspensa) is a hallmark of spring, and one of the first bloomers to catch my eye each season. I typically spot this plant alongside Snowdrops early in the year. It has been valued in traditional medicine since ancient times for its numerous health benefits. The yellow blossoms can be eaten raw, though they are bitter. However, the flowers make a pleasantly flavored tea. Below are some of the plant’s medicinal uses:

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Weeping Forsythia contains compounds such as phillyrin and forsythoside, which help reduce inflammation throughout the body.

• Respiratory health: It can reduce inflammation in the air passages of the lungs (bronchiolitis).

• Antibacterial properties: The plant inhibits the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.

• Antiviral benefits: Prepare a tea using the flowers and consume it when dealing with colds, the flu, or other viral infections. Gargling the warm tea can also soothe a sore throat. Additionally, it boosts the immune system, aids in tonsillitis relief, and reduces fever.

• Allergy relief: In spring, I use this plant along with Purple Dead Nettle to alleviate allergies.

• Heart health: The plant contains oleanolic acid, which supports heart muscle function and helps regulate blood pressure.

• Pain relief: Weeping Forsythia’s analgesic properties are effective for relieving pain and headaches.

• Topical applications: Prepare a fomentation or wash with the plant for antiseptic use. The tea can be used to clean wounds, cuts, burns, rashes, and other skin problems.

• Support for internal organs: The plant is beneficial for liver health and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Methods to Prepare Weeping Forsythia for Medicinal Uses:

  1. Tea: Use a tablespoon of fresh or dried yellow flowers and steep them in hot water for 10–15 minutes. This tea helps with fever, sore throat, and inflammation.
  2. Tincture: Fill a mason jar with dried fruits and leaves, then cover them with vodka or brandy. Seal the jar and let it sit for 4–6 weeks, flipping it upside down once a week. Afterward, strain and store the liquid. This tincture offers potent medicinal benefits, boosting your immune system and aiding in fighting infections.
  3. Infused oil: Place dried flowers in a jar and cover them with almond, olive, or coconut oil. Let the jar sit for 4–6 weeks, then strain and store the oil. This infused oil can be used for topical applications, including burns, wounds, and sunburns.
  4. Syrup: First, prepare a tea using the flowers as described above. Strain out the flowers and mix the tea with honey. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to one month. This syrup is effective for treating coughs, colds, the flu, other viruses and lung ailments.

The Wilderness Delusion: When Fantasy Meets Reality in Survival

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Are You Really Prepared for the Wild?
 
I always enjoy when people dive into conversations about their “survival plans” for when disaster strikes. It’s fascinating how many tell me they’d grab their bugout bag and head for the vast wilderness of North America. Some even imagine escaping into Canada’s untamed frontier.
But before you romanticize living off the land, consider these 10 critical survival questions:
 
1. What’s in your bugout bag? Are you carrying the essentials or just guesswork?
2. Have you attended any survival schools? Do you have the skills and knowledge needed to thrive?
3. How will you find safe drinking water? Without it, your plan ends quickly.
4. Do you know North American plants? Can you name five with medicinal uses or find a plant to treat a deep wound?
5. How will you start a fire without matches, lighters, or a ferrocerium rod? Fire is life in the wilderness.
6. What’s your food plan when hunting or gathering fails?
7. What kind of shelter will you build, and how? Shelter is critical to protect against the elements.
8. What happens if you’re injured or ill while alone in the wild?
9. Can you handle threats from wildlife (like bears or wolves), hostile humans, or severe weather?
10. How will you navigate without GPS or a cell phone? Do you understand land navigation and map-reading?
 
The reality? “Bugging out” into the wilderness is not the glamorous survival strategy many imagine.
 
Here’s why:
 
• Most people underestimate the sheer difficulty of regulating core body temperature. The majority of wilderness deaths stem from hypothermia.
• Food shortages are inevitable. The knowledge to forage or hunt enough calories is rare, and even small groups can quickly deplete local resources.
• Survival is brutal. From starvation to broken tools to severe illness or infection, the odds stack up against the unprepared. Something as simple as a cut can lead to life-threatening sepsis.
• And let’s not forget the competition. Countless others will head to the same wilderness, untrained and desperate. Overhunting and overforaging will exhaust the area’s resources rapidly.
 
Even with my experience, after just a week in the wild, I’m tired, hungry, and craving a hot shower and comfortable bed. The idea of vanishing into the forest to “live off the land” is more a dangerous fantasy than a viable plan.
 
Want to actually prepare for life’s unexpected disasters? Learn real, life-saving survival skills by visiting survivalschoolmichigan.com. Whether it’s building shelters, mastering fire-making, land navigation, water purification, or understanding foraging, we’ll equip you with practical knowledge to face the toughest challenges.
 
I’ll see you in the wild!

The Best Wood for Bow Drills in the Eastern Woodlands: Your Ultimate Guide

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In the Eastern Woodlands of the United States, selecting the right wood is critical for successfully making a primitive fire using a bow drill. Among the various options, tulip poplar and cedar are my go-to choices for creating friction fire with a bow drill due to their superior performance.

There are five key factors to consider when choosing bow drill wood in the Eastern Woodlands:

  1. Softwood: Opt for softwoods. Refer to the list below for the most suitable types of wood for bow drills.
  2. Dry Wood: Ensure the wood is dry. Seek out dead branches hanging from trees, wood from dead standing trees that have been exposed to the elements for extended periods, or baton a section of wood to access the dry core. The latter is especially effective in wet conditions, such as during rain.
  3. Availability: Familiarize yourself with the local tree species and their uses. Understand the resources available in your specific forest area. For example, in the forests of Michigan, where my survival school is located in West Michigan, tulip poplar is rare, but poplar and cedar are common and effective choices. Interestingly, I once found a tulip poplar along Wildcat Creek, south of Whitehall, Michigan, which was surprising since this tree is generally more prevalent in southern regions.
  4. Non-resinous Wood: Avoid pine, as the resin can hinder friction when using a bow drill. Pine can contain up to 20% resin, which can be found in branches, needles, cones, stems, and roots. While some success has been reported with white pine, it is not my preferred choice for a bow drill set.
  5. Consistency: Typically, using the same wood for both your hearth board and spindle yields the best results, although exceptions exist. For instance, pairing a poplar hearth board with a willow spindle can be effective.

Below is an alphabetical list of the best types of wood for a bow drill:

  • Aspen
  • Basswood
  • Cedar
  • Cottonwood
  • Juniper
  • Poplar (known as “popple” in Michigan)
  • Staghorn Sumac
  • Tulip Poplar
  • Willow
  • Yucca Stalk (referred to as Adam’s Nettle in Michigan)

Discover the art of primitive fire-making with a bow drill, and much more, at Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute. Join us for a transformative course—visit our website at survivalschoolmichigan.com to learn more. See you in the wild!

Best Haversacks for Minimalist Bushcrafters

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When venturing into the wild, a lightweight haversack is key, but first, let’s discuss the materials they are made from. While high-quality leather looks and feels great, it’s generally too heavy for a lightweight haversack. Polyester is light and affordable but often lacks the robustness needed for bushcraft. The top materials for lightweight bushcraft haversacks are:
1. Waxed Canvas
  • Pros: Extremely durable, develops a rugged patina over time, and is highly water-resistant. It’s tough enough for the most challenging conditions.
  • Cons: The heaviest of the three materials and not very breathable.
2. Oilcloth
  • Pros: Lightweight, excellent water resistance, and easy to clean. Perfect for keeping your gear dry.
  • Cons: Slightly less durable than waxed canvas and potentially flammable.
3. Nylon
  • Pros: Lightweight, strong, and flame-resistant. Cordura 500D is a heavier-duty variant that’s exceptionally durable and water-resistant.
  • Cons: Less water-resistant than waxed canvas or oilcloth unless treated. Can melt and drip under high heat, posing burn risks.
For minimalist bushcraft haversack, consider these lightweight options:
  1. Helikon-Tex Bushcraft Satchel
    • Material: Cordura 500D (heavy-duty nylon)
    • Weight: 1.06 lb (500g)
    • Features: Multiple pockets and compartments, large main pocket with a heavy-duty zipper, side attachments for tools, and a solid shoulder strap with quick-release buckles.
    • Price: $59 – $73
  2. Campcraft Outdoors XL Haversack
    • Material: Waxed canvas
    • Weight: 0.85 lb (390g)
    • Features: Adjustable shoulder strap, extra-large single pouch, heavy-duty stitching, hand waxed for water resistance.
    • Price: Around $45
  3. FJÄLLRÄVEN Greenland Shoulder Bag
    • Material: G-1000 (poly-cotton, waterproof, and weather-resistant)
    • Weight: 0.64 lb (290g)
    • Features: Large main compartment, smaller sub-compartments for organization. Wax supplied by the company for added waterproofing.
    • Price: Around $135
 
For oilcloth haversacks, visit Etsy. The main advantage of oilcloth haversacks is how lightweight they are. Some are in the range of 6-12 ounces! Happy hunting. For classes on survival and bushcraft, go to my shop tab, click on the class you want to attend, pick the date that works for you and go to the checkout. “I’ll see you in the wild!”
 

Primitive Power-Lighting a Fire with Tinder Fungus and a Ferro Rod

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In this video, I show how to light a fire with tinder fungus, a ferrocerium rod and the spine of my knife. 

Top Ten Essential Medical Preparedness Books That Could Save Your Life!

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  1. The Ultimate Survival Medicine Handbook by Joseph Alton M.D. and his Nurse wife Amy Alton
  2. Living Ready Pocket Manuel: First Aid Fundamentals for Survival by James Hubbard
  3. The Complete Medicinal Herbal: A Practical Guide to the Healing Properties of Herbs by Penelope Ody
  4. Where There is No Doctor by David Werner
  5. Where There is No Dentist by Murray Dickson
  6. A Book for Midwives: Care for Pregnancy, Birth, and Women’s Health by Sheila Kitzinger
  7. Ditch Medicine: Advanced Field Procedures for Emergencies by Hugh Coffee
  8. Wilderness Medicine: Beyond First Aid by William W. Forgey
  9. The Survival Medicine Handbook: A Guide for When Help is NOT On The Way by Joseph Alton M.D. and his Nurse wife Amy Alton
  10. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide for Herbalists by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne

***DON’T FORGET: Nurse’s PDFs; Wilderness First Responder manuals

Ready for Anything: The Top Ten Must-Read Books for Ultimate Preparedness

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Top Ten Preparedness Books: 

  1. The Disaster Preparedness Handbook-by Arthur T. Bradley 
  1. How to Survive The End of The World As We Know It-by James Wesley Rawles 
  1. Build the Perfect Bug Out Survival Skills-by Creek Stewart 
  1. The Prepper’s Blueprint-by Tess Pennington 
  1. Where There is No Doctor-by David Werner, Carol Thuman, Jane Maxwell 
  1. The Ultimate Survival Medicine Guide-by Joseph Alton, MD 
  1. Emergency War Surgery-by the U.S. Department of the Army 
  1. The Ultimate Guide to Wilderness Living-by John McPherson and Geri McPherson 
  1. The Complete Guide to Emergency First Aid-by Paul McCarty 
  1. Nuclear War Survival Skills-by Cresson Kearney 

Honorable mentions and other books to have on hand:

Nurses PDFs 

Preparedness/Survival Fiction: Any books written by James Wesley Rawles 

Down and Dirty Old School Preparedness: Any old books by Ragnar Benson such as Survival Poaching 

Medical Information: Any material by Joseph Alton, MD and his wife; Where There is No Dentist-by Murray Dickson 

Homesteading/Long-Term Survival: The Encyclopedia of Country Living-by Carla Emery

Discover more survival and preparedness content at Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute!

     

Extreme Wilderness Medicine: APSI Instructor Teaches Suturing Skills for Wilderness Survival

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Extreme Wilderness Medicine: APSI Instructor Teaches Suturing Skills for Wilderness Survival Using Fishing Line

In this video we show how to perform suturing using fishing line in an austere environment. #survivalskills #suturing #fishingline #wildernessmedicine #firstaid #survivalguide #outdoorsurvival #emergencypreparedness #survivaltactics #DIYfirstaid #survivaltraining #natureskills #bushcraft #selfsurgery #fieldmedicine #prepperskills #suturetechniques #survivalhacks #fishinglinesuture #wildernessfirstaid #wildernessfirstresponder 

Life-Saving Tactics: Mastering the Tourniquet for Emergency Situations

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Life Saving Tactics: Mastering the Tourniquet for Emergency Situations

https://youtu.be/uOoSIjooYqk?si=3jfoG4IuTwoibv89

How to use a tourniquet. #survivalskills #firstaid #tourniquet #wildernesssurvival #emergencypreparedness #outdoorsafety #survivaltips #bleedingcontrol  #preparedness #lifesavingskills #survivaltraining #learntosurvive #stopthebleed 

Emergency Ready: The Ultimate Bugout Bag Checklist

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Bugout Bag Kit List: We live in extremely uncertain times, from the port strikes, to the war in Ukraine, and to the soon-to-be apocalyptic war in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. We have no idea what is coming, but we all need to be ready for any emergency that may present itself, and I cannot recommend enough, having a bugout bag for yourself and each of your loved ones. Please see the checklist below.

1. Shelter (You want to regulate your body’s core temperature)

  • Tent, rainfly, hammock or tarp: Lightweight, rain-proof, and weather-resistant.
  • Sleeping bag: You want a bag with down insulation. Down insulation is lightweight, compressible, and has the excellent ability to maintain warmth. This is what you want for cold weather.
  • Blanket: You want wool, it is easily compressible, lightweight, and is excellent for warmth, even when wet. You can even sleep with 2-3 wool blankets sandwiched in a tarp on the ground.
  • Emergency space blanket/mylar blanket: Use to keep you warm, for signaling, and for an emergency shelter. Drape it around your shoulders, sit against a tree, light a candle and warm yourself inside the emergency blanket.

2. Food/Water

  • Water purification device: Filters and devices such as a LifeStraw.
  • Water bottles or bags of water: Portable and easy to pack
  • Water purification tablets: Easy to pack and small.
  • Non-perishable food: MREs, freeze-dried food, energy bars, hard candy.
  • Mess Kit: Portable stove, cook pot, plate, cup, spork

3. Med Kit

  • Basic first-aid supplies: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, adhesive tape.
  • Medications: Personal prescriptions, allergy meds, antihistamines, pain-killers, heart-burn meds, (optional but recommended-Epipen, Narcan).
  • Tools: Tweezers, multitool, scissors, safety pins, cloth sail needle.
  • Tourniquet: Gunshot wounds, apply so you don’t bleed out.
  • Corn starch: Stops bleeding effectively.

4. Tools and Equipment

  • Multi-tool: Get a Leatherman such as the Wave.
  • Survival knife: Get a Mora Black or Mora Pathfinder.
  • Paracord/#36 bankline, cordage: So many uses.
  • Duct tape: For repairs, first-aid, signaling, cut into strips to light a fire, and make emergency fixes.

5. Navigation and Signaling

  • Map and compass: Always have a physical map, find them at MyTopo, get a Suunto mc2 compass.
  • Whistle: Use for signaling.
  • Portable charger, solar charger or power bank: For your iPhone, electronics, etc.
  • Walkie-Talkies: For comms between your teammates.
  • GPS with batteries: Most reliable method; map and compass are a backup to your GPS.

6. Clothing

  • Clothing: Waterproof coat, multiple layers when cold, you want real wool.
  • Extra dry socks and clean underwear: Keep yourself dry, clean, and comfortable.
  • Rugged footwear: Broken-in, durable, think Salomon shoes, they are the best in my personal experience and affordable. Merrell’s are good and affordable but tend to make your feet hot in my experience.
  • Gloves: Protect your hands when grid down and in rugged environments.

7. Personal Items

  • Hard Cash: Bring cash for emergencies, and if grid down, bring silver such as American Silver Eagles.
  • Toiletries: Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes which are easier to pack than toilet paper, gold bond.

8. Self-Defense

  • Hand Weapons: Buy a full-tang tomahawk, a good utility tool and self-defense weapon. Carry a good knife for both bushcraft and self-defense. I like my Mora Pathfinder. For something more intimidating, try the Becker BK9, it looks like a short sword. Also consider a foldable saw like the Bahco Laplander or Silky Gomboy.
  • Firearms: Just buy a Glock in .9mm.

9. Miscellaneous

  • Flashlight: Get a Sure Fire with extra batteries. A headlamp is also a good option.
  • Fire-making: You want a minimum of 3 ways to light a fire, such as fero rod, lighter, matches, or perhaps flint and steel. Put in a small bag, also add tinder.
  • Outdoor contractor bags: Buy at Dollar General, cheaper and more rugged than regular trash bags.
  • Notepad and a pen: Use for notes.
  • Cotton Bandannas: Many uses, bandaging, signaling, making char cloth, mark a waypoint, filter water.

10. Optional Items

  • Fishing kit: For gathering food.
  • Bivvy sack or emergency tent: Bring for a quick shelter.

Pro Tips:

  • Check your inventory and the condition of your gear once a month.
  • Mod your gear based on your own personal needs. Example, for me that would be including both Claritin-D and Xyzal for my allergies.
  • Get your family and practice bugging out twice a year at a minimum. Try it in warmer months (spring, summer) and cold months (fall, winter).
  • Try to keep your bag at 25-30 lbs or less, because ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain.
  • This list is highly modifiable!
Contact us if you have additional questions about a class! [email protected]
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