Create a Natural First Aid Kit

Tweet

These are my favorite remedies — the ones I consider indispensable for a natural first-aid kit. All of the remedies are available at any well-stocked health-food store or over the internet.

Basic Items

These are important items to have in any first-aid kit:

• Sterile, nonstick bandages, assorted sizes
• Adhesive bandages, such as Band-Aids, assorted sizes
• Scissors
• Thermometer
• Tweezers
• Magnifying glass
• Needles/safety pins, assorted sizes
• Matches and candles
• Latex gloves
• Hot water bottle
• Ice pack
• Alcohol swabs
• Toothpicks or natural floss

Stock Your Natural First Aid Kit

• Aloe vera gel: Cooling and healing, aloe vera soothes the inflammation of sunburn and common kitchen scalds and burns. A good gel is Lily of the Desert, but the purest formula of aloe vera I've ever come across is Pure Aloe Vera by Aubrey Organics. It comes in a small bottle perfect for a first aid kit. The only minor downfall is that the formula is more liquidy than gel-like.

• Arnica gel or cream: Arnica flowers have anti-inflammatory and circulation-stimulating properties; the gel or cream is excellent for sore muscles, sprains, strains and bruises. Do not apply arnica to broken skin. If you search, there are many formulas of arnica gel to choose from.

• Activated charcoal or powdered bentonite clay for diarrhea or food poisoning. If using on children or pets, be sure to check dosing directions. Make a paste of the clay and apply externally to wasp or bee stings to draw out poison. I use bentonite clay quite a bit. It can be purchased inexpensively on Ebay.

• Calendula-comfrey salve: The bright yellow-orange blossoms of calendula (Calendula officinalis) have astringent, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) contains allantoin, a compound that stimulates the growth of new tissue and helps heal wounds. Look for a healing salve that contains both. I highly recommend Kuumba Healing salve which has both calendula and comfrey in it. I have some impressive healing stories with this salve and recommend it highly.

• Chamomile tea bags: With its delicious distinctive flavor, chamomile (Matricaria recutita) makes a tasty tea. Gentle enough for children, chamomile has mild sedative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It promotes relaxation, relieves indigestion and, when applied topically, soothes skin irritation. I recommend Celestial Seasoning Chamomile tea bags, they are simple and inexpensive.

• Olive Leaf Extract or Echinacea liquid extract: Olive leaf extract is a versatile cure all, and an essential part to a first aid kit. It is a natural antibiotic, protects the body from viruses, colds, flu, parasites; great for energy, well-being, digestive problems and many other health complaints. If you are not keen on olive leaf, echinacea is a good alternative. Rich in immune-stimulating chemicals, echinacea can be used for any type of infection. Liquid extracts are the most versatile because they can be used both internally and externally. I prefer olive leaf and buy this.

• Elderberry capsules or liquid extract: Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is essential for stopping a cold or flu. The berries contain compounds that prevent cold and flu viruses from invading and infecting cells. Taking elderberry is a good preventive. If you do come down with a cold or flu, taking elderberry can hasten your recovery time. Sambucol is a recommended product made from the elderberry. It has great reviews.

• Eleuthero standardized extract: An excellent adaptogen, eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) can help prevent jet lag, de-stress the body and help fatigue; it was even used by Soviet cosmonauts to help them adjust to space travel. Standardized extracts guarantee that you’re getting sufficient amounts of eleutherosides, which herbalists consider to be the herb’s active compounds.

• Eucalyptus essential oil: A potent antibiotic and antiviral, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) is excellent for treating colds, flus and sinus infections when used as a steam inhalation. Dilute with oil or witch hazel extract before applying to the skin, and do not take internally. 

• Ginger capsules, tea bags and crystallized ginger: The antispasmodic and gas-relieving properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale) soothe digestive upsets. Ginger also has been proven to relieve motion sickness better than Dramamine, the conventional drug treatment. Ginger seems to work as a natural pain reliever as well. When I used to get painful menstruation cramps when I was younger, ginger worked just as well as any pain-reliever to get rid of the pain. There are all types of ginger on the market such as capsules, tea, gum, lozenges, candy etc., but I recommend a simple liquid ginger extract to keep in your first aid box.

• Goldenseal capsules or powder: A powerful antimicrobial, goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is effective against a variety of microorganisms that cause diarrhea. The powder has antiseptic properties and can be sprinkled onto cuts or wounds to stop bleeding and to kill infection. Do not take goldenseal internally during pregnancy.

• Poison ivy cream: An absolute essential in a first aid kit. There are many natural ones on the market, but I like this one.

• Lavender essential oil: Virtually an all-purpose remedy, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has sedative, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It’s helpful for anxiety, insomnia, headaches, wounds and burns. For most people, lavender essential oil can be applied directly to the skin. Do not take more than 1 to 2 drops internally.

• Laxative herbal tea bags: Constipation is a common complaint. Most herbal laxative teas rely on senna (Cassia senna), which contains compounds called anthraquinones that stimulate intestinal activity. Because senna has a bitter, unpleasant flavor, it’s often combined with tasty herbs such as cinnamon, fennel, licorice and ginger. Traditional Medicinals makes a tea called Smooth Move that is perfect.

• Peppermint essential oil and tea bags: With its high concentration of menthol, peppermint (Mentha xpiperita) soothes an upset stomach, clears sinuses and curbs itching from insect bites. If you have sensitive skin, dilute peppermint oil before applying.

• Valerian tincture: The sedative properties of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) make it useful for relieving anxiety, insomnia and tension; it’s also a mild pain reliever.

• Cough Drops: natural cough drops are helpful when a cough or sore throat sets in. The menthol ones are especially helpful. Be sure to get one that is made of natural ingredients and isn't loaded with sugar.

• UMF Manuka honey: UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) Manuka has both the natural hydrogen peroxide antibacterial property and its own natural UMF antibacterial property, giving it increased antibacterial potency. Studies on the Manuka Honey benefits have shown that Manuka Honey contains an ingredient with powerful antibacterial, anti microbial, antiviral, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti fungal properties. Effective on wounds, and for all types of external and internal ailments. This is an excellent UMF manuka honey. Be sure the honey says UMF on it.

• Witch hazel extract: Distilled witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has mild astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for insect bites and skin irritations. It’s also an excellent base for diluting essential oils for a variety of simple, topical herbal first-aid remedies. Do not take it internally. This is a good witch hazel. There are alcohol-free versions if that's what you need.

• Lavender essential oil: an all-purpose remedy; use to help with insomnia, anxiety, headaches, wounds and burns. For most people, it can be applied directly to the skin. One drop takes the swelling and itch out of mosquito bites. It is an anti-inflammatory and has antiseptic properties.  

Tea tree oil is an antiseptic like lavender oil. Use to prevent a wound from getting infected. I like this blend of lavender and tea tree oil, but you can always buy them separately. This blend can be diluted in witch hazel to be used on all types of skin problems.

Epsom salt-Good as a bath soak for sore muscles. Dissolved in water, it can also be a good soak to help remove splinters.

Ichthammol or pine drawing salve: used to remove splinters. An absolute essential part of a first aid kit especially with children in the house. These can also be used for other skin problems.

Coconut oil: From skin salve, to diaper creme, to makeup remover, to antifungal treatment, coconut oil is amazingly versatile. Keep some in the first aid kit to add remedies to, to take internally, to use to apply tinctures and help absorption externally and for dry skin and chapped lips. There is also growing evidence that daily consumption of 1/4 cup or more of coconut oil can help protect against Alzheimer’s and nourish the thyroid.

Tiger Balm. To treat muscle cramps and headaches, rub this salve on the affected muscle or temples, avoiding the eyes. I used this often when I was younger. It is extremely effective.

Additional First-Aid Essentials

• Electrolyte replacement: Powdered drink packets such as Emergen-C.

• Bee sting kit: An absolute necessity if you or anyone in your household are allergic to beestings.

• Waterless hand sanitizer: Travel-size bottle.(I get this)

Ways You Can Use Your First Aid Kit

Anxiety:
• Drink chamomile tea, 3 cups a day.
• Take valerian tincture, 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon up to 3 times daily.
• Take a bath with 10 drops of lavender essential oil or place a drop of lavender oil on a tissue and inhale as desired. 

Blisters:
• To dry a blister, soak a gauze pad in witch hazel, lay it over the blister and cover with an adhesive bandage. After blister has broken, wash with a mixture of echinacea/olive leaf extract diluted with an equal part of water. Finally, apply calendula-comfrey healing salve and cover with an adhesive bandage.

Bruises:
• Immediately apply ice to relieve pain and swelling.
• Apply arnica cream or gel twice daily. 

Burns:
• Immediately immerse the affected area in cold water until the burning sensation subsides. Then apply aloe vera gel mixed with lavender essential oil (5 drops of lavender oil mixed with 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel).
• For sunburn, soak in a cool bath with 10 drops of lavender essential oil.

Colds and Flus:
• Take 1 dropperful of olive leaf extract extract four times a day until symptoms subside.
• Take 1 dropperful of elderberry extract four times a day until symptoms subside.
• To relieve congestion and soothe a sore throat, drink hot ginger tea with honey.
• To ease congestion, add 2 drops each of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils to hot water; inhale the steam vapors.

Wounds:
• Add 1 dropperful of echinacea/olive leaf extract to 1⁄2 cup of water as an antiseptic wash.
• To stop bleeding, sprinkle goldenseal powder directly into the wound and apply pressure with a clean cloth.
• Apply manuka honey or healing salve.

Diarrhea:
• Replenish lost fluids and soothe the digestive tract with chamomile or ginger tea.
• For diarrhea caused by infectious microorganisms, take 1 capsule of goldenseal three times daily for up to two weeks. Take charcoal if necessary.
• To boost immunity and fight infection, take 1 dropperful of olive leaf extract four times daily.

Headache:
• Drink chamomile tea as often as desired.
• For more severe headaches, take 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon of valerian root extract; repeat every two hours until pain abates.
• Take a warm bath with 10 drops of lavender essential oil.
• Massage 2 drops of diluted peppermint essential oil or Tiger Balm onto temples, forehead and neck. Keep away from eyes.

Indigestion:
• Sip warm chamomile, peppermint or ginger tea.

Insect bites and stings:
• Cleanse the bite with olive leaf extract.
• Apply a drop of undiluted peppermint or lavender oil to relieve itching and as an antiseptic.
• Mix clay with enough water to make a paste, and apply to the bites to relieve itching and draw out toxins.

Insomnia:
• Drink a cup of warm chamomile tea.
• For stronger sedative action, take up to 1 teaspoon of valerian tincture before bed.
• Take a warm bath with 10 drops of lavender essential oil.

Jet lag:
• Take eleuthero (100 mg of standardized extract) three times daily for one week or more before traveling and for one week or longer following the flight.

Nausea:
• Take ginger until symptoms abate.

Poison oak/ivy:
• Immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and cool water, or sponge with alcohol to remove the oily resin.
• Use poison ivy cream

Strains and sprains:
• Immediately elevate and apply an ice pack to the affected area to reduce swelling and inflammation. After 24 hours, apply hot compresses to increase circulation and speed healing.
• Soak in a hot bath with 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil.
• Apply arnica cream or gel to the affected area three times daily.

Thanks for reading! What do you think?

My Picks! ~ click on the photos for more info

_________________________________________________________________________________