How to Create an Herbal First Aid Kit

Finding alternative treatments for everyday ailments can be easy and satisfying. Many herbs have a variety of different uses, so they are very versatile and an extremely cost effective way to go in terms of first aid for your family. It's easy to create your own customized herbal first aid kit! They also make great gifts for friends or family. Add your remedies and herbs to a sturdy plastic box with bandages, mole skin, surgical tape, scissors, tweezers, gauze and other first aid essentials and you and your loved ones will be prepared in the event of an emergency! You could also make 'mini' versions to store in your car or with your camping equipment or to keep on board your boat.

There are several ways to use and administer herbs. They can come in the form of tinctures, capsules or bulk loose herbs to be prepared into an infusion (tea). Loose herbs can also be made into compresses, oils and salves. You can find many books at your local library with detailed information about making your own herbal remedies or you can buy what you need from you local health food store.

Common Ailments and How to Treat Them Naturally

Burns-Aloe Vera gel, lavender essential oil applied neat (undiluted)

Blisters- Use a drop or two of lavender essential oil applied neat, then covered with moleskin.

Cuts and scrapes- Look for an already commercially prepared all purpose salve that contains comfrey and soothing oils such as olive and vitamin E.

Bruises, sprains and sore muscles-Arnica infused oil is wonderful, as are Epsom salt baths.

Splinters- Mustard seed powder or any kind of clay are useful for removing splinters. Just mix your mustard seed powder or clay with enough water to make a paste. Spread evenly over the inflicted area and allow to dry. Peel away the clay after about 15 minutes. Usually it will bring the splinter to the surface! It even works on glass!

Heartburn- Peppermint tea, Swedish bitters, marshmallow root infusion.

Diarrhea , upset stomach, motion sickness and nausea- Peppermint or spearmint teas. Crystallized ginger and apples are also a good thing to eat when experiencing diarrhea. Also Marshmallow root, licorice, chamomile and lemon teas are nice too for stomach upsets.

Ear infections- Mullein and garlic ear oil. You can make this yourself or buy it premade in health food stores.

Coughs and colds- Horehound tincture, sage and honey tea or ginger tea will help sooth bronchial upsets. Eucalyptus and camphor oils, mixed with a carrier oil & rubbed onto the chest can help relieve congestion.

Laryngitis-Licorice root tea.

Insomnia- Chamomile tea.

Anxiety-Skullcap and Valerian tinctures, chamomile tea.

Colic and other upsets in infants and children- Chamomile tea, calms forte for children.

Teething- Clove oil applied directly to the gums.

Athlete's foot-Rosemary essential oil. Use 10 drops in a shallow basin full of warm water and soak feet 1-2x daily.

Insect bites-Stinging nettle capsules, tea tree salve.

Sunburn- Apple cider vinegar or lavender essential oil applied neat can help alleviate sunburn pain.

Constipation- 1-3 Tbsp. crushed flaxseeds. Also eat high fiber fruits.

Motion Sickness and nausea- Ginger, peppermint or cinnamon tea.

Diaper rash- Calendula salve.

Yeast infections- A clove of garlic wrapped in gauze and inserted vaginally can help. Be sure to remove it and insert a new clove daily. Yogurt is also effective at treating yeast infections. You can apply it externally to help relieve itchiness and eat it daily to help clear the infection.

Urinary tract infections- Cranberry tablets and tea work best. Also unsweetened cranberry juice is effective as well. It is also very important to limit your sugar intake during a UTI and drink plenty of water.

Poison ivy/oak- Make a paste using baking soda mixed with enough water to thicken. You can also add lavender or peppermint essential oils to the paste to soothe blistery skin. Spread over the affected areas for immediete relief.

Pain relief- White willow bark, skullcap, meadowsweet and passionflower tincture's are all analgesic in nature and will help provide pain relief.

Shock-Rescue remedy

Sprains, strains and bruises- Arnica infused oil.

Styptic- Cayenne pepper capsules or an infusion made with cayenne and apple cider vinegar will work well to stop bleeding. Shepard's purse tincture is also used often times to help stop or slow bleeding after childbirth.

Store your herbal first aid kit in a cool dry location. Replace items about once every year to ensure maximum freshness.

Taking charge of your health and treating yourself naturally can be a very empowering experience. Herbs can help us heal easily in the most gentle way possible.