Natural First Aid Kit

Here are some ideas for natural remedies to add to a well-rounded first aid kit. 
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To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.   
                                      —William Londen

Natural First Aid Kit    
10 Natural Remedies to Stock

A red first aid kit called Natural First Aid.
Give yourself peace of mind by stocking your first aid kit with petroleum-free, chemical-free, natural remedies. Most first aid kits are kept for emergencies. Herbals and natural medicines are not typically considered emergency items. A natural first aid kit is a little more like stocking up with the natural treatments you will most likely need in daily life. Stock your first aid kit with these multipurpose natural remedies to treat minor ailments and be ready for an emergency, just in case.
10. Echinacea, Elderberry, Rose Hip Vitamin C
A strong immune system is always the first defense. Keeping up with your vitamin C intake is a good way to boost the immune system. Stock vitamin C tablets or powder prior to the beginning of cold and flu season. Echinacea and elderberry herbs stimulate the immune system. Keeping your immune system strong helps shorten the duration and severity of colds and the flu. Keep in your kit to take at first hint of exposure.
9. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil is a natural to help open congested airways. It is antibiotic and antiviral and is excellent for treating colds and sinus problems. Mix or dilute it with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, and it works as a vapor rub. Add it to an inhalation steam system to clear respiratory problems and sinus flare-ups. 
8. Lavender
Lavender essential oil is soothing and is often used as aromatherapy. The oil can be rubbed on the temples for headache relief. The scent of lavender can be relaxing for insomnia and anxiety. Dilute with a carrier oil and apply as a chest rub or smooth over the feet for soothing relief.
7. Ginger Root
For general nausea, ginger root reigns supreme. It is antispasmodic and has gas-relieving properties. It can be a great help to relieve some kinds of motion sickness. You can purchase ginger in capsules, as a powder in tea bags, crystallized ginger candy, and as fresh root. My personal favorite, if you can tolerate it: chew on a bit of the dried root. 
6. Activated Charcoal or Bentonite Clay
If you are plagued by food sensitivities or food allergies, activated charcoal tablets or capsules and bentonite clay powder are great to have in a first aid kit. Either of these taken internally work to absorb and remove toxins or poisons. They can help clear up food poisoning and diarrhea, as well. Mix as a paste and apply to insect stings or bites to absorb the poisons.
5. Raw Honey
Honey has at least two great first aid uses and many other great qualities in addition to being a wonderful sweetener. For cuts and scrapes, honey is excellent as an antibacterial treatment. Spread the wound with raw honey and cover with a bandage. It can clear infection quickly. Honey also makes a soothing natural cough syrup and throat coat, especially soothing when mixed with lemon juice. Or you can simply add honey and lemon to your favorite tea.
4. Arnica Gel or Cream
Arnica flowers have anti-inflammatory properties and improve circulation. It is useful to have in your kit for bumps and bruises. Purchase Arnica as either a gel or a cream. Apply it topically to relieve sprains, strains, and sore muscles. It helps with local pain and reduces the severity of bruising after a fall.
3. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is a good natural salve for burns, minor scratches or abrasions, and skin rashes. For sunburn or minor kitchen burns, it is ideal. It has cooling effects that soothes inflammations. It is also astringent, makes a protective layer, and even softens the skin. You can buy aloe vera gel in a bottle for your kit. However, when you can, apply it straight from the plant. Simply break off a spike and squeeze out the gel. 
2. Tea Tree Oil
In a natural first aid kit, tea tree oil can be a useful alternative to an antibacterial cream. It is a natural antiseptic to prevent infections and is great for healing minor skin cuts and burns. It is also useful for repelling fungus problems like athlete’s foot and infected toenails. It can also be effective at relieving insect bites. Note, however, that if you have an infected wound that is not healing easily, you may need to see a health professional for treatment.
1. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a traditional skin tonic. It is an astringent, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory liquid. It is excellent for treating skin irritations such as rashes and insect bites. It can be used as a natural underarm deodorant. And it is useful as a carrier base for diluting the essential oils in your kit, such as lavender and eucalyptus.
For your natural first-aid kit, you will probably need to transfer the natural remedies to small, leak-proof containers. Anything in a glass bottle should be wrapped with cloth or paper. Make a few notes with waterproof ink on cardstock about how to use the items.

First-aid kits for emergencies need to have the basic supplies for injuries. You will likely want to include other useful first-aid kit items. Stock these additional essentials:
  • Bandage materials including adhesive strips, sterile gauze pads, roll gauze, and bandage tape.
  • Moleskin for blisters.
  • A package of alcohol wipes for cleaning cuts.
  • Small scissors and tweezers.
  • A thermometer.
Note: You may wish to consult a health professional for advice. O, Sweet Nature is neither a medical doctor nor a trained herbalist. All medicinal uses should be done with care and caution.

Natural Travel first-aid kits can be made up to take along with you for travel or camping. Read this SimpleTens article about how to make a natural Travel First Aid Kit. Learn more about natural remedies at Alternative Medicine.

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