Make a Natural First Aid Kit with Herbs

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When I was in seventh grade, I made a first-aid kit for a science project. It wasn’t very big, and it was rather basic, consisting mainly of adhesive bandages, first-aid cream, gauze, sticky white tape, scissors and iodine. Over the years, my idea of first aid has changed considerably. Some of the basic items still have a place in my kit today, but many of my remedies have changed with experience and with my continuing herbal education. I have learned to make poultices, salves, teas, tinctures and synergistic blends of herbs and essential oils. I also took an herbal apprentice class with Rosemary Gladstar, which was an amazing learning experience on the uses of medicinal herbs.

I used to keep my homemade herbal products in different parts of the house, depending on their uses, but I soon realized it would be much easier to find things when I needed them if they were stored together in one place. Once I had gathered the ingredients and supplies, I began searching for the perfect storage container. I considered art-supply boxes, tackle boxes, cosmetic boxes and sewing boxes, but finally settled on a heavy-duty, three-tiered plastic toolbox. I also have a smaller version of the kit containing my most essential items that I carry when I travel.

It is important that everything in your remedy kit be clearly labeled, and I find it helpful to include an instruction sheet on the proper use of each item.

My kit is extensive and contains many items, as I’ve found this is what works best for my family. Perhaps my kit will inspire you to create your own herbal remedy kit suitable for your family’s needs.

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
• Candles
• Hot water bottle
• Ice pack
• Alcohol swabs
• Toothpicks or natural floss

Additional Supplies and Ingredients

The following are items in my herbal home remedy kit:

• Clean, washed muslin or cotton cheesecloth to use as a compress or for wrapping wounds and poultices.
• Wool socks with the toes cut open or sweater sleeves are perfect for holding poultices or bandages in place without using tape — just slide them over the arm, elbow, ankle, or leg. They also help retain heat on the affected area.
• Vetrap — this stretchy and flexible wrap sticks to itself, and it is perfect for wrapping wounds or holding poultices. It’s available at pet stores, feed stores and veterinary supply stores. I’ve found similar products at the drugstore sold as sports wrap.
• Moleskin — a soft fabric with an adhesive backing, ideal for covering tender spots, such as blisters and other rubbed areas.
• Eyecup — an indispensable tool for washing or rinsing the eye.
• Tea strainer or tea ball for making teas or decoctions.
• Rescue Remedy — a Bach flower remedy and one of the world’s best-known natural stress-relief remedies.
• Spritzers made with distilled water and essential oils can be used for their aromatherapeutic properties as well as their antibacterial qualities.
• Aloe vera gel — good for soothing sunburns, rashes and minor kitchen burns. Note: Aloe should never be used on a staph infection as it will seal in the bacteria, allowing it to multiply.
• Powdered clay works well for drawing out splinters and thorns. Mix a little clay with water and put it on the affected area, and as the clay dries, it draws out the splinter.
• Witch hazel — this astringent can be used as a disinfectant to clean skin, relieve itching and as a liniment for sore muscles.
• Lip balm for chapped lips.
• Green salve — There are many variations of green salves for insect bites, skin irritations, scrapes, minor cuts and chafing. I make my own using different herbs for specific conditions, but you also can find it in health-food stores.
• External liniment — I use a diluted version of Jethro Kloss’ recipe using alcohol, myrrh, goldenseal and cayenne. The recipe can be found in Back to Eden (Benedict Lust Publications, 1971). Use the liniment as a sore muscle rub and to dry poison ivy. Before use, perform a skin test on the inside of the elbow. Use caution, particularly if using it on a child, elder or someone with sensitive skin.
• Slippery elm lozenges — Slippery elm’s demulcent properties coat the throat, so these lozenges soothe a sore mouth or throat and come in a variety of flavors. They have a laxative effect if taken in excess, so use caution.
• Wild cherry syrup for coughs and sore throat.
• Candied ginger — Soothes upset stomachs and motion sickness.
• Emer’gen-C — These little packets are in my pantry, remedy kit, glove compartment, and my carry-on because they are a super energy booster and a quick source of vitamin C and 32 mineral complexes.
• Arnica gel for bruises and muscle aches and pains.
• Jewelweed vinegar — I learned this remedy from my friend Tina Marie Wilcox who uses it to repel biting insects in the Ozarks. Infuse jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) in organic apple cider vinegar and add insect-repellent essential oils, if desired. I spray it on poison ivy and bug bites and apply it before going into the woods.
• Rub raw garlic cloves on small scrapes and cuts for its antiseptic properties.
• Chocolate — Whether your injury is physical or emotional, the natural serotonin in dark chocolate will help make you feel better and take your mind off the injury for a moment.

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