First aid is the first level of care that can be provided to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be obtained. It is meant to preserve life, prevent further harm, and promote healing.
Most commonly, first aid is used to help reduce pain or discomfort for everyday injuries or illnesses. Having a well-stocked first aid kit ensures preparedness in the case of emergencies and means quick remedies for bumps, bruises, and minor illnesses. A natural first aid kit contains items like herbal tonics, tinctures, and capsules that have multiple everyday uses. These natural remedies have little to no side effects, unlike chemical preparations, and are excellent for treating everything from blisters to bug bites. The chart below lists some great additions to any natural first aid kit.
Deciding what to stock in your own natural first aid kit depends on what activities you are undertaking. A first aid kit for home use will have different items than one that you would take camping. A small tackle box makes a good first aid kit, as does a lunch kit, or even something as simple as a good sized zipper closure bag. Along with natural remedies, stock your kit with some bandages, gauze, and a pen sized flashlight.
Kit Must Haves
Aloe Vera
- Good for: Burns
- Mix five drops of lavender oil with one tablespoon aloe vera and apply to the burn.
Arnica
- Good for: Anti-inflammatory, bruises, sprains, swelling, muscle spasms, arthritis
- Rub or massage arnica into the affected area – do not use on an open wound or take internally.
Calendula
- Good for: Skin irritations, rashes, eczema, acne
- Wash the skin with a diluted solution of tincture or apply calendula oil directly to the affected area. Also, great for diaper rash in infants.
Coconut Oil
- Good for: Skin moisturizer, hair strengthening treatment, remedy for cradle cap in infants.
- Apply topically as needed.
Geranium Oil, Neem & Citronella Oil
- Good for: Insect repellent
- Combine distilled water, witch hazel, essential oils of geranium, rose, citronella, eucalyptus, cedar, mint, lemongrass, tea tree, or clove. Mix even parts witch hazel and distilled water plus 30–50 drops of essential oils.
Ginger
- Good for: Digestive disruptions, nausea, vomiting
- To make ginger tea, add one tablespoon fresh grated ginger to two cups of boiling water, one tablespoon honey and half of a lemon, juiced. Ginger chew candies are also great to keep on hand for carsickness.
Lavender
- Good for: Sleep aid, relaxant, cuts, and burns (especially on kids and pets)
- Can apply direct to wounds and burns to increase healing, and fight infections. Aromatherapy works well for relaxation, place a few drops in a diffuser at bedtime.
Tea Tree Oil
- Good for: Fungal infections on the skin, acne, yeast infections, lice
- Use one and a half tablespoons tea tree oil to one cup of water to create a solution to rinse affected areas. Add a few drops to shampoo to help prevent lice.
Witch Hazel
- Good for: Bug bites, windburn, poison ivy blisters.
- Apply topically as needed.
