How to Build a Natural First Aid Kit
We are all familiar with the little red and white boxes filled with bandages, gauze and tools to help with the emergencies of life. Many of us have these located around our homes, in our cars, on boats and various other places where they can be handy.
It is recommended that at least annually you take stock of your first aid kit and refresh supplies that have expired or that have been depleted. I personally recommend doing this prior to Spring when more outdoor activities start up and injury risks increase.
In considering what should go into your first aid kit, I also recommend a large amount of natural medicines that are ideal for first aid use. Using natural products is important in my family in order to decrease our exposure to chemicals, especially in times of health risk, but also to promote healing. I have found natural health products for first aid to be effective, gentle and easy to use as well without the guess work of figuring out what to use for what in times of need. Additionally, natural health medicines for first aid are inexpensive and easy to access making them ideal for replenishing without worry of out-of-stock items in the big box stores.
By far the biggest factor for me to use a natural medicine first aid kit was the versatility. If I’m out of something in my kit, there are plenty of natural elements in my kit that can be used as a substitute. In a worst case scenario I can also use directly from nature if our kit isn’t with us too.
Elements of Natural First Aid Kit
Homeopathic Tinctures
I like to include basics to help with things like bleeding and pain in tincture form so they are fast acting. Our bodies naturally respond in these situations to help but a homeopathic can provide that bridge of support while our body works to repair and stop what’s occurring.
In the homeopathic section I recommend:
Valerian – anxiety, tension and insomnia
Arnica – good for cold relief, anxiety and sleep
Belladonna – fever, headaches
Hypericum – supportive of painful cuts; use as a tincture for antiseptic to prevent tetanus
Silica – splinters, boils
Herbs
Like homeopathic options there are several herbs that are great for certain emergencies. These are easy to use and can be freshly ground or pre-made and stored in your first aid kit.
Cayenne Pepper – Helpful to cardiovascular care to help increase blood flow. In the event of heart attack while you wait on an ambulance, cayenne pepper can make a world of difference.
Ginger – Upset tummies, diarrhea and digestive concerns can be comforted with the use of ginger.
Chamomile – this is a great herb to keep in the first aid kit for wound care. You can use powdered chamomile for poultices to promote healing and reducing swelling
Colloidal Silver – pain, discomfort, fever
Comfrey – is a helpful herb for bone breaks. Using a poultice until medical care can be provided helps healing begin and eases swelling.
Slippery Elm – Sore throats
Goldenseal – antimicrobial for cut and wound bleeding also helpful with diarrhea
Essential oils
Using a high quality essential oil product, I recommend doTERRA, provides you with ease of access in using oils in your first aid kit. That’s because you don’t have to worry about if it will make matters worse and they can be trusted to deliver support when it is most needed.
If you’re going to include essential oils in your first aid kit, then I also recommend you include a small bottle of fractionated coconut oil for dilution. This is helpful to increase absorption of the oil into the skin and provides a gentle experience for small children, seniors and those with sensitive skin concerns.
Lavender – excellent for burns, including sunburns, bites and stings
Peppermint – a natural antiseptic it helps with respiratory support. It is also helpful in situations of vomiting and nausea.
Clove – a must for teething and loose teeth in children. It also helps with exposures to fungus, viruses and bacteria by being highly disinfectant. This is a great hand cleaner for prepping to care for an injury
Tea Tree – is a anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, anti-viral and anti-fungal oil. This is good for many applications including cleaning out wounds and disinfecting first aid tools
Other Natural First Aid Supplies to Include
Fractionated coconut oil
Natural antibiotic ointment – I recommend this one…
Natural lozenges – I recommend these
Pink Himalayan Salt – mix with water for mouth pain, as well as cleaning and disinfecting of wounds
Hydrogen Peroxide – helpful with cleaning, oral care, ear pain
Activated Charcoal – helpful with food poisoning, vomiting, diarrhea and toxins ingestion.
Apple Cider Vinegar – helps to reduce duration of illnesses, digestive problems
Witch hazel – cuts, scrapes, rashes
Bandages, including butterfly, regular, small, large and kid print fun ones
Gauze
First aid tape
Moleskin
Elastic bandage wrap
Collapsible Hot water bottle
Small scissors
Tweezers
Thermometer
Poison control phone number
Ambulance phone number
Natural Health First Aid
One of the best ways to be prepared for an emergency is to have a first aid kit. Updating your first aid kit to include natural health medicine can be a safe and effective way to support emergencies while giving you confidence to support what is needed in that moment.
For access to quality homeopathic, herbs, essential oils and other natural health care products please visit me online for access and information.
Please visit dragonspitaothecary.com