FIRST AID KIT GOES "AU NATURELLE"

 

 

There has been a big shift in switching to natural foods and products. Just better for our bodies, anything that occurs naturally is unprocessed and un-manipulated. Even the basis for our modern medicines is mainly plant derivatives. Willow bark was used for thousands of years and was the forerunner of our modern aspirin.

So, it just makes sense to swap out some things in your first aid kit for more natural products. Many of these are items that you already have around the house and can be replenished readily. On top of that, many times they are way cheaper than buying the traditional products…and you know exactly what you are getting.

Whether the kit is for your home, your camper, on your boat or in your backpack, here are some natural alternatives for your first aid items:

*ALOE VERA GEL. This has been used for ages for cooling, soothing and healing burns and scrapes. Plants can be grown both inside and outside. To use the gel, simply cut off a leaf and scrape out the white gel inside. Store it in a clean glass jar. Be careful not to use the yellow gel, only the white.

*ARNICA GEL OR CREAM. These are anti-inflammatory and circulation stimulating. They are applied topically for relief for sore muscles, strains, sprains, bruises and anything in between.

*CALENDULA-COMFREY SALVE. Calendula is the bright yellow and orange flowers that bloom in your summer garden. But it is more than a pretty asset to your flower beds. It has astringent, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and wound healing abilities. Often, calendula is combined with the herb comfrey for salves. Comfrey contains allantoin, a compound that stimulates growth of new tissue and heals wounds. However, it also has compounds which can cause severe liver damage, even if it is only absorbed through the skin, so it is best to find a product only containing calendula or make your own.

*CITRONELLA INSECT REPELLENT. Citronella is a naturally occurring oil that is derived from two types of grass. It is as effective as chemical repellents like Off without containing the chemical DEET, which has been of concern to some. However, citronella needs to be applied generously and often, usually every two hours, because it evaporates quickly.

*ECHINACEA. This is one of my favorites and my go-to whenever I feel the sniffles or some bug coming on. For me, it knocks it out flat and has warded off colds and flu. This effect is due to its immune-stimulating compounds. Derived from cone flowers, echinacea can be used for any type of infection, used both internally and externally.

*ELDERBERRY JUICE OR CAPSULES. These will stop a cold or flu from ruining your vacation or other plans. The berries contain compounds that prevent cold and flu viruses from invading and infecting cells. Besides being a preventative, elderberry can hasten recovery time if you do catch a nasty bug.

*ELEUTHERO. This is a new one to me. The standardized extract is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adjust and adapt to stress. It was used by Soviet cosmonauts to help them adjust to space travel and is effective in preventing jet lag.

*EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL. This is a potent antibiotic and antiviral. It is excellent for colds, flu and sinus infections when used as a steam inhalant. Do not take internally.

*GINGER CAPSULES. These are great at soothing digestive upsets and they are antispasmodic. It has been proven that they help motion sickness better than Dramamine.

*GOLDENSEAL CAPSULES. You know that traveler’s diarrhea that can literally ruin a vacation. Goldenseal, an antimicrobial, is known for stopping it in its tracks. Also an antiseptic, it can be sprinkled on wounds to stop bleeding.

*GRINDELIA. Also known as gumweed, it contains resins and tannins that relieve the pain of itching plant rashes.

*LAVENDAR. Besides smelling good, this versatile gem helps with anxiety, insomnia, headaches, wounds and burns.

*LAXATIVE HERBAL TEA BAGS. Most herbal laxative teas rely on senna to “get things going.” However, senna has a bitter taste, so it is normally combined with licorice, cinnamon, ginger or some other flavoring to make it more palatable. Laxative herbal tea bags are good to have in your kit because they produce effects but are not as harsh as other laxatives. Let’s face it, when you are out and about, more times than not you are likely to suffer from either constipation or diarrhea…it pays to be prepared for either.

*PEPPERMINT. High in menthol, this is just a good all-around go-to for the medicine bag. It soothes upset stomachs, clears sinuses and relieves itching from insect bites.

*VALERIAN. When things have you up tight, this little herb helps you calm down, relieve anxiety and tension and helps with insomnia.

*EPSOM SALTS. These little granules are treasures in themselves by relieving aches and pains from pulled muscles and over exertion. They also aid in making removing splinters easier.

*BAKING SODA. Make a paste of baking soda and water to relieve the discomfort from everyday bug bites and bee stings.

*WITCH HAZEL. An astringent, witch hazel can be applied directly to the skin for the relief of itching, pain and swelling. It is an antiviral and anti-inflammatory.

*APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. Not only is this good for rashes, but it can be taken internally for upset stomach, acid reflux and other conditions.

*HYDROGEN PEROXIDE. This is a must for the initial cleansing of wounds. However, after cleansing with a good dose of this, clean the wound with water so as not to kill off all the good bacteria. Hydrogen peroxide is also beneficial for ear infections.

*GARLIC OIL. This will kill the parasites that cause diarrhea and is also good for colds and ear infections.

*WHITE VINEGAR AND EGG WHITES. This sounds like a weird combination, however there is nothing better for burns. Recently, while making fudge, some of the hot liquid spilled on the palm of my hand. Before I could get it off, it caused quite a burn. After removing the burning liquid, I poured white vinegar over my palm followed by rubbing in an egg white. Yes, the vinegar burned when applied, but where I should have had a large blister, I had none and no scarring and no more pain. This combination works wonders for burns.

 

For almost every common ailment or minor injury, there is a natural treatment that works as well or better than formulated medicines. One huge warning here though: Just because they are natural does not mean they are all safe. They still pose interactions with other drugs or conditions. So, before using a natural herb or remedy, talk to your doctor or use it cautiously until you know how your body reacts. After all, some of these are strong compounds which is why they work so well.

 

Another point is that many of these will work for the same condition. You have to know what works for you.  For example, echinacea will stop a cold dead in its tracks for me but does not work for Ron. Something else may work for him and not for me.

Just know there is a whole medicine cabinet waiting to be discovered from nature. Many of these are more in tune with our bodies than the chemical alternatives. Do your body a favor and check them out.