Make an Herbal First Aid Kit

One of the assignments in my herbal training was to create an Herbal First Aid Kit. My kit contained dried herbs, salves, and tinctures based on my and my husband’s needs. I also included some basic First Aid items, such as Band-Aids, gauze, tape, small scissors, a tweezer, etc. So, now that it’s summer and we’re outside more, be sure to have a First Aid Kit for all your summer activities. You could create your Herbal First Aid Kit from scratch and add the basic first aid items that you need. Or purchase a First Aid Kit from a pharmacy because it has the basic items in it, and then add your herbal remedies to it.  

Make an Herbal First Aid Kit

Following are some ideas for herbal remedies to include in your Herbal First Aid kit, but adapt these to suit your family's needs.

Powdered Herbs

• A small jar of powdered clay, such as French Green or Fuller’s Earth clay. Mix with a bit of water to make a paste to draw out stingers and splinters.

• Small jar of powdered Yarrow leaf to place on skin wounds to stop bleeding.

Salves 

You could make a few individual salves or make one salve with several herbs for wounds and skin irritations. Include herbs such as:

• Calendula Blossoms soothe minor skin irritations, such as rashes, and insect bites.

• Comfrey speeds wound healing but don’t use on open or infected skin.

• Jewelweed is one of nature's remedies for poison ivy.

• Lavender is great for wounds, cuts, insect bites, burns, and red, irritated skin. 

• Plantain is good for burns, wounds, insect bites, blisters and other topical irritations, such as dermatitis and poison ivy. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  

• St. John’s Wort has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, so it’s an excellent remedy for bruises, burns, mild wounds, and wounds that involve nerve damage. It soothes muscle and tendon ailments. 

• Yarrow is astringent and anti-inflammatory. It's a classic first aid herb that’s used to stop bleeding.

Plantain Salve

Tinctures 

Tinctures are a convenient way of taking your herbs. The one-ounce bottles are small so they're portable. Individual tinctures you may want to include are:

• Echinacea to support the immune system.

• Lavender is a good nervine and sedative. It can aid tight, sore muscles because it's a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic.

• Mullein leaf is for coughs, colds, and other respiratory symptoms.

• Valerian can calm the nerves and aid sleep. It's also a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic.

Teas

Have an assortment of teas for various health conditions.

• Digestive Aid – mints, chamomile, fennel seeds, ginger, and lavender.

• Muscle & Joint Relief – meadowsweet, oak bark, passionflower, chamomile, and lavender.

• Sleep Aid – lavender, rose petals, valerian, skullcap, and chamomile.

• Sore Throat Relief – licorice root, mullein, and sage.

Gels

Gels can provide soothing topical relief      

• Aloe Vera Gel soothes burns, sunburns, and insect bites.

• Arnica Gel is a topical gel for bruises and sore muscles.

Other Items

Other natural remedies you may want to include in your kit:

Rescue Remedy

• Rescue Remedy is a Bach flower remedy for trauma. It helps ease anxiety and is suitable for children and pets. I’ve used this with one of my dogs, who has anxiety.

• Witch Hazel because it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

Stay healthy and safe this summer!