How to Make a Natural First Aid Kit

Due to an increase in information regarding the potentially harmful side effects of some conventional medicine, there is a growing interest in alternative remedies. Instead of using a traditional emergency-care kit, make a first-aid kit using herbs, essential oils and other homeopathic natural products.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aloe vera
• Arnica montana
• Citronella-based insect repellent
• Ginger
• Peppermint oil
• Neem oil
• Ointment infused with comfrey
• Adhesive bandages
• Gauze
• Moleskin patches
• Medical tape
• Small scissors
• Tweezers
• Venom extraction kit
• Digital thermometer
• Electrolyte-replacement powder
• Bottled water

1. Purchase a bottle of aloe vera gel, or take clippings from an aloe vera plant. The natural plant fluid has soothing, healing properties and is ideal for treatment of burns. Aloe is especially suited for sunburn relief because of its cooling effect.

2. Get cream or pills derived from flowers of Arnica montana, grown in Europe and Asia. The herb is a natural substitute for over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, a staple of traditional first-aid kits. In addition to effectively treating muscle pain, Arnica also soothes pain and promotes healing of bruises and reduces swelling.

3. Replace conventional, chemical-based insect repellent with a product made from citronella, a citrus-scented essential oil derived from an Asian-grown grass. Natural bug sprays work best if applied heavily about every two hours.

4. Pack plenty of ginger chews, crystallized ginger and ginger capsules. Ginger relieves indigestion, nausea and motion sickness. Pregnant women who use ginger products to treat morning sickness overwhelmingly report positive results.

5. Add a natural spray or tincture to treat rashes caused by poisonous plants. Grindelia camporum, or gumweed, contains elements that soothe itching and pain resulting from exposure to poison ivy and poison oak.

6. Prepare to treat insect bites with peppermint oil, neem oil and ointment infused with comfrey, an herb. One drop of pure peppermint oil, applied with sterile gauze, is sufficient to clean skin affected by a bite or sting. After cleansing, rub neem oil on the wound to reduce pain and minimize swelling, repeating as often as necessary. Regular application of comfrey-infused ointment further soothes discomfort.

7. Remember wound dressing materials such as adhesive bandages, gauze, moleskin patches and medical tape. You also need small scissors and tweezers. Complete the first-aid kit with a thermometer, packets of electrolyte-replacement powders and bottled water.

Tips & Warnings

• Immediately remove insect stingers, then apply natural treatments. Use a stiff-edged object, like a credit card, to scrape the stinger away from the skin, as squeezing the stinger with tweezers can trigger the release of more venom. For thorough removal of venom from insects, spiders and snakes, use an extraction kit.
• A truly complete first aid kit contains natural and more conventional products, as each serve different, and often complementary, functions. Pack acetaminophen, ibuprofen, water-free hand sanitizer and all prescription medications in addition to the items discussed above.
• If you are at risk for allergic reaction to plants or bites, carry a prescription auto-injector of epinephrine. After injecting epinephrine, you must seek immediate medical attention.
• Do not apply Arnica cream to an open wound, and carefully follow all product instructions before use.

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