Suggestions for a Natural First Aid Kit

This is page 2 of a two-part article.

People don't get sick at convenient times, and you can't always run to the health food store or herb shop when something happens.  So, it's wise to make up a home preparedness kit so that you have the tools on hand and are ready to take care of injuries or illnesses as they arise.

I keep my home health care kit in a large tackle box.  This gives me various compartments for bandages, herbs and other supplies, making them easy to locate.  I think of it as my home healthcare toolbox.

Here are my recommendations for what to put in your home health care kit.

General Activator

You want to have at least one herb or formula which you can administer which stimulates the energy of the body.  You use this at the first sign of colds, flu or other acute illness and administer it in small, frequently repeated doses until the body reaches the disease crisis.  I like to keep Herbal Crisis on hand for adults and Children's Composition for children, but at the very least you should have some capsicum powder and extract. Since I don't know of a reputable source for these formulas at this time, the recipes can be found in Tree of Light's course, Fundamentals of Natural Healing.

Antispasmodic Herb or Formula

An antispasmodic relaxes muscle cramps of spasms and can be used to ease pain, relax the body during anxiety attacks and stress, ease asthma attacks, and relieve tension headaches.  Lobelia can also be used as an emetic to induce vomiting in cases of food poisoning or flu.  It is my preferred remedy in this category, although Blue Vervain is a milder alternative some people prefer for young children.  

Immune Stimulant

It's good to have something to stimulate the immune system.  This can be used for fighting infections, but it can also be used for prevention.  Take the remedy when colds or flu are going around to “immunize” yourself and your loved ones.  Echinacea is a good single herb for this purpose but I also like Nature's Sunshine's Immune Stimulator formula.  You should take an immune stimulator whenever anything is "going around," to keep your immune system strong.

Natural Antibiotic

I always keep raw garlic on hand to use as a natural antibiotic for fighting infections.  For long term storage, I also keep Garlic oil and Nature's Sunshine's High Potency Garlic in my home health care kit.  I think Silver Shield is a must for a first aid kid.  You should have both the liquid (preferably a couple of bottles) and the gel.  The liquid can be used to treat water for purification or storage.  The gel can be put into open wounds to prevent infection.  Both work against all harmful microbes, including antibiotic resistant ones.

Astringent

It's a good idea to keep at least one astringent in your home health care kit.  My personal favorites are yarrow, bayberry and white oak bark.  Astringents help arrest bleeding and diarrhea.  They are also useful for swelling and insect bites and stings.

Activated Charcoal

I believe every home that ever has small children in it should have some activated charcoal on hand for use in case of poisoning.  It lasts forever, so there is no worry about it going bad on you.  Charcoal is also good for diarrhea.

Topical Analgesic

Many of the self-help pain relief techniques can be enhanced by the use of a topical analgesic oil.  Tei Fu oil, Tei Fu lotion, Deep Relief, Olbas, Tiger Balm and other similar remedies will work here. 

Rescue Remedy or Equivalent

A flower remedy for shock and injury should be part of any first aid kit.  It helps with both emotional shock and physical injuries. Rescue Remedy is the original.  FES Services has their Five Flower Remedy and NSP has Distress Remedy.  All of these work great, but Distress Remedy is better for tissue healing applications.

Expectorant/Decongestant

Although Herbal Crisis, Children's Composition and Lobelia all have an expectorant and decongestant action, it is best to have a formula that is more specific to clearing excess mucus from the lungs and sinuses.  AL-J is my personal favorite, but for dry climates like the one I live in now, Chinese Lung Support is better.

Aloe Vera Gel

A high quality aloe vera gel is useful to keep on hand for burns, sunburn, abrasions and other skin irritations.

Arnica

Arnica tablets and/or arnica oil are useful to have on hand for treating bruises, sprains and other related injuries.  NSP has it's Healing AC Cream, but I think homeopathic tablets of arnica are also good to keep on hand.  I wouldn't be without this remedy in my first aid kit.

Other Supplies

You will also wish to keep some of the following in your home healthcare kit.

• An Assortment of bandages, gauze pads, and other dressings for wounds
• Tweezers and a needle for extracting slivers
• A small pair of scissors
• A flashlight