Having a first aid kit on hand at all times can really help in a multitude of situations. There are many different herbs and remedies that are handy in the event of injury such as Arnica 30c, Urtica urens, Unwind tincture, Tonic tincture, Detox tincture, clove and lavender essential oil, chamomile, peppermint, and yarrow. These are all great additions to any herbal first aid kit. Proper preparations and appropriate applications are essential to the recovery process of an injury.
Arnica 30c is great in the case of bruises, sprains, swelling, pain, trauma, and shock. It helps relieve the symptoms and is very effective at acting immediately on the site of injury. Urtica urens (small nettle) is an effective remedy for burns, rashes, allergies, insect bites, stings, and scalds. My perfectly formulated tinctures are an easy and quick way to find relief. The Unwind tincture is an excellent remedy during times of stress, panic, and anxiety. Use the Tonic and Detox tinctures when fighting cold/flu to boost the immune system, help the body eliminate toxins, and reduce stress.
Clove essential oil is a great analgesic and can soothe a toothache very quickly. Lavender essential oil is used for scalds and burns and helps soothe the injury while providing pain relief. Lavender essential oil can also be used for headaches, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and insect bites. The calm roller is an easy addition to all first aid kits as it contains a hefty amount of Lavender! Yarrow is a fast-acting styptic and fever reducer. Peppermint is beneficial for relieving digestive discomfort and the essential oil can also relieve headaches and migraines. Chamomile is also a great remedy for digestive complaints, and it also soothes the body with its relaxing and calming properties.
In addition to these valuable remedies I also frequently have calendula, Aloe Vera, witch hazel, rosemary, lemon, and eucalyptus in my first aid kit. Calendula has amazing healing properties and is an antispasmodic, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal. It can be used for a variety of injuries, and illnesses. It should not be applied where there is an infection present as it encourages the healing of the skin and could cause the infection to become trapped in the wound causing it to potentially spread deeper. Aloe is soothing to the skin and can help with most skin related injuries. Burns, insect bites and stings, scrapes, and minor cuts.
Witch hazel can be beneficial as it is an astringent. It can be used for sprains, bruising, insect bites, swelling, and varicose veins. Rosemary is a powerful antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal. It would be useful as a rinse to disinfect the area. A healing salve of rosemary, lemon, and eucalyptus, can help injuries like cuts, scrapes, and burns. These herbs all have amazing healing potential and help prevent infection at the site of injury. A first aid kit is an essential part of being prepared in case of injury. All of these remedies are excellent choices to add to a herbal first aid kit.
Herbal Healing Salve
Ingredients
2oz dried rosemary
1oz dried lemon
1oz dried eucalyptus
1/4oz – 1/2oz beeswax
8oz cold-pressed carrier oil
Directions
Add the dried herbs and carrier oil to a double boiler and simmer gently for 30-45 minutes. Strain the blend completely and return the clear oil to the double boiler. Return to a gentle simmer and add in the beeswax until the desired consistency is reached. More beeswax will result in a firmer salve while less will result in a thinner salve that is more easily spread. Stir until the beeswax is completely dissolved. Place the hot mixture into sterile jars and let cool completely before putting the lids on.
Tip
Wait until the beeswax mixture cools a bit to see if you have achieved your desired consistency. If not place it back on the double boiler and add in if it is too thin, and add a bit more carrier oil if it is too firm. If you place your oil in the jars before checking them it will be difficult and messy to remove all of them!
*These statements are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a physician before starting new supplements.
