Herbal
First Aid
Many people like the idea of
having an herbal first aid kit but aren’t sure where to begin.
You can start by adding a few basics to your medicine chest and as you
become more familiar with those remedies, add more.
Before you know it, you’ll be turning to herbs for many of your
family’s needs. Below is a list of
herbs that can be used in various situations.
Many of these herbs have multiple uses.
Choose items that fit the needs of your family.
Arnica Oil is a well known herb for athletes.
Athletes often use Arnica Oil to soothe over used and sore muscles.
Arnica Oil can also be used for bruising, sprains and broken bones.
It can decrease pain and prevent swelling when applied immediately after
an injury. I’ve applied it to my
daughter’s forehead when she’s fallen and had great results.
Do not use if the skin is broken. Arnica
is for external use only. It should
never be taken internally.
Comfrey has been known for centuries as a healing herb for wounds,
sprains, bruises, and broken bones in both people and animals. Comfrey has
a high allantoin content, which promotes the growth of connective tissue, bone,
and cartilage, and is easily absorbed through the skin.
Comfrey oil or salve can be used on minor cuts,
burns, scrapes, and bug bites. If
you have a more serious wound, a comfrey poultice is your best bet.
A comfrey poultice applied to the skin near an injury is thought to speed
healing.
To
make a poultice, grind comfrey leaves with a mortar and pestle or place them in
a blender with half as much water as the leaves.
Grind until a paste is formed. Heat
the paste in a small saucepan over very low heat stirring constantly.
When the desired heat is achieved, spread a thick layer of paste onto a
piece of gauze and place on the wound, sprain, etc.
Wrap a bandage around the gauze to hold in place.
Do not place directly on an open wound.
If you have an open wound, place a piece of gauze in between the poultice
paste and the wound. Leave in place until it has dried out, replace with a fresh
one.
Fennel is a great digestive aid and works wonders when it comes to gas
or indigestion. Fennel expels gas
and is very soothing. Fennel is
often found in colic formulas for babies. We
use fennel regularly in our house. It’s
a great alternative to antacids. I
know a few people that even use the glycerin base fennel tincture for acid
reflux. Fennel can also be used to
promote secretion of breast milk in nursing mothers.
It’s a must have in the first aid kit.
Garlic Mullein Ear Oil is very
effective for relieving earaches. Garlic
acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral which can reduce
inflammation, stop pain and fight infection.
To use, warm garlic oil and put a few drops in each ear.
Be sure to test the temperature of the oil before dropping it in the ear
to make sure it’s not too hot, then loosely plug the ear with a piece of
cotton. Do not use ear oil if the
eardrum is perforated or something is lodged inside the ear.
Plantain has amazing drawing power and will bring quick relief of insect
stings. Plantain is an
anti-inflammatory substance that can kill germs, speed wound healing, and
stimulate the growth of new skin cells. If
you get stung take a few fresh leaves, crush or chew them and apply the crushed
leaves directly to the sting. Hold
it in place with a band-aid or gauze and repeat if necessary.
If that doesn’t sound like your thing, you can always purchase plantain
oil or salve.
St Johns Wort is not only helpful in treating depression but can also be used
to speed the healing of wounds, bruises, mild burns and even sunburns.
This is
just a short list of herbs to consider for your herbal first
aid kit. Hopefully this will
give you some ideas to get you started. It’s
a great feeling to know what to reach for when a family member is in need.
It’s an even better feeling to know you are using something natural and
chemical free. Check out our website
for upcoming classes and herbal
kits.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. This article is not meant to treat or diagnose. You should consult your health care provider in case of serious injury. The information provided in this article is not meant to substitute medical treatment.
Jenny is the owner of Divine Creationz. She is a Clinical Master Herbalist. She provides personal health consultations. She specializes in making customized herbal formulas. Jenny is also a certified Tibetan Acupressure System Practitioner and certified Reconnective Healing practitioner. Jenny has been doing energy work for 3.5 years. www.DivineCreationz.com