Do you need a natural first response for health problems? Have you heard about the use of herbs as first aid? Knowing about the potency of herbs is not complete. You can further harness this potency with the knowledge of herb use as first aid.
Lots of minor and major injuries occur at home. These injuries, including cuts, blisters, and burns, often require urgent attention. The first response is usually first aid, especially if you are not lucky enough to have a medical center around.
We often focus on having medications in our first aid box. But it is almost impossible to have all medicines for various injuries. Besides the fact that they might be too expensive, the administration is not easy. So, the use of herbs as first aid kits comes in handy. Several herbs can serve as the first response to various health challenges. These herbs are not rare; they are regular plants and oils.
Making herbal first aid kits is easy and not expensive. In this guide, you will find some of the essential elements for assembling herbal first aid kits. You will also get necessary clues on how to use these elements. So, keep reading to find out!
Benefits of Herbal First Aid Kit
Before we dive into herbal first aid kits and their elements, it is essential to understand their benefits. Here are some advantages of having herbal components in your first aid kit;
- It induces speedy recovery and mitigates vulnerability to infections.
- It is easy to administer.
- There is only a negligible risk of overdose or side effects.
- It is less expensive and safe to use.
- The components are 100% natural and do not contain any artificial elements like colors, fillers, and flavors.
- It is environmentally friendly because it uses all-natural ingredients.
Elements to Include in Your Herbal First Aid Kit
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the versatile first responses to injuries. It is a succulent plant that can grow indoors and outdoors. This green plant has a mucilaginous gel that contains medicinal and healing properties.
This gel has anti-inflammatory properties, and it is beneficial for other conditions. You can use it as the first response for acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It is also useful for burns and sunburns. You can cut the plant and get the gel immediately if you want to use it. Alternatively, you can cut the gel and store it in the fridge for future use.
2. Comfrey
Comfrey is another useful plant for treating various conditions. This plant is easy to grow and store. It is both functional as a green plant and in a dried form. You can infuse the dry state with olive oil to enhance its performance.
This plant’s potency is due to its high allantoin level. This element makes it useful for enhancing tissue growth. So, comfrey is helpful in the treatment of tissue scars. It helps treat deep wounds and cuts. And it combats growing infection in cuts.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile is a popular herb useful for both internal and external health. You can make chamomile into tea and soups. You can also use it for an eye bath. Taking chamomile tea or soups can help children and adults soothe stomach upset. This tea provides body relaxation. So, it is useful for women suffering from menstrual cramps.
Chamomile tea has mild antiseptic properties that can provide a soothing effect on irritated skin. You can use this herb to treat eye strain, mild conjunctivitis, and blepharitis. It is also helpful for soothing sore eyes.
4. Ginger
Ginger is another common plant with many uses. Ginger is famous for its dietary value and ability to serve as a spice. But its use is beyond that. It also has a place as one of the most potent herbs for first aid kits. It is useful for providing relief for stomach issues and morning sickness. Ginger can also serve as your first response for flu, cold, and motion sickness.
5. Lavender
Lavender is famous as one of the best essential oils. This oil has lots of medicinal and healing properties. Lavender has antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Also, it has elements that make it an active insect repellant. This herb can also help you handle and treat insect bites, grazes, and cuts.
Lavender, like most other essential oils, has a relaxing effect. So, it is useful for mitigating shock, depression, nervous tension, and stress. The herb’s relaxing properties help it promote sleep and reduce migraine symptoms.
6. Thyme
Thyme is another plant famous for its spicing properties. But it is also a valuable addition to your first aid kit. The leaves of this plant can be used fresh or dried. Either way, thyme can serve as the first response for cold and flu. It is useful for throat clearing and cough. Some manufacturers make thyme into a medicinal tea. Thyme is a valuable herbal first aid kit element regardless of how you use it.
7. Tea Tree
Tea tree is one of the purest forms of essential oil with loads of health benefits. It has antifungal and antiseptic properties. It is one of the best treatment options for body parts with tough skin. These parts include palm and feet soles.
So, you can use tea tree oil for wound dressing, wound care, insect bites, and fungal skin rashes. It is not ideal to use concentrated tea tree oil on sensitive skin parts. It is best to dilute it to a slightly neutral concentration.
8. Witch Hazel
The name of the plant is primarily due to its explosive healing ability. This plant has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. This potency is mainly due to the presence of tannins in the plant.
It can stop bleeding and prevent infections from developing on wounds. So, witch hazel is an ideal response to cuts or other injuries that causes bleeding. You can trust it to address your shaving burns and scraps. It also mitigates inflammation and swelling.
Witch hazel is useful for treating various insect bites and stings. Also, it is helpful for other conditions like hemorrhoids and blisters.
9. Turmeric
Do you need to add a valuable pain reliever to your herbal first aid kit? Turmeric is one of your best shots! This plant provides significant pain relief for severe conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Besides, turmeric can help you tackle various digestive and body discomforts. It mitigates inflammation after operations and offers digestive supports. So, turmeric can be your healer in times of indigestions, colitis, and other GIT problems.
You can use turmeric in various forms, and they are all effective. You can use it in powdery form, tablets, or herbal tea.
10. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is another essential oil with substantial health benefits. Although it is only ideal for external use, it still offers solutions to many internal health problems. Eucalyptus is generally not suitable for ingestion except for some modified commercial forms.
Eucalyptus is one of the best herbal pain relievers to add to your first aid kit. A few drops of eucalyptus oil are enough to treat conditions like headaches and muscle aches. It is also a good response for ailments like colds, flu, asthma, sinus problems, and respiratory issues.
There are several ways to harness eucalyptus oil for external use. You can add a few drops to a steamy shower to clear your airways. It will also help you deal with cold and flu, which are primary causes of blocked airways.
You can add eucalyptus to a carrier oil to improve its performance. You can rub the mixture on your hands, legs, and other body parts to relieve muscle strain and ache. It will also help you accelerate the cold sore’s healing process.
11. Arnica
Have you heard about the potency of the arnica plant? Arnica might not be one of the most common herbs, but it is one of the most potent options. It is suitable for first aid kits because it provides quick relief to bruising, strains, and sprains.
Arnica is commonly available in gel, cream, and ointment. Unlike eucalyptus oil, you can safely use Arnica internally without any fear. It is useful for the treatment of external tissue damage. It can also aid your speedy recovery after rigorous processes like childbirth, dental work, and surgery. But it is best to avoid the topical application of this herb during special conditions like pregnancy. Breastfeeding mothers and people with broken skin should also stay away from the herb.
12. FeverFew
Do you need a fast action response to chronic conditions like a migraine? FeverFew might be the simple solution you’ve been seeking for a long time. This herb has an optimal magnesium level, which is the herb’s healing power.
Using FeverFew in suitable doses will help you treat migraines from slight headaches. It is also useful for treating visual disturbance, nausea, and other similar conditions.
Note that fresh FeverFew is not advisable because of its side effects. It is best to use only standardized doses for safe use. Also, stay away from this herb if you are sensitive to chrysanthemums and ragweed.
13. Slippery Elm
Here is another herb that can perform super wonders. Slippery elm’s effect is slightly different from other herbs on this list. It helps draw out foreign agents, boil, and splinters from the body. It can also help you to deal with inflamed guts membrane conditions.
It is best to use it with hot water for the right consistency and result. You can hold it on the affected site until you experience significant relief. And the herb is suitable for both internal and external use.
14. Calendula
It is common to get wounds and cuts at home. Aside from preventing bleeding and ensuring pain relief, it is also vital to prevent infections. Calendula is one of the best herbs that can help you to protect your wound and injuries from external infections.
You can add the herb’s powdery form to hot water before using it to compress the wound. So, it prevents infection and aids speedy healing of wounds. You can even repeat its application a few times after the injury.
15. Gotu Kola
Collagen is a vital element in wound healing. Gotu kola works by inducing collagen synthesis in wound areas. The herb has been in use for many centuries, particularly in India and other parts of Asia. This herb is available and useful in liquid extract, tea, or compress tincture. Also, the herb is available in shops, and getting it is hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Herbal First Aid Kit
There are several herbs in various locations worldwide, and their uses are limitless. Some provide long-term treatment, and others are valuable as a first response. Due to the diversity, types, and application, it is normal to have various herbs for first aid kits.
Below are some frequently asked questions:
What is herbal first aid?
Herbal first aid uses the same concept as the typical modern first aid pattern. The difference is that an herbal first aid kit is natural and contains herbs instead of medications. These herbs help to soothe burns, minor cuts, bruises, and scrapes.
Can I replace medical treatment with herbal first aid?
No! Herbal first aid does not serve as a total alternative for medical treatments. Like the standard first aid kits, it only helps provide quick relief for health conditions. In extreme cases, it only helps keep the victim alive until there is medical attention.
Is an herbal first aid kit expensive?
No! An herbal first aid kit is not expensive because its elements are natural. You only need to buy a few of them in stores at cheap rates. You can grow other plants like Aloe Vera and ginger at home.
A Final Word From Wellness Nova
Herba first aid kits are essential for every home and other spaces. They help to manage accidents and injuries like cuts and burns. In extreme cases, the kits can be a lifesaver to sustain victims until medical attention arrives.
Herbal first aid kids are not expensive, and they are known to be effective. They are also safe and easy to apply, and each herb serves specific purposes. Ensure you understand how each herb works before using it.
