Put Together a Natural First Aid Kit & a Herbal First Aid Kit by Following this List
What sort of things can you realistically treat with a ‘herbal first aid kit’? You’d be surprised: from migraines to toothaches to bites, stings, the flu and even insomnia, a herbal remedies kit can do wonders for the entire family. For example, here’s what Michelle from seekingjoyfulsimplicity.com has said about using herbal home remedies (which I totally agree with):
It is an empowering experience taking care of ourselves, using all-natural homemade herbal remedies. Herbal medicine is truly a gift and I am deeply grateful.
What we Currently Use at Home (our Kit Keeps Growing…)
As I learn more about herbs, herbal remedies and natural skincare (which uses botanicals to enhance its power) I somehow felt compelled to write an entry around herbal first aid kits. In this section I’ll briefly mention our current herbal remedy kit as well as the herbs we grow in our lovely terrace.
The more I fall in love with the power of plant, the more I change my habits around medicine and healing. My home is getting more and more full of my own DIY creams, lotions and potions, DIY shower gels, DIY balms, a variety of dried herbs and fresh herbs, etc. Very rewarding indeed. It all feels very natural, this has been an organic process that has gone hand in hand with my spiritual awakening. I’m very lucky that Lynn also loved all the ‘home remedies’ world prior to me ‘turning’ to it.
Anyway, at the moment here are the herbs/remedies we ‘stock’ at home (I’m still at the very beginning of this herbal remedy journey so I’m happy with what we’ve got so far!). See what you think.
**Note: this is what we’re using at the moment at home, you’ll find the ideal kit is below the intro section!**
- Sage / Calendula (Marigold) / Wormwood (for our menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes)
- Valerian root (for calming nerves)
- Chamomile (for stomach upsets and because I love the taste)
- St John’s Wort, Devil’s Claw, Arnica (for joint pain)
- Joint pain tincture and cream
- Muscle rub salve with Rosemary and Ginger
- Grazes and burns salve with calendula, St John’s Wort and Lavender Essential Oil
- Around 20 (or more!) different carrier oils, 15 floral waters (hydrosols) and a lovely essential oil kit with over 40 essential oils
- Kilos of shea butter (mostly unrefined), cocoa butter and mango butter
- Rosemary alcohol for inflammation
- A whole array of DIY natural skincare products like face creams (for both day and night), body creams (all sorts), shower gel, facial cleanser, body butter, lip balm, body exfoliator, etc.
Fresh herbs/plants we’re growing in our humble terrace corner:
- Sage (Salvia Officinalis) (because I ADORE it)
- Parsley (Petroselinum Crispum)
- Cilantro/Coriander (Coriandrum Sativum)
- Spearmint (Mentha Spicata)
- Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)
- Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
- Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
- Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)
According to my lovely herbal books there’s a lot of room for improvement so let’s have a look at the ideal basic first aid kit first and then we’ll have a look at a list of herbs which are convenient to always have at hand in your cupboard.
Putting Together Two Kits: a Natural First Aid Kit & a Herbal First Aid Kit
Disclaimer – The information on this post is not intended to replace medical advice. Herbal medicine is an art form that needs to be learned. If unsure about anything, please contact your doctor/practitioner!
A good herbal medicine at home kit will make use of already prepared formulations, essential oils to keep at hand, dried herbs and fresh herbs. For a basic natural first aid kit you can just stick to already prepared formulations but I like to have at hand bags of dried herbs as well as fresh herbs (again, the latter not necessary for a basic kit).
That’s why I’ve group the first aid kits into two groups:
- The natural first aid kit consists of already prepared formulations (including capsules, powders, ointments, creams, syrups, tinctures and essential oils)
- The herbal first aid kit is composed of isolated herbs (dried and fresh, so you can prepare your infusions, decoctions, compresses, poultices, etc).
The Natural First Aid Kit in a Nutshell
Here’s just a list of the items you should include into your natural first aid kit (below we’ll look into each one of them in more detail).
- Feverfew capsules (for headaches and migraines)
- Slippery Elm powder (for acid reflux/heartburn)
- Thyme syrup (for coughs)
- Echinacea capsules (for colds)
- Myrrh tincture (for sore throats, mouth ulcers and acne [boils].)
- Valerian tablets (stress and insomnia)
- Comfrey ointment (bruises and sprains)
- Calendula cream (inflamed or minor wounds [cuts and grazes], skin rashes and sunburn)
- Witch Hazel distilled water (for sore skin, broken veins and insect bites/stings)
- Arnica cream (painful bruises and muscle pain)
- Garlic capsules (for infections)
- Lavender EO (for insect bites/stings, burns and headaches)
- Tea Tree EO (antifungal and antiseptic)
The Herbal First Aid Kit in a Nutshell
Again, this is just the list of both dried and fresh herbs, below you’ll be able to see each in detail.
- Chamomile Flowers (infusion, for stress/anxiety)
- Cleavers (infusion, for cleansing/detox)
- Fennel Seeds (infusion/chewing, for digestive problems)
- Lemon Balm (infusion, for mood)
- Calendula Flowers (infusion, for menstrual cramps/menopausal symptoms and for fungal infections)
- Plantain Leaves (infusion, for respiratory health)
- Thyme Leaf (infusion, for bronchitis, laryngitis and sore throat)
- Valerian Root (decoction, a sedative for sleeping)
- Clove (dried flower buds) (infusion, for colic)
You can start simple and then grow your medicinal kit as you go, which is what Lynn and I are doing. If you’re looking for a basic, simple herbal kit with medicinal plants the below can give you an idea of where to get started. Remember to add bandage, a thermometer and plasters to your kit!
Note: I think growing your own medicinal herbs is a must if you really want to ‘own’ your healing. Not because of a proud ego that can say “I’ve done this from scratch”, but because of your relationship with nature which includes your body/mind mechanism. Touching the plant, watching it grow, knowing she needs you as much as you need her for healing [plants have the purpose to heal], etc will make the process a much more natural (and synergic) affair in the end.
Let’s have a closer look at the natural first aid kit.
1. Your Natural First Aid Kit in Detail
Below we’ll go through each of the items listing benefits of the different remedies.
Feverfew (Tanacetum Parthenium) Capsules
Feverfew is used principally as a treatment for migraines.
How to Take:
To be taken regularly and also at the first signs of a migraine attack. Read the label on the Feverfew capsules’s label prior to taking. Usually for symptomatic relief of headaches a 100mg capsule a day is recommended.
More info from trusted resources here and here.
Fewerfew Capsules:
[amazon box=”B00020HR1I” title=”Nature’s Way Feverfew Capsules” template=”list”]
Slippery Elm (Ulmus Rubra) Powder
Slippery Elm is a demulcent and ideal for helping with acid reflux/heartburn.
How to Take:
To hep with your acid reflux/heartburn take 1 tsp of Slippery Elm powder with water two or three times a day.
More info from trusted resources here, here and here.
Slippery Elm Powder:
[amazon box=”B003AYEHLQ” title=”Organic Slippery Elm Powder” template=”list”]
Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) Syrup
For coughs, colds and chest infections.
How to Take:
For coughs take 20ml of syrup 3 times a day.
More info from trusted resources here and here.
Thyme Syrup:
[amazon box=”B00QJMG2Y6″ title=”Clear Chest Herbal Syrup” template=”list”]
Echinacea (Echinacea Spp) Capsules
Echinacea is ideal for colds, infections and flu.
How to Take:
Take a 500mg capsule of powdered root 3 times a day.
More info from trusted resources here, here and here.
Echinacea Capsules:
[amazon box=”B0001VVDCM” title=”Organic Echinacea Capsules” template=”list”]
Myrrh (Commiphora Molmol) Tincture
For sore throats, mouth ulcers and acne (boils).
How to Take:
- For mouth ulcers: Dilute 1tsp tincture with 100ml water and use for sore throats or as mouthwash
- For acne (boils): Mix 1 level tsp of slippery elm (above) with myrrh tincture to make a thick and smooth paste. Place on the boil and secure it with a plaster. Remove after one or two hours (also good for drawing splinters).
More info from trusted resources for mouth ulcers here and for acne treatment: here, here and here.
[amazon box=”B000155MFM” title=”Myrrh Tincture” template=”list”]
Valerian Root (Valeriana Officinalis) Tablets
For stress and insomnia.
How to Take:
- For stress/insomnia: Follow pack directions. For the pack I’m recommending you need to take 3 capsules one hour before bedtime. (At home Lynn and I make a decoction but I understand that taking tablets is much faster and hassle-free. The tablets I recommend here contain gelatin (capsule), cellulose and magnesium stearate as well but if you get different tablets do check if the tablets also contain other herbs).
More info from trusted resources here.
Valerian Root Tablets:
[amazon box=”B000293XLM” title=”Valerian Root Capsules” template=”list”]
Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) Ointment
For bruises and sprains and for healing fractures.
How to Take:
- For bruises: Apply to bruises according to product directions.
More info from trusted resources here and here.
Comfrey Ointment:
[amazon box=”B000BNVEKQ” title=”Comfrey Ointment” template=”list”]
Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) Cream
For inflamed or minor wounds (cuts and grazes), skin rashes and sunburn.
How to Take:
- Calendula cream: Apply to cuts and grazes.
- Calendula ointment: for minor burns up to 3 times a day.
More info from trusted resources here.
Calendula Cream/Salve/Ointment
(I chose a ‘one in all’ solution but creams and salves/ointments are different products in nature)
Calendula Cream:
[amazon box=”B0033MG6UK” title=”Calendula Cream” template=”list”]
Witch Hazel (Hammamelis Virginiana) Hydrosol/Distilled Water
For sore skin, broken veins and insect bites/stings.
How to Take:
- For the above: Dab distilled Witch Hazel water on sore skin, broken veins and insect bites/stings with a cotton wool.
More info from trusted resources here.
Witch Hazel Water:
[amazon box=”B01M6TJFPX” title=”Witch Hazel Hydrosol/Distilled Water” template=”list”]
Arnica (Arnica Montana) Cream
For painful bruises and muscle pain.
How to Apply:
- For bruises: Apply Arnica ointment to bruises 2 or 3 times a day (DO NOT USE ON BROKEN SKIN)
- For muscle/joint pain & sprains: Apply the cream 3 times a day to the aching area and massage gently (DO NOT USE ON BROKEN SKIN)
More info from trusted resources here and here.
**The product below is in the form of cream, if you preferred the ointment, here’s the (aff) link.
Arnica Cream:
[amazon box=”B00DEYEREY” title=”Arnica Cream” template=”list”]
Garlic (Allium Sativum) Capsules
For infections / the oil from the capsules for earache caused by infection.
How to Take:
- To increase resistance to infections: Read the instructions on the product’s label.
- For bronchitis: Take 2 x 100mg capsules 3 times a day.
- For earache: Break open a garlic oil capsule and place 2 drops of oil on to a cotton wool. Plug into the affected ear.
Garlic Capsules:
[amazon box=”B004R63N8O” title=”Garlic Capsules” template=”list”]
1.2 Essential Oils
Lavender (Lavandula Officinalis) Essential Oil
For insect bites, stings, burns and headaches
How to Take:
- For insect stings: Apply undiluted (as per Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH, page 108 – aff link)
- For headaches: Combine 20 drops of Lavender essential oil with 20ml carrier oil and massage into your skin.
More info from trusted resources here: for stings/bites here and here – for headaches/migraines here. A general abstract on Lavender essential oil can be found here and a VERY interesting article on lavender oil on Robert Tisserand’s website here.
Lavender Essential Oil:
[amazon box=”B00PYS7R7M” title=”Lavender Essential Oil” template=”list”]
Tea Tree (Malaleuca Alternifolia) Essential Oil
Antiseptic and antifungal. Good for spots as well.
How to Take:
- For spots: Add 5 drops of Tea Tree essential oil to a base cream and apply 3 times a day.
More info from trusted resources here.
Tea Tree Essential Oil:
[amazon box=”B007OY0BM2″ title=”Tea Tree Essential Oil” template=”list”]
2. BASIC HERBAL FIRST AID KIT
2.1 Dried Herbs
Here’s a nice list of dried herbs to keep in the cupboard and add to your all natural first aid kit. Some of the herbs will need to be infused and some will need to be decocted. Here’s a quick guide on how to do both:
INFUSIONS – 1tsp dried herb to a cup of water. Can be taken hot or cold. Store in the fridge or cool area and drink within 24 hours.
DECOCTIONS – 20gr dried herb to 750ml cold water. Place the herb in your pan. Cover with cold, filtered water or bottled water. Bring to the boil. Simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by about one-third (So 750ml of water would end up being around 500ml of water). Strain the liquid through a sieve. Cover and store in a cool place. Drink within 48 hours.
Chamomile Flowers (Matricaria Chamomilla)
STRESS & ANXIETY: Chamomile is great at soothing nerves, easing anxiety and stress. Good to treat insomnia irritability as well as tension.
DIGESTION: I used to take a lot of Chamomile tea to ease digestion upset when I was younger. It was a ‘must’ at home! Chamomile helps with stress related digestive problems, indigestion and wind. It also helps with nausea (i.e. travel sickness)
How to Take:
- INFUSION: 1 to 3 cups of Chamomile infused tea daily. Personal tip: don’t let the little bits of Chamomile ‘thread’ (they can be tiny!) in your tea put you off. Just make sure you strain properly. Chamomile tea tastes WONDERFUL, it is one of my favourite herbal teas in terms of taste for sure.
More info from trusted resources here. I wrote an article on benefits of chamomile also.
Chamomile Flowers:
[amazon box=”B00DURJ2WM” title=”Chamomile Flowers / Chamomile Herbal Tea” template=”list”]
Cleavers (Galium Aparine)
Aids cleansing/detox. Good for elimination in lymphatic system, urinary and kidneys). Supports digestive health improving digestive enzyme production/bile.
How to Take:
- INFUSION: 1 to 3 cups infused tea daily. Bitter taste.
Helpful article here.
Cleavers Herb:
[amazon box=”B071FQX2GV” title=”Cleavers Herbal Tea” template=”list”]
Fennel Seeds (Foeniculum Vulgare)
For digestive problems including cramps, indigestion, wind and bloating. Fennel adis digestion and absorption of food by stimulating digestive enzymes. It also relaxes spasms and craps and relieves colic and wind. Very useful for heartburn, indigestion and constipation.
How to Take:
- INFUSION: 1/2 to 1tsp of fennel seeds per cup. Drink after meals.
- CHEWING: a few of the seeds can be chewed after meals.
More info from trusted resources here.
Fennel Seeds:
[amazon box=”B0016AZH4M” title=”Fennel Seeds” template=”list”]
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)
For balancing the nervous system. It smells DIVINE. Great for tension, irritability, anxiety, stress and when feeling down.
How to Take:
- INFUSION: 1 to 3 cups daily.
More info from trusted resources here.
Lemon Balm Herb:
[amazon box=”B079R58X13″ title=”Lemon Balm Herbal Tea” template=”list”]
Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula/Marigold flowers are fantastic. As a dried herb, it looks great in the cupboard, I love the orange colour as well as the way it looks (like ‘threads’). I use it as an infusion together with Sage and Wormwood to ease menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes. Infused, Calendula can help regulate periods and relieve menstrual cramps. It helps reduce heavy bleeding.
I recommended Marigold/Calendula cream above but you can also use it as an infusion to treat chronic, fungal infections like ringworm or thrush.
How to Take:
- INFUSION: Drink 150ml 3 times a day. **DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY DURING PREGNANCY.
More info from trusted resources here.
Calendula Flowers:
[amazon box=”B01G5NHS1O” title=”Organic Calendula Flowers” template=”list”]
Plantain (Plantago Major)
Particularly useful for respiratory problems. Plantain is rich in mucilage which protects the mucous lining of the respiratory tract. It can help to calm a tickly cough, for example. It also helps reduce the over production of mucus, helping with sinusitis, tonsillitis and sore throat (it makes a good gargle), congestion and infection of the chest.
How to Take:
- INFUSION: 1 to 3 cups daily.
More info from trusted resources here.
Plantain Leaves Herb:
[amazon box=”B0006NZAOC” title=”Plantain Leaves Loose Herb” template=”list”]
Thyme Leaf (Thymus Vulgaris)
I recommended thyme syrup for coughs and colds but having it as a dry herb is a good way of taking a nice, hot cup of tea to deal with your cough in cold days. Thyme is perfect for sore throat, bronchitis and laryngitis. It helps with irritable cough as well as good for expelling mucus.
How to Take:
- INFUSION: 3 cups a day
More info on thyme for colds/coughs here.
Thyme Herb:
[amazon box=”B00MWIXMRG” title=”Thyme Leaf” template=”list”]
Valerian Root (Valeriana Officinalis)
I recommended Valerian tablets above, but I like the idea of getting as close as possible to the plant. Tablets are a little ‘removed’ in terms of a relationship between the person and the plant if that makes sense (although I understand they’re easier to take, especially for those who don’t have time to decoct/infuse herbs at home) but I personally prefer to prepare my own infusions/decoctions as and when I can. I make Valerian root decoction every day for Lynn, and I feel that touching the root with my hands and infusing them with my energy takes herbal remedies to a different level. I actually sense the plant’s ‘happiness’ for being able to help with human health. It is a great feeling and I wouldn’t want to miss it for the world! (I also take other supplements/tablets like Potassium, Magnesium and Vitamin B50 – see here – but as and when I can, I infuse and decoct myself. Also the tablets I recommended contain gelatin, so this is a great option.
How to Take:
- DECOCTION: 25 to 100ml (a cup) before bed as a sedative. Instructions on how to decoct above. Take your time and decoct away! Get used to touching the parts of the plant, smelling them, thanking them, look at photos of the whole plant, understand how the are making you feel better by developing close relationships with them!
Do read this article before buying the Valerian.
Valerian Root:
[amazon box=”B001VNKZFK” title=”Valerian Root” template=”list”]
Clove (Eugenia Caryophyllata)
I like to have cloves (dried flower buds) at home. They make a great spice but they are also valued as herbal medicine. Great for helping with colic.
How to Take:
- INFUSION: For colic infuse 2 or 3 cloves in 150ml of water and take 3 times daily.
Here’s a short article on clove for colic.
Cloves:
[amazon box=”B01M07U7ZT” title=”Organic Cloves” template=”list”]
2.2 Fresh Herbs
To me, a herbal medicine kit is not truly complete if you don’t grow fresh herbs at home. Even one or two will make a difference, because you will feel closer to the plant kingdom which I feel is a necessary requirement to our health & wellbeing.
If you found all the herbal/natural first aid kit additions above exciting, just take your kit that little bit further with fresh herbs.
Growing your own herbs is very rewarding. In terms of covering ailments, the fresh herbs are not a necessary part of your kit as the already above mentioned formulations + essential oils + dried herbs will do an excellent job… But maybe this is the time to at least start thinking about growing our own fresh herbs.
If so, here’s what would be an ideal selection to complete your lovely natural first aid kit.
Herb First Aid: Fresh Herbs to the Rescue!
Here’s a nice list of fresh herbs to grow in your garden, window sill, terrace, patio… Here’s the list again of the herbs we grow at home. We’re hoping to grow lots more as time goes by and we have access to spacious outdoor areas.
- Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)
- Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)
- Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris)
- Sage (Salvia Officinalis)
- Spearmint (Mentha Spicata)
- Coriander (Coriandrum Sativum)
- Parsley (Petroselinum Crispum)
- Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
Which Herb/Natural Remedy Not Mentioned Here Has Made it to Your Natural First Aid Kit?
That’s it for now! Did I miss a herb you love that has not been mentioned here? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
As for us, we are just starting in the world of herbal remedies and learning every day. Each herb has so many properties, and together, when combining them in various ways, they cover a great range of ailments.
Please don’t replace your existing kit with a herbal, natural one. Just get started with your natural kit as well… Buy books on herbal remedies and don’t trust everything you read online. I use the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chavallier [aff link] (a lot of what has been mentioned on this article comes from the book) and I’m fussy about where I get my information from.
Lastly, for other herbal first aid kits, these two articles by Michelle (mentioned in the first paragraph of this article) are worth having a look at. I’ll leave you with them, see what you think!
DIY Herbal First Aid Kit Using All-Natural Homemade Remedies
Starting Your Medicinal Herb Garden – 5 Herbs to Grow in Containers and Gardens
Keywords: homemade herbal first aid kit, DIY herbal first aid kit, how to make your own natural first aid kit, make your own natural first aid kit
