Holistic First Aid Kit

Holistic remedies have been utilized for first aid uses far before traditional items such as alcohol swabs were. There are many natural substances that can be used to safely and effectively treat minor cuts, discomforts and pain.  This article will discuss the items recommended to create the ultimate herbal first aid kit.

*Do not start or stop any treatment, natural remedy or medication without first contacting your healthcare provider. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat or manage any condition*

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the best natural solutions to treat burns from heat sources and also sooth sunburn. It can be applied directly to the skin and is safe for use on children and the elderly.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal has a negative electrical charge which causes it to attract toxins and gases. This form of charcoal is non-toxic and cannot be absorbed by the human body, which allows it to freely carry the toxins out of the body through the feces.  

Baking soda

As a naturally alkalinizing agent, baking soda is a holistic remedy for treating acid reflux and also has evidence it can help gas pressure and bloating. Baking soda is a naturally alkalinizing compound and can help your body reduce acidity and maintain a proper PH balance.

Basil

Basil isn’t just for seasoning your traditional Italian dishes, when used as an herbal tincture, basil has analgesic effects on the body, which may help inflammation and pain. It can also be used as a natural muscle relaxant, which may help soothe muscular soreness and can ease menstrual cramping.

Bentonite Clay

The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology published a study that showed bentonite clay was a promising treatment to treat allergic skin reactions caused by irritants such as poison ivy, poison oak and other allergens.  It has also been shown to benefit those with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Bentonite clay can be used as an effective skin protectant and protects the skin from harmful electromagnetic radiation caused by sun exposure. Additionally, traditional baby powder made from Talc is known to be an endocrine disrupter and is rumored to cause cancer in females. Bentonite Clay can be used as a natural replacement for your baby powder needs.

Castor Oil

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which is a fatty acid in castor oil that stimulates a laxative effect in the intestines, therefore inducing bowel movements. It has natural antimicrobial properties, which are useful in the treatment and prevention of acne breakouts. It has also been shown to be a safe natural treatment for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Chamomile

Also known as medieval aspirin or wild chamomile, this herb has been used to treat migraine headaches since the dark ages. It has natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and is a mild tranquilizer. Chamomile can me ingested as an herbal tincture, ingested in the form of herbal tea or even used topically or aromatically in essential oil form.

Clove

Clove essential oil contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Specifically, there is a component of Clove oil called eugenol that has been proven to effectively kill various types of bacteria and fungi.   A safely diluted solution of clove oil can be applied topically to prevent infection.  Many holistic practitioners use clove oil as a natural remedy for toothaches and recommend it to prevent cavities and promote oral health.  Research has also shown that for some patients, clove was shown to be as effective for oral pain as benzocaine. Food grade clove oil can be safely used as a treatment for oral issues causing tooth pain and even prevent cavities.

Epson Salt

When epsom salt is absorbed by the skin, it boosts magnesium and sulfates which support body system functions. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant, so soaking in it can be beneficial to those who suffer from chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia and those who do manual labor. Endurance athletes also find muscle recovery and pain relief by using Epsom salt after work out sessions.  Studies have shown that magnesium supplementation can have great benefits for health. One of the reported benefits of Epsom salt is better sleep and increased relaxation. Magnesium is thought to help the body promote healthy melatonin levels, which is the hormone secreted that helps you fall asleep. (Source: SNF Swedish Nutrition Foundation) 

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus essential oil can be applied to the chest to provide relief of congestion associated with mild respiratory illness. You can also diffuse this oil to help reduce the discomfort from seasonal stuffiness.

Frankincense

Frankincense contains many healing ingredients such as: Phellandrene, Limonene, Pinene, Borneol, Farnesol and Myrcene which all have anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties. Frankincense contains many healing ingredients proven to improve a myriad of skin care issues. In addition to it being naturally antiseptic, it has been shown as an effective treatment to heal dermal fibroblasts. Frankincense was found to improve skin by reducing scar formation and promote wound healing. When safely applied to a wound, it can decrease healing time and prevent permanent scarring. 

Ginger

Ginger has long been used as a remedy for queasiness. You can make a natural ginger ale drink by adding 2-4 drops of therapeutic or food grade ginger essential oil product into your water and sipping on it as needed until symptoms subside.  It can also be beneficial to take ginger with you on trips to help manage motion sickness in a car, train or airplane.

Lavender

Though it is known for its relaxing effects, this herb is used to not only treat anxiety and induce restfulness but also can treat burns.  Applying a diluted solution of lavender essential oil to skin that has been burned by either a heat source or even sunburn can promote healing and reduce pain.

Lemon

Because of the chemical properties in lemon juice, it can be used a natural first aid remedy to clean wounds, scrapes and scratches. It is a staple in holistic first aid kits and can be safely used as a diluted solution in the place of alcohol and peroxide.

Tea Tree

A diluted solution of tea tree essential oil can be used to safely and effectively disinfect cuts and shallow wounds. As a naturally disinfecting agent, it can be used in place of alcohol or peroxide.

Turmeric

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties which makes it a highly recommended ingredient in many holistic and ayurvedic remedies.

Olive oil

Olive oil is the most commonly used vegetable oil and is cultivated from olives from the Olea europaea, a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean. Olive oil is a favored choice for carrier oils because it is very easy to find and inexpensive.  It is a must for holistic first aid kits because it can be safely used as a carrier oil for all essential oils and herbal tinctures.  

Peppermint 

Peppermint has been used to treat many ailments. It’s cooling effects and fresh scent makes it a favorite among essential oil users and those seeking natural remedies. Aches and pains can be naturally eased when you apply a solution of peppermint oil safely diluted in a carrier oil.  Peppermint has also been shown to be effective with headache relief. When applied topically during a headache, many patients report decreased pain and sensitivity.

Pickle Juice

Pickle juice contains supportive ingredients and can help your body restore its normal electrolyte levels. Since it contains healthy ingredients such as vitamin C & E and also sodium and potassium, drinking pickle juice can help you stay hydrated and can be a great alternative to sugary sports drinks.

Rose Hips

Rosehips is extracted from the fruit or seeds of rose plants. As a natural anti-oxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, Rosehip seed oil can naturally treat skin issues such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis at home without a prescription. Rose hip tea is hailed as one of the healthiest herbal teas because it contains the antioxidants, vitamin C and quercetin which have exhibited evidence that they help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

Rooibos

Rooibos was originally used for therapeutic use in Southern Africa but gained popularity in the rest of the world in the early 2000’s due to its outstanding healing properties shown to possibly treat issues such as lowering high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is a staple in natural first aid kits because of its antiseptic properties. It can be used to clean scrapes and wounds in the place of alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. It can also be used to naturally treat hemorrhoids are swelling in the veins in your rectum which can cause pain, discomfort, itchiness and/or bleeding. This uncomfortable problem can be remedied by using the natural treatment of witch hazel due to its anti-inflammatory, healing properties.

Do not start or stop any treatment, natural remedy or medication without first contacting your healthcare provider. The above suggestions are not intended to diagnose, treat or manage any condition.

Mary Tylor Naturals is here to provide you with Better Ingredients for a Better Life!

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