Herbal First Aid Kit: Emergencies happen when you least expect them – are you prepared?
Do you have a herbal first aid kit?
Imagine this:
a splitting headache strikes just as you’re scheduled to attend a meeting with your low-patience boss,
a deep slice in your finger bleeds as you scramble through the kitchen drawer for a bandage,
or your little one clutches their stomach in pain –
yet your first-aid kit is cluttered with half-opened finger plasters and the wrong tools for the job.
In moments like these, having a well-stocked, well-organised herbal first aid kit isn’t just handy and cute –
it’s a life-saver for your peace of mind.
And we’ve all heard that the first rule of first aid is – Keep calm!
No need to rush to the pharmacy in a state verging on panic –
here are 7 portable, effective herbal first aid remedies that you should always have in your home first aid kit (or even in your bag).
Sold on the need to prepare a herbal first aid kit?
Then let’s get on with it!
1. Cayenne Tincture – A Life-Saver for Circulation and Pain Relief
Cayenne pepper isn’t just for spicing up your meals – it’s a powerful herbal first aid kit remedy.
Why you need it in your herbal first aid kit:
- Cayenne tincture can stop a heart attack in progress by thinning blood and improving circulation (same principle as chewing an aspirin)
- It works as a natural pain reliever
- It can help slow bleeding when applied topically
How to make:
To make cayenne tincture, combine dried cayenne pepper (about 1–2 tablespoons) with alcohol (such as vodka) in a glass jar.
Seal the jar and shake it daily for about 2–3 weeks, then strain the liquid into a clean bottle.
How to use:
For heart support, squeeze a dropperful of tincture under the tongue.
For bleeding, mix a few drops with water and apply to the wound.
It will sting at first, then numb the pain.
Cayenne is antimicrobial and will help prevent the wound from becoming infected.
2. Lavender Salve – For Burns, Cuts, and Insect Bites
Lavender is famous for its calming scent, but it’s also an incredible skin healer.
Why you need it in your herbal first aid kit:
- Lavender salve soothes burns and insect bites
- It helps heal cuts and scrapes
- It reduces inflammation and irritation
How to make:
For lavender salve, melt 1 cup of beeswax with 1 cup of coconut oil in a double boiler, then add 20–30 drops of lavender essential oil.
Stir well, pour into small tins, and allow it to cool and harden.
Gift to friends and family, so they can start their own herbal first aid kits too 🥰
How to use:
Apply a small amount to the affected area as needed.
The salve is already diluted, so it’s safe for sensitive skin.
3. Activated Charcoal Capsules – For Detox and Poisoning
Capsules of activated charcoal are a must-have in any herbal first aid kit due to its ability to bind toxins.
Why you need it in your herbal first aid kit:
- Treats food poisoning and stomach bugs
- Helps absorb toxins in cases of accidental poisoning (always consult a doctor first!)
- Can be used for insect bites and stings
How to use:
Mix with water to drink for internal detox or create a paste with water for insect bites.
4. Plantain Salve – Nature’s Band-Aid
Plantain is a common backyard herb with amazing wound-healing properties.
Why you need it in your herbal first aid kit:
- Stops itching from bug bites
- Helps wounds heal faster
- Soothes rashes and skin irritation
How to make:
To make plantain salve, infuse dried plantain leaves in a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil for about 2 weeks, then strain the herbs out.
Melt beeswax into the infused oil and pour into containers, letting it solidify to create a soothing salve.
How to use:
Apply the salve directly to cuts, scrapes, or bites.
If you don’t have a salve, fresh plantain leaves can be chewed or squished in your fingers and applied directly to a wound.
5. Ginger Capsules – For Nausea and Digestion
Ginger is a powerhouse when it comes to stomach issues and travel sickness.
Why you need it in your herbal first aid kit:
- Helps relieve nausea, morning sickness and motion sickness
- Eases bloating and indigestion
- Supports a healthy immune system
How to use:
Take 1–2 capsules when experiencing nausea or stomach discomfort.
6. Elderberry Tincture – Immune System Booster
Elderberry is one of the best natural remedies for cold and flu season.
Why you need it in your herbal first aid kit:
- Excellent preventative and shortens the duration of colds and flu
- Boosts the immune system
- Contains powerful antioxidants to fight infections
How to use:
Take a dropperful at the first sign of illness, or daily during flu season for prevention.
How to make:
To make elderberry tincture, fill a jar halfway with fresh, frozen or dried elderberries and cover them with high-proof alcohol, like vodka.
Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking it daily before straining the berries out.
7. Clove Oil – A Natural Painkiller for Toothaches
Clove oil has been used for centuries as a natural anesthetic.
Why you need it in your herbal first aid kit:
- Numbs toothache pain instantly
- Has antimicrobial properties to fight gum infections
- Soothes muscle and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties
How to use:
Apply a small drop to a cotton swab and dab onto the affected tooth or gum.
How to make:
No need to make it unless you want to – clove oil is cheap to purchase in handy 10 ml bottles at most supermarkets, pharmacies and online.
Be Ready for Anything with Herbal First Aid
Having these 7 herbal remedies in your first aid kit ensures you’re prepared for family emergencies without having to rely on man-made drugs.
But what if you want to take your herbal knowledge even further?
What if you could confidently treat all kinds of health issues with herbs –without second-guessing yourself?
Learn to Use Herbs Like a Pro
I’ve created the 90-Day Family Herbalist Action Plan to help you become the go-to herbal expert in your home.
In just 90 days, you’ll learn:
- How to confidently use herbs for first aid and everyday health
- Which herbs to stock in your home apothecary
- Step-by-step guidance for making tinctures, salves, and more
Don’t just read about herbal first aid – master it.
Click below to get started today!
References
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/elderberry
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-lavender-can-do-for-you
https://www.londonbushcraft.com/post/ribwort-plantain-my-5-favourite-uses-for-this-amazing-weed
