Whether you’re going on a camping trip, a long hike, or just playing games in the backyard, it never hurts to have a first-aid kit nearby. Many minor scrapes, burns, cuts, and bruises can be treated at home without having to make an unnecessary trip to the ER.
Here are some natural first aid remedies to treat minor injuries that occur around the house and when you travel. By packing these items in an accessible box or bag, you’ll be ready to speed along the healing process and prevent infection.
Arnica for Sprains, Strains, and Bruises
One natural remedy that belongs in every first aid kit is arnica, which is sold in the form of a gel, cream, and essential oil. Arnica is great for reducing pain caused by muscle strains, sprains, and bruises because it is naturally anti-inflammatory. Avoid rubbing arnica into open wounds.
Ginger for Motion Sickness and Nausea
Anyone going on a long road trip or plane ride should have some ginger on hand. You can pack ginger into your first aid kit in the form of ginger candy or capsules to prevent feelings of nausea and reduce motion sickness.
Activated Charcoal for Stomach Pain
Stomach pain is often caused by gas and bloating, and activated charcoal is a good natural remedy for easing these uncomfortable symptoms. This is because activated charcoal attracts excess gasses and acids that build up in the stomach and cause indigestion and acid reflux. As a preventative measure, you can also take an activated charcoal capsule with water about an hour before eating a meal containing gassy foods.
Olive Leaf Cut and Wound Remedy for Skin Injuries
Skin abrasions and cuts are very common, so we recommend having a bottle of Olive Leaf Cut and Wound Remedy in your first aid kit. This versatile homeopathic treatment provides relief and protection after a variety of skin injuries, bruises, itching, inflammation, lacerations, punctures, bites and stings, skin eruptions, numbness, burning, and even post-operative wound pain. After thoroughly washing and drying the affected area, spray directly on the cut or wound to cover the entire area. Repeat two to three times daily, as necessary.
For insect bites, it may also help to have a small bag of baking soda in your first aid kit. Baking soda works naturally against the venom released from bees and wasps if you apply a paste of baking soda and water to the sting site after washing it thoroughly.
For itchy insect bites, try rinsing the affected skin under very hot water (without burning yourself). The hot water will temporarily calm down the histamines in your skin for a few hours giving you some temporary relief, and allow you to get some restful sleep. This hot water effect usually can last 4-5 hours.
Bye Bye Burns for Sunburns, Scaldings and Contact Burns
Summer sunburns and cooking injuries are no match for Bye Bye Burns. This homeopathic remedy contains belladonna, cantharis, ranunculus bulb, urtica dioica, omega-3 fish liver oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and vitamin E to promote the rapid healing of damaged skin.
After washing the burn, apply this remedy up to four times daily, or as directed by your health care professional. It’s also recommended to have some aloe vera gel on hand to cool down burn sites and stimulate the growth of new skin cells.
More Natural Remedies to Pack in Your First Aid Kit
As you begin to put together your own natural first aid kit, don’t forget to include all the basics like bandages, gauze, tweezers, and scissors. Here are some additional items you might want to add in there as well.
- Witch hazel to fight skin infection
- Chamomile tea to ease indigestion
- Clove oil for toothaches
- Lavender oil for headaches
- Basil leaves for mosquito bites
- Eucalyptus oil for respiratory problems
- Apis 12c for minor allergic reactions