Herbal First Aid 

An herbal first aid kit is a must have for every home.  In response to the many unveilings in the world today, of economics, health concerns, food safety, and general well-being; an herbal quick response kit needs to be available.  We are living in uncertain times and need to be as prepared as possible.  It would be beneficial to stock up on items that serve more than one purpose for health and healing.  There are many over the counter first aid kits that can be purchased, however, in many cases emergency help is already in your home.

An example of that would be cotton diapers or white cotton sheets.  Both can be used for several purposes.  They can be used to make bandages.  They can be used to strain loose tea.  You can make compresses out of them.  It is always a good idea to have clean cotton fabric on hand for emergencies.  Sodium bicarbonate is another item to keep in abundance.  Stock up while you can.  It is an unbelievable multi-faceted product.  This article could actually only consist of sodium bicarbonate alone.  Chemically it is known as NaHCO3.  It is a form of salt.  It has been called by different names also; such as bicarbonate of soda, bread soda, and baking soda.  It has long been used for many pharmaceutical purposes but is not a pharmaceutical drug.  It neutralizes acids and protects digestive enzymes.  Our bodies produce this chemical inside of our stomachs.  It is antifungal, it is used for mouth washes, as an antiseptic, antimicrobial, and it helps to prevent infections from occurring.  In many field hospitals, baking soda has been used to dress wounds for operations.  There is some discrepancy concerning whether baking soda contains aluminum or not.  It is possible to find packages of it that say “aluminum free”.   However, during an emergency, either one is a good back up to have.  Here is a list of other first aid items that are good to have on hand.

1.  Hydrogen Peroxide H2O2- It puts extra oxygen in the blood, to clean wounds, sanitizing a patient’s room.  This is usually the 3% variety that is most commonly used.  There are a few different strengths of hydrogen peroxide. There is a 6-10%, and a 35%.  There is also an industrial 90% hydrogen peroxide which is used to bleach paper and textiles.  This type is also used in rocket fuel.  The 35% food grade peroxide is suitable for external and internal cleansing.  If you use this, type know that it is very strong and should be diluted properly.
2. Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap or a biodegradable alternative.  These soaps do not use lye. 
3. Matches, tweezer, needles, surgical thread, safety pins, gauze, and athletic sports tape.
4. Hot water bottle- for swelling, tension, comfort and warmth.

Herbs to keep on hand:

Rosemary- A strong nervine for stress, and headaches.  It is good to inhale for the flu, chills, nervous exhaustion, palpitations, and colds.  It is also used for sores in the mouth, gums, and throat. It is antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-infection, anti-inflammatory, and it lowers the blood pressure.  Use the fresh herb or the essential oil. 

Ginger- It is used for stomach troubles and can be used as a topical poultice for chest complaints.

Peppermint-It has anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties.

Garlic- It is good for both strep and staph bacteria.  It is immune enhancing, and effective in killing and expelling parasites.

Echinacea- A natural antibiotic.  It helps to heal septic cuts, and wounds.  It is a blood purifier, and anti-inflammatory.

Cayenne- It is a heart tonic.  It seals wounds, stopping blood from oozing out of wounds.  It normalizes the blood pressure.  It strengthens all parts of the circulatory system.

Red Clover- A natural antibiotic; it is a wound wash for boils, sores, and acne.

Fenugreek- Use the seeds or leaves.  An excellent poultice for wounds.  It removes mucus congestion.  It expels waste and toxic mucus.  It is very effective at dissolving mucus.

Dandelions-A diuretic that is high in potassium, zinc, calcium, iron and vitamin A.  It lowers the blood pressure and is a bladder tonic.  It cleanses the blood and liver.  

Turmeric-It cleanses the blood and helps to dissolve sediments.  It reduces tumors. It has antibiotic,  anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.  

Black Seed- It is an antioxidant, it promotes liver health, it reduces high blood pressure, is good for acne, eczema, and is an antifungal.

Oil of Oregano- It is an antioxidant.  It is antifungal, antiseptic, anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial; it is also good for bacterial and viral pneumonia. It is excellent for immune health, it contains vitamin E, calcium, Vitamin K, manganese, iron, and fiber.  It is good for bone health; it destroys free radicals and detoxifies the body.  

Herbs, Spices, and Salts

Zinc lozenges, Himalayan pink salt, Celtic salt, Redmond salt (any of these salts can be used as a gargle, and soak for sore body parts). Garlic (fresh or dried), raw honey (for burns, infections, and antibiotic properties). Yarrow and Arnica for pain and fever.

For Stomach Ailments

 1. A bitters blend made with burdock, yellow dock and dandelion dried roots can be used as a general tonic.

2. Blend together ginger, lemon/orange peel, chamomile, fennel seed, and catnip.  This combination can be made ahead of time. 

Natural Antidotes

Charcoal tablets, and the powder.  Also, ipecac if there is an accidental ingestion of some type of poisons.

A Topical Liniment for sore joints and can be used as a disinfectant.

1- ounce Echinacea powder

1-ounce turmeric

1- ounce Myrrh powder

¼ ounce cayenne powder

2 cups of apple cider vinegar

Combine the powdered herbs in a large container with a plastic lid. Cover them with the vinegar leaving 2 inches of space between the surface of the vinegar and the rim of the jar and put a lid on it. Shake daily for one month, and then strain the liquid. Bottle and label your liniment, taking note of the ingredients, and date. Use this liniment as a disinfectant, to ease rheumatism, sprains, and to heal wounds, bruises, and burns.  

One last note on baking soda. It relieves heartburn, it can be used for a detox bath, it relieves fungal itching, it is good to make a paste of it for relief of bug bites, it is a deodorizer and can be taken internally as a fever reducer. 

Resources: 1. Health Handbook, by Louise Tenney 2. Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss 3. Nutritional Healing, by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC 4. www.blackdoctor.org 5. www.facty.com 6. Modern Essentials, by Aroma Tools