Anyone with an herbal medicine degree can tell you that putting together an herbal first aid kit is one of the best things that you can do. So, you know that you need to do it, but what are you supposed to put in it exactly? Of course, you could come up with a compendium of items, but some are a bit more important than others.
Aloe Vera Gel – The Most Basic Item
There is a strong chance that you’ve already used this one at some point as it is a common remedy for sunburns and other issues. It can also be an important item to keep in a kitchen first aid kit as it is perfect for stovetop burns.
Arnica Gel/Cream
These come from Arnica flowers which are anti-inflammatory. Either as a gel or as cream, it works very well for sore muscles, strains, and even bruises. The only word of warning is to avoid applying it to broken skin.
Elderberry Capsules/Liquids
If you’re on vacation and you start to feel flu symptoms, then it couldn’t hurt to try Elderberry. These contain a compound proven to prevent the development of cold and flu viruses, so if you’re getting ready to travel anywhere, make sure you have it with you.
Eucalyptus – An Oil with Antiviral Properties
Eucalyptus while popularly attributed to koala bears is a great essential oil for treating common ailments like the cold, flu, and even sinus infections. This is normally used in aromatherapy, diluted with witch hazel extract.
These are four important items that you should always have in your first aid kit, so consider these and many others when you are putting it together!
