'All Natural' First Aid Kit - working thread

As a person that is very much into alternative medicine and making natural remedies/care products, I have been perfecting this concept for when the SHTF......... Please feel free to make suggestions and share ideas!

I will regularly post recipes for natural remedies (herbs and essential oil based). I encourage everyone with knowledge on this subject to contribute! It is my intention to keep this thread active with a weath of information. Please post requests for specific recipes and remedies in this this thread and I will respond as time allows.

(Note: * in list denotes additional information and/or recipes to follow)

Basic First Aid Kit info as gathered from the herbcompanion.com, with my personal notes and additions. Enjoy!

~Of course you need the basic products for any first aid, which includes...

The Basics!
Sterile, nonstick bandages, assorted sizes
Adhesive bandages, such as Band-Aids, assorted sizes
Scissors
Thermometer
Tweezers
Magnifying glass
Needles/safety pins, assorted sizes
Matches
Candles
Hot water bottle
Ice pack
Alcohol swabs
Toothpicks or natural floss

Essential Additions
~One each (5ml bottle) of the following Essential Oils's: *Tea Tree, *Lavender, *Helichrysum Italicum, *Peppermint, *Lemon, *Clove (for toothache, etc) & *'Thieves' Blend (a blend of cinnamon, clove, lemon, eucalyptus and rosemary studied to kill 99.96% of airborne bacteria. A similar recipe has been used since the time of the Bubonic plague to fight viruses and disease – and because all the ingredients are natural, viruses can't mutate or develop immunity.) Personally, I recommend owning (at the very least) a complete Essential Oil starter kit - feel free to u2u me for further info
~Cotton cheesecloth: use as a compress or for wrapping wounds and poultices.
~Wool socks with the toes cut open or sweater sleeves are perfect for holding poultices or bandages in place without using tape — just slide them over the arm, elbow, ankle, or leg. They also help retain heat on the affected area.
~Vetrap — this stretchy and flexible wrap sticks to itself, and it is perfect for wrapping wounds or holding poultices. It’s available at pet stores, feed stores and veterinary supply stores. Similar products available at most drugstores (sold as sports wrap).
~Moleskin — a soft fabric with an adhesive backing, ideal for covering tender spots, such as blisters and other rubbed areas.
~Eyecup — an indispensable tool for washing or rinsing the eye.
~Tea strainer or tea ball for making teas or decoctions.
~*Rescue Remedy — there are many versions of this! Some recommend the Bach flower essence one. I make my own (to be added later in recipes...)
~*Spritzers made with distilled water and essential oils can be used for their aromatherapeutic properties as well as their antibacterial qualities. (recipes to follow for various uses, ie. antiseptic, insect repellant, etc.)
~*Insect repellant oil or spritzer
~*Aloe vera (gel is the most common application but I prefer the extract oil due to it's high concentration) — Some uses: lip balms & lipsticks, oral ointments, sun care and after sun products, hand & body lotions, hair conditioners, facial moisturizers, shaving/depilatory preparations, bath oils, rubs & liniments, ointments, first aid creams, anti-acne preparations, topical analgesics (Aloe is easy to grow in any enviroment, I highly recommend keeping at least one large plant growing at all times!)
~*Powdered clays work well for drawing out splinters and thorns. Mix a little clay with water and put it on the affected area, and as the clay dries, it draws out the splinter. (There are many types of clays available but I prefer red clay and sea clay for these purposes, as they have superior drawing power in addition to an abundance of minerals and potential uses. Sea clay has been used as a pain reliever for arthritis and applied to wounds to promote faster healing)
~Witch hazel — this astringent can be used as a disinfectant to clean skin, relieve itching and as a liniment for sore muscles.
~*Lip balm for chapped lips. (recipes to follow)
~*Green salve (or 'quick fix' remedy) — There are many variations of green salves for insect bites, skin irritations, scrapes, minor cuts and chafing. I make my own using different essential oils and herbs for specific conditions, but you also can find it in health food stores.
~*External liniment — (many variations, specific recipes to follow, although common ingredients include cider vinegar, myrrh EO, goldenseal, cayenne pepper). Use the liniment as a sore muscle rub and to dry poison ivy.
~Slippery elm lozenges — Slippery elm’s demulcent properties coat the throat, so these lozenges soothe a sore mouth or throat. (also have a laxative effect if taken in excess, so use caution)
~*Cough syrup and *respiratory remedy (do it yourself recipes to follow)
~Candied ginger (although I prefer straight Ginger Essential Oil, the candied type tends to go over better with children. I would recommend packing both) — Soothes upset stomachs, nausea and motion sickness.
~Emergen-C — A must have! Acts as a super energy booster and a quick source of vitamin C and 32 mineral complexes.
~*Arnica rub — treats bruises, muscle aches and pains.
~Chocolate — (optional of course! but I thought it was a cute idea with some merit! lol)...Whether your injury is physical or emotional, the natural serotonin in dark chocolate will help make you feel better and take your mind off the injury for a moment.

Optional Stuff
~*Essential Oil kit for making basic remedies (see above)
~*Herb packs, *Medicinal teas
Dried Herbs to Have on Hand
(honestly, I have a hard time choosing on this one, so I went by the recommendation on herbalcompanion.com)
~Chamomile soothes, relieves stress and aids digestion.
~Comfrey — use ground root and/or leaves externally as a poultice for bruises, sprains or strains and bone injuries.
~Lemon balm soothes the digestive tract and helps aid relaxation and sleep.
~Milky oats — the seeds of this plant increase vitality and make a good-tasting tea to relieve stress and anxiety.
~Peppermint and spearmint soothe the stomach and freshen breath.
~Sage makes a good mouth and throat gargle.



[edit on 17-6-2009 by jackieps1975]

How to make your own herbal tincture, step by step instructions:

YOU WILL NEED:
1) Dried or fresh herbs (I recommend whole herbs before cut or powdered. Stay away from powdered as they lose their constituents the fastest)
2) 80 -100 proof vodka or rum (NEVER use rubbing, isopropyl or wood alcohol). *Note: the stronger the better. I use overproof grain alcohol whenever possible. Next best is 100 proof vodka
3) Wide-mouthed glass jars with lids (mason jar or equivalent), you can get these in most supermarkets.
4) Unbleached cheesecloth or muslin (available in any craft store)
5) Labels and markers.

INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Pour the amount of herb you desire into the glass jar and slowly pour the alcohol until the herbs are entirely covered. Then add an inch or two of additional liquid.
2) Seal the jar tightly so that the liquid cannot leak or evaporate. Put the jar in a dark area or inside a paper bag.
3) Shake the jar every day.
4) When ready to bottle, pour the tincture through a cheesecloth into another jar or dark colored tincture bottle. Squeeze the saturated herbs, extracting the remaining liquid until no more drips appear.
5) Close the storage container with a stopper or cap and label.
**Tinctures should sit for at least two weeks, I like to let mine strengthen for 30 full days.

MORE INFO:
-200 grams dried or 300 grams of fresh herbs (chopped) to one liter of liquid is needed.
-Rum helps hide the taste of bitter herbs. (I prefer vodka! No one expects this to taste good! Haha!)
-Distilled water, vinegar or glycerol can be used to make nonalcoholic tinctures. (You can substitute with these for childrens tinctures, otherwise I say stick with your overproof vodka)
-Standard dosage is 1 teaspoon, 1-3 times daily, diluted in tea, juice or water.
-Tinctures can last up to two years when stored in a tightly closed container.
-A wine press or juicer may be used to extract liquid from the herbs.
-Several herbs can be combined into a tincture formula. Follow basic synergistic protocol and you can come up with very potent healing formulas! (ie. when lavender and chamomile are combined they increase eachothers relaxation properties.)

SIDE NOTE:
~Follow the same procedure for herbal / oil infusions, except for the following changes:
1) Pack herbs in selected oil type (ie. Calendula buds in Safflower oil, a personal favorite for a skin care application ingredient)
2) Heat jar in oven (low heat, do not exceed 300) for 1-2 hours, stirring periodically. The initial heat processing helps release the properties from the herbs into the oil.
3) Seal jar as indicated above and instead of storing in darkness, keep it in as much sunlight as possible. I usually keep mine on the windowsill. For infusions, the longer they sit the better. Give them at least 30 days, preferably 60.

Have fun! Post recipes here!

...the survival essential oil of the day is........

MYRRH
~Physical indications: Due to its drying action is effective against excessive mucous in the lungs. Recommended in cases of bronchitis, colds, sore throats, and coughs. Excellent for mouth and gum disorders; it is the best treatment for mouth ulcers, gingivitis and bleeding or spongy gums. Eases flatulence and hemorrhoids. Stimulates and invigorates the immune system. Ladies only: great benefit in cases of scanty periods, leucorrhea and clearing obstructions in the womb.
The efficacy of myrrh for the treatment of chronic wounds and ulcers is legendary. This is due to its antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiphlogistic properties. It is specially valuable for wounds that are slow to heal and for weepy eczema and athlete's foot. Blends well with clove, frankincense, lavender and sandalwood. Not recommended to be used during pregnancy.
~Additional Info: Myrrh is antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, disinfectant and diuretic and is one of the most renowned incenses along with frankincense. It is thought to enhance spirituality and may be used either in an oil burner or inhaled directly. It's particularly valuable for people who feel stuck emotionally or spiritually and want to move forward in their lives. Seems to lift feelings of weakness, apathy and lack of incentive and also has a cooling effect on heated emotions.

Tidbits from me!
On a personal note, I use this EO in applications ranging in everything from dental treatments to acne. It's that versatile. It's great when used in a mouth rinse, as it fights bacteria, including those that cause bad breath and promotes good oral hygiene in general. In addition, I love this in a respiratory blend, combined with things like Inula Gravoleons, Ammi Visnaga, Helichrysum Italicum & Eucalyptus Radiata.
For acne treatments it acts as a wonderful catalyst in oil blends and masks in that it offers the bacteria fighting properties that many natural skin care treatments overlook.

Who said Garlic rules? Enjoy this tincture recipe

There are other methods to take advantage of Garlic`s curative properties,"Garlic Tincture" which is prepared the following way: Crush 2 Garlic heads and macerate in 250 grams of pure alcohol until the tincture is formed. Next is the description of the therapeutic effects from the use of this tincture(condensed excerpt from Dr. Helle of Berlin Germany).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. 20 drops of Garlic tincture to 1/2 glass of water will attack uric acid which in turn relieves.
pain from arthritis, rheumatism and sciatic gout.
2. 20 drops of said tincture to 1/2 glass of water benefits the digestive apparatus relieving constipation and strain to the bowels.
3. 20 drops of the tincture in 1/2 glass of water will in a short while relieve hypertension.
4. 20 drops of the tincture in 1/2 glass of water will stimulate the hepatic(liver) function.
5. 20 drops of the tincture in 1/2 glass of water will relieve the palpitations, difficulty in breathing and the anguish most cardiac patients suffer.
6. 20 drops of the tincture in 1/2 glass of water aleves continuous fatigue, neurologies, headaches, insomnia, hysteria, depression and muscular rigidity.
7. 20 drops of the tincture in 1/2 glass of water cures varicose and hemorrhoid.

source: www.indio.net...

Simple Immuno Booster Easy for beginners!

Essential Oils for Cold and Flu: Best Essential Oils and How to Apply Them
Oregano - One of the most popular essential oils for treating everything from cold and flu to warts, oregano is considered a “hot” oil (it will heat up and tingle) and should be used cautiously. Do not apply to the face or throat without diluting it first with pure olive oil or another fatty oil. If you do get some on your face, dilute with butter or oil, NOT water! Oregano is best applied on the back, shoulders, and the bottoms of the feet.

Lemon - Lemon is great for boosting the immune system from within. Take a drop or two in every glass of water throughout the day, or use in capsules. Lemon is photosensitive so it should not be applied to skin.

Cinnamon - Another hot oil, cinnamon is great for boosting the immune system and has been shown to support the pancreas and digestive system (in Chinese medicine, the pancreas/spleen relates to the immune system). Apply on the feet or inhale.

Frankincense - One of the most powerful immune-boosting oils, real frankincense does not come cheap ($80-100 for 15mL) but it’s worth its weight in gold. Frankincense is mild on the skin and can be applied anywhere. For persistent colds, fill a capsule with 10-20 drops of frankincense and take on an empty stomach*.

Peppermint and Eucalyptus - These oils are cool and soothing and are known to clear the respiratory system and ease breathing. They can be applied directly to the neck, throat, chest, and back to open the lungs or inhaled to soothe the sinuses. Peppermint and eucalyptus are safe to apply on the skin.
link: naturalmedicine.suite101.com...

There are many different oils used in treatment of viruses (complex blends) but this is a good starting point for general maintenance. This is a wonderful list of oils to have on hand during flu season.


[edit on 18-6-2009 by jackieps1975]

Jackie, I love your uses for EO - I personally have stocked the RAVENSARA and Eucalyptus. I also like the Chinese star anise for tea brewing...All these are my Anti Swine Flu precautions ;-)

P.S. The Oregano, I wouldn't suggest so readily as, used incorrectly, can do more harm than good.

reply to post by angelonmyshoulder


Hiya! Yep Yep, Ravensara is a great oil that not alot of people know about. It's great for shingles if you mix it with rosehip oil.....can you imagine people still suffer from this!

About the oregano, I know it can be an irritant but in terms of 'survival' it's very easy to grow and distill which is why I thought it was a good one to include for these purposes. I use it on ocassion and only in careful moderation but if SHTF, it's one I'd definitely want on hand for obvious reasons!

I'd love to hear what you have to add. I've been trying to keep it simple but sometimes I go overboard. I am pretty sure I have almost every EO known to man. I get obsessive about these things......lol. Parts of my house looks like a mad, gardening scientist lives there but these things come in handy right?!

I wish I had known about it when my dh got the shingles. He said it was absoultely unbelievably painful. The Dr. said he was very young to have gotten it as usually it's 50+ - It took 2 weeks before he felt better.

Black Pepper, Helichrysum, and Lavandin Super mixed in St. John's Wort Oil is a great pain reliever

On their own all 3 have excellent uses so I have them in my list of must haves.

reply to post by angelonmyshoulder


I'm in agreement there! I love making blends and remedies so sometimes I loose track of how great an individual EO can be on it's own. For example, I had cut my hand a couple of weeks back. Nothing major but it hurt like hell. I didn't have a remedy handy so I picked up a bottle of helichrysum and rubbed some on the wound. Not only did it kill the pain instantly but it cut the healing time in half, if not more! Great stuff! Albeit, an expensive one for a beginner but it's so worth it.

BTW, I planted some patchouli plants last night! I just felt like sharing that because I'm so excited....lol. I haven't had patchouli growing in my yard since I moved back to NY. I live upstate, not in the city, but it's still challenging to grow everything I want (in this climate). I got so used to living in the deep south where I could grow whatever I wanted all year long. Then when we came back to the north, it was dejecting to only have a few good grow months so I didn't put forth the effort. It feels good to be getting back into the swing of having all these great herbal plants again

GRANULAR SUGAR!

GRANULAR SUGAR!

GRANULAR SUGAR!

I consider granular sugar to be natural and one of the most effective ways to keep deep tissue lacerations from becoming septic. Another tip is that bandages (not necessarily sterile) can be dipped in HONEY to prevent all kinds of bacterial growth.

SCIENCE
The presence of sugar in a wound causes an osmotic pressure imbalance that will destroy any type of cellular creature. The bacterial cells will literally burst open! See the water inside the cell membrane wants to get to that sugar so powerfully that a little tiny lipid layer can no longer hold the cell's guts in and *poof* broken cell.

The wound has to be rinsed out once the sugar goes from granular to a soupy consistency.

There is evidence that sugar in wounds helps fight swelling as well.

Jon

I have stockpiled a large quantity of Curad Silver Bandages.

These work to protect against Neosporine resistant strains of Staff bacteria.
Here in FL we have bacteria in the river water that is this very resistant staff and it does not respond to Neosporine. If you put that stuff on the sore it will just spread and eat your flesh off.

This is the only thing that works just about every time. A natural first aid kit must have IMHO.

reply to post by Voxel


Ack! I spank you! ...and I say TURBINADO TURBINADO TURBINADO!
lol, I jest of course but Turbinado is awesome. I use it for many of my body scrubs and facial cleansers

reply to post by UFOTECH

I have stockpiled a large quantity of Curad Silver Bandages.

These work to protect against Neosporine resistant strains of Staff bacteria.
Here in FL we have bacteria in the river water that is this very resistant staff and it does not respond to Neosporine. If you put that stuff on the sore it will just spread and eat your flesh off.

I would add the following EO's. A drop or two on the bandaid pad will kill the staph.......
~Tea Tree oil/Melaleuca
~Grapefruit seed extract
(these are the very basics. please see my description of the 'theives' blend above, a hardcore killer!)

Today I would like to feature the amazing power of ........
Lemon Essential Oil
**This is very inexpensive and a true must have in the backpack!
Properties
-antimicrobial: kills or inhibits the growth of microbes such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses
-antiseptic: inhibits the growth and reproduction of microorganisms
-bactericidal: destroys bacteria
-carminative: induces the expulsion of gas from the stomach or intestines
-cicatrizant: promotes the healing of a sore or wound
-depurative: pures the blood
-diaphoretic: agent that produces perspiration
-diuretic: helps expel excess water from the body
-febrifuge: fever reducer
-haemostatic: styptic agent (regulates contraction of blood vessels)
-hypotensive: lowers blood pressure
-insecticidal: insect repellent (kills and deters pests)
-tonic: invigorating, refreshing, or restorative agent or influence
-vermifuge: expels intestinal worms
-anti-rheumatic: slows disease progression
*Note: This oil is non-toxic but it may cause skin irritation in some individuals, in those cases, dilute in a carrier oil (1:4 ratio)

~My 2 cents! This is a fantastic immuno-builder. Add 2 drops to water or juice daily for extra defense. This is also a primary ingredient in most flu/cold remedies. Also great treatment for vericose veins and broken cappillaries (I use it in all of these remedies)

I have used many wild plants for medicinal purposes and obtained very good results with some. Here's a partial list of what I can think of off the top of my head.

Plantain (plantago major and plantago minor): common yard weed. Antibacterial, great for cuts and insect stings applied topically, tick repellant (very important in virginia and east coast in general). For ticks eat the mature seed heads or crush leaves and wipe on clothes (will stain green). I have also boiled plantain and used in nasal spray bottles to clear up sinus infections. Plantain tea is also a good wash for burns due to high mucilage content.

Dittany (cunila oreganoides): superior tea for colds and flu. has oregano taste although it is a mint. Makes a fair meat seasoning.

Black birch (betula lenta). deciduous tree found in eastern N.A. near streams. Best wild tea for flavor - sedative, diuretic. makes a good wash for sore muscles.

Willows (all species). decidous tree also found near water. Inner bark contains salycylic acid (sp?) similar to aspirin - reduces pain and fevers

Cattails (typhus ssp) found in slow moving waters. Clear juice found at stem joints relieves toothache pain.

WOW! s&f for you and I applaud your efforts.

I have been trying to find a good book that tells about these but alas, 7-11 does not carry one in the magazine section. I have found many books but I have no idea which is good and which to stay away from.

I can't go without Superglue, the best cut sealer/stitcher I know of.
Yucca, takes many of the items you use and does the same things with them.
Thanks for the info........
I just wish most of it was put into terms I didn't need to look up to understand.....

Some more info on Lavender = awesome.

It is fantastic used straight (Essential Oil = EO) for minor burns, cuts and scrapes.

Mix (as above) and spray onto bedding for relaxation. Or as a body mist after shower/bath.

Antibactorial and good used as a bug spray.


Also Ginger (did I miss Ginger above??). Made into a tea it is wonderful for Tummy Upsets and indegestion.

Tea Tree excellant for gum/mouth problems. Taste is Yuckkkky - but it works!

reply to post by Amaxium


Hey there! I'm an avid reader, specifically what type of book are you looking for? I may have some suggestions.
Yeah, I'm a nerd......lol