Natural Remedies First Aid Kit

Make your own natural remedies first aid kit by packing these multipurpose herbal remedies for minor illnesses, scrapes and irritations that can threaten to derail vacation enjoyment.

Whether you’re sampling the local fare in Mexico, scuba diving in the Caribbean or hiking in the Rockies, these multipurpose herbal remedies—treating everything from blisters to upset stomachs to sleeplessness—can help ensure your travels are more enjoyable. Packed in a small case, these first-aid remedies will be ready to toss into your luggage, car or backpack.

All of these items are readily available at health-food stores and by mail-order. Be sure to buy pure essential oils, not fragrance oils. To prevent breakage, wrap glass bottles in small pieces of thick flannel.

Natural Remedies First-Aid Kit

1. Valerian tincture

The sedative properties of valerian make it useful for relieving anxiety, insomnia and tension; it may also provide mild pain relief.

2. Eucalyptus essential oil

A potent antibiotic and antiviral, eucalyptus is excellent for treating colds and sinus infections when used as a steam inhalation.

3. Witch hazel extract

Distilled witch hazel has reported astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, useful for treating insect bites and skin irritations. It’s also an excellent base for diluting essential oils for topical application. Do not take it internally.

4. Herbal insect repellent

Herbal insect repellents work well when applied liberally and frequently. The following are the most frequently grown herbal insect repellents.

a. Citronella

Citronella is the most common natural ingredient used in formulating mosquito repellents. The distinctive citronella aroma is a strong smell which masks other attractants to mosquitoes, making it harder for them to find you. Although citronella is used in many forms, such as scented candles torches and citronella ‘scented’ plants, the living plant is more effective because it has a stronger smell.

b. Horsemint

Also known as Beebalm, Horsemint is an adaptable perennial plant which repels mosquitoes much the same as citronella. It gives off a strong incense-like odor which confuses mosquitoes by masking the smell of its usual hosts.

c. Marigolds

Commonly grown as ornamental border plants, marigolds are hardy annual plants which have a distinctive smell which mosquitoes, and some gardeners, find particularly offensive. Marigolds contain Pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents.

d. Ageratum

Also known as Flossflowers, Ageratum emits a smell which mosquitos find particularly offensive. Ageratum secretes coumarin, which is widely used in commercial mosquito repellents.

e. Catnip

Catnip is a natural mosquito repellent. In August 2010, entomologists at Iowa State University reported to the American Chemical Society that catnip is ten times more effective than DEET, the chemical found in most commercial insect repellents.

5. Arnica gel or cream

Arnica flowers have anti-inflammatory and circulation-stimulating properties; the gel or cream may help relieve sore muscles, sprains, strains and bruises. Do not apply arnica to broken skin.

6. Grindelia poison ivy treatment

Grindelia, also known as gumweed, contains resins and tannins that help relieve the symptoms of plant rashes such as poison ivy and poison oak.

7. Lemon essential oil

Uplifting, clarifying lemon essential oil can be used as aromatherapy to help dispel mental fatigue. It is also antiseptic, but should be diluted before being applied to the skin.

8. Echinacea liquid extract

Rich in phytochemicals that boost immunity, versatile liquid echinacea extract can be used internally to treat infections and externally for wounds and burns.

9. Calendula/comfrey salve

With calendula’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and comfrey’s ability to help heal wounds, this salve is perfect for minor cuts and scrapes.

10. Goldenseal capsules or powder

A powerful antimicrobial, goldenseal is effective against a variety of microorganisms that cause traveler’s diarrhea. The powder also has antiseptic properties and can be sprinkled onto cuts or wounds to stop bleeding. Do not use during pregnancy.

11. Ginger capsules, tea bags or crystallized ginger

The antispasmodic and gas-relieving properties of ginger soothe digestive upsets. Ginger also has been shown to relieve motion sickness better than Dramamine, the conventional drug treatment.

12. Peppermint essential oil and tea bags

Peppermint soothes an upset stomach, eases congestion from the common cold and curbs itching from insect bites. If you have sensitive skin, dilute peppermint oil before applying. Peppermint tea may aggravate heartburn.

13. Eleuthero standardized extract

An excellent adaptogen, eleuthero can help prevent jet lag. Standardized extracts guarantee you’re getting sufficient amounts of eleutherosides, the herb’s active compounds.

14. Lavender essential oil

Multi-purpose lavender has sedative, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It’s helpful for anxiety, insomnia, headaches, wounds and burns. Most people can tolerate lavender essential oil applied directly to the skin. Do not take more than 1 to 2 drops internally.

15. Chamomile tea bags

Gentle enough for children, chamomile tea promotes relaxation, relieves indigestion and, applied topically, soothes skin irritations.

16. Elderberry capsules or liquid extract

Elderberries can help prevent cold and flu viruses from invading and infecting cells. If you’re flying or otherwise potentially exposed to viruses, taking elderberry is a good preventive. If you come down with a cold or flu, elderberry can hasten your recovery time.

17. Aloe vera gel

Cooling and healing, aloe vera soothes the inflammation of sunburn and mild kitchen burns.

Additional Essentials

Along with multipurpose essential oils, tinctures and herbal teas, you’ll want to pack useful tools in your natural remedies first aid kit to help heal minor injuries. Make sure your natural first-aid kit includes the following:

• Adhesive bandage strips in various sizes
• A small bottle of rubbing alcohol
• Bandage materials including sterile gauze pads, gauze and adhesive bandage tape
• Elastic bandages for wrapping sprains
• A powdered electrolyte replenishment such as Emergen-C
• Moleskin blister treatment
• Scissors and tweezers
• An instant-read thermometer