First Aid Herbal Hacks
All-Natural First Aid Kit
From cuts and bruises to flu and fever, there are natural remedies for almost every minor ailment you might come across.Herbs, florals and botanical extracts constitute an umbrella term known as herbal remedies, a practice that pre-dates today’s medical prescriptions by a long shot. The majority of tablets, creams and tinctures we use today have their medicinal foundations firmly rooted in plant-based ingredients. Create your own natural first aid kit made from plants and you can help your body heal itself from a range of illnesses.
Coconut Oil
Cuts, grazes, insect bites, pet wounds and blisters are all eased by using melted coconut oil on the skin. A natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, coconut oil will ease discomfort and help reduce swelling and redness around the injury.
Coconut oil can be used in the mouth as an ease for gum disease and mouth ulcers, simply melt a tablespoon of it and swill around the mouth before spitting it out.
Aloe Vera
Abrasions, sunburn, minor burns and scalds, cuts, wounds, dry skin, razor burn, skin irritation and insect bites. Rich in phytochemicals, this healing plant helps cool the skin and reduces inflammation by increasing skin moisture content.
The purest gel comes from the fresh plant itself. Failing this, an organic, 99% pure gel can be bought from most high-street health retailers. Apply about a palm-sized amount of gel to the affected wound area, and lightly smooth over until the skin is soothed.
Activated Charcoal
This is a miracle for minor food poisoning and digestive problems. If you find yourself suffering from diarrhoea, stomach cramps or sickness, taking a couple of capsules of activated charcoal will help ease your discomfort.The activated charcoal absorbs toxins produced by bacteria, and helps expel any pathogenic bacteria from your body by clumping them together. Take every 3 hours with water or as advised on the packaging.
Citronella Essential Oil
Citronella is a fantastic natural insect repellent. It can be added to a carrier oil (such as sweet almond, castor or jojoba oil) to be applied directly onto the skin.
Citronella can also be sprayed onto your clothes and diffused into a room at night to keep biting insects at bay – making it an essential for any eco-conscious traveller.
Echinacea Tincture
Echinacea is my absolute go-to when it comes to cold and flu. Echinacea is incredible at increasing white blood cell functionality and quantity.
Caffeic acid, polysaccharides and alkamides are the active ingredients, which ease symptoms of cold and flu, such as headaches, fevers and runny noses. It can be taken as a preventative medicine in the winter too protect you from infection to when the first signs of the cold appear.
