Even if we try our hardest to stay healthy and avoid toxins, there are times when we get sick or hurt. In some serious situations, like traumas, conventional medical treatment is necessary, and I’m thankful it’s available when we need it. But how about when we’re dealing with something that’s uncomfortable or limiting but not life-threatening?
Here’s a peek into my “medicine” cabinet and natural first aid kit. It includes remedies I’ve tried, ones recommended by a naturopathic doctor, and others I hope not to need! Just so you know, I’m not a doctor, and this list is purely for informational purposes. It’s not a replacement for medical advice.
Building this list didn’t happen overnight! It took years of research, trial, and discovery to figure out the remedies I trust.
– Activated Charcoal: Handy for food poisoning, intestinal issues, vomiting, diarrhea, or toxin ingestion. Keep your local poison control number nearby, and take a child to the hospital immediately if they swallow a battery or magnet!
– Arnica: A topical cream useful for bruises, muscle pain, or injuries. We’ve noticed it speeds up healing for bruises and sore muscles when applied soon after an injury. Don’t use it internally or on open cuts.
– Homeopathics: Along with arnica, I keep Genexa homeopathic tablets for kids’ sleep, cold relief, and anxiety.
– Cayenne Powder: This spice goes beyond cooking. I carry a few cayenne capsules in my purse. Applied topically, it stops bleeding quickly. I’ve read about its use internally during heart attacks to boost blood flow, though I’ve thankfully never needed to test this. It’s also beneficial during illness to aid recovery, although I don’t give it to kids.
– Chamomile: I make a calming tincture for kids who are unwell or can’t sleep. It also soothes teething gums. Dry chamomile can be turned into a poultice for pink eye, usually effective within a few hours. Chamomile tea relaxes at night and can soothe colicky babies’ stomachs. I occasionally add it to my kids’ bath for skin care and relaxation.
– Comfrey: An external herb that aids in healing injuries and broken bones. A poultice with plantain and comfrey can reduce healing time and prevent infection. I make a homemade “Neosporin” using this and other herbs for bug bites, cuts, and poison ivy.
– Eucalyptus Herb and Essential Oils: Great for respiratory issues. We use eucalyptus in face steams for congestion, and I create a natural version of Vapo-Rub for coughs. Dilute the essential oil with coconut or olive oil and apply externally to open nasal passages.
– Ginger Capsules: Effective for nausea, reflux, stomach issues, and morning sickness. I keep some in the car for motion sickness and for soothing stomachs after digestive issues or food poisoning.
– Echinacea: I’ve got a homemade echinacea tincture ready for severe illnesses. It’s not my first go-to, but helpful for prolonged sickness.
– Peppermint Herb and Essential Oil: Excellent for digestion. The herb can be brewed into a tea for an upset stomach. The tincture is versatile for internal or external use for headaches. We use peppermint oil in homemade toothpaste.
– Plantain: Often regarded as a weed, I keep dried plantain on hand for poultices on poison ivy, bites, stings, cuts, and infections. In emergencies, I’ve chewed the leaves and applied them to bee stings for quick pain relief.
– Slippery Elm: Great for sore throats or lost voice. These lozenges taste good and soothe kids’ sore throats. The herb is useful in tinctures or teas.
– Apple Cider Vinegar: I use organic apple cider vinegar with “the mother” for digestive issues, indigestion, and food poisoning. It’s effective when taken hourly with water to shorten illness duration, though kids may resist it.
– Vitamin C: Helpful for all illnesses, especially during the flu. I keep the powder on hand to mix into food or drinks for the kids.
– Aloe Vera Plant: Grows in our house, perfect for treating burns and blisters.
– Epsom Salt: Great as a bath soak for sore muscles and can also help remove splinters.
– Hydrogen Peroxide: I always keep it around for disinfecting and cleaning small cuts. Some use it for ear infections, but it’s best to consult your doctor first.
– Homemade Neosporin: My homemade “boo-boo” lotion is a petroleum-free alternative for cuts, bruises, and rashes.
– Witch Hazel: I have a gallon handy for cuts, scrapes, and cosmetic uses. It’s an excellent skin toner and is great postpartum.
– Gelatin: I regularly consume gelatin for its health benefits and use it for its nourishing properties during illnesses.
– Baking Soda: Useful for heartburn or urinary tract infections, and it can be used as a poultice for bites.
– Probiotics: We use these to support gut health during and after illnesses. They benefit skin, digestion, and overall immunity.
– Coconut Oil: From skin salves to makeup remover and antifungal treatment, coconut oil is versatile. I keep some for internal and external use in various remedies.
Aside from these natural remedies, the only medicines I use are from Genexa, which offers dye-free, preservative-free alternatives. You can likely find them at your local pharmacy.
Always remember, this isn’t personal medical advice, and I suggest consulting your doctor for any health concerns.
Do you have any natural remedies you use for wellness or first aid? Feel free to share them!
