Herbal First Aid Products

Here are some of the basic products you might include in an herbal first aid kit, either as a supplement to or replacement for conventional first aid products. (This page should be read with an understanding of our page on herbal first aid kits.)

Herbal bug bite and itch relief. A number of herbal products are related to this area of first aid, including comfrey, grindelia, plantain, witch hazel and St. John's Wort.

Herbal insect repellants use oils such as citronella, cedarwood, eucalyptus, lavender and pennyroyal that are both pleasant to humans and repellant to bugs. Of these, the best is citronella. Pennyroyal is well-liked, but can be toxic.

Herbal healing salves or comfrey (Symphytum officinale) based anti-microbial salves. These include herb-based remedies made with calendula, Echinacea, plantain and St. John's wort. These can both disinfect and speed healing. Aloe Vera is a remarkable heal-all for many cuts, scrapes and even sun burn.

Herbal muscle pain relievers include Arnica, camphor, eucalyptus, witch hazel and St. Johns wort. These are all helpful. Arnica may have some adverse effects and should not be used on broken skin.

Herbal skin poison neutralizers. For poison oak and poison ivy, Jewelweed (also called impatiens) works by neutralizing the toxins in these plants. If you cant find jewelweed, other possible remedies include calendula, Echinacea and bark of white oak.

Herbal upset stomach relief. Ginger is used to alleviate nausea due to motion sickness, upset stomach or morning sickness. Slippery elm capsules are used for food poisoning. Syrup of Ipecac should never be used on children under one year old, as it can induce vomiting for up to eight hours, risking dehydration.

Herbal cold and sore throat remedy Ginger and lemon are natural sore throat remedies.

Remember to always consult a health professional if the condition is serious or if the victim has a reaction of any kind.

There are many more herbal first aid products and these are recommended for those who wish to have more control over their own health and first aid. For a fuller explanation of herbal first aid, click on links nearby for herbal first aid suppliers.