Today’s blog on how to create a first aid kit was inspired by my time living in Los Angeles with the concern that the “big one” could strike. Don’t forget to check out Part 2 next Thursday.
You’ll want one for minor accidents and injuries. Keep one in your home and your cars. Make sure you have a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Here are the basics for a really well-stocked first aid kit according to the Red Cross:
- absorbent compress dressings
- adhesive bandages & cloth tape
- antibiotic & hydrocortisone ointment & antiseptic packets
- aspirin & ibprofuen & antihistamine tablets
- breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
- instant cold compress cold & hot packs
- non-latex gloves
- Scissors & Tweezers
- blanket
- roller bandages
- sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
- Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
- thermometer (preferably digital)
- skin rash & antiseptic cream, such as hydrocortisone
- cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings
- cough medicine
- distilled water for cleaning wounds
- eye wash & eye bat
Alternative first aid kits
The more I read and learn the more I try to use natural medicines and formulas if I can.
I encourage you to do research or see a naturopath or someone who is an expert as they might have other suggestions.
And do your research on any essential oils. I always use a carrier oil, but with some, you have to. I also never recommend taking it orally. Check with a certified aromatherapist. Please please please do your research!
Echinacea has antibacterial and antibiotic properties. If you start to feel an illness coming on, echinacea can help
Goldenseal is a powerful antibacterial, antibiotic, and antiparasitic potion. As a powder, it can be applied to open cuts to help them from getting infected.
Self- Heal and Heal-All is all common names of a plant that can be used as an antibiotic, antiseptic, or astringent.
An all-around great thing to have on hand is: Ginger soothes stomach upsets. It helps protect against bacteria and fungi, eliminates intestinal gas, and relaxes and soothes your intestinal tract while boosting your immune system. Can help with motion sickness.
Arnica removes bruises, bringing down swelling, and easing deep aches, and sprains. Internally, it can be used to alleviate headaches and help your body recover from trauma. Do not apply arnica to broken skin.
- Probiotics for Diarrhea.
Find yourself getting burned in the kitchen a lot? Aloe vera gel: soothes the inflammation of sunburn and common kitchen burns.
• Calendula-comfrey salve for cuts and abrasions: has wound-healing properties & stimulates the growth of new tissue and helps heal wounds.
• Chamomile tea bags: Gentle enough for children, chamomile promotes relaxation, relieves indigestion, and, when applied topically, soothes skin irritations.
With summer coming up don’t forget Citronella-based insect repellant:
• Peppermint essential oil and tea bags: soothes an upset stomach, clears sinuses, and curbs itching from insect bites.
• Valerian tincture: relieves anxiety, insomnia, and tension; it’s also a mild pain reliever.
• Witch hazel extract: is useful for insect bites and skin irritations. It’s also an excellent base for diluting essential oils for a variety of simple, topical herbal first-aid remedies.
Stop a cold or flu before it starts with Elderberry capsules or liquid extract.
Like me and struggle with poison ivy? • Grindelia poison oak/ivy tincture or spray: also known as gumweed helps to relieve the pain and itching of plant rashes. It’s available as a tincture and also as a spray specifically for treating poison oak/poison ivy rashes.
Another great all-around is • Lavender essential oil: is helpful for anxiety, insomnia, headaches, wounds, and burns.
Tea tree oil is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-viral, insect repellant, and anti-inflammatory
Finally, Bach’s Rescue Remedy is a homeopathic product that helps pets address stressful situations. I took after the shock of a car accident.
What do you need to put in your first aid kid? Are you open to an alternative med kit? Where will you store it?
Next week, I’ll share more first aid kit tips, including what to pack for your pet.
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