Please note that we are not doctors and don’t play one on the internet, so this list is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a replacement when medical attention is needed!
Despite our best attempts to live a healthy life, there are times when illness or injury strike. In cases of trauma or illness conventional medical treatment is a must. If you are stuck out in the wild, lost or just hours from any help, having a first aid kit already packed and with you is a wonderful thing to have.
The following is what we carry on trips out into the wild (camping or long trips). We have used these items for years and find that they work well for us if used appropriately and at the correct times.
Another idea that we find useful is packing loose herbs in gel caps. Then you can put those gel caps in small Ziploc bags. I personally find that gel caps make it easier to take less flavorful herbs. You can also simply open the capsules to use the appropriate herbs for flavoring and wild game you may acquire. You can also put your essential oils in small bags as well. That way if you break a bottle of oil falling or sliding down a hill you don’t ruin everything in your bag.
The idea is to have something that is small enough that you will not mind carrying on a long hike/camping trips and will still have the things you need to make it useful. The following are some suggestions for herbs to pack in an herbal first aid bag.
Sage – useful for gas, diarrhea, wet cough, sore throat, and anxiety.
Peppermint – Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sinus congestion, anxiety, and sore throat.
Ginger – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, motion sickness, menstrual cramps, respiratory issues, increases circulation, helps with muscle relaxation. (Must be eaten raw. If cooked it is useless for heal issues.)
Cayenne – helps slow bleeding of cuts, increases circulation, helps with muscle relaxation (smooth muscle).
Basil – stomach issues, cramps, headaches, and can also be used as an insect repellant.
(You may want to pack extra of the above to use as seasoning for food.)
Chamomile – it can be taken cold for stomach issues, taken warm for fever, cramps, insomnia, and cough.
Slippery Elm – sore throat, bronchitis, and dysentery.
Aloe Vera – skin issues, burns, and internally for used for constipation.
Yarrow – high blood pressure, fever, stomach issues, colds, urinary issues, toothaches, hemorrhoids (compress), bruising, rashes, and it may also be used as an insect repellant (Yarrow may cause a rash if used on the skin. You may want to test for skin irritation prior to use.) It can also be used to help stop bleeding.
Plantain – can be eaten in salad. Used as a compress for burns, bruises, bites and stings. In extreme emergencies it can be applied to snake bite until you reach a hospital. Plantain has a drawing tendency and is useful for blisters, and splinter/thorns. Used in a tea is helpful with urinary issues, GI issues, arthritis pain, back pain, and respiratory issues.
Honeysuckle – has antibiotic/antimicrobial properties. Helps with colds, sore throat, bowel/bladder inflammations.
Raw Honey – can be used on cuts, taken internally for cold symptoms, cough, and a sore throat.
Arnica/Comfrey Salve – for bruising or skin irritations.
Baking Soda – heartburn, toothpaste
Activated Charcoal – spider bites, food poisoning
Essential Oils:
Lavender – use on temples for headaches
Tea Tree Oil – antiseptic. Boils/blisters
Rosemary – headaches, stress relief, sinus congestion, increases circulation, and depression.
Other Supplies you may need:
Band-Aids in multiple sizes (including butterfly)
Tweezers
Cotton
A small pair of scissors.
Gauze
Surgical tape
The basic kit outlined above is a foundation that you can tailor to your own needs.
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