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| | The Smart Healthy Toxic-Free and Organic/Green Living Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts | | Holistic First Aid Kit | Views: 164 | | Apr 20, 2006 1:34 pm | | Holistic First Aid Kit | # | 
Jane Smith, RHN, RNCP | | thought I would share this with everyone seeing summer is just around the corner.....Jane
HOLISTIC FIRST AID KIT
Summer vacation often means camping, hiking, picnicking, and suntanning...all very pleasant activities. Minor accidents happen, too, making a herbal first aid kit a very good idea. In addition to your regular first aid kit which should contain regular bandages, gauze, surgical tape, antiseptic pads, triangle bandages, notepad and pencil, safety pins, and money, including coins for phone calls, some herbs may be helpful. (Good first aid kits are available from your local St. John Ambulance chapter.)
The herbs and preparations I have selected are compact and emergency oriented. I strongly recommend becoming familiar with each one, its uses and applications before packing them into a first aid kit. As with all accidental injuries, first aid is just that, first aid. It is the help that is given to prevent further injury, and hopefully preserve life. Medical aid should always be sought in serious injuries.
Tea Tree Oil
This really aromatic stuff is a must. Studies have shown it to be antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic. It works against streptococcus, staphlococcus, and psuedonomas. It will kill almost any unwanted 'germ' on contact. Use this on cuts, scrapes, and burns the way we used to use mercurichrome and iodine. (It also works to kill most warts.)
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
For instant pain relief for bumps and bruises, not to mention quick relief of migraine headaches, this is a must.
Lavender Essential Oil
Use this to relax, promote sleep, and with aloe vera and tei fu oil to relieve sunburn.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel can be used to help prevent sunburn. It must be applied frequently to work for this. Use aloe vera gel, also for skin irritations, sunburn, and itching. Remember to rub the gel in well so it won't astringe the skin too much.
Golden Salve
This is `first aid in a jar'. Use it to ease rashes, blisters, and skin irritations.
Lobelia Extract
If you overdo the first day of hiking or waterskiing and get sore, rubbing some lobelia extract into the stiff muscles will help them to relax. This is also an excellent nervine (orally) which might come in handy if someone is upset and needs to be calmed down. Keep lobelia on hand too for accidental poisoning. If induction of vomiting is recommended as the antidote for the ingested poison, administer generous amounts of lobelia until vomiting occurs.
Tei Fu Oil/Lotion
For the sake of keeping the first aid kit fairly compact I prefer to carry the oil. This combination of essential oils can be used to sooth sore muscles, ease a headache, clear the sinuses (just inhale the vapors), relieve a sore throat or toothache, and reduce the itch of insect bites.
Rescue Remedy
This Bach flower remedy is one of the most wonderful preparations to keep on hand for everything from shock to fear. Just a few drops (it also comes in ointment form) rubbed into the pulse points helps the body to regain a more normal emotional balance.
In addition to having a conventional first aid kit and an herbal first aid kit it is critically important that each and everyone of us take a recognized course in first aid and CPR and update these courses at least every three years. It would do absolutely no good to disinfect a wound if the casualty had stopped breathing.
In getting ready for summer vacation, choose enjoyable activities with people you like, and be prepared with first aid training and first aid kits Private Reply to Jane Smith, RHN, RNCP | | |
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