The Natural First Aid Handbook

by Brigitte Mars

  Lavender (Lavandula officinalis). For burns, headaches. Calms the nervous system when inhaled. Apply topically to wounds, burns, bruises, insect bites, and blisters. Reduces risk of infection and stimulates skin regeneration. Comforting to smell during the life transitions of birth and death. Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.

  Peppermint (Mentha piperita). Cooling, antiseptic, aids digestive disorders; the aroma calms nausea. Can be used topically on burns and insect bites.

  Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). For brain and memory impairment. Improves circulation and eases muscular pain. Antiseptic, aromatic.

  Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). Apply topically to cuts, rashes, burns, bites, stings, fungal infection, sprains, and acne. Also works as an insect repellent. Two drops in a glass of water can be used as a gargle for sore throat. One of the best nonirritating antiseptic essential oils. Antifungal, antiviral.

  Eye wash cup. For rinsing the eyes.

  Herbal salve. For cuts and wounds.

  Herbs. When “herb” is listed as the plant part used, it means the entire aboveground portion — leaf, flower, and stem.

  Herbs with an asterisK*

  An asterisk (*) before the herb name indicates it is one of the most important herbs to have in your first-aid kit because of multiple uses or profound emergency-care use.

  Agrimony leaf, flower, root (Agrimonia eupatoria). Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiviral, and lowers fever.

  *Aloe vera juice (Aloe vera). Soothes inflammation, prevents fungus, heals wounds. Excellent for all burns, especially sunburn. Avoid internal use during pregnancy.

  Angelica root (Angelica archangelica, A. atropurpurea, A. officinalis). Stimulates uterine contractions and facilitates placenta delivery following the birth of a baby. Avoid internal use during pregnancy.

  Blackberry leaf or root (Rubus spp.). Astringent tea to stop diarrhea.

  Black cohosh root, rhizome (Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa). For seizures. Antispasmodic and muscle relaxant. Avoid during pregnancy.

  Black haw bark (Viburnum prunifolium). Astringent, antispasmodic.

  Burdock root (Arctium lappa). Antifungal and anti-inflammatory.

  *Calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis). Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and wound healing. Increases peripheral circulation.

  Catnip leaf (Nepeta cataria). Calms hysteria, pain, and seizures. Sedative.

  *Cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens). To stop bleeding internally and topically. It does sting when applied to bleeding wounds but is very effective. Take internally for frostbite and hypothermia. Blocks pain transmission and stimulates endorphin production. Antiseptic, hemostatic, and styptic. Both powder and tincture are effective.

  *Chamomile flowers (Matricaria recutita). Helps to calm, and relieves stomach pains. Analgesic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and sedative.

  Cleavers herb (Galium aparine). Blood and lymph cleansings. Bath herb for insect bites.

  *Comfrey leaves (Symphytum officinale). Poultice for bruises. Nowadays comfrey is generally used only topically rather than internally, as there has been some concern about the pyrrolizidine alkaloids it contains. Avoid during pregnancy.

  *Echinacea root, leaves, flowers, seed (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia). Used internally and topically for infection. Stimulates the immune system by increasing white blood cell production. For threatened colds, puncture wounds, and venomous bites. Antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, and wound healing.

  *Gingerroot (Zingiber officinale). For motion sickness, morning sickness, stomachaches. Warming, and inhibits prostaglandins. Improves circulation to all parts of the body. Antiemetic and anti-inflammatory.

  *Goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis). Apply to wounds and bites to deter or treat infection. Also used internally. Effective against staph, strep, E. coli, salmonella, giardia, and candida. Constricts blood vessels. Antiseptic and hemostatic. Please buy only goldenseal that has been cultivated, as it is becoming endangered in the wild. Avoid during pregnancy.

  Grindelia flower, bud (Grindelia spp.). Topically for poison ivy, oak, and sumac; also insect bites. Demulcent. Also known as gumweed.

  Jewelweed herb (Impatiens capensis, I. pallida). Calms poison ivy itch. For topical use only.

  Kelp (Laminaria spp.). Helps prevent radiation from being absorbed by the body. Antioxidant and nutritive. Avoid long-term use in cases of hyperthyroidism.

  Lemon balm herb (Melissa officinalis). Antidepressant, antiviral, and sedative.

  Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis). Demulcent, nutritive, and wound healing.

  Milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum). Helps protect the liver from damage from chemical exposure.

  Nettles herb (Urtica dioica, U. urens). Rich in trace minerals that help in bone and skin repair. Nutritive.

  Oatstraw herb (Avena sativa). Nerve tonic. Helps build healthy bones and skin. Nutritive.

  *Peppermint leaf (Mentha piperita). Cooling herb, benefits digestion, can be used in the bath to calm itching. Compress for fevers, heatstroke.

  *Plantain leaves (Plantago major, P. lanceolata). Promotes blood coagulation and wound healing. For wounds, bleeding, poison ivy, and snakebites. Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and hemostatic.

  Raspberry leaf (Rubus spp.). Hemostatic, nutritive, uterine tonic. Facilitates birth and placental delivery.

  Red clover blossoms (Trifolium pratense). Promotes wound healing and aids the body’s natural systems of detoxification.

  Red root or New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus). Lymph and blood cleansing.

  Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum). Aid in the prevention of and recovery from illness. Calms the mind and spirit. Antiseptic, immune stimulant.

  Rosemary herb (Rosmarinus officinalis). Antiseptic. Calms anxiety, improves headaches and digestion. Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy.

  Sage herb (Salvia officinalis). Antifungal and antiseptic. Avoid during pregnancy.

  *Shepherd’s purse leaf (Capsella bursa-pastoris). Constricts blood vessels. Avoid during pregnancy.

  Skullcap herb (Scutellaria lateriflora). Encourages endorphin production and sedates the brain and spinal column. Antispasmodic, nervine, and sedative.

  St.-John’s-wort herb (Hypericum perforatum). Helps heal damaged nerves. May cause photosensitivity in some individuals.

  Turmeric root (Curcuma longa). Anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant. Avoid during pregnancy.

  Usnea (Usnea barbata) (aka old man’s beard). Strong antimicrobial.

  *Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis). For pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Antispasmodic, muscle relaxant, and sedative.

  White oak bark (Quercus alba). Bath herb for insect bites. Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent.

  *Yarrow herb (Achillea millefolium). Stops bleeding and lowers fever. Avoid during pregnancy.

  Yellow dock root (Rumex crispus). Improves the function of the kidneys, liver, lymph, and intestines.

  Homeopathic remedies. Homeopathic remedies are usually taken by placing 4 pellets under the tongue every 4 hours for the first few days following an injury. And although some of their ingredients in large amounts could be toxic, they are so diluted that what you are getting is the “energy” of the remedy that can help stimulate the body’s own healing process. In the following list, the source of the remedy is in parentheses. Homeopathic medicines use minute doses; be aware that some of the substances used could be toxic in larger amounts. Stick with the homeopathic dose.

  Acetic acid (glacial acetic acid). For cat bites.

  *Aconitum (Aconitum napellus, monkshood). Helps relieve bleeding. It can be used to help shock and the trauma that results from sudden injury. Helps patients who are anxious and fearful when they are experiencing nausea and vomiting.

  Antimonium tartaricum (tartrate of antimony and potash). Administered after a near-drowning episode to a victim who’s too weak to cough.

  *Apis (apis mellifica, derived
from honeybee). For insect bites or bee stings that result in hot, puffy conditions and sensitivity to touch, that are improved by cold applications and worsened by heat. Apis is also suggested for rashes, frostbite, and the initial stages of boils.

  *Arnica (Arnica montana flower). For shock, trauma (physical and emotional), pain, bruises, black eyes, swelling, muscle injury, and before and after surgery, dentistry, and labor. Usually the first remedy given after a traumatic event. Arnica is also used before and after surgery to minimize swelling and speed healing. Aids in reabsorption of fibrin, a blood protein that forms as a result of internal injuries, thereby reducing swelling and bruising. Use arnica salve or liniment for sore muscles, bruises, sprains, black eye, torn ligaments. Don’t use arnica oil topically on broken skin, as it can cause irritation and bleeding.

  *Arsenicum (arsenicum album, arsenic trioxide). Can treat poisoning when there is intense vomiting along with restlessness and anxiety. Helps food poisoning. Relieves burning abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Also helps rashes that come on suddenly.

  *Belladonna (deadly nightshade). Use for early stages of food poisoning. Patient may be flushed and feverish. Symptoms come on suddenly.

  Bellis (Bellis perennis, daisy). For bruises and soreness and to ease pain and speed recovery after an injury.

  Bryonia (wild hops). For broken bones, injuries to bones, ribs, and discs. Good for injuries when the slightest movement hurts and ­continued motion does not help.

  *Cantharis (Spanish fly). For painful burns and scalds, before blisters form.

  Carbo vegetabilis (vegetable charcoal). For a newborn baby with bluish skin who has not yet established strong breathing; also for heatstroke in cases of extreme exhaustion.

  Chamomilla (German chamomile). Calming, for toothache pain.

  Coffea (coffea cruda, unroasted coffee). Calms overexcitement; for intense, stinging toothache.

  Euphrasia (eyebright). Alleviates itching, irritation, and inflammation in the eyes.

  Ferrum phosphoricum (phosphate of iron). To stop a nosebleed.

  Hepar sulph (hepar sulphuris calcareum, or calcium sulfide). For splinters, tooth infection.

  *Hypericum (St.-John’s-wort). For wounds, nerve injury to areas with lots of nerves such as fingers, toes, and spine. Can help prevent the need for stitches. For crushing injuries and sharp, shooting pain. For old injuries with nerves that still hurt. Use after dental work.

  Ipecac (ipecacuanha, ipecac root). Extreme, persistent nausea. For arterial bleeding; cold and anxiety; little thirst.

  Lachesis (bushmaster snake). For dog bites.

  *Ledum (marsh tea). For puncture wounds, insect (mosquito) and animal bites, and black eyes. Sprains, fractures, stiff joints, lingering bruises, and cold and numb feelings.

  Magnesia phosphorica (phosphate of magnesia). For toothache with intense, piercing pain shooting along the nerve; also for heat exhaustion.

  *Nux vomica (poison nut). For nausea that is relieved from moving bowels, causes chilliness after vomiting, or is caused by overindulgence.

  Phosphorus (phosphorus). For jet lag, when feeling dizzy, sluggish, and absentminded.

  *Rhus tox (rhus toxicodendron, poison ivy). For sprains, strains, and stiffness. For injuries that are worse upon initial movement, but then feel better after continued movement. For dislocated joints, ligaments, and muscle pain. For joints that are hot, swollen, and painful. Also helps to relieve poison ivy, rashes.

  *Ruta graveolens (rue). For sprains, torn tendons, and injuries to bone coverings (the periosteum). Use for bone pain and bruises; blows to elbow, knee, and shin. Use after arnica, 24 hours later if help is still needed. Use when cold air makes an injury feel worse.

  Spongia tosta (roasted sponge). For loud wheezing during an asthma attack.

  Staphysagria (stavesacre). For swelling related to insect bites and stings. Also for toothache due to decay.

  Sulphur (sublimated sulphur). For poison ivy with a burning itch.

  *Symphytum (comfrey). For fractures and injuries to cheekbone and eye area. Speeds up healing for bone injuries.

  *Urtica urens (stinging nettle). For burns.

  *Veratrum (Veratrum album, white hellebore). For bleeding, on the verge of shock.

  Vespa (wasp). For wasp stings.

  Honey. An antiseptic that can be applied topically to cuts and burns. Avoid giving internally to children under 2 years of age.

  Insect repellent. Use one made with essential plant oils. Apply to the skin to deter a wide range of bugs.

  Latex gloves. To protect yourself against blood-borne pathogens when treating wounds.

  Liquid soap. To clean wounds. Consider having an antiseptic soap that contains tea tree or lavender essential oils.

  Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Helps reduce swelling from bee stings and allergic reactions.

  Papain. An enzyme that occurs naturally in unripe papaya. Aids in protein digestion and, when applied topically, helps break down the large protein molecules in bee venom.

  Povidone iodine. The new replacement for that old standby, hydrogen peroxide. Used topically to disinfect wounds.

  Rescue Remedy. For shock, panic, fear, trauma. A Bach flower remedy sometimes marketed under other names, such as Five Flower Remedy. (See here for more information.)

  Sea salt. Used to make a rehydration drink. Add 1 pound (454 g) to the bath for insect bites. Can be used as a mouth rinse for toothache.

  St.-John’s-wort oil (Hypericum perforatum). For burn application and nerve injury.

  Tape. For holding bandages together.

  Tweezers. For removing splinters, thorns, and other foreign objects.

  Ume concentrate or umeboshi plum paste (Prunus mume). For food poisoning, diarrhea, constipation, acid indigestion, motion sickness, headache, hangover, fatigue, dysentery, typhoid, and parasite prevention. “Don’t leave home without it.” Made from a fermented plum.

  Vinegar. Can be applied to sunburn, bee stings, spider bites, and jellyfish stings and mixed with baking soda to make a paste for bee stings. Apple cider vinegar is considered the most therapeutic.

  Vitamin C. Helps the body better resist infection. Can help reduce allergic reactions, including those to foods, animals, insect bites, and stings.

  Vitamin E. A natural antioxidant that can aid tissue repair. When applied topically to burns and wounds, it can help prevent scar formation. It is also wise to take it internally during periods of healing.

  Traveling First-Aid Kit

  You can’t lug your entire herbal first-aid kit around. So here’s a list of multiuse essentials to keep in your handbag or briefcase.

  Echinacea tincture

  Rescue Remedy

  Herbal salve

  Adhesive dressings

  Homeopathic arnica

  Lavender essential oil

  Tea tree essential oil

  Ume concentrate

  Survival Kit for the Car

  A snowstorm strikes unexpectedly. A flash flood washes away the road. Ten people are injured in a multicar crash on the expressway. These are things that happen every day in every part of the world. To be prepared to handle them, here’s what you should keep in your car:

  Ax. To chop wood. Can be of aid in constructing a makeshift shelter.

  Blanket. In case you need to bivouac in the cold. Also useful in the treatment of shock.

  Candles.

  Carborundum. This is a small stone used to keep knives and tools sharp.

  Cash. For emergency food and gasoline.

  Clothes. Sweaters, socks, shoes, hat, and gloves.

  Compass.

  Cooking pot.

  Duct Tape.

  Fire extinguisher.

  First-aid book. Preferably a second copy of this one.

  Fishhook and line.

  Flares.

  Flashlight. Make sure it has extra batteries.

  Flint. Can be used after you run out of matches to start a fire. Get a processed flint with a saw striker.


  Food. Dried food is easiest to store, but it needs water to be reconstituted.

  Glasses. If you wear them, having an extra pair could be lifesaving. An eyeglass repair kit may also be useful.

  Knife or multitool.

  Magnifying glass. Could be used to start a fire or to locate an embedded splinter or stinger.

  Map.

  Matches, waterproof. Store in waterproof containers and prevent them from rolling and rattling together. In rare instances, that kind of contact could cause them to ignite.

  Paper and pencil. So you can leave messages or information of your whereabouts.

  Pepper spray. Can be used to defend yourself from attackers — people as well as animals.

  Plastic bag. Large bags can be used as a solar still, water container, and emergency rain poncho. Can also keep your supplies dry. Smaller zip-type bags can be used to hold water or soak wounds.

  Radio (battery operated). To listen for instructions and warnings about natural or man-made disasters. Be sure to have a supply of extra batteries.

  Rope. For towing, rescue, and tying things together.

  Saw. Flexible or folding varieties are available that don’t take up much room. Can be used for fire and shelter building.

  Sewing kit. To repair clothes, sleeping gear, and tents. Have at least some large-eye needles that can be threaded with coarse thread as well as the regular varieties of needles and thread.

  Shovel. For digging a shelter or fire pit, digging out of snow, collecting edible roots.

  Sleeping bag.

  Snakebite kit. Especially if traveling in areas where snakes are known to reside. Keep a kit in your pocket when out hiking.

  Water container. Collapsible is fine. To fetch or store water. If empty and closed, it can be used as flotation device.

  Water purification tablets or water filter.

  Whistle. To maintain contact with your party and to conserve your voice when needing to signal for help.

  05

  How to Make and Use Herbal Medicines