It’s always important to have a first aid kit at home or in your bag so that you will be always ready when there is an emergency. Most of us stock our medicine cabinets with medications, gauzes, and other remedies that can treat mild health problems but have you considered using herbs to treat various health issues?
There is nothing wrong with choosing herbs to treat various health issues because they are natural and won’t come with any side effects as long as they are used properly. If you want to build your own DIY herbal first aid kit, these herbs are worth adding to your list of herbs for treating and healing.
- Chamomile flowers. Chamomile is actually a good choice when you are suffering from indigestion, bruises, cuts, or scrapes. The flower itself can be steeped in hot water to make a tea to relieve upset stomach. Applying some chamomile oil on cuts and bruises can reduce inflammation while speed up the healing process.
- Aloe vera. When it comes to natural remedies, you won’t be sorry for choosing aloe vera because this wonder plant actually has numerous health benefits to offer such as help soothe burns and cuts, promote better hair growth, reduce inflammation, and even tighten your skin just to name a few.
- Lavender. This herb is actually recommended for those times when you’re feeling too stressed or anxious. Lavender, like chamomile, has a soothing and relaxing effect which is why it is perfect to drink as tea for those days when you need to de-stress yourself.
- Arnica. This natural remedy can help treat bruises, cuts, inflammation, tendonitis, and even arthritis. However, avoid putting it directly on an open wound. You can even combine it with other herbs like cayenne, ginger, St. John’s wort, and Poplar to make a salve for your wounds.
- Peppermint leaf. If you’re suffering from indigestion, nausea, or fatigue, a good addition to your first aid kit is the peppermint leaf. Peppermint is known to help settle one’s stomach. To use this plant, just chew on some of its leaves to help relieve the rumbling in your stomach. You can also inhale its scent for a quick pick me up.
- Yarrow. This herb is often referred to as “nature’s bandage” which isn’t surprising given that this plant can help seal wounds both internally and externally. After cleaning the wound, you can crush a fresh leaf of yarrow and apply it on the wound to help stop the bleeding and speed up the healing process. When drank as a tea, it can help reduce menstrual flow to normal. This is also used to bring down fever and increase sweating.
As you can see, nature has already provided us with the tools to treat mild diseases and injuries. With these plants or herbs within easy reach, you will be able to solve these minor issues with ease. You can either grow them in your yard or buy them in your local apothecary or herbal shop.
