One of my goals years ago was to put together an all natural first aid kit. Because I want to. And I can. And I've got babies to protect.
Years ago, while I attempted to sleep, I started panicking when I realized that if something happened to our brand new baby, we didn't even have a bandaid to our name. Literally. We didn't know how to do CPR on an infant. We had run out of peroxide, cold medicine, and essential oils. And now I was the worst Mom in the world because I was so unprepared.
And then, I couldn't sleep.
The next morning, I immediately I started putting together a stash of first aid tools to have on hand around the farm. Though the products have changed a bit over the years, there are a few staples that we rely on heavily.
Because if you're ever had farm kids… well… you know how often you need this stuff.
Essential oils. Back before I knew better, I spent a lot of time working with natural remedies for common first aid ailments that just didn't work. A decade into this journey, I've learned what's worth the investment because it works. I never go anyway (literally, anywhere) without my oils. They're in my car, my purse, my kitchen, my bedroom, my bathroom, all my kids' bedrooms, and in every backpack and bag I own. These are a few essentials that I always keep made up and on the ready. If you don't have time to make up roller balls, that's okay. Just use the oils diluted directly as needed.
- Insect Sting Blend: 15 drops Lavender, 15 drops Frankincense, 15 drops Tea Tree in a roller ball + fractionated coconut oil
- Breathe Blend: 20 drops Breathe oil, 15 drops Lemon oil, 10 drops Frankincense oil in a roller ball + fractionated coconut oil
- Digestion/Stomach Upset Blend: 45 drops Digestion oil in a roller ball + fractionated coconut oil
- Skin Blend: 15 drops Lavender, 15 drops Frankincense,
- Owie Blend: 15 drops Lavender, 15 drops Frankincense, 15 drops Tea Tree in a roller ball + fractionated coconut oil
- Fever Blend: 15 drops Peppermint oil, 15 drops Deep Blue oil, 15 drops Frankincense in roller ball + fractionated coconut oil
- Immunity Blend: 45 drops OnGuard oil in a roller ball+ fractionated coconut oil
Elderberry Syrup. When a cold starts to come on, elderberry syrup can prevent the worsening of the cold. It's worth taking a dose of each day, particularly during the winter months. Taking elderberry syrup can also decrease the recovery time. We make a batch each summer when the berries arrive.
- 4 cups fresh elderberries (or 2 cups dehydrated elderberries)
- 8 cups water
- 2 cups raw honey
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- Combine the elderberries and water together in a large pot. Simmer for 45 minutes. Let cool.
- Add in the honey, cinnamon, and allspice. Stir to combine.
- Bottle and store in the refrigerator.
Bandages, Gauze, and Tape.
Tweezers.
Heating Pad.
Ice Packs.
Epsom Salt. For achy muscles, nothing beats soaking in a epsom salt bath. It soothes soreness, inflammation, and fatigue.
Echinacea Tincture. When a cold takes hold, it's good to have this tincture on hand. It is made by combining leaves, flowers, and roots of the echinacea plant with vodka in a glass jar and letting it infuse for a few months. The tincture should be stored where it is dark and away from sunlight. To administer, add a tablespoon of tincture into a warm cup of water with a teaspoon of honey and sip.
Ginger Drops. I keep these on hand at all times (even in my purse) for upset stomaches and nausea.
Breathe Drops. I keep these on hand at all times too for respiratory issues.
Now, because we're well stocked and well prepared, this mothering-worrying-stuff doesn't have to keep us awake at night quite as much.
Which is great news, because I want to sleep. And Amen.
Seth Gormley
I really like arnica flower oil for sprains and bruises
Seth Gormley
I really like arnica flower oil for sprains and bruises
Tami
I have recently found your blog and have laughed, cried and nodded my head while reading your posts…I have also been thinking a lot about natural remedies as we have battled one sickness after another around here this year. I love calendula cream, it is so gentle and soothing on the skin, for diaper rash or chapped skin. I love this site: http://www.geronimostradingpost.com/, their products are wonderful, we use their jojoba, tea tree and eucalyptus. Have a great day!
Tami
I have recently found your blog and have laughed, cried and nodded my head while reading your posts…I have also been thinking a lot about natural remedies as we have battled one sickness after another around here this year. I love calendula cream, it is so gentle and soothing on the skin, for diaper rash or chapped skin. I love this site: http://www.geronimostradingpost.com/, their products are wonderful, we use their jojoba, tea tree and eucalyptus. Have a great day!
Rosie
Add colloidal silver, iodine, betadine solution and some sort of eye wash like boric acid. I am sure there are other things to add, just can’t think of any right now.
Rosie
Add colloidal silver, iodine, betadine solution and some sort of eye wash like boric acid. I am sure there are other things to add, just can’t think of any right now.
Kimberly
I make a healing balm I use on bugs bites, burn, bumps, and buns. Want the recipe?
Also, if you’re looking to buy http://www.grahamgardens.com/index.htm
has some pretty great stuff. I won a basket of things including natural bug repellent.
The Mrs.
Seth, Arnic flower – I’ve never heard of it! I will check it out.
Tami, thank you for visiting! I always love to hear from new readers!
Rosie, I will add these to the list. I use the betadine/iodine on my horse, but totally spaced having it in OUR first aid kid! 🙂
Kimberly, I would love the recipe! Thanks forthe info on Graham Gardens!
The Mrs.
Seth, Arnic flower – I’ve never heard of it! I will check it out.
Tami, thank you for visiting! I always love to hear from new readers!
Rosie, I will add these to the list. I use the betadine/iodine on my horse, but totally spaced having it in OUR first aid kid! 🙂
Kimberly, I would love the recipe! Thanks forthe info on Graham Gardens!
Anonymous
I’m late to the party, but… I’ve started keeping turmeric capsules on hand. (Though I have no idea how to use this with an infant.)
This is what I go to first for headaches now. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, so could be helpful for a number things, and helps me stay out of the ibuprofen.
Thanks for your tips. I didn’t know about the elderberry syrup, and I’ll need to get peppermint oil too. :.)
brenda from arkansas
Miriam
This is such a great idea. We have a lot of these things but don’t keep them all in the same place. I would add organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar. It’s great for sunburns (in a bath), yeast infections and insect bites. Also activated charcoal tablets. My midwife suggested those when I had the stomach flu while pregnant and I was better by the end of the day! We even gave them to my daughter when she had the flu (half a tablet mixed into applesauce).
Miriam
This is such a great idea. We have a lot of these things but don’t keep them all in the same place. I would add organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar. It’s great for sunburns (in a bath), yeast infections and insect bites. Also activated charcoal tablets. My midwife suggested those when I had the stomach flu while pregnant and I was better by the end of the day! We even gave them to my daughter when she had the flu (half a tablet mixed into applesauce).
Jodi
I’m really late to the party! But this is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I just bought some dirt cheap witch hazel at Target. Is that ok or is there a reason I should buy the fancy organic homeopathic kind?
Eve
Don’t forget the drawing salve! Great on bug bites and splinters.
Also, that rice sock, good for some many things! I use mine for tension head aches, and probably the best use, sinus infections. Having one on the bridge of my nose is the only way I can sleep when I have one.