Accidents happen—whether they’re bruises, minor cuts, or even bug bites or stings. And when those things do happen, you’re in need of a natural first aid kit.
Why? Well, it’s been shown time and again that nature really does provide what we need for these minor incidents. Plus, you’ll avoid added chemicals by using all-natural products!
So, I want to invite you to take a look at my top six must-haves for the ultimate natural first aid kit. Some of my suggestions may be brand new to you, and others may already be living in your own personal medicine cabinet.
But first, let’s talk about what a natural first aid kit is and how it differs from the standard first aid kit you’re likely more familiar with.
A standard first aid kit is a box or bag that contains supplies used to treat non-emergent medical situations, such as minor cuts or scrapes, bruises, burns, or sprains.
This typically includes adhesive bandages and tape, gauze, cold packs, heated packs, gloves, alcohol or antiseptic wipes, scissors, thermometer, and tweezers.
Additionally, first aid kids usually include fever reducers, hydrocortisone, and anti-diarrhea and antihistamine medicines. [1]
Sounds pretty all-inclusive, right? What else could you need? I’m so glad you asked!
While all of these contents are necessary, there’s a major benefit to also building a natural first aid kit, which includes a few additional items.
Not only does a natural first aid kit contain safer, all-natural ingredients, but many of these ingredients serve multiple uses. The benefit of that? Your natural first aid kit is more comprehensive, covering first aid situations and more.
How convenient would it be to have one place to go for all your more immediate medical needs (ones that don’t require a doctor’s visit)?
That is the major benefit of using a natural first aid kit—convenience coupled with natural products you can feel totally comfortable using. And that’s a win-win you need in your life, right?
Now, let’s dive in and take a look at those additions that will create your ultimate natural first aid kit!
Here are my top six must-have items to create the ultimate all-natural first aid kit.
The first item that makes up a natural first aid kit probably doesn’t come as a surprise, does it?
Aloe vera has long been known to help promote faster healing of minor cuts and scrapes by helping to retain skin moisture.
Even more, though, aloe vera can help to soothe rashes and irritation from bug bites, making it a great addition to a natural first aid kit.
So, just how versatile is aloe vera?
According to a 2019 systematic review of 23 trials, aloe vera was found to effectively help prevent skin ulcers as well as help treat burn wounds, post-operative wounds, cracked nipples, genital herpes, psoriasis, and even chronic wounds! [2]
Specifically, a meta-analysis revealed that using aloe vera topically on burn wounds reduced healing time by about nine days, in comparison to using conventional treatments. [3]
So, how do you get your hands on some? You can purchase aloe vera gel online and at many local stores. Alternatively, you find aloe vera gel supplements at your local health food and supplement stores.
Every natural first aid kit needs something that acts quickly and effectively against stinging. And Apis mellifica does just that.
Apis mellifica is a homeopathic remedy made from honeybees! If you have a stinging, red, swelling area, odds are that Apis mellifica will help. In fact, it’s been used by doctors throughout Europe for this and other purposes for a very long time. [4]
It’s often used for a variety of treatments—from insect stings to tongue inflammation to facial swelling with prominent stinging sensations to sore throats to stinging UTIs. [5]
Interestingly, studies have shown that both low and high dilutions of Apis mellifica fight inflammatory processes and oxidative stress. [6] These actions help to explain how this homeopathic remedy acts against stinging sensations.
You can find Apis mellifica online or in your local supplement stores. Make sure to speak with your physician about the level of dilution you need and how much to take, as it comes in varying strengths.
We’ve spoken before about the powerful effects of apple cider vinegar. But did you know that it’s so useful that I also keep it in my personal natural first aid kit?
I’ve found that apple cider vinegar can help to relieve itching when mixed 50/50 with water and applied with a cloth poultice. This applies to both itchy rashes or even bug bites.
Interestingly, even the National Psoriasis Foundation has confirmed that applying a solution of apple cider vinegar and water can help to relieve an itchy scalp due to psoriasis. [7]
It’s even beneficial for fighting fungal infections! And studies have confirmed this, showing that apple cider vinegar displayed powerful anti-fungal properties against Candida! [8]
Finally, it’s also great to have on hand for minor scrapes and wounds, thanks to the fact that it contains acetic acid, which is known to display anti-microbial actions.
Acetic acid has actually been used medicinally for more than 6,000 years to disinfect wounds. It was even utilized as an antiseptic agent during the plague! [9]
So, you can see why I like to keep a bottle of this multipurpose remedy in my natural first aid kit.
Small everyday bumps can leave some painful bruises that can linger for several days, sometimes even over a week! But that doesn’t mean you have to just suffer.
Believe it or not, there’s a homeopathic treatment for bruises that can help to relieve pain. It’s known as arnica, and it’s one that I make sure to keep in my natural first aid kit at all times.
Studies have shown that the pain-relieving effects of arnica are due to is anti-inflammatory properties.
In fact, according to a 2016 study, arnica could serve as a “valid alternative” to NSAIDS in relieving pain, swelling, and bruising. [10] And the best part? It doesn’t cause any side effects like NSAIDs do!
You can find arnica online or in your local supplement stores. Once again, as with any homeopathic remedy, speak with your physician before using it.
I don’t think any natural first aid kit is complete without a few essential oils. Not only are they incredible versatile, but they each provide some specific benefits that you could utilize in urgent situations and beyond.
For example, tea tree oil is known to contain anti-microbial properties that could provide beneficial for first aid situations, such as minor cuts and scrapes.
In fact, tea tree oil has been shown to be more effective against MRSA than conventional treatments, in some studies. [11] Personally, due to its antibacterial and anti-viral properties, I like to use it in my homemade hand sanitizer recipe.
Meanwhile, lavender essential oil offers a variety of benefits, from reducing pain to promoting wound healing to serving as a viable alternative treatment to antibiotics.
In fact, a 2018 study revealed that lavender essential oil is an effective antimicrobial agent against E. coli.
The researchers believe there is potential to develop anti-microbial agents using lavender oil and other essential oils as an alternative treatment to antibiotics, which have become less effective due to antibiotic resistance. [12]
A bonus? Lavender essential oil is great to have on hand in your natural first aid kit for a list of less urgent situations as well! Smelling lavender essential oil for just 15 minutes has been shown to help relieve migraine headaches and even calm stress and anxiety! [13]
Other beneficial oils to have on hand include peppermint and eucalyptus oils, as they have been shown to help relieve congestion from coughs and colds, provide pain relief, and even help fight dental infections!
Consider diffusing some of these oils on a regular basis and also keep them on hand with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, for any topical uses you may want to try.
One of the last elements I’d recommend to include in your natural first aid kit is manuka honey.
Here’s why: Manuka honey contains anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, making it a great natural remedy to have on hand for a variety of situations and ailments. It’s also known to help relieve itchy skin.
In fact, 2017 study revealed that manuka honey significantly improved eczema symptoms when applied topically each night for a week. [14]
And a 2013 review confirmed that using manuka honey not only promotes rapid and improved wound healing, but also relieves pain in burns and decreases skin inflammation. [15]
Another perk is that manuka honey can be used as a cough suppressant in a pinch as well, as honey has been used to help relieve coughs for thousands of years.
Just keep in mind that it isn’t safe for children under the age of 1, though it’s best to speak with a pediatrician before use for children.
You can find manuka honey at most health food stores and online. Common dosages are typically one-half teaspoon under the tongue two to five times daily, as needed.
As you can see, each of the must-haves in my list for creating the ultimate natural first aid kit provides many solutions for common everyday problems as well as for some of those more urgent, true “first aid” situations.
Consider stocking up on the items listed above so that you’re truly prepared for the next time you’re encountered with an unexpected minor health-related concern. Trust me, you’ll never regret being prepared and having these items on hand.