Join Julie Polanco on this episode of Crunchy Christian Podcast as she discusses herbal first aid. She talks about what you need to keep in your cupboard or take with you on your outdoor adventures. Ready to stock your medicine cabinet with natural helps for scrapes, bruises, and other emergencies? Let’s dig in!
Herbal First Aid Essentials
Before we dig into the herbal first aid and what to stock, let’s talk a bit about first aid. What do we need our remedies to do? We need herbs and essential oils that will soothe and heal burns and scrapes while also keeping infection away. If they can help stop bleeding, that’s great, too. What about muscle sprains and bruising? Headaches? Nausea? Stomach aches? Let’s see what we can keep on hand to address these occasional needs. (If you are experiencing muscle aches, bruising, headaches, nausea, or stomach aches frequently, something more serious may be going on. You need more than herbal first aid).

You can get a FREE PDF, Putting Together a Natural First Aid Kit, by clicking HERE.
Natural Items
These items are not herbs or essential oils, but they are natural items that are very useful in a variety of ways.
Apple Cider Vinegar
As I mentioned in the last episode, apple cider vinegar helps repel mosquitoes. It can also be used for soothing sunburn if diluted and for soothing bug bites. It can also help with poison ivy exposure and minor indigestion. It’s inexpensive and great to have around.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is safer than rubbing alcohol and you may choose to include it for minor wound cleaning, not deep wounds. Use diluted or sparingly, though. It can also be used for sanitizing, too, since it effectively kills yeast and other fungi, bacteria, and viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Bring it along in a small bottle on hikes and it effectively cleans any wildcrafted food you collect. It will also keep your toothbrush and dishes clean on those summer camping trips.

Hear about some additional natural items to include in your herbal first aid kit on the podcast.
Herbal First Aid Kit Essentials
Cayenne Pepper
Believe it or not, sprinkling dried and powdered cayenne pepper directly into bleeding wounds stops the bleeding. It doesn’t sting, either. Cayenne causes the blood to redistribute throughout the body and coagulate at the wound site.
Witch Hazel
This astringent, anti-inflammatory herb helps ward off infection, soothe sore throats, and help with irritated inflamed skin.
Arnica
This herb is essential for muscle aches and pains and helping heal bruises faster. It usually comes in a cream or gel.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an absolute must. It is antimicrobial and antiviral and gentle enough to be used on children’s skin. It’s very good at warding off infections and soothing burns and scrapes. Also helpful with warts and other skin issues.

Julie talks about additional herbal helps on the podcast. Tune in and stock up!

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