The Australian bushfire season is active and relentless. We all need to be vigilant and prepared, no matter where you live in Australia right now, you will be affected somehow.
Whether you are at home, camping or travelling, accidents and unforeseen natural disasters can happen when you lease expect it… especially when there are children or pets involved. Having a Natural First Aid Kit on hand (ready to go) is essential.
I would much rather use natural solutions, than medicated ones that can cause side effects, so here are my suggestions and recommendations for many ailments that may occur unexpectedly.
I would purchase these products and keep them in a large box labelled “Natural First Aid Kit” and make it easily accessible to you so you can get to it quickly when needed!
Alternatively, if you’d like one already made up, let me know and I’ll send you a Kit – contact me here
Natural First Aid Kit – List of Essentials (22 items)
Face Masks – P2 Smoke and Dust Mask
Sea Salt – to add to water for any infections, use as an eye bath, throat gargle etc
Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle – staying hydrated can save your life
Aloe vera gel – for skin burns or scratches
Activated Charcoal – (black tablets from chemist) for traveller’s diarrhoea or food poisoning. If using on children or pets, be sure to check dosing directions.
Arnica Gel or Cream – external use. For trauma, muscle strains and soreness, bruises. Do not use on open wounds!
Calendula Cream – for soothing and healing wounds and burns, including sunburn. Has an astringent, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chamomile Tea Bags – makes a tasty tea. Gentle for children. Chamomile has mild sedative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It promotes relaxation, relieves indigestion and, when applied topically, soothes skin irritations. Also good WHEN COLD, to place the tea bags ontop of the eyelids for swollen and sore red eyes.
Citronella based Insect Repellent – Also comes in candles and repels bugs without toxicity to humans. Great for camping! Other essential oils that repel bugs include: peppermint, cedar, lemongrass, geranium, rosemary.
Echinacea liquid extract: Rich in immune-stimulating chemicals, echinacea (Echinacea spp.) can be used for any type of infection. Liquid extracts are the most versatile because they can be used both internally and externally.
Ginger – Fresh root, powder, capsules or crystallized. For motion and travel sickness, for sea sickness, soothing stomach upsets, and relieving gas. It has antispasmodic properties.
Lavender essential oil – an all-purpose remedy, used to help with insomnia, anxiety, eadaches, wounds and burns. For most people, it can be applied directly to the skin. One drop takes the swelling and itch out of mosquito bites. It is an anti-inflammatory and has antiseptic properties. Excellent for aeroplane travelling.
Rescue Remedy – Bach flower remedy for calming all kinds of emotions: anger, grief, fear. Excellent for any SHOCK. Helps with anxiety and sleeplessness. Give it to your pet during a lightening storm, or to a toddler to calm a tantrum, or to an adult having trouble sleeping or a child who has suffered a shock.
Tea tree oil – an antiseptic and antibacterial. Used externally to prevent a wound from getting infected. Also good for acne or for insect bites.
Eucalyptus oil – a few drops on the mask to purify the air and acts as an anti-inflammatory and healer
Adhesive bandage strips: Various sizes
Bandage materials: Sterile gauze pads, a roll of gauze, adhesive bandage tape.
Elastic and Cotton bandage: For sprains or strains.
Electrolyte replacement: Metagenics Brand “Endura Powder” for rehydration, stamina and endurance.
Scissors: Medium size very sharp, for cutting bandages, adhesive tape
Thermometer – Instant-read type.
Tweezers – For removing ticks and splinters
Remember to keep your “D.I.Y. NATURAL FIRST AID KIT” very handy, so that you can help your friends and family in times of need. You might never need to access it, but once you have it, you also have peace of mind…love a bit of peace of mind!