Healing with Herbs: Basic herbal first aid kit

By Kathy Lambert

Most first aid kits contain bandages of some sort, gauze, bacterial ointments and so on. Adding or replacing herbal remedies to a conventional first aid kit increases options when accidents or illness strikes. Herbs have the same healing actions as allopathic medicine, only with far fewer side effects. Herbs were used many thousands of years before medicine, and the properties they were used for are as valid today as they were then. Lets start with lavender (lavendula officinalis). Lavender has many uses and is an important herb to keep on hand. Its actions include an antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial, and it relieves muscle spasms. It is usually used as an essential oil although the dried herb is handy to have as well. Lavender infused into carrier oil makes for wonderful and therapeutic massage oil. The essential oil is a strong antiseptic and can be used to help heal burns, wounds and sores. Rub it on an insect sting and it will relieve the pain and inflammation. It can be used to treat head lice. If you feel a headache coming on, massage a few drops on the temples and your headache will be eased. Added to the bath, it relieves muscle tension and promotes sleep. The scent helps to alleviate depression.Arnica (Arnica montana) is essential for sore muscles, bruises and sprains. Used as an ointment, it speeds healing by improving local blood supply to the area. It is an anti-inflammatory and increases the rate of re-absorption of internal bleeding. Arnica is used topically only. It should not be taken internally.Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil is a valuable antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-fungal. Athletes foot, ringworm, warts, acne, boils, wounds, insect bites, stings, and many other skin irritations benefit from tea tree oil. A traditional Aboriginal remedy, it was first researched in 1923. Since the 1960s, its antiseptic value has been well established. Tea Tree is one of the most natural and effective antiseptics. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) also known as Knitbone by the Indians, and Bruisewort by others, is helpful for mending broken bones. As the name implies, comfrey helps bones knit together after they have been set. Comfrey is a rapid healer of flesh and bones due to its action to accelerate mitosis (cell division). It's used for healing scars as well. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is an immune stimulant, anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial among others. Calendula can be used internally for gastrointestinal problems, and externally for almost any skin ailment. It is a must for summer time skin problems like insect bites and sunburn. It rapidly repairs damaged skin tissue. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is used most often in cooking. Yet, it has many herbal medicinal properties as well. It has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal properties that can come in handy for many different infections. Thyme essential can be used diluted in carrier oil and applied to minor wounds, cuts and abrasions. Its antibacterial agents will stop the threat of a streptococcal infection. It can also be used in tea form to expel worms. Used as a mouth rinse it can help with mouth ulcers and as a gargle for sore throats. Drank as a tea during a cold, it will act as an expectorant. Inhaled, it makes a refreshing tonic for chronic cough and difficulty breathing. A few additional herbs that you could have in a first aid kit would be White Willow Bark (Salix alba), natures precursor to aspirin (be sure not to use if allergic to aspirin or if you are taking anticoagulation medications), Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis), a wonderful antiviral, and Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), used as an astringent to heal cuts. This article is not meant to diagnose or treat any ailment. The information provided is not meant for a substitute for medical care. It is meant for information purposes only.Be well. Kathy Lambert is owner of Magikal Dreams Botanicals in Conway (447-2730) and is founder of Alternative Health Alliance. Web address is www.magikaldreams.com.