Herbal First Aid and Health Care
(a list of herbs, products and other first aid supplies)
Dr. Kyle Christensen, DC, ND, MH
The purpose of this list is
to assist you in supplementing your already existing First Aid Kit. Consider the items listed to add to what you
already have. It is important to become
familiar with and know how to use what you keep on hand, whether it be tools,
natural remedies or stored food for that matter. Consider what tools, supplies and supports
may be necessary in handling various emergencies and prepare accordingly.
Healing
Ointment [a
comfrey or plantain based ointment] – used to speed the healing of cuts,
wounds, abrasions, bruises. Any type of
wound healing. For external use. Apply the ointment to wounds, burns (amazing),
injuries, ulcer, sores, rashes, cuts, bruises, etc. Apply generously externally
over injuries or wounds. Do not remove excess ointment when re-applying, just
keep adding the ointment to the injured area.
Herbal
Laxative [Formulas
with Cascara, Senna and or Aloe] – Use herbal laxative that assists with
elimination while building tone and strengthening the colon. For internal use.
This stimulating formula is cleansing, healing and strengthening to the entire
gastrointestinal system. Stimulates healthy movement through the colon while
disinfecting and soothing the colon to function better on its own. Use
encapsulated herbal laxatives to insure a normal 2 - 3 bowel movements each
day. This product can be safely used over extended periods of time.
Diarrhea
Control –
Bentonite Clay, Redmond Clay, Pectin, etc. Used to deeply cleanse the colon, to
arrest diarrhea, and as a drawing poultice for stings and bites. Used
internally, Natural Clays acts as a strong purifier and intestinal vacuum,
helping to draw out old fecal matter from the walls of your colon and out of
bowel pockets. Natural Clays aids in the removal of poisons, toxins, parasites,
and heavy metals. Use internally for food poisoning and diarrhea. Use
externally as a poultice. Suggested Guidelines: It is important to drink
adequate amounts of liquids while taking any product that strongly detoxifies
the body. Oral drugs or herbs taken at
the same time as Clay Products may diminish absorption. Not recommended if
bowel obstruction or intestinal narrowing is a concern.
Digestion
Formula –
The Good Lord in his wisdom made the herbs that are good for digestion also
taste good. Herbs such as cinnamon,
fennel, the mint family, and many more are considered bitter and carminative
and will increase the digestive juices thereby reducing gas, bloating and
intestinal cramping. May be used before or after meals. For internal use.
Muscle
Linament, Oil or Ointment– Typically made with
cayenne pepper and aromatic herbs such as wintergreen, peppermint or
camphor. These can ease muscle soreness,
soothe sprains, strains, and muscle pain.
Reduces inflammation of bursitis and tendonitis and relieves arthritis
pain. Massage directly into the body for warming & cooling relief for
sprains, strains and muscular pain. Also
relieves earache (only use if eardrum is NOT ruptured). For external use. Avoid
contact with eyes. Apply generously as a topical oil onto the skin. Massage on
and immediately around the area of soreness and aching muscles.
Echinacea
based Immune Formula – works by boosting the number
of immune cells and natural chemicals to help fight illness. A very powerful
and potent herbal combination to be used at the first signs of any illness. For
internal use. Very stimulating and is typically used for acute infectious
illnesses rather than chronic degenerative or wasting illnesses such as
autoimmune diseases.
Kidney-Bladder
Formula –
Herbs such as juniper berry, parsley are used for urinary tract infections,
incontinence, general edema (swelling) or kidney and bladder concerns. For
internal use.
Herbal
Anti-Septic Formula – herbs such as goldenseal are used to cleanse and disinfect
wounds. Apply enough Herbal Anti-Septic
on wound to completely coat injury and surrounding area. For external use. Sugar and honey can also be used directly on
a wound to draw out and eliminate infection.
Herbal Tooth
Powder –
Herbs such as white oak bark, clay and charcoal (not from briquettes) Use for
inflammation of the gums or any other tooth and gum disorder or simply for
normal tooth brushing. Can also assist in tightening loose teeth. Used to scrub
teeth and gum with a toothbrush, cloth or finger. You can also make your own tooth powder by
combining baking soda, sea salt and coconut oil perhaps with some essential
oils.
Herbal Ear
Drops –
Made from infusing garlic and mullein in olive oil. Used for earaches inside
the ears as well as around the ears.
Used also for external glandular swelling or cysts. To soothes and
reduce the painful effects of otitis media (earaches). Also used to decrease
lymphatic swelling associated with congestion and infection. This product is
used externally. Suggested Use: If earache continues for more than two days or
becomes severe consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is
strongly recommended. 4 drops in ear 3 times daily or as needed for symptomatic
relief of earache pain. May be massaged behind the ear and down the neck to
encourage fluid drainage.
Herbal Snuff – Strong but very power medicine. Combined powdered herbs of goldenseal,
horseradish, cayenne and garlic. Snuff a pinch through each nostril for
cleansing, clearing and disinfecting sinuses. For sinus congestion or any
chronic sinus problem. Saved many from sinus surgery. Snuff a small pinch of
herbal snuff into each nostril, pinching shut opposite nostril. Inhale very
deeply when taking in snuff. Hold snuff for 5 to 10 minutes before blowing to
clear your nose.
Herbal Eyewash
– Combine
the herbs eyebright and red raspberry leaf made into a tea and an eye rinse.
for pink eye, dry eyes and to clear and disinfect your eyes. Dilute solution or tea in an eyecup of pure
water. Rinse eyes 3 to 4 times daily or as needed. For Chemical spill or splash
into eyes copiously flush and wash eyes as instructed per label on chemical
bottle. You can add some goldenseal as a disinfectant.
Cayenne
tincture –
Used internally for the cold stage of fevers, debility in convalescence or old
age, varicose veins, asthma, and digestive problems. Used to stop bleeding, for
shock and to increase circulation.
Externally for sprains, unbroken chilblains, neuralgia, lumbago, and
pleurisy. Use with care and caution.
Very hot.
Cayenne powder – Used internally for the
cold stage of fevers, debility in convalescence or old age, varicose veins,
asthma, and digestive problems. Used to stop bleeding, for shock and to
increase circulation. Externally for
sprains, unbroken chilblains, neuralgia, lumbago, and pleurisy. Use with care
and caution. Very hot.
Lobelia
tincture –
Used internally for asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, pleurisy as a general
nerve and muscle relaxant or to induce vomiting. Externally for pleurisy,
rheumatism, tennis elbow, whiplash injuries, boils, and ulcers. This herb and
its alkaloids are subject to legal restrictions in some countries. Excess
causes nausea, vomiting, drowsiness. Not recommended if pregnant or for those
patients with heart dysfunction.
Clove
essential oil
– topical pain reliever for teeth or mouth sores. Anti-infectious,
anti-bacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiseptic. Clove oil
is used historically for dental infections, viral hepatitis, bacterial colitis,
cholera, amoebic dysentery, infectious acne, neuritis, cystitis, sinusitis,
bronchitis, tuberculosis, hypertension, thyroid dysfunction, and fatigue.
Lavender
essential oil
– topical anti-bacterial, for insect bites. For indigestion, depression,
anxiety, exhaustion, irritability, tension headaches, migraine, and bronchial
complaints
Yarrow
tincture –
Used internally for feverish illnesses (especially colds, and measles), mucus,
diarrhea, dyspepsia, rheumatism, arthritis, menstrual and menopausal
complaints, hypertension, and to protect against thrombosis after stroke or
heart attack. Externally for wounds, nosebleeds, ulcers, inflamed eyes, and
hemorrhoids. (Prolonged use of yarrow may cause allergic rashes and make the
skin more sensitive to sunlight.)
Lungs and
Cough Formulas–
Look for or make something that contains herbs that will assist to expel an
eliminate phlegm rather than a cough suppressant that will drive the gunk or
infection deeper into the body. Herbs such as the mints, lobelia, wild cherry
bark, elder flower and elecampane are good to use. Relieves Lung congestion, soothes coughs and
eases breathing. These type of formulas can dilate the bronchial passages and
loosen mucus and phlegm so it can be expelled from the lungs. Used for asthma,
pneumonia, bronchitis, any respiratory problem. For internal use. Suggested
Guidelines: Not recommended if pregnant, nursing or if high blood pressure is a
concern. Not intended for long term, sustained use.
Internal
Healing Syrups or teas – used internally to speed the healing of any injury where tissue has
been disrupted or damaged. This syrup helps to heal the body from the inside -
out. We recommend syrup for any injury or degenerative bone, muscle or nerve
conditions. Suggested Guidelines: If injury has occurred, consultation with a
healthcare professional is advised. Comfrey
is often used in these type of formulas.
Liver-Gallbladder
Formula
–Herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion root and leaf, burdock and many of the
bitter herbs are best known for their ability to stimulate, cleanse and protect
the liver and gallbladder as well as rid the body of parasites. Used for any
liver condition (infectious or toxic), for digestive complaints. For internal
use. Suggested Guidelines: Not recommended if pregnant or nursing or if chronic
liver or kidney dysfunction is present. If poor liver or gallbladder is a
concern, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.
Nerve Calming
Formula –
Herbs such as skullcap, valerian, chamomile and hops are used for nervous
tension, irritation, anxiety, insomnia or panic attacks. These formulas are
both sedative and anti-spasmodic designed to relax, sedate and relieve tension
and muscle spasm. For internal use. Suggested Guidelines: Not recommended if
pregnant, nursing, or if currently taking prescription or over the counter
medications. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional if condition
persists or increases.
Female
Hormonal Formulas – Black cohosh, angelica root,
damiana, and chaste tree berry are used for hormone balancing in women,
relieving P.M.S and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, bloating, anxiety,
depression, vaginal dryness, abnormal or painful menses. For Internal use.
Suggested Guidelines: Not recommended if pregnant or nursing. If menstrual or
menopausal condition persists consult a healthcare professional. If female
issue are an issue at all, get it handled and balanced – the sooner the
best. Diet and getting enough of the
healthy fats (coconut oil, olive oil, butter and animal fats are all
good). A diet low in fat – particularly
when combined with vegetable fats (canola, soy, corn, etc. oils are bad) is
what has got you to this point of hormone imbalance.
Anti-Plague
Syrup –
This is a very specific recipe and formula that we recommend everyone to make
and have plenty on hand.May assist with symptoms associated with colds, any
infectious illness or "plague". Used to boost and stimulate the
immune system. For Internal use. This is our version of the classic immune
building formula. Not for the timid, only for those wanting "Strong
Medicine". Safety Guidelines: Not intended if pregnant or nursing.
Peppermint
essential oil
– Reduces fevers, candida, nausea, vomiting and aids in respiratory function.
It is used for flavoring, cools the body and is excellent for digestion.
Rubbing into the temples can relieve headaches. Use for indigestion - one drop
orally. Rub some under the nose to open and clear the lungs and sinuses.
Tea Tree
essential oil
– topical anti-fungal, anti-bacterial. For external use. An expectorant that
also increases perspiration, and stimulates the immune system. It is effective
against fungal and bacterial infections. Used for thrush, vaginal infections,
acne, athlete's foot, warts, insect bites, cold sore, nits (eggs of head lice).
Apply directly to warts and nits, but dilute in a carrier oil (jojoba or
almond) for other uses. 1 part tea tree to 10 parts oil.
Oregano
infused oil
– sublingually used for anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, immune
builder. For internal use. 2 to 3 drops
under the tongue is the general recommendation.
May also be used to rub on the soles of the feet. Oregano is also a
powerful immune system builder.
Slippery Elm
bark powder
– A sweet, mucilaginous, laxative herb with a fenugreek-like odor. It soothes
and lubricates tissues, and draws out toxins. Used internally for gastric and
duodenal ulcers, gastritis, colitis, and digestive problems especially in
infants. Externally for sore throat, coughs, wounds, burns, boils and
abscesses. Make into a gruel by adding warm water (may also add cinnamon and
honey).
Castor oil – used topically as a
fomentation to relieve and reduce pain, inflammation, growths and swellings.
Saturate cloth with castor oil apply over area and keep warm with heat for 1
hour. Repeat 2 to 4 times daily. May reuse castor oil cloth. For external use
only.
Shepherd’s
Purse tincture
– Used internally and externally to stop bleeding, especially heavy
menstruation, blood in urine, hemorrhoids, nosebleed, and wounds. Also
internally for cystitis, and externally for varicose veins. Also used for
hypertension and postpartum bleeding. Shepherd’s purse stops excessive
bleeding, especially menstrual or related to childbirth.
Ginger
capsules –
used for motion sickness, dizziness, nausea, or indigestion Ginger can be taken
to increase the circulation warming cold hands and feet. Crystalized Ginger can
also be used.
Plantain
tincture –
Externally for skin irritation, inflamed eyelids or for bites and stings. Used
internally for constipation and diarrhea.
Mullein
tincture –
calms and soothes digestion. Used internally for coughs, whooping cough,
bronchitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, asthma, excess respiratory mucus,
tuberculosis, urinary tract infections, nervous tension, and insomnia.
Externally for earaches (flowers in olive oil), sores, wounds, boils, rheumatic
pain, hemorrhoids, and chilblains.
Fennel
tincture
–Used internally for indigestion, gas, bloating, colic and insufficient
lactation. Use as a mouthwash or gargle for gum disease or sore throat.
Coconut oil - Used on the skin for fungal infections (ringworm, athletes foot, vaginal, thrush), as an ointment for minor cuts and burns, for itching and dry skin, for lice, and as massage lubricant. Use for cold sores, hemorrhoids, insect bites and frequent nose bleeds.
Additional items to consider adding to your existing First Aid Kit,
if they are not there already.
**First-aid instruction manual - Herbal
First Aid and Health Care, by Dr. Kyle Christensen
Miscellaneous
- Sea Salt – for mineral replacement in dehydration
(Celtic Sea Salt, Redmond Real Salt).
Mineral Replacement Drink (1/2 tsp sea salt, 3 TBS honey or sugar
to 1 quart water – you may also add lemon or orange juice for flavor). Mix
with water for a gargle or to clear sinuses ( 1 tsp to 1 TBS per cup of
warm water - there is no set recipe).
- Soap – liquid anti-bacterial or castile soap – to
clean wounds and skin.
- Honey – antiseptic to put on wounds, for insect
bites, burns, sore throat (mix with cayenne), and fatigue.
- Epsom Salt or Dead Sea Salt – used to draw out toxins and
radiation. Used 1 –2 cups per bath.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – for arthritis
(internally – 1TBS mixed with 1 TBS raw honey in water twice daily) and to
wash the skin. Use as a wash for vaginal yeast infections to relieve
itching.
- Baking Soda – used to neutralize acids burns, for
re-hydration, and insect bites.
- Miso – used nutritionally to ward off the effects
of radiation. Made into a soup.
- Rubbing Alcohol or alcohol preps – used to clean around
wounds.
- Potassium Iodide – Potassium Iodate - for thyroid
protection against radiation. Also
used to protect the thyroid from radiation is Black Walnut hull and
seaweeds such as kelp, dulse and Irish moss.
- Witch Hazel – for hemorrhoids and as a cleansing
wash and insect bites. A very good astringent solution.
- Water - Do not underestimate the value of good clean
water. Much has been written about
the curative powers of drinking plenty of water. For digestive complains, pain,
inflammation, etc. You need not
have gallons stored in your First Aid Kit, but know that water is an
important tool.
Tools
- Tweezers – for removal of splinters or debris
from skin or tissues.
- Scissors – to cut bandages, cloth, etc.
- Thermometer – for taking temperatures.
- Tongue Depressors – for finger splints.
- Tape – to adhere bandages.
- Snake Bite Kit – in addition to snake
bites, use for spider or insect bites.
A portable suction devise is good to have on hand.
- Cotton Applicator (Q-tips) – to apply herbs in
small areas or to scrub and clean tissue.
- Splinter removers – more customized than
general tweezers.
- Instant Ice Pack – for sprains,
strains, contusions when a freezer and ice is not available. The I. in R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compress,
Elevate)
- Epi-Pen – epinephrine injection, if there is a history
of severe allergic reactions.
- Otoscope – this tool can be purchased
inexpensively to view the ear canal.
- Stethoscope & Blood Pressure Cuff – to monitor blood
pressure and to listen to the heart and the lungs.
- Nail Clippers – specialized tool for nails (ingrown
toenails)
- Bulb Syringe – to forcefully rinse wounds, for small
enemas, to extract mucus. Sterilize
after every use.
- Hot Water Bottle/Enema/Douche.
- Dental Mirror – to view mouth and teeth.
Bandages
- 16-36 each Band-Aids – 1/2” x 3”, 3/4” x
4”, knuckles
- Ace Bandages - 2”, 3” and 6”
- Flannel – 11” x 14” – an old nightgown or shirt
- Gauze – many sizes of both pads and rolls
- Waterproof tape
- Vinyl examination gloves – one box – multiple
sizes if necessary for your family.
- Feminine Napkins – Maxi-pads– for heavy
bleeding (not just female concerns)
- Moleskin – for blisters or to protect skin from wear.
- SAM Splint – use for arms, legs, ankle or neck
immobilization.
- Butterfly bandages and Super Glue for wound closure.
- Triangular bandages to make a sling or
wrap.
- Bandaging strips – cut or tear an old
clean sheet into 4” strips that can be used for gauze, to wrap or bind injuries.
Emergency and Other Items to Consider
- Cell phone and re-charger
that utilizes the accessory plug in your car dash
- Emergency Contact List. phone numbers of all
family, friends and contact information for your family doctor and
pediatrician, local emergency services, emergency road service providers
and the regional poison control center
- Small, waterproof flashlight and extra batteries
- Candles and matches
for cold climates
- Sunscreen and lotion
- Mylar emergency blanket
- Plastic bags for the disposal of contaminated
materials
- Safety pins in assorted sizes
- Save-A-Tooth storage device containing salt solution
and a travel case &/or emergency dental kit
- Aluminum finger splints
- Water purifying - chlorine bleach
and/or hand water filter
- Copies of important family documents
- Dust masks/mirco filter
masks (95N)
- Whistle
- Maps of the area
- Bug Out Bag - 72 hour kit
- Clear Plastic sheeting to cover windows (if
they break in an earthquake) and Duct tape
- Flint & Steel firestarters
- Garbage bags
- Writing paper/pencils/pens
- Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
- Good multipurpose knife and Scissors
- Siphon & hand pumps
- Boy Scout Handbook
- Work Gloves
- Glue
- Extra Reading Glasses
- Repair tools
- Wrenches/pliers to turn of water and
gas to home
- Etc.
There
are many OTC (over-the-counter) medications that you may want to include in
your kit. The purpose of this list was
to emphasize herbs and herbal preparations that can be used in first aid
applications. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or
prevent any diseases, or replaces the services of a competent health care
provider. This program has not been
evaluate or approved by the FDA. By all
means listen to your body and use common sense.
Prepared and provided by Kyle D. Christensen,
DC, ND, MH
Copyright© April 2009, July 2011, February 2013 Woodland Hills, UT