The beauty about Mother Nature, is that she possesses everything we need, but she’s left it up to us to discover her treasures.
A first aid kit is a handy thing to have, even legally required in some cases. Keep one in your household and one for on-the-go, ’cause when you need it, you’ll wish you had one. If you happen to have your own practice, you probably have one somewhere in the establishment already. Any first aid kit is better than no kit, but how cool would a 100% natural one be? Suitable for all minor cuts, bumps, bites and bruises, perfect if you have kids that like to play rough. Even better for impressing and tending to any injured clients.
Nº1 – Activated Charcoal
A real life-saver when it comes to food poisoning, a bad case of the flu or diarrhoea and vomiting (non alcohol-related) – so an absolute essential for your first aid kit. Activated charcoal detoxes the body – a necessity if you’ve in some way ingested poison, absorbing up to 60% of the toxic substance. Quite commonly it’s used in cases of drug overdose, as the drugs bind to it, preventing it from being absorbed into the cells and causing any more damage. It usually comes as a powder or capsules that you can mix into a glass of water and take slow sips. (It’s tasteless which is a bonus too.) Since it flushes everything out, the good as well as the bad, be sure to rebuild your nourishment as soon as the issue subsides. Before you add it to your collection though, be sure to read the packet carefully and consult with a doctor for any additional questions.
You can purchase Nature’s Way Activated Charcoal on Amazon.
Nº2 – Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
What you want: Organic, unfiltered, unprocessed vinegar, which is murky. That murkiness is caused by a substance called the “mother,” and it is indicative of a high-quality product. If you are considering taking apple cider vinegar medicinally, long-term excessive use could conceivably cause low potassium levels and can adversely affect your bone density – so moderation is important. (As with everything in life 😉 )
In addition, apple cider vinegar could theoretically interact with diuretics, laxatives, and medicines for diabetes and heart disease. If you are under the care of a physician and you want to try a course of apple cider vinegar, talk to your physician first to make sure it won’t interfere with any of the medications you are currently taking.
You can purchase Bragg Organic Cider Vinegar on Amazon.
Now, usually you can only find ACV in large bottles, not suitable for a handy, compact kit. So, simply shake the bottle and transfer a portion into a smaller air-tight glass container such as this Infinity Jar on Amazon.
The first aid kit uses:
Topically: With anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, it’s definitely one for the first aid kit. Perfect for any bug bites or stings from poison ivy when applied directly to the affected area. You can also soak in a bath with one added cup if you have larger areas to deal with. Using it topically can also help to remove warts. Just soak a cotton ball in the stuff and secure it on top of the wart. Leave it covered overnight.
Ingested: Acid reflux can be a very uncomfortable, even severely painful occurrence. Apple Cider Vinegar can both sooth intestinal spasms and improve the acid content of your stomach. Just mix one tablespoon into one large glass of water daily, or when reflux occurs.
Did you know? “Raw ACV is the only vinegar that is alkaline-forming to the body. All other vinegars (white, balsamic, red wine, etc) are acid-forming. For a health balanced pH, raw apple cider vinegar is one of the best things to add to your diet.” – healthybliss.net
Use it for a super-healthy energy booster: ACV contains amino acids that help prevent the accumulation of lactic acid in the body which can contribute to tired, sore muscles and general lethargy. Also, the potassiums and enzymes naturally occurring in the stuff are brilliant for banishing fatigue and kick-starting your internal systems.
Emergency mouth-wash: Dilute two to four tablespoons into a cup of water and gargle. The antimicrobial properties eliminate bad breathe and helps whiten teeth. Remember to always dilute as it is too harsh on it’s own. Also a great gargle if you feel a sore throat coming on – nip that right in the bud!
All-natural toner alternative: To help prevent breakouts and even out skin-tone, use some diluted ACV as a duo cleanser and toner.
Nº3 Ginger capsules
The best remedy for morning sickness, motion sickness, stomach trouble and general nausea. Ginger helps sooth the stomach, particularly well after a stomach bug or digestive illness. It’s also recommended for acid reflux too! Which makes it a pretty handy addition to any first aid kit, especially when travelling.
Purchase Nature’s Way Ginger Root, 550 mg, 100 Capsules on Amazon.
Nº4 Arnica (topical cream)
Great for any muscular pain or injury which hasn’t resulted in an open wound or graze. Will reduce muscle stiffness, swelling, bruising and healing time with a nice, light herbal scent to it. It’s also the Nº1 most used topical cream or ointment by athletes, coaches and trainers, some athletes even use it as a preventative. Immediately after over-exercising or receiving a minor injury they will apply the cream to ward off pain, stiffness and black-and-blue marks. No holistic first aid kit should be without it!
You can buy Boericke & Tafel Arniflora Arnica Natural Topical Pain Reliever Gel on Amazon.
Interested in Herbalism? Get qualified!
At The School of Natural Health Sciences we’re always excited whenever we have the chance to replace something harsh and chemical, with something holistic and natural (whilst being just as effective, sometimes even more so.) That’s why our diploma correspondence course in Herbalism is one of our favourites. The first lessons take a look into the history of herbal medicine, healthy cooking with herbs, natural cosmetics, herbal tonics, vinegars and skincare, followed by herbal baths, cooling herbs, poultices, pills, antioxidants, herb bouquets, salts and nature’s pharmacy.
Since herbalism is a fairly broad topic, we also have an Advanced Herbalism Course suitable for those who are already qualified, or those who have taken our entry level course and wish to continue their education at a higher level.
For other Holistic Therapy Courses, browse our portfolio here, we have 57 to choose from! If you’d like more information, please do Contact Us, we’d love to hear from you!
