The herbal first aid kit is essential to those who do not want to be dependent on pharmaceuticals and the political science behind them. In the event that excessive regulation should take over the medical industry, or should OTC medications be scarce or too expensive, this is where the herbal first aid kit comes into play.
Two main parts of the herbal first aid kit are tinctures and essential oils. Now, let's be straightforward so that no one gets caught up in the marketing hype, there is NO SUCH THING as "therapeutic grade essential oil." Should you be sure to investigate the purity of any essential oil that you purchase? Absolutely! The individual or company should be able to tell you where the plant was obtained from, and how the oil was extracted from the plant, as well as if any carrier oils were added to it for whatever reason. If they cannot tell you that, do not buy from them. However, there is no need to worry about any non-existent certification for essential oils.
While essential oils can be made at home, they do require some special equipment (like a steam distiller for steam distillation) which can be a bit costly. The cold press method does not require fancy equipment, but it can only be used for certain plants and nuts. An oil obtained by the "extraction" method uses chemicals to draw the oils out of the mixture created. Absolutes are often made this way. Your two main options, though, will be steam distilled (which is the majority) and cold pressed essential oils.
Clove essential oil is good to have on hand for toothaches. Tea Tree and Rosemary essential oils are good for antiseptics and antibacterials. Thieves Oil is a combination oil that is excellent against colds, flu, and other illnesses. If you can obtain it or make it, Jewelweed EO is good to have on hand as a poison ivy combatant. Thyme EO is a must-have for parasite and bacterial infection.
Tinctures are quite different than essential oils, and are usually made for ingestion. This can be done at home. (See a video from Mountain Rose Herbs on Youtube HERE)
Echinacea tincture is good for an immune booster, and there are many others such as this anti-viral anti-flu tincture from Frugal Canning.
And while this is not a tincture or oil, a friend recently shared a homemade cold medicine.
HERE is a link to a PDF of many different herbs and their place in first aid care.
Do you have any suggestions or recipes that you would like to share? Leave a comment below!
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