***As a disclaimer, I am an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach however, this blog is for informational purposes only, not medical advice as this blog is my own personal experience. For more information, please see my blog disclaimer.
When you get a minor injury or get sick, the last thing you should be doing is using toxic products to “treat” your symptoms.
Not only does over the counter medicine come with a slew of side effects, but it can actually prolong your illness since the medicine stops the symptoms. When we get sick, our body naturally knows how to heal. For example, fevers are a good thing! Our body temperature rises to kill off the virus. When we take medicine to get rid of the fever, there is nothing killing off the virus, so you end up sick for longer.
Over the counter first aid products like Neosporin contain petroleum based ingredients which can cause cancer.
I have found natural alternatives to first aid products and medicine that I’ve found to work better! Keep reading to learn about my natural first aid kit and medicine cabinet!
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So, what is a natural first aid kit?
A natural first aid kit contains first aid products that do not have toxic chemicals. Some of these natural products can even be found in nature!
What should be in a natural first aid kit?
You’ll definitely want bandaids in it (ones that don’t contain neosporin.) You’ll want something to disinfect, something to kill bacteria, and something to soothe burns.
First Honey Manuka Honey Ointment:
Instead of Neosporin, I like the First Honey Manuka Honey Ointment! The First Honey Manuka Honey Ointment is just medical grade manuka honey. Manuka honey is great for disinfecting wounds, protecting wounds as it creates a physical barrier for long lasting protection. Manuka honey also supports new tissue formation and wound healing.
The First Honey Manuka Honey Ointment can be used for minor cuts, blisters, burns, and I’ve even used it on a tick bite and insect bites!
First Honey Burn Salve:
The First Honey Burn Salve is great to have on hand for sunburns and other minor burns. It contains medical grade manuka honey which is anti-inflammatory so it reduces swelling. The Burn salve promotes skin regeneration and helps relieve pain. The Manuka Honey in the Burn Salve also hydrates the skin which is important for burns.
Aloe Plant:
I always have an aloe plant on hand for first aid purposes. Aloe can soothe burns, take the pain out of a bee sting, help relieve poison ivy itching, and more! Aloe soothes, calms, and cools the skin and also has anti-inflammatory properties.
When I have a burn or other wound that I want to treat with Aloe, I break off a leaf, cut it in half, and rub the gel on my wound!
Rubbing Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide:
Rubbing alcohol isn’t toxic, it’s just super drying. Hydrogen Peroxide isn’t toxic either. Both of these are great for quickly disinfecting minor cuts, bug bites, and scrapes.
When I got a tick bite, I completely removed the tick, applied some rubbing alcohol to disinfect, then I applied the First Honey Manuka Honey Ointment and covered it with a bandaid.
In my opinion, first aid kits and medicine cabinets go hand in hand, so here’s what I have in my medicine cabinet!
Sinus Rinse:
When I feel a cold coming on or when allergy season is starting, I ALWAYS rinse my sinuses up to 3 times a day. Using a sinus rinse helps with congestion and it helps me prevent a sinus infection. Sinus rinses are completely natural as they only contain water and salt. I’ve been using the NeilMed Sinus Rinse since I was a kid and I still use it today!
Elderberry:
Hippocrates who is the Father of Medicine called Elderberry his Medicine Chest. Elderberry has so many benefits! Elderberry can be used to shorten the duration of the cold and flu, it’s anti-inflammatory, and helps with allergies, sinus issues, and even cancer!
When I start to feel a cold or the flu coming on, I start taking Elderberry. I love the Earthley Elderberry Elixir!
Echinacea:
Echinacea is an anti-viral herb. It’s extremely beneficial in fighting the common cold and upper respiratory issues. It’s also anti-inflammatory, helps fight cancer, and can improve your mental health!
I like drinking the Yogi Echinacea Immune Support tea. I drink it nightly for long term benefits and when I’m sick, I drink it up to 3 times a day.
Earthley Immune-Biotic:
The Earthley Immune-Biotic is great to take as soon as you start to feel an illness come on. It contains the Elderflower (which Elderberries come from), Echinacea, and Dandelion Root! Dandelion Root helps support the liver and detox the body.
Earthley Pain Potion:
If you get headaches, Earthley Pain Potion is a great alternative for ibuprofen. It’s great for headaches and other body pains. The Earthley Pain Potion helps relieve pain and fevers, relax muscles, and has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. So it’s basically a better, healthier version of Advil!
Sometimes I get a headache (especially right before I get my period) and Pain Potion works wonders!
Earthley Ease The Ache:
I love this for period cramps! I used to be a huge fan of Cramp Bark, and I still think Cramp Bark is a great option, but the Earthley Ease The Ache works a little better than Cramp Bark alone for period cramps.
Ease The Ache contains Nettle Leaf, Red Raspberry Leaf, Cramp Bark, and Motherwort. All of these ingredients on their own help with period cramps, but together they are a powerhouse! Not only does Ease The Ache help with period cramps, it also helps with bloating, heavy periods, mood swings, and can possibly shorten the length of your period. This is definitely a must have!
So which natural first aid or “medicine” product would you want to try first! Leave me a comment and let me know!
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