With more and more people choosing modern medicine over homeopathic remedies and herbs, herbalism has become a lost art. This is mostly due to the fact that there is such a lack of knowledge and uncertainty surrounding the topic. When I first started studying herbalism several years ago, I was so overwhelmed by all the information out there I thought “I will never be able to do this”. I went into it thinking I would just be able to research, study on my own, and learn as I went. I soon realized, that plan would never work as there is too much contradicting information on the internet regarding herbal medicine. So, I took an online mastery in herbalism course. I learned so much from this course and continue to learn more everyday. Today, I am here to make it simple for you and share with you some of my favorite herbs and how to use them. So without further ado, let’s dive into my top 6 herbs to keep in your first aid kit.
German Chamomile
Chamomilla Recutita / Chamomilla Matricaria)
German Chamomile is a great herb to have in your first aid kit as it can do wonders for gastrointestinal problems. It can help with infections of the digestive system, IBS, wind and colic, GERD, nausea and vomiting (including morning sickness), and even ulcers! It also helps ease menstrual cramps, and UTIs, and can be used to ease headaches related to stress, tension, and anxiety.
This herb is safe for children but those with allergies to plants belonging to the Asteraceae family should be weary as it can cause contact dermatitis.
To prepare an infusion with this herb you will want to boil 2 TBSP of dried herb (flowers) per 1 C. boiled water and drink it up to three times daily. If you are taking this as a tincture, you should be taking 1-4mL of a 1:5 tincture up to 3 times daily or as recommended by the packaging if you are purchasing a tincture.
Mullein
Verbascum Thapus
Mullein is great for easing dry or spasmodic coughs. Mullein flowers can also be infused into olive oil and used as ear drops for earaches. It can also aid in the healing of inflammatory bowel issues, UTIs, headaches, and to ease tension and anxiety.
To use this herb, you will want to add 2 tsp of dried herb per 1C. boiled water to be taken up to three times per day. (We use the leaves and flowers for medicine) If using in a tincture, you will take up to 5mL of a 1:5 tincture up to three times daily.
Marshmallow Root
Althea Officinalis
Marshmallow Root is also a great herb for dry coughs and can also be gargled to ease a sore throat. The great thing about using this as a gargle is that it tastes sweet, making it great for young children who may not normally be willing to take medicine or herbal remedies such as teas.
One of my favorite uses of this herb and why I think it is a great addition to a first aid kit is that it can help draw out splinters and boils. Just prepare a warm poultice using crushed marshmallow root and apply it to the affected area and wait 15-20 minutes. The poultice should draw the splinter to the skin’s surface or possibly even out of the skin entirely making it easy to grab.
Plantain Ribwort
Plantago Lanceolate / Plantage Major
Plantain Ribwort is wonderful for reducing mucus, soothing inflammation in the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, as well as coating a sore throat making coughing less painful. It can also help with ear infections and remove toxins from boils and acne. Lucky for me, this herb grows abundantly in my back yard so I always have plenty of it in the warmer months! I collect as much as I can and dehydrate it.
Externally, this can also be used as a warm poultice to draw out splinters and poison from stings or bites. It can even be used to draw out venom from some mildly venomous snake bites in emergency situations (You should still seek medical attention from any venomous snake or insect bites)
Take 2 Tsp dried leaf per 1 Cup of boiled water for an infusion taken up to three times daily. Take up to 3mL of 1:5 tincture up to three times daily or as instructions recommend on the packaging.
Yarrow
Achillea Millefoliuum
Yarrow is another favorite of mine. It has been proven to be beneficial for allergies and some autoimmune disorders. It lowers fever by increasing blood flow to the skin. Helps recover from rash associated with chicken pox. It can stop diarrhea. Eases aches from cold and flu. Powdered, it can be applied directly to a bleed to help stop bleeding.
You will want to use 1-2 tsp of dried herb per 1 C. boiled water for an infusion and take it up to three times daily. If using a tincture, you will want to use 2-4mL of a 1:5 tincture up to three times per day.
Please keep in mind that yarrow is contraindicated alongside anticoagulants and salicylates. Always research herbs you plan to take and speak with your doctor if you have any concerns. Those with Asteraceae allergies should also be wary.
Arnica
Arnica Montana
Last but not least we have Arnica, this herb can cause serious side effects if taken orally so please only use it externally. When used in a cream or salve Arnica can be applied to the skin to help heal wounds including sprains and bruises. It can also soothe muscle aches and reduce inflammation.
You could purchase the herb and prepare your own salve using the recipe below or there are many companies and small businesses that make and sell Arnica Salves and creams. Just make sure that you are purchasing from a reputable trustworthy company.
Now that you are equipped with a list of basic herbs, I hope you too will put together an herbal first aid kit or small apothecary at home for your family. Once you try these out and see for yourself the power that herbal medicine offers, I hope you will continue your journey to natural healing. If you’d like to follow along for more resources and information to help you along your journey, subscribe to my newsletter below. When you subscribe, you will also receive a FREE copy of my Foraging Ebook containing all sorts of fun things including recipes, a foraging calendar, and information on how to identify native plants. If you have a question, feel free to drop a comment down below and I will be happy to help.