The Natural First Aid Handbook(Storey, 2017) by Brigitte Mars walks readers through treating their common injuries with common but effective herbal remedies that can be found at a local pharmacy or even at home. The following excerpt is her list of herbs that make for a light but perfect Traveling First Aid Kit.
You can’t lug your entire herbal first-aid kit around. So here’s a list of multiuse essentials to keep in your handbag or briefcase.
• Echinacea tincture
• Rescue Remedy
• Herbal salve
• Adhesive dressings
• Homeopathic arnica
• Lavender essential oil
• Tea tree essential oil
• Ume concentrate
Survival Kit for the Car
A snowstorm strikes unexpectedly. A flash flood washes away the road. Ten people are injured in a multicar crash on the expressway. These are things that happen every day in every part of the world. To be prepared to handle them, here’s what you should keep in your car:
Ax. To chop wood. Can be of aid in constructing a makeshift shelter.
Blanket. In case you need to bivouac in the cold. Also useful in the treatment of shock.
Candles.
Carborundum. This is a small stone used to keep knives and tools sharp.
Cash. For emergency food and gasoline.
Clothes. Sweaters, socks, shoes, hat, and gloves.
Compass.
Cooking pot.
Duct Tape.
Fire extinguisher.
First-aid book. Preferably a second copy of this one.
Fishhook and line.
Flares.
Flashlight. Make sure it has extra batteries.
Flint. Can be used after you run out of matches to start a fire. Get a processed flint with a saw striker.
Food. Dried food is easiest to store, but it needs water to be reconstituted.
Glasses. If you wear them, having an extra pair could be lifesaving. An eyeglass repair kit may also be useful.
Knife or multitool.
Magnifying glass. Could be used to start a fire or to locate an embedded splinter or stinger.
Map.
Matches, waterproof. Store in waterproof containers and prevent them from rolling and rattling together. In rare instances, that kind of contact could cause them to ignite.
Paper and pencil. So you can leave messages or information of your whereabouts.
Pepper spray. Can be used to defend yourself from attackers — people as well as animals.
Plastic bag. Large bags can be used as a solar still, water container, and emergency rain poncho. Can also keep your supplies dry. Smaller zip-type bags can be used to hold water or soak wounds.
Radio (battery operated). To listen for instructions and warnings about natural or man-made disasters. Be sure to have a supply of extra batteries.
Rope. For towing, rescue, and tying things together.
Saw. Flexible or folding varieties are available that don’t take up much room. Can be used for fire and shelter building.
Sewing kit. To repair clothes, sleeping gear, and tents. Have at least some large-eye needles that can be threaded with coarse thread as well as the regular varieties of needles and thread.
Shovel. For digging a shelter or fire pit, digging out of snow, collecting edible roots.
Sleeping bag.
Snakebite kit. Especially if traveling in areas where snakes are known to reside. Keep a kit in your pocket when out hiking.
Water container. Collapsible is fine. To fetch or store water. If empty and closed, it can be used as flotation device.
Water purification tablets or water filter.
Whistle. To maintain contact with your party and to conserve your voice when needing to signal for help.
More from: The Natural First Aid Handbook
• At-Home Herbal First Aid Kit
The Natural First Aide Handbook
Cayenne pepper can stop bleeding. Garlic helps alleviate a toothache. Honey soothes a burn. When an emergency situation arises, simple home remedies can play a vital role in easing symptoms and providing immediate help. Become an effective first responder with a combination of best first-aid practices, herbs, and standard homeopathic applications. This quick-reference handbook spells out hundreds of life-saving techniques, commonsense tips, and time-tested herbal remedies that everyone should know. Order from the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Store or by calling 800-234-3368.
Excerpted from The Natural First Aid Handbook, © by Brigitte Mars, used with permission from Storey Publishing.