Build Your Own Natural First-Aid Kit

Want to create your own first-aid kit at home to fight off digestive stress, heal cuts and scrapes, and feel better—naturally? Below is what I refer to as the Clean Dozen: 12 natural solutions to keep in your first-aid kit when illness or injury strikes.

Natural first-aid kit component #1: Apple cider vinegar

While I've talked about taking this natural elixir daily for boosted immunity, weight management, and seasonal allergies, I also use it as a replacement for an antacid to reduce digestive troubles. Just add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink it every hour until the discomfort subsides.

Natural first-aid kit component #2: Arnica

I take arnica—an herb that's been used in alternative medicine for centuries—in tablet form whenever I have a headache. It's also available as a topical cream that's mostly used to reduce healing time for traumas like sore muscles and bruising.

Natural first-aid kit component #3: Probiotics

Everywhere you look today, you hear how you're supposed to be taking probiotics. And while manufactured probiotics are available virtually everywhere, they're more powerful when eaten naturally in yogurt and fermented foods.

Natural first-aid kit component #4: Vitamin C

This powerhouse can not only support the immune system, but it's also helpful in fighting chronic disease, managing blood pressure, preventing iron deficiencies, and boosting memory. It's plentiful in fruits and vegetables like strawberries, broccoli, spinach, and kale, but I also chew on a 500mg vitamin daily for an additional boost.

Natural first-aid kit component #5: Essential oils

Oregano oil is amazing for stopping a cold in its tracks. Lavender oil is beneficial for its calming effects on sunburn. Ginger, fennel, and peppermint oils aid in digestion. Helichrysum oil stops bleeding, can help prevent infections, and helps with everything from burns and ear infections to wounds and inflammation. These are just a few of the many ways essential oils can act as natural healing aids.

Natural first-aid kit component #6: Epsom salt

Epsom salt is a great natural way to remove splinters. Just soak the skin in a tub for 15 minutes with salt, then grab some tweezers to remove it. It's also useful for soothing sore, aching muscles in a bath with relaxing essential oils.

Natural first-aid kit component #7: Hydrogen peroxide

This natural antiseptic is great for naturally disinfecting cuts and scrapes. It's also useful for the occasional ear infection.

Natural first-aid kit component #8: Witch hazel

Witch hazel is similar to hydrogen peroxide, but I also use it as a natural skin toner. It's also a great way to remove caked-on natural deodorant when shower soap simply won't do.

Natural first-aid kit component #9: Neti pot

I've talked about using a neti pot to ease allergy symptoms, but it's also beneficial for easing congestion caused by a cold or the flu.

Natural first-aid kit component #10: Honey

Local honey is helpful for reducing allergy symptoms, and it's also good for coating a sore throat.

Natural first-aid kit component #11: Baking soda

Baking soda can be taken internally to reduce heartburn and urinary tract infections, and can be mixed into a paste and used externally to reduce the effects of bee stings and spider bites.

Natural first-aid kit component #12: Coconut oil

My husband uses it as a natural hair gel. My family uses it to repair chapped lips and dry skin. Bonus: It's an amazing natural lubricant. Enough said!