Naturopathic First Aid Kit

Naturopathic First Aid Kit Must HavesThere are some items that I make sure we always have in the house for bumps & bruises, colds & flus, sore throats, sleep, and all sorts of things that can pop up out of the blue.  A well-stocked medicine cabinet allows you to support your body before the deeper symptoms set in, and to move through illnesses without suppression (read about Fevers here).  Of course, there are times where other medicines might be appropriate, this article is not about that part of the conversation.

Here are my favourite remedies to keep around at all times:

1. Arnica homeopathic
2. Salt
3. Melatonin or L-Theanine
4. Rescue Remedy
5. Colloidal Silver and/or A Vogel Echinacea Throat Spray
6. St Francis Ear Oil
7. Activated Charcoal
8. Dr Reckeweg R1
9. Dr Reckeweg R4
10. Antimicrobial Herbs - Acute Immune or echinacea
11. Magnesium or Epsom Salts
12. Vitamin C & A
13. Ground flax seeds
14. Digestive enzymes
15. Castor oil
16. Honey
17. Apple cider vinegar
18. Aloe plant

I'm sure there are more!  I kept thinking of new additions to the list.

Let's go through them.

Homeopathic Arnica

• I bring this with me everywhere, and my kids know to grab a dose or two for any bump, bruise, or fall.  Also great for the emotional impacts of these traumas.
• I buy this by the 3 pack.

Salt

• A pinch in water helps supply electrolytes.  Also wonderful to gargle in warm water for sore throats.

Melatonin and/or L-Theanine

• Great for bringing on sleep, especially with a busy brain.
• l-Theanine can calm the mind without causing drowsiness during the daytime.

Rescue Remedy

• Good for anxiety, before a big meeting or presentation.
• Very portable and comes as a small dropper bottle, spray, and gum.
• Apparently good for pets too (I am not a vet).

Colloidal Silver

• As drops or spray can be used as an antimicrobial both internally or topically.
• A Vogel's Echinacea Throat Spray is also a good option for soothing a sore throat

Ear Oil by St Francis Herb Farm

• For sore ears and ear infections, it contains olive oil, oregano, garlic and mullein.
• Also comes in an animal form (again, talk to your vet).

Activated Charcoal

• Mops up toxins from a range of sources, which is why it can be used in emergency rooms.
• Used at night away from food or medications can help with mold, yeast, and gastro bugs.

Dr Reckeweg R1 & R4

• R1 is an infection and inflammation remedy used for fevers, flus, colds.
• R4 is good for easing diarrhea and loose stools.

Antimicrobial Herbs

• My preference is for Echinacea and a formula I have at the clinic called Acute Immune, but you may like oregano oil or elderberry as well.
• Versatile options are best for keeping around at all times so they can be used in multiple situations.

Magnesium or Epsom Salts

• Internally, magnesium is calming, soothes muscle soreness, helps sluggish digestion, lessens headaches, improves sleep, and energy levels.
• Externally, as an epsom salt bath or spray is great for relaxation and muscle tension.
• Lots more about the benefits & types of magnesium can be found here.

Vitamins C & A

• Great antimicrobials and antioxidants.
• This week I was reminded in a podcast about how important extra Vitamin C is for smokers, whose levels crash with each cigarette.  There were also reports of scurvy in the news over this past winter, particularly in malnourished elderly but also I think in anyone consuming largely processed food diets.

Ground Flax Seeds

• Help add fibre to the diet for smoother, formed bowel movements.
• Bind extra estrogens, cholesterol, and other things to allow for excretion.

Digestive Enzymes

• Assist breakdown of heavy meals or foods that commonly trigger heartburn.  Also for foods that don't always agree or cause bloating.
• Best taken before eating, however can be used during or after a meal.
• Also great to take on vacation.

Castor Oil

• I use this for everything:  liver support, lymphatic drainage, smoothing skin, reducing pain.
• You've probably heard about it on social media, but I've been recommending it for years.
• I don't suggest taking it internally though, its a very potent laxative.

Honey

• Great for sore throats.
• Can be applied to wounds, it's an antimicrobial.
• Local honey during allergy season can help soothe allergic rhinitis

Apple Cider Vinegar

• Before meals can be used instead of digestive enzymes to stimulate digestion.
• Used topically can be helpful for some skin issues, also makes a good foot soak when added to hot water.

Aloe Plant

• Mine is looking a bit sad lately, but aloe plants contain a nice gel that can soothe minor cuts and burns.  
• It also helps purify the air.

Of course you will accumulate these remedies over time, but it's nice to have an idea of the range of items you might find beneficial to keep around.  I like to have things in my cupboard that can be used for multiple purposes, just as when I'm selecting a treatment plan I choose remedies that address several symptoms at once.  

Keep in mind this is for information, not advice, but I'd be happy to set you up with a plan for you and your family.

I hope this email finds you well and healthy, and now confident that you have the ability to create your own Naturopathic medicine cabinet at home.
Dr Christa