Building a first aid kit for your home and travel is super important. I know we don't like to think about something bad happening, but it's better to think ahead and prepare than something happen and not have the things you need.
So what should be in a first aid kit? Anything you think you'll need!
If you have someone in the family with severe allergies requiring an epipen then by all means have one in your car, one in your purse, and one in your home and make sure everyone knows where it is.
Not everyone requires this, sometimes Benadryl will do the trick if the allergies are reactive but not closing up throats in a moment. Take that into consideration.
Benadryl has been a life-saver for us literally. Our youngest is allergic to some fresh berries but boy does he love them. Twice now we've seen him swelling, turning red and bumpy and been able to avoid a trip to the ER by administering Benadryl.
Items to consider
Here is a list of items to consider keeping in your first aid kit:
- Bandages of all sizes, including butterfly style
- Ace bandage
- Sports tape
- Gauze pads and wrap
- Antibacterial ointment
Some possible herbs, flower essences, and essential oils
- Bleeding Powder made of powdered yarrow &/or horsetail
- Skin soothing salve made from plantain and calendula which is great for bites/stings and minor skin irritations
- Catnip, lemon balm, or passionflower tincture for anxiety and stress
- If you like flower essences you can bring along some rescue remedy
- Ear soothing oil made from mullein flowers &/or garlic
- Echinacea & Prickly Ash tincture in case someone starts getting a cold
- Sunburn relief oil, salve, or cream. St John's wort is a great herb for this and is also helpful for nerve pain and sore muscles.
- Homemade Vapor Rub
We are not avid users of essential oils but we do like a few in particular:
- Lavender is an incredible EO for relieving stress, we simply open the bottle and inhale. But it's also an amazing EO to use on burns to help heal them quicker and relieve pain.
- Peppermint is our go to for sore muscles, headaches, and inhaling to relieve nausea as well as get a little boost of energy
- Lastly, clove is great in the case of toothache. Put a drop in a tiny bit of carrier oil and apply to the sore.
Do you keep a First Aid Kit? We'd love to see it!