The ability to provide basic first aid for yourself and your family and friends, is comforting and extremely valuable. Overcrowded hospitals and medical systems mean that many simple illnesses and smaller injuries are more quickly and effectively treated at home. Common problems such as cuts, scratches, minor burns and insect bites as well as colds, flus, heartburn, constipation and many more can all be successfully and naturally healed with a surprisingly small number of homeopathics and herbal preparations. These can be purchased as a collection in one of our convenient herbal first aid kits or bought individually to add to your existing stock.

Simple home remedies

I (Jacinta) have been using simple home remedies as effective health treatments for over 30 years. My four sons have benefited from home health care, with a basis of wholesome nutrition, clean water and fresh air. First aid needs common sense and much can be achieved with items that you may have in your kitchen or garden. The following are some of my most used and best loved remedies. Of course if any condition is serious then please seek experienced medical aid.

Potato poultice for sprains, swellings and burns

One of my favorites is the potato poultice. Again and again a simple poultice of raw grated potato has brought down severe swellings and relieved the heat of burns. For sprains and strains or any swollen joints it is amazing. It is also soothing and healing on burns (use after cooling with water) and often prevents scarring.
Instructions: Grate a clean raw potato into mush. Apply directly to the affected area. Hold it there with plastic wrap and/or bandage. Leave on for about 1 hour. Re-apply if necessary.

Dragons Blood for cuts, scratches and grazes

Wash cuts, scratches and grazes under softly running clean water. Then assess how bad the problem is. If it is minor, pat dry and apply a few drops of Dragons Blood. Dragons Blood (Daemomorops Draco) is a great antiseptic and healer as well as a “liquid bandage” – once it dries it seals the area to prevent any bacteria getting in through the open skin. There is more information on Dragonsbood here. If the wound is still bleeding then stop the flow with a band aid or a bandage. If it is swollen, try a potato poultice.

Arnica for Shock

If any injury is more serious give the patient a dose of homeoepathic Arnica first (externally on the top of the head or on the wrists or internally under the tongue) while seeking aid. Be re-assuring. Keep shocked people warm and stop any bleeding.

Arnica can also be used for any situation involving bruises, bumps, muscular sprains and aches, fractures or if the patient is distressed or shocked.

For more information on particular homoeopathic remedies useful for first aid see our homeopathic list.

For suggestions for creating or purchasing your own kit see herbal first aid kits .