Many people I have talked to over the years have expressed curiosity about how to create a first aid kit that contains natural remedies that actually work. Above all, a first aid kit needs to help you prepared for unexpected circumstances while still addressing some of your most common household health needs.
Herbs and medicinal plants from all over the world can be used in simple, natural remedies to treat a variety of common ailments. Herbs and herbal remedies can retain their medicinal potency for many months, even years, if stored correctly. The preparedness of your family’s own first aid kit can be greatly enhanced with the addition of a few traditional Chinese herbs. Here are seven traditional herbal remedies you can try for yourself.
Giant hyssop
This pungent herb is pressed into pill form for easy storage and administration. Giant hyssop is one of the most commonly used stomach remedies in all of Chinese herbal medicine. It is used to combat diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Some people have used giant hyssop pills to treat headaches and heat stroke. To use, simply take the number of pills recommended by the manufacturer; the number you take can depend on body size and weight.
White flower oil and red flower oil
White flower oil and red flower oil are two prized herbal combinations that can be used to sooth a range of mild aches and pains. White flower balm contains wintergreen, eucalyptus, menthol, peppermint, camphor, and lavender. It has a soothing smell that is believed to relieve headache pain. Simply apply a few drops to the temples and massage into the skin. Sinus headaches can be relieved by applying a single drop under the nose or by inhaling the scent of the oil in the bottle.
Red flower oil contains menthol and camphor oils combined in a neutral carrier oil. These ingredients are used to sooth the pain of arthritis, sore muscles, and seasonal aches and pains. It can be rubbed directly into the area of the body affected using a piece of gauze.
Jujube seeds
The jujube fruit is a much-loved part of traditional Chinese cuisine and it has historically been valued as a source of medicine, too. Both the fruit and seeds have medicinal properties; they can be purchased at any store selling traditional Chinese herbal remedies. Jujube seeds make a great addition to your first aid kit because they can be used to treat insomnia and sleeplessness. Preparing the remedy from dried seeds requires a source of heat and a method of grinding the seeds to a fine powder but you can find the prepared remedy for sale easily.
Loquat syrup
Loquat syrup or loquat ointment is a thick preparation used to sooth sore throats. It contains many beneficial ingredients such as apricot seed extract, loquat leaf, licorice root, and white olives. Because loquat syrup traditionally includes honey it might not be suitable for people with diabetes or other sugar sensitivities.
Loquat syrup can be used to treat sore throats resulting from coughs, colds, and bronchitis. Though this remedy is generally regarded as being safe for children to take, always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation for dosing guidelines.
Ching Wan Hung
This naturally red ointment is used to treat burns, rashes, dermatitis, bed sores, and irritation caused by poison ivy and poison oak. The distinctive color comes from the red foliage found of some of the ingredients; the ointment can potentially stain clothing so it is a good idea to keep the treated site covered with gauze. Gauze will also help keep the area clean and protected. Dressings should be changed daily or more often if necessary.
Ching wan hung has been used to treat:
- First degree burns
- Second degree burns
- Third degree burns
- Burns with blistering
- Electrical burns
- Burns caused by hot liquid
- Sun burns.
It contains myrrh, lobelia, frankincense, dong quai (angelica), quince fruit, beeswax, sesame oil, and other healing ingredients.
Yunnan Baiyao
Sometimes called Yunnan paiyao, this powdered combination of herbs goes to work instantly to stop bleeding and promote healing. While the exact make-up of Yunnan baiyao is guarded by the various companies that manufacture it, it is known to include both Rhizoma dioscoreae (Chinese yam) and Panax notoginseng (ginseng).
To use Yunnan baiyao on a cut or scratch simply sprinkle some of the powder on the injured area, add a bit of water, and rub the paste into the injury. You can also combine the powder with a bit of alcohol to treat bruises.
Sources:
Make Your Own TCM First Aid Kit
Chinese Herbs for Your First Aid Kit
