Creating a natural first aid kit for the home

I have (and love) the usual Calpol and cough medicine in our home, but I love the remarkable effect of other products and wouldn’t be without them. Nature is beautiful, magical and so healing. In this post will let you know what is in my natural first aid kit at home.

The boys haven’t had anything major, just the usual coughs, colds, bronchiolitis (which I loathe), blocked noses, ear ache and teething, but I try to use the doctor’s as a last resort, rather than first point of call. I’m the opposite of a hypochondriac (is there a word?), which I’m slightly worried will be a bad thing one day!

Here is what is essential in our home:

Eucalyptus essential oil – To help clear airways and reduce tension. I like to use a drop or two in a bowl of hot water, or applied to my chest or back. My favourite essential oils without a doubt are those made by DoTERRA, not only because they smell far superior, but because they are so pure, they can be ingested too. Essential oils must always be kept out of reach of children.

Lavender essential oil – Lavender is the most versatile essential oil and has over 70 therapeutic benefits. Stress relief, improved sleep and enhanced circulation are a few of them.

Peppermint essential oil – Peppermint oil promotes healthy digestive function. I used this a lot when I was pregnant. I was never actually sick but I kept this in my bag to sniff as soon as I felt nauseous

Clove essential oil – We have this in our house for toothache. It tastes awful but really does the job. Jared swears by it.

Arnica cream – Soothes and fades bruises. Essential with kids in the house, they are always banging into things.

Burns cream – For minor burns and scalds. I love this stuff!

Calendula cream – This cream is without a doubt my favourite. It worked wonders when I was sore after giving birth.

Tea Tree cream – I love tea tree, so it’s no wonder that this is on the list. It’s antiseptic and can be used to treat conditions such as acne and athlete’s foot.

Hypercal cream – This contains calendula as well as hypericum, so it is excellent not only for healing cuts and sores, but for pain relief.

Aloe Vera Gel – I used to addicted to this stuff. It is so moisturising and essential for sun burn or sore patches of skin. Holland & Barrett do a version with tea tree oil in too, which is really fantastic. I love how cooling it feels a few seconds after it’s applied.

Witch Hazel – Witch Hazel is astringent and has so many uses. I personally love the smell as it reminds me of my Grandma, but I can imagine not everybody likes it. It can be used topically on bruises, burns, swollen veins, sunburn and blemished skin. It’s available at most supermarkets.

Coconut Oil – Great for dry hair, split ends and dry skin. Great for sunburn and for rubbing into stretch marks. It’s anti inflammatory and recommended for dandruff. It’s so much cheaper from Asian supermarkets so it’s worth checking your local one our first.

Olive Oil – for ear ache. Ru had a lot of ear ache as a baby – sometimes it needed treatment from the doctor and other times we were able to deal with it. I too use olive oil if I’m having ear troubles.

Tiger balm – I discovered this when I went travelling in Thailand at 20. It is brilliant stuff and the only thing to use on sore bites. It smells incredible.

Rescue Remedy Pastilles – Winston loves these for obvious reasons! I have no way of telling if they work, but they seem to make him feel much better (and distract him if anything).

Specifically for kids:

Olbas Oil for children – A natural decongestant. We add this to a humidifier when we remember to.

Snufflebabe Vapour Rub – I love the whole Snufflebabe range, but this is my favourite. I rub it on their feet, chest or back.

I also have a basic Homeopathic kit in our home (of course). It is brilliant when you have really tiny babies in the house, especially for teething.

I would love to know what natural remedies are essential in your home.

E xx

If symptoms persist and you feel uneasy about your child’s illness, do not hesitate to take them to the doctors. 

This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and feelings are my own.