Herbal First Aid Kit
There are many herbs that can be purchased cheaply or even foraged for in the local area, especially throughout the spring and summer months. Here are 11 common herbs and their uses for healing.
Calendula Extract – For the treatment of cuts, scrapes, minor burns, inflamed rashes and prevention of scars after an injury.
Chamomile Flowers – There are 2 common types of chamomile both with different properties, German and Roman. Roman Chamomile has relaxing properties which makes it good for a relaxing cup of tea or infusion blend to add to a burner or room spray, while the German variety is better suited for the treatment of wounds and rashes with it’s potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Fennel Seeds – For the treatment of indigestion, gas, bloating, and helps to increase breast milk production in nursing mothers. As an essential oil it can reduce anxiety, regulate breathing and heart rate, support healthy digestion, relieve aches, pains and menstrual cramps.
Ginger Root – Ginger is known for the treatment of nausea, upset stomach, reducing vomiting, menstrual cramps and the common cold. As an essential oil or ground spice it can also be used to treat aching muscles making ginger a great addition to a deep healing muscle balm.
Lavender – The flowers from the lavender plant are known for their relaxing scent, making them a good herb to use for the treatment of stress, anxiety and insomnia, the dried flowers can be made into a tea. The essential oil also has these properties and can be added to bath water, dripped onto pillow cases, used in infusion blends and can even be used undiluted on the skin and this is one of the best treatments for minor burns that I have used.
Lemon Balm – This herb can be used for the treatment of indigestion, restlessness, irritability, allergies, infections including skin conditions such as cold sores, pain reduction and promotes restful sleep.
Marshmallow Root – Treatment of sore throat, digestion, improves metabolism, eases respiratory problems and coughs, treatment of burns, kidney problems, some skin disorders and can also be used in natural hair and beauty products.
Oatmeal – Itchy rashes, commonly used for the treatment of chicken pox, it also has the ability to reduce anxiety and stress and promote good sleep.
Peppermint Leaf – Made into a tea, peppermint can be used to treat nausea, indigestion and excessive gas. In an essential oil it can also be used in many applications such as balms, massage and infusion blends to relieve pain, soothe a headache, fight odor, clear congestion and fend off colds.
Red Raspberry Leaf – Rich in antioxidants and vitamins C, E and B complex, red raspberry leaf can be made into a tea for the treatment of diarrhea, as a uterine tonic aiding the dilation of the uterus when in the late stages of pregnancy, it also has the ability to reduce pregnancy nausea. It is also a good source of Iron which makes useful for postpartum mothers that have experienced excessive bleeding.
Stinging Nettle Leaf – Common stinging nettles can be foraged throughout spring and early summer and can be dried and made into a tea for the treatment of seasonal allergies, they also help with water retention and are rich in Iron. Avoid foraging for nettle leaves later in the year when they have flowered as the leaves contain chemicals that can irritate the urinary tract.
I have added links to all of the herbs and oils in this post with affiliate amazon links, these will bring up a search on amazon.co.uk and I will receive a small amount of commission for each sale, there will be no additional cost to you as the consumer when purchasing via these links.
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