Home Remedy First Aid Kit

This is taken from from the Big Doctors Book of Home Remedies published by Prevention Magazine. This is to complement a conventional first aid kit in your home. Some of these I know about and perhaps you do too.

Cayenne powder: Just a little cayenne powder mixed with hot water can help stop bleeding, soothe ulcers, fight colds and flu, and clear chest congestions. (35,000 heat unit, non-irridiated powder)

Lavender or Tea Tree Oil: Both of these oils have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. You can use either one to soothe scrapes and burns, as well as reduce the stinging and swelling of bug bites. Just apply the undiluted oil directly to the skin.

Apple cider vinegar: You can mix a teaspoon in a glass of water to soothe an upset stomach; make a 50/50 solution with water and spray on sunbutned skin; or soak a bandage in the same solution and wrap around a sprained ankle. (I also learned that vinegar can take the sting out of jellyfish stings)

Peppermint tea: a cup of tea can ease a headache, soothe an upset stomach, and reduce tension. Diluted, it can even soothe a baby's colic.

Ginger: Giner is great for just about any gastrointestinal symptoms, including motion sickness, and morning sickness during pregnancy. Make a tea by steeping a tablespoon of ground fresh ginger in hot water for 10 minutes, then straining.

Carob powder: A tablespoon of this powder can quell dirrhea symptoms. Just add a dash of cinnamon and mixt it into water or milk.

Mild liquid soap: You want a mild, natural, nonanticacterial soap on hand for cleaning cuts and scrapes. (Recommended is Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Liquid Soap)

Hope this is helpful, especially to preppers as most of these items can keep.