Natural Remedies to Include in Your Emergency Supplies

When disaster strikes, access to medical care may be limited. While a well-stocked first aid kit is essential, adding natural remedies can provide additional support for common ailments. Many herbs and natural substances have been used for centuries to treat wounds, infections, and other health concerns. Here are some of the best natural remedies to include with your emergency supplies. (Disclaimer:  I am not a doctor. Please consult your physician before using any of these remedies.)

1. Activated Charcoal – Poison and Toxin Absorption

Activated charcoal is a powerful natural remedy for absorbing toxins and poisons in cases of accidental ingestion. It can also help with food poisoning, bloating, and insect bites when made into a paste.

• Uses: Food poisoning, drug overdoses, gas and bloating, insect bites
• How to Use: Take in capsule or powder form for internal detox; mix with water for a paste to apply to bites and stings.

2. Honey – Antibacterial Wound Care

Raw honey is a natural antibiotic with antimicrobial properties that can help heal wounds and fight infections. It also soothes sore throats and coughs.

• Uses: Wound dressing, burns, sore throats, coughs
• How to Use: Apply directly to wounds or burns; mix with warm water or tea for sore throats.

3. Garlic – Natural Antibiotic

Garlic has strong antimicrobial and antiviral properties, making it a great addition to an emergency kit for fighting infections.

• Uses: Cold and flu, infections, immune system support
• How to Use: Eat raw, mix with honey, or apply crushed garlic as a poultice for infections. Bonus: Swallow a couple chopped up raw bulbs everyday for a couple days to get rid of symptoms of Strep Throat.

4. Cayenne Pepper – Stops Bleeding and Boosts Circulation

Cayenne pepper helps stop bleeding quickly when applied to a wound. It can also aid circulation and digestion.

• Uses: Stop bleeding, boost circulation, reduce pain
• How to Use: Sprinkle directly on a wound to slow bleeding; mix with warm water for internal use.

5. Aloe Vera – Skin Healing and Burns

Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing and healing properties for burns, cuts, and skin irritations.

• Uses: Burns, rashes, minor cuts, sunburns
• How to Use: Apply fresh aloe gel directly to the skin.

6. Ginger – Nausea and Digestive Relief

Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea, motion sickness, and indigestion.

• Uses: Motion sickness, nausea, stomach upset
• How to Use: Drink as tea, chew dried ginger, or take in capsule form.
  

7. Apple Cider Vinegar – Disinfectant and Digestive Aid

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and can aid digestion, soothe sore throats, and relieve insect bites.

• Uses: Digestive issues, sore throats, wound cleansing, skin irritations
• How to Use: Mix with water for an antibacterial rinse or drink diluted for digestive relief.

8. Lavender Essential Oil – Calming and Pain Relief

Lavender essential oil is excellent for stress relief, headaches, burns, and minor wounds.

• Uses: Stress, headaches, burns, minor wounds
• How to Use: Apply diluted to skin or inhale for relaxation.

9. Peppermint – Headache and Digestive Relief

Peppermint soothes headaches, nausea, and digestive issues.

• Uses: Indigestion, headaches, congestion
• How to Use: Drink as tea, inhale steam, or apply diluted essential oil to the temples.

10. Epsom Salt – Muscle Relief and Detox

Epsom salt is useful for muscle pain, inflammation, and detoxification.

• Uses: Sore muscles, detox baths, splinter removal
• How to Use: Dissolve in warm water for a soak or mix with water for a paste.

How to Store Natural Remedies in Your Kit or With Your Supplies

• Keep dried herbs in airtight containers.
• Store essential oils in dark glass bottles.
• Use small travel-sized containers for liquids like apple cider vinegar and honey.

Final Thoughts

Adding natural remedies to your emergency supplies can provide extra healing options when medical supplies are scarce. These remedies can complement conventional first aid supplies and help treat minor ailments naturally.