Medicinal plants can play a substantial role in first aid!
They can be worked with for various low- to mid-grade conditions and in recovery support. But in the case of severe conditions or injury, please never hesitate to engage in allopathic emergency medical care; this can and does save lives.
When working with medicinal plants in first aid, it is essential to remember that this is neither constitutional nor holistic medicine; it is the application of herbs in a reductive and symptomatic manner to bring relief and comfort.
Always remember, you cannot fake it ’til you make it. If you do not feel comfortable helping someone, do not try—ask for help.
When developing your Herbal First Aid Kit, consider your needs and those of your family and community. Try to work with what is local, organic, and ethically harvested or cultivated.
Getting Started: Therapeutic Categories
The following is a list of therapeutic categories to use as a guideline.
Associated with each category are some suggested plants. Remember that you can seek analogs that are accessible and appropriate for you and apply the permaculture concept of Stacking Functions and how this applies to our medicinal plants and mushrooms, specifically asking yourself, “How many different therapeutic attributes does each plant have?”
Analgesic — Pain relieving (topical and internal)
Cannabis, Hot Pack, Ice, Indian Pipe, Jamaican Dogwood, Meadowsweet, Rosemary, Willow
Anxiolytics — Relieves anxiety, nervousness, racing heart
Anemone, Kava Kava, Motherwort, Opium Poppy, Passionflower, Palo Santo, Rescue Remedy, White Sage
Antibacterials – Broad spectrum (topical and internal)
Aloe Vera, Andrographis, Berberine Plants, Cinnamon, Echinacea, Essential Oil Containing Plants, Garlic, Ginger, Myrrh, Propolis, Turmeric, Usnea, Violet
Antifungals – Broad spectrum
Black Walnut, Essential Oil Containing Plants, Ginger, Jackass Bitters, Tea Tree
Antiseptics – Washes
Alcohol, Berberis, Echinacea, Lavender Water, Saline/Salt Water, Tea Tree Oil, Vetiver (septicemia - blood poisoning caused by bacteria and toxins)
Antispasmodics - Smooth and skeletal muscle
Chamomile, Kava Kava, Lavender, Lobelia, Wild Cherry Bark
Antivirals – Stimulates T- and natural killer cells
Chicken Soup, Elderberry, Echinacea, Essential Oil Containing Plants, Onion, Reishi
Astringents – Drying (for diarrhea and excessive menstrual bleeding)
Cinnamon, Dragon’s Blood, Eyebright, Oak, Raspberry Leaf, Sage, Tea, Witch Hazel
Bitters — Stimulates digestion
Artichoke, Gentian, Mandarine Orange Peel, Turmeric
Anti-parasitic
Epazote, Papaya Leaf, Quassia
Carminatives — Relieves gas
Basil, Chamomile, Lavender, Rosemary
Decongestants — Loosens mucus in the upper respiratory system
Eyebright, Ma Huang, Nettle
Demulcents — Anti-inflammatory and anti-irritation
Coconut Water, Corn Silk, Lavender, Licorice, Marshmallow Root, Plantain, Turmeric
Diaphoretic — Brings on sweating, heats to cool
Elderflower, Ginger, Lemongrass, Yarrow
Diuretics — Cools and lessens water retention
Dandelion Leaves, Horsetail, Sour Hibiscus, Starfruit, Watermelon
Drawing — Pulls out spines, boils
Clay, Plantain Leaf, Potatoes, Turmeric
Expectorant — Bronchial dilators
Garlic, Ginger, Licorice, Lobelia, Mullein, Usnea
Humectants — Moisturizing
Aloe, Licorice, Oils
Immunostimulants
Echinacea, Reishi, Spilanthes, Yarrow
Laxatives
Aloe Leaf (with Yellow Latex), Cascara Sagrada, Chia, Flax, Olive Oil, Rhubarb, Senna
Lymphatics — Draining
Calendula, Red Clover, Red Root, Violet
Nervines — Relax + support the nervous system
Lemon Balm, Milky Oats, Nettles, Skullcap, Tulsi
Nootropics — Support focus + mental relaxation
Bacopa, Butterfly Pea Flower, Gotu Kola, Pericon, Rosemary, Tulsi
Nutritives/Tonics — High in minerals and vitamins
Horsetail, Maca, Moringa, Nettle, Red Clover, Sarsaparilla
Sedative/Hypnotics — Relax the nervous system + possibly induce sleep
Cannabis, California Poppy, Hops, Kava Kava, Passion Flower, Vetiver
Styptics – Stops bleeding
Coffee, Dragon’s Blood, Green Cacao Skin, Tobacco, Yarrow
Types of Conditions + Supportive Herbs
Here is a short list of conditions and some supportive herbs you may encounter in a first-aid situation. Some of these conditions are acute, or they could be flare-ups of chronic conditions. It is always essential to ask folks if they have experienced the symptoms before.
Before even starting to help someone, the most important thing is to care for yourself FIRST!
This means taking a deep breath, removing all rings and bracelets, washing your hands and arms well, pulling your hair back, assessing who you are helping, and preparing all your tools. In the case of respiratory illness, WEAR A MASK. In the case of contact with other bodily fluids like mucus, pus, vomit, fecal matter, urine, or blood, ALWAYS WEAR GLOVES and never touch other surfaces during your work. If you do, change the gloves. Make sure to dispose of all waste that has touched a biological liquid in a double plastic bag.
- Allergies: Coconut Water, Eyebright, Feverfew, Nettle, Ragweed (pre-flowering tincture)
- Altitude Sickness: Coca, Hydration, Magnesium Nettles
- Anaphylaxis: Epi-Pen, Benedryl, Lavender Essential Oil
- Animal Bites/Scratches: Clay, Plantain, Salt Water
- Asthma: Lavender Essential Oil, Lobelia
- Bleeding: Dragon’s Blood, Shepherd's Purse, Tobacco
- Burns: Aloe Vera, Egg White, Honey
- Chiggers/Ticks: Clay, Modero Negro
- Constipation: Hydration, Oils, Papaya Seeds, Senna, Triphala
- Contagious Diseases: Echinacea, Osha, Spilanthese, Usnea
- Coughs: Coltsfoot, Licorice, Loquat Leaves, Mulberry Leaves and Bark, Mullein, Peach Leaves, Wild Cherry Bark
- Dental Health: Green Tea
- Diarrhea: Beach Almond Leaf, Blackberry Root, Black Tea, Cinnamon, Guava Leaf and Bark
- Dysentery: Activated Charcoal, Berberine-Containing Plants, Quassia, Usnea,
- Earache: Mustard, Red Root, Vinegar
- Emotional Crises: Anemone, Motherwort, Passionflower, Rose
- Eye irritation: Chamomile, Coconut Water, Honey, Tea
- Fever/Chills: Ginger, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Yarrow
- Food Poisoning: Activated Charcoal, Bitters, Clay
- Foot Injuries: Salt Water Soaks
- Fungal Infections: Berberine-Containing Plants, Boric Acid, Garlic, Jackass Bitters, Oregano, Vinegar
- Headaches: Ginger, Kava Kava, Passionflower, Rosemary
- Heat exhaustion: Coconut Water, Electrolytes, Nervines
- Infections: Berberine-Containing Plants, Quassia, Usnea
- Injuries: Arnica, CBD, Comfrey, Frankincense Essential Oil, Ice, Noni Leaf, Rosemary
- Insect Bites/Stings: Clay, Plantain, Tobacco, Turmeric
- Lice: Modero Negro
- Menstrual Ailments: Black Haw, Chamomile, Cramp Bark
- Nausea: Ginger, Peppermint, Pericon
- Pain: Kava Kava, Jamaican Dogwood, Willow
- Parasites: Jackass Bitters, Jacaranda Flowers, Quassia
- Plant Rashes: Clay, Turmeric
- Rashes: Baking Soda, Clay, Oats, Turmeric
- Staph infections: Clay, Turmeric, Berberine-Containing Plants
- Sunburn: Aloe, Nopal, Honey, Egg White, Oats
- Toothaches: Spilanthese
- Vomiting: Neutralizing Cordial
- Water-Born Pathogens: Activated Charcoal
The Herbalist's First Aid Checklist
Investing in tools for your medkit is important to ensure you are prepared.
While we have disposable items in first aid, we can sanitize them ourselves, especially stainless steel, glass, and hard plastics.
Disposables:
- Contact Solution and Case
- Condoms
- Enema Bag
- Face Mask
- Flat Wood Sticks
- Menstrual Pads
- Paper Towels
- Tampons
- Tissues
- Vinyl Gloves
- Bandaids
- Cotton Pads
- Cotton Buds
- Gauze Pads
- Gauze Wrap
- Non-Stick Wrap
- Non-Stick Pads
- Micro Pore Tape
- Steristrips
- Tegaderm
Powders:
- Activated Charcoal
- Baking Soda
- Boric Acid
- Clay
- Salt
- Zinc
Tea Bags:
- Black/Green Tea
- Chamomile
Oils:
- Castor
- Coconut
- Olive
Pharmaceuticals:
- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
- Asthma Inhaler
- Benadryl
- Epi-Pen
- Ibuprofen
Supplements:
- Melatonin
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
Sanitizing:
- Alcohol (liquid, gel, pads): For surfaces, hands, and tools. NEVER on a wound unless absolutely necessary.
- Essential Oils: Tea Tree, Thyme, Oregano (for surface wounds, hands, and surfaces)
- Hydrogen Peroxide (for surface wounds)
- Iodine (for wounds, surfaces, and tools)
- Salt Water (for puncture wounds and eyes)
- Soap (for wounds, surfaces, and tools)
Red Flags
Knowing key red flags is imperative when attempting to help someone.
We never want to cause more harm or disregard an emergency. If you are unsure or feel uncomfortable caring for someone, seek assistance.
It is also very important to save the contact information for an ambulance, rapid care facility, and hospital on your phone and post it in your house.
Abdominal and Digestive Symptoms
- Bloody stools or vomiting blood
- Persistent vomiting with signs of dehydration
- Severe abdominal pain (especially with fever, vomiting, or bloating)
Cardiac and Respiratory Symptoms
- Blue or gray skin, lips, or nails (signs of oxygen deprivation)
- Chest pain or pressure, especially if radiating to the arm, jaw, or back
- Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sudden and severe palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Unexplained fainting or sudden loss of consciousness
Fever and Infection
- Fever with a stiff neck, headache, or confusion (possible meningitis)
- High fever (above 40°C / 104°F)
- Intermittent fevers with a rash or bleeding (possible Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, Malaria)
- Severe chills, especially with confusion or weakness
Injury and Trauma
- Deep wounds, especially those exposing bone or muscle
- Head injury with confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness
- Severe bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure
- Signs of a broken bone (visible deformity, severe pain, or inability to move)
Mental Health and Emotional Distress
- Sudden and extreme confusion, agitation, or hallucinations
- Suicidal thoughts or plans to harm oneself or others
Neurological Symptoms
- Loss of balance, dizziness, or inability to stand
- Seizures, especially if new or prolonged
- Severe headache with no known cause
- Sudden confusion, slurred speech, or difficulty understanding speech
- Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
Pregnancy-Related Emergencies
- Decreased fetal movement or signs of preterm labor
- Severe abdominal pain, cramping, or vaginal bleeding
Skin + Allergic Reactions
- Burns that are large, deep, or involve the face, hands, feet, or genitals
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing)
- Severe rash with fever or blistering
Urinary + Reproductive Symptoms
- Blood in urine or inability to urinate
- Severe pelvic pain or sudden pain in the testicles
I know this is a vast list that could go on and on, but I want to encourage you to choose five or six main herbal items to keep on hand to get you started. Depending on where you live and what may happen in your unique situation, it may be slightly different from other folks' experiences, so here, I will narrow it down a bit.
As we enter the spring months, many of you will start heading back outdoors, ready to get some fresh air into your lungs and move your bodies in your local parks and trails. Invest in some supportive products for your ankles, knees, and feet. Non-stick bandages, reusable wraps, and bandaids for blisters are helpful to start stocking up on!
Make some time for spring cleaning.
Now is a great moment to review your old products and supplements, check the use-by dates, evaluate whether they are still good, and take stock of what you may be missing. Make sure to check for mold, rancid smells, or separation. I know getting rid of products and herbs can be challenging, but it is crucial to remember vital and healthy products and support vital and healthy folks. Consider these herbal formulas for the digestive and nervous systems, immune system strengthening, wound care, and pain relief.
Stock up and get your first aid kit going!
My Anima Mundi Must-Have List
Amargo Bitters is a comprehensive formula with some of the most potent herbal anti-microbial and digestive aids, such as quassia. I work with this plant often for digestive upsets of all levels of severity. This fantastic blend also contains Oregon grape root, ginger, cardamom, and citrus peels to not only support regular metabolization of food and ease in digestion, but it is the perfect formula to take while traveling, especially when trying new foods, drinking water you may not be sure about, and for other digestive issues you may encounter.
Colds Cocktail is a rapid relief, immune-building formula with echinacea, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients support a healthy response to pathogens and immune-compromising situations.
Dolores Tonic is the perfect go-to for aches, pains, and acute situations where you need some support for pain management. In particular, St. John’s Wort is incredible when there is also nervous system inflammation.
Relax Tonic contains nervines such as lemon balm, passionflower, and chamomile, perfect allies for long days in front of the computer, travel anxiety, and taking the edge off a stressful situation.
Breathe Tea is the perfect herbal formula for all times of the year. Whether affected by seasonal allergies, climate events, or other communicable outbreaks, this blend soothes and supports the upper and lower respiratory tract and cares for the nervous system.
