Kit yourself out

Here’s how to create a herbal first-aid kit so you are well prepared in case of any mishaps

Putting together a herbal first aid kit is a great way to find out about medicinal plants. Start small with a few simple remedies for bumps and bruises and other everyday problems and gradually build up your kit as you become more knowledgeable about herbs. Here are some suggestions to get you going. 

Comfrey is an excellent wound healer. In English folklore it was also called knit bone, bruisewort and boneset, indicating a long history of use not only for cuts and bruises, but even to help broken bones to heal. This may be due to its high levels of allantoin, a substance known to stimulate formation of new tissue, even at very low concentrations.

Comfrey also has high levels of mucilage, which forms a kind of gummy, gooey substance, that will soothe and protect damaged tissue. As this goo dries, it shrinks, drawing the edges of a wound together, helping to speed up healing.

Arnica comes top of list for treating bruises, sprains and swellings. As a cream, lotion or ointment, it will ease pain by reducing inflammation, and accelerate healing by stimulating the local blood flow. This will enable faster arrival of materials needed for repair of damaged tissue as well as faster removal of the unwanted tissue debris. It should only be used on unbroken skin, as it can be toxic if it enters the bloodstream in large quantities.

Calendula is another name for marigold. Used as a cream or lotion, it's great for rashes or sore, dry skin and combines soothing anti-inflammatory properties with antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal powers. It can be used to soothe areas of irritated reddened skin, and will also help protect against infection if skin is broken.

Calendula is also good for treating fungal problems such as athlete's foot or thrush, and is excellent for soothing sunburnt skin as well as nappy rash in babies.

Witch hazel is one of the few old-fashioned herbs that can still be found in all modern pharmacies. It's considered one of the best astringents for treating minor wounds and local inflammations. Astringents are used to tighten and strengthen skin and underlying tissue, as well as cooling inflammation.

Chickweed is good for itchy skin conditions. Use it to relieve eczema, as well for soothing minor burns, sunburn and insect bites.

Tea tree oil Extracted from an Australian tree, this is one of the most antiseptic and antifungal herbs there is. The oil can be used neat on infected cuts or fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.

Clove oil is an ideal emergency stand by for toothache (apply on a cotton wool swab) or insect bites. The tincture can be used instead of the oil.