How To Make An Herbal First Aid Kit For 6 Common Ailments

Here are 6 ways herbs can help you, both at home and on the go:

Aloe vera gel can be very useful for minor burns1, or an infusion of calendula or an oil infused with St. John's wort, all of which work to soothe the wound.

A tea of stinging nettle can be used to combat seasonal allergies2, according to a small study. Echinacea is also useful as it works to modulate the hyperactive immune reaction, which causes inflammatory symptoms to flare in allergic reaction.

A warming drink combining the juice of a lemon or lime, some blackstrap molasses, and a pinch of ground cayenne pepper can be sipped slowly to help ease a cold3.

The essential oils of lavender and peppermint can be used to stop a headache as aromatherapy4 and/or applied directly 5to the temples. If peppermint is applied to the skin, it should first be diluted with a "carrier oil" such as apricot kernel (Prunus armeniaca) or jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis).

Lavender essential oil can be applied topically to reduce itching.

Adapted from Natural Woman by Leslie Korn © 2020 by Leslie Korn. Reprinted in arrangement with Shambhala Publications Inc. Boulder, Colorado.