After a long weekend of biking, hiking, and swimming with the kids,  I got a sneak peak of what was to come this summer.  Lots of bumps, scrapes, and bruises!  Instead of putting a damper on our activities, however, with each fall we pulled out the trusty first aid kit.  The kids have come to rely on this magical bag that can make the bleeding stop and the pain lessen.

It's easy to make your own first aid kit, and fill it more natural solutions to minor injuries. Make a small one with the essentials below to throw in your backpack, and then make a larger one for the car.  You'll be ready for anything that comes your way!




1. The Basics
    -Natural Bug Spray
    -Sunscreen
    -Protein Bars
    -Emergen-C: These vitamin packets are a great way to keep your nutrients up when traveling. 
                          Add the powder to water and you have a great way to re-hydrate after a long hike

2. The Meds
    -All Purpose Salve:  Look for a salve that contains comfrey, St. John's Wort, calendula,
                or plantain.  Apply to cuts, scrapes,  & bug bites to disinfect, soothe, and
                accelerate healing.  Also great for dry, cracked skin.

    -Tea Tree Essential Oil: A great disinfectant!  Use sparingly on infected cuts to
                       speed healing.  Also great to sniff to ease nausea.

    -Homeopathic Arnica:  These little pills work wonders!  Take to ease muscle soreness,
                      heal bruises, ease arthritis pain, and ease headaches.

    -Rescue Remedy:  Made from flower essences, this is a great tonic to ease trauma and
                stress.  Also great way to relieve anxiety.  Just take a few drops under the
                tongue. These are also available as a delicious pastille.

3. The Hardware
    -Assortment of Band-Aids
    -Bandages, gauze, and surgical tape
    -Cleansing wipes
    -Tweezers
    -Scissors
    -Bandana


Now go have some fun!

Kristin Henningsen M.S., C.H., R.Y.T.