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I'm packing for our first camping trip of the summer right now. We've gotten our routine down pretty well over the years, and a big part of that is knowing what minor injuries and illnesses we need to be prepared to handle.
Top 5 Tried and True Natural First Aid Remedies
- Organic Diaper Balm is amazing for fungal rashes, itchy rashes, cuts, scrapes, chafing and minor burns. It's my petroleum-free, herb-infused, triple antibiotic ointment alternative. It's infused with lavender too, which is great for its antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory properties.
- Tea Tree Oil has so many uses that I could go on forever! But here are my favorites for first aid: soothes insect bites, works as an antiseptic for cuts and burns, helps heal skin infections and tick bites. It can also be used to treat colds, sinus infections and persistent coughs as aromatherapy.
- New Mama Bottom Spray provides much needed relief from sunburn, shaving rash and minor scrapes. It's loaded with all kinds of goodness like cucumber extract, witch hazel, antibacterial lavender and cooling peppermint. And it happens to be my one and only facial toner and aftershave too.
- Organic Perineal Balm is wonderful for sensitive, swollen and bruised tissues. It's not just for new mommies with episiotomies either – it's also my family's go-to for hemorrhoid relief. It soothes and cools with healing herbs like St. John's wort, calendula and yarrow. I'll be adding some powdered yarrow to my kit too because I recently learned that this herb is a miracle for stopping bleeding fast. Just a little sprinkle gets the job done. And yarrow boasts antibacterial and antifungal properties too.
- Hydrogen peroxide is not only excellent for cleaning stuff around camp, but also for treating skin infections, blocked or infected ears, sore throats, colds and inflamed gums. Why didn't I mention cleaning fresh wounds? It's a little too harsh, and all you really need is some real soap and water to cleanse minor cuts and abrasions.
Toss in a little gauze, tape and band-aids and we're ready to hit the road!
What's in your camping first aid kit?
10 Favorites for Camping without the Toxic Load