Essentials

I have been asked by several people what first aid items I carry with me.  So here is a list of what I have in my purse at all times.  

The first is Nux Vomica.  Yep, just like the name says it is for vomiting.  I carry the pellets (the white, powdery round ones fall apart from being banged around in my purse).  This is a homeopathic remedy so what you put in your mouth is sugar pellets and can be taken every 15 minutes as needed.  They dissolve under the tongue.  We use them for motion sickness, heartburn and headaches mostly. It is known as the hangover medicine but works well for any over indulgence whether that be motion, noise, eating or drinking.  My sister relied on it during her pregnancy for all-day sickness. For a complete rundown go to http://homeoint.org/clarke/n/nux_v.htm

Another homeopathic I carry is Arnica Montana.   I also have this in pellets and try to keep in gel as well.  This stuff is great for any kind of physical trauma.  We take orally every 15 minutes and apply to the bruise or sprain.  DO NOT apply topically to broken skin.  It is amazing how arnica facilitates healing to the body when you have an injury.  It is helpful also after surgery, for sore muscles, or traumatic grief.  For more info on Arnica Montana go to 
http://homeoint.org/books/boericmm/a/arn.htm

Lavender Oil is an essential oil I always have on hand.  Lavender oil is calming.  If you have a fussy infant put a drop on your collar then hold the baby.  If you are stressed breath in lavender oil.  Lavender oil is a disinfectant, will soothe skin irritations, bug bites, burns and I have put a drop on the neck of my son to soothe his tummy when traveling.  We use it most for bug bites, cold sores and burns (including sunburns).  My husband had second degree burns from a radiator all the way up his arm.  We treated with lavender oil and vitamin C and he had no infection nor scars.  His entire arm was blistered.  Lavender oil gave him the most pain relief and he put it into a spritzer bottle to spray on.  Here is a link for Lavender oil
http://www.webdeb.com/oils/lavender.htm. The link also tells the story of how Lavender oil was discovered as a remedy for burns.

Peppermint Oil is the other essential oil I carry at all times.  The most fun use is for hiccups.  Peppermint oil is antispasmodic so one drop on the tongue cures the hiccups every time.  It will work the same for muscle spasms as well.  Peppermint is cooling to the body so a few drops on the back of the neck can help with hot flashes or when you are overheated.  It is a disinfectant.  I will put a couple of drops and clean out cups when at hotels before I use them.  It is great for the tummy.  If you have an upset tummy try it on the tongue or in a little water.  It can also wake you up.  If you are feeling sleepy inhale some peppermint oil. The best use we have for it is insect bites.  It cools and soothes.  My son is allergic to fire ants and one bite will swell up the size of a baseball.  We treat it with peppermint oil and the swelling goes down within 5 minutes.  Many warn against using this oil for children under 2.   All mints have the same properties so you can get the same benefits from the spearmint growing in your garden.  I like peppermint or spearmint tea.  One last use for peppermint is bad breath.  Before you pucker up to kiss your sweetie you may want to put a drop on the tongue.  For more information on peppermint oil go to
http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-peppermint-oil.html

Five Flower Essence or Rescue Remedy- same product different manufacturer.  This really should have been my first product to share because it is that important.  This is best known for mental or physical trauma or shock.  Bach flowers are fantastic for bringing emotions into balance.  We have used Rescue Remedy for headaches, nightmares, insect bites, stress, crying babies, fit throwing toddlers, grief, pms, motion sickness and the list could go on and on.  It is so safe you could drink the whole bottle, you can put it into water and drink it, lotion and apply it, bath water, apply to the skin.  As long as it is in or on you it will work.  It is also great for pets.  I have put on the back of my children's neck when they would not take it. Here is a link for more info on Five Flower Essence.
http://www.fesflowers.com/five_flower_formula.htm

Allergy Relief is a great homeopathic product.  There are many companies that supply these formulas and they are all good.  Four drops under the tongue as needed will take care of your stuffy, runny nose and itchy eyes.  There are also eye drops which work great if you are like me and allergic to cats.  If I could take my eyes out and rinse it in the eye drops I would be much happier :).  This remedy will also help relieve cold symptoms when you must.  (Remember symptoms are our friend).


This concludes my must haves in my purse.  My herbs at home are the base of keeping my family well but these remedies are needed for acute issues.  I will post soon about how to keep the flu at bay.

If you would like to know Why Herbs?  Follow this link.  It is one of the best explanations I have read from my favorite teacher Dr. Phil.
http://hisgoodherbs.com/Why_Herbs_.html