by Derrick Wales

Created on: May 25, 2007   Last Updated: January 26, 2008

Everyone faces it...the need for first aid. Sometimes it really isn't convenient to travel to where a first aid kit is handy, such as working in a garden that isn't near a house, camping, hiking, etc. It is wise, however, that during the latter two that you do have a first aid kit but not everyone prepares. There are many natural fixes for common first aid ailments such as minor cuts, scrapes, etc.

STAUNCH BLEEDING -
To staunch bleeding such as with a minor cut or scrape, find a milfoil plant, also known as yarrow. Pluck enough fresh, green leaves to cover the wound. Make sure to tear the leaves into bits at least 1 cm by 1 cm in size and apply the torn leaves to infected area. The plant's natural chemicals will staunch the bleeding. This is also effective for nosebleeds.

REDUCE POISON OAK/IVY PROBLEMS -
For poison oak and ivy rashes, a plant called jewelweed is your fix. Jewelweed is also known as touch-me-nots. Jewelweed is a very fleshy plant with very soft stems and leaves which exude alot of liquid when torn. Tear the stalk of one of these plants' stems into and apply the exuded liquid onto the rash itself and on the skin around the rash area. Itching should recede after a few minutes. This does not promote faster healing but does help with the itching problem.

WASP STINGS -
For wasp stings, tobacco is the best natural remedy. Even tobacco from a cigarette works. Moisten the tobacco to form a paste and apply it to the infected area. The tobacco will act to remove the stinger as well as promote a reduction in the swelling.

INSECT BITES -
For insect bites there are a number of different natural remedies. First and most common would be milfoil/yarrow. The same application as stated above in the "Staunch Bleeding" section applies. Another great remedy is fresh chamomile flowers. When the flower is pressed firmly and rubbed onto infected spot, you will notice a reduction in itching as well as slightly relieved pain. Lavender, though less common, is a great remedy for insect bites and stings (excluding wasp). Tear a few lavender leaves into pieces and apply to infected area. Lavender reduces swelling and itching, as well as slightly reduces pain in some people.

HEARTBURN -
Although not necessarily belonging in first aid, many people suffer from heartburn or acid reflux disease and problems may arise when they are not around a first aid kit. Find a fresh basil plant and eat a few of the leaves. This will help to calm the stomach and help balance its Ph level.

FEVER -
There is a plant known as feverfew. As the name implies, feverfew was once eaten everyday to prevent fevers. Though not with habitual eating, feverfew can slightly reduce fever if eaten. Many people eat it as a salad green as well as between two slices of bread. The more extended your daily intake is, the better its effects.

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