Herbal First Aid for Outdoor Lovers

Aug 11, 2019

Remember:

Don’t act outside your scope
Think before you act
Be Prepared: Build a kit now! Before you go somewhere
Learn the actions of the weeds of your bioregion
Seek out Basic First Aid Training as well as Herb Classes
Acute Issues may need higher doses more often. Reapply externally every 1-2 hours, internally take doses every 1-2 hours until relief. Dosage should be 1oz of plant material per quart of water drink 6-8 oz every 1-2 hours or 120 drops of tincture every hour or two. If using a drop dosage plant, 3-5 drops every hour or 2.
Using plants internally and externally if the condition is external may help the condition to heal more effectively

Bleeding/Bites/Bruises/Burns-Healing Tissue

Actions: Styptics–Astringents/Vulneraries

Yarrow(Achillea)-stops blood flow, blood mover internally—good for bruises and swellings, concussions, relieves itchy bites externally as a powder, wash, oil. Internally as a tea/tincture—don’t use if in first trimester internally
Plantain (Plantago)-stops bleeding, relieves itchy bites, as a powder/vinegar/or tincture
Cayenne(Capsicum- to stop bleeding (unless they have an allergy)
Comfrey(Symphytum) if the wound is clean topically as a poultice to stop bleeding
Cleavers(Galium) as a juice in ice cubes or as a vinegar for burns, and dermatitis
Chaparral (Larrea)-for burns and skin inflammation

Infections/Poisons -Killing Pathogens

Actions: Antimicrobials/Vulneraries/Drawing Plants /Astringents/Immunostimulants

Agarita/Goldenseal/Barberry(Mahonia or Berberis sp)—Strong Wash and or Tea internally for infections in GI tract or externally in skin–particularly bacterial and fungal infections. Not for first trimester internally–Alterative with affinity to GI tract. Dose High!!!
Chaparral (Larrea sp) Very strong!!also a potent antioxidant. Use for infected wounds. Internally and externally. as a wash, bath, tincture, Spray. Use cautiously internally due to controversial constituents.
Echinacea (Echinacea)—topical and internal for poisons, infections, and venomous bites—to stimulate and energize—may cause allergies if person is allergic to Asteraceae
Lavender Essential Oil Spritzers mixed 5 drops per cup of water(separates so must shake) or a strong tea of the aromatic plant sprayed topically. Do not Use Essential Oils internally unless under the advisement of a skilled practitioner.
Plantain (Plantago)see above, also treats fungal, urinary tract and other infections-use as a tea,wash
Charcoal/Clay draw out poisons and make a great base

Pain: Inflammation, Spasms, Swelling

Actions: Nervines/Antispasmodic/Calming agents/Anti-inflammatories):

Arnica(Arnica)-Homeopathic-internally. Full strength Arnica oil—external for swellings, pain and bruising—Allergies and Toxicities to consider here. Use Mullein Root/Goldenrod combination if you dont have access to Arnica.
Ginger (Zingiber)Powder Paste or Oil topically, Internally teas, cordials, glycerites, tincture for pain and spasming. Especially good for menstrual cramps, back pain, coughs.
External: Peppermint and Vetiver essential oil passed in front of nose when someone is feeling like they will pass out can bring someone back.
St Johns Wort Oil (Hypericum perforatum)—burns, inflammation, neural pain, may cause photosensitization,
Ephedra(Ephedra)—drug like effects—will stop asthma attacks, other inflammatory responses for experienced practitioners only 3-5 drops in tincture at a time
Fresh Lobelia(Lobelia)—drug like effects—can immediately stop spasming, coughing fits, and calm someone down—drop dose too much can make someone nauseous- 3-5 drops as a vinegar or tincture at a time or externally as a vinegar or oil
Black Cohosh for deep intense pain in back or head from trauma, also helpful for menstrual cramps.
Large Doses of Fish Oil for inflammation–2000-3000mg 3-4 times a day

Panic/Anxiety/ Depression/Sleep

Actions: Calming agents/Hypnotics/Sedatives

Wind Flower (Anemone)-for shock and trauma trained practitioner only–3-5 drops for panic, anxiety, shock
Skullcap (Scutellaria) calming and sedative as a tea or tincture
Mullein (Verbascum)-calming and sedative as a tea or tincture
Flower Essences!!! Rescue Remedy and others for emotional balance

Wild Oats (Avena)—helps to rebuild nervous system and calm folks down-great for longerterm restorative care after a stressful incident as a tea or tincture
CA Poppy (Eschscholtzia) sedative and sleep promoting, addresses pain as well good as a tea or tincture or glycerite

Links to more Herbal First Aid Resources!