First for the emergency stuff:
Instant ice packs. You can buy these at any chain drug store or even box store. They usually carry them in the first aid section but sometimes its in health and beauty.
A tube of Crazy glue. Yes crazy glue! brand new never been used before crazy glue is best because you want to know it can be used not stuck together and never to be opened again. I keep this on hand for the just in case you have a minor cut that just wont go back together... crazy glue works fast and will keep dirt out of the cut better then a band-aid.
Steri strips. These are for just in case that little cut is not really so little but not really big enough to abandon camping and run to the ER.
Iodine. A small bottle of Iodine is perfect for cleaning out cuts so that you know that there is no way you will get any infection.
Peroxide. For those small things you might step on or get cut by.
Band-aides, Thermometer, Gauze, Tape and of course Ace Bandages. Always bring at least one Ace Bandage. They work wonderfully for a variety of treatments. Don't forget the safety pins to hold the ace bandage shut, bring a few extra because those come in handy too!
Some form of antihistamine, acetaminophen, both in adult and children's formula's.
A box of rubber gloves, qtips, tweezers, sewing needles, tiger balm, and biofreeze are also in this box for sore muscle relief.
Now for the Natural Remedies.
Tea Tree oil. This little power house can be used for a whole ton of things. It is a natural antiseptic so it can be used on minor wounds. It can also be used on bug bites that itch.
Eucalyptus oil. This is wonderful natural way to repel mosquitoes as well as spiders. A little of this inside the tent and you wont have any bugs in the tent either.
Baking Soda. Now I know that you are thinking "But that is a kitchen item" or something along those lines. But the truth is that Baking Soda has many many many uses and it is wonderful for bee stings, or any bug bite that leaves anything swollen. Baking Soda will draw out the poison and help reduce the swelling.
Epsom Salts. This stuff is great for soaking your feet in but it also can be used to draw out things.
Aloe Vera gel. This is clearly the best stuff on the planet for burns. The plant is best but not ideal to take camping so I take the gel.
Apple Cider Vinegar. This stuff is awesome for upset tummies. A little honey and ACV in water and generally the tummy ache will go away.
GSE. Grapefruit seed extract is a wonderful natural tool. You can discover some of the uses here.
Tea Tree Oil totally rocks!! We use it for so many things. My 12-year-old son has eczema...last summer one of his lesions got infected, I guess because it was hot and he wouldn't stop scratching. Anyway, staph got into it and it was pretty bad....but I drowned the infected area in TTO and it literally healed up and over in less than 2 days. It would have taken 5 times that long with regular antibiotics which is the route we normally would have taken if I had not had that lightbulb moment!!
ReplyDeleteWow! What an awesome list! I need to print this out and improve my first aid kit. Mine is much less stocked.
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