Our first aid kit is rather large thanks to Calvin's many accidents. For us, a first aid kit is not a "nice idea" but something we use pretty regular. Even if you aren't as accident prone as we are, you should definitely have some sort of first aid kit. It saves the midnight trip to the store to buy gauze. (I have been there.)
Making a first aid kit isn't rocket science. There are a dozen blog sites that will tell you how to put together a first ait kit. There are first aid kits ideas for cars, for hiking, for high school lockers, 72 hour kits, the list goes on. Although these kinds of kits are wonderful, (and you should have one), they often leave out some of my favorite things. I
Ginger
This stuff has saved me numerous times. I get car sick, swing sick, bus sick, plane sick. Anything that involves prolonged periods of moving usually makes me experience motion sickness.
I used to take Dramamine to combat this problem, but it usually left me feeling drugged and sleepy. I have also tried wrist bands, and other anti-nausea products. Nothing works as well as ginger. I usually take one or two of these an hour before travel. I love that there are no side effects, because it's just ginger! Dried ginger is also great for upset stomach, calming respiratory troubles, and even morning sickness. ( I haven't used it for morning sickness, but several people tell me it works great.) I usually buy my ginger online, although any health food store should carry it.
Tea Tree Oil/Melaleuca
Remember how the Gus uses Windex in My Big Fat Greek Wedding? That's what this stuff is like. You can use it on everything. I have used it for years on my acne, however there are so many other uses. Tea tree oil is naturally antibacterial and is great for athletes foot, cuts and scrapes, disinfecting surfaces, bug bites, preventing lice, the list goes on. Because tea tree oil has been gaining popularity recently, make sure you get a decent kind, not a cheap knock off. Tea tree oil should never be sold in clear glass or plastic bottles. You should only buy tea tree oil that is sold in dark glass bottles. I usually get the kind that says 100% pure. A large bottle can last for years.
- To deter lice, add a couple drops to your shampoo
- To create a disinfectant, add 20 drops of tea tree oil to a spray bottle full of water.
- To remove ticks, apply a drop of tea tree oil over the tick to loosen its hold, then gently pull out the tick with tweezers, making sure you get all of it. Disinfect the bite and surrounding area with diluted tea tree oil.
*Don't use with babies younger than 6 months old.
Epsom SaltSalt? Epson salt is not actually a salt, but the natural mineral compound, magnesium sulfate.
I like to use it to help with muscle pain and cramps. I add a couple cups to the bathtub and soak. Magnesium sulfate is easily absorbed through the skin so baths are a perfect use for this stuff. When soaking with Epsom salts, they can also heal athletes foot, soothe sprains and soften skin to remove splinters.
Hot Water Bottle Everyone I know has made fun of my "grandma water bottle" until they found a reason to need it. Then they thought it was the coolest. It is perfect for cramps, sore muscles, aches from the flu, and cold feet. I have taken this thing halfway around the world, and I was so glad I did. It says not to fill it with boiling water, but I usually do anyways. I've never had a problem. I usually heat water in an electric kettle and pour it in. The reason to use a hot water bottle and not a rice heat pack? It holds warmth for much longer, and it can still be used even if there is no power. My water bottle also has a thicker side and a thinner side, so I can customize the heat to my needs.
So there you have it. These are my fab four. The four favorite items my first aid kit has that I use regularly. What "extra" items are in your first aid kits?
*This is personal opinion, anything written is not medical advice and should be used at your own discretion. Always consult a doctor before trying anything new.
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