Organic First Aid Kit

I'm sure we all have one, a natural remedy toolbag, a loose collection of plants, teas, or supplements that we pull together in a health crisis.

I call mine my organic first aid kit. You can probably think of essential items I'm missing, and maybe my list will give you a few new ideas.


Here are my basics that I always have on hand for emergencies:




Organic First Aid Kit




* L-lysine supplement tablets (for cold sores or fever blisters)


Here's a quote from the Nutritional Supplement Bible on L-Lysine


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The benefits of l-lysine are focused. Without any further adieu, here are the most significant L-Lysine benefits.

• L-Lysine natural help for shingles exists. Shingles lesions are painful due to reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. L-Lysine appears to help treat the eruption of shingles. However, there still needs to be more research conducted to definitively proclaim it a major factor. Many have used steroids an antiviral drugs as well. Herbalists say it is helpful as well.
• L-Lysine benefits include reducing the severity of herpes-related cold sores. L-Lysine inhibits the herpes virus. It prevents and relieves cold sores around genital areas, which are type 2 herpes as well as helping type 1 herpes, which is not as harsh as type 2.
• Benefits of L-Lysine also include a role in promoting good bone health
• As L-Lysine is necessary for collagen synthesis, it has a role to play in healthy skin, ligaments, and tendons.
• L-Lysine also helps in the treatment and healing of general cold sores and canker sores as well.

The richest sources of L-Lysine and the commensurate L-Lysine benefits are red meats, fish, milk, eggs, cheese, beans, lentils, peas, etc. L-Lysine natural help for shingles and benefits of l-lysine in general are found best in supplementation. In other words, enhanced amounts are more therapeutic. Currently, there is no RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for lysine. However, estimates are 12 mg for every 2.2 pounds of body weight. For enhanced benefits of l-lysine, supplementation is recommended.


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* Aloe vera plants (the juice is a great skin healer, softener, and conditioner)

According to "Aloe Vera Benefits" at HerbWisdom

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Aloe vera is one of the only known natural vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12, and it contains many minerals vital to the growth process and healthy function of all the body's systems. Numerous studies worldwide indicate that aloe vera is a general tonic for the immune system, helping it to fight illness of all kinds. Various research studies are underway to explore the potential of aloe vera components to boost immunity and combat the HIV virus, and to treat certain types of cancer (particularly leukemia). It may even have a role to play in managing diabetes.

Over 200 worldwide scientific research papers have been published on the effects of Aloe vera. The three main categories of research include anti-inflammatory, anti- bacterial, and anti-viral actions of Aloe vera. The juice is said to soothe digestive tract irritations such as colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.

Aloe's ability to encourage the release of pepsin (a gastric juice enzyme necessary for digestion) when the stomach is full is a possible reason for its ulcer-healing effects (Journal of the American Osteopathic Society, 1963, vol.62). In one study, oral use of Aloe for six months helped mitigate asthma symptoms in almost half of the participants. Eleven of twenty-seven patients studied who drank Aloe reported feeling better at the end of the study.

Researchers think that results might be due to stimulation of the immune system, as well as naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents in Aloe vera.

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* Golden seal tea (short term healer and blood purifier)


* Cayenne powder (for energy, heart strength, alertness boost: 2 tsp per 8 oz. orange or carrot juice)


* Mullein tea (improves respiration)


* Peppermint tea (stomach and digestive health, alertness boost, heart strength)


* Blueberry tea (anti-oxidants, flavoring for bad tasting but medicinal herbal teas)


* Apple cider vinegar (for hot vinegar baths during flu season, skin softening, invigorating)


* Olbas pastilles (strong, effective herbal cough drops)


* Curry powder (mind-stimulating, flavoring for chilli, rice dishes, and tuna salad)

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