Top 10 Natural First Aid Kit Items Every Mom Needs This Summer

Summer is finally here, and you know what that means? Long, hot days spent outdoors enjoying God’s beautiful creation. Whether you’re hiking, swimming, or just lounging on the beach, there are plenty of opportunities for soaking up some revitalizing fresh air and sun. There are also plenty of opportunities for injuries to be sustained. That’s where a natural remedies first aid kit comes in handy! Whether it’s for a sunburn, scraped knee, or bee sting, we’ll explore the top 10 natural first aid kit items every mom needs this summer!

Why Go Natural?

There are many reasons why you might want to swap the store-bought first aid kits for a natural one, but I would consider the most important one to be that what you find in the store is usually packed with synthetic creams and petroleum-based products. On the other hand, your garden, pantry, and essential oil box contain powerful alternatives, many of which work just as well (or better), especially for little ones.

Creating a natural first aid kit allows you to:

• Avoid unnecessary toxins
• Save money with multipurpose, real-ingredient remedies
• Teach your kids how God has given us herbs and other natural substances for healing (Psalm 104:14)

What to Include in Your Natural First Aid Kit

Here are ten of the most effective summertime natural remedies (some might surprise you!):

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a timeless favourite for soothing sunburns, and for good reason. Its healing properties are backed by science, with components like:

Anthraquinones, which act as natural antibacterials and pain relievers.

Acemannan for tissue repair and a refreshing cooling effect.

Glycoproteins to reduce pain and inflammation.

But aloe vera isn’t just for sunburns. It’s my top choice for treating kitchen burns, campfire mishaps, and more.

I learned this firsthand during a chaotic summer gathering at my home. With a houseful of guests and limited space, I found myself curling my hair in a bathroom with no counter. When my curling rod slipped from my hand, instinct took over—I tried to catch it. Big mistake. I ended up with a nasty-looking, painful second-degree burn on my hand.

At first, I tried cold compresses and over-the-counter ointments, but nothing worked. Then I remembered my aloe vera plant. I cut a leaf, washed it, and applied it with the gel side directly touching the burn. I wrapped it in gauze, and to my amazement, the pain vanished within minutes! Later that day, when I removed the dressing, the pain returned. But as soon as I reapplied fresh aloe, relief followed. It was a lifesaver!

Beyond Burns: Aloe for Heat Rash

Aloe vera doesn’t stop at burns. Its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties make it a soothing remedy for heat rash, a common issue in hot, humid climates. However, not all rashes respond to aloe, so it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional before using it for skin conditions.

Pro Tip: Fresh is Best

Keep an aloe vera plant at home for instant, natural first aid. Simply cut a leaf when needed and enjoy the benefits of fresh aloe gel.

If you’re travelling, an alcohol-free aloe vera gel is a good alternative.

2. Raw Potato

This one might seem a little weird if you’ve never heard of it before, but trust me, a grated potato poultice is a marvellous cure for a host of problems. The secret is in its drawing power: raw potato has this innate ability to draw out offending agents from the body, whether it be a splinter, infection, or poison. In fact, I’ve found it to be one of the most effective home remedies I’ve used.

For Splinters

A grated potato poultice works wonders for drawing out splinters or other foreign objects lodged in the skin.

One experience I can share is when my daughter stepped on what we could only assume was a microscopic shard of glass (we had a glass shatter the night before and thought we had cleaned up all the pieces). However, she stepped on something sharp the next day and was bleeding from her heel. We couldn’t find anything in her skin, so we assumed whatever it was had fallen out.

Later that week, a hard, protruding callus with a red perimeter formed on her heel. We realized the glass must still be in her skin and checked her foot to see if we could find it, but still nothing.

I decided to apply a grated potato poultice to the area. After doing this a couple of times, the callus began to shrink, and the redness disappeared. Within a week, her heel was back to normal. The potato poultice did the trick and drew out whatever was lodged in her skin!

Use: Apply a freshly grated potato poultice to the area overnight if possible. Repeat for a few nights until the splinter comes out.

For Eyes

A grated potato poultice is incredibly soothing and healing for the eyes. I’ve used it for bacterial conjunctivitis on a couple of occasions with incredible results. The potato took away the pain and even opened my eye up after it had been closed for a couple of days.

Note: while a potato poultice can assist with healing and be an excellent option until you can see a physician, it’s important to get eye infections checked out by a healthcare professional.

How to Make a Potato Poultice

Grate a small, raw potato (use only about a teaspoon for a 2-inch area) and place it in the middle of a cotton/linen cloth (gauze works too). Fold in the edges and apply it with the folded edges side away from the skin. Cover it with plastic and secure it with skin tape.

3. Activated Charcoal

No first aid kit, nor home for that matter, should be without activated charcoal. It has the amazing ability to not only draw, but adsorb poisons. Yes, you read that correctly — ADSORB, with a D, not a B. So what is the difference? A substance is absorbed when it is taken inside of another, like a sponge soaking up water. Adsorption is a process where one substance binds with another substance. This is what activated charcoal does: it binds with poisons and other chemicals, preventing them from being absorbed by the body. And because activated charcoal itself is not absorbed by the body, it passes through the gastrointestinal tract, with poisons and all, and is expelled from the body.

What’s incredible is that activated charcoal can adsorb up to 300 times its weight¹, making it incredibly effective at deactivating poisons and other pathological substances. Is it any wonder that it’s used in emergency rooms to treat cases of poisoning?

Note: Activated charcoal is not the same as the charcoal you find in your fire pit. It is made by heating charcoal in the presence of gas. This process increases its surface area and porosity.

Internal Uses

Poisoning

Activated charcoal can be used for both chemical poisoning and food poisoning. Simply mix 1-2 tablespoons of activated charcoal in a cup of warm water.

In cases of poisoning, drink this mixture as soon as possible and go to the hospital.

stomach issues

Take 1-2 teaspoons of activated charcoal mixed with a cup of warm water to resolve nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, and bloating.

External Uses

Stings and Bites

For poisonous stings and bites, apply a charcoal poultice to adsorb the poison. This can be done for bites or stings inflicted by wasps, ants, spiders, snakes, and other venomous creatures.

In her book, Sustain Me, health lecturer Barbara O’Neill recommends taking activated charcoal capsules orally every 30 minutes in addition to changing the poultice every half hour in cases of severe poisoning. ²

Note: In cases of severe poisoning or anaphylaxis, see a physician immediately.

4. Cayenne Pepper

When I began learning about the powerful medicinal properties of cayenne pepper a few years ago, I was surprised by what I discovered. This fiery spice, often relegated to the kitchen, boasts an impressive array of medicinal applications that defy expectations. Cayenne pepper should always be kept on hand to support the health of the entire family, and can even be used to save lives in an emergency.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Cayenne pepper is a powerful blood stimulant that helps improve circulation by thinning the blood and promoting healthy blood flow. This action supports cardiovascular health, aids in reducing blood clots that may lead to strokes, heart attacks, and thrombosis. In fact, health lecturer Barbara O’Neill shares that, in an emergency, administering 1/4 teaspoon by mouth to a person experiencing a heart attack can stop the attack and stabilize the person until medical help arrives.³

Pain Relief

Capsaicin, the active compound in cayenne pepper, has analgesic properties, blocking pain signals to the brain. It can be applied topically in the form of homemade salves or store-bought creams to relieve muscle, back, and joint pain.

Heals Wounds

An amazing property of cayenne is its ability to draw blood to an area. This is what makes it so effective at healing both old and new wounds. Applying cayenne pepper directly to a wound will immediately bring blood to the area and speed up the healing process. Sprinkling it into a deep cut can stop the bleeding and even close up the wound! This is because blood contains platelets for clotting, triggers vasoconstriction to tighten the blood vessels, and releases cytokines to facilitate the healing process.

Cayenne pepper will not irritate, but will create a tingling sensation. This is what sets it apart from black pepper and mustard, which are both irritants.

5. Comfrey

Comfrey, often called “knit-bone,” has long been revered for its remarkable ability to support the healing of broken bones and tissue damage. This reputation is largely attributed to allantoin, a compound in comfrey that stimulates the regrowth of bone, cartilage, skin, and muscle, making it a go-to remedy for split skin, sore muscles, and injuries.

In addition to its regenerative properties, comfrey is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, as it helps suppress prostaglandins—compounds that contribute to inflammation. This makes it especially effective for soothing arthritis symptoms (great for mom and dad/grandma and grandpa), reducing bruising, and speeding up the recovery from other injuries.

Comfrey can be used as a poultice and applied directly to the affected area. Alternatively, homemade comfrey salve can be used.

6. Witch Hazel

Summer means more outdoor time, which increases the chances of itchy insect bites and rashes like contact dermatitis caused by poison ivy and oak. Witch hazel helps reduce swelling and redness, and is effective at soothing itchy skin.

Remember to use alcohol-free witch hazel to avoid stinging and drying out the skin.

How to Use

Apply to the affected area 2-3 times a day as needed.

7. Slippery Elm

This healing medicine is taken from the bark of the slippery elm tree. When its powdered form is mixed with water, it becomes gel-like and soothes and coats the stomach and digestive tract. Look for it in your local health store or buy from Amazon.

Diarrhea

Routines and diets often change in the summer, and food spoilage is more common due to the heat. In cases of diarrhea, combine 1 tablespoon of powdered slippery elm bark with 1 cup of warm water or plant-based milk. Stir until a paste-like consistency is achieved. Give a few spoonfuls 2-3 times daily for soothing relief.

Colic

Slippery elm is so safe that it can even be given to colicky babies. Give a 1/4 tsp on a spoon mixed with a little breast milk.

8. Onion

Who knew this cooking staple had such incredible healing powers? Onion stimulates tissues to heal while also absorbing harmful pathogens. It also helps to reduce swelling and inflammation due to its sulphur compounds and antioxidants. And let’s not forget about onion’s natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help combat minor infections.

Wounds

An onion can be roasted and used to draw out the infection from a wound. Simply roast the onion until hot, cut it in half, and apply one half to the wound.

Earache

In cases of earache, wrap the onion first in cloth before applying it to the ear. Leave it on until it cools. This remedy is very comforting as the gentle heat from a roasted onion can increase blood circulation and provide a soothing effect on the ear.

9. Coconut Water

The best natural electrolyte for heat-related conditions, including heat exhaustion, is coconut water. It is highly effective due to its natural balance of electrolytes and hydration benefits.

Why Coconut Water Works

Electrolyte Content:

Coconut water contains essential electrolytes like potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. These are critical for rehydrating the body and restoring balance after excessive sweating. Keep a couple of chilled bottles on hand throughout the summer, and especially on those particularly hot days.

Natural and Easily Absorbed:

Unlike sugary sports drinks, coconut water is natural, low in sugar, and easily digested, making it an excellent choice for rapid rehydration.

Hydration:

Its high water content quickly replenishes fluids lost due to heat exposure.

Tips for Treating Heat Exhaustion Naturally

• Immediate Cooling: Move to a cool or shaded area and use cold compresses or fans to lower body temperature.
• Rehydrate Gradually: Sip small amounts of electrolyte-rich liquids (like coconut water) instead of drinking large quantities at once to prevent nausea.
• Seek Medical Attention: If symptoms worsen or do not improve after 30 minutes or if confusion, fainting, or a rapid pulse occurs, as these may indicate heat stroke, a life-threatening condition.

10. Peppermint Oil

Last but not least, peppermint oil is an invaluable item to keep in your natural first aid kit. It has a variety of uses for the everyday ailments that come up in the summer.

Headache

Peppermint oil is a great natural pain reliever. Mix a couple of drops with a carrier oil (coconut or almond) and massage into the temples and back of the neck.

Another option is to mix a few drops into a bowl of cool water. Soak a wash cloth, wring it out, and apply it to the forehead and back of the neck.

After a long day in the sun, add 6 drops to a cool bath and soak in it for full body relief.

Sunburns

Sunburns are all too common in the summer, leaving your skin red, hot, and irritated after too much time in the sun. Peppermint oil is a natural remedy that can provide cooling relief and soothe the discomfort of sunburn. Its menthol content creates a refreshing sensation, while its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and swelling.

to use:

Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with aloe vera gel or a carrier oil and gently apply to the affected area. This simple remedy not only cools and hydrates sunburned skin but also supports faster recovery, so you can get back to enjoying the sunshine safely.

Motion Sickness or Nausea

Summer adventures often mean road trips, boat rides, or theme park visits, but these activities can bring on motion sickness or nausea for some. The heat and movement can exacerbate symptoms, leaving you feeling queasy and uncomfortable. Peppermint oil is a natural remedy that can help alleviate these symptoms quickly. Its refreshing aroma has calming effects on the stomach, and its menthol content soothes nausea by relaxing the digestive muscles.

How to use:

Simply inhale peppermint oil from the bottle, apply a diluted drop to your wrists or temples, or add a drop to a glass of water (if using food-grade oil) to calm your system and enjoy your summer adventures with ease.

Final Thoughts

Summer adventures with kids are full of scraped knees, bug bites, sunburns, and unexpected tummy troubles—which is why having a well-stocked natural first aid kit can be a total lifesaver. With these 10 gentle, effective remedies on hand, you’ll be ready to handle most minor mishaps naturally and confidently. Whether you’re heading to the park, the lake, or just your backyard, these plant-based essentials can help you keep your family healthy, comforted, and thriving all summer long.

1. O’Neill, B. (2018). Sustain Me: A Handbook of Natural Remedies: The 9 Foundational Pillars for Health (pp. 312). Modern Press. ↩︎
2. O’Neill, B. (2018). Sustain Me: A Handbook of Natural Remedies: The 9 Foundational Pillars for Health (p. 314). Modern Press. ↩︎
3. O’Neill, B. (2018). Sustain Me: A Handbook of Natural Remedies: The 9 Foundational Pillars for Health (p. 315). Modern Press ↩︎