Our Herbal First Aid Kit for Camping, Hiking, and Backyard Adventures

What I wish I had when I was mosquito-bitten, sunburned, and still having the time of my life.

Let’s set the scene.

It’s late summer. The cicadas are screaming, the air is thick enough to drink, and the sun has that golden-tan edge like it’s been sitting out too long. You’re maybe one hour into the camping trip. You’ve already unpacked the snacks, pitched a semi-stable tent, and doused your ankles in essential oil bug spray.

And yet…

You have twenty mosquito bites on your left leg alone, the back of your neck is already turning red, and you’re this close to scratching your skin off in a frenzy.

But you’re still happy to be out here. Nature has that effect on us.

You’re just wishing you had something on hand that could love your skin as much as it loves your sense of adventure.

Why Herbal First Aid?

Because care isn’t just a bath at the end of the day. It’s the decision to come prepared.
It’s what you carry in your backpack. It’s what you rub into your child’s scraped knee when the playground goes rogue.

And let’s be honest: most of the conventional stuff we’re handed isn’t really made for healing.

Petroleum jelly?
Ointments full of synthetic fragrance?
Bug sprays with neurotoxic chemicals?

We can do better.

What I Keep in My Herbal First Aid Kit

This isn’t about being Pinterest-perfect or wilderness-prepared in a crunchy-mom-makes-her-own-gauze kind of way.

This is about loving yourself and your family enough to plan for the inevitable bug bites, bumps, burns, bellyaches and meeting them with gentle, effective support.

Here's what I keep (or wish I'd kept) on hand:

1. Aloe Vera Gel (for sunburns, rashes, and heat rash relief)

My mom used to break a leaf open and smear it across my shoulders after long summer days and now I keep a plant in on my deck for the same reason. Aloe is hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and cooling. Great for:

• Sunburns

• Bug bite relief

• Itchy skin

• Minor kitchen burns too

How-To:

1. Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf near the base.

2. Slice off the spiky sides, then peel away one side of the skin.

3. Scoop out the gel with a spoon and blend (optional, for smoother texture).

4. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.

5. Apply directly to skin as needed for soothing, cooling relief.

TIP: Cut a leaf, scrape out the gel, and store it in the fridge for a few hours before your trip. Apply as needed with clean hands or a reusable cloth.

2. Lavender Oil Roll On (for bites, burns, and peace of mind)

If you only take one thing, let it be lavender.

It calms inflammation, soothes bites, and even works as a gentle bug deterrent. It’s also a mood-balancer, which matters when your kid is overtired and covered in chigger bites.

How-To:

1. Add 10–15 drops of lavender essential oil  to a 10ml roller bottle.

2. Fill the rest with a carrier oil (jojoba, almond, or fractionated coconut).

3. Shake gently before each use.

4. Roll onto bites, burns, or pulse points for calming support.

Optional additions: A drop of peppermint oil for extra cooling effect.

3. Hibiscus & Citrus Tea (for hydration and heat support)

Just trust me on this one. I've been through enough Texas summers to know the heat will take you down faster than a jack rabbit on caffeine. So will poor hydration. These herbs help with:

• Body temperature regulation

• Light nausea or dizziness from heat

• Gentle energy boost without the crash

How-To:

1. Steep 1–2 tbsp dried hibiscus petals in 32oz just-boiled water.

2. Cover and let steep 15–20 minutes.

3. Strain and let cool.

4. Add a pinch of sea salt and a spoonful of raw honey (for natural electrolytes + sweetness).

5. Optional: squeeze in fresh lime or orange juice for extra vitamin C and flavor.

Hibiscus is a natural refrigerant — it cools the body from the inside out and supports heart and kidney health. This one’s a must for hot hikes or sun-soaked play.

🌿 4. Plantain or Yarrow Salve (for cuts, scrapes, and stings)

These herbs are like nature’s Neosporin. If you’re feeling DIY-ish, you can make your own salve at home with infused oil + beeswax.

How-To (Make at Home):

1. Infuse the oil:

   • Fill a jar halfway with dried plantain + yarrow leaves.

   • Cover completely with olive or avocado oil.

   • Let sit in a warm spot (sunny windowsill) for 2–4 weeks, shaking gently every day.

   • Strain out herbs.

2. Make the salve:

   • Warm 1/2 cup infused oil in a double boiler.

   • Add 1 tbsp beeswax pellets and stir until melted.

   • Pour into small tins or jars and let cool.

Otherwise, grab a pre-made Plantain Salve one from a trusted herbalist.

🫖 5. Chamomile Tea or Tincture (for nerves + upset bellies)

Kids fall apart at bedtime. Adults fall apart when the tent zipper breaks. Either way, chamomile’s got your back.

It’s gentle, reliable, and a must-pack for:

• Sleep support

• Nervous stomachs

• Mild allergic reactions

• General “I’ve-had-enough” vibes

How to use it:

• For kids: 5–10 drops chamomile tincture diluted in water or tea.

• For adults: up to 30 drops when things are a lot.

Not into tinctures? Brew a tea instead:

• Steep 1 tbsp dried chamomile in 8oz hot water for 5–10 minutes.

• Add honey if you want to feel fancy or need extra soothing.
  

A few drops of tincture in a warm mug also works if you’re glamping and want to keep the vibe earthy and efficient.

6. Baking Soda (for bee stings + itchy skin)

Classic. My parents always did this and while I hated it at the time, it did work. Make a paste with water and apply to the sting. Let it dry and rinse. Repeat if needed.

How-To:

1. Mix 1–2 tsp baking soda with just enough water to make a thick paste.

2. Apply directly to sting or itchy area.

3. Let dry, then rinse off. Repeat as needed.

You can also add a drop of lavender oil to the paste for extra anti-inflammatory support.

💚 Building Your Kit Is a Love Letter to Your Future Self

You don’t have to go full apothecary mode.
You don’t have to make it aesthetic.
You don’t even have to remember everything every time.

But starting with a few simple, herbal allies?
That’s care in action.

And if you’re looking for a guide that shows you exactly how to make these things at home — infused oils, salves, tinctures, herbal teas for real life problems — I’ve got you.

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You'll learn how to build your herbal pantry, make your own first aid kit, and care for your people the way nature intended.

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