Natural First Aid Kit Essentials: 10 Herbal Remedies for Summer Emergencies

Whether you're heading to the beach, camping under the stars, or tending your homestead, summer often brings more than sunshine. Between sunburns, bug bites, and the inevitable stubbed toe or scraped knee, it's smart to have a first aid kit that’s just as natural as the rest of your lifestyle.

This isn’t your average first aid checklist—it’s packed with plant-based remedies, homemade recipes, and time-tested tools we actually use in our own family’s kit. Whether you're building your first natural kit or updating your current stash, here are 10 essentials worth packing before your next summer adventure.

➡️ If you read our recent post on Kid-Friendly Summer Remedies, you’ll recognize a few favorites here—this post takes those ideas further into practical, grab-and-go first aid use.

Made for You If...

• You want family-safe herbal remedies that actually work

• You’re prepping for road trips, hikes, or camping with kids

• You like staying prepared without filling your bag with synthetic junk

• You love quick DIYs that travel well and soothe fast

What You'll Come Away With:

• A complete list of the top 10 herbal remedies to stock in your summer kit

• Easy ideas for portable, low-tox options that store well

• Which printable recipes you can grab and stash in your bag

• Affiliate picks for must-have storage, salve tins, and roll-on bottles

1. Chamomile + Calendula Salve (For Scrapes, Rash, and Boo-Boos)

This soothing salve is a must for irritated skin. Calendula is beloved for its gentle wound-healing and anti-inflammatory powers, while chamomile calms red, itchy skin—even for kids. I use this for everything from mystery rashes to dry heels.

💡 Bonus Tip: Make your own! Infuse dried calendula and chamomile into olive oil, then blend with a little beeswax to form a gentle, spreadable salve.

Already included in our Kid-Friendly Calm Kit from Herbal Help For Summer Bites, Burns & Boo-Boos: 3 Gentle Remedies for Kids blog—this soothing salve deserves a place in every first aid pouch.

👉 Get the printable recipe here

2. Herbal Bug Bite Spray

Mosquitoes, midges, and no-see-ums love summer almost as much as we do. This refreshing herbal spray is one of our family favorites—it cools the skin on contact, eases itching, and smells like a blooming herb garden thanks to calming lavender, a hint of peppermint, and soothing witch hazel.

🌿 What’s Inside: Our recipe blends aloe, essential oils, and plant-powered ingredients that gently reduce irritation without harsh chemicals. It’s safe enough for kids and perfect for stashing in your picnic basket, glove box, or backpack.

👉 Want to make your own? The full printable recipe is available on Gumroad for just $2. You’ll get clear instructions, safety tips, and essential oil options based on your skin needs.

Same as in our Sunday calm remedies post, but repurposed here for first aid on the go.

3. After-Sun Bath Tea or Soak

Long day in the garden or too much sun at the lake? This is a skin-soothing, soul-softening favorite. Simply toss a muslin tea bag filled with dried herbs into a warm bath and soak the day away.

Our Favorite Blend: Chamomile, calendula, lavender, and oatmeal calm skin and help reduce inflammation. Add Epsom salts for extra relief.

👉 Find the printable tea soak recipe here.

4. Aloe Vera Gel Packets

Nothing beats aloe for sunburns, bug bites, or surprise kitchen burns. The fresh gel from your own aloe plant is best—but for on-the-go, shelf-stable aloe packets are a clean and convenient swap. No DIY here—purchase shelf-stable travel packets to make it a bit easier on yourself.

• Amazon link: Aloe Vera Travel Packs

5. Arnica Homeopathic Pellets or Cream

For bumps, bruises, or stubbed toes, this is a lifesaver. Arnica can reduce swelling, ease discomfort, and even shorten recovery time after minor injuries.

Keep both forms on hand: The arnica cream (is great for sore muscles, and the tiny homeopathic pellets dissolve under the tongue for whole-body support.

• Safe for children over 2 with proper supervision.

6. Lavender Essential Oil (Pre-Diluted Roll-On)

This little roll-on is one of the most-used items in our kit. Lavender is calming to the mind and skin. It helps ease minor burns, tension, insect bites, and emotional meltdowns (for kids and grown-ups).

DIY Option:

• 10ml roller bottle

• 10ml carrier oil (sunflower, jojoba, etc.)

• 3 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions: Add ingredients to roller bottle, cap, and shake. Use on bug bites, burns, or pulse points. Keep one in your bag, one in your kit, and one by your bedside.

7. Chamomile Glycerite or Tincture

Chamomile isn’t just for bedtime—it’s a first-aid multitasker. It soothes frazzled nerves, calms upset tummies, and supports relaxation during stressful or painful moments (perfect for bee stings, minor burns, or anxious kids). A glycerite is alcohol-free, making it safe for little ones, while a tincture offers a more potent adult option.

How to Make a Chamomile Glycerite (Kid-Friendly):

• Add 1 part dried chamomile to a clean jar.

• Pour over a 3:1 mix of vegetable glycerin to distilled water until fully covered.

• Label, shake, and store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking every few days.

• Strain and bottle for use.

Tincture Option (Adult Use):

• Cover dried chamomile with 80–100 proof vodka in a glass jar.

• Let steep for 4–6 weeks, shake often, then strain.

Both can be taken in drops (1–2 ml as needed), added to tea, or used topically for irritated skin.

8. Comfrey Root Salve (External Use Only)

A must-have for bruises, bumps, and sore spots—comfrey root salve is famous for supporting skin recovery and soothing inflammation. We call this the “get-back-up salve.” Comfrey is traditionally known as “knitbone” and is fantastic for helping with minor sprains, bumps, and bruises. It’s for external use only—never on open wounds.

Printable recipe coming soon in our Apothecary series.

9. Electrolyte Powder or Natural Hydration Packs

Whether it’s a hot homesteading day or your kiddo has a tummy bug, dehydration sneaks up fast. Most store mixes are full of sugar and dyes, so I like to make my own.

DIY Option:

• 1/4 tsp sea salt

• 1/4 tsp baking soda

• 1 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 cups water

Shake and sip cold. It works like a charm.

10. Simple Bandages + Herbal Wipes

Don’t underestimate the basics. We always keep a stash of clean gauze, waterproof bandages, and a few gentle, herbal wipes (infused with calendula or witch hazel) for cleaning little wounds or sticky fingers. Round out your kit with essentials: gauze, tape, and herbal wipes or homemade witch hazel pads.

DIY Witch Hazel Wipes Instructions:

• 4 oz alcohol-free witch hazel

• 1 tbsp aloe vera gel (or 1 packet)

• Optional: 3 drops lavender or tea tree essential oil

Instructions: Soak reusable cotton rounds or cloth squares in mixture. Store in airtight pouch or wipes container.

Grab the $5 Printable Summer First Aid Kit Bundle Includes all 3 main recipes (salve, spray, bath tea), plus a printable checklist.

• Available on [Gumroad] and [Ko-fi]

Final Thought:

A natural first aid kit doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to work for your life. Start small, choose items you trust and actually use, and grow it as you go. You can even divide this list into mini kits: one for the car, one for camping, and one for your daily bag. There's something empowering about knowing how to care for your people with natural, time-tested remedies—even on the go.

👉 Already built your Kid-Friendly Calm Kit? This guide is the perfect next step.

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