As I lay in bed at night attempting to sleep one night, I started panicking when I realized that if something happens to Georgia, we didn't even have a band aid to our name. Literally. We don't know how to do CPR on an infant. We had run out of peroxide, cold medicine, and essential oils. And now I was the worst Mom is the world because I was so unprepared. And then, I couldn't sleep.
So with some of our tax return money, I started putting together a stash of first aid goodies. It is not quite finished, as some of the products were a little harder to find, but at least it's a start! Here are a few of the products I found work well.
My Stash Thus Far
1. Peroxide. Obviously. Ideal for cleaning out cuts and scraps. It's dirt cheap and works like a charm. We also pour this in our ears when we feel like an ear infection is coming on. Lean your head to the side, pour some peroxide it, and leave it until it stops fizzing. If you want a good laugh, ask Stuart about the time that I walked into a wall as I was trying keep the peroxide in my ear. Ah, good times. Good times.
2. Essential oils. Lavender, peppermint, and tea tree are my "go-to" oils. I am also on the lookout for some eucalyptus oil. Because of its mild sedative effect, lavender works wonders for soothing a wee-one and calming anxiety and headaches. It can also be used as an antiseptic on cuts and scraps. Tea tree oil can be used from on everything from fungus to laundry. It's also very effective as a diaper rash treatment. It's definitely a good one to keep around! Because of the high level of menthol, peppermint oil is effective for congestion and colds as an inhalant. It can also ease the itching of an insect bite. Eucalyptus oil is an antibiotic and antiviral oil that is also very effective as an inhalant for congestion, colds, sinus infections, and the flu.
This is by no means an exhausted list of beneficial essential oils, but these are the ones that we keep around on a day-to-day basis.
3. Witch Hazel. Witch hazel is an astringent that has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It can be used on a variety of skin irritations, such as insect bites. Witch Hazel also works well as a diluent for essentials oils, when used externally.
4. Elderberry Syrup. This will kick your cold in the caboose! When a cold starts to come on, elderberry syrup can prevent the worsening of the cold. Taking elderberry syrup can also decrease the recovery time, or even can be used as a preventative measure. When I had a cold a few weeks ago that I couldn't get rid of, I started taking this and within 48 hours I was a million percent better. A million percent, people! I saw a recipe for a homemade elderberry syrup that I am dying to try, once the berries make their appearance!
5. Thermometer. Check.
6. Bandages and gauze. And tape. Because when you need them, it's too late to run to the store.
7. Tweezers. Because you just never know.
8. Ah, yes. Can't forget the Emergen-C. Because this stuff can kick a cold in the caboose, too. Works great as a preventative measure and can also decrease the duration of the cold. It also replaces those oh-so-important electrolytes that one may loose when one is feelin' yucky.
9. This is my sock-soother. I thought it was one of Stuart's bad socks. Turns out, it's one of his new ones I got him for Christmas. Whoops. Now, it's filled with rice. Then, I sprinkled some lavender and peppermint oil on it. Then, I microwaved it for about 30 seconds. Then, I layed it on my chest when I was feeling like poo. I also used it on Georgia when she was congested. The combination of the decongesting menthol, the sedative effect of the lavender, and the warmness of the rice made this a lovely lil' buddy to have around when the plague was upon us.
10. Epsom Salt. For achy muscles, nothing beats soaking in a epsom salt bath. It soothes soreness, inflammation, and fatigue. It also can be taken internally to relieve constipation.
I Still Need
- Aloe Vera Gel: For burns and inflammation.
- Chamomile Tea: With it's anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, sedative, and soothing characteristics, this tea is a "must" to have around for when you're feelin' punky. It's gentle enough for children to safely consume. It's so delicious, however, that I have consumed all of my medicinal-supply.
- Ginger Tea: Effective at calming an upset stomach and also gentle enough for children. It helps to sooth and heal digestive problems, as well as gas. Again, so tasty that I drank my supply of it. Time to re-stock!
- Citronella-based Insect Repellent: Because it isn't bug-season, this was has a low priority, but I shall order it soon! Because mosquito bites stink, man.
- Echinacea Extract: Effective on all kinds of infections, internally and externally.
I think that's all, at this moment, on my ever-changing list of supplies. Do any of my lovely readers have any recommendations for me? Am I missing something super important and necessary?
Oh, and I also printed up CPR charts to have in the bathroom. And a list of first-aid remedies for common ailments. That way, when we have a problem, we can just look at the list and/or chart and feel prepared.
Because, frankly, this kind of mothering-worrying-stuff keeps me awake at night.
And I want to sleep.
