No hurricane kit should be without a simple herbal first aid box. To begin with every kit should contain Bach Flower Rescue Remedy. This is not just for the person in the emergency situation but for all those who are around the injured person. It helps everyone to remain calm and not get overly excited.

A well prepared kit should also contain Burn Salve (see below for formula) it can be used on burns, bug bites, it soothes sun burns, heals cuts and scrapes providing anti bacterial and anti microbial actions keeping wounds from becoming infected.

Cayenne is a spice that many of us have in our cupboards; its styptic properties can stop bleeding when sprinkled on a wound. It can also be used if you believe someone might be going into shock. Placing a pinch of this herb on the persons tongue will help until the ambulance gets there.

Another essential to have is the essential oil of lavender. It can be used as a smelling salt, on burns, cuts or bug bites. Grapefruit seed extract is another important item for your kit. It can be used as a disinfectant for wounds by placing 20-40 drops in one pint of water and washing the area with the mixture. You can also use grapefruit seed extract to purify your water it only takes 3 drops for every 8 ounces of water providing you with safe drinking water. It can do this because Grapefruit Seed Extract fights against staph, E. Coli bacteria, salmonella, shigella, streptococcus as well as viruses and fungus.

A simple salve or compress made with arnica (see below) helps to relieve many injuries such as sore muscles, pulled muscles and tendons, swelling and sprains that can happen to many of us during the clean up after the storm or during the process of getting your house prepared before the storm. Arnica helps to promote healing and to reduce pain however Arnica is not to be used on open wounds.

A good insect repellent (see below) is also a must for when you are outside preparing your home before the storm and when you are cleaning up after the storm.

A good Herbal Emergency Kit does not have to be big - many of these items are dual purpose - it just takes some time to gather them together. Start now so you are not panicking before the storm.

Formulas

Burn Salve Make an infused oil using: 1/2 oz St Johns Wort   Plantain   Calendula   Comfrey Leaf The salve is made from: 1 cup of the infused oil 1 3/4 oz of Bees wax 1/2 tsp essential oil of Lavender To prepare place infused oil and Beeswax in a double boiler and melt the wax. When the wax has melted add essential oil of lavender. Pour into cream type jars. Cover and label.

Arnica Salve 1 cup of infused oil of Arnica 1 3/4 oz Bees wax 1/8 tsp essential oil of wintergreen To prepare place the infused oil in a double boiler. Warm the oil and add the bees wax. When the wax melts add wintergreen essential oil. Pour this mixture into containers and label.

Insect Repellant 3/4 oz. Olive oil 3 oz vodka Essential oils 1/4 tsp each   Citronella   Eucalyptus   Lemon grass 1/8 tsp each   Clove oil   Cedar wood   Peppermint In a 4 oz spray bottle place all ingredients. Shake and use.