Hiking is a great way to get your exercise but it’s important to prepare for your outing with an herbal First-Aid pack. Whether you are heading out for a two-hour hike or all afternoon, you will want to have some basic supplies.
Herbal First-Aid Kit
Let’s talk about what you might want to carry in your Herbal First-Aid kit. Obviously you can’t carry a whole medicine cabinet, but you should make sure to have a good First-aid kit stocked with supplies that will be useful should you have to use it during a hike. While there are lots of good pre-made kits you can purchase, you can also create your own Herbal Aid kit and keep it in your vehicle to use whenever you might need it.
Essential oil such as lavender, tea tree, peppermint and eucalyptus are a good start to include in an Herbal First Aid kit. Lavender and tea tree are good for insect bites. Peppermint (in a sweet almond base) is cooling for sunburn as well as insect bites. Eucalyptus (also diluted) is good for aching sore muscles. Arnica is a good homeopathic remedy for sore muscles. Do not use on broken skin.
Don’t forget Rescue Remedy for trauma and emotional distress.
Treat Cuts
To treat cuts carry an assortment of adhesive bandages, including regular band aids, an assortment of sterile gauze pads (various sizes), small and large knuckle joint bandages, butterfly closures, medical tape, and fingertip bandages. In order to prepare and care for the wounds, your kit should also include hand cleansing wipes, alcohol pads, and triple-antibiotic ointment.
Additional items to include in the Herbal First Aid Kit are disposable gloves, forehead temperature strips, scissors, tweezers, and an emergency blanket.
Snack List
For a quick fix, there are a variety of energy bars and energy chews or gels. If you have never had energy chews or gels, try them before you head out to ensure you like them. Easy snacks to bring along that don’t require a lot of space are pretzels, granola bars, trail mix, and jerky.
Snacks with quinoa or hemp seeds are high in protein and filling For a good compact lunch you might consider a ready-made tuna salad. Add a few hemp hearts, some nuts, a boiled egg, your favorite fruit and you’re good to go. Also take ginger tablets or capsules to remedy upset stomach.
Backpack List
Next we need to pack a backpack of basic supplies. This depends on the number of hours you plan on being out. Basic items to carry include your first-aid kit, food, water, sunscreen, lip balm, flashlight, matches in a waterproof container or a lighter, knife, sunglasses and a light jacket. If you have room, pack warm clothes and a tarp for staying overnight just in case on longer journeys.
It’s important to have a compass as well as a map when you head out. If you don’t have a map of the area, head to the local Chamber of Commerce or tourist info centre as they usually have all sorts of maps and information about trails in the area.
Happy Hiking!
