Papa's Picks: Natural Antibacterials for Your First Aid Kit

Hydrogen Peroxide Image via WikipediaFrom umbilical cords to skinned knees, the best natural remedies are simple, widely available, and cheap to purchase.

My top all-around favorite for healing the skin is raw honey.

Not your generic honeybee-squeeze-bottle honey that looks like Karo syrup, from the chain supermarket, but rich flavorful honey from a local or regional beekeeper. There's a big difference; go and check it out for yourself...

From World Wide Wounds: Honey as a topical antibacterial agent:

Honey is an ancient remedy for the treatment of infected wounds, which has recently been 'rediscovered' by the medical profession, particularly where conventional modern therapeutic agents are failing. There are now many published reports describing the effectiveness of honey in rapidly clearing infection from wounds, with no adverse effects to slow the healing process; there is also some evidence to suggest that honey may actively promote healing. In laboratory studies, it has been shown to have an antimicrobial action against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi.

When honey is used to dress a wound, hydrogen peroxide is naturally produced in contact with body fluids, having an antiseptic action.

Honey is used to treat antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria, and can be safely applied almost anywhere. It stores virtually forever, and a small vial or tin of honey should be in your first aid kit/diaper bag/go bag/under the seat in the truck or wagon.

My next favorite natural antiseptic is goldenseal.

Powdered goldenseal root makes an excellent umbilical cord healer. Sprinkle it directly on a wound, or make a paste with a small amount of water for wounds that aren't healing well. It serves as an excellent gargle and mouthwash, and can be used in an eyewash for styes or pinkeye. Look for it at your local co-op or natural foods store. A little goes a long way.

My third pick is tea tree oil.

A powerful antimicrobial and remedy for fungal infections, the oil of the melaleuca tree in Australia is available in most natural food stores. Buy 100% essential oil, or a lavender and tea tree blend. Use for any wounds, but keep away from your eyes. It's rumored to be effective against lice.

These three, plus the propolis salve, have been sufficient for healing most any wounds or sores in our house for years now. We don't buy Neosporin or waterless antibacterial soap, and we aren't phobic about "germs". I add some basic band-aids and a needle and thread, a tiny bit of duct tape, a blade, and a book of matches to round out a day-trip first aid kit.

What do you have in yours?

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