A Witch’s Herbal First Aid Guide
I always reach back to nature when I can. Herbs have carried me through when nothing else did. This is my go-to herbal first aid guide, the plants I keep in my kitchen and in my apothecary cabinet. Each one has a story, a ritual, and a recipe that comes with it.
This isn’t medical advice and it’s not a replacement for proper care when you need it. Always be careful with allergies, pregnancy, or if you’re taking medication. Trust your body, keep it simple, and listen to your instincts.
Aloe Vera
For burns, sunburns, rashes, and small cuts. Cut a leaf, scoop the gel, and use it straight on the skin. Keep it in the fridge if you want it extra soothing. I use it after the sun fries me or when heat rashes show up.
Calendula
Cuts, scrapes, rashes, bites. Solar energy in flower form. Cover petals with olive oil, leave in the sun two weeks, strain, and use. I keep a calendula salve on hand for scratches.
Lavender
Burns, insect bites, stress, headaches. Tea, bath, oil – she does it all. Make a strong tea, cool it, and use it as a compress for burns or inflamed skin. It calms my skin and my nerves at the same time.
Echinacea
Immune booster, infections, bites. Chop the root or dried flowers, cover with vodka, store in a dark spot for a month, then strain. One dropper when a cold is sneaking in does the trick.
Peppermint
Headaches, nausea, digestion, muscle pain. Peppermint tea is a lifesaver. I breathe in the steam for congestion, or rub crushed fresh leaves on my temples when my head feels like it’s splitting.
Chamomile
Rashes, cuts, digestion. Brew it into tea for your gut, or cool it down and use it as a wash for angry skin. It works like a soft blanket for the body.
Thyme
Antiseptic, coughs, sore throats. I gargle with strong thyme tea when my throat hurts. You can also infuse it in oil for a chest rub.
Elderberry
Cold, flu, immune boost. My elderberry syrup is always in the fridge in winter. Simmer berries with cinnamon and cloves, add honey after it cools. Sweet, strong, and effective.
Yarrow
Cuts, scrapes, bleeding. Dry it, powder it, and put it straight on wounds. It stops bleeding fast. It’s been a warrior’s herb for centuries.
Plantain
Bites, stings, rashes. Crush a leaf and put it right on the spot. It pulls poison and calms irritation like magic. I call it the sidewalk healer because it grows everywhere.
Witch Hazel
Bruises, cuts, itchy skin. Use a distilled version or make your own. I keep it in a spray bottle with lavender. Works for toner, bug bites, or after shaving.
Arnica
Bruises, sore muscles, inflammation. Infuse dried flowers into oil and rub it on. Never take it internally. Arnica is one of my favorites I use it after long walks when my back is screaming.
Marshmallow Root
Sore throat, burns, irritated skin. Cold-steep overnight for a tea that soothes the throat. The powdered root works as a poultice for skin flare-ups.
Garlic
Antibacterial, antiviral, wounds. Crush raw garlic in honey and take a spoon when you’re sick. For wounds, garlic-infused oil works but use it fresh because it spoils fast.
Rosemary
Headaches, sore muscles, circulation. Infuse in oil for massage, or steep into a rinse for your scalp. It also makes baths feel like body therapy.
Tea Tree Oil
Cuts, bites, fungal issues. A few drops, always diluted. I use it for acne, itchy scalp, and even in my cleaning sprays.
Final Thoughts
Nature knows what she’s doing. You don’t need a whole pharmacy if you’ve got these herbs in your life. But always use them with care. Test for allergies, be cautious if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and check with your doctor if you’re on medication. Herbs are powerful, but your safety comes first.
