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As a dad one of my greatest fears (other than unemployment) is not being to do anything for my children in the event of a medical crisis when SHTF. Even simple camping trips can turn into a nightmare when you’re out in the woods or up in the mountains without necessary medication to help your loved ones. This is why I’ve taken it upon myself to research and study DIY natural remedies.
It will be a critical survival advantage to understand and identify DIY natural remedies even if you think you will never need them. The best time to learn a skill is when you don’t need it.
Here is my list of 12 DIY natural remedies that are proven to be effective.
Related: Learn how to treat heatstroke in an emergency.
DIY Natural Remedies
Epsom Salt
The lowly Epsom salt, otherwise known as magnesium sulfate is one natural remedy item you should always have at home. Not only does it reduce stress, ease sore muscles, and softens the skins, it is great for the following too:
1. Epsom Salt for Splinters
Splinters will draw themselves out of the skin when you use a handful of Epsom salt with a bit of water over the splinter. Allow to sit for 10 minutes and the splinter will be easy pickings after.
2. Epsom Salt for Sprains and Swelling
Sprains become painful due to the swelling of the tissue surrounding the injury. Soaking the sprained or swollen area in a water and Epsom salt solution will help draw out the excess water and lactic acid, thereby easing pain and swelling.
Epsoak Epsom Salt 19 lb. Bulk Bag Magnesium Sulfate USP
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a well-known natural remedy with entire books written about is healing properties. Here are three DIY natural remedies you can make with baking soda:
3. Baking Soda for Stings
A paste of baking soda and water can relieve the itchiness from insect stings and mosquito bites. The paste works on chickenpox and poison ivy too!
4. Baking Soda for Sunburns
Soothe sunburned skin with a warm baking soda and water bath. If you are not a fan of soaking up, you can form a paste with baking soda and warm water to apply to the sunburned area.
5. Baking Soda for Bladder infections.
Baking soda can make your urine alkaline. This makes it impossible for bacteria to thrive so jugging some baking soda and water cocktail can help you out with a bladder infection.
ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda, 13.5 Pound
DIY Natural Remedies – Ginger
One of the most commonly known ingredients for homemade natural remedies, ginger has been used medicinally for thousands of years for things such as vomiting, nausea, and digestive problems. Let ginger work its magic on the following too:
6. Ginger for Migraines
Recent research has shown that taking a teaspoon of powdered ginger at the onset of migraine headaches can stave it off. This is because ginger has great anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Ginger for Menstrual Cramps.
Not only is ginger an anti-inflammatory, but it can also act as an anti-spasmodic so it is effective as an inhibitor of painful smooth muscle contractions. Smooth muscles line the uterus and the digestive tract, that’s why ginger works on menstrual cramps and tummy aches.
Anthony’s Organic Ground Ginger Root, 1 lb, Gluten Free, Non GMO, Keto Friendly
DIY Natural Remedies – Honey
Honey has been used for thousands of years for coughs, allergies, and ulcers. Here is another great use for honey as a natural remedy:
8. Honey for Cuts
Honey contains propolis and hydrogen peroxide, bacteria-killing compounds that make it an effective anti-bacterial.
Bad microorganisms simply can’t stand honey, no wonder it doesn’t spoil!
Nature Nate’s 100% Pure, Raw & Unfiltered Honey; 32oz. Squeeze Bottle; Award-Winning Taste
DIY Natural Remedies – Lavender
Lavender doesn’t only smell great, it has infection-fighting compounds too! Make sure to grab some lavender when you spot some in the woods or in the field for making a bacteria-killing soak just in case you’ll need it. Or, grow some in your front yard 😉
9. Lavender for Skin Infections
Compressing a wound with a piece of cloth soaked in an infusion of lavender will prevent and kill off infections.
10. Lavender for Pain Relief
Massaging a few drops of lavender oil in a sore area can relieve pain. It works on itching too!
Seville Farms HB017 Trio Lavender Live Plant, 1.00 Pint, Green
Findlavender – Hidcote Blue Lavender Plant – 4Lavender Phenomenal, 20065 Lavandula X. ‘Phenomenal’ 1 Gallon
DIY Natural Remedies – Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a potent natural remedy for all sorts of infections. In fact, some studies have proven that it is just as good as modern drugs in this regard. Here’s more about Goldenseal’s anti-infectious uses:
11. Goldenseal for Infectious Diarrhea
The microorganisms which cause infectious diarrhea don’t stand a chance against the berberine in goldenseal.
In SHTF scenarios, especially typhoons, hurricanes, and tornadoes, the lack of clean water can cause this type of diarrhea so having some goldenseal will protect you against that.
Goldenseal Root Powder Wildcrafted – 4 Oz (113 G) – Starwest Botanicals
12. Goldenseal for Eye Infections
An eye-wash of goldenseal will heal pinkeye in no time. Just steep the goldenseal in hot water, allow it to cool, and use it to wash your eyes until the infection has cleared up.
Bonus: Root Cellar That Can Be Used as a Bunker
If you can't afford the box culvert option you can look into is building a backyard root cellar that can be used as a bunker.
If you want to learn how to build a backyard bunker like your grandparents had, without breaking the bank, then check out Easy Cellar.
Easy Cellar will show you:
- How to choose the ideal site
- Cost-effective building methods
- How to protect your bunker from nuclear blast and fallout
- How to conceal your bunker
- Affordable basic life support options
Easy Cellar will also show you how a veteran, with only $421, built a small nuclear bunker in his backyard.
