Common Branch First Aid Prep Challenge
By Agatha Noveille
Table of Contents
Introduction: What is herbal first aid?
Lesson #1 Basic Emergency Response
Lesson #2 First Aid Kits
Lesson #3 Cuts and Scrapes
Lesson #4 Ear Care
Lesson #5 Throat Care
Lesson #6 Burns
Lesson #7 Lung Care
Lesson #8 Eye Care
Lesson #9 Seasonal Allergies
Lesson #10 Upset Tummies
Lesson #11 Fever Care
Lesson #12 Bruises, Sprains, and Strains
Lesson #13 Next Steps
Lesson #14 Create Your Badge
Introduction: What is Herbal First Aid?
To understand herbal first aid, first you need to understand a bit about herbalism.
What Herbalism Is, and What It Is Not:
Although it is a form of complementary or alternative therapies, herbalism works strictly with
herbs- fresh or dried roots, barks, berries, leaves, and flowers- that have a long history of
safe and beneficial use. This course does not address the use essential oils, homeopathy,
dietary supplements, acupressure, or other things you might hear being discussed at your
local natural foods and vitamins store. These other skills and products fall under the
category of natural and alternative therapies with herbalism, however they are not the same
thing as herbalism.
Herbalism is also a collection of traditional skills and knowledge focused on plants and
health. Advanced herbalism can help us create a backup plan for added health security
during short or long term emergencies where access to medical care could potentially be
interrupted. This course takes a look at beginner’s skills- skills we can use to address
simple, day to day first aid scenarios and household health. By the end of the course, you
will know how to make a wide variety of herbal preparations that can be adapted in many
different ways.
An Overview of Home First Aid Skills and Scenarios
Open any handbook for first aid, and you will quickly realize that the point of first aid is to
determine whether medical attention is needed, and to help a sick or injured person until full
medical care is available. In cases where it is determined that medical care is not needed,
the focus becomes providing comfort for the sick or injured person until they are well. With
herbal first aid, our goal is to understand how we can assist using plants. This gives many
people an added sense of security and self-reliance; they feel that it expands their choices
and ability to utilize alternative resources in the event of shortages of more common
products.
It’s important to understand that “natural” and “safe” do not mean the same thing. Yes,
plants are often less toxic and have less side effects than prescription medications. BUTanything can potentially be abused through overuse, inappropriate use, or ignorance. So, as
with any part of the realm of self care, with herbalism it is important to pair use with
exercising moderation, skilled application, and continual learning about plants and the
human body.
Limits of Home Care: Knowing When to Dial 911 or Call the Doctor
Most of the first aid scenarios we will examine in this course occur on a scale from very mild
discomfort to requiring IMMEDIATE, professional medical attention. In each chapter, we will
discuss this scale and how it applies to first aid skills, traditional herbalism, and seeking
emergency care.
How to Use This Course
The Common Branch Herbal First Aid Challenge has 14 lessons that are designed to
introduce you to herbal first aid skills alongside traditional first aid. I challenge you to
complete the course within two weeks once you have gathered all your supplies. Setting a
short term deadline for yourself will give you a sense of urgency and motivation so that you
will quickly complete the course and begin applying what you’ve learned. These skills are
useful and immediately applicable, so don’t file them away on your “maybe someday” list.
Learn them now, and you will have the skills when you need them.
Before you begin, you should gather the following tools and ingredients so you can
complete the herbal tasks for each lesson. I have tried to keep ingredients to a minimum by
using the most versatile herb for each task and keeping each recipe simple. If you do not
have access to a health food store that sells dried herbs in bulk, see if you can find a group
of friends who are interested in herbal first aid so you can split the cost of ordering the
supplies you will need.
Tools
1 enamel or glass pot
1 case of 8 oz glass canning jars (or similar)
wax paper
cheesecloth to use as a strainer or a fine mesh seive
Ingredients
Beeswax
Honey
Apple Cider Vinegar
Powdered Sugar
100 proof vodka
Herbs (Dried)
Elderberries
Elderflowers
Mullein flowers
Plantain
Rose Hips
Rose Petals
Lavender buds
Elecampane root
Nettles
Angelica root
Goldenrod
Marshmallow root
Peppermint
Yarrow
Lesson #1
Basic Emergency Response
First aid is a set of skills that can help you be safe in many different situations, but it’s not
just about buying a pocket guide and putting together a kit- herbal or otherwise. It’s a
mindset, and has to do with learning the ability to think clearly and critically in a situation
under pressure. The very first skill you need to learn for first aid is how to assess what is
going on and decide on the proper response. For this lesson, your task will be to sign up
and complete a basic first aid course of some kind. It’s not herbal, but it will give you an
incredibly useful set of skills for handling emergency situations that you may encounter. To
give you an idea of why, here’s a list of situations that should be covered in your class:
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Signs of a heart attack
Diabetic emergencies
Shock
Food Poisoning
Allergic Reactions
Asthma attack
Stroke
Drug Overdose
Near Drowning and Secondary Drowning
Heatstroke
Frostbite and Hypothermia
Seizures
Fainting
Panic Attacks
Miscarriage or Emergency Delivery
Fractures
Broken Bones
Dislocations
Severed Limbs
Animal Bites
Attempted Suicide
Alcohol Poisoning
Head Injuries and Trauma
Nausea and Vomiting
Dehydration
Neck and Spinal Injury
Poisoning
Lacerations
Puncture Wounds
That’s a lot of material to cover! Taking a class will give you the benefit of a live instructor so
you can ask questions and having classmates to practice with.
Also, I’m not going to cover CPR in this course, because it is definitely best learned in
person with practice dummies. You have to push a LOT harder than you think, and an
instructor’s feedback is invaluable. So- go get certified! Once you are signed up and have
your class date on your calendar, move ahead to Lesson#2.
Task #1: Get Certified for First Aid and CPR
Date Completed:
Notes:
Lesson #2
Standard and Herbal First Aid Kits
Once you have taken a basic first aid class, it’s time to look at how to put together a good
first aid kit. Chances are, standard first aid kit suggestions were covered in your class. But if
you need a refresher, let’s look at what the Red Cross recommends. For the task at the end
of this lesson, you can either buy a premade kit or put together a kit from scratch- but make
sure you have the basic tools to safely stop bleeding and give first aid is important.
The American Red Cross recommends the following very basic kit for a family of four:
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2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
5 antiseptic wipe packets
2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
1 blanket (space blanket)
1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
1 instant cold compress
2 pairs of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
Scissors
1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
2 triangular bandages
Tweezers
First aid instruction booklet
I prefer including non-latex gloves in the size that fits me best, rather than just large glovesmy hands are small, so a large size doesn’t work for me. Having gloves that are too large
makes it hard to work, and they can also fall off; while having gloves that are too small is
dangerous- they could tear while you are working and expose you to someone else’s blood
or bodily fluids. This is just one example of the ways you can customize your kit to make
sure it is optimized for you and the particular situations you are likely to encounter.
You should consider keeping first aid kits in easy to reach places at home, at work, and in
your car. Mine are in black canvas tool bags I found on sale at a home improvement storethey are durable and a good size for what I need. Plastic, shoe-box size totes are also great
if you are building your kit from scratch. Be creative! The main goal is durability and
accessibility.
Now, let’s take a minute to look at options for an herbal first aid kit.
There are 10 really versatile herbs that I think everyone should consider learning about in
depth and keeping on hand as extracts and in their dried form. Better yet, grow them in your
garden if you have room! Extracts are made by allowing the herb to soak in an alcohol
solution like vodka, which pulls out the beneficial goodies in the herb and preserves them
for later use. A well made extract can last for a minimum of five years.
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Rose (red rose petals)
Valerian (root)
Hawthorn (berries)
Elder (both the flowers and berries)
Plantain (leaves)
Marshmallow (root)
Mullein (flowers)
Yarrow (leaves)
Peppermint (leaves)
Angelica (root)
There isn’t room to detail each one of these herbs, and there are many more that are
equally beneficial. Many of these herbs do appear in recipes later on in the course, and they
are some of the first herbs I recommend doing a little research on if you are looking for a list
of herbs to get started with on your herbal first aid path.
By the end of the course, you will have learned or reviewed the following versatile herbal
skills so that you can make an assortment of products for your herbal 1st aid kit:
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infusions and decoctions
infused oils
vinegars
salves
syrups
liniments
Once you’ve learned more about herbs, you will be able to substitute different ingredients in
the recipes to develop your own based on what you have available and what your situation
calls for.
Task #2 Build Your Standard 1st Aid Kit
Date Completed:
Notes:
Lesson #3
1st Aid for Cuts and Scrapes
First aid care for cuts, scrapes, puncture wounds and other ills of the epidermis is extremely
important. Proper cleaning and care reduces the chance of dangerous infections. Any time
our skin is compromised, it puts us at risk for infection. At home, this might not be such a
big deal- especially for minor scrapes and paper cuts- but in certain environments it can be
really dangerous. Injuries to the skin can set the stage for infections like staph or tetanus,
and make a convenient entry point for other diseases that are transmissible via body fluids
or the environment. For instance, it’s really important to keep cuts and scrapes- even small
ones- away from untreated water sources like lakes and rivers until the skin has a chance to
heal.
Bacteria found in untreated water can make you sick, and could cause gangrene if it gets in
a cut.
First aid for cuts, scrapes, puncture wounds:
1. Wash your hands. If you are helping someone else, put on a pair of non-latex
gloves.
2. Stop the bleeding. If the injury is squirting blood or bleeding in spurts, seek
professional care immediately- an artery may have been severed.
3. Assess whether medical care is needed. (See Below)
4. Clean the wound with warm water and soap. Rinse and pat dry.
5. Apply antibiotic ointment.
6. Cover with a clean bandage.
7. Continue to care for the injury by keeping it clean and dry. Change the bandages
regularly and apply more ointment as needed.
8. Watch for signs of infection. If the injury isn’t healing; appears to be swelling or have
drainage; there is a lot of pain or pain seems to be getting worse, or redness/
streaks of red around the injury can all be warning signs that the injury is infected. If
it shows signs of becoming infected, seek medical attention.
Seek medical attention if cuts or injuries are:
 ¼ inch or deeper;
 show visible fat or muscle under the skin
 gape open or have jagged edges
 are on your face
 from a human or animal bite
 if the area around the injury or the cut itself feels numb
 if the injury is showing signs of infection
 if the injury is a puncture wound or caused by something very dirty or rusty
Understanding the Risks: Tetanus
If you have an injury that involves a puncture, or if the injury is very dirty, you should call
your doctor to find out if you are up to date on your tetanus shots. Tetanus, sometimes
called lockjaw, is a dangerous infection caused by a bacteria, Clostridium tetani, that can
infect a puncture or deep wound. Clostridium tetani produces a toxin once it reaches the
human bloodstream. To give you an idea of how serious this infection can be, the
Clostridium tetani toxin, tetanospasmin, is ranked alongside botulism (one of the most
deadly forms of food poisoning) as one of the most potent bacterial toxins in existence.
Eventually, the tetanus toxin causes the nervous system to short circuit and can lead to
trouble breathing and swallowing, muscle spasms strong enough to break the spine or other
bones, and even death. Once the toxin binds to your nerve endings, there is no way to
remove it. Recovery can take months, because your body will need to grow new nerve
endings. Management of the infection during recovery sometimes requires the use of
extremely strong sedatives to control the muscle spasms and can result in long term
disability. In infants and young children, complications can include permanent brain
damage. Clostridium tetani is found in soil, manure and animal excrement, and even in
house dust.
Task #3
Make a Plantain Salve
There are several great plants for making herbal salves, or ointments, for skin care. We’re
going to take a look at plantain, Plantago major or P. lanceola. For one thing, this plant is a
common weed in many parts of the world, making it easily accessible even in a pinch. For
another, plantain has a reputation among herbalists for helping to draw out bad stuff that
may have gotten into the wound, and we also believe that it improves healing time and
makes the injured area more comfortable while the skin heals. Some herbalists also like to
use comfrey, Symphytum officinale, after the first few days- but comfrey should never be
applied to new or deep wounds. It can cause the skin to heal over the top of the injury,
potentially trapping things inside the wound and setting the stage for further problems.
Plantain doesn’t seem to cause this problem.To use plantain salve, use a clean cotton swab
to spread salve on the desired area. If you need more salve, use a new swab. Never double
dip! You could contaminate your whole jar of salve.
Ingredients
 A 1” cube of beeswax
 ¼ cup dried plantain leaf*
 1 cup of olive oil
Makes approximately 4 oz by volume of finished salve
* Don’t try to use fresh plantain for this recipe. Botulism spores can grow in oil, and the
higher water content of fresh herbs could lead to spoilage.
Directions
1. Make an infused oil with dried plantain:
 Combine the dried plantain and the olive oil in the glass jar.
 The plantain will swell as it absorbs some of the oil- this is normal. If you need to,
add more oil to make sure the herbs stay covered by at least ½ inch of oil.
 Screw the lid onto the jar, and place the jar in a brown paper bag to protect it from
direct sunlight.
 Place the bag in a sunny window or other warm place and allow it to infuse for two
weeks. Shake the jar every day so that the herbs and oil mix well.
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At the end of the two weeks, strain the oil through cheesecloth into a clean jar.
Discard the used herbs. Prepare another clean jar for the finished salve.
2. Heat the oil and add the beeswax.
 Measure 8 tablespoons of the infused oil into an enamel saucepan over low heat.
 Add the beeswax and stir gently while the wax melts and combines with the oil.
3. While it is still hot, pour the mixture into the storage jar.
 Once the wax has completely melted and combined with the oil, carefully pour it into
the sanitized storage jar.
 Allow the salve to cool- it will change color and texture as it does. Once cooled,
cover with a clean lid.
4. Use as needed.
 Once the salve is completely cool, it can be used as needed.
 Never use your fingers to remove salve from the jar. Always use a clean swab, and
never double dip! Using your fingers or double dipping could contaminate the whole
batch.
Task #3 Make Plantain Salve
Date Completed:
Notes:
Lesson #4
First Aid for Ears
Ear infections and swimmer’s ear are common ear complaints. Ear infections can happen in
the inner, middle, or outer part of the ear. Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer part of
the ear. Signs of an ear infection might be pain inside the ears, pain in the jaw, drainage of
fluid from the ear (maybe even pus or bloody discharge), fever, difficulty hearing, a feeling
of pressure inside the ear from fluid build up, problems with balance, or dizziness.
Ear infections most often set in after a recent cold or upper respiratory illness, but allergies
or wax buildup can contribute. They can be caused by either bacteria or viruses. Swimmer’s
ear is caused by bacteria in swimming pools- it’s best prevented by using ear plugs or
swimming caps to keep the ears dry while swimming. It also helps to dry the ears
thoroughly after swimming, and tilting the head to each side to allow water to drain.
First aid at home for ear infection is essentially to monitor the problem and manage pain.
First aid for ear infection:
1. Apply heat to give comfort by applying warm, damp washcloths to the side of the neck
and ears.
2. Take pain relievers if needed.
3. Rest to give the body a chance to fight the infection.
4. Use ear drops if recommended by your doctor.
Don’t use ear drops if you have had a procedure to place tubes in the ears.
Don’t use ear drops if pus or bloody fluid is leaking from the ear- that might mean the
eardrum has been injured.
Perforated Eardrum
If there is pus or bloody discharge draining out of the ear, chances are good that the
eardrum has torn because of the pressure from the fluid build up. If that happens, don’t put
anything in the ear. Check with your doctor to see if treatment is needed. Perforated
eardrums can usually heal by themselves, but sometimes they need surgery.
Many of the same signs of an ear infection can be present, since this is usually the most
common thing that causes ruptured eardrums. Pain in the ear or pressure that suddenly
goes away are other important signs to watch for.
Usually, perforated eardrums heal within a few weeks without treatment, but the ear should
be protected in the meantime from loud noises or getting water inside it. If you think you
have a perforated eardrum, you need to get it checked out by a doctor. They can tell you
whether it needs further treatment and help monitor for complications and infection.
Besides infection, perforated eardrums can also be caused by head injuries, a slap or blow
to the ear, foreign objects in the ear canal, changes in air pressure, or loud noises.
When is medical care needed?
You should immediately see a doctor if:
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there is pus or blood leaking out of the ear
there is a high fever (103F-104F in adults)
ear pain is in both ears for children under 2
ear pain in one ear lingers for more than one day in children under 2
ear pain is present for 2 days or more in adults or older children.
Task #4
Make Mullein Oil
A simple infused oil made with dried mullein flowers and olive oil is a traditional recipe that
works great for ear first aid. A few drops in the ear is soothing for ear pain related to colds
and flus, allergies, or too much wax. However, you should NOT use mullein oil in your ears
if you have or suspect a ruptured eardrum, or have had tubes placed in your ears. Mullein
oil also makes a wonderfully soothing topical for dry, chapped skin on the face from wind
burn or cold weather.
Ingredients
 mullein flowers
 olive oil
Directions
1. Combine the ingredients.
 Place three tablespoons of dried mullein flowers into the 8oz glass jar. Cover the
flowers with olive oil and place the lid on the jar.
2. Allow the oil to infuse for 2 weeks.
 Place the jar in a warm, sunny windowsill for two weeks. Make sure to shake the jar
daily and add more oil if needed.
3. Strain and store for later use.
 At the end of two weeks, strain out the herbs by using a piece of clean cheesecloth,
and store the finished oil in an amber glass bottle away from light and heat.
 To use, lay on one side and apply two to three drops in the ear. Rest for five
minutes. Place cotton in that ear to catch any draining oil and switch sides if desired.
For chapped skin, place a few drops onto fingertips and apply gently to affected
area.
Task #4: Make Mullein Oil
Date Completed:
Notes:
Lesson #5:
First Aid for Sore Throats
Sore throats are another common first aid complaint. They can happen because of things
like a bacterial infection of the throat, a cold or respiratory infection, or seasonal allergies.
Many people immediately assume they have a bacterial infection if they have a sore throat,
but sore throats can be caused by viruses, too.
If there is swelling of the throat, which may be associated with trauma to the neck or with
food allergies, you should seek emergency attention- it may be the beginning of a
dangerous situation that interferes with the ability to breathe.
If your sore throat bothers you for more than a few days, it’s always best to see your doctor
to rule out a serious infection. In the meantime, though, there is plenty that can be done to
keep yourself comfortable. Herbal teas that are extra soothing for sore throats include
marshmallow, licorice, and slippery elm. I like to make a batch of herbal throat drops to
keep on hand, too. Here are directions for making basic herbal drops with honey,
elderberries, and rosehips. Elderberries and rose hips are high in vitamin c and honey is
very soothing to the throat.
Task #5
Make Herbal Throat Drops
Ingredients
 2 cups sugar
 3/4 cup honey
 2 tablespoons dried elderberries
 2 tablespoons dried rosehips
 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers
 1 cup of water
 1 bag of powdered sugar to make molds, and to coat the finished drops
Elderberry, hibiscus, and rosehips all have pleasant tastes that work well for this project.
Rosehips and hibiscus are high in vitamin c, and elderberry has been found to have
immune supporting benefits in some studies. Elderberry was traditionally used as an
expectorant as well. Use 2 tablespoons of each for this recipe. If desired, you can replace
the hibiscus with horehound for more respiratory support.
Tools
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candy thermometer
2 large rectangular baking pans
Directions
1. Make a strong herbal tea
 Bring 1 ½ cups of water to boil in a covered saucepan. Add the dried herbs to the
pan and allow to steep for ten to fifteen minutes.
 Strain and discard the herbs.
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If needed, add back enough water to the tea to make 1 cup of liquid.
2. Prepare the molds
 Create a ½” layer of powdered sugar in the bottoms of the baking pans.
 Use your fingers to create little hollows in the sugar. These will be your molds for the
drops, so make them a size that will be comfortable in your mouth.
3. Make the drops
 Once the molds are finished, combine the cane sugar, honey, and tea in a large
enamel or stainless steel saucepan over low to medium heat. Attach the candy
thermometer to the side of the pot.
 Stir gently and constantly as the mixture heats up. If the mixture becomes foamy and
tries to boil over, it’s ok to divide the syrup into two batches. Simply pour half of the
mixture into a clean bowl and set aside for later.
 As you stir, you will notice the texture change and thicken as the syrup gets to the
right heat (300F). This is exactly what you want. Keep stirring so that the syrup
doesn’t burn.
 Once the mixture reaches 300F, carefully remove from the heat and begin to spoon
the mix into the molds. Be careful not to burn yourself. Let drops sit for 20 minutes to
cool down and become hard.
 For easiest clean up, immediately add warm water to the saucepan and allow it to sit
on low heat until the sticky mixture dissolves into the water. Don’t try to scrub the
pot- for one thing, it’s hot, and for another- the sugar at this point will be stickier than
super glue. Trying to chip it off is too much work. Just let is simmer and the heat and
water will do all the work for you.
 After the drops have had a chance to cool and you have washed the saucepan,
shake the hardened drops in the powdered sugar to coat them. Store in an airtight
container and enjoy as needed.
Task #5
Make Herbal Throat Drops
Date Completed:
Notes:
Lesson #6
Burn First Aid
The most common types of burns that happen at home are usually from hot objects or
liquids, or from staying out in the sun too long. Never apply oil or butter to a burn, as it can
hold in the heat and make the burn worse.
The most common types of burns include:
 liquid scald (caused by hot liquid);
 thermal burn (from contact with a hot surface like a stove)
 electrical burns (from outlets, exposed electrical wires, or faulty wiring in appliances)
 chemical burns (from household cleaners, battery acid, or other chemical
substances)
For basic care at home for scalds or thermal burns, you should know how to do the
following.
Basic burn first aid:
1.Cool the burn. Use cool running water, not ice water, for ten minutes or so to help cool it
off.
2. Make sure circulation isn’t restricted by clothing or jewelry near the burns
3. If it looks like it’s a serious burn and you need to see a doctor, don’t put anything on the
burn except a clean, dry bandage. If it’s something you can handle at home, you can use
aloe vera gel from a live aloe plant if one is available; the herbal vinegar listed below; or use
the following herbal teas as a spritz or wash: calendula, elderflower, lavender, chamomile,
or rose.
The extent of a burn is described as a degree:
 A 1st degree burn looks pink or red, and there is pain and possible swelling.
 A 2nd degree burns can look red or white, or a splotchy combination of both. There
is pain, and there may be swelling and/or blisters.
 A 3rd degree burn may look stiff or waxy. It involve all the layers of your skin and
nerve damage can cause it to feel numb.
 A 4th degree burn involves all the layers of the skin and what’s under the skin. It
may look charred black or white. There can be enough nerve damage with this type
of burn that you may not feel any pain at all.
When is medical care needed?
 3rd and 4th degree burns should always receive emergency medical attention.
 Burns that cover a large area (more than 3” across)
 Burns to the face
 Burns that form large blisters
 Any burn that you think might be 3rd or 4th degree needs immediate medical
attention.
Despite the old fashioned home remedy of putting butter on a burn, you shouldn’t apply any
type of fat or oil to a fresh burn. The oils and fats can hold heat in the burn, making it worse.
Cool water should be used to cool the burn, and then after care like aloe, herbal teas, or
herbal vinegars can be used.
Task #6
Make an Herbal Vinegar
My favorite herbal vinegar for around the home burn care is something I call Three Flower
Vinegar. Please note that this should not be used for chemical burns, or any burn that
needs immediate medical assistance. It’s best suited for burn after-care for small, simple
burns or sunburns.
Ingredients
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½ cup dried rose petals
¼ cup dried elderflower
2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
2 cups raw apple cider vinegar
Tools
A glass jar large enough to hold the ingredients
Directions
 Place all the dried flowers into a clean glass jar, and pour the apple cider vinegar
into the jar to cover them.
 Use a clean spoon to stir everything together.
 The flowers will float to the top of the vinegar, but will begin to soak it up
immediately. Stirring them together will help.
 If your jar has a metal lid, put a piece of wax paper over the mouth of the jar and
place the lid over it- the wax paper will keep the vinegar from corroding the metal.
 Place the covered jar in a cool, dark place for two weeks and check on it every day
to make sure there is enough vinegar to cover the flowers
 At the end of two weeks, strain the flowers out and discard.
 Store the finished vinegar in the refrigerator until needed. A damp cotton ball can be
soaked in a tablespoons of the vinegar for application, or the vinegar can be added
to a small spray bottle and misted over the desired area.
Task #6
Make an Herbal Vinegar
Date completed:
Notes:
Lesson #7
First Aid and the Lungs
Besides bleeding, which is visually disturbing for many people, first aid emergencies
involving the lungs can be among the most frightening because they affect our ability to
breathe. To be better prepared to handle first aid emergencies of this type, see the list in the
first lesson of suggested skills and scenarios to learn about.
Outside of emergency first aid, one of the most common at home complaints involving the
lungs is seasonal coughs from colds or allergies. There are plenty of over the counter
medications that can be used, or you can try a simple herbal syrup made with traditional
cough and lung support herbs.
Task #7
Make Elecampane and Elderflower Syrup
Ingredients
 1 cup of water
 ¼ cup elecampane
 1 tablespoon elderflowers
 1 tablespoon plantain
 1 cup of honey
Tools
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enamel or glass saucepan
a jar with a lid to store the finished syrup
Directions
1. Make a strong tea with the herbs.
 Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a glass or enamel saucepan. add the elecampane,
and allow to simmer, covered, on low heat for 15 minutes.
 Remove from the heat and add the plantain and elderflowers. Replace the lid on the
pot and allow to steep for another 15 minutes.
 Strain the tea through cheesecloth to remove the herbs. Discard them, and return
the tea to the saucepan.
2. Combine the tea and honey.
 Add the honey to the tea and stir gently over very low heat until the honey and tea
are completely combined.
 Store your syrup in the refrigerator and use within one year. Because this syrup
contains honey, it should not be given to children under 1 yr old.
Task #7
Make an Herbal Syrup
Date completed:
Notes:
Lesson #8
First Aid for the Eyes
The eyes are extremely sensitive, and can fall prey to foreign objects, exposure to
chemicals, scratches to the cornea, and inflammation or infections like conjunctivitis. One of
the easiest ways to give your eyes some relief at home is by using herbal teas to make
compresses. Using a compress eliminates the worry of introducing small particles of plant
matter or sand into the eye that might result from trying to use a tea as an eyewash (which I
don’t recommend). After initial first aid has been given, try any of the following herbs in the
recipe below to make an herbal eye compress: elderflower, chickweed, eyebright, rose
petals, or calendula.
Task #8
Make Herbal Eye Compresses
Ingredients
 1 tablespoon of elderflowers
 1 cup of water
Tools
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
enamel or glass saucepan
one wash cloth
Directions
1. Make a tea with the elderflowers.
 Bring the water to a boil in the enamel saucepan.
 Remove from the heat and add the elderflowers.
 Allow to steep with the lid on for 10 minutes.
 Let the tea cool, and then strain the tea through cheesecloth to remove the herbs.
2. Make the compress
 Once the tea is lukewarm or has cooled completely, it is ready to be used.
 Neatly fold the wash cloth to a size that will fit comfortably across your eyes like a
sleep mask.
 Soak the folded cloth in the tea, and wring out the cloth until it is comfortably damp.
It shouldn’t send rivers down your face, but you want it slightly wet. Save any
remaining tea or the next compress if you will use it within one day.
 Lie down on a couch or bed and place the cloth over your closed eyes. Rest for 15
minutes.
 Reapply as needed by soaking a fresh cloth in the herbal tea.
Elder is beneficial for allergy related eye discomfort, situations where there is excessive
discharge from the eyes, or the eyes look or feel inflamed.
Task #8
Make a Compress
Date completed:
Notes:
Leson #9
First Aid for Allergies
Allergies are an immune response in the body where the body mounts a defense against
something that would normally not be harmful. We can be allergic to food, medicines,
animals, or plants (including herbs- so if you have known plant allergies or seasonal
allergies, talk to your doctor about what herbs you may need to avoid). Food allergies tend
to be severe, and can cause anaphylactic shock. This type of allergy causes true medical
emergencies and should never be taken lightly. Hopefully, the course you took as part of
your first lesson helped you understand more about this type of emergency, but signs of
anaphylaxis to be aware of include:
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hives, flushed skin, or very pale skin
swelling of the mouth, lips, throat, tongue
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
dizziness or fainting
Another type of allergy that people can have is a pollen allergy, sometimes called seasonal
allergies. This type of allergy usually isn’t life threatening, but it is annoying! Signs of
seasonal allergies include:
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itchy eyes
stuffy nose or runny nose
sneezing
sore throats
All of these symptoms can last for weeks at a time- for as long as the plants causing the
allergy are in bloom.
For herbal seasonal allergy support, we’re going to take a look at making herbal teas. You
may have noticed that herbal teas are one of the first steps in many of the projects you have
already completed, but we will take a closer look at it here.
Tea is one of the easiest plant based preparations to make, and is incredibly versatile. By
changing the herbs you can completely change the desired outcome of your tea, and all you
need are the plant, some water, and a pot to boil water. Technically, an herbal tea is called
an infusion if it is made from leaves or flowers, and a decoction if it is made from roots,
barks, or seeds.
Infusions are usually steeped for at least ten minutes, and decoctions for closer to thirty. If
there is enough time, decoctions can be allowed to steep as long as overnight.
When creating an herbal infusion or decoction blend, it’s important to think about what you
want in the finished recipe and why. A good rule to follow is 2 parts of your main herb, 1 part
of your supporting herbs, and ½ part of any harmonizing herbs you want to include.
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The main herb is the star of the formula- this should be the one herb that you want to
highlight in your blend.
Supporting herbs may have similar jobs as the main herb, but they accomplish the
goal in slightly different ways. They may also have complementary jobs instead (like
adding a soothing herb like marshmallow to an allergy blend because it will help
moisten a dry throat).
Harmonizing herbs are sometimes included in a blend to help bring the whole recipe
together. These can be herbs that are traditionally viewed as helping the circulation,
like hawthorn, or other herbs that are viewed as making other herbs in the formula
more effective like licorice or ginger.
Task #9
Make an Herbal Infusion Blend for Allergy Support
Ingredients
 1 cup nettles
 1 cups elderflowers
 ¼ cup angelica root
Tools
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A large bowl to blend the dried herbs together
Glass jars to store your finished tea blend
Enamel or glass saucepan for brewing the infusion
Cheesecloth to use as a filter
Directions
1. Blend the herbs together.
 In a large bowl, combine all the dried herbs and gently stir with a spoon or your
hands until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
2. Store the herbs in an airtight container away from heat and direct sunlight.
 Sunlight and extreme temperatures can make your herbal blend loose potency.
3. Use as needed.
 Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in your non-reactive saucepan, then remove from the
heat.
 Add the herbs and allow to steep, covered, for up to 30 minutes.
 Use up to 1 tablespoon of herbs in 1 cup of water, up to 3x per day.
Nettles is a very popular allergy season herb. Elderflowers and angelica are less well known
when it comes to their role in supporting seasonal immune system health, but I really like
that they work well together in this recipe. Oh, did I mention that elder and nettles grow wild
in many areas? It’s neat to know that your herbal allergy backup plan might even be
growing in your back yard! Goldenrod and plantain are two other weeds that would be
beneficial in this blend, so if you have them feel free to add up to a cup of either or both.
Angelica is a wonderful herb, but it should be avoided by anyone who is pregnant, and if it is
used for a long period of time it can make you more likely to get a sunburn. If you need to
leave it out, you can leave it out entirely or substitute the goldenrod or plantain mentioned
above. Calendula and mullein are two other allergy season herbs that could be substituted
for the angelica. The tea will of course be different, but still good. That’s one of the beauties
of herbal infusions- they are very flexible.
Task #9
Make an Herbal Infusion Blend
Date completed:
Notes:
Lesson #10
First Aid for the Digestive System
Diarrhea and vomiting are usually not much to worry about in modern society. Unless the
symptoms are part of a larger emergency situation (like poisoning, severe food poisoning,
or an accident involving physical trauma), most of us are healthy enough that upset
stomach as part of a stomach virus will resolve on its own. Still, it’s important to drink
enough fluids and get some rest while your immune system fights the good fight.
Many doctors recommend electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte, but it’s nice to know there are
other options if you don’t have any on hand and can’t make it to the store. The World Health
Organization created a recipe for ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) with simple ingredients
for developing countries. They suggest using it to stay hydrated when there is frequent loss
of fluids from watery bowel movements or vomiting. The recipe is very simple:
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6 level teaspoons of sugar
1/2 level teaspoon of salt
1 quart of water (4 cups)
Children under two should drink about ¼ to ½ cup ORS after each watery stool, and you
should aim for ½ to 1 cup for kids over 2. It’s designed for parts of the world where other
safe liquids might not be available, so if your child is drinking other fluids too you can factor
in those amounts. ORS should be given a little at a time, so don’t worry about getting it into
them all at once. A few sips at a time is fine. ORS can be used for adults too. Generally,
urine is a good way to check if someone is hydrated enough. Urine should be of a normal
amount and color. Infrequent urination or only peeing a little, dark colored urine can be
signs of trouble.
Another complaint of the digestive tract that can be uncomfortable is heartburn. Heartburn
can be chronic, so if you find yourself experiencing it frequently be sure to go for a checkup
and rule out the possibility that it’s doing lasting damage.
Below, we will look at making a cold-infusion of marshmallow root. Marshmallow, which
produces a lot of mucilage and is very soothing to the throat and digestive tract, is my
favorite tea to use when someone has been vomiting a lot from food poisoning or struggling
with heartburn. Cold infusion is a process that works especially well for marshmallow- some
herbs work best without the boiling heat of the normal infusion process.
Task #10 Cold-Infusing Marshmallow Root
Ingredients:
 dried marshmallow root
 cool water
Tools
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4 glass canning jars
cheesecloth to strain the herbs
Directions
1. Add marshmallow root to each jar.
 Fill each jar a quarter of the way full with dried marshmallow root.
2. Fill the jars with water.
 The marshmallow root will float to the top, but that’s ok.
3. Allow to steep for at least three hours, or even overnight.
 strain the tea and replenish the water in the jar. You can usually get two good
batches out of the marshmallow root in each jar.
 I like to refill each jar as it is emptied, so I have four batches going until it’s no longer
needed.
Other herbs that can be used as normal, hot infusions that are good for the digestive tract
include peppermint for indigestion, ginger for nausea, and raspberry or blackberry leaf for
diarrhea.
Task #10
Make a Marshmallow Cold Infusion
Date completed:
Notes:
Lesson #11
Fever First Aid
An abnormally high body temperature is called a fever. The normal body temperature for
adults can vary, but it is usually somewhere around 98.6F. Body temperature is actually
controlled in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. Typical fever symptoms:
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Sweating
Headaches
Shivering
Aching muscles
Feeling weak
Many things can cause fevers
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bacteria/viral infection
sunburn
medications
vaccinations
medications
toxins/poisons
illegal drugs
autoimmune diseases
Low fevers can usually be handled at home, but higher fevers can be dangerous. Some
guidelines for when to see a doctor are listed below.
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A four month old baby with fever of 100.4 or above
A child less than 2 years old with a fever for more than a day
A child over 2 or an adult who has a fever for more than three days
A fever of 102 in children 2 or younger
A fever of 103-104 for any child or adult- call doctor or go to emergency room
Any fever where there person won’t make eye contact with you, is listless, and/or
doesn’t respond to your voice or facial expressions in an appropriate way.
Other fever danger signs include
 stiff neck
 severe headache
 sensitivity to bright light
 mental confusion
 seizures
A fever is part of your normal immune response, and it’s usually best to let it run its course.
Your body is making itself less welcoming for bacterial and viral invaders.
Traditionally, a class of herbs called diaphoretics are used when someone has a fever.
These herbs are believed to help promote a good sweat and support the body’s immune
response rather than to suppress it (such as with otc medications like acetaminophen or
ibuprofen that lower a fever artificially).
Many herbalists like to combine drinking a diaphoretic herbal tea with taking a warm bath
and then going to bed to rest to get the best results from the tea. Sometimes this is even
used preventatively if we begin to feel like we are coming down with an illness, as a way to
nip it in the bud. Making an herbal bath is another option.
A Traditional Tea Blend for Fever Support
(From “A Modern Herbal” Grieve, 1931)
Combine equal parts of dried peppermint, elderflower and yarrow. Use 1 tablespoon per
cup of water to make an infusion, following the directions from lesson # (). Steep for 10
minutes. Drink while still warm. This is my favorite blend for fevers. It’s simple, it has a
pleasant taste from the peppermint, and it works. The elderflower is also a nervine, and
helps take the edge off from feeling “icky.”
Task #11: Making an Herbal Bath
Herbal baths can be a good fever support strategy, and yarrow is ideal for this purpose. But
by utilizing other herbs your bath can have other benefits. As examples, white oak bark is
an astringent herb that works well in a sitz bath for hemorrhoids, or calendula could be used
to soothe skin complaints.
Ingredients
 one ounce of dried yarrow
 one quart of water
Tools
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
enamel pot
strainer or cheesecloth
Directions
1. Make a yarrow infusion.
 Bring the water to a boil.
 Add the yarrow.
2. Steep for 15 minutes
 Allow the tea to steep, covered, for 15 minutes.
 Strain the tea through the cheesecloth or strainer and discard the herbs.
3. Add the finished infusion to your bathwater.
 Enjoy your bath.
Task #11
Make an Herbal Bath
Date completed:
Notes:
Lesson #12:
Strategies for Bruises, Sprains, and Strain
Sprains, strains, and bruises can happen from a number of situations.
A sprain is stretching or tearing of ligaments, while a strain is a stretching or tearing of
muscle or tendons. A bruise is the result of broken blood vessels near the skin’s surface
because of a blow or impact to that part of the body. Blood seeps out under the skin and
causes the discoloration.
If they are the result of a fall or an accident, these types of injuries can be accompanied by
broken bones, concussions or other head trauma, cracked ribs, or other injuries that may
require immediate medical attention, so it’s important to know your first aid basics from
lesson one and how to recognize signs of trouble.
Usually, bruising doesn’t need any special care beyond ice and some rest if it is very
painful. If the pain seems extreme compared to the type of incident that caused it, or doesn’t
seem to be getting better after a few days (it will begin to change to lighter colors as it
heals), it may be wise to get it looked at. Other signs that you should talk to your doctor
include:
 if you notice that you are bruising more easily than normal
 if a lump forms over the bruise
 if you begin noticing bruises that seem to happen for no apparent reason
If a strain or sprain doesn’t appear to be severe, your doctor or medical care provider may
recommend basic home care like rest, ice packs, a compression bandage, or keeping the
injured limb elevated. If the injury is severe, it may need surgery to repair the ligament or
tendon, so it’s always a good idea to get checked out.
Warning signs with sprains and strains include:
 if the pain is severe
 there is a lot of swelling
 it doesn’t seem to get better after a week or so
The herbal approach for dealing with these discomforts is to use plants that promote
circulation, soothe inflammation, and (in the case of bruising) help to clear the bruise. A
topical herbal preparation like a liniment is a good choice for a situation like this as long as
the skin hasn’t been injured from a cut or scrape in the same area.
Task #12
Make an Herbal Liniment: Safflower and Angelica Liniment
Ingredients
 Apple cider vinegar or witch hazel extract
 ½ cup dried Safflower petals
 ½ cup dried Angelica root
(Some herbalists use rubbing alcohol, but I don’t. It’s absorbed by the skin and it’s not
healthy. I much prefer witch hazel or vinegar- go with the hazel if you don’t like the vinegar
smell)
Tools
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
One glass jar with lid
Cheesecloth or strainer
Directions
1. Combine the ingredients.
 Place the safflower and angelica in the glass jar
 Cover with the witch hazel or apple cider vinegar until the herbs are beneath at least
½ inch of liquid.
2. Allow to extract for 2 weeks.
 Cover the jar with the lid and store in a cool dark place.
 Check the jar daily for 2 weeks and add more apple cider vinegar or witch hazel as
needed to keep the herbs covered.
 After two weeks, strain the herbs and store the finished liniment in a cool, dark place.
Use topically as needed.
Task #12
Make an Herbal Liniment
Date completed:
Notes:
Lesson #13
Next Steps: Where to Go From Here
Congratulations! You’ve completed the Common Branch First Aid Challenge! You are now
well on your way to understanding basic first aid and basic herbal first aid.
After completing the tasks in this course, you should have the following items ready for your
kit:
 plantain salve
 mullein oil
 throat soothing drops
 three flower vinegar
 elecampane and elderflower syrup
 allergy season support tea blend
 safflower and angelica liniment
In addition, you know how to make teas, decoctions, infused oils, syrups, salves, cold
infusions, compresses and herbal baths- pretty impressive!
At this point, you probably realize that there is much more that you want to learn about
herbalism and/or first aid, but at least now you’re off to a great start! May you have the best
of health in all you endeavors.
For more info and resources, you can follow along on social media and get updates on
articles I’ve written, resources I gather from around the web, and news from the world of
health and herbal first aid. Check out my biography on the next to the last page to learn
more about who I am.
My blog can be found at: http://www.indieherbalist.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentHerbalist
Twitter: @indieherbalist
This badge is one of the first resources being made available at Common Branch
Community Herb School, and we hope to have many more great resources and classes
available by the end of the summer. If you would like to check out the school page, please
visit: http://www.commonbranch.com/
For now, check out the next lesson on how to create your badge to show off your new skills!
Lesson #14:
Create Your Badge!
I designed two patches so you can choose your favorite (or even use both of them, if you
like!) They can be found on the last page of this booklet.
Here’s how to create your badge:
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Using a color printer and iron-on transfer paper, print the badge logo provided on the
last page.

Follow the directions that came with the iron on transfer paper, and apply the badge
logo to a piece of sturdy canvas or duck cloth.

Once the design is transferred, carefully cut out the badge.
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Decide where you want to display your badge.
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When you are ready to attach your badge, carefully fold the edges underneath and
pin the badge in place. Once you are happy with the position of the badge, sew it
into place.
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Alternatively, you can use fabric glue to attach the badge- just make sure to fold the
edges under to keep your patch from fraying.
Resources and Further Reading
Websites
http://www.webmd.com
http://www.mayoclinic.org
Books
Saubers, Nadine, R.N. The Everything First Aid Book. Avon: F+W Publications.
Tilton, Buck. Knack First Aid. Guilford: Globe Pequot Press.
Cech, Richo. Making Plant Medicine. Williams: Horizon Herbs, LLC
Green, James. The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook. Berkeley: Crossing Press.
This mini course is an official Plants of Merit Herbal
Learning Course. More courses are currently in
development at Common Branch Community Herb
School. For more information, please visit our website
at www.commonbranch.com
About the Author
Herbalist Agatha Noveille currently resides in the mountains of northwest Georgia. She is especially
interested in herbal emergency preparedness strategies, community wellness topics, and native and
naturalized plants. Agatha runs Common Branch Community Herb School, which focuses on providing
quality herbal education at no charge to local community groups and nonprofits. She offers the Plants of
Merit herbal learning programs to support Common Branch outreach, and is thrilled to partner with the
Herbal Academy of New England as a member of their writing team.
As a child, Agatha grew up in gardens and spent rainy afternoons curled up in an armchair with stacks of
herbal books gleaned from her grandparents’ library. So it was only natural that she eventually blossomed
into a plant related career path, working at several natural food and vitamin stores over the years, and
enrolling with East West School of Herbology. Agatha seeks to honor the complex past of herbal history
and the accessibility that has always been an integral part of folk herbalism through her writings and
classes.