We’re big believers in simplicity—the kind that comes from slowing down, packing light, and trusting nature’s medicine chest. That’s the spirit behind Wound Warrior Balm: one little tube with plant-powered healing for whatever the trail throws your way.
Whether you're road-tripping down the coast, camping under a canopy of stars, or hiking deep into the woods, these moments invite us to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. There’s something sacred about being in nature—sun on your face, earth underfoot, and space to breathe.
In this guide, we’re sharing our minimalist, high-impact natural first aid essentials—featuring our beloved Wound Warrior Balm and a tried-and-true DIY bug spray recipe. It’s everything you need (and nothing you don’t) to stay grounded, protected, and at ease in the wild.
Why Wound Warrior Balm Is a Must for Every Nature-Lover's Pack
Crafted in small batches on our off-grid homestead, Wound Warrior Balm is the one thing we never leave behind. This plant-powered, plastic-free balm was made to multitask—so you can pack light and still feel wildly prepared.
Here’s how Wound Warrior Balm supports your skin on every outdoor adventure:
- Cuts, scrapes & minor wounds: Comfrey leaf and calendula help calm inflammation and support skin repair. Used for over 2,000 years—and once called knitbone—comfrey has a long history of helping wounds mend. We use primarily the leaf, which is rich in skin-repairing compounds and easier to work with than the root.
- Sore muscles: Comfrey has been used for centuries to ease tension in tired, well-used muscles.
- Bug bites & stings: Chamomile and calendula help soothe itchiness and irritation.
- Windburn & dry patches: Use on lips, cheeks, hands, or anywhere needing deep hydration.
- Sunburn & skin stress: Yarrow brings soothing relief to sun-stressed skin.
- Dry patches or flaky spots: Use it as an ultra-nourishing facial moisturizer in dry desert climates or cold alpine air.
Hero Ingredients:
- Comfrey for skin regeneration
- Calendula to calm inflammation
- Yarrow to help stop minor bleeding
Packaged in a plastic-free, compostable tube, it’s healing for both your skin and the planet.
Learn more about the healing benefits of comfrey →
A Few Other Essentials to Pack in Your Kit
- Natural, Reef-Safe Mineral Sunscreen – naturally protect your skin from harmful UV rays
- Natural Healing Lip Balm – hydrate deeply and shield your lips from the elements
- Bandanas or Cloth Wraps- Use as a compress, sling, or to wrap herbs for a poultice
- Tweezers – for removing splinters, ticks, cactus needles
- Alcohol wipes – for cleaning wounds (prior to applying balm)
- Electrolyte tablets or powder – hydration is medicine
- DIY Bug Spray – see our tried-and-true recipe below!
And of course, don’t forget your reusable glass water bottle, a hat, and plenty of snacks.
DIY Natural Bug Spray
No need for synthetic chemicals when nature has her own defenses. Here’s a simple DIY bug spray recipe that smells amazing and keeps mosquitoes at bay:
Ingredients
- ½ cup witch hazel (alcohol-free)
- ½ cup distilled water
- 30 drops citronella essential oil
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
- 15 drops eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil
- Optional: 10 drops lemon or tea tree for extra punch
Add all ingredients to a reusable glass spray bottle, shake well before each use, and spritz away!
Pro tip: If a bite sneaks through, dab on a little Wound Warrior Balm to calm the itch and speed up healing.
Learn more about treating bug bites naturally →
Tread Lightly, Heal Naturally
Everything we do at Blue Heron Botanicals is designed to tread gently—on your skin, and on the Earth. That means:
- Off-grid, solar-powered production
- Compostable, plastic-free tubes
- Wildcrafted, organic, and locally-sourced ingredients
- Herbal remedies rooted in tradition
Plus, every purchase supports ocean conservation and sea turtle rescue through our partnership with SEE Turtles, helping you give back to nature as you receive its gifts.
Learn more about how we save sea turtles with every purchase →
FAQ: Natural First Aid
Q: What should be in a natural first aid kit for hiking and camping?
The essentials: a multi-use herbal balm (like Wound Warrior), natural bug spray, bandanas or wraps, tweezers, electrolyte support, and sun protection. The goal is to keep it light, effective, and plant-powered.
Q: What is the best natural remedy for cuts and scrapes?
A balm made with comfrey, calendula, and yarrow is ideal (like our Wound Warrior Balm). These herbs help soothe inflammation, promote healing, and support the skin’s natural repair process without harsh chemicals.
Q: Can herbal balms replace traditional first aid ointments?
In most cases, yes. Herbal balms offer gentle, effective relief for cuts, bites, rashes, burns, sore muscles, and dry skin—without petroleum or synthetic ingredients.
Q: Is comfrey safe to use on skin?
Yes. Comfrey root has been used topically for centuries to support wound healing and ease inflammation. It’s not for internal use, but when applied externally, it’s a powerful ally for skin repair.
Q: What’s the best natural solution for bug bites and stings?
Look for herbal balms like our Wound Warrior Balm with chamomile and calendula. These botanicals help reduce itchiness, calm irritation, and promote recovery.
Q: Can kids use herbal first aid balms?
Yes! Our balms are crafted with gentle, organic ingredients and no synthetic additives—making them safe for the whole family. Many parents use them on their little ones for minor scrapes, bites, and dry patches. As always, we recommend a quick patch test and checking with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Q: What’s a good DIY bug spray without DEET?
Mix witch hazel, distilled water, citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree essential oils in a spray bottle. It’s simple, effective, and smells like a walk in the forest.
Ready to Build Your Kit?
Ready to pack light and heal naturally? Add Wound Warrior Balm to your first aid kit and hit the trail with confidence. It’s our most-loved salve for a reason—because nature knows how to heal.
Wander wildly, tread softly, and bring the healing power of plants wherever you roam.
