The herbal first aid kit every cat parent should have.

The Herbal First Aid Kit Every Cat Parent Should Have

I was holding a $68 tincture in my hand, squinting at the label, when something clicked: the herbs inside weren’t rare or mysterious. They were plants I’d already been reading about and using for months…calendula, chamomile, stinging nettle, etc.. And I couldn’t help but think: What if I just… made this myself?

It wasn’t that the tinctures were bad. I just realized how simple the ingredients were, and how accessible they could be, so I couldn’t not explore it. And being the kitchen witch that I am (and unapologetic herb hoarder)…I wanted to make healing potions with my own two hands.

To grow the herbs in my garden. To get them fresh from friends who farm without pesticides and herbicides, but with presence and consciousness. To connect with each plant from seed to salve. I wasn’t just after a remedy…I wanted to know where it came from, whose hands touched it, what energy it holds, how much love and care were put into it. Because these things all matter too. The plant holds the energy of those who cared for it or how it was treated during its growing process.

And honestly? It was practical, too. Where I live, the well-know, high quality tinctures are hard to find and cost a small fortune to import. Building my own kit just made sense where I was in my journey, where I was living, and where I was financially.

But it was more than that.

Because that’s how they get you…making it feel impossible. Like you’re not qualified. Like healing only belongs to the people with lab coats, letters after their name, or Instagram blue checks. It’s all so complex, right? So complicated you couldn’t possibly do it yourself. That illusion keeps you stuck. Disempowered. Dependent. Afraid to try.

And I bought into it for a while. I hoarded tinctures, supplements, fancy powders. I didn’t know what half of them actually did; I just didn’t want to screw up. But eventually, that fear started to feel heavier than just…trying.

And now? I keep a core set of herbs on hand for the most common things I see in my home…kitty colds, tummy issues, minor wounds, seasonal allergies, anxious energy, immune system support. And I feel ready. Not because I have everything, but because I actually understand what I do have and how to use it. And that’s enough.

So if you’re wondering where to even begin, this is where I started: the everyday stuff. The ones I actually use. Regularly. With confidence. For myself and my cats.

Everyday Herbal Support: What to Use for Common Needs

These aren’t rare, exotic, or reserved for advanced herbalists. They’re gentle, effective, and incredibly versatile, especially when you understand what they’re doing and when to reach for them. And some of the items aren’t even herbs, but whole foods or everyday items you probably already have in your home!

Here are the herbs I keep on hand, broken into common categories:

Digestive & Gut Support

Digestion is everything, for cats and humans. When something’s off in the gut, it ripples out everywhere: skin, energy, behavior, immune function. Here are the herbs I reach for most when tummies are upset or things just aren’t moving right:

  • Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus rubra): A go-to for vomiting, diarrhea, and overall gut irritation. Slippery elm is mucilaginous, meaning it creates a protective coating along the entire digestive tract which soothes the inflamed tissue. I typically use it in powder form, mixed with a little water into a paste or added to broth.
    • Common Uses: Diarrhea, vomiting, gastritis, IBD flares, post-deworming irritation
    • Dosage: ¼ teaspoon per cat mixed in water
    • Note: Make sure to give this at least 30 minutes prior to meals or other supplements or medication as it can slow absorption due to its coating action.
  • Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra): A soothing, anti-inflammatory herb that helps protect and repair the gut lining, especially useful during flare-ups of vomiting, gastritis, or suspected food reactions.
    • Common Uses: Gastritis, vomiting from food sensitivities, ulcers, GI inflammation
    • Dosage: ⅛ teaspoon tea (≈1 teaspoon dried root steeped in 1 cup water) once daily for up to 5 days
    • Note: Not for long-term use in cases of high blood pressure or certain hormone conditions.
  • Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis): Like slippery elm, marshmallow root is rich in mucilage and works wonders for soothing inflammation along the digestive tract. I use it when they have diarrhea, vomiting, or signs of GI irritation (like refusing food or straining in the litter box). I steep it into a thick, cooling tea and offer it on its own or mixed into food.
    • Common Uses: Diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, post-deworming inflammation
    • Dosage: 1 teaspoon dried root steeped in 1 cup cool water for 4–8 hours. Then give 1–2 teaspoon of the cooled infusion (typically with a syringe), up to twice daily
    • Note: Make sure to give this at least 30 minutes prior to meals or other supplements or medication as it can slow absorption due to its coating action.

Respiratory & Lung Support

These are the herbs I reach for when I hear sneezes echoing through the house, or when one of my cats starts showing signs of congestion, coughing, or seasonal allergy flare-ups. Think: sniffles, shallow breathing, that occasional wet nose, or gunky eye that seems to come out of nowhere. Here's what I keep stocked:

  • Mullein Leaf (Verbascum thapsus): My #1 for respiratory support for Jacky Bear with his asthma. Mullein soothes inflamed mucous membranes and helps loosen mucus in the lungs. I use it when a cat has a dry or phlegmy cough, or after exposure to wildfire smoke or dusty environments. I typically brew it into a strong tea, cool it, and add a few teaspoons to their food.
    • Common Uses: Asthma, bronchitis, mild URIs.
    • Dosage: 1 teaspoon dried leaf per 1 cup water. Give around a tablespoon of the tea at breakfast and dinner.
  • Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa): This vine is best known for its immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory powers. I use it during long-haul respiratory issues, especially when there’s viral involvement or lingering inflammation that just won’t clear. It supports the lungs gently while also helping rebalance immune function over time.
    • Common Uses: Chronic or recurring URIs, post-viral recovery, lung inflammation tied to immune dysfunction.
    • Dosage: ¼ tsp powdered bark per 10 lbs body weight, or brew ½ tsp into tea and add 1–2 tsp to food, or add 1–2 drops of alcohol-free tincture (glycerite) per 10 lbs body weight, once or twice daily.
    • Note: Start slow and monitor. Some cats may be sensitive to the taste.
  • Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica): It’s one of the best herbs I’ve found for managing seasonal allergies. It helps reduce sneezing, congestion, and inflammation by naturally blocking histamine response. Plus, it’s loaded with nutrients like iron, magnesium, and calcium, so it’s supportive beyond the lungs. use dried nettle leaf, steeped into a light tea and added to food or broth.
    • Common Uses: Seasonal allergies, sneezing, runny nose, inflammation.
    • Dosage: 1 teaspoon dried herb per 20 lbs body weight, once daily.
    • Note: Avoid using nettle that’s been sprayed or harvested near roads; quality matters here.

Immune System Support

Over the years, I’ve come to rely on a few core remedies that help nourish and regulate the immune system without overstimulating it. These are especially helpful during season changes, post-vet visits, or anytime their bodies need a bit more resilience.

  • Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): This is one to keep tucked away for when you need it. It’s not an everyday herb. Echinacea works best in the early stages of illness by stimulating the immune system and helping the body respond quickly. I use it as a short, targeted push for 3–5 days max, then stop. Any longer, and it can actually lose effectiveness or trigger an overstimulated response.
    • Common Uses: Early stages of colds, viral exposure, acute infections.
    • Dosage: Steep ½ teaspoon dried echinacea in 1 cup hot water for 5–10 minutes, cool thoroughly, then offer 1–2 teaspoon added to their food once or twice daily.
    • Note: Avoid long-term use. This herb works best short-term.
  • Medicinal Mushrooms (Reishi, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, Maitake): These mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans and polysaccharides that nourish and balance the immune system. I like to rotate them or use a blend. I typically simmer the dried mushrooms into a broth, strain, and serve the liquid over meals. If you can’t find them (organic) raw, you can always buy them as a powder and add it to their food.
    • Common Uses: Immune modulation, cancer support, chronic inflammation.
    • Dosage: 1–2 teaspoon of mushroom broth per day. If using powder, mix ¼ to ½  teaspoon per day into wet food.
    • Note: Always use organic, and cook thoroughly.
  • Colostrum: Bovine or goat colostrum is rich in antibodies and helps support the gut lining, which plays a critical role in immunity. I use this during recovery from illness, vaccine detox, or after gut disruption (like antibiotics).
    • Common Uses: Gut healing, immune rebalancing, post-antibiotic recovery.
    • Dosage: ¼ teaspoon powder per 10 lbs, mixed into food.
    • Note: Quality matters. Opt for grass-fed, non-GMO colostrum for best quality and nutrient density.
  • Spirulina: This blue-green algae isn’t technically an herb, but it earns a place in my immune kit thanks to its rich antioxidant profile and detoxifying power. It binds to heavy metals, supports liver function, and works beautifully alongside mushrooms, milk thistle, or other immune allies.
    • Common Uses: Detox support, chronic inflammation, heavy metal support.
    • Dosage: A tiny pinch (⅛ teaspoon or less) mixed into wet food.
    • Note: Some cats are sensitive to the strong taste. Introduce slowly.

Anxiety & Emotional Support

Stress doesn’t just live in the body, it destroys the nervous system, alters breathing, upsets digestion, and steals sleep. And our cats feel it too. Whether it’s from vet visits, loud noises, big changes, or our own emotional energy, their little systems can get overwhelmed fast. These herbs and natural allies help soften the edges, calming the heart, regulating the breath, and reminding the body it’s safe again. When our cats are nervous, stressed, or just out of sorts, these calming allies can gently rekindle their inner peace.

  • Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis): A potent calming herb I use in dried form, steeped into tea and cooled (to warm) before serving. It’s great for nervous system regulation. Keep in mind, not every cat responds the same. Some get super hyper and playful, others get relaxed and sleepy.
    • Common Uses: Anxiety, restlessness, vet visits, bedtime support.
    • Dosage: ¼–½ teaspoon cooled tea mixed into food.
    • Note: Some cats get more hyper on valerian instead of relaxed. If that happens, skip it and try chamomile or skullcap instead.
  • Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): Chamomile soothes both the nervous system and the gut, which is perfect for cats whose anxiety shows up as diarrhea, vomiting, or hiding. I use a light tea cooled to room temperature and mix it into their wet food.
    • Common Uses: Nervous digestion, vet stress, overstimulation, bedtime anxiety.
    • Dosage: 1 teaspoon cooled tea 1–2x daily.
    • Note: Only use Matricaria recutita (German chamomile). Avoid lookalike plants like daisy or wild chamomile, which can cause allergic reactions.
  • Catnip (Nepeta cataria): Catnip isn’t just for play, it’s a gentle mood-shifter that helps some cats unwind emotionally. I keep it in rotation during stressful periods, travel days, or when they need a little lift. Not every cat reacts, but for those who do, it’s like watching them exhale tension in real-time. I keep some dried catnip on hand at all times and sprinkle a bit on their favorite blanket or even on the floor.
    • Common Uses: Mild anxiety, overstimulation, travel stress, post-play relaxation.
    • Dosage: A pinch of dried leaf sprinkled in their bed or on toys; or ½ teaspoon weak tea added to food.
    • Note: Not all cats are sensitive to catnip. Roughly 30% won’t respond at all. But if yours does, it’s pure joy.

Wound Healing & Skin Support

When my cats ends up with a scratch, sting, or mystery rash (you know the ones), I reach for these tried-and-true herbs and remedies. They soothe inflammation, speed up skin repair, and help deter infections without the harsh chemicals or synthetic junk.

  • Castor Oil (Ricinus communis): This thick, rich oil is one of my go-to remedies for minor wounds, abrasions, or hot spots. It forms a natural barrier over the skin, helping protect the area from dirt and bacteria while its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritation and support healing. I apply it with a clean finger and use it when my cats have little cuts, scrapes, or hot spots that need both moisture and protection.
    • Common Uses: Cuts, abrasions, hot spots
    • Dosage: Apply 2–3 drops to the area 1–2 times daily.
    • Note: Find cold-pressed, organic castor oil
  • Colloidal Silver: It’s basically tiny particles of silver suspended in water, and it’s incredibly effective as a natural antibiotic. I use it short-term to clean minor wounds, soothe inflammation, and knock out bacteria before applying anything heavier like salves or oils. It’s great for those in-between moments when something needs help staying clean, but you’re not ready to smother it.
    • Common Uses: Cleaning fresh cuts, disinfecting bites or scratches, minimizing swelling and redness.
    • Dosage: Spray directly or apply 2–3 drops to the affected area, up to 3 times daily.
    • Note: Best for short-term use. Prolonged use may disrupt healthy skin microbiome. Look for 10-20ppm colloidal silver.
  • Calendula (Calendula officinalis): Calendula is one of the most versatile topical herbs I keep on hand. Made from the bright orange petals of the calendula flower, it’s packed with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin-regenerative properties. I use it when the skin is red, rashy, or slightly broken like bug bites, scrapes, or mild infections. It helps calm inflammation, fight off bacteria, and speed up skin healing without being harsh or overpowering. I usually apply calendula as an infused oil or salve. It’s especially helpful when a wound is past the open/raw stage and ready to start knitting back together.
    • Common Uses: Cuts, skin inflammation, rashes, bug bites, hot spots
    • Dosage: Apply a thin layer 1–2× daily
    • Note: Wipe away any crust or debris before reapplying to keep sensitive skin happy

How to Start Building Your Holistic First Aid Kit

How to Start Building Your Holistic First Aid Kit

Image source: https://homesteadandchill.com/best-carrier-oils-skin-salves-infusions

When I first began building my herbal first aid kit, I didn’t buy everything at once. I started small. In all honestly, I had no idea what I was looking for. Over time though? Let’s just say... things escalated. What started as a couple of calming teas has somehow turned into half my kitchen cabinets being filled with herbs. I’m basically one botanical away from being a full-blown kitchen witch with a not-so-minor hoarding problem. But honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way. Because when one of my cats needs something, heck…even when I need something, I have it ready. And that feels good.

Tools to Get Started

You truly don’t need a lot. Here’s what I use again and again:

Dried vs. Fresh Herbs

Dried herbs are my go-to for most preparations. They’re shelf-stable, easy to dose, and less prone to spoilage. They work beautifully for teas, tinctures, salves, and infusions.

Fresh herbs carry more of the plant’s living energy, but they’re also more delicate. I reach for fresh when I’m making a quick infusion or salve that I’ll use right away.

How to Source Quality Herbs & Oils

Buy from small farms or reputable suppliers who focus on organic or wildcrafted sourcing. I look for:

  • Organic or chemical-free labeling
  • No herbicides or pesticides
  • Clear country of origin
  • When buying online, opt for third-party-tested products
  • Whole herbs rather than pulverized dust
  • Look for certifications like
    • Non GMO Project Verified
    • USDA Organic
    • Fair Trade Certified

You want herbs that are vibrant in color and still carry their scent. If it smells like cardboard, it’s probably expired.

When it comes to carrier oils (the base for infusions, salves, and topical blends), quality matters just as much. Choose cold-pressed, unrefined oils (like olive, coconut, sunflower, or jojoba) from brands that are transparent about their sourcing. Avoid anything labeled “fragrance oil” or “cosmetic grade only.” If it’s going on your cat, it needs to be pure enough that you’d feel safe using it yourself.

Storage & Shelf Life

Once you’ve got your herbs, treat them right. Here’s how I store mine:

  • In airtight jars
  • Away from sunlight, moisture, and heat
  • Labeled with the name, date, and purpose (like “Marshmallow – gut soothing tea”)

Dried herbs generally last 1–2 years, roots and barks 2-3 years, depending on the herb and storage. You’ll know they’ve gone stale when the color fades or the scent disappears.

Tinctures and glycerites can last up to 5 years when stored properly. Label these clearly with alcohol or glycerin percentages and date made.

Tracking What Works

Keep a simple notebook or journal nearby (you could totally use an app, too). Then, for each remedy, jot down:

  • The herb
  • The form (tea, tincture, powder)
  • The dose
  • The date
  • The reasoning
  • And what I noticed (e.g. “less coughing,” “firmer poop,” or “slept deeper”)

This will help you fine-tune what works for your cat and notice if something doesn’t work.

You Don’t Need to Know Everything to Start

If you made it this far, you’re already doing something amazing…shifting from fear or confusion into connection and intention. Building a herbal first aid kit isn’t about mastering every Latin name or owning fifty tinctures. It’s about starting with a few allies, noticing what works, and letting your confidence grow from there.

You’re not alone in this. I started with just a few herbs, some handwritten notes, and a lot of curiosity. Now? Half my kitchen looks like a cross between an apothecary and a tea shop. And it’s worth it, because every time I soothe a wound, calm a cough, or ease a stressed-out cat with plants I trust, I feel more grounded. More capable. More connected.

You don’t have to be a vet, a herbalist, or a witchy wizard (though it doesn’t hurt..). You just have to care, learn as you go, and keep showing up for your cat in the way only you can.

Resources + Links to Purchase

My Essential Tools

Best Places to Buy Dried Herbs

Best Places to Buy Carrier Oils

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