Natural Summer First Aid Kit

The following is a list of herbs, essential oils and homeopathic remedies that can be helpful for various summer aliments such as heat, insects and injuries. Included also, are some quick & easy recipes to make your own home remedies.

Aloe Vera

This plant has been used for thousands of years to treat burns and skin ailments. It can be used internally or externally and comes in clear juice or gel form. Used externally, it alleviates pain and swelling from a sunburn, insect bites or poison ivy. It also helps to repair damaged cells and prevent scarring. Internally, it acts as a tonic for energy and well-being by cleansing and assisting in the assimilation of foods. If you grow your own aloe as a houseplant you can harvest the gel right from a fresh leaf.

Sunburn Spray

Make your own all natural sunburn spray. Apply as often as needed to reduce pain and speed healing.

Tea Tree Oil

Antibacterial and anti-fungal, a good quality tea tree oil has 101 uses in your natural first aid kit. Nail fungus, athlete’s foot, poison ivy (oak), cold sores, warts, ticks and mosquito bites can all be alleviated with the help of tea tree oil. Add a drop to any liquid soap to make it antibacterial. A little applied to bug bites can bring relief from itching and swelling. A high quality tee tree shampoo is a necessity for keeping head lice away.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

This product contains Citricidal from the seeds of organically grown grapefruit and can be used internally or externally (always diluted). A few drops will help purify water while traveling, wash fruits and vegetables and clean dishes. It can be used as a dental rinse, scalp treatment, facial cleanser and throat gargle.

Ginger

This root is a great remedy for queasy stomachs due to motion sickness, indigestion and the onset of colds or flus. Ginger can be taken in the form of crystallized candy, tea, capsules, ginger ale or fresh ginger root.

Lavender Oil

Lavender is the most popular essential oil due to its wonderful relaxing scent and healing properties. Lavender essential oil helps relax nerves, migraines, headaches, tension, emotional stress and sore muscles. Lavender is also good for keeping the bugs away and leaving you smelling clean and fresh as well as soothing bug bites. Always use a carrier oil when applying any essential oil.

Bach Rescue Remedy

Bach Flower Rescue Remedy helps ease stress and stabilize the emotions during times of upset. Rescue Remedy tincture has a calming effect in a wide range of stress-inducing situations including arguments, pressure at work, exams and the receiving of bad news. Rescue Remedy can be used safely for children after any kind of minor upset or accident or to help them relax at night. it is even recommended for calming pets when traveling. The cream is excellent on bites, stings, burns, cuts, abrasions, bruises, sprains and before exercise.

Arnica

The first remedy to think of in any case of injury is arnica. Used for injuries in the soft parts of the muscles, arnica helps alleviate bruises, joint inflammation, muscle strain/soreness and minor sprains. You can massage arnica tincture onto unbroken skin every three to four hours to reduce pain and swelling and promote healing. Arnica is available in oil, cream, drops and homeopathic tablets. Do not use Arnica on open wounds.

Calendula Cream or Oil

This indispensable remedy can be used on all cuts, sores, infected areas and just about anything that stings and hurts. Great for all skin inflammation and irritations of any kind, calendula works as an excellent wound dressing. Use only after thoroughly cleaning the infected area.

Apis

Apis is a homeopathic remedy derived from honeybees and their venom. Homeopathics use highly diluted amounts of the active ingredients. Apis helps ease the swelling, pain and other symptoms of bee stings and other insect bites.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice

Both these food grade items are known to relieve the itching and inflammation of any insect bite.

Bug-Free Without Chemicals

Make your own insect repellent using essential oils. You can also try real vanilla mixed half and half with water which reportedly works on mosquitoes and ticks. Invest in a mosquito jacket and pants to prevent bugs from biting.

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Above feature image of Aloe Vera by Dred Geib / Pexels.com.