All natural summer first-aid

(Jul 23, 2008) Those summer scrapes, bites and burns can be handled in a natural way. Experts from Whole Foods Markets put their suggestions together for handling summer mishaps. If you're fortunate to have a Whole Foods Market in your area, drop by and speak to one of their experts who can help you assemble your own natural first-aid kit.

Sunburn
Prevention:
In the case of sunburns, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure:

Cover up with a hat, clothing, sunglasses and head for the shade during peak hours (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

Re-apply sun block every few hours and remember some medications make the skin more sun sensitive.

Relief:

Peppermint oil, calendula oil or St. John’s Wort extract helps reduce body heat and promote a healthy inflammatory response; add drops to lotion or a cool bath.

Witch hazel or green, white or black tea (brewed and cooled) contains tannins for promoting healing and a healthy inflammation response.

Aloe vera gel (undiluted) soothes and promotes healing; look for high percentage in products.

Lavender essential oil diluted in water or carrier oil, Vitamin E or avocado oil all promote healing.

Insect Bites
Prevention:

Taking B-complex vitamins and eating garlic and onions may make skin less tasty to mosquitoes.

Avoid floral and sweet-smelling scents, whether artificial or natural, including dryer sheets!

Disguise your body scent and change the taste of your skin with essential oils that bugs don't like.

Dilute essential oils in water or a carrier oil, then rub or spray on skin and clothes. Reapply often.

Essential oils for mosquitoes: citronella (lemongrass), evergreen and/or eucalyptus.

Essential oils for biting flies: lavender, basil and/or geranium.

Neem oil and geraniol (from lavender) are effective also.

Try a natural DEET free insect repellent such as Jason's "Quit Bugging Me" repellent spray (safe for kids).

Relief:

Lavender or peppermint essential oil soothe itching and promote healing; one undiluted drop on each bite.

Garlic soothes pain; hold crushed clove on sting 20 minutes then rinse.

Colloidal (or crushed) oatmeal bath soothes and promotes healing.

Basil leaf (crushed or extract) and topical clay soothes itching and stinging pain.

Homeopathic remedies include: Ledum (wild rosemary) for swelling; Apis (honey bee) for stings.

Poison ivy, oak & sumac
Prevention:
Teach your kids what these poison plants looks like. The “leaves of three, let them be” only applies to poison ivy and oak. Poison Sumac has seven to 13 leaves. You can find pictures and information at the Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac Information Center.

Relief

Homeopathic remedies include: Rhus tox, Anacardium Orientale, Graphites, Urtica urens, Sulphur

Jewelweed, eucalyptus or witch hazel essential oils promote healing; use undiluted drops or a compress.

Calamine lotion or topical clay soothe, help relieve itching and promote healing.

Oatmeal (colloidal crushed) baths soothe and promote healing.

Minor cuts, burns, scrapes & splinters
Relief:

Tea tree oil or witch hazel in products or diluted cleans and soothes.

Lavender or calendula ointment promotes healing and a healthy inflammation response.

Comfrey ointment or a compress promotes healing.

Slippery elm compress may help dislodge splinters.

Motion Sickness
Prevention:

Ginger capsules, crystallized pieces, powder or extract; take 20 minutes before (and during) travel.

Relief:

Peppermint essential oil calms the stomach; sprinkle on tissue to inhale aroma

Raspberry tea calms the stomach.

Homeopathic remedies available as well.

Muscle soreness bruises & swelling
Prevention:

When playing with your kids, avoid the "weekend warrior" scenario by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Stretch with deep breathing and warm up muscles slowly before activity.

Herbal supplements such as ginger, turmeric, holy basil, green tea and rosemary support a healthy inflammation response, both preventatively and for relief.

Relief

Homeopathic Arnica gel or cream relieves swelling and pain.

Bromelain (pineapple enzyme) helps soothe sprains and bruises.

Capsaicin cream (from cayenne pepper) helps soothe aches and pains.

Homeopathic remedies include: Arnica Montana, Magnesium phosphorus, Hypericum perf, Ruta grav, Ledum pal, Rhus tox.

Whole Foods Markets was founded in 1990 and believes in a virtuous circle entwining the food chain, human beings and Mother Earth.


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