When you are on your holiday, or even at home, did you know you can use herbal remedies as first aid treatments? Well you can. Follow our guide to treating a range of common ailments and acute problems with herbal cures:
Insect Bites – use Lavender Essential Oil, in a carrier oil, on stings to reduce swelling, and soothe irritation and itchiness. Also Tea Tree oil is an effective antiseptic: rub one drop into a bite or sting. Witch Hazel can be used to quell the itchiness of mosquito bites, and Rescue Remedy cream can be used for a variety of purposes, including easing the pain of bites and stings, as well as soothing sunburn.
Cuts and Grazes – use Calendula. This plant is an antiseptic and antibacterial remedy. Dilute it with water and rinse cuts and grazes. You can then use the Camomile ointment for pain relief and healing. Myrrh can also be used as it has powerful healing properties – again use in tincture form diluted in water.
Toothache: A popular remedy when you are suffering from gum or tooth pain is to rub clove oil into the affected area. It is seen as a natural antiseptic, and if there is simply a cut or gum damage, it can work. Remember to dilute the oil first. If the pain is centred in the tooth, then it is probably best to see an emergency dentist, especially if you have had toothache for more than three days. More.
Clove has been used to treat toothaches throughout history. The oil can effectively numb the pain and reduce inflammation. It contains eugenol, which is a natural antiseptic . To use this approach, dilute clove oil with a carrier oil, like sunflower or jojoba oil.
Stomach Upsets – use Slippery Elm. This herb soothes the membranes lining the gut and helps to ease stomach upsets. It also helps to correct the balance of the bacteria in the gut. Slippery Elm powder can also be used to treat diarrhoea (apart from taking a rehydration formula). Take acidophilus capsules to replace healthy bacteria after the stomach infection.
Sunburn – Aloe Vera is an excellent after-sun treatment – use the fresh 100% gel of this succulent plant directly onto the affected area. Also, Camomile and Calendula ointments soothe and heal. St John’s Wort tincture – Nature’s answer for bad sunburn – is an effective treatment used topically on the sunburnt area. Rescue Remedy – dilute in water and splash onto the burn. Alternatively, use Rescue Remedy cream.
General Infections – use Echinacea. “First aid in a bottle” – this miraculous herb builds up the body’s immune system to protect from infections and to help heal afterwards. Take in tincture form for best results.
For more information on treating first aid problems, go to:
- Autumn Survival
- Burns Focus
- Christmas and New Year’s Cures
- Dealing with Jet Lag
- Economy Class Syndrome
- Kitchen Medicine Chest
- Summer Ailments
- Sun Sense
- Super Immune Boosters
- Travel Awareness
- Winter Herbal Medicine Chest