Nurse Nature has everything you need to deal with the minor ailments that can slow you down in the summer. Keep these ointments, teas, tinctures, and more in your bathroom (or even kitchen) cabinet for those “Ow!” moments.
Patch-you-up plants
Arnica
Topical arnica stimulates and dilates blood vessels near the surface of the skin. This improves circulation to an injured area and promotes the healing of bruises, sprains, strains, muscular inflammation, aches, and pains. Arnica can be used as a poultice or in a cream or salve. It should not be taken internally except when used as a homeopathic preparation.
Echinacea
If you feel a cold coming on, echinacea can be used as a tincture, tea, or supplement to help combat infections, relieve cold symptoms, and support the respiratory system. Research shows echinacea may even shorten the duration of a cold. Yes please!
White willow (Salix alba)
Willow is nature’s pain reliever. White willow bark tincture, tea, or supplements may help relieve headaches, as well as fever associated with the common cold. Its analgesic properties provide short-term relief of lower back pain when used topically as a poultice, oil, or cream.
“We got you” spices
Ginger
You’ve probably got ginger root in your kitchen. Keep it handy! Ginger has been clinically shown to prevent and relieve nausea and vomiting. A fast and effective digestive aid, ginger root tea helps with indigestion, lack of appetite, and gas. The tea also helps relieve congestion from bronchitis, the common cold, and flu.
Turmeric
Antioxidant-rich turmeric in capsule form may help cleanse and protect the liver, aid the digestive system, and relieve gas. Turmeric can soothe pain and inflammation when used orally, and topically it helps treat minor cuts, burns, and skin irritations.
Cayenne
Cayenne powder works quickly to staunch the bleeding of a wound and start the healing process immediately. In ointment or cream form, cayenne offers relief for joint, muscle, nerve, and low back pain.
Oils working overtime
Tea tree
Oh hi, first aid in a bottle! Tea tree oil can be placed directly on cuts and scrapes to clean, disinfect, and reduce pain. It’s useful for athlete’s foot, minor burns, insect bites, and fungal nail infections. It may be used directly on skin or with a carrier oil. (Tea tree oil is generally nontoxic and non-irritating, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.)
Oregano
Oil of oregano is a supplement taken orally to deal with problems such as coughs, colds, flu, allergies, and intestinal parasites. Oregano is also available as an essential oil (which is not the same as oil of oregano and not to be taken orally!). When mixed with a carrier oil, oregano essential oil can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including dandruff, acne, athlete’s foot, and psoriasis.
Build a natural first aid kit
When on the go this summer, whether camping or traveling, it’s a good idea to have a few essentials hand. Stock your natural first aid kit with:
- homeopathic arnica
- calendula cream, ointment, or salve
- tea tree oil
- ginger tea or tincture
- vitamin C lozenges
- heat-stable probiotics
Remember to add some witch hazel for wound cleaning, a pair of tweezers, and some bandages!
GRAB A MULTI
A well-rounded multivitamin/mineral supplement is good to have on hand, especially if you aren’t getting the nutrients you need from your food (for instance, when you’re on that loosey-goosey summer vacation diet). A multi targeted for your demographic will help ensure you’re nutritionally balanced.
