NATURAL FIRST AID KIT

Hello folks!

I hope you've all been enjoying the sun, everything seems to be growing in abundance with the measures of rain & shine we've been getting……including the weeds!

As the holiday season gets into full swing, I expect many of you are considering what to pop in your travel first aid kit…..well here are a few tips on what to pack, naturally not a whiff of parabens in sight.

Lavender Essential Oil

Every first aid kit should have a bottle of this. It's analgesic, antiseptic & anti-inflammatory properties make it great for applying to minor burns, bites, stings, rashes, spots & boils to help soothe & heal. You can use this oil neat with caution, or add a couple of drops to a cream to ease sunburn. It can calm & relax the person being treated.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Sniff this oil to help ease jetlag.

Citronella Essential Oil

Add a few drops of this oil & apply strategically on points all over your body to help repel insects.

Calendula

This is a soothing, herbal remedy made from good old marigolds & comes in cream or oil. It is antiseptic & anti-inflammatory & is ideal for treating itchy, swollen areas or on to scabs that need healing.

Arnica

This can be taken internally as a homeopathic remedy for shock, trauma & bruising or externally on unbroken skin as an oil or cream to bumps ‘n' bruises, sprains ‘n' strains; before & after surgery for helping the healing process.

Ti-tree Essential Oil

Another item which everyone should have in their kit as nature's most potent disinfectant. It is also antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal. Like lavender it can be used neat with caution. Use it on cold sores, or as a mouthwash or gargle for mouth ulcers. Add 1 or 2 drops in cream to help heal scabs & fight infection.

Witch Hazel

Applying distilled witch hazel to minor burns, insect bites, bruises & sprains can help soothe & heal.

Comfrey Ointment

Comfrey which comes as an oil or cream is great for cuts, wounds, bruises & sprains. In medicinal folklore it is known as Knitbone, as it is believed to help bones knit together more effectively.

Aloe Vera

This usually comes as a gel, & has anti-inflammatory, soothing effect on minor burns, sunburn & other skin complaints. Having a plant in your house means that you always have this wonderful healing on hand. Simply nip a tip off the plant & apply to the affected area. The juice, can help with all sorts of digestive problems like constipation, diarrhoea, & IBS

……and a couple of useful remedies growing around our clifftops……

Yarrow

A herb that is available around our cliffs in abundance. Its feathery, downy leaves are dark green & small flowerheads are pinky white. It is pushing up now, & will flower July to August when it is best to pick it. The leaves can be picked & chewed into a ball & popped up a nose to help stem a nosebleed in an emergency. In an infusion it can help ease diarrhoea, cramps & tummy upsets. Use in moderation.

Chamomile

Another herb that grows in feathery tufts, with daisy like white flowers with yellow centres; ideal for tummy upsets, & it is calming too. Pick the flowers from summer to autumn. Drink an infusion, or apply infusion to skin to soothe & cool.

Remember whenever you pick herbs always make sure you know what you are picking, & if you are unsure, consult a qualified herbalist. In addition use the forager's rule of thumb; never pick more than 10% of a plant, only pick what you need, & pick healthy looking leaves/flowers.

If you want a handy balm for bumps n bruises, sprains n strains, bites n stings, n burny things, then you can obtain “There, There” from Half Moon or via my website: www.tlcinabottle.co.uk.

Please call me first to ensure I can make a pot up freshly for you. Also available is a handy Magic Wand called “Buzz Off!” which helps repel insects & can be applied to any bites should any of the critters get through the defences.

Have fun in the sun, be safe & be well,

Nicolle Mitchell I.T.E.C., CThA

Holistic Health Therapist & Practice Manager

THE LITTLE MASSAGE CLINIC

THE PENVENTON HOTEL & HALF MOON SALON

TEL: 01209 203230 OR 711686

Email: nicolle@tlcinabottle.co.uk

DISCLAIMER: we do not diagnose or guarantee cures. We aim to help people make informed choices about their health. Any changes in lifestyle, diet, medication, supplementation or remedies, should be taken with your GP's or health professional's support.