Natural First Aid

by Jon Fiume
May 16, 2006

The joys of summertime are just around the corner... picnics, the sun, gardening, outside, home repairs, outdoor concerts and evening strolls. Relaxation and fun fill the air as we enjoy every moment. That is, until we discover that first itch from poison ivy, or realize that we forgot to apply the sun screen, or what we thought was a prick earlier has turned out to be yet another mosquito bite. Unfortunately, it happens every summer. But this month, I offer up some natural solutions to some of these annoyances.

Muscle aches, stiffness and bruises
The ramifications from being the weekend warrior who has played too hard can be unpleasant. The homeopathic remedy Arnica montana may be your salvation. Arnica montana helps to reduce muscle pain, fatigue, bruising and swelling. Arnica montana is available in topical cremes and homeopathic pellets, and is best taken at the onset.

Mosquito bites
We all know that no summer is complete without bites from mosquitoes. Prevention is the best approach as often times the bites are unavoidable. Natural considerations include taking a B complex vitamin daily, which for some has been successful in repelling mosquitoes. Other natural mosquito repellants include tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil - the scents of which appall these pests. Give them a try &they are much healthier than the standard DEET formulas.

Bee stings
Besides our friends the mosquitoes, we need to watch out for the infamous bee sting. If we are not deathly allergic the homeopathic remedy Apis mellifica, or a combination formula, may come to the rescue. In addition, lavender oil applied to the sting area may reduce inflammation and pain. If you are allergic, have a plan in place just in case you do get stung.

Motion sickness
What is summer without trips in the car, or a ride on the roller coaster at an amusement park? Along with those long rides and big hills comes motion sickness. Ginger tea (which also tastes good chilled and sweetened with honey), or in capsule form, can help calm the stomach and allow you to enjoy the ride! Peppermint in any form may also help the stomach to relax.

Sun burns
Summer sun can bring summer burns. Besides making sure that we apply sun protection properly to avoid a burn, we can address sun burns with aloe vera and/or calendula. Used topically, aloe vera can help reduce the pain and reddening as well as assist with the healing process. Make sure to look for a product that contains at least 98% aloe vera. Applied directly from the plant is even better. Calendula can also help to soothe the burn and promote healing. Both calendula and aloe vera can also help to relieve the irritation from insect stings and bites.

Poison ivy
There is not a summer gone by that we haven't known someone or even experienced the discomfort ourselves, of poison ivy. The homeopathic remedy Rhus toxicodendron can help take the itch out of poison ivy. Available in pellet form, it is best taken at the onset. You may also want to look for homeopathic combination formulas as well.

Enjoy the summer, be safe, be healthy!

This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of your current healthcare program or advice from you healthcare professionals.