First aid - it's a time of acute need and emergency, but still it's great to be able to grab household items that are natural and you can use straight away.
Plants have been used as medicines for centuries and what was always considered to be the realm of the 'wise-woman' is starting to enjoy a resurgence in popularity.
This in part may be due to the growing body of clinical research into the herbs being used and a greater scientific understanding into why some herbs work best for some conditions.
Modern science is using clinical data and research to prove what traditional medicine has known for centuries.
There are plenty of natural items that have a high justification for inclusion in your natural first aid kit but we will cover the top priorities with some handy hints on how to use them.
Arnica - This homeopathic remedy is brilliant as a first aid item for all bumps, bruises, swellings, sports injuries, sprained muscles and ligaments and more.
The list of uses for this product is endless.
It can be given as pilules or drops internally and is best given frequently i.
e.
1 tab under the tongue every 15 minutes for 60-90 minutes after injury.
After this initial dose, 3x day is generally considered to be the maintenance dose.
Arnica can also be given as a cream or gel.
The gel is brilliant when kept in the fridge and used on burns (especially sunburn), the cool gel and the anti-inflammatory action is magic for the skin! Calendula cream - This is a basic cream, which is fantastic for cuts and scrapes to the skin.
Calendula is a super healing herb with antiseptic properties and helps to protect cuts and scrapes from getting infected and seals them up quickly and effectively.
In fact, it works so well that it is important to make sure your wound is clean before you apply it as sometimes the skin can heal over with the dirt still trapped inside! This is also great for nappy rash and chicken pox scabs as it is very soothing and healing to the skin.
Tea Tree Oil - This essential oil works miracles before your eyes! It is a super doper antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral.
Add some drops to a basin of warm water to wash cuts and scrapes on the skin, or as a natural alternative to harsh cleansers for acne - it is very effective and helps your skin balance it's production of oil.
Tea tree oil made into a spray can work fantastically as a preventative for head lice - just spray into your child's hair every morning before school.
Rescue remedy - This is a combination of 5 flower essence remedies from a range of 33 flower essences founded by Dr Bach in the early 1900's in England.
They work wonders for trauma, shock, stress, anxiety, panic, etc and are safe for all ages.
Put some drops directly under your tongue after trauma or add to a glass of water.
They are fantastic for kids who are too wound up in a tantrum, or after nightmares, accidents, falls, and so on.
Aloe vera - This plant grows in abundance in NZ and its juice is a miracle worker in many situations.
Snap a leaf off the plant, slice it open from the base to the tip and apply the inside gel to the affected area.
Brilliant for any skin problem really - especially burns.
The prepared gel is also made into face creams/gels to soften skin and heal acne scars.
For more items to add to your natural first aid kit, click open part two of this article to read more.
For more information on women's health, fertility and pregnancy using herbal medicine & nutrition, contact Wellington Natural Fertility Specialist Kimberly Taylor by phone or email, or view her website for details.
Plants have been used as medicines for centuries and what was always considered to be the realm of the 'wise-woman' is starting to enjoy a resurgence in popularity.
This in part may be due to the growing body of clinical research into the herbs being used and a greater scientific understanding into why some herbs work best for some conditions.
Modern science is using clinical data and research to prove what traditional medicine has known for centuries.
There are plenty of natural items that have a high justification for inclusion in your natural first aid kit but we will cover the top priorities with some handy hints on how to use them.
Arnica - This homeopathic remedy is brilliant as a first aid item for all bumps, bruises, swellings, sports injuries, sprained muscles and ligaments and more.
The list of uses for this product is endless.
It can be given as pilules or drops internally and is best given frequently i.
e.
1 tab under the tongue every 15 minutes for 60-90 minutes after injury.
After this initial dose, 3x day is generally considered to be the maintenance dose.
Arnica can also be given as a cream or gel.
The gel is brilliant when kept in the fridge and used on burns (especially sunburn), the cool gel and the anti-inflammatory action is magic for the skin! Calendula cream - This is a basic cream, which is fantastic for cuts and scrapes to the skin.
Calendula is a super healing herb with antiseptic properties and helps to protect cuts and scrapes from getting infected and seals them up quickly and effectively.
In fact, it works so well that it is important to make sure your wound is clean before you apply it as sometimes the skin can heal over with the dirt still trapped inside! This is also great for nappy rash and chicken pox scabs as it is very soothing and healing to the skin.
Tea Tree Oil - This essential oil works miracles before your eyes! It is a super doper antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral.
Add some drops to a basin of warm water to wash cuts and scrapes on the skin, or as a natural alternative to harsh cleansers for acne - it is very effective and helps your skin balance it's production of oil.
Tea tree oil made into a spray can work fantastically as a preventative for head lice - just spray into your child's hair every morning before school.
Rescue remedy - This is a combination of 5 flower essence remedies from a range of 33 flower essences founded by Dr Bach in the early 1900's in England.
They work wonders for trauma, shock, stress, anxiety, panic, etc and are safe for all ages.
Put some drops directly under your tongue after trauma or add to a glass of water.
They are fantastic for kids who are too wound up in a tantrum, or after nightmares, accidents, falls, and so on.
Aloe vera - This plant grows in abundance in NZ and its juice is a miracle worker in many situations.
Snap a leaf off the plant, slice it open from the base to the tip and apply the inside gel to the affected area.
Brilliant for any skin problem really - especially burns.
The prepared gel is also made into face creams/gels to soften skin and heal acne scars.
For more items to add to your natural first aid kit, click open part two of this article to read more.
For more information on women's health, fertility and pregnancy using herbal medicine & nutrition, contact Wellington Natural Fertility Specialist Kimberly Taylor by phone or email, or view her website for details.