Here are a few things every family should have in their medicine cabinet when summer rolls around.
Tea tree or Manuka essential oil – these incredibly antiseptic oils can be used on mosquito bites, tick bites, athletes foot or any other fungal infection. Clean scratches and grazes with one drop diluted in water and use (also very diluted) as a great mouthwash or gargle for an impending sore throat.
Arnica or Traumeel– for all the bumps and bruises.
Apis– a remedy that works wonders for the pain and inflammation of bee stings and other insect bites.
Natural sunscreen – choose carefully as there are some quite worrying products on the market. The environmental working group (www.ewg.org) do an annual sunscreen safety guide that is very in depth and based on sound science.
Aloe vera – helps to hydrate and soothe the skin after sun exposure. Make sure it’s 100% Aloe vera gel.
Natural insect repellent – there are plenty on the market but if you would like to make your own this one works well:
30ml almond, apricot kernel, light olive or coconut oil
15 drops citronella oil
15 drops tea tree or Manuka oil
10 drops of lavender
10 Eucalyptus
Mix them all together well, shaking before each use. Be sure to test a small patch of skin first, especially on children, and avoid the eye area.
Here’s to a healthy summer!
