Summer is the time for picnics, swimming, and vacation-fun! However, the fun doesn’t come without a price. It’s also the time when the insects are swarming, the sun is sweltering, and the ivy is growing. If you have children, you know that every summer is an adventure filled with bites, scratches, and bumps for them and for you. Even without children, our summer activities often take us outside and into new surroundings. We tend to be more adventurous in the summer and that can lead to a few stiff muscles, a few scratches, and/ or bites in which we normally wouldn't encounter.
Here are some natural remedies to help prepare for the hot days of summer. The remedies listed below can reduce the symptoms of many minor injuries until medical care is found or until it heals on its own. Use your judgment as to the severity of the problem, but if it's minor, these remedies may be helpful. If symptoms persist, seek professional medical advice immediately. Minor symptoms can often be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
FOR BUMPS AND BRUISES
ARNICA: Arnica is available in both internal and external preparations, and is safe to use for all ages. Useful for reducing swelling and bruising. Look for Arnica gel or cream, as well as the oral preparation of Arnica 12c or 30c potency. Directions: Apply gel/cream every 2-4 hours as needed, do not apply to broken skin. Arnica 12c/30c should be given immediately after the trauma and then 3 times per day for a few days.
COMPRESSES: Apply a cold compress immediately after the trauma for 20 minutes. This will help reduce the amount of bruising. You may also add witch hazel, comfrey, or arnica (pour ½ tsp from a tincture into a pint of cold water). Repeat 2 to 3 times. External use only.
FOR SUNBURNS
COMPRESSES: As soon as you notice a sunburn, cool the affected area by applying a cold towel compress, apply for 20 minutes. You can also apply fresh cucumber juice to the area by mashing cucumber in a bag or a bowl and then applying it.
ALOE VERA: Apply fresh aloe gel from a plant or a prepared gel or juice to unbroken skin. The plant will soothe the pain and burning. Reapply as needed.
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES: Apis, cantharis, arnica, or urtica urens are possible remedies used in a 12c or 30c potency. Check a homeopathic guide to see which remedy is appropriate for your symptoms.
HYPERICUM (St. John’s wort): Apply oil or salve to the area a few hours after the burn occurs.
FOR SCRAPES AND SUPERFICIAL WOUNDS
If the wound is gaping and does not appear to be minor, then seek medical attention immediately.
ANTISEPTIC WASH: If bleeding, apply pressure to the area for a few minutes to stop the bleeding. Clean the area well with an antiseptic wash solution using calendula, goldenseal, or witch hazel (1/2 tsp of tincture in a pint of water).
SALVES OR CREAMS: Apply cream or salve made from comfrey, calendula, yarrow or tea tree and cover with a bandage. Use the antiseptic wash once a day to prevent infection.
HOMEOPATHY: Use Arnica as described in the above burns and bruises section.
FOR INSECT BITES AND STINGS
POULTICE: Apply plantain leaves, raw potato slices or raw carrots directly on the bite or with a cheese-cloth for 20 minutes. It will draw out the poison and relieve itching.
COMPRESSES: Apply a compress of distilled witch hazel with a few drops of lavender oil. If you don’t have witch hazel solution on hand then use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar diluted in water.
NATURAL BUG REPELLENT: Using lavender, citronella, eucalyptus and pennyroyal essential oils, mix 15 drops of each with one ounce of almond or olive oil. Use on clothing to avoid repeated skin contact.
HOMEOPATHY: Apis, potency 12c or 30c within 1 hour of bite or sting.
FOR SPLINTERS
BANANAS: Enzymes in banana peels create a drawing action that pulls splinters out of your skin. To use, apply a ripe banana peel (skin side up, pulp side down) to the affected area. Attach using surgical tape before you go to bed and leave it on over night.
SILICEA: Take homeopathic silicea, potency 12c or 30c, three times per day for three days. Specific for extruding foreign material from wounds.
FOR POISON IVY
If you think you have come in contact with poison oak or ivy, immediately wash your clothes and skin with cold, soapy water.
OATMEAL: Make a pot of oatmeal and add to a cool bath and soak for 20- 30 minutes. You may also make a paste from oatmeal and apply it directly to the affected areas. Oatmeal soothes irritated skin and also assists in drawing out the oily exudate.
HOMEOPATHY: Rhus toxicodendron, anacardium, graphites, and sulphur are possible remedies used in a 12c or 30c potency. Check a homeopathic guide to see which remedy is appropriate for your symptoms.
CLAY POULTICE: Use bentonite clay mixed with water and add a few drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil. Apply to the affected areas. Clay will help draw out the irritating oils and soothe the itching.
Enjoy your summer!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Since 2005, Dr Fey has helped women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believes that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms. With her scientific background, Dr Fey uses science based natural approaches to treating disease.
Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center for Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. Dr Fey is currently offering telemedicine for patients all across the US. To contact the office call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.