Have Herbs, Will Travel: Creating a Natural First Aid Kit
Summer holidays are coming! Whether you are holidaying at home or abroad, having day trips or extensive tours, carrying a fi rst aid kit is always a good idea. Here are my botanical favourites to add to your kit.
Arnica gel or balm (Arnica montana) - arnica is anti-infl ammatory and is well-known for its ability to reduce bruises. It can also be used on minor sprains, and aches and pains after excessive exercise or gardening. Not to be used on broken skin.
Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) - can be used for many ailments and is one of the few essential oils which can be applied neat to adult skin. It can also be mixed in aloe vera gel to soothe sunburn, to heal cuts and bruises and to ease itchy, infl amed insect bites. It can also be burned in a diff user to help ward off insects and its relaxing qualities are ideal to aid sleep. If you are tense about fl ying, a few drops on a tissue can be gently inhaled to soothe nerves and it can also relieve headaches.
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) - a bottle of distilled witch hazel is useful for applying to grazed, bruised skin and its astringent action can reduce bleeding. It can also double up as a toner when travelling, and is particularly good for acne-prone skin.
Ginger sweets (Zingiber offi cinale) - relives nausea and sickness, so carry some candied root or sweets if someone in the party is likely to suff er travel sickness. It can also ease indigestion and minor stomach upsets when taken as a tea so is handy to have if you encounter upset stomachs abroad.
Chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita) - a great all- rounder, chamomile can relieve stomach upsets and constipation. It can soothe nerves and aid sleep. Chamomile teabags can also be cooled and applied
to infl amed, sore eyes. I never leave home without them!
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Elderberry and Echinacea syrup (Sambucus nigra, Echinacea angustifolia). If you are worried about air-borne infections on the plane or being in close proximity to lots of people, boosting your immune system may be appropriate. Both elderberry and echinacea protect against upper respiratory infections and have been shown to shorten the duration of the cold virus. In a syrup form, they can also ease sore throats and coughs.
Garlic (Allium sativum) garlic is a natural antibiotic so can help protect the stomach from infection. Consuming large amounts is also reputed to keep insects away, but it may put everyone off approaching you, so use with consideration in small spaces!
Probiotics - these are not plants although strains such as Saccharomyces boulardii are yeasts which were originally found on the skin of lychee fruit. Probiotics are great at re-establishing your gut fl ora after antibiotics and diarrhoea-some research suggests they can shorten the duration of bouts of diarrhoea by one day (signifi cant when you are on holiday!) Should you get an upset stomach, ensure that plenty of fl uids are consumed to rehydrate the body while herbal teas such as peppermint can ease gas and abdominal discomfort.
So get your bags packed and have a great break wherever you are headed!
Please consult with your herbalist or health practitioner before using any herbs if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication or have underlying health issues.
Nikki Biddiss BSc (Hons), MNIMH, is a Medical Herbalist, Aromatherapy Massage Therapist and Cognitive Coach. She has a clinic in Napier’s, Glasgow and has her own practice in Bridge of Allan.
www.botanicalhealing.co.uk or contact Nikki on 07528 341 206.
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