Easy DIY remedies this summer

Sunburn, scrapes, bites and stings often go hand in hand with enjoying being out in nature over the summer break. Below are some natural remedies that are supported by research, that you can prepare yourself this summer.

Calendula is part of the marigold family of flowers, and the flowering head can be used medicinally both internally and externally. Externally, both current research and traditional use, show it to aid in wound healing for ulcers, burns (including sunburn), incisions, and insect bites, reducing inflammation and healing time. The best way to prepare calendula is to soak the flower heads in an oil – nut oils are best as they are high in vitamin E which also improves skin healing. After a couple of months, strain the oil and apply it to burns and wounds, this can be used throughout the year. A cooled strong tea made from the flower heads and water can also be used topically on skin conditions if you have run out of time. If you keep it in the fridge, it will last for a couple of days.

Chamomile is another herb that can be used on the skin, and is more readily available. Once again, the flowering head is used and excellent results are seen when taken internally and externally. When consumed as a tea, it is calming to the digestive system, and externally for wound healing, eye inflammation, as well as for muscular and nerve pain. As with calendula it can be infused into an oil or used topically as a strong tea. For use as an eye bath, only use a cooled tea.

Aloe vera can also be used on skin conditions, and it is so easy to use. Simply break of part of the leaf and squeeze the gel onto wounds, bites, or burns (including sunburn). The gel contains vitamin C and E, as well as zinc, which have all been shown to improve wound healing.

If you suffer from travel sickness, don’t forget ginger. It has antinausea and antiemetic properties, and a recent study specifically on travel sickness found it to greatly improve both nausea and vomiting. Ginger can be consumed in a number of ways: from a tea, to a slice of fresh ginger, crystalised, glazed, or as a tablet.

A homeopathic first aid kit is an effective way to treat ailments yourself. My kit covers issues from digestion, skin, headaches, respiratory and more. For more details on my kit, go to products.