Whether you’re traveling, at home, camping or taking a trip to the beach, here are a few natural remedies, herbs, essential oils and homeopathic remedies that may come useful as we wind down the summer months.
Natural and Home Remedies for Common Summer Ailments
Aloe vera gel: for sunburns or for any kinds of burns, for skin rashes, for prickly heat and for almost any summertime skin problems. Try to find pure aloe gel or just grow your own aloe plant!
Arnica ointment/cream/lotion: for strains and sprains, bruises, bumps and sore muscles.
Arnica homeopathic tablets: for shock and for injuries.
Arsenicum album homeopathic tablets: a homeopathic remedy for diarrhea and other stomach upsets, including food poisonings. This is a great remedy to keep with you when you travel.
Echinaea tincture (Echinacea angustifolia/purpurea): for summer colds. Echinacea tincture diluted in water can also be used to gargle a sore throat and to clean small cuts and wounds (I dilute it first for cleaning wounds, too, because it stings).
Eucalyptus essential oil (Eucalyptus globulus/radiata): for coughs and colds and sinus infections – use in a steam inhalation. Eucalyptus oil is also a natural insect repellent.
Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia/officinalis/vera): For insect bites – add a drop of lavender oil on a mosquito bite to relieve itching; for sunburn treatments, for colds, flus, sleeping problems and headaches.
Natural insect repellent: make your own bug repellent spray with essential oils such as Citronella and Lemongrass. Here is a basic recipe: A Homemade Natural Insect Repellent with Essential Oils.
Rescue Remedy (Recovery Remedy): for shocks, travel nerves and all kinds of stressful situations at home or on vacation. It’s available in drops, as a spray, as a balm and even as Rescue Remedy candy.
Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): for colds and flus, for cleaning cuts and wounds (diluting in water helps to avoid irritation), for fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, for cold sores, for warts and for acne spots.
When the weather gets hot, don’t forget to stay well hydrated. Try Cold Herbal Infusions or Summer Herb Teas from Your Garden to prevent dehydration on hot days.
