Glorious St John's Wort oil is one herb that we don't leave home without when travelling...We'll be bringing you our Wilder Aid formulas very soon but in the meantime heres a few multi purpose herbs in our natural first aid kit...and some kitchen remedies too, hopefully these will inspire you to create your own..
- Travel Sickness: Peppermint essential oil is refreshing and helps ease nausea, pop a drop or two on a tissue to inhale. If prone to travel sickness prepare a cold infusion of Chamomile or Meadowsweet tea with a little Ginger to travel with to calm the tummy and ease any anxiety.
- Bites & Stings: Apis 30c is the principle homeopathic remedy for insect bites and stings. A compress of Echinacea tincture 10 drops in a little water brings relief. Also a few drops of Lavender essential oil diluted in olive oil and gently rubbed onto the effected area. For wasp stings, try apple cider vinegar and also bicarb of soda made into a paste helps relieve heat and pain. Plantain is a favourite herb for bites and stings mash the leaves and rest on the affected area.
- Sunburn: St John's Wort oil works a treat, but don't go into the sun with this on your skin as it can cause photosensitivity.
- Minor cuts & grazes: A compress of Calendula tincture a few drops in a little water to clean and treat the wound and then try Aloe in a gel or fresh when the wound is dry.
- Bumps and bruising: Homeopathic Arnica 30c is a remedy we all know well for bruising, swelling, muscle strain and shock. Use 10 drops of Calendula tincture in water and as a soothing compress.
- Stomach upsets; I always recommend the whole family start taking a probiotic when travelling. For food poisoning Arsenicum 30c is the main homeopathic remedy. Chamomile, Fennel, peppermint and Meadowsweetare all herbs that help bring relief, prepare as a tea. Homeopathic Nux Vomica 30c if feeling iffy through overindulging!...and theres always Wilder's Hangover tincture.
- Swimmer's ear: Echinacea tincture 2-4 drops directly into the ear, or try a few drops of St John's Wort oil Not to be used if theres a suspected punctured ear drum. A few drops of lavender essential oil in warm olive oil massaged around the outer ear area is also beneficial.
Pack these herbs, and remedies into a handy first aid bag alongside fresh dressings, tweezers and organic cotton wool pads and you're all set to go