Are you looking for natural, eco-friendly ways to treat minor complaints? Creating a natural first aid kit is a great way to prepare for common issues like cuts, bruises, and insect bites. All of the items below should be easy to find at your local natural health store, and they won't cost the earth.
1. Bamboo Band-Aids
Band-aids are great to have around, but aren't always eco-friendly. Most regular band-aids are made of PVC, a type of plastic that won't break down and will instead go to landfills. Bamboo band-aids are an excellent alternative, and most brands are fully compostable. They're also natural and non-toxic, meaning they're kind to skin.
2. Ginger Tablets
Ginger is anti-inflammatory, is an excellent remedy for nausea, and has been used for thousands of years to naturally support the digestive system. While making a tea with fresh ginger works well, it's not convenient if you're on the go. Keeping some ginger tablets handy is perfect if you're travelling and are prone to motion sickness.
3. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil is naturally antibacterial and antiseptic, making it great for cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and other common skin complaints. You can purchase neat tea tree oil and dilute it yourself with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil. This is useful as you can alter the concentration according to the problem. If you're not experienced with essential oils, buying a cream or gel that contains tea tree oil is a great alternative to mixing your own.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is antimicrobial and antiseptic, making it useful for cleaning minor cuts and abrasions. It's also been used as a natural remedy for digestive issues and can be diluted in water and taken before meals to lessen acid reflux and indigestion. Don't drink the vinegar neat — dilute one teaspoon in a glass of water. For a sore throat, try gargling with a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar to kill bacteria and speed up healing.
5. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is naturally soothing, making it perfect for treating sunburn and insect bites. There's some evidence that it can also help with common skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and dandruff. Be sure to follow the directions on the gel that you purchase, as it's not advisable to use a high concentration of aloe vera for long periods of time.
Many common health complaints can be dealt with effectively using natural remedies. Start your natural first aid kit today to help yourself and the planet.
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