A natural apothecary for summer

Stocking up your own natural apothecary is so easy!

There are some fantastic natural home remedies that are readily accessible, affordable and effective. So, let’s talk all things first aid.

Here are my top tips for this time of year:

1. A great, natural, zinc-based sunscreen. Not only is it non-toxic and gentle on sensitive skin, it can also help to heal irritated skin such as dermatitis and eczema, as zinc aids wound and skin healing. My favourite brands include Soleo and Wotnot, which are both organic.
2. Arnica! Any way you can get it. I keep arnica in a cream, oil and tablets. Arnica is a wonderful homeopathic to ease bruising and inflammation. I have two sons who are 6 and 4, so the arnica gets a great workout in our house for bumps, breaks and bruises! Very safe to use from birth, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
3. Magnesium and/or a good electrolyte replacement. With the summer heat coming, so too does sweating and potential dehydration, leading to muscle pain and cramping. Magnesium and mineral repletion is essential for rehydration and to increase muscle recovery. Drink it, bathe in it or rub it on the skin, all are effective methods. Creams and baths are great for skin. And don’t forget, magnesium is great for stress, irritability, blood-sugar regulation, fatigue and insomnia, so basically a must this time of year!
4. Aloe Vera gel for sunburn. Great for maintaining moisture in the skin, soothes and heals if you’ve caught too much sun. Keep it in the fridge for extra cooling effect.
5. Calendula cream or oil. Calendula is a beautiful herb with anti-inflammatory effects with a specific affinity for the skin. Great for dermatitis/eczema flareups, grazes, bites and stings.
6.  A good, natural insect repellent. Vanilla mozi is my favourite. Are the mozzies on steroids around here lately?! Safe for babies, children, pregnancy and breastfeeding. It smells divine too.
7. Probiotics or a fridge full of fermented foods. Often, Christmas is the time of year that we get rundown, sick, stressed and are more likely to over indulge in sweet and rich foods and alcohol; these all have a negative impact on our gut flora. Take a daily, broad spectrum probiotic or a good dose of kefir/kombucha/sauerkraut to offset these seasonal extras.
8. Ginger tablets. Christmas is the time of year we jump in the car, bust out the caravans and tents and road trip! Which can mean travel sickness for some. Ginger is a wonderful, natural antinauseant. You may also wish to double up by using special wrist bands for nausea that work on pressure points in the wrist. These are available from most pharmacies.

Hopefully this has given you all a good start to having some great natural remedies on hand to treat you and your families.

Bec Winkler is a naturopath with more than 10 years’ experience. She works at the Chiropractic Centre, Jan Juc.