When replenishing your family's First Aid Kit, what are the best natural treatments to have on hand?
With more natural options available than ever, you can rest easy knowing that you don't need to rely on medications that are full of nasty chemicals, you can instead opt for a more natural choice when it comes to the health and well-being of yourself and your family. While most of us live in a safe, home environment you can never really predict when you or a loved one is going to trip over and get hurt. When the incident doesn't require a visit to your local doctor there's no reason why you can't fix the matter in the comfort of your own home and this is precisely why having a few natural remedies in your home first aid kit is such a good idea.
Just a couple of drops of a homoeopathic remedy called Arnica underneath the tongue assists with reducing the effects of bruising and cuts the healing time in half. It is well suited to be used straight after a minor surgery such as dental work and osteopathic treatments. It especially comes in handy when travelling.
Cuts and scratches need immediate care to avoid the risk of a nasty infection. Calendula is a yellow/orange flower that while a bit smelly, is a tremendously effective antiseptic which can be purchased as either a cream or a lotion.
When muscular aches strike, a small dose (200mg to 400mg) of Magnesium two to three times a day can really help to ease the pain and discomfort you're feeling, while also reducing soreness and cramping. For a quick fix, a lukewarm bath with some Epsom salts will also relax the muscles and ease pain after a hard day.
If you need a natural remedy that is more suited to emotional discomfort, then Bach Rescue Remedy is all you may need to calm yourself after an emotional crisis or shock.
If there is a natural remedy that is purely Australian it would have to be Tea Tree Oil. Made from the native tea tree, tea tree oil helps to speed up the regeneration of cells, therefore making it perfect for application on cuts and scratches. It also has antibacterial properties and is an effective anti fungal agent which can be used to treat a variety of different skin conditions such as athletes’ foot.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can be triggered by a range of things including food, medication, insect bites, pollen and many other substances. Many allergic reactions are harmless, however severe reactions can be life threatening and required immediate help and medical assistance, especially where children are involved.
There are many signs of a mild allergic reaction including: itching, redness, a runny nose, red bumps or hives and most commonly sneezing. It is when you receive severe symptoms that medical attention should be sought. A few symptoms of a severe allergic reaction could include: swelling of the mouth or tongue, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain and vomiting.
If your child experiences any of those symptoms, or the allergic reaction concerns you or appears to be more than mild, call a doctor. If the symptoms are mild, administer an oral antihistamine. If the symptoms are severe and you have an EpiPen, use it immediately and call for emergency help.
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are very common in children and are most often not very serious. They usually stop on their own, so there is often no need to visit a doctor. Nosebleeds can often be treated safely in the home. If your child experiences nosebleeds, you should have them sit up straight with their head tilted forward. You should never have your child lean back as this could result in gagging, coughing or vomiting. Make sure they are comfortable before pinching the lower part of the nose for at least ten minutes.
You should always seek medical care if your child has frequent nosebleeds, has just started on new medication or if they tend to bruise easily or have bleeding from other wounds. You should seek emergency care if the nosebleed is heavy and accompanied by dizziness or paleness, or if after two or three attempts to apply pressure for ten minutes, and also if it is the result of a blow to the head or a fall.
Use saline nasal spray and a humidifier to prevent dryness in the nose.
Broken Bones
Two of the most common injuries for kids are broken bones and fractures. No matter how serious you think the injury is, always call emergency services.
Be careful when handling the child; do so as little as possible so you do not cause any further injury. Carefully apply a cold pack to the area and keep the injured limb in the position that you found it. If possible, find a splint to keep the injury in place until help arrives.
If you ever suspect that your child's broken bone may be a serious injury, call an ambulance immediately. Especially, if the injury is to the back, neck or head of the child. Also, if the bone has broken though the skin. As you wait for emergency services, keep the child lying down and refrain from washing the wound or pressing on any part that may be sticking out
Burns
IMPORTANT
If the patient shivers from the cold water, STOP
DO NOT break blisters
If their clothing sticks to the burn, cut around it.
Burns from Flame, Scalding and Sunburn
Plan of Action:
Cool burn with cold running water for up to twenty minutes.
Gently remove any clothing or jewellery from around the burn area.
Cover the burn with a sterile non-stick dressing. If one is not available then use cling wrap or a cotton sheet or shirt.
Elevate the burnt limb.
Always seek medical advice for bad burns. Call 000 and seek medical assistance.
Chemical Burns
Plan of Action:
Irrigate the affected area with cold running water for up to thirty minutes.
Carefully remove the contaminated clothing.
Cover the burn with a sterile non-stick dressing. If one is not available, then use cling wrap or a cotton sheet or shirt.
For eyes, turn the head to the affected side and irrigate for up to thirty minutes. Lightly place a pad over the eye with a sterile dressing.
Seek urgent medical advice. Call 000.
Beware: DO NOT break blisters. DO NOT apply ointments or oils. Only use cold running water.