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Natural First Aid for Summer
Sunburn and scrapes, bites and bruises remind us that summer’s not all easy. Fortunately, there are effective natural products for addressing nature’s small challenges. Learn how to create your own summer first aid kit with essential oils, vitamins, herbal ointments and homeopathic remedies. Malia Curran, MS, MPH, is a nutrition and health consultant.
237 Responses to “Natural First Aid for Summer”
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I have my first sunburn this year
essential oils/arnica work wonders!
June 10th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
I really this approach. Looking forward to trying some of these tips.
June 11th, 2008 at 10:54 am
I like the natural approach. The smell of some of the traditional, western medicine chemical sprays have a horrific effect on my skin and nose.
June 11th, 2008 at 11:29 am
I learned about this post from a friend. I’ll share it with my friends, we are all big fans of the stores!
June 11th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Summer is here.
June 11th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Great to see people addressing natural approaches to health.
June 11th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I was traveling in Florida last week and now have the first sunburn of the season. Aloe has been helping. Wow, again allot of solid info here, but to much to remember, is there a place on the website where I can find a complete list of options you mentioned, and print them out, or save them?
June 12th, 2008 at 6:50 am
Great work. I mentioned this on another post of yours. I appreciate this information, even more I appreciate the quality and cost effectiveness of the 365 products. I hope there are plans for more product lines, such as SPF, toners etc. Anything in the works?
June 12th, 2008 at 7:22 am
@Mama Z Good morning and thanks for your comment. Whole Body has a series of brochures that cover similar topics to the ones they talk about in their podcast. You can find all of those here (available for download): http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/wholebody/begood/index.html
Hope these work for you!
June 12th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Good find here! I appreciate the links to the brochures, and agree so much good information, I’m glad to not have to remember it all by myself.
June 12th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I like this coverage! Good to see the leader in the worl of natural foods stepping up and presenting an opinion, not just a product!
June 12th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I do like the idea of creating a first aid kit. We were out and about last weekend, and when the sun was to much I was forced to go to a local CVS and buy some crazy green aloe, with all sorts of chemicals.
June 13th, 2008 at 8:02 am
What can one use in a pinch? If you are away from a store like Whole Foods, and have a sun burn, are their any options you can find at a traditional grocery store, rather then having to go to a pharmacy?
June 13th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Not sure if this is a folk remedy or even a remedy at all. A friend once told me that you can rub raw eggs on a sunburn, egg whites to be exact. Is there anything to this method?
June 13th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Thanks Winnie. The booklet is incredible. I think I’ve seen a printed version in the store.
June 13th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Good timing. Summer finds me scraping and injuring as I try to shed the winter stale energy.
June 13th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Is Arnica safe for children under 4 years old? My little one always has bruising on her shins, which I know is common for kids learning to be more and more mobile. I know I can use it topically, but wondering about internally.
June 13th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Interesting to hear the Citronella is an actual natural oil. We have all smelled the candles, which is a tough smell to stomach, so I assumed it was a chemical that chased the bugs away. So if my family will let me wear the oil I’ll give it a shot
June 13th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Wow I am very impressed with the booklet you all put together. This is info which does need to be shared with people. Natural solutions can be just as if not more, beneficial the typical over the counter solutions.
June 13th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I’m new to the podcast world. It is really a nice addition to your website, I’m off to listen to more… oh I really like that I don’t have to download this to listen!
June 13th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Bravo, more good insights! Keep it up, any advice for sore feet, and corns?
June 13th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Any chance we’ll see Whole Foods/365 emergency kits anytime soon?
June 13th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Nice suggestions. I am always impressed with the people working in your departments, they have strong knowledge of the supplements and products. I see this knowledge is now being shared on the web, good job WF!
June 13th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I agree, your staff is very fluent in their departments. It is difficult for me when I travel and can’t access your products, so I agree a travel kit is wise!
June 15th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Good stuff. I like being able to listening to this advice, rather then always researching.
June 15th, 2008 at 11:23 am
I would love to know if any one has tried (with success) a nautral mosquito repellant safe for children. I’m afraid of West Nile enough to keep them inside
June 15th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Thanks for sharing- these suggestions. I to plan on adding some of these to my camping camping kit.
June 15th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Thank you for creating this series. I have been a shopper in your stores for years, and it is nice to have more information about the products, and ideas for their use.
June 16th, 2008 at 7:51 am
When I was 12 years old, we went on a family vacation on a house boat. I had the worst sunburn you can imagine. That night the local marina turned my parents onto a remedy called “fish oil”. I’m not sure if that was a brand name, or if it was literally fish oil, it certainly smelled strongly of fish. The next morning the sunburn was gone, and turned to tan. Do you know anything about a product like this?
June 16th, 2008 at 8:03 am
@Terri I contacted our Private Label Customer Questions on your behalf and apparently, while there are no immediate plans for a 365 sunscreen or toner, we are looking into the possibility of a sunscreen. We’ll keep you posted!
June 16th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
@Jen Both Maila and I were unsuccessful in finding any real research about the use of raw eggs on sunburns. Sorry!
June 17th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
@Suzanne I’ve traveled extensively through India and Thailand and I found that the best mosquito repellents were the ones that were lemongrass and eucalyptus based. The natural alternatives smell a thousand times better than DEET and work just as well in my opinion.
June 17th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
@Jen I haven’t been successful in figuring out what the ‘fish oil’ is - but if you ever get a chance to go back to that marina, let us know what it is!
June 17th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
@Ashley I know arnica is generally not recommended for internal use - If I were you, I’d consult with a physician or pharmacist to see if it would be okay in any dosage internally.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Hey let me know about that fish oil too, I have a horrific burn at the moment. Not sure my co-workers will enjoy the smell
June 18th, 2008 at 4:26 am
I really enjoyed the link Winnie posted above, it has this info in a print format! For those that missed it in the roll:
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/wholebody/begood/index.html
June 18th, 2008 at 7:59 am
my husband has a terrible allergic reaction to sunblock right now. I gave him some fleurasone cream from whole foods instead of cortizone. what else can he use? he has large itchy swollen bumps that are lighter than the rest of his skin. the itching is intense + he can’t sleep
June 18th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
i meant cortisone
June 18th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
My mom always kept an aloe vera plant in her bedroom. Anytime we had a burn or cut, she would break a piece off and squirt the juice on the wound.
I really liked the piece they did on bug bites. I am allergic to bug repellents and also to the mosquito bites themselves. (When bitten by mosquitoes, our family swells up much worse than most people, to the point that the skin will crack open and ooze.) For this reason, I am very interested in natural repellents to ward off bugs.
Thanks for sharing this.
michelle
June 19th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Hi,
I enjoyed the podcast! I am always ready to learn something new especially if it’s natural.
When I was growing up and got a bee sting, my parents would put a past of baking soda and water on it and it always felt better soon after!
I am glad to hear the hints about mosquito bite relief and prevention that does not require using products with strong cemicals!
Thanks for the great, informative podcast!
June 19th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Interesting podcast.
My favorite natural rememdy, believe it or not, is plain old mud. Yep, mud.
You can get almost total relief from a hornet, wasp, or bee sting by slapping some mud directly on the sting. It relieves the pain, swelling and redness.
And, as I learned while tramping through a Scottish field and stepping in the wrong place, mud works on stinging nettles, too.
June 19th, 2008 at 9:31 am
I know it’s a popular one, but I have to agree that Aloe is wonderful. I once got sooooo incredibly sunburned that I was sick. A friend brought me some big juicy aloe leaves and they were the only thing that eased my pain. I am convinced it is the best solution for sunburn.
June 19th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Mud mud mud! If you can find it indeed it works wonders. I believe the history of the facial “mark” stems from the natural qualities of mud and clay.
June 19th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
My daughter recently had a bout of lice and we’ve used peppermint oil shampoo to kill them and a tea tree/olive oil/shampoo mixture to repel them.
Aloe for burns is also a must have.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:33 am
vitamin e for cuts and to prevent scarring. you have to put it on more than once for it to work but I fell off my bike once and put it on my bruised and scraped knee for about a week and it healed better than it would have from first aid cream. it helps heal many things
June 20th, 2008 at 1:34 am
baking soda for bug bites! I learned this trick in Girl Scouts as a kid. I still remember the tiny bag of baking soda in my bandaid box first aid kit!
our kits had bandaids, a few gause pads, some first aid tape, the baking soda & a quarter(because back then, that’s how much it costs to call for help - before 911!)
June 20th, 2008 at 1:37 am
I keep a large aloe plant in my house for burns of all kinds!
June 20th, 2008 at 1:38 am
tamanu oil for burns and scars- try it!!
June 20th, 2008 at 1:40 am
I keep meaning to get an aloe vera plant…that was one of my mom’s favorite tricks. I loved the feel of it on a burn.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:41 am
I don’t know if this works or not, but my great grandfather always wanted to put chewing tobacco on everything like a bee sting. Whether it works or not I don’t know.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:43 am
Awesome podcast!
Love the tips!
The natural remedy I’ve always used is a baking soda and water paste to use on bee stings.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:52 am
The St Johns Wort and lavender are pretty amazing!
June 20th, 2008 at 1:56 am
Baking soda for bug bites
June 20th, 2008 at 1:58 am
For some reason I don’t think about natural remedies usually, so the podcast was great - especially taking a large dosage of a B complex supplement to help with mosquitoes
June 20th, 2008 at 2:00 am
I use tea tree oil for everything from bug bites to acne blemishes. I love it!
June 20th, 2008 at 2:01 am
White vinager works great for taking the stinging out of sun burns and bee stings. Pour on a paper towel and hold on infected areas. Works great
June 20th, 2008 at 2:03 am
You know, my grandmother always had a beautiful healthy aloe plant in her place; and I followed that tradition. I truly believe that aloe is one of nature’s greatest healers.
Great podcast btw!
June 20th, 2008 at 2:04 am
aloe vera plant stems work for burns
June 20th, 2008 at 2:13 am
Just as they mentioned, Lavender does a lot of things for your skin. It is one of the few essential oils that can be used undiluted directly onto your skin. The fragrance is awesome. It is my favorite!
June 20th, 2008 at 2:15 am
My favorite natural remedy is applying honey to a bruise to get rid of the discoloration.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:16 am
Put a slice of raw bacon in an old nylon stocking and tie it around your neck for a sore throat. Ok it smells — but it works.
June 21st, 2008 at 2:58 am
Aloe is the best for burns!
June 21st, 2008 at 2:59 am
Ammonia for mosquito bites. Don’t know how natural that is, but it is a home remedy that works. Put it on the bite, before you scratch it and it will take the itch out of it.
June 21st, 2008 at 3:00 am
Tea tree oil really does work for cuts.
June 21st, 2008 at 3:01 am
We use vitamin E oil to soothe chapped lips/noses when the kids have a cold.
June 21st, 2008 at 3:03 am
wet the tip of a match and rub it on a bug bite - it takes the itch away.
June 21st, 2008 at 3:04 am
My husband uses Tea Tree oil for dandruff. I used to use it when I had dreads and it worked perfect!!
June 21st, 2008 at 3:04 am
I also moisturize abrasians after cleansing with almond oil to prevent friction and to seal and then covering with a cotton bandage if necessary.
June 21st, 2008 at 3:07 am
We use baking soda paste on itchies,
June 21st, 2008 at 3:08 am
aloe is great for lots of things especially burns, love it.
June 21st, 2008 at 3:09 am
Great podcast! I use ginger tea for upset stomachs
June 21st, 2008 at 3:11 am
my favorite is aloe… I always use it for sunburns
June 21st, 2008 at 3:12 am
My son and myself are very pale skinned and always get sunburned despite using sunscreen. Peppermint to help will be something new to try.
June 21st, 2008 at 3:16 am
Heard good advice to help prevent bug bites.I did not know that you could change the taste of your skin by taking B Complex vitamins and by eating onions and garlic-makes you less tasty for the bugs!
June 21st, 2008 at 3:17 am
Aloe seems to have more healing properties than anything out there
June 21st, 2008 at 3:18 am
Did you also know, home made plum jam helps burns?
June 21st, 2008 at 3:20 am
Great podcast! I apply plain yoghurt for sunburns.
June 21st, 2008 at 3:21 am
This works too, put a wet red tip of a matchstick or a cold wet rock on a bee sting
June 21st, 2008 at 3:23 am
When I was a young girl visiting a farm I was stung by a bee. Grandma took a hair pin from her hair and put ear wax on the site where I was stung. I didn’t think much about it then as it felt better when she did that but as an adult now I wonder if she ever cleaned her ears. Yuk.
June 21st, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Aloe vera for burns
June 21st, 2008 at 7:23 pm
I have also heard soaking your feet in tea will make them not sweat as much. I haven’t tried it though…
June 21st, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Love the natural remedies! My favorite remedy of all time is powdered ginger mixed with warm water until it tastes very strong, but not burny and too strong, give about a teaspoonful to a colicky newborn wait 20 minutes and either repeat or cuddle up with your now comfortable and content baby and get in a little nap. This worked so well it was amazing! Went from heartbeaking inconsolable crying and wiggling to calm and comfy in 10 minutes!!!
June 21st, 2008 at 7:26 pm
WOW peppermint. I never heard of that on but Aloe is a must have. I use it as a mosturizer and anything with skin (skinburns,cuts scrapes). It works great
June 21st, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Great, informative Pod Cast. I would have never known that with just a few drops of St Warts Extract or even Lavender oil and also Avocado oil are good for sunburns. When I was real young - My grandmother used Mayo to relieve sunburn. I can remember going to the beach and afterwards she would smear that mayo on the sunburn.
June 21st, 2008 at 7:29 pm
I always used egg white for burns, but aloe vera works, too.
June 21st, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Lemongrass spray as a bug repellant.
June 21st, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Aloe vera is an amazing plant. I once burned my hand on the coil in an electric oven. I kept it moist with pure aloe vera and within a week the mark was completely gone.
June 21st, 2008 at 7:34 pm
My favorite home remedy is aloe and tea tree oil for acne
June 21st, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Emu oil for scars and any other skin problems is awesome.
June 21st, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Baking soda for cleaning everything from your teeth to the sink. Cannot live without it
June 21st, 2008 at 7:40 pm
we have an aloe vera plant that we have used and I remember my mom putting mud on our skin when we touched stinging nettle! it worked!
Shannon
shannonw8@mac.com
http://www.thew8clan.blogspot.com
June 21st, 2008 at 7:41 pm
I always have aloe vera on hand
June 21st, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Wet a mosquito bite slightly then add a small amount of salt. It won’t itch anymore!
June 21st, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Last summer my husband was sting by a wrasp. I took baking soda and water, made a paste, put this on his sting, it pain was gone just in a few seconds, it really amazed him that this worked. Thank you
June 21st, 2008 at 7:45 pm
We have an Aloe Vera plant and we use it for burns!
June 21st, 2008 at 7:46 pm
My favorite natural remedy is baking soda paste on a bug bite
June 21st, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Baking soda, because it’s good for pretty much everything, and Aloe is another of my fave. Let’s say if I was on a deserted island, these are the two things that I would like to have with me.
June 21st, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Aloe Vera!
June 21st, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Great podcast - I wish I’d known about the arnica two weeks ago! It was nice getting confirmation that eating onion and garlic helps keep the mosquitos away.
June 21st, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Vinager for toe fungus!
June 21st, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Aloe Vera is still a great-all round after sun soother.
June 21st, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I always keep Bach Flower Remedy -Rescue Remedy on hand
June 21st, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Vinegar works for almost anything. Actually a great vacation and you forget everthing else.
June 21st, 2008 at 7:59 pm
aloe for boo boos and honey and salt for sore throats
June 21st, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Great podcast! Aloe Vera plant is my favorite to heal burns and cuts
June 21st, 2008 at 8:01 pm
i learned so much! aloe plant for burns.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Love the tip about eating garlic and onions to keep away the biting bugs
June 21st, 2008 at 8:03 pm
We always had aloe vera plants around when I was growing up for burns of any kind, but I have never heard of pepermint for sunburn! I will have to try that.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:04 pm
I always have aloe vera, arnica cream and tea tree oil around for a variety of first aid. We have a homeopathy kit that has also been helpful. I am always learning:-)
June 21st, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Great podcast! I believe honey can solve just about any problem. When I feel a cold developing, I use make tea (from tea leaves, not the packaged stuff), mix in the juice of half a lemon, and a big dollop of honey. It cures it almost immediately. I also take it for sore throats and it helps so much. Thanks!
lovelyluckymegs@yahoo.com
June 21st, 2008 at 8:06 pm
My favorite natural remedy is using a salt gargle for sinus problems
June 21st, 2008 at 8:07 pm
We keep Aloe plants for burns.
If you don’t have expensive Kerlix wrap in an emergency, Saran wrap (or generic kind) is the perfect covering for a burn after it is cooled completely.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:08 pm
My Mom would always put apple cider vinegar on our sunburns to take the sting away
June 21st, 2008 at 8:09 pm
i own an aloe vera plant but i don’t use it like i should.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:11 pm
I use aloe vera for burns.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Ginger for nausea.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Vinegar — for just about everything
June 21st, 2008 at 8:13 pm
aloe for burns
June 21st, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Aloe Vera is the best tip
June 21st, 2008 at 8:15 pm
aloe is great for burns,sunburns,cuts,etc.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:16 pm
i was stung by a wasp this summer and my favorite, baking soda helped me.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Great podcast! Every first aide kit needs Tea tree oil and withc hazel. Both clean and soothe cuts.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Aloe works on almost everything. But when I was a kid, I got in a wasp nest and my dad’s chewing tobacco was the only thing that made it better.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Never heard of peppermint on sunburns. I have tried the aloe vera on sunburns. My grandma used to put vinegar on sunburns. She also used to blow smoke in my ear if OI had an ear ache. lol.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:22 pm
I love rescue remedy
June 21st, 2008 at 8:23 pm
My mom is a nurse and she said that a doctor once told her that about 80 percent of headaches can be solved by drinking a large glass of water!
June 21st, 2008 at 8:25 pm
My daughter suffered three months from an ongoing bronchial infection that antibiotics wouldn’t touch. We were at at whits end, and were afraid at times we would lose her. Then a friend, who is well-versed in herbs and herbal therapy, noticed that horehound and elderberries were growing on the property where we lived. She recommended a tea of horehound leaves three times a day, and also another tea of elderberry flowers. In 24 hours my daughter made great improvement. In three days she was completely well. I am a strong believer in herbal remedies because my grandmother used them, and healed a nasty infection on my ankle when Western medicine could not help me.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:26 pm
I take a large dosage of a B complex supplement and don’t have much trouble with mosquitoes. Also, a hand held yard sprayer filled with a mix of water and garlic does help keep mosquitoes at bay.
I always keep Aloe Vera gel in the house and have a plant also.
Finally, Bragg Raw - Unfiltered Organic Apple Cider Vinegar has multiple uses. 3 tsp a day in a glass of water before meals helps with fat cells as well as digestion issues among other things.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Hi! I don’t know what it’s made of, but I use Absorbine Jr. on mosquito bites. . takes the itch right out.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Chocolate. It’s my cure-all for anything that ails me…lol
iluv2pray@gmail.com
June 21st, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Baking soda & vinegar for bug bites
June 21st, 2008 at 8:32 pm
I also use aloe for burns; always have an aloe plant growing in my window. Another good remedy for burns is to use pure vanilla extract - it takes the sting out immediately.
guysrose at aol dot com
June 21st, 2008 at 8:33 pm
The spice turmeric is an excellent natural antibiotic and can get rid of a staph infection pretty quickly.
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:12 pm
We use meleluca oil for all skin problems. It is miraculous!
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:15 pm
I loved the podcast, very helpful. I am going to try the peppermint remedy. I have an aloe vera plant, I think to works great on burns.
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I saw someone else say they also use Melaluca . It is absoultey the best. Better than aloe. It works on burns cuts and the toothpaste will REVERSE periodontal disease. Tastes a bit starnge but works wonders !
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:19 pm
When I got stung by wasps my grandfather used chewing tobacco on my sting, It worked! For a bee sting he put a piece of bacon on the stinger and it drew out the stinger, Also we used plain white vinegar for sunburn, and if you could stand the smell it would soothe the burn.
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:20 pm
have always been interested in using natural remedies.favorite of course is baking powder paste for bites
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:21 pm
I like putting Aloe on sunburns from an Aloe plant.
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Thanks for the tips. I’m going to try the diluted Lavender essential oil to help promote healing.
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:23 pm
I never heard of peppermint for sunburn. I am going to have to give it a try.
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Tape a penny to a bee sting. No swelling, no sting.
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Very interesting… I will try lavender oil along with aloe vera for sunburns. I’ve used aloe vera for a while but have never added lavender oil.
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:39 pm
The B vitamin was news to me. I didn’t know it was possible to change the way we “taste” to bugs. Thanks!
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:11 am
Thank you for the information, I had not thought of most of these remedies. Peppermint oil and lavender oil will be added to my list along with aloe gel. Not sure about using witch hazel; will need to get more info on that. Thanks again!
June 23rd, 2008 at 9:57 am
Hi folks, so great to see all of these natural remedies for summertime issues. I had to jump in because I have two kids and they are always getting scrapes, stings, rashes - and the calendula ointment works like a charm in my house…we call it the “magic cream”. Stay tuned for next month, we are talking natural salon and I got to go to NYC to get tips from John Masters about what natural ingredients to look for in your hair care. Mara
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:55 pm
We keep an aloe plant going for minor skin burns even sun burns. Learning about peppermint and its value was great.
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:00 pm
I’m SO going to try the B complex to keep the mosquito away. We hike with our kids most weekends and I’m usually covered in bites. Hope it works.
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Natural Salon sounds great too!
my favorite natural remedy is aloe for all those sunburns!
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:05 pm
The best natural cure-all is jumping into the shower completely naked. This treats: heat exhaustion, fatigue, scrapes, aches, croup, dandruff, eczema, insomnia, wrinkles, dry skin, oily skin, dual-skin. Jumping into the shower clothed doesn’t quite cover the same benefits but adds washing your clothes to the list.
June 24th, 2008 at 10:06 am
I have a homeopathic kid’s kit from whole foods, it always has something to help what ails ‘em.
June 24th, 2008 at 10:22 am
the only natural remedy is time
June 24th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
My fave natural remedy is gargling salt water to help your sore throat. It’s helped me plenty of times over the years and will continue to act as a quick resolve for me!
June 24th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
We keep a bar of soap at the foot of the bed, under the sheets… it prevents leg cramps. Thanks.
June 24th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Drink water and breathe deeply. It will pass
June 24th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
tobacco for bee stings
June 24th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
also, Vitamin E to prevent scarring, I swear it does help.
June 25th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Hot peppers are wonderful pain killers.
June 25th, 2008 at 10:37 am
We use homeopathic remedies all the time, but one of my favorite natural remedies is papaya enzymes. For tummy aches, indigestion, etc. Always works
June 28th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
I really liked the B complex advice regarding bug bites. I know this works! Also aloe vera is great for burns.
June 28th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
While in Bermuda, I suffered a very painful, “surprise” sunburn. I was given an Aloe leaf by a hotel employee. It was miraculous. Nature always seems to “know best”
June 28th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
A few sprigs of mint from my herb garden makes the garbage disposal smell sweet
June 28th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Kava Kava to relax.
June 28th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I love using a pureed cucumber to soothe sunburn, it works instantly! I’ve also found that a piece of raw onion takes the sting/itch out of bug bites, the enzymes help to break down the compounds that cause itching and pain.
June 28th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Aloe is my favorite for sunburns.
June 28th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
A spoonful of peanut butter to stop the hiccups — of course it only works for those without peanut allergies
June 28th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
I am a big fan of irrigating my nasal passages with a mixture of warm water, kosher salt, and baking soda during cold and allergy season.
June 29th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
aloe for sunburn
June 29th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
A little bit of lavender oil on the temples really helps when I have a tension headache.
June 29th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I keep a steady supply of vitamin E tablets for itchy skin. I liked the podcast. I’m always looking for new ways to get rid of mosquitoes.
June 29th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Great podcast!
June 29th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Great podcast! Need to try the peppermint for sunburns - smells better than vinegar!
June 30th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
The matchstick on a bee sting was news to me!
June 30th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I have a bottle of vitamin e around,too. I really want to purchase an aloe plant
June 30th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I like to drink cranberry juice when I feel a UTI coming on. I also feed my kids a lot of yogurt when they are first showing the signs of an ear infection. More than once it has cleared it up.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Baking soda mixed with water makes a paste. When applied to bee sting makes stinger come out and pain go away
July 1st, 2008 at 8:22 am
I like using saline to clear a stuff nose. My favorite idea from the pod cast is lavender essential oil diluted in water for sun burn relief. I would feel safe using that for my young children.
B complex vitamins keep bugs away??? I’m trying that!
July 1st, 2008 at 8:28 am
Pepermint for sunburns what a great idea.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:21 am
I barely get sick, but when I do get a stomach flu/food poisoning, I always keep ginger around. It helps my stomach relax, and I don’t have to worry about getting out and going to the store.
July 3rd, 2008 at 1:06 am
I think Castor Oil is a wonderful natural remedy for a lot of ailments and good for preventing a lot of them as well! I use it to wash and moisturize my face, clean my teeth and it also works great as a laxative!
July 3rd, 2008 at 1:11 am
I use turmeric on wounds.
July 3rd, 2008 at 1:12 am
Peppermint on suburns is new to me. I will have to try it, the next time I get a sunburn.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:39 am
I can think of three immediately that I current use almost daily for various reasons: Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel and Hydrogen Peroxide.
Thanks for your very informative
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:40 am
Putting peppermint oil in bath water for sunburns was great to learn. It would smell good and be a great additive to Aloe. Thanks for the info!
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:41 am
I make mint tea for upset stomach and I take Homeopathic remedies. I also take garlic tablets daily and bugs don’t bite me!
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:42 am
I have a aloe vera plant and it is great for soothing burns and scrapes.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:43 am
Aloe and Tea Tree Oil. Indispensible.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:43 am
I use peppermint and ginger tea for upset stomaches
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:36 pm
mint for upset stomachs and lemon juice for a sore throat and acne!
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:37 pm
We use feverfew for headaches
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:39 pm
I have a huge aloe garden outside my front door. It is soooo good for sunburn.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:41 pm
I always use aloe on cuts or burns.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Lots of good ideas. I have always found Teat Tree oil will keep off ticks etc, but never thought to use it for cleaning and soothing. I also like the idea of adding beneficial oils to lotion - like peppermint to help a sun burn.
Thanks
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I have a bottle of Tea Tree Oil, which is an awesome natural antiseptic for cuts and scrapes.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:44 pm
I do not get stung very often as an adult, but as a child my mother put a mixture of baking soda and water on my bee stings. It really helped to ease the pain especially on the sensitive arch of my foot where I always seemed to get them!
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:45 pm
We keep aloever gel on hand.. I love withchazel too. I didn’t know about the peppermint for sunburns. Thanks for the tips.. I enjoyed the odcast.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Aloe is the best for any kind of burn
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Chewing tobacco juice on bug bites. this is as old as the hills,but it works.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:48 pm
My aloe plant.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:49 pm
I use Aloe Vera for burns and even shaving nicks
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:50 pm
My aloe vera plant is my friend.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Mix a little baking soda in with your shampoo for dandruff, also boiled tea bags (cooled) for a sunburn
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:52 pm
you can use green tea for everything! like put it on your eyes to reduce puffiness. or create a mask out of oatmeal and grapefruit, that’s really great for your skin!
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:53 pm
eating garlic and onions to fight of bug bites - who would have guessed
July 4th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Thanks for the podcast !!!
…raw garlic for colds, tea tree oil for minor cuts
July 4th, 2008 at 7:10 am
A quick rub of an ice cube on a burn, then aloe or lavender essential oil. Thanks for the contest.
July 4th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Painful burns are quickly relieved with a piece of an aloe vera plant.
July 4th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Aloe vera gel!
July 4th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Great podcast!
I like:
Aloe for cuts and burns
Peppermint tea for tummy aches
Ginger for nausea
Baking Soda paste for bug bites
Oregano Tea for asthma…tastes awful but it works.
Garlic keeps the bugs away as does Vitamin B
Lemon/Honey for sore throats
July 5th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Lots of great ideas. Apple cider vinegar has a lot of healing properties in it. We also use the baking soda paste for burns. Thanks for the nice
July 5th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
My favorite natural remedy is fresh pineapple for a sour throat. That one has helped me so many times in the past.
July 5th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Aloe for sun burns is the best! The first time we ever used the actual plant, we were in Jamaica, and my husband had gotten really burned. One of the staff noticed, and brought a fresh peice (Is it called a leaf? it’s so thick, I don’t know if it’s a leaf!) of aloe for him! I had kind of forgotten about how great it was, but now I am feeling quite inspired to try to grown some of my own!
I’ve also always used baking soda on bug bites, since I was little. I drove my mom nuts getting it all over the kitchen
Thanks!
July 5th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
I love Aloe vera for burns.
Thanks!
July 5th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Aloe Vera!
July 5th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
plain yogurt works wonders for sunburn.
July 5th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
We use our aloe plants for burns and they work better than store-bought gels.
July 5th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
i have an aloe vera plant that we rub on minor burns
July 5th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Using a fresh aloe vera plant for sun burns
July 5th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
aloe vera,,,,heck in a pinch the real plant will do!
July 5th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Always have aloe vera gel around for sunburns! Love the idea of eating garlic to keep bugs away!
July 5th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Baking soda paste on insect bites and stings.
July 5th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
I always use a honey, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice ‘tea’ for sore throats. My children even know which ingredients to pull out of the cabinet when they feel “icky”.
Thanks for the podcast!
July 5th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
We use a baking soda paste for burns and stings ands I always have ginger in the house for the upset stomaches (as well as for car sickness).
July 5th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
this oodcast is great,
favorite home remedy is aloe vera, helps healing
July 5th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Chamomile tea for an upset stomach.
July 5th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Banana Skin peels(the inside) on skin abrasions
July 5th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Vitamin c to fight a cold.
July 5th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Aloe, mom would always run to the backyard and break off a piece whenever I burned myself in the kitchen.
July 5th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
People use tea tree oil for the following conditions: Acne, Athlete’s foot, Dandruff, Vaginitis, Thrush, Periodontal disease, As an antiseptic, Boils, Licen, Eczema, Psoriasis, and Yeast infection. Be sure to research and read precautions before using it. Happy 4th of July everyone! Thanks for such a useful podcast!
July 5th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
I make drawing salve from sugar and water paste. Drawing salve can be used to treat a variety of skin inflammations.
July 5th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Gargle with salt water for sore throats.
July 5th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
aloe vera plant juice on burns.
July 5th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
I love rescue remedy too! I carry the cream around in the summertime, it’s great for relieving insect bites (especially fire ants).. if you apply it immediately after the bite it takes away the pain and the bite. Also, it is great for sunburns because it takes the trauma away from the skin.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:45 am
my favorite natural remedy is aloe, thanks!
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:09 am
Baking soda paste for stings.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:10 am
Baking soda does work well.
July 30th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I love tea tree oil. It’s my first aid kit in a bottle. My daughter was amazed at the results recently on a skin scrape.
August 12th, 2008 at 8:18 pm