By Schuyler Corrigan

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July 20, 2022

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While you’re out and about this month, keep these natural remedies handy for minor first aid support. Some of these DIY remedies are very easy and fun to make with kids so they can have their very own little herbal remedy kit to use when cuts, scrapes, or bug bites pop up while playing outdoors and can be used with the whole family. 

 

Poison Ivy & Itchy skin

• Jewelweed is a traditional remedy for poison ivy, and you will often find this growing nearby streams, shady creeks, or even right next to poison ivy. For immediate use, crush the leaves and place them on affected areas. To make a jewelweed tincture for topical use, pack jewelweed leaves in a jar and cover them with witch hazel. Let it infuse together for 1-2 days in the sun. Strain out the leaves, store them in the refrigerator, and apply to affected areas as needed. 
• Rosemary oil – dilute rosemary essential oil in water and add to a spray bottle. Spritz areas that are itchy and gently massage onto affected areas as needed. 

 

Stings & Scrapes & Bites 

• Plantain – you may find this growing nearby! Pick a few leaves, smash them up in your hand to make a crude poultice, and place them on insect bites, stings, or scrapes for quick relief. 
• After Bite Relief Stick – this soothing oil blend includes colloidal oatmeal for extra itchy skin relief while the coconut and castor oil support skin healing and repair. 

 

Sunburns

• Aloe vera gel is a tried and true remedy for sunburns. You can scrape the inner gel from the leaves of an aloe plant and place it directly on the sunburn. If you purchase this gel off the shelf, look for products that are completely alcohol-free (as this will irritate already sensitive skin). 
• Mint – If you have mint tea on hand, make a strong tea and let cool completely. Add some ice cubes, and soak a washcloth in the chilled mint tea. Apply to the affected areas as long as it feels soothing. Mint is naturally cooling and feels especially good when the skin is hot or burned. 

 

Blisters & Bruises

• Lavender oil – dilute lavender essential oil in a carrier oil (almond oil works well!) and apply to blisters. Cover with a bandage for several hours and re-apply as needed. 
• Arnica oil is wonderful for bruises, or to massage gently into sore or stiff areas of the body. Best used right away, or just after you notice the bruise forming.