As we head into the middle of June with high expectations of warm summer days filled with fun adventures, I can’t help but feel a little hesitant.

While I’m excited for outdoor exploring time with my toddler, I’m also anticipating a few more bumps, cuts and tears as I watch him run faster than his little legs can carry him.

So along with my environmentally friendly cleaning products for combating grass stains, I figure I’d better stock my cabinets with nature’s first aid kit.

The goals when treating first aid situations are first to resolve the pain, then control any inflammation or bleeding and finally speed healing. Homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine and nutrient supplementation are excellent ways to achieve this.

Bees and insects are fascinating creatures for little ones to discover, but (often) not without consequences. The mom instinct to ‘make it all better’ kicks in when you hear your little one screaming from a bee sting, and the best remedy to do this is homeopathic Apis 30C. A must have for your first aid kit, Apis is used commonly to take the sting out of a bee sting and for stabilizing anaphylactic reactions.

Mosquito bites are a nuisance for children and often lead to excessive scratching and bleeding.

The most amazing remedy for eliminating the itch from mosquito bites is alder bark. Slice a piece of the bark from the tree and rub the inside of the bark against the bite. Onion or raw potato poultice can also be used for drawing out the poison and relieving itch. Homeopathic Ledum 30C can be used to decrease itching and heal the skin. Mucilage of comfrey can be applied topically to promote healing. Soak 4 ounces of comfrey root in 2 quarts of cold water for 12 hours. Bring to a boil, and then simmer for 45-60 minutes uncovered. Strain the root out and apply the mucilage directly on the skin.

To make your own bug repellent, mix together 15 drops each of essential oils lavender, citronella, eucalyptus and pennyroyal with 1 ounce of almond or olive oil. This formula is safe applied directly on the skin.

If your little person is anything like my little person, there are less collisions at the bumper car track! The gold standard for any blows, bruises, strains, sprains or physical trauma is homeopathic Arnica. Take internally as soon after the incident occurs, or topically as arnica cream or oil. Another excellent product for bruises is Traumeel ointment, a combination homeopathic remedy.

For any bruises, cuts and scrapes, I use a “4 C” salve: calendula, comfrey, chamomile and chickweed. These herbs help reduce pain, speed healing time of the skin and reduce the risk of scarring. Diluted Tea Tree oil is excellent for disinfecting a dirty scrape and preventing infection of an open wound. Topically, Vitamin E will heal and prevent scarring. Vitamin A and zinc internally are important for skin rejuvenation, especially in cases of severe skin traumas and burns.

Poison oak and ivy cause terrible discomfort for children. A simple herb skin wash can help alleviate the itch. Mix 1 part sassafras root, burdock root, comfrey root and marshmallow root together. Add 2 ounces of this mixture to 2 pints of cold water. Boil and simmer for 10 minutes, cover and steep for 10 minutes. Add _ pint of apple cider vinegar and wash over skin or use it in a bath. Homeopathic Rhus tox or Croton tiglium are the most commonly used remedies for poison ivy and oak when itching is worse at night and worse from warmth.

The first line of defense for muscle, tendon and ligament injury, including strains and sprains (besides RICE – rest, ice, compression and elevation) is homeopathic Arnica and Rhus tox to help reduce pain and inflammation. Homeopathic Ruta has a special affinity for ligament and tendon injury especially in the knee, elbow and wrist. Homeopathic Byronia is indicated for injuries that are aggravated by any minor motion, injuries to the chest, shoulder and hamstrings.

Fractures and broken bones obviously need conventional medical attention, but can be quite safely teamed with naturopathic treatments to help speed recovery. Another reminder that our friend Arnica should be the first remedy given immediately after the injury occurs. Homeopathic Hypericum is indicated for compound fractures and when there is injury to the nerves. Homeopathic Symphytum and topical comfrey salves or poultices are highly valuable in encouraging bone repair. Internally, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C are important nutrients for bone healing.

Every child is unique and how they respond to injuring themselves maybe situation dependent. Sometimes mom’s or dad’s kisses are not enough to make it all better. For times when our children are emotionally overwhelmed, shocked or hysterical from an accident, Rescue Remedy can be extremely helpful for calming them down. Rescue Remedy is available in most health stores.

Ok, Summer, bring on the hiking trails, camping trips and beach bon fires; we’re ready!!!

© Dr. Amy Wells, Naturopathic Physician
338.2600 (Courtenay), 336-8284 (Cumberland)