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If your children are anything like my 2 boys, minor cuts and grazes, bumps, insect bites and scrapes are an almost everyday occurance! Keeping a well stocked First Aid kit in the home is essential if you have young children. Subscribe to Type-A Mom articles

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Many minor accidents can be safely managed in the home, without the need to resort to the Doctors or Pharmacy. You know your own kids best, and will soon get to recognise when you need to call in the experts! If you are ever in any doubt, however, always seek professional medical advice. Here are some useful natural remedies to keep in the First Aid box for treating minor, common ailments.

Arnica

Arnica is a plant generally known for it´s ability to relieve muscular soreness and stiffness, and for it´s use in the treatment of bruises. You can buy it as a cream, and if put on minor bumps and bruises IMMEDIATELY ( and speed is of the essence here) it really does seem to reduce the amount of inflamation and bruising. I was sceptical, but tried this with my 2 boys and the colour and extent of bruising really does seem less.

Aloe Vera

This succulent plant is now a common additive for many cosmetic and skin products. The succulent leaves contain a juice which has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. It alledgedly reduces pain and inflammation of the skin, and is very effective on minor burns, sunburn, excema and sensitive skin conditions. Sold as a cream or a gel, this is useful for soothing redness in the skin due to slight over exposure to the sun, so keep a bottle handy during the summer months.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is a natural antiseptic. Available as a cream or an oil ( the cream is a lot less messy!), it has been shown to have an impact on many minor ailments including dandruff, insect bites and stings, boils, minor cuts and grazes. It may also be helpful in cases of light acne in teenagers. Many essential oils need diluting before application to the skin, so make sure that it is either diluted in a carrier oil, such as sweet almond, or buy a ready diluted product. Another reason why I prefer the cream versions!

Lavender

One of the most widely known of the essential oils and with a wide range of uses in the home. An extremely versatile remedy. Useful for :

• soothing and healing bites and stings
• soothes headaches
• hang bunches of dried lavender in the home to keep insects away
• mild antiseptic
• fequently used to aid restful sleep. Place a handkerchief with a few drops of the oil into a pillow slip. Many baby product manufacturers have now also begun to add lavender to baby bath products and creams, promoting it as an aid to soothe a restless baby. Well, us sleep deprived parents will try anything!

Again, check the dilution and ask the health store before you use on your children.

Calendula ( Marigold)

Another good product for inflammation and irritated skin. Soothes sore tissue. Can be bought in a cream.

• useful for nappy rash
• can help to clear up “cradle cap”
• can be applied topically to small cuts
• good for softening and easing sore nipples! My midwife recommended this for me when I was suffering!

There are some excellent books on Natural Health products, so stock up and when the next little accident happens, at least you will be prepared!

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