Just as the fall and winter months are known for colds and cases of flu, other problems arise in the spring and summer seasons. The cure can still be in the cupboard, from bee stings to sunburns and everything in between. Like most people, you prefer to take a more holistic approach to deal with common health ailments, at least as the first line of defense. While you may have had all your elderberries on hand to make syrups in the winter and other remedies to reduce bloating after all your holiday parties, let’s look at some natural remedies for some issues this summer.
Aloe Vera
Many of us have fond memories of an Aloe Vera plant on our grandmother’s windowsill growing up. Whether you got a sunburn or just touched a hot tea kettle, she likely would put the healing gel from the Aloe plant leaves on you to provide relief. If you don’t already have an Aloe Vera plant in your home, there’s no time like the summer to buy one of your own. The gel inside the Aloe plant’s leaves is also antibacterial and can be used on cuts and scrapes – especially for children as the gel doesn’t sting like some over-the-counter products for cuts and scrapes.
Manuka Honey
While local and raw honey is incredibly beneficial year-round and is a healthy way to sweeten your herbal teas, there’s another honey that you want in your medicine cabinet this summer. Manuka honey has been shown to be antibacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory. Talk about a honey powerhouse! While you can use it to sweeten a tea or spread it on toast, it won’t taste the same as traditional honey. You’ll want to check the K-factor of your honey, and some say the higher, the better. Manuka honey can treat wounds, clear up acne, and has even been shown to heal ulcers. Make sure you have some on hand and use it in the place of items like Bactine or Neosporin – you’ll be amazed at the results.
Apple Cider Vinegar
You likely already use ACV in your household for various things, but did you know it’s one of the best remedies for a bee sting? While your beautiful garden is playing its part in protecting the pollinators, it can also set the stage for unwanted stings. ACV works by immediately neutralizing the stinging and burning sensation with bee stings. ACV is also a great addition to musty laundry left in the washing machine overnight because you had too much summer fun and forgot it. Apple cider vinegar is also helpful for acne that may appear from too much sunscreen, and it can even be used for a sore throat if you come down with a summer cold.
Peppermint Oil
You may already have Peppermint oil on hand if you suffer from headaches or chronic migraines, but it has uses beyond easing your headaches. Peppermint oil is fantastic at relieving allergy symptoms, a common health concern during summer. Sure, everything in bloom is beautiful, but it comes at the price of severe allergy symptoms for sufferers of seasonal allergies. Add some Peppermint oil to your summer shopping list to keep headaches at bay and your most extreme allergy symptoms.
Ginger
Spending a lot of time on boats during the summer or even traveling by plane can leave a lot of people feeling motion sickness. While a well-known remedy for migraines, Ginger is also great at soothing tummy troubles. Whether you prefer your Ginger fresh on its own or mixed into a smoothie, it’s a summer must-have if you suffer bouts of motion sickness. You can also enjoy Ginger tea if you’re having gastro issues. If your child is dealing with motion sickness or stomach issues, crystalized Ginger with a slight sugar coating is quickly gobbled up by even the pickiest eaters.
Indeed you have several other summer go-to health remedies, but the above-mentioned items are a must-have for dealing with day-to-day issues that come along with warmer weather. And, don’t forget to get in your eight glasses of water a day and utilize SPF and protective sun gear when you’re spending extended periods outdoors. Happy Summer!
