Human Nature

Summer is a great time to practice the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared. With a few simple supplies on hand with some basic first aid know-how and most summer mishaps, from insect stings to ankle sprains can be easily addressed. In addition to the bandages and ice packs you may want to tuck a few tea bags into your First Aid Kit:

· Chamomile tea will soothe the nerves. If taken orally; it soothes headaches and irritations, and if used topically, it reduces inflammation of wounds and insect bites.

· Peppermint tea eases stomach upsets that may follow summer picnics and

headaches after hours in the sun.

• Raspberry leaf tea applied topically to a wasp sting is especially useful in easing the pain.
• White Oak Bark tea is good if you get too close to poison ivy or oak. Apply a compress soaked in the tea or the homeopathic remedy Anacardium.

Following a fall or collision during a family game of soccer, Arnica, a homeopathic remedy, may lessen the severity of an injury if taken under the tongue. In a topical cream, the herb Arnica will soothe bumps and bruises and may decrease healing time.

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is a natural antiseptic. Tea tree has multiple uses from direct application to minor wounds to prevent infections to a foot soak to ease the itch of athlete's foot.

A second essential oil that is multipurpose and a great addition to

your First Aid kit is Lavender. It has sedative, anti-inflammatory, and

antiseptic properties. Helpful for headaches, anxiety, insomnia, wounds,

burns, and insect stings. When in doubt, use lavender.