ummer is here! So are insects, cuts, scrapes and sunburns. These ‘natural’ first aid remedies for treating wounds will keep you fun-ready.

Insect bites + stings
To prevent bites, bathe with citronella soap and avoid synthetically fragranced beauty products that attract insects. Use natural insect repellants containing
essential oils of citronella, tea tree, lavender and/or eucalyptus. If you get a bee sting, reduce pain and swelling by applying lavender or eucalyptus oil, aloe vera gel, or a paste of apple cider vinegar and baking soda. Homeopathic Apis is used for bee stings and homeopathic Ledum is used for bites, stings and wounds (especially mosquito or blackfly bites).

Supplements that provide relief include bromelain to reduce inflammation and aid healing, Vitamin C and quercetin as natural antihistamines to be taken immediately after a sting or bite occurs, and omega 3, an anti-inflammatory which may prevent or lessen an allergic response.

Cuts, scrapes + rashes
Apply calendula cream or ointment to cleaned wounds to promote skin healing, reduce scarring and speed recovery time.