Being prepared

There are a few things that you can keep in your cupboard at home so that you can be prepared for the spills and ills that can occur during your daily life

If you have the tools to work with at home you can often save yourself a trip to the doctor/pharmacy and also prevent illnesses and injuries from becoming more serious

We have over time forgotten how to care for ourselves

In generations past when medical care was not as accessible as it is today, people knew how to use simple home remedies

These remedies can treat illness and accidents just as effectively, certainly less expensively, and without any nasty side effects

I have listed below some of the basics that I always have on hand at home and how they are used

Essential oil of lavender

Lavender oil has antiseptic properties and can help calm and tone the nervous system

It can be applied full strength to burns as a first aid measure and can be used as an antiseptic wash for infected skin conditions or to clean lacerations

As a wash, add 10 to 15 drops to boiled water and bathe the affected area

At the first sign of conjunctivitis add one to two drops to boiled water in an eye bath and bathe the affected eye/s two to three times a day

Lavender oil rubbed at the back of the neck can help alleviate tension headaches. A few drops can be added to your bath water for a relaxing and soothing soak

Lavender’s sedative properties make it an excellent remedy for shock, panic, anxiety and faintness helping revive and settle. Simply hold the bottle under the nose and inhale

 Essential oil of thyme (and the fresh herb thyme)

Thyme oil can also act as an antiseptic when burnt in an oil burner and used for conditions such as coughs and bronchitis

Add one drop of the oil to a glass of water and use as a gargle for sore throats

 The fresh herb can be made into a tea and taken to relieve coughing, phlegm accumulation and chest infections

Add one level teaspoon of the dried herb, (two of the fresh herb), per cup of boiled water for a child’s dose

The tea should be left to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes and can be sweetened with honey

For babies or smaller children add the infusion of thyme to the bath water for absorption through the skin

The fresh herb can also be used in your cooking for its health giving benefits.

Charcoal tablets

Charcoal is able to absorb toxins in the digestive system so it is essential for cases of nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting

If food poisoning is suspected take 4 to 6 charcoal tablets as soon as possible to help combat the toxins

Repeat after 3 hours if necessary

When babies or children have diarrhoea finely grated apple or cooked carrots can be given as well

Charcoal can also alleviate colic type pains in children and adults

Practice self help and be prepared