To make organizing a cinch, purchase a first aid kit with supplies like bandages and gauze. Then, consider adding some of the following suggestions to round out your stock.
1. Herbal teas
Stash individually wrapped herbal teas like ginger or peppermint for upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting, or camomile for anxiety. Teas containing camomile, lavender, lemon balm, or passion flower can help excited kiddos settle down for some needed shut–eye. Pack a Thermos of warm water for steeped tea on the go.
2. Ginger
Ginger root has shown, in research, to prevent and relieve nausea and vomiting. A fast and effective digestive aid, ginger root tea may also help with indigestion, lack of appetite, and flatulence. And, in case the back-to-school bugs get them, the tea is also effective as an expectorant to help with congestion from bronchitis, cold, and flu.
3. Essential oils
The breadth of options for essential oils is huge. But the essential ones are those that have calming effects, like lavender, and antiseptic effects, like tea tree oil. Be sure to use a carrier oil, like olive or almond oil, to dilute oils before using them with your kids. Checking first with your health care practitioner is also a good idea, especially if your kids have any allergies.
4. Tea tree oil
A natural antiseptic for cuts, tea tree oil is also used as a remedy for fungal infections like athlete’s foot. You might also want to make sure you have some on hand for back-to-school time, since tea tree oil has also shown effectiveness for combatting head lice.
5. Lavender oil
Used for easing pain, relieving burns, and reducing swelling, lavender oil is also known as an effective natural mosquito repellent, and relieves the itch and pain of bug bites and stings. Lavender oil can also be used as a calming sleep aid.
6. Salves and creams
When travelling with kids, salves and ointments are go-tos, especially if you’re travelling where the bugs are. Some of these ointments can also be helpful to soothe minor cuts and burns as well as the pain of sunburn.
7. Aloe vera
Used for treating minor cuts and burns, aloe vera can be found in pure gel form at most natural health stores or can be easily grown indoors. To remove the aloe gel from the plant, break off a leaf, slice it open, and remove the clear liquidy substance.
8. Baking soda
Easy to carry, a little baking soda and water, formed into a paste and applied to the affected area, will calm bug bites and stings. It also soothes the itch of sunburns, poison ivy, and chicken pox.
9. Calendula
Calendula cream, ointment, or salve is also an effective topical treatment for wound healing and to help relieve skin inflammations and irritations such as rashes, cuts, itchy skin, abrasions, and insect bites.
10. Arnica
For bruising, swelling, or insect bites, be sure to have some arnica-based cream or gel on hand. Arnica has been specifically studied in connection with its effects on bruise healing.
