Your Natural Defence
A Herbal First Aid Kit for Summer
We asked our artemis medical herbalists and friends about their top tips for using plants as we come into summer to help with the niggles and to encourage people to build their own herbal first aid kit.
Bug bites, scrapes, scratches and rashes.
These little inconveniences are a normal part of life and inevitable if you are going to enjoy the great outdoors that Aotearoa offers. Are you familiar with the plants that can be helpful for these irritations? Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a well-known plant that is lovely and soothing to put on any (cleaned!) cuts and scrapes. Chickweed (Stellaria media) is cooling on hot, irritated skin, and Nettle (Urtica dioica) can help to soothe irritation. You’ll find these plants expertly combined in the artemis Itch Calm Cream, a steroid-free, antiseptic cream that soothes insect bites, sunburn, rashes or bee stings. Instantly cooling and soothing, this cream is ideal for the family first aid kit. A must-take on your summer tramps, beach visits and picnic.
Summer immunity
Just because it’s summer, it doesn’t mean our immunity doesn’t need support! We naturally associate ills and chills more with winter, but it’s summer when we tend to be out and about more (especially this year!), so keep your immune system primed for a summer of fun and have support on hand for when you need it.
Being proactive means you won’t need to make a special trip to the pharmacy or health store when you’d rather be at the beach. Our personal favourite things to have on hand at all times are a herbal throat spray and an immunity spray. By targeting and protecting the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat and adding a quick boost to our immunity, we can ward off ills & chills with some rapid immune response to stay well.
artemis ThroatRepair Spray and artemis ViroGoneTM Spray both include ThymeMedTM – a scientifically researched fresh plant extract of Central Otago Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). This powerful natural support for the body's immune defences and respiratory system is combined with other powerful plants for rapid action.
Muscle aches and pains
Overdid it with the backyard cricket?
Most families will be needing something on hand over summer – but what about something all natural and plant based for bruises and aching muscles?
Herbs have been used for centuries to support rapid recovery for skin and muscles and can be used topically in a cream and are suitable for almost everyone – adults and children.
Arnica (Arnica montana) is one of the most well-known plants for helping with bruising and supporting healing and recovery after injury.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinalis) supports new tissue growth and scar-healing. It has been extensively researched and helps with joint function.
Many people know about St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) for helping with low moods and depression, but did you know that it is also a powerful support for nerves and skin and is used post-surgery to support healing and recovery.
artemis Tissue Repair Sports Cream is a high strength rapid response cream that is suitable for adults and children to support muscle recovery. So you can get back out there to have your summer fun.
Get out and enjoy summer with confidence that artemis has you covered for powerful, natural family health solutions that are proven by tradition, backed by science.