Late spring and early summer holidays are looming. Too often, such occasions mean spending beyond budget, eating unhealthfully, and planning unrealistic schedules. As a result, our immune systems and those of our teens can become compromised. Our judgment and theirs can become impaired. Small, but real, injuries or illnesses can result.
Rather than piling up problems by spending royal sums on cures, often we can be more moderate in our responses. External and internal woes can be addressed, if truly minor, by a home-based pharmacopeia. Even if only a single holiday-induced health complaint is addressed this way, celebrations will be less stressful.
First, per minor injuries, not all boo-boos merit the time and cost of doctors or of hospitals. Note: generous dollops of common sense are required to discern among degrees of discomfort, especially during circumstances when clear thinking is like vapor. Triage abilities intact, it’s possible to treat minor sprains and strains, for instance, at home. Ice, heat, elevation, and support work wonders to sooth these problems. Though a call to a clinic may be needed and sometimes even x-rays are sagacious, more often, those matters can be abetted using items found at hand. Frozen packs of veggies conform to a limb’s contours better than do standard ice packs. Likewise, instead of fancy orthopedic rests for raising aching arms or legs, try placing a pile of pillows under the injured part and try refocusing the patient on a plsantry such as a book or friend.
In the case of first degree burns, too, home responses can be effective. Never, ever, apply fats or very cold substances to affected areas. Instead, regulate the temperature around those sites with cool or with barely warm water. Thereafter, apply aloe vera juice, harvested from your potted plants, or sooth with cucumber slices from your fridge. In contrast, very red (second degree burns) or blistered skin (third degree burns) demand immediate medical attention.
Likewise, slight bruises can be treated with applications of plantain, of comfrey, of yellow dock, of chickweed, or of yarrow. Pick, chew, and spit those masticated leaves onto your ouch, or use tinctures made thereof.
Per lesser internal woes, too, it is possible to skip the trip to the drugstore. Instead, raid your kitchen. A shot (I dare you) of cider vinegar will help rebalance your Ph after too much cake or ice cream. Chamomile, too, is famous for soothing tummies as is anise. Cabbage, prune juice, and pears all can defeat constipation. Rice or bananas are good for diarrhea. Avoiding rich foods clears gas. Mint or parsley diminishes dragon breath.
Sometimes, the answer is just outside of your door. Inadequate sleep can be helped by a long, brisk walk. Jet lag responds well to locomotion. Emotional overload, too, is helped by aerobic activity.
Whereas the wisest approach to wellbeing remains avoiding overindulging, a realistic approach to feeling well includes using easily accessible items. Small problems, by and large, require only small responses even around the big holidays.
