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A Natural Approach to First Aid As with most lifestyle decisions these days, there seems to be a conventional way counterbalanced by a more “natural” or “alternative” approach. The latter often having less artificial additives resulting in less adverse side effects. This holds true with general household first-aid practices. By no means, does this negate the need for essential emergency care, but can open a door for a more natural approach to everyday bumps, bruises, burns, and burps. Many of today’s first aid and cosmetic products are derived from synthetic substances. There is great controversy as to the safety of long-term exposure to these. The FDA is aware that many of these ingredients are potentially toxic to humans, yet they are still used because they are inexpensive and promote longer shelf life. These ingredients are readily absorbed by the skin and maintained in the body. Sixty-percent of what touches the skin is absorbed into the tissue and distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. Many of these synthetic ingredients have been linked to severe health conditions including: thyroid malfunction, ADD & ADHD, hair loss, obesity, acne, migraines, high cholesterol, low blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, endometriosis, uterine, ovarian and breast fibroids, abnormal menstruation, and cancers including, breast, liver, lung, ovarian, testicular and skin. Fortunately, there are alternatives. Thanks in part to a growing consumer demand for natural and organic foods and products, health food stores and natural pharmacies are more common and even box stores offer customers alternative products. The most important thing for the discerning consumer is to read product labels, make themselves aware of chemical additives, and avoid them. Look for products that are from reputable companies, are not tested on animals and do not contain the following ingredients: mineral oils, petroleum jelly, sodium laurel/laurelth sulfate, propylene glycol, phenols, parabens, artificial colors, aluminum, DEA, alcohol. In addition be sure that your products are free of fragrance or at the very least are naturally fragranced. The FDA does not require manufacturers to list the ingredients used in the additive of ‘fragrance”. Often these consist of more than a thousand different chemical compounds, of which many are toxic and carcinogenic. So, what should be in your first aid kit? What is the alternative to reaching for the mineral oil based ointment or the aluminum containing antacid? The following items are safe, equally as effective as the conventional ones, and generally a lot better for you in the long run.
In addition to commercially prepared formulas, some of the herbs you have in your kitchen can assist in many health situations. These can be prepared as teas or used in your culinary recipes to achieve the medicinal benefits. Thyme – head cold, mouth infections, sore throats… Sage – sore mouth, throats, cold, ear infection, digestive aid Dill – colic, gas Garlic – cold, flu, sore throat, high-cholesterol, cardiovascular function, sluggish digestion…the list goes on and on and on… Oregano – muscular and digestive spasm Peppermint – nausea, headache, flatulence, cramps, travel sickness… Cayenne – digestion and sluggish bowels, poor circulation, cardiovascular function Basil – insomnia In addition, ½ cup Organic Applesauce with a tablespoon of carob powder (available at health food stores) is a gentle and delicious alternative for diarrhea.
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