Herbs may be used safely and effectively at home in the treatment of minor complaints. If in doubt or the condition is more serious you should consult a qualified herbalist or GP.

A useful selection of herbs to keep at home for first aid and the treatment of common ailments includes:

• Aloe vera gel
• Arnica cream (Arnica Montana). Only use on unbroken skin.
• Comfrey cream (Symphytum officinale)
• Chamomile, cream and dried herb (Chamomilla recutita)
• Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia)
• Elder flowers, dried or fresh (Sambucus nigra)
• Marigold, cream and dried herb (Calendula officinalis)
• Meadowsweet, dried herb (Filipendula ulmaria)
• Nettle leaves, dried (Urtica dioica)
• Peppermint, dried or fresh herb (Mentha piperita) Not for children under 12 years of age.
• Psyllium seeds (Plantago psyllium)
• St John’s Wort oil (Hypericum perforatum)
• Sage, dried or fresh (Salvia officinalis). Not to be used if pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Thyme, dried or fresh herb (Thymus vulgaris)

Simple First Aid

Cuts and grazes

For non-serious injuries, first press firmly on the cut with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. Wash with a strong infusion of marigold tea. Apply marigold or comfrey cream to help healing and prevent scarring.

Bruises and sprains

As soon as possible place a cold compress on the area (a bag of frozen peas works well). Apply comfrey and arnica cream 3-4 times and day and if possible keep elevated. NB Arnica may only be used on unbroken skin.

Minor burns

Only minor burns are suitable for treatment at home: more serious burns need medical help. Immediately place the burn in cold water or hold under cold running water. Keep cool for several minutes. Apply St John’s Wort oil, marigold cream or aloe vera gel.

Bites and stings

Apply aloe vera gel or marigold cream to help soothe and promote healing.

Bee stings: apply a paste made with baking soda and cold water.

Wasp stings: soak a cotton wool pad in vinegar and place on the affected area.

Common ailments

Many common, minor ailments may be treated successfully at home. However, should symptoms persist or worsen, consult your GP or qualified herbalist.

Colds and flu.

A tea of equal parts peppermint, sage (or thyme) and elderflower can help to combat infection and relieve symptoms. Drink this hot, at least three times a day, sweetened with honey to taste. In addition drink plenty of herb teas, fresh fruit juices or water whilst affected. Fresh garlic can be very effective – swallow a whole crushed clove 2-3 times a day – but may drive away more than just your cold!

Constipation

A very common problem which is more an indication of an underlying problem rather than a disease in itself. Avoid the long term use of laxatives as these lead to problems in themselves as the bowel becomes unable to function for itself. Instead try drinking plenty of water - aim for 1 litre a day. Make sure your diet includes at least five portions of fresh fruit or vegetables a day.

Substitute wholefoods such as brown rice, wholemeal pasta and wholemeal bread instead of the white, refined varieties. If your lifestyle is inactive, take more exercise on a regular basis. If constipation is still a problem try taking one tablespoonful of psyllium seeds in a large glass of water every morning. If constipation persists, particularly in older people, you should consult your GP as it may be an indication of more serious illness.

Diarrhoea

A common condition caused by infection or stress. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Try a tea made from chamomile and marigold to relieve symptoms. If diarrhoea lasts longer than a day or two, especially in children or the elderly, seek medical advice.

Eczema

For inflamed and itching skin apply marigold cream to the area. Aloe vera gel is good where the skin is weeping. Where the skin is very sensitive St John’s Wort oil can be useful. A cooled infusion of marigold and chamomile tea can also be soothing and healing.

Hay fever

A useful tea (link here to section on teas/infusions) is made from equal parts of nettle and elder flower. Drink 3-4 times a day. This is most effective if treatment is started before symptoms start and continue throughout the hayfever season.

Indigestion

Indigestion may have many causes such as stress, irregular eating patterns or eating too fast. A tea made from equal quantities of peppermint, chamomile and meadowsweet should help to ease the discomfort.

Mouth ulcers

In adults these are often a sign of being run down or stressed. To treat the ulcers try an infusion of sage as a mouthwash. The fresh leaves may also be chewed and left for a few minutes on the ulcer before discarding.

Nausea

For the relief of sickness try sipping a tea made from chamomile and peppermint. Adding some grated fresh ginger will be even more effective.

Sore throats

For the relief of sore throats try a tea of Echinacea, sage and thyme, sweetened to taste with honey. Drink 2-3 times a day.

Sunburn

Prevention is always better than cure! Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area or try a wash of a cooled infusion of marigold. Drink plenty of fluids to combat the dehydration. Stay out of the sun until fully healed and learn to cover up and use appropriate sunscreens.