Kids seem to get themselves into everything don't they? The result? A whole lot of ouchies! And as moms, we’re there to soothe away those aches, pains, and tears. But before you go stockpile ointments, medications, and treatments from the drugstore, take inventory of what you've got in your cabinets. Chances are you already have the makings for a quick go-to and more natural solution. Or head out to a natural food store for these healing ingredients. They’re not only better for the environment, but better for your family, too.

For Burns And Skin Irritation

Honey: Though you say "keep your hands away from the stove," sometimes kids get themselves in more than hot water anyway. To soothe minor burns, clean the area gently and spread honey, with its natural antibacterial properties, directly onto the burn area to help heal the skin. A little goes a long way. Cover with a breathable bandage.

Aloe: Growing aloe at home? No? You should be! Pure aloe is a wonderfully natural way to help heal burns and irritated skin, plus, it’s an easy plant to care for (pretty, too). The branches of the aloe plant contain healing gel—simply break one off and squeeze directly onto the skin. It’s also good to treat eczema and ringworm.

Oatmeal Or Baking Soda: Add a few teaspoons of either to a tepid bath and soothe away heat rash after your child’s long day at day camp or a jaunt in the sandbox. An oatmeal bath will also sooth itchy skin from bug bites and rashes.

Calendula: You slathered on sunscreen, but with all the running around your kids do, they sweated it off and got sunburned anyway. Smooth on calendula, known to reduce heat and promote healing by aiding in the body’s inflammatory response. Dilute calendula oil in bath or lotion, or purchase in cream form.

For Insect Bites And Stings

Peppermint Oil: Bees love kids, don’t they? It’s always the little ones who get stung. Luckily, some peppermint oil works well to calm the area, plus kids love the smell. Follow up with a peppermint candy to really stop the tears.

Garlic: Myth has it that garlic wards off vampires and in this case it helps ward away the pain from the nasty bite of an insect sting. Crush and hold on area for about 20 minutes for relief. Stinky…yes, but it works! Eating lots of garlic also keeps the stingers away. Apparently they don’t like the smell.

Preventative Note: Instead of using chemical insect repellant, try preventing bites by using essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus on skin and sprayed onto clothes.

Stomach Ailments

Prune Juice: Everybody poops, but some bodies just don’t poo enough! When your baby’s been having a rough time making good bowel movements, try adding a small amount into the bottle and dilute with water. Grandma was onto something!

Castor Oil: All-natural castor oil works great on an upset tummy when soaked into a cloth and placed on stomach with a hot water bottle on top. This treatment helps stimulate the bowels. Interesting to note for expectant moms: It has also been used as a natural way to start labor.

Chamomile: This calming tea is just what you need after a rough day at the office, right? It has the same effect for kids, and also helps with digestion when taken in tea form. Try the oil of chamomile and massage onto your child’s upset tummy. Put a few drops into baby oil and rub directly on belly to help move things right along, naturally.

It’s so important for mom's to be actively aware of what is going into their child's mouths, onto their skin, and around their bodies. These natural remedies are tried and true, passed down from through many generations of mothers to help ease discomfort and heal—the way nature intended.
 

Look for these natural remedies and more herbal cures at Whole Foods.

Lindsay Meyer has a passion for all things eco-friendly. She spreads the “green” word through her blog, Urban Branches, where she explores how to make our impact on this earth just a little bit lighter by adding green elements into everyday life.