To be prepared for (almost) anything, keep the following basic first aid items in your medicine chest all year long. We have provided the conventional remedies, as well as our experts’ homeopathic and naturopathic alternatives…

Prepare yourself for all your summer events

Analgesic to relieve pain and/or reduce fever

Conventional approach: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin (aspirin should not be taken by children or teens under age 19)
Homeopathic approach: Arnica montana, Bromelain
Naturopathic approach: White Willow Bark

Ointment to reduce risk of infection

Conventional approach: Triple antibiotic ointment or Bacitracin
Homeopathic approach: Calendula ointment
Naturopathic approach: CCC Cream, tea tree oil

Antacid to relieve upset stomach

Conventional approach: Tums or another over-the-counter antacid
Homeopathic approach: Calcium carbonate, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)
Naturopathic approach: Ginger chews or capsules, peppermint tea (do not take if you have heartburn)

Allergy symptom relief

Conventional approach: Benadryl (antihistamine)
Homeopathic approach: Urtica urens (orally or tea)
Naturopathic approach: Vitamin C, Bromelain, Quercetin (flavonoid) capsules

Skin Irritation, itching or inflammation

Conventional approach: Hydrocortisone 1% ointment or cream
Homeopathic approach: Calendula cream
Naturopathic approach: Chickweed cream, Calamine lotion

Syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting

All three physicians recommend ipecac, which is a natural substance. Call a poison control center before using.

Other supplies

• Adhesive bandages of assorted sizes (to cover minor cuts and scrapes)
• Adhesive tape (to keep gauze in place)
• Gauze pads (to dress larger cuts and scrapes)
• Thermometer (do not use mercury-based thermometers)
• Tweezers
• Calibrated measuring spoon
• Rubber gloves

Source(s):

William Ellert, MD, is associate director of the family medicine residency program at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona.

Michael Carlston, MD, is editor and principal author of the medical textbook Classical Homeopathy (Churchill Livingstone).

Jane Guiltinan, ND, has been a practicing naturopathic physician for 23 years. Dr. Guiltinan is immediate past president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. She is a clinical professor at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, Seattle, Washington.

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Reprinted with the permission of:
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