Health store help

Looking for advice on natural health and wellbeing? Your local independent health stores can offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise. This issue we speak to Pat Coffey, owner–manager of The Honey Pot Health Store in Clonmel, Co Tipperary

Having a home first aid kit is a must for all families, and of course most will already have one. Here, we will explore how to compile a first aid kit using natural products, which can be very effective in handling most minor emergencies. Every week in our store, we deal with minor issues in babies, young children, and mums and dads, and here we examine a few of the most effective solutions.

Caring for little ones
If we begin with babies, the problems are usually related to birth trauma, resulting in stomach issues such as reflux, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea. Due to insufficient stomach acid – sometimes as a result of a traumatic birth such as a caesarean delivery – food can ferment in the tummy, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This can give rise to wind, reflux and, in some cases, projectile vomiting (the stomach trying to rid itself of undigested food).

Once you introduce an infant blend probiotic, the results are very often amazing, as the baby’s smile will confirm. For night-time disturbances, we recommend flower remedies that can be rubbed into the belly button, such as Mimulus (for trembling) and White Chestnut (for a nervous child).

Through the growing years
During the next life stage (three to 12 years), you’ll be faced with the usual non-life-threatening injuries sustained on the playing pitch or while running wild and free. Here, we can call on colloidal silver, which has natural antibacterial properties and can be sprayed onto scrapes and cuts to help protect wounds from infection.

Calendula ointment is excellent for healing damaged skin and brings soothing relief, as does aloe vera. Arnica ointment is our first port of call for sprains and bruising and, when used alongside comfrey cream, can help to promote healing. A simple lip balm is also useful for cracked, sore lips.

To support the body through annual winter colds, sore throats and flu symptoms, alongside echinacea, it’s essential to have a good-quality vitamin C, which has many uses. A powerful antioxidant, it’s particularly helpful during cold and flu season, as well as during hay fever season due to its antihistamine properties.

Our favourites for sore throats are liquids or lozenges containing raw honey and lemon, while mullein drops and ivy thyme are top of the list for chesty coughs and helping to expel mucus. A multi-strain probiotic can also be invaluable in supporting gut health.

Supporting adult wellbeing
In the adult world, where much of our food is highly processed and often lacking in nutrients, we strongly recommend a food-based supplement such as chlorella and spirulina. When taken with food, these can help to support a balanced diet due to their high protein content, antioxidant effects, and wide range of vitamins and minerals. Add in an omega-3 supplement such as krill oil, and you have a comprehensive support system.

For cases of upset stomach, bloating or gas (IBS), a digestive enzyme alongside a probiotic will generally bring relief. It’s important to be aware that if digestive issues have been ongoing, the stomach lining may be compromised. In this case, a course of slippery elm with silica may help to soothe and support repair. This process may take two to three months.

Essentials for your first aid kit
Probiotic … everything works better once it’s included
Arnica … for sprains, bumps and bruises
Calendula cream ... for damaged skin
Vitamin C ... has many, many uses
Colloidal silver spray ... a strong natural antibiotic
Flower remedies ... for calming support
Cough bottle containing raw honey and lemon ... soothing and gentle

Here are some of the key benefits of using natural remedies for everyday health concerns:

• Gentle on the body
• Can be used preventatively
• Aim to support the root cause
• Environmentally friendly
• Can complement conventional medicine
• Readily available without a prescription
• Feelgood factor
• Drug-free
• Not addictive
• Can be really effective and inexpensive

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