While herbal medicines have been used for millennia, they are increasingly subject to scientific study, helping us better understand how they work.

Summer Safety

When you need an insect repellent, think safety first. Research highlights adverse effects of DEET, malathion, and permethrin (used alone or in combination), particularly among the young. Look for safe, natural repellents using essential oils of cedarwood, citronella, eucalyptus, geranium, and pine.

To help prevent tick bites—and lower the risk of Lyme disease—wear protective clothing in tick-infested grassy or wooded areas. Oils of citronella, cloves, and lily of the valley “possessed repelling activities of the same magnitude as the repellent DEET” against ticks, say researchers, but without DEET’s side effects. Carefully remove any ticks you find with tweezers and disinfect bites with tea tree oil or other antiseptic. Report any bull’s-eye rash to your healthcare provider immediately.

Travel-Related Ailments

Diarrhea, heat rash, motion sickness, poison ivy, sleeplessness, and sunburn are nuisances at any age—but can make kids (and anyone around them) downright miserable. It helps to keep your own and your family’s individual health needs in mind. For carsickness, it’s best to drink a little ginger tea before you drive off—and to bring along a thermos of tea, organic fruit, nuts, and whole-grain crackers. Chamomile tea is a time-honored natural solution for sleeplessness. And after too much fun in the sun, aloe vera or calendula creams or gels can help soothe burns.

First-Aid Kit

While prevention is always best, no one can avoid all the potential problems that summer or vacation travel may bring. Think basic and then pack your first-aid supplies in a handy, portable case that will fit easily into your car or suitcase. Items to consider include:

• adhesive bandages, various sizes
• adhesive tape
• aloe vera gel
• antiseptic wipes
• arnica cream
• calendula or calamine lotion
• cleansing agent/natural soap
• cold pack
• cotton swabs
• flashlight and extra batteries
• nonpetroleum jelly
• packet of tissues
• rolled gauze bandages (3 rolls)
• safety pins (assorted sizes)
• saline eye drops
• scissors, preferably blunt
• sewing needle
• sterile gauze pads
• sunblock/sunscreen
• thermometer
• tweezers
• zinc lozenges
   

Don’t Forget

Avoid dehydration when traveling by taking along plenty of bottled water. Adults should aim for six to eight cups of water on a typical day. Help children stay hydrated by offering liquids regularly. Shelf-stable, single-serve 100 percent juices and dairy drinks help boost fluid intake—and are good alternatives to soft drinks.

In addition to sunscreen, pack a hat and pair of sunglasses for every member of the family for first-class sun protection. The best plan is to be prepared and have a safe and healthy summer.