Bicarbonate of Soda is a naturally occurring substance made from sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.
Sodium bicarbonate is a white crystalline solid with a slightly alkaline taste. It’s often found in mineral springs and in its natural form it’s called nahcolite.

Bicarbonate of Soda can be purchased from any supermarket and is inexpensive. Store the box in a cool, dry place like the pantry or a cupboard.

Bi-carb can be used as a natural, safe substitute for chemicals in a myriad of ways around our homes.  Experiment and find out for yourself.

• Add ½ cups or more of Bicarbonate of Soda to your bath water to soften your skin.

• Add one teaspoon Bicarbonate of Soda to one-half glass warm water, and swish through teeth for a refreshing mouthwash.

• Add three tablespoons Bicarbonate of Soda to a basin of warm water and soak feet in the solution.

• Allergic reactions to creams or medication by rubbing Bicarbonate of Soda on the area.

• Apply Bicarbonate of Soda directly to insect bites, rashes and poison ivy to relieve discomfort. Make a paste with water.

• Bee sting: use a poultice of Bicarbonate of Soda and water

• Brush your teeth and whitens them with dry Bi-carb.

• Clean combs and brushes in a Bicarbonate of Soda.

• Dissolve one-half cup in Bicarbonate of Soda a bath of warm water for soft, smooth-feeling skin and a relaxing bath.

• Dust Bicarbonate of Soda under arms to deodorise.

• Mosquito bites & bee stings, ticks & blisters: use a poultice of Bicarbonate of Soda and vinegar.

• Relief from Acne, rub a little paste of Bicarbonate of Soda and water.

• Relief from cold sores. Rub a little paste of Bicarbonate of Soda and water on it.

• Relief from heat rash. Use paste of water and Bicarbonate of Soda.

• Relief temperature of feverish children with cool bath with Bicarbonate of Soda.

• Relieves razor burn.

• Relieves vaginal itch.

• Relieves, sunburn, mouth ulcers, sore gums, skin ulcers. One teaspoon in a glass of water and gargle.

• Gargle with 1/2 tsp. Bicarbonate of Soda in 1/2 glass of water. Freshens and cleans your mouth.

• Get temporary relief for bladder infection till you can seek medical attention.

• Freshen up oily hair by mixing 1 teaspoon of Bicarbonate of Soda to your shampoo, wash your hair. A great way to restore your hair balance.

• Soothe poison ivy rash or insect bites with a Bi-carb and water paste. Smear on gently and leave to dry.

• Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on your wet toothbrush and brush your teeth or dentures with it.

• Sprinkle soda in tennis shoes, sports shoes, socks, boots and slippers to eliminate odour.

• Take a Bicarbonate of Soda bath to relieve general skin irritations such as measles and chicken pox.

• Windburn: moisten some Bicarbonate of Soda and apply directly to sunburn, windburn and pricklyheat.

Source: http://www.angelofoz.com/bicarbsoda_hints/

What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a way of healing that is based on the law of similars  that like cures like. This means that anything that can make you ill, can also cure you.

Unlike conventional medicine which often masks symptoms, homeopathy treats the underlying cause by helping the body to heal itself by bringing it back into balance.

A pain killer may help to dull the pain which is a symptom of an underlying cause. Homeopathy treats the whole person by looking at not just the physical symptoms but also at a person’s emotional and mental symptoms, to help find the best remedy.

For instance, if you are looking for a remedy for heat exhaustion you might find pulsatilla and sulphur recommended. After matching the physical symptoms to one of them, you would then read about the emotional and mental symptoms for each one to find an even closer match.

Pulsatilla is needed for anxious, changeable, clingy, excitable, introspective or teary emotional symptoms. By contrast, sulphur emotional symptoms are quite different  confused, critical, discontented, impatient, irritable, lazy and restless.

Summer First-Aid Kit
Summer is a time of heat and associated symptoms of overheating – whether it’s exhaustion from a day in the sun sitting round the BBQ or pool; inflammation and swelling from an ant bite or bee sting; hot itching eczema from lying on the grass
reading ; or the burning of a graze from skidding to catch that ball – it’s all too much heat.

Homeopathy can be used alongside conventional First-Aid to increase the patient’s chance of a quick recovery. So along with the usual items in your kit, try including some homeopathic remedies to treat summer injuries.

• For cuts, bruises, sprains and strains:

Arnica: A wonder remedy, Arnica comes in drops or pills to be taken internally, and as a cream to be applied externally.
For any injury that will result in a bruise or swelling apply arnica cream as soon as possible after the accident. DO NOT use on broken skin.
For bites and stings and to increase the potency of arnica cream, take homeopathic drops or pills as indicated on the bottle.

• For eczema, cuts, sores or infections:

Calendula: With its healing properties, Calendula cream can mend a surface wound and because it is antiseptic, it helps to prevent infection.
Calendula can soothe sunburn or even more severe burns, and it can be used for skin grazes or lacerations. Gently massage the Calendula cream into the affected area, reapplying when necessary.
The Calendula pills can be used in conjuction with the cream to help the wound heal more quickly.

• For insect bites or stings:

Apis: For any bite or sting such as a bee sting, that starts to swell or cause an allergic reaction, and if the symptoms are helped by cold compresses, then Apis may be the correct remedy. Take it internally in its homeopathic pill or drop form.

Ledum: Use ledum pills or drops if the bite is from an insect, snake or spider that leaves a puncture wound. It can also be used to help prevent the risk of tetanus from a wound caused by a rusty nail.
If the symptoms include chilliness with puffiness at the injury site Ledum can help, used along with cold compresses.

• For overexertion:

Rhus Tox: After a a day’s hard work in the garden muscles start to stiffen and Rhus Tox can help relieve the immediate pain and stiffness.
This remedy may also help if there is restlessness with pains worse at night and difficulty getting comfortable due to the pain.

Homeopathic drops, pills, and creams can be purchased from health food shops, some chemists or homeopathic pharmacies. Keep them safely stored away in the First Aid Kit, away from mobile phones, electrical or magnetic sources as these may affect their potency.

Remember to look at the mental and emotional as well as the physical symptoms, and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

Source: Castro, M., The Complete Homeopathy Handbook. MacMillan, 1990

Shea butter has unique therapeutic benefits – as a natural sunscreens, anti-elastase ( prevent stretch marks), and it helps to stimulate and regenerate skin cells. The butter also has anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and antiseptic qualities.

Village women harvest the Karite fruit which is known as the Tree of Life. This fruit contains seeds which, when crushed, yield the luxurious shea butter.  Earnings from the butter, known as ‘women’s gold’, benefit some of the poorest villages in Africa. However, it takes 40-50 years before the tree is in full production.

African villagers have known of Shea butter’s medicinal and beautifying properties for generations.  The butter is used in daily cooking, taken therapeutically for colds and flu, used as a ceremonial food, and as a gentle massage cream for babies’ skin.

The Virgin or first pressing of the nut butter, is considered the most potent.  Second pressing means that a chemical process using solvents and heat has been used resulting in butter with moisturising qualities, but lower therapeutic value.

Source:

Africa Recovery. Shea nuts: making trade work for poor women www.un.org
RMIT University www.rmit.edu.au

Shea butter has unique therapeutic benefits – as a natural sunscreens, anti-elastase ( prevent stretch marks), and it helps to stimulate and regenerate skin cells. The butter also has anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and antiseptic qualities.

Village women harvest the Karite fruit which is known as the Tree of Life. This fruit contains seeds which, when crushed, yield the luxurious shea butter.  Earnings from the butter, known as ‘women’s gold’, benefit some of the poorest villages in Africa. However, it takes 40-50 years before the tree is in full production.

African villagers have known of Shea butter’s medicinal and beautifying properties for generations.  The butter is used in daily cooking, taken therapeutically for colds and flu, used as a ceremonial food, and as a gentle massage cream for babies’ skin.

The Virgin or first pressing of the nut butter, is considered the most potent.  Second pressing means that a chemical process using solvents and heat has been used resulting in butter with moisturising qualities, but lower therapeutic value.

Source:

Africa Recovery. Shea nuts: making trade work for poor women www.un.org
RMIT University www.rmit.edu.au