Nature’s First Aid From Comvita

Now that summer is truly here, we are all spending more time outside, and children in particular love to be outside during the warmer weather, playing, exercising and enjoying New Zealand’s outdoor activities. Comvita has some great ways to assist with those cuts, burns and grazes which are bound to occur during this time and they have some great tips for ‘nature’s first aid’.

Propolis is known as ‘nature’s best defence’ as it is a substance made from plant resin and collected by bees to prevent the hive from infection – using it to fill breaches in the hive wall and on foreign invaders in the hive itself. Propolis has been used to assist health and healing purposes since the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Today it is available in capsule, tablet, spray form and many more from Comvita. In tincture form, Propolis can be applied directly to the skin to provide a powerful antioxidant when kids get into scrapes.  

Similarly, Arnica cream can be purchased from most chemists and health food shops for the common purpose to reduce the pain and swelling associated with bruises, aches and sprains. There is differing evidence for this product, as there is little scientific proof. However anecdotal evidence is very strong and most homes have an arnica cream in the medicine cabinet. Always make sure that the cream is not applied to broken skin.

Medihoney Antibacterial Wound Gel makes use of medical-grade sterilised Manuka honey to treat wounds, ulcers and burns. The gel creates a low pH environment that promotes wound healing and reduces scarring. It naturally cleans the wound of bacteria, dead tissue, dirt and debris by drawing it into the dressing, which can be applied over the affected area and also helps to reduce the risk of infection.

Keeping our immune system functioning correctly, is an important part of any healthcare routine. Polyphenols exist throughout the plant kingdom and fresh olive leaves are a particularly rich source of them. Eating well and exercising are vital to your wellbeing and for added support take Comvita’s Immune Support, Olive Leaf Extract is traditionally used to support a healthy immune system.

Finally, Manuka honey and Aloe Vera are the ‘jewels in the crown’ for summer skin. These ingredients are known for having soothing, calming properties and are used for sun, and other types, of burns. For skin complaints, such as very dry or itchy skin, they can both be used in a cream to soothe the irritation such as Comvita’s Medihoney Skintensive cream.

To find out more about Comvita’s natural health products, please go to http://www.comvita.co.nz .