Natural first-aid kit: get fast relief from 14 common ailments with these effective remedies - Consumer guide: how to be an educated consumer

Natural Health, April, 2003 by Rapaport Karlson

How to Get Fast Relief: Because eyebright (Euphrasia stricta) relieves eye inflammation and reduces mucus secretions, herbalists and other holistic practitioners recommend it highly to treat pinkeye. The herb also contains antibacterial compounds that may kill the bacteria responsible for the infection. The best way to soothe inflamed eyes is to steep t teaspoon of dried eyebright (available at natural food stores) in 1 cup of boiling-hot water and allow it to cool to room temperature. Strain the liquid and dip a clean washcloth in the tea. Wring it out and hold it over both eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. You may feel better after just one application, but repeat the compress three or four times a day until the infection is gone.

What's the Proof: No clinical studies have been conducted on eyebright, but this folk remedy has been used for at least 2,000 years to treat eye problems.

How to Store It: Dried eyebright will stay fresh for several months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place.

Poison Ivy

What It Is: A resin in the poison ivy plant causes a red rash that blisters and swells. The rash appears anywhere your skin touches the resin. You might brush against the plant itself or touch something that has touched the plant, like a pet.

How to Get Fast Relief: Several of our experts agreed that the best fix for poison ivy is the homeopathic remedy Rhus toxicodendron. Homeopathic remedies contain minute amounts of natural substances that are thought to trigger your body to heal itself. You'll find these remedies in natural food stores and in some drugstores. Take one oral dose of the 30C potency as soon as you notice symptoms. Take up to four doses a day for three days. The itch should ease in this time, but the rash won't dry up and disappear until a few days after you've stopped the remedy. To prevent or minimize the rash, as soon as you think you may have been exposed to poison ivy, wash the area with soap and cold water to remove the resin from your skin.

What's the Proof: Rhus toxicodendron hasn't been well researched in the lab, hut using it to treat a poison ivy rash is supported by anecdotal evidence.

How to Store It: Keep Rhus toxicodendron in a cool, dry, dark place like a desk or dresser drawer, away from strong scents (like those of essential oils). When stored correctly, the remedy will stay potent until its expiration date. If you haven't used the remedy in a month or more, tap the bottle against your hand 10 times to reactivate the pellets.

Sore Throat

What It Is: Pain and scratchiness at the back of your mouth is often caused by a virus or bacteria.

How to Get Fast Relief: Our experts agreed that zinc can improve your immune function so your body can fight off the virus causing the soreness. Look for zinc lozenges in drugstores and natural food stores. Choose a brand that contains 2 to 4 mg of zinc, and suck on one lozenge five times a day for up to a week, Marohn says. The lozenges should relieve your pain quickly on the first day, but continue taking them to fight the virus causing the sore throat. Don't use the lozenges for longer than a week; too much zinc can cause a copper deficiency. Zinc lozenges may cause nausea when taken on an empty stomach. To avoid this problem, take them after you've eaten a snack or meal.