Nature's medicine

Treat kitchen mishaps

The odd nick from a knife or small burn when you catch your wrist taking things out of the oven is inevitable, so a great product to have in your kitchen first-aid kit is marigold (calendula) cream. "Marigold is antiseptic and anti-fungal to help prevent infections," Trudy Norris says. It can also help reduce any inflammation. After running the affected area under cold water for some minutes, ease minor burns with aloe vera. The smooth gel inside the plant contains aloectin B which stimulates the immune system and forms a layer over the burn reducing the risk of infection. It is worth keeping an aloe vera plant on the kitchen windowsill, so you can snap off a leaf whenever you need it. Small bumps and bruises are best treated with arnica-based cream or gel, gently massaged in, two to three times a day.