Four herbs and plants you can add to your first aid kit this summer
AS gardens bloom, grow your own first aid kit this summer.
There are herbs and plants that can soothe bites and stings.
If you don’t end up using them, they will still look blooming lovely.
BASIL: Grow a pot of basil on your windowsill for mosquito bites.
The leaves are packed with properties that act as a natural soother, taking away the itchiness.
Mash basil leaves with a little olive oil and rub on the lump.
The pungent smell of basil also keeps mozzies at bay, so stick a pot nearby if you are sitting out.
LAVENDER: This not only looks and smells gorgeous, it has also got a whole host of healing powers.
The strong smell confuses insects so keeps mosquitoes, ants, wasps and flies at bay.
The soothing scent has also been shown to help people sleep and to ease anxiety.
You can buy lavender essential oil or make your own by drying the flowers for a fortnight then placing in a jar covered with olive or jojoba oil.
After a week or two you can strain out the flowers to be left with a healing oil.
Also, try making bags from scraps of fabric to put lavender in.
MINT: Grow a patch of peppermint to have a natural indigestion aid in your garden.
To use it, all you need to do is put a handful of washed fresh leaves into a mug and pour over boiling water.
After five minutes you have a steaming cup of peppermint tea, perfect for soothing indigestion and bloating.
It can also help relieve stomach cramps and wind.
ALOE VERA: This chunky green houseplant not only looks great, but it also has amazing healing properties.
The sap in its leaves is used to soothe burns, scalds, sunburn, skin irritation and insect bites.
You can simply cut away a leaf, open it up and rub the sap directly on to the skin.
Buy a decent-sized plant for £6.50 from B&Q.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
GET your teeth stuck into making a Lego Tiger.
The Lego Creator 3 in 1 Majestic Tiger Building Set is down from £45 to £30 at Asda.
SAVE: £15
Cheap treat
LATHER up with the Imperial Leather Mandarin Neroli Body Wash, down from £1.50 to £1 at Boots.
SAVE: 50p
What's new?
TAKE the fun outdoors with Aldi’s range of wooden garden games, including supersized versions of traditional favourites.
There is a giant toppling tower, four-in-a-row, rounders and a ring toss set, all £12.99.
Top swap
DINNER will look wonderful on the Dune 12-piece dinner set, now £75 from Heal’s or serve up in style on Wilko’s Salvie reactive glaze set, £26.59.
SAVE: £48.41
Little helper
BIRDS Eye and Hasbro are offering shoppers a free Hasbro game worth up to £39, including Bop-it, Monopoly and Twister when they buy any four selected Birds Eye products in the same shop.
Look out for the free board game promo packs.
Shop & save
GIVE outdoor eating another go with the Drum Charcoal Barbecue and Smoker from Argos now half-price, down from £140 to £70.
SAVE: £70
Hot right now
CLAIM a free Pimm’s at selected Chef & Brewer, Farmhouse Inns, and Greene King pubs.
See hashting.promo/pimmsgreenekinglp/pimms.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!