Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Your Skin's Natural First Aid Kit

Keep these natural solutions on hand to treat minor injuries.


Cuts and scrapes
Tea-tree oil, lavender essential oil
Natural antiseptics, tea-tree oil and lavender essential oil can be directly applied to minor wounds to help prevent infection


Splinters
Banana peel
The enzymes in a banana peel help draw the splinter to the skin's surface, making removal with tweezers easy. Apply a small piece of peel pulp-side down and affix with a bandage; wear overnight.


Bruises
Arnica cream or tincture
Arnica is believed to increase circulation, helping the body clear blood from bruised skin. Apply topically to the affected area.


Minor burns
Aloe vera gel, chamomile tea, lavender essential oil
Aloe will cool burns and speed healing. A clean dressing soaked in cool chamomile tea will also ease inflammation. Lavender essential oil has been known to help minor burns; blend a few drops with an ounce of a neutral oil (like almond or olive), and apply topically.


Insect bites and stings
Mashed papaya and oatmeal
Papaya contains the enzyme papain; applied topically, it breaks down the proteins that cause itching. Spreading cooked oatmeal on the affected area will also ease the itch.


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