We welcome the coming of summertime but are often not so pleased with the results of a little too much time in the sun or the persistent nagging and biting of flying insects.
With yard work in full swing, you may also be experience an increase in the number of blisters that you get. Instead of reaching for an over the counter remedy, try these natural ways to reduce the pain and inflammation of blisters, burns and bug bites.
Blisters
Never, ever, ever, try to bust a blister. What is it about an inflamed pouch of skin filled with liquid that we find so tempting? No pins, no pokes and no pushing. The blister has its own protective seal, your skin, and opening up a hole just invites foreign microbes in to party. If a blister pops without help, which does happen, wash it thoroughly with warm and soapy water and pat dry.
Dab a little tea tree essential oil on the open sore. Tea tree is better known as the “first aid kit in a bottle” – it has strong antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties which will keep infection at bay and promote healing and new skin growth. Cover the area with a piece of clean gauze and treat daily.
Burns
Any type of burn, whether from the sun or a hot pan, requires immediate attention. The first step in treating a burn is to rinse it in cold water. If you can not reach the area to rinse, fill a clean spray bottle with water and spray the area. Cold water will numb the burn and keep it from causing more skin damage.
Gently pat the area dry, and grab some aloe. Aloe vera is an herb that researchers note reduces burn healing time by up to nine days. If you have your own aloe vera plant, you can snip an outer leaf and peel off the skin. The gelatinous substance inside contains the healing components.
Rub some directly from the plant to your burn. Store the remaining leaf in the fridge and apply several times a day, or as you need for relief. You can also purchase aloe from a retail supplier. Just be sure that it is pure aloe and does not contain additional ingredients. Do not ever treat a burn with an oil-based product. Oil traps heat and does not allow for proper circulation or drainage. This will slow healing.
Bites
Do not use commercial insect repellents which contain DEET. Research demonstrates that this pesticide can be toxic to children, especially. You can easily make your own natural herbal bug repellent by mixing 2 ounces of almond oil with 1/2 teaspoon of lemon grass or citronella essential oil.
Most bites or stings can be treated with a poultice made from equal parts of bentonite clay (which draws out the toxins) water and echinacea tincture. Add five drops of lavender essential oil for additional antibacterial and antiseptic healing properties. If you, or a person you are treating, suffers a headache, fatigue, swollen lymph glands or a skin rash after being bitten, it is best to visit a medical professional.
-The Alternative Daily
