There are many great aids, home remedies, and natural cures in your home that help with various ailments and discomforts. They can be found in the pantry, refrigerator, or on the windowsill, without you perhaps even knowing which remedies are hiding there. We will now take a closer look at some old traditional remedies that still work today and some modern ones that are good to know about.
Burns
Most people know that it's good to spend time in the sun and replenish vitamin D reserves during summer. But if you know in advance that you'll be spending a longer day in the sun, it's good to apply sunscreen with a physical sun filter and ensure you have enough shade throughout the day. If you forget this and get too much of a good thing, you can get burned. Often you only notice it afterward when the skin turns red and may even start to heat up and sting.
1. Aloe vera
Soothe the skin with gel from an aloe vera plant. Cut off a leaf, peel away the green skin, and gently apply to the affected area. Aloe vera cools, soothes, and heals the skin. You can also use this fantastic aloe vera gel.
2. Colloidal silver
Another tip is to spray on colloidal silver. Silver has been used on burns for a long time and relieves the stinging very effectively.
3. Check your refrigerator
If you don't have these at home, it can also help to dab the burned skin with thinly sliced cucumber, cold yogurt, mashed ripe avocado, or sauerkraut which cools the skin. Sauerkraut is also rich in vitamin C, which is said to help speed up the healing process. You can also try white cabbage if it's a smaller area. Roll the leaves soft with a rolling pin, place them on the skin, and secure with gauze. Change two or three times a day.
4. Wet cloths
You can also soak linen or cotton fabric in cold water, wring it out, and place it on the skin. These tips should also work if you've burned yourself on something hot.
5. Oil
For scalding, olive oil can also soothe, and if you have essential oils at home, you can add a few drops of lavender or peppermint for increased pain relief.
Insect bites
On the most beautiful summer day, you might have the misfortune of getting stung by insects. Mosquito bites can be irritating and itchy, while bee and wasp stings can be much more unpleasant. If there's a risk of allergic reaction, or if the sting is in the mouth or throat area, you should contact emergency care. Otherwise, you can try some of these old home remedies. First, remove the stinger if it's still in place and cool the area with cold water or ice cubes.
1. Sugar cube
Moisten the skin and press against a dampened sugar cube which is said to be able to draw out the venom.
2. Baking soda
You can also try mixing a thick paste of baking soda or baking powder and water. Spread it over the sting site and let it dry.
3. Essential oils
You can also drop a single drop of tea tree essential oil on the sting site. It disinfects and can inhibit inflammation. Lavender essential oil with roll-on function also works well against stings.
Cure motion and sea sickness
When traveling by car, bus, train, or boat, you might sometimes experience nausea. If you know you're prone to this, you can prepare yourself with these home remedies.
1. Cinnamon tea
Prepare a tea with a cup of hot water and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Let it steep for ten minutes and strain. Take the tea in a thermos and drink it when you feel nausea creeping up.
2. Ginger
At the first sign of nausea, you can also try chewing on a small piece of fresh ginger. It's easy to carry in your pocket or purse.
Natural ways to treat cuts and scrapes
If an accident happens and you get a small scrape or cut, there are also several home remedies you can use. Cleaning and disinfection are always the most important first steps. With scrapes, you can remove any debris and dirt with the help of tweezers. Disinfect with hydrogen peroxide or another antiseptic solution. Minor bleeding wounds should be covered with a bandage or sterile compress.
1. Cayenne pepper
But if you don't have any bandages, something most people have in their spice rack can also work, namely cayenne pepper. Sprinkle a little cayenne powder directly on small bleeding wounds and wait 10-20 seconds for the bleeding to stop. Cayenne pepper is also believed to help relieve infections, as the spice has potent antibacterial properties, and the antioxidant capsaicin can also help relieve pain.
2. Plantain
Fresh plantain leaves have traditionally been used on all kinds of wounds including leg ulcers, sunburn, scalds and other burns, and eczema. Yes, even sprains. Plantain stops bleeding and immediately soothes insect bites. Rub the leaves until they become soft and moist, then place them whole with the smooth upper side down and secure them. You can also squeeze out a few drops of juice or chew them and apply as a poultice. Herbal oil and wound salve made from plantain can also be used.
3. Egg white
The membrane on the inside of eggshells can also work. Place the moist side down on a clean wound. It protects and soothes, drying within a few minutes. An alternative is fresh egg white that you allow to dry into a protective and astringent film on the wound. This was, among other things, a common household remedy in medieval Swedish medical books.
