Natural and safe methods of supporting your body and healing have been around for ages, and are becoming more mainstream and popular. You don’t have to have a major illness or disease to benefit. Even the healthiest individual can harness gentle, safe and natural first aid for everyday minor injuries likes cuts, burns, insect stings and bruises.
Cuts and Scrapes
From scrapped knees, on the playground to sliced fingers in the kitchen, minor wounds. While deep or gaping cuts may require stitches to heal properly, you can treat most minor cuts wand scrapes at home with natural remedies to soothe the skin and ward off infection. Plain cool water and mild soap is the best for cleaning a cut or scrape. After cleaning the wound, honey can be used as a natural antibiotic. It kills bacteria and protects tender skin from sticking painfully to the bandage. Unlike antibiotic ointments, its use does not contribute to the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Tea tree oil is another popular and effective natural treatment that kills bacteria and reduces inflammation. This ancient essential oil has been recognized by modern medicine as it is used clinically to kill multi-resistant strains of bacterial. Calendula has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties, AND it stimulates the grow of new tissue.
Burns and Sunburns
For minor first degree, and second degree less than 3″ in diameter natural first aid remedies are effective. First draw heat from the burned skin. For sunburns try a cool bath or shower; hold localized burns under cool running water or apply a cool compress 10-15 minutes. Aloe Vera gel is a popular natural first aid that has powerful anti-inflammatory agents and speeds healing. It relieves pain and decreases blistering. Apple cider vinegar is a sworn remedy for sunburns. Add two cups to a tepid bath or apply to the skin with a spray bottle. Vinegar also has antiseptic qualities. Lastly oatmeal is another sunburn antidote. Mix one cup of uncooked oatmeal into a bath. The “avenanthramides” in the oatmeal, act as the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound, giving it its skin-soothing reputation.
Insect Bites and Stings
With millions of insects and spiders in the world, everyone is bound to get an occasional bite or sting. In case of an insect “sting” carefully remove the stinger with the edge of a credit cord or tweezers, taking care not to squeeze the venom sac. Wash the area with mild soap and apply a cold pack to stings and bites alike to temper pain and swelling. A paste made by mixing water with baking soda or meat tenderizer is a popular home remedy for bites and stings. Baking soda may neutralize the acidity of some insects’ venom. The papaya enzyme in meat tenderizer is thought to break down the protein in venom just as it breaks down the protein in a tough piece of meat. You can also use activated charcoal mixed with water to treat a bite or sting. Charcoal absorbs toxins quickly, making it a common clinical therapy for internal poisoning. Apis is a popular homeopathic therapy for stings and bites. The active ingredient of apis is venom of the honeybee (Apis mellifica), and it is available as an ointment or a pellet to take orally. Research shows that apis effectively reduces swelling by as much as 28%.
Bruises and Sprains
Bruises and sprains can result in pain and swelling and also respond well to similar natural remedies. Applying ice, elevating and resting the areas can help reduce pain and swelling. Ointment made of the herm comfrey is a proven natural treatment for bruises and sprains, and some research has shown it is more effective than a prescription NSAID. Witch hazel is an inexpensive remedy for swelling associated with bruises and sprains. Apply it to the injured area with a cotton ball for quick relief-it improves microcirculation. Arnica is also effective against swelling muscle pain and bruising. It is available in topical cream and pellets. Is believed to work by flushing excess fibrin. Studies show 20% arnica markedly reduce other painkiller usage.
Natural Solutions
Getting adjusted by Bozeman’s go to Chiropractor is always a natural, safe approach to helping you heal, repair and self regulate. Call Dr. Kimberly Maxwell today for a nervous system tune up! We love helping keep you healthy, well and wise.