Natural First Aid Tips for Common Summer Ailments

During warm weather, people tend to spend more time outside. Often, this means dealing with minor irritants such as insect bites or bee stings. Mild to moderate sunburns or accidental exposure to poison ivy is also a possibility for people who love the water or spending the weekend camping. If you find yourself in need of first aid but left the kit at home, don't worry. There are plenty of green ways to ease your pain and begin the healing process while you head for medical treatment.

Sunburn is easily one of the most common maladies experienced during the summer months. Fortunately, there are a number of natural ways to deal with this problem. Cool showers can help bring some relief to the hot surface of the skin and help slow down the process of the burn. Immersing in a bath of cool water with a couple of cups of baking soda will also help to draw out some of the heat and expedite the healing process. If a bath or shower is not possible, mix a whipped egg with castor oil and apply liberally to the skin. Remember that the castor oil and egg mixture has no protective properties, so it is important to get out of the sun immediately.

Insect bites and bee stings are also frequent summer problems for many people. Baking soda and water can also help ease the pain of the stings and bites. Another approach is to soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply liberally to the bite and the surrounding area. Another old home remedy involves the use of chewing tobacco; applying a poultice made with the soft tobacco product can help ease the itching and soothe the distressed skin.

There are a number of ways to help ease poison ivy. One little known approach is to make use of banana peels. The inside peel of a freshly peeled banana can be rubbed on directly on the rash and help facilitate the healing process. In addition, draining the oil from an aloe vera plant will also help ease some of the itching and bring a measure of relief. Applying wet cloths soaked in a tea made with black walnut leaves and husks will also aid in recovering from the condition and ease the itching.

Many herbs and simple products used in the home can make a huge difference when it comes to quick first aid. Keep in mind that these and similar solutions are not a substitute for seeking medical assistance as quickly as possible. However, they will provide some degree of relief in the short term and make treatment of the condition much easier in the long run.