Homesteader Depot

Tag: rash

  • 8 Extremely Natural Ways to Treat a Rash

    8 Extremely Natural Ways to Treat a Rash

     

    Rashes can be at the least, inconvenient, and at the worst incredibly painful.  There is any number of reasons a rash may appear.  Allergies, toxic plants, and illnesses are the main categories, but within those, especially allergies, it can sometimes be impossible to figure out why the rash is happening.

    Please note, if a rash progresses rapidly, appear for no external reason, or it accompanied by other symptoms like sinus or chest congestion or trouble breathing this may be a sign of a severe allergy.  In these cases, you should seek medical treatment and work with your doctor to identify the catalyst.

    For temporary issues, like heat rash or mild poison ivy, natural remedies can be used to relieve symptoms and help the skin heal more quickly.

    Related Article:  Identifying and Understanding Poison Ivy

    Aloe Vera

    This plant in the succulent family contains anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory compounds that make it a great all-purpose skin ointment.  Use for rashes, burns and other skin irritations to relieve symptoms and accelerate the healing process.

     

    Apple Cider Vinegar

    Raw, organic apple cider vinegar like Braggs is a common home remedy for lots of ailments, including rashes.  Dap the diluted vinegar over the affected area with cotton or a soft, clean cloth.

     

    Baking Soda

    Add 1 Tablespoon baking soda to 3 tablespoons water or coconut oil to use as an ointment to help dry out a skin rash and relieve itching and inflammation.  To use, apply daily and let sit for a few minutes and then rinse off.  Avoid leaving the soda on the rash for an extended period.  This could lead to over-drying or other irritation.

     

    Chamomile

    Chamomile relieves the itching rashes cause and soothes the skin.  It also has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antifungal compounds that help ward off complications during the healing process.

    Soak a paper towel or soft, clean cloth cooled, steeped chamomile tea and applied to the areas 2-3 times a day.

    Coriander aka Cilantro

    Also a good source of anti-inflammatory and antiseptic compounds, Coriander can be an effective treatment for rashes and other skin irritations.

    Make a paste from fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves.  Mix in a little olive or coconut oil to make it easier to apply.  Apply the mixture to the rash areas 1-2 times a day.

     

    Oatmeal

    Oatmeal is a great go-to for any type of skin irritation including rashes and burns.  If you only have “Old Fashioned Oats” put a cup of dry oatmeal through the blend cycle of your food processor or blender to get a finely ground consistency.  Add the ground oatmeal to a warm (not hot) bath and soak for 15-20 minutes.  Rinse with cool water in the shower and pat dry.  Apply a layer of coconut or olive oil to moisturize your skin without causing more irritation to the rash.

    For rashes in the facial area, mix equal amounts of the ground oatmeal with olive oil, coconut oil or honey and apply.

     

    Oil and Honey

    The vitamin E and antioxidants in olive oil and coconut oil assists in the healing process and aids in skin renewal.  Used by itself topically or combined with honey for extra soothing and anti-bacterial benefits, apply several times a day until the skin has healed.

    Suggest Article: 5 Wonderfully Natural Remedies to Treat Dry Skin

    Oil and Turmeric

    Out of honey?  Add a pinch of turmeric from your spice rack into oil or coconut oil.  Similar to honey, turmeric has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds that will help soothe the rash and reduce itching as it heals.

     

    Keep Your Pantry Stocked, and You’re Good to Go

    Try each method to see which ones work best for you, then make sure you have the preferred items in stock for easy and natural relief treatment of your next rash.

     

    Would you like to learn more alternative medicines?  Click here>>>

     

  • Identifying and Understanding Poison Ivy

    Identifying and Understanding Poison Ivy

    The bane of every campers’ weekend getaway, poison ivy, interestingly enough is not actually in the ivy family.  It’s a relative of the almond family.  Who knew?

    Most of the time, you only have to worry about avoiding it when you are in the great outdoors and away from urban areas.  However, occasionally it will pop up in your yard.  If this happens, you’ll want to make sure you wear protective clothing and accessories like gloves and even a mask to avoid the worst itching you can ever imagine.

    Also, you’ll want to be very cautious about how you dispose of it, so no one else accidentally comes in contact with it either.  And, whatever you do, do NOT burn it!

    The smoke produced by burning poison ivy takes all of its poison airborne.

     

    Identifying Poison Ivy

    If you grew up in a more rural community, you might already know some of the rhymes used to recognize the plant and its different features.  If you didn’t learn any of these, take note, they could come in handy someday.

     

    1. If Butterflies Land There, Don’t Put Your Hand There

    Butterflies can safely land on poison ivy.  They do it to protect themselves from predators.

    1. Berries White – Run in Fright or Danger in Sight

    Describes the light gray to white colored berries seen in the fall.

    1. Hairy Vine – No Friend of Mine. Ragged Rope – Don’t be a Dope

    Refers to the shaggy appearance its vine exhibits.

    1. Leaves of Three Let It Be
    2. Longer Middle Stem – Stay Away from Them

    The middle leaf of a cluster of three is typically longer than the side leaves.

    1. Red Leaflets in the Spring, it’s a Dangerous Thing

    The leaf color changes with the seasons.  Red in spring, Green in summer, Reddish-orange in fall.

    1. Side Leaves like Mittens Will Itch Like the Dickens

    A few varieties have side leaves that resemble a mitten with a thumb sticking out.

    What to do if You are Exposed to Poison Ivy

    If you discover you’ve been exposed, there are actions you can take to reduce the severity.

    • First, carefully remove your clothing and put them directly into the washer so they can’t spread the oil to other surfaces.
    • If it has been less than 10 minutes since exposure, wash your hands with soap and water and any other areas that have come in contact with the plant.
    • If it has been over 10 minutes, you still want to wash up, but you’ll also be needing a remedy for the rash that is headed your way.

     

    Poison Ivy Remedies

    There are several effective over the counter treatments for Poison Ivy.  There are also a few home remedies that work.

     

    Apple Cider Vinegar

    ACV gets rid of the itch almost immediately and helps neutralize the poison.  Apply with cotton balls or with a spray bottle several times a day to relieve itching and help the skin start to heal.

    Just be prepared to smell like a salad for a while.

     

    Baking Soda and Oatmeal Paste

    1. You’ll have to do a little cooking for this one, but it’s worth it. This “recipe” can be made in bulk and stored to apply several times over the course of your recovery.
    2. Start by bringing 1 part rolled oats to 2 parts water to a boil.  Remove from the heat and cover until all the water is absorbed by the oats.
    3. Stir in 1 Tbsp Baking Soda for every ¼ Cup oats and mix well.
    4. If the paste is still very hot, you can add some cold water or an ice cube to bring it down to warm.
    5. Apply the paste thoroughly to the affected areas.  Relax while you let it dry out, then carefully brush off the dried paste.
    6. Repeat 2 times a day as needed.
    7. For an all over treatment, mix the paste into a lukewarm back and soak for a while.

    Conclusion

    If possible, just stay away from poison ivy.