Your Skin's Natural First Aid Kit

Keep these natural solutions on hand to treat minor injuries.

Cuts and scrapes

Tea-tree oil, lavender essential oil

Natural antiseptics, tea-tree oil and lavender essential oil can be directly applied to minor wounds to help prevent infection

Splinters

Banana peel

The enzymes in a banana peel help draw the splinter to the skin's surface, making removal with tweezers easy. Apply a small piece of peel pulp-side down and affix with a bandage; wear overnight.

Bruises

Arnica cream or tincture

Arnica is believed to increase circulation, helping the body clear blood from bruised skin. Apply topically to the affected area.

Minor burns

Aloe vera gel, chamomile tea, lavender essential oil

Aloe will cool burns and speed healing. A clean dressing soaked in cool chamomile tea will also ease inflammation. Lavender essential oil has been known to help minor burns; blend a few drops with an ounce of a neutral oil (like almond or olive), and apply topically.

Insect bites and stings

Mashed papaya and oatmeal

Papaya contains the enzyme papain; applied topically, it breaks down the proteins that cause itching. Spreading cooked oatmeal on the affected area will also ease the itch.

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