Table of contents:
- A choice of natural and easily available first aid drugs
- 1. Aloe vera
- 2. Basil leaves
- 3. Baking soda
- 4. Honey
- 5. Arnica
- 6. Witch hazel
- 7. Calendula
When the skin is exposed to insect bites, sunburn, and irritation, most people will immediately panic and become anxious. In fact, there are many natural first aid drugs that can be used immediately to relieve pain. You do not need to look far because these drugs can be easily found in your environment. So, what natural remedies can help in first aid?
A choice of natural and easily available first aid drugs
1. Aloe vera
The choice of first aid medicine that you can use is aloe vera. This one plant is indeed on the rise thanks to its properties in the field of beauty. Not surprisingly, many people are competing to try to prove the truth to treat various skin problems - one of which is to relieve skin problems caused by sun exposure (sunburn)
The reason is, aloe vera has been shown to contain anti-inflammatory substances and inhibits bacterial growth. That is why, this plant is believed to be effective in treating minor rashes, sunburns, to burns from the heat of a fire. Aloe vera also provides a cool sensation when applied to the skin, making you more comfortable when wearing it.
How to use it is easy, all you have to do is cut the leaves off so that you get the aloe vera sap. Then apply it on the injured skin. However, if you are using processed aloe vera, it's best to look for a product with a high aloe vera content.
2. Basil leaves
Mosquito bites are really annoying. Not only makes it itchy, it often causes a reddish rash and even cuts if scratched constantly. If you experience this, try occasionally rubbing a few basil leaves on the mosquito bite area.
The reason is, basil leaves are believed to help relieve itching due to mosquito bites. Research has shown that apart from making the skin feel calmer, the oil content in basil leaves can also act as a natural mosquito repellent.
3. Baking soda
Baking soda is commonly used to make various cakes. In fact, this kitchen ingredient also has properties to be used as a first aid medicine, especially for treating skin rashes caused by bee stings.
As a rule, by pouring baking soda into the palms of the hands, then add enough water until the texture thickens. After that, apply it evenly to the part of the skin affected by the bee sting to help reduce pain and inflammation.
It is important to remember, when the area of the skin from the bee sting starts to show signs of a more serious rash that affects the body, for example, dizziness, flushing, severe pain. We recommend that you seek medical attention immediately.
4. Honey
According to Barbara Brownell Grogan, an author of the book 500 Time-Tested Home Remedies, honey is not well known for its healing properties. Even so, honey has been widely used to treat minor skin wounds for centuries.
There is no need to doubt, because honey contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties that are effective in relieving damage to injured skin tissue.
For use, you should first clean the injured area. Then mix one tablespoon of honey that is still original with one tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel, then apply it on the injured skin area.
5. Arnica
Arnica is classified as a flowering plant that has no doubt about its usefulness. Among them are to reduce inflammation, accelerate the healing of damaged tissue, and relieve pain. For minor wounds, such as lumps, bruises, swelling, you can use arnica by applying it directly or orally, which has been processed in pill form.
According to Trevor Cates, a naturopathic doctor, states that arnica is one of the most powerful first aid drugs. Even so, you must still be careful in using it. This is because arnica is poisonous when consumed in very high doses.
For this reason, consumption is limited to only three times a day. As for arnica that is applied directly, it can be used up to six times a day.
6. Witch hazel
Witch hazel is one of the first aid medicines by utilizing the natural astringent produced by the leaves, bark and twigs. For years, this powerful plant has been used to soothe itchy skin to treat acne, it can even be used to accelerate the healing of bruises on the skin.
Witch hazel works by increasing blood flow around the surface of the skin, so it can help improve blood flow that has accumulated in the bruised area to prevent possible inflammation of the wound.
It is not difficult to use it, you only have to soak the cloth in the liquid containing witch hazel, then compress the injured area using the cloth. Slowly, the bruise will fade.
7. Calendula
If you have just had minor burns, you can try treatment options using calendula. Calendula flower plants are still in the same family as daisies with the marigold family. How to use it is also easy, because there are many non-alcoholic ointments and sprays that contain calendula flowers in them.
This natural remedy is even classified as safe for use by children. The reason is, calendula is antimicrobial so it can help prevent bacterial infections as well as speed up healing. Calendula is also rich in flavonoids, which are natural antioxidants in plants that help protect skin cells from damage caused by free radical attacks.
