vitaleblog.org

In the second part to this series I discuss how daily moisturisers help to keep the skin hydrated and what key ingredients to look for if your products.

View Mukti Nourishing Facial Creme
View TSB Rosewood Moisture Lotion
View Organic Skin Co. Rosehip & Orange

Due to the recent rains in Brisbane, mosquitoes have plagued me, which has been a very itchy affair. However, after two nights of being bitten, I delved into the medicine cabinet and grabbed a bottle of 100% pure essential lavender oil. Not only does this fabulous essential oil stop any itching from bites almost immediately, it also keeps flying pests at bay. Eat dirt mozzies!

This episode reminded me how many simple but highly effective natural first aid remedies we have at our fingertips. Below I have listed what I consider “essentials” for any natural first aid kit.

1. Honey

Jellybush Honey

Honey is a great soothing and antimicrobial agent. In the cooler months, it is an excellent treatment for windburn or chapped skin. Applied topically to wounds or acne lesions it inhibits the growth of bacteria and provides a moist wound-healing environment, speeding up the healing process. It’s also great for burns and sore throats.

• To use for acne, use as a face wash. Spread it over the affected areas, and rinse off. Alternatively, apply a small amount to affected areas and leave overnight. Rinse in the morning.
• For sore throats, swallow a teaspoonful and let it slowly drip down your throat.
• For bandaged wounds, apply liberally prior to applying the bandage. The honey will also help prevent the bandage sticking to the wound site.

It is important to use Manuka, Jellybush or untreated wild honey as these varieties are not heat-treated and therefore retain their beneficial effects.

2. Chamomile tea

Naturally calming and good for relaxing at night sleep, Chamomile tea is also soothing for the skin and is also useful for sore, tired or puffy eyes. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial effects, which help soothe sore eyes. Soak the tea bag for 3 minutes in hot water. You can either drink the tea or once cool, soak a face cloth and use it to bathe your eyes or any part of the body that is red and/or irritated such as sunburn or rashes. Put the tea bags in the fridge and when you are ready, lie down and place one over each eye. Relax.

3. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Oil

Apart from its soothing and relaxing aromatherapy benefits, 100% pure lavender essential oil can be used as an effective first aid remedy. When applied to minor burns and bites or stings, the undiluted essential oil has an antiseptic and pain relieving effect. The sooner the oil is applied, the faster the pain relieving and healing effects of lavender will occur. Apply undiluted oil for burns or skin irritation or combine a few drops with a carrier oil such as jojoba for use as a relaxing massage oil.

As I mentioned above, it can help to repel mozzies but it is certainly a good idea to resort to a conventional insect repellent if you are in a malarial area.

Lavender oil is also purported to be effective for headache relief. Rub a few drops onto your temples, drink a large glass of water (dehydration is a common cause of headaches) and take a few, deep relaxing breaths. Just remember to choose a pure 100% essential oil as fragranced oils or cheap Lavender oil does not have the same healing qualities.

4. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe is one of the best remedies for soothing irritated skin and healing burns including sunburn. Aloe contains constituents that have a demulcent (soothing) effect and so can be used on grazed, red or inflamed skin; as well as a vulnerary (wound-healing) effect. Aloe inhibits the formation of tissue-injuring compounds that gather at the site of a skin injury and so can be applied to the wound site to promote healing.

When applying fresh aloe from the leaves of the plant, use only the clear inner pulp of the leaf. This component has soothing and healing properties. The yellow/green sap that is exuded by leaf surface can be irritating to skin and so is best avoided. If you don’t have an aloe plant growing in your back yard, you can still harness the benefits of this plant by choosing products that are made with Aloe vera.

5. Spirit of Woman Crisis Calm

Crisis Calm

I carry a bottle of Crisis Calm in by handbag for any stressful or crisis situations. It is safe to use and excellent for children, animals and adults and a few drops under the tongue is easy to take. Crisis Calm helps connect to the sense of calm at the centre of any storm around you, whether a trauma, shock, emergency, or stress, emotional, psychological or physical. Sometime you just want to add it to the water supply!!!

6. Arnica (Arnica montana)

Arnica is a miracle plant from the Earth’s herbal pantry. When used externally, is has an amazing ability to clear bruises, bring down puffiness or swelling, and ease deep aches. It can’t be applied to open wounds but use liberally on any closed bruises, strains, sprains or inflammation.

7. Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Tea tree oil is one of the most effective essential oils as a natural skin remedy. It is a powerful antimicrobial and antiseptic, active against infectious organisms such as bacteria and fungi. Tea tree oil is useful in the management of infection in minor wounds and even acne. In the case of mild infection, liberally apply 100% tea tree oil to the affected area. Further application of tea tree to any bandage may also be applied and then changed every 24 hours.

8. Jojoba Oil

This may seem a bit unusual but I include Organic Jojoba Oil for its versatility. It can be used as part of the treatment for acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, cradle cap, nappy rash and other skin conditions where skin is red, irritated, dry or sensitive. Apply jojoba to face, body, hands and feet to smooth skin and nails, reduce cracking of dry skin, and improve skin elasticity.

If you have any natural first aid tips I would love to hear about them. Please let us know.

In the first of 3 videos looking at dehydrated skin I discuss the primary causes of moisture loss and begin to discuss how to repair the protective waterproof barrier.

Take me to Mukti Calendula Cream
Take me to Devita Rx Ultrahydrate