Natural Remedies for a Burn

Burns are very common. Certain natural remedies can help to heal a burn fast. You may burn your fingers when you’re cooking. First degree burns are generally superficial. They affect only the top layer of the skin (epidermis). This may cause blisters, swelling and redness of the skin. Second degree burns will penetrate to the dermis, the second layer of the skin. Third degree burns will destroy the skin completely and may damage the underlying muscles. It can result in scarring.

Aloe Vera Plant

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Erin Silversmith

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is an excellent remedy for burns. Just cut a aloe vera leaf with a knife and squeeze the gel to the affected skin. It will reduce the pain and the burning sensation. According to the New York Times, a group of surgeons studied the effects of Aloe Vera on burns. They concluded that aloe vera could make a difference when applied to first degree burns.  However second and third degree burns require medical attention.

How to Treat Burns

The burnt area should be washed with cold water. Don’t use ice, as it may aggravate the problem

Open a capsule of vitamin E and apply the oil on the affected area. Consuming vitamin A and vitamin E can also heal the burn quickly.

Potato Skin

Potato skin can replace bandages in treating burns. Dr. Narayana a plastic surgeon of Jubilee Medical College in Kerala (India) says that potato skin is not sticky and heals the wound fast. It helps to keep the wound moist and can be peeled of easily. Water evaporates from the burn wound quickly, making it dry. Potato peel helps to prevent this. The ability of the potato peel to keep the wound moist, helps to heal the burn wounds faster.

Bandage

It is advisable to put burn wounds under cold water for about 5 minutes. Then the skin can be covered with sterile bandage. This can help to reduce the pain and irritation. You can also take pain killers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

It is necessary to keep the wound as clean as possible to prevent infection. Several OTC creams for burns are available. One of these can be applied to the affected area.

Alternately you can apply an antibiotic cream on the burn wound to prevent infection. You should use a non stick cotton bandage to cover the wound. It is necessary to change the bandage every day. Blisters should not be broken as they prevent infection.

Don’t apply butter, oil or Vaseline on the burn, as the burn requires moisture to heal.

Vinegar

Dilute vinegar can be applied on minor burns. As vinegar is acidic it helps prevent infection. After the application of vinegar, cover the wound with a sterile cloth.

To Treat Burn Scars

Aloe vera gel is quite useful in minimizing scarring due to burn. Apply aloe vera gel on the scar 3-4 times every day.

Papaya is also effective in minimizing the scars. Rub ripe papaya fruit chunk on the affected skin several times a day.

Paste made from Fuller’s earth helps to fade the scars. Add a tbsp of lemon juice and some rose water to make a paste. Apply the paste and wash it off after ten minutes. Repeat the process 3-4 times a day. 

If the burn is serious consult a doctor immediately. It is extremely important to prevent infection.

Indigestion and Heartburn Remedies

Indigestion and heartburn are quite common and affect many people. The reason for heartburn is the increased acid production combined with increased pressure within the stomach. It can cause severe uneasiness and pain. It is also chronic and needs treatment. There are several natural indigestion and heartburn remedies

Dietary Changes

Some basic changes in your diet and lifestyle are essential to cure heartburn. You should consume smaller quantities of food at intervals. You should also eat slowly. Patients of heartburn should avoid tomatoes, citrus fruits, fatty and spicy foods. Also avoid onion, garlic, chocolate, peppermint and aspirin. You should also reduce the intake of alcohol and carbonated drinks. The changes in diet and lifestyle will help to cure the disease.

Antacids

Antacids help to neutralize the effects of stomach acid and provide relief. Antacids are available in the form of liquid as well as tablets

Wikimedia Commons:H. Zell

Natural Remedies for Indigestion and Heartburn

Papaya

 Papaya contains an enzyme called papain which helps to digest food easily and prevent heartburn. Papaya has to be taken before meals. Pregnant women and people with latex allergy should not take papaya. 

Banana

Banana is a natural antacid. It forms a coating on the stomach which helps to reduce irritation and pain. But only ripe bananas are recommended. Unripe bananas have a high acid content and also starches that have not been converted to sugar. It is difficult to digest an unripe banana.

Ginger

Ginger aids digestion and is also a very good remedy for heartburn. Add a few slices of ginger to water and boil it. Strain the liquid after 15 minutes. Drink it several times at intervals till you get rid of the symptoms. Ginger candy is also very useful. Chew a small piece of ginger candy. If the symptoms persist chew one more.

Licorice Root

Licorice root is a very good remedy for heartburn. It can reduce the inflammation and protect the stomach. But licorice root should not be taken for long periods as it increases blood pressure.

Turmeric

Turmeric can improve digestion and also prevent heartburn. Add half tsp of turmeric to milk and drink it before meals.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera will provide a protective coating on the esophagus and stomach lining. Drink a glass of aloe vera juice before you have food. It can also be mixed with a non-acidic fruits like apple or grapes if you don’t like the taste. Keep drinking the juice till you get rid of all the symptoms.

Vinegar

Even though vinegar is an acid, it helps to neutralize the stomach acid. As vinegar is likely to damage teeth, it should be followed by a glass of water.

Almond Oil

Almond oil can neutralize stomach acids. Drop 2-3 drops of almond oil on your tongue and follow it with a glass of water.

Baking Soda

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) can provide immediate relief. But it can raise blood pressure, if used frequently.

These are some of the indigestion and heartburn remedies.  

How to Make Your Hair Thicker Naturally

Hair is an important part of your appearance. A thick, flowing, vibrant hair adds to your appearance. Thinning hair could be due to a variety of reasons including heredity. If your parents or grand parents are bald you are likely become bald as well. Hair loss can also occur due to environmental factors, exposure to dust and chemicals. It could also be a symptom of some underlying disease. Several treatments to grow hair are available. Most of them are quite expensive. There are several methods to make your hair thicker naturally. They do not cost you the earth.

Wikimedia Commons: Jeanne Bolevin

 Natural Methods to Make Your Hair Thicker


Scalp Massage 
   
Several natural oils help to make your hair thicker. The most important oils are coconut oil, almond oil and olive oil. Heat any one of these oils and apply it to your scalp. You should apply the oil with constant massage so as to cover the entire scalp. The oil penetrates to the hair follicles and stimulates it. After the completion of the application, cover your head with a hot towel. The towel will absorb all the excess oil. Wash it off with shampoo after an hour. This process has to be repeated every week. This will help your hair to grow thick.

Coconut Kernel


One of the best methods to promote hair growth and make your hair thicker is to apply coconut kernel to your hair. Grind coconut kernel and make a paste. Apply this paste to your scalp with a gentle massage before going to bed. Wash it off next morning with shampoo. Repeat the process twice a week. This would not only make your hair thicker but also soft, smooth and shiny. Coconut kernel is s very good moisturizer. It would also get rid of dandruff. 


Diet

Just as our body, hair also requires certain nutrients to grow. It requires adequate quantities proteins, minerals and vitamins. Your diet should include foods that can provide adequate supply of all these nutrients. Fish, milk, eggs, cheese and poultry are considered complete proteins. They help hair growth. Some of the foods containing vitamin A like carrots, tomato, apricots, cherries, orange and lemon can be included in the diet

Moisturizing

You have to keep the hydration levels high by drinking adequate quantities of water.

Washing hair

- Frequent hair shampooing may strip the hair of its moisture and make it dry

- Wash your hair twice a week, as daily shampooing and washing may damage the hair

- Hair should be washed with warm water instead of hot water.

- Home made natural shampoo has to be used, as chemical based shampoos available in the market are likely to damage your hair.

- You should not cover the hair after shampooing with a towel as it might get the hair into tangles and cause damage

- You should let the hair dry on its own. Using a hair dryer is also not recommended.

- Hair has to be combed after it is dry.

Other Remedies

- Henna can be used once a month as a hair conditioner

- Apply egg white to the hair and wash it off after 30 minutes

- Apply aloe vera gel once a month. It is a natural conditioner and helps to strengthen the hair follicles

Life style

Smoking may result in hair loss. Adequate sleep is also essential.

It is possible to avoid thinning hair due to hair loss and make your hair grow thicker naturally by following these methods. 

Tips to Maintain a Youthful Skin

Certain habits and foods are helpful in maintaining a youthful looking skin. Quite a few people look a lot older than they actually are. Perhaps they do not know the secrets of looking young.


Drinking Water


One important factor which helps to maintain a youthful looking skin is to drink lots of water. Water is essential for better digestion and health. It also washes away all the impurities and toxins. It helps to rejuvenate the skin and keep it healthy.


Omega 3 fatty Acids


Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for a healthy skin. It repairs the skin and increases its elasticity. Some people avoid it because of its fat content. But they reduce the risk of becoming obese. They are essential for the health of the skin. They are also excellent for itchy and dry skin. Foods containing omega 3 acids are salmon, flax seeds and walnut.


Smoking


Smoking is not only bad for general health but is extremely bad for the skin. Smokers develop wrinkles at a very early age. Smoking irritates the skin. It also slows down the blood supply to the skin. This in turn deprives the skin of oxygen and other nutrients.


Topical Anti-oxidants


Topical anti oxidants give some protection to the skin against sun, wind, smoke and other environmental hazards. Fruits vegetables, grains, poultry, certain meats and nuts contain antioxidants. They protect the skin against the damages caused by the sun. The protection to the skin from the anti oxidants comes from within.


Sun Protection


Protection from the sun is very important. Too much exposure to the sun makes the skin to age fast making it wrinkled and leathery. Varieties of sun protection creams are available in the market to protect against the hazards.


Exercise


Exercise is very important as it speeds up the blood circulation and supplies the skin with the required nutrients. Good sleep is also very essential for the good health of the skin. At least east 8 hours of sleep is required as it is during this time that the skin rejuvenates itself.


Some of the natural remedies for a youthful looking skin are Aloe Vera , Castor, almond oil, avocado oil and coco-nut oil.