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.  

Home Foot Soak Recipe

Home foot soaks with Epsom salt, vinegar and essential oils is very relaxing. It can help to clean up the feet and get rid of the bruises and heel cracks.  

Your foot is the most used part of the body as you will be on it most of the day. It carries the entire weight of the body and needs special attention. There is nothing more relaxing than a warm water foot soak at home. After you return home from a day’s hard work, watch television or relax reading a book with your feet in a basin of warm water. You require a basin large enough to hold five liters of water and deep enough to soak your feet up to your ankles.

At Home Foot Soak Normal

Take warm water in a basin large enough to hold both your feet. Add a few drops of an essential oil to it. You can massage your feet with a soft brush or pumice stone. It will not only help you to relax but will also help to get rid of the sweat and bad smell of your feet

Vinegar Foot Soak

To make the foot soak more relaxing, you can add a cup of vinegar and 2 tsp of lavender essential oil to the piping hot water in a basin. Stir it well. Cool the water till the temperature becomes bearable. Then sit on a relaxing chair at home and dip your feet.

Epsom Salt Foot Soak

Epsom salt can be used for foot soak. Add 1/2 a cup of epsom salt to basin of hot water. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and dip your feet in it. Epson salt (magnesium sulfate) is absorbed by the skin. It relaxes the muscles and draws away toxins from the body. It also sedates the nervous system. Sprains, swelling and bruises are also reduced.

Foot Soak Athletes Foot

Vinegar foot soak is a very good remedy for athlete’s foot. Add a cup of vinegar and a cup of table salt to the water. Dip a cotton ball in vinegar and rub your feet with it. Soak your feet for 10 minutes every day for 10-15 days and the fungus will disappear.

Foot Soak for Cracked Heels

Lack of moisture results in cracked heels and dry skin. Honey is a very good moisturizer. Almond oil is very effective in healing cracked skin. It contains fatty acids and vitamin E. Add 2 tbsp of honey and 2 tbsp of almond oil to hot water. Dip your feet in water 20 minutes. It softens the skin and helps to get rid of the cracked heels.

Glycerin and Essential Oil  

Add 2-3 drops of glycerin to warm water in a large basin. Also add 2-3 drops of essential oil like lavender, eucalyptus or mint. Soak your foot for 20 minutes. Rub the cracked skin on your heels gently with a pumice stone. Apply some Vaseline to the cracked heels as it will help to hold moisture.

These are some of the recipes for home foot soak 

Homemade Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin

Homemade Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin
                                                                                                         Face moisturizers are essential to take good care of the facial skin. Skin loses moisture when exposed to the sun and cold weather.  People with all types of skin need to keep the skin hydrated. Moisturizers provide protection to the skin against environmental damage. Different types of skin need different moisturizers and levels of hydration. Moisturizer hydrates the skin. It makes it soft and glowing. A wide range of chemical based moisturizers are available in the market. Some of these chemicals could be harmful to the skin. The moisturizer has to keep the skin hydrated but should not block the pores. Skin absorbs the moisturizer. Several recipes of homemade face moisturizer for dry skin is given below.

Cucumber and Yogurt

Put a peeled cucumber and two tsp of yogurt in a blender. Cucumber soothes the skin and yogurt hydrates it. Apply the paste to the face and wash it off after 30 minutes.

Avocado and Honey

Avocado is a very good moisturizer. Put a peeled avocado in a blender till it becomes soft and smooth. Add two tsp of unprocessed honey. Wash your face and apply the mixture. Wash it off with warm water after 30 minutes. 

Vinegar and Lemon Juice

Apple cider vinegar promotes a smooth and supple skin by removing the dirt and oil on the skin. It also removes the dead skin cells. Lemon exfoliates and lightens your skin complexion. Add quarter tsp of apple cider vinegar to a tsp of lemon juice. Mix it and apply it to your face with cotton. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

Aloe Vera and Olive Oil

Extract gel from a large leaf of aloe vera plant. Mix it with a tsp of virgin olive oil. Use it morning and evening. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Banana and Honey

Mash a ripe banana. Add two tablespoons of honey and mix it will. Make it into a fine paste. Wash your face well and apply it. Wash it off after 30 minutes

Egg Yolk and Honey

Egg yolk and honey are an excellent combination for a moisturizer. Beat up an egg yolk and mix it with a tsp of honey.  Apply it to your face. Wash it off with warm water as it starts to dry. The skin will become smooth and soft.


Strawberry Moisturizer


Mash 4 strawberries with a fork. Add 1/2 tsp of olive oil and 1/2 tsp of coconut oil. Mix it well and make a paste. Apply the paste to your face and wash it off after 15 minutes.


Homemade moisturizers contain natural ingredients that are harmless and economical. You can choose the most convenient recipe of homemade face moisturizer for dry skin from the list above.


Glycerin Soap

Glycerin soap is much gentler on the skin than any other soap. Glycerin is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air). It helps to keep the skin hydrated always. it is very useful for dry skin.