Summer Skin Problems: Home Remedies

It's summer time. And while this season can be wonderful for swimming, going to the beach, taking a break from school, sunbathing, it can also come with some bothersome skin problems. The heat, humidity, certain plants and bugs, and even the sun can cause all kinds of skin irritation issues. So here are some remedies for those problems courtesy of Jude C. Todd's Herbal Home Remedies.

INSECT BITES AND BEE STINGS-Basil Relief
Bruise fresh basil leaves and apply directly to the insect sting or bite. It takes a very short time to relieve pain and reduce swelling. It also stops the itching that often occurs when a sting is healing.

INSECT BITE-Parsley Relief
Apply fresh crushed parsley directly to the insect bite. It neutralizes the poison and stops the pain.

INSECT BITE-Toothpaste Relief
Apply a dab of toothpaste to the area. Stops itching fast.

MOSQUITO BITES-Table Salt
Itching should stop immediately if you apply table salt to the moistened area.

HEAT RASH
Combine 2 tbs each of powdered chamomile and powdered calendula. Add 1 tbs of cornstarch. Mix well and use to soothe heat rash.

POISON IVY TREATMENT-Baking Soda
Apply paste of baking soda and water to the affected area liberally. This will stop itching. This works as well as calamine lotion.

SUNBURN RELIEF-Aloe Vera
Cut open the leaf of aloe vera and apply immediately to relieve pain.

SUNBURN RELIEF-Vinegar
Apply vinegar directly to the sunburn. Relieves pain quickly. Make several applications and apply as soon as possible.

Herbal Education: Carminative Herbs

Today's herbal term is carminative.

Carminatives are herbs and spices taken to relieve gas and griping (severe pains in the bowels).
Examples of carminatives include: anise, caraway, fennel, cumin, dill, ginger, peppermint, thyme and calamus.

Ginger

Herb Education: Astringent Herbs

Today's herbal term is astringent.

Astringents are substances that have a constricting or binding effect. They are commonly used to check hemorrhages and secretions, and to treat swollen tonsils and hemorrhoids. The main herbal astringents contain tannins, which are found most plants, especially in tree barks.

Important astringents include:  bayberry bark, white oak bark, yellow dock, uva ursi, calendula, myrrh, horsetail, juniper berries, prince's pine, stoneroot, squawvine, and witch hazel.

Calendula flower, dried

Herb Education: Emetic Herbs

I wanted to help my readers understand some of the terms used when I list the properties of certain herbs. Understanding what your herb can do completely, will ensure it is used safely and properly. Today's term is emesis.

Emetic herbs induce vomiting and thus quickly empty the stomach of its contents. This may be a necessary treatment if one is feeling sick from eating too much food or a poor combination of foods. It is also recommended for treating poisoning by noncaustic substances that will not burn the esophagus when vomiting is induced.
Emesis greatly reduces the energy of the body and so should not be used by persons who are already very weak. The emetic treatment may be followed by a mild stimulating treatment, along with soothing, demulcent herbs, to recover the energy.

Emetics: black mustard seed, lobelia, ipecac, bayberry, elecampane and blessed thistle.