Anything from the sun, toxic plants, dust mites, and other pests can cause allergic reactions and itchy skin. Try some of these natural rememdies that won't rub your skin the wrong way.
Brew a healing pot of Oolong Tea. In a clinical trial, drinking one liter of this tea every day improved itchy, scaly skin within one or two weeks. At the end of the month, two-thirds of those in the study reported relief. Experts believe Oolong Tea contains certain compounds that block allergic reactions.
The soothing liquid found inside the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant relieves all kinds of skin problems. Aloe creams, gels, and lotions soothes itches, rashes, sunburn, and blisters. Apply Aloe Lip Balm to ease painful cold sores, and drink Aloe Vera juice for mouth ulcers. Remember though, products vary in quality and strength. If you don't get results with one, try a different brand or go the more dependable living plant.
For the uncomfortable itching of poison oak or ivy make a soothing milk compress. Soak a clean cloth - linen, gauze, and soft flannel are good choices - in cool whole milk. Place this loosely on the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes every hour until your skin feels better. This also works well with painful sunburns.
Gather a bouquet of healing blooms. Pick pot or garden marigolds, also known as Calendula, for a tea to soothe irritated skin. Steep the flowers in water and place a tea soaked cloth over your rash. You can also use Calendula tea as a rinse for sores in your mouth. Calendula also comes in oils, creams, and ointments that help wounds heal fast. Another flower, Chammomile, contains its own healing ingredient. In European tests, Chammomile cream was almost as effective as Hydrocortisone in relieving some skin problems.
A Witch Hazel poultice can help dry up an oozing rash and relieve the pain. Stir 5 to 10 heaping teaspoons of finely chopped Witch Hazel leaves into a cup of water. Bring this to a boil and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. Press the wet leaves against your rash and cover the area with a warm cloth to hold it in place.
A poultice made from crushed Flax Seeds mixed with hot water can also soothe and protect your irritated skin.
Tannins in the leaves of the English Walnut Tree act as an astringent, tightening skin tissues and help dry up any discharge. Boil 5 teaspoons chopped leaves in a cup of water. Strain the mixture and soak a soft cloth in the liquid. Apply the compress 2 to 4 times a day.
Almond Oil is another 'nutty solution' You will often find it in commercial lotions and ointments that soften and soothe the skin. Experts consider Almond Oil safe, but if you have food allergies, consider a different treatment.
Mix some oatmeal, baking soda, or vinegar in a tub of cool water and soak your itch away. For the discomfort of poison oak or ivy also try spreading a thick paste of baking soda and water over the affected area.
Humor may truly be the best medicine when it comes to allergies. Japanese researchers exposed people with a history of allergic reactions to various allergens. Welts appeared, but shrank in those who watched a Charlie Chaplin film. Welts stayed the same in those who watched a weather report instead.
A fungus found at the foot of Mount Tsukuba in Japan might be the best hope yet for treating the intense itching, swelling, cracking and inflammation of eczema. Its been 40 years since eczema sufferers have seen any new treatments. That's why scientists are so excited about a new class of steroid-free medications called topical immunomodulators (TIMs) made from the Japanese fungus. Two of these, Protopic and Elidel, have shown incredible success in adults and children with moderate to severe eczema. And the best thing is, there are no side effects.
Walk in Beauty,
Linda
www.apathtowholeness.net
www.natureshealinggrace.blogspot.com