No one wants to rush to the doctor after getting a scrape or a wound on their body. But if it does happen, you need to treat it ASAP in order to avoid any infection and relieve the pain. Luckily, you don’t need to know any advanced techniques or have certain medical supplies on hand to provide first aid. There are things in your pantry that can provide instant help and be an effective treatment, and we bet you already have some of them in your home.
The Elite Indian has collected the best remedies, that can help you treat your injuries and get rid of pain fast with everyday products.
1. Aloe vera for cuts
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Why it helps: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera is perfect for soothing open wounds. It can also help calm down a nasty sunburn.
How it works: If you have an aloe vera plant at home, you can just cut off its leaf, remove the spiky sides, and squeeze out its juice. It’s perfectly safe to apply fresh aloe juice on an open wound. Or you could purchase aloe vera gel online or at a pharmacy.
2. Use saline solution instead of hydrogen peroxide to rinse the wound.
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Why it helps: The first thing to do after you get a cut is to thoroughly wash it. An old misconception is that hydrogen peroxide is the best thing to use, but it can be damaging to the skin and not 100% effective against bacteria. Saline solution, on the other hand, is perfectly safe and considered to be the best method.
How it works: Combine ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of boiling water, allow it to cool, and then gently apply it to the wound with sterile gauze.
3. Honey for open wounds
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Why it helps: Honey is very effective at killing bacteria and helping wounds heal faster. It was proven that honey stimulates the immune system, which speeds up recovery, and controls skin inflammation.
How it works: Apply a thin layer of honey on the cut and cover it with a clean bandage.
4. Ice for burns
Why it helps: Ice is the best solution if you’ve burned your tongue or any other part of your body. It instantly helps to stop the swelling process and provides pain relief.
How it works: If you need to quickly treat a burn, you can apply an ice cube to your tongue or to the affected area and hold it for a few minutes. You can wrap the ice in a towel or a tissue first, if you want to, in order to avoid an ice burn.
5. Ice pack for swelling (but be careful!)
Why it helps: While ice cubes or a cold compress can help with burns, ice packs are meant for bruises and sprains. An ice pack relaxes the muscles and stops the bleeding within the tissues (that’s how we get bruises) while also reducing the pain.
How it works: You can’t apply an ice pack directly to your skin. Plastic isn’t enough to protect your skin from an ice burn, so it’s advised to put a cloth or a towel between the affected area and the ice pack before applying it. Do not leave it on longer than 30 minutes.
6. Apple cider vinegar to stop bacteria from spreading
Why it helps: Apple cider vinegar is yet another great option to eliminate infection, especially if you have a lot of cuts and scrapes. One study even proved that it can kill E. coli, if you need more convincing that it works wonders!
How it works: Before applying apple cider vinegar to your skin, you should dilute it with water. You can then apply the liquid with a sterile gauze to the affected area for 30 minutes. Another option is to take a warm bath and add a cup of apple cider vinegar to it. It can be very helpful in case you have a lot of cuts and want to target them all at the same time.
7. Tea tree and peppermint oils to relieve pain
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Why it helps: Both of these oils help with inflammation and pain. They also act like antiseptics so that the infection doesn’t spread further.
How it works: Although tea tree and peppermint oils have similar properties, they should be applied differently. With tea tree oil, it’s OK to put it directly on the wound and cover it with a band-aid. Peppermint oil should not be applied to the open cut — to avoid the risk of irritation. A few drops around the area will provide much-needed relief.
8. Baking soda for insect bites
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Why it helps: Insect bites can at times be just as painful as cuts. If a mosquito or a bee got you, baking soda is a great way to reduce redness, swelling, and general discomfort.
How it works: Mix baking soda with a little bit of water until a paste forms and apply it to the affected area for 15 minutes. No more annoying itching in the summer!
9. Garlic to stop the bleeding
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Why it helps: Garlic is a universal soldier in the fight against open wounds. It helps to stop the bleeding, eliminate pain, and heals you faster.
How it works: Make a garlic paste to get the most out of its properties and apply it directly to your wound. Cover with a bandage and wear it for up to 2 days.
10. Chamomile for blisters
Why it helps: Chamomile can provide excellent pain relief after uncomfortable shoes have made life a living hell for your feet. It’s also a natural antiseptic and will help the blisters go away much faster.
How it works: Use chamomile flowers or tea bags in a warm cup of water for 15 minutes and then apply the liquid (or soaked tea bags) to the blister by securing it with sterile gauze. Keep it on overnight.
What is your go-to home remedy against different wounds? Share your favorite methods in the comment section below.
