First Aid

Issue 58 July 2009

Every household is prone to some injuries, especially during the holiday season, with children playing and DIY disasters afoot. In the event of an accident why not turn to your kitchen cupboard to concoct quick homemade remedies that work wonders?

Onions

Eating onions helps to balance blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels as well as enhancing the immune system. The antibacterial properties also work to heal wounds by drawing out infection. Apply minced or thinly sliced onions to the skin wound, bandage and let it sit for up to an hour. Rinse and repeat if necessary. 

Cayenne Pepper

Definitely not the first thing you would want to put on a cut, but on superficial cuts and scrapes it will ease bleeding. Cayenne pepper is loaded with Vitamin K - necessary for blood clotting.  Lightly sprinkle a small amount of cayenne pepper and wipe off when the wound stops bleeding.

Vinegar

Another condiment that can help heal cuts and scrapes by limiting the spread of harmful bacteria and reducing itchiness that occurs when wounds heal. Apple cider vinegar is the best. Undiluted vinegar is also a remedy for sunburns and other burns.

Turmeric Powder

Another cooking spice that works to heal wounds. It has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce pain and swelling.

Honey

Using honey on shallow cuts and scrapes to decrease infection and promote healing of the wound. Honey has natural antibacterial agents that clean the wound and keeps it moist and sealed while it mends.  As a natural anti-inflammatory, honey also dulls pain. Simply place on the wound and cover with a bandage. Reapply and change the dressing every two hours.

Splinters

To remove a splinter, take a piece of sticky tape, press on the area firmly and then remove by pulling from the opposite direction to the way the splinter is embedded. The splinter should come out on the tape.

Wasp Stings

Treat a wasp sting by rubbing with a slice of onion. This will reduce the swelling and pain and speed up the recovery time. There are enzymes in fresh-cut onion that help break down the compounds in a sting that cause inflammation.

Minor burns

Dip a clean cloth in milk and hold it against the burn. Milk contains fat which acts as a balm on the painful, irritated skin.

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