When we say first aid, everyone might think about the first aid kits in their homes that include pain killers, bandages for minor cuts and wounds, etc. But are these enough for all types of emergencies like a bee stings, shortness of breath, scrapes, and burns? Isn’t it necessary that we all should learn how to deal with these emergencies? Why do we need to run to the doctor or pharmacies, when we can provide essential care to someone in an emergency through natural remedies?
For any serious emergency always consult with a medical professional.
Here are natural remedies for some of the most common first aid needs:
Natural Remedy for Bee Stings
All of us keep baking soda in our homes for baking, cooking, and also for cleaning purposes. Baking soda has far other uses as well that you might not even know before today. Did you know that it can be used as a natural remedy for bee stings?
On getting stung from a bee, don’t wander here and there, instead, sit down and pour a considerate amount of baking soda on to your palm, add water to form a paste, and apply it over the affected area. Baking soda will help decrease pain and reduce inflammation.
Natural Remedy for Splinters
Splinters stuck in your finger or toe are more of an annoyance than a health problem. You would want to get them out, and removing them depends on how deep they are into your skin.
If the splinter is penetrating out of your skin:
- Wash your hands and the skin surrounding the splinter
- Sterilize a pair of tweezers with alcohol
- Grab one end of the splinter with tweezers and pull it out in the same direction it went in
- Clean the skin once again with soap and water
If the splinter is stuck deep inside your skin:
- Wash your hands and the skin covering the splinter
- Sterilize a needle and a pair of tweezers with alcohol
- Softly scrape away the skin covering the splinter until you see it
- Now, grab that end of the splinter with tweezers and pull it out in the same direction it went in
- Clean the skin once again with soap and water
Natural Remedy for Nosebleeds
Nose bleeding occurs when the nasal membranes dry out and crack. Mostly, you can stop it with the following steps:
- Lean your head a bit forward, so the blood doesn’t flow down the throat.
- Grab a tissue or a washcloth and press the nostrils together with it for at least five minutes to stop the bleeding.
- See if the bleeding has stopped, if it has not, gently hold the nostrils together for another 10 minutes.
If the bleeding still doesn’t stop and you start to feel weak and faint, call the doctor or go to an emergency room.
Natural Remedy for Bruises
You can get bruised in emergencies (like while running), and a natural astringent like witch-hazel that is produced from the leaves, bark, and twigs of the witch-hazel shrub can work wonders on itchy skin and speeds up the healing of a bruise.
You should first rub the affected area with ice and then soak a thin cloth in witch hazel and apply it to the area several times a day.
Natural Remedy for Scrapes
Scrapes are the wounds that tear off skin. Usually, they are not shallow and do not extend deep into the skin. For minor scrapes, honey is the best natural remedy. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey have proven to work great in treating cuts, deeper wounds, and scrapes for centuries.
This is what you should do:
- Clean the scraped area thoroughly
- Make a blend of a tablespoon of honey and fresh aloe vera gel
- Apply the mix on the scrape
Natural Remedy for Cuts and Burns
You don’t need to bandage every cut or burn; some can be treated easily with natural remedies. Unless you are dealing with a major burn or deep wound, you can treat it with calendula. It is a genus derived from a flowering plant in the marigold family. Calendula is known for its anti-microbial properties, and it can prevent infections, promote healing, and help keep bacteria away from the wound.
Natural Remedy for the Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
Breathlessness is quite common, which may occur due to asthma, bronchitis, or any other reason. The patient often gets panicked when the attack occurs. Sometimes people also experience anxiety and stress during the attack, which makes the situation even worse. By using the following home remedies, you can control the extremity of the condition:
Life Style Changes to Treat Shortness of Breath
First things first, if you are a patient of asthma or any other breathing disorder, you should do deep breathing exercises daily, which help in reducing the chances of attacks. A cup of black coffee is the best home remedy to cure shortness of breath. Caffeine in the coffee clears airways and improves asthma symptoms. One or two cups are recommended, the excess may cause high blood pressure and chances to a heart attack.
Drink ginger tea regularly as it is very effective in treating breathing difficulties. It inhibits the secretions of mucus so that you can easily breathe. In addition to easy-breathing effect, it also helps fighting throat infections.
Natural Remedies:
- Steam Inhalation
Steam is the mixture of heat and moisture that keeps nasal passage work properly, also reduces mucus from the lungs that ultimately clears the pathway for breathing. Take a bowl of boiling water, add few drops of any essential oil such as eucalyptus oil. Put the face of the patient towards the bowl, under a towel. Let him inhale the steam, and ask him to take deep breaths for several minutes.
Whenever you feel like your nose is congested, try this steam inhalation method. If you feel difficulty in breathing, use mustard oil and massage it on your chest and back. This will help in relieving symptoms of breathlessness immediately.
- Lemon Juice
Consumption of lemon juice and beetroot also helps reduce this problem and relaxes the patient. It contains many useful contents and vitamins which immediately overcomes the shortness of breath.
- Sitting Forward
Resting while sitting relaxed can help you breathe better. You should perform the following quick steps:
- Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
- Lean your chest slightly forward
- Gently hold your chin with your hands while resting your elbows on your knees
Don’t forget to keep your neck and shoulder muscles relaxed while performing these steps.
- Using a fan
This might amaze you, but according to a study, the use of a handheld fan can help in relieving shortness of breath. Just point the fan toward your face, and that’s it.
Now, you have so many natural home remedies to treat shortness of breath. You can go for any of these depending upon the availability or what suits your body more.
You should learn first aid as it can help save someone’s life. For more information, check out our article on Reasons to Learn First Aid During an Emergency.