Home Remedies for Campers
Sometimes there just isn’t else but old-fashion, tried and true home remedies to take care of a problem. Here are some I have found effective.
Aching Back – Take a plastic zipper bag of crushed ice applied to the sore area two or three time a day for no longer than 20 minutes. After 2 or 3 applications of ice, alternate with a warm, moist heat such as a hot wash rag and do some gentle stretching. No ice? Wet a cloth, squeeze out extra water and give it a spin. The spinning will chill the cloth enough to be effective. NOTE: On ounce of prevention is easier. More than an hour in one position, like sitting in a car’s seat, is a good way to develop an aching back. Take breaks and stretch your muscles.
Blisters – Wash the blister well with soap and water. Using either a sterile lancet (available at drug stores) or a sterilized sewing needle make a pinpoint at the base and edge of the blister. Allow the fluid to drain onto a gauze, apply healing salve, and cover the flattened blister with a clean bandage. NEVER, Never, never remove the outer bubble of skin.
Dry Skin – Limit showers to warm, not hot, 3-minutes in length, and use mild soap. Long, hot showers and scrubbing with harsh detergents removes the natural oils from our skin. Apply a moisture cream, that has no alcohol, immediately after drying.
Sore Feet – Roll those little water bottles filled with cold water underfoot. If a particularly long day on your feet is planned, stick the bottles in the freezer. The ice acts as an anti-inflammatory. Follow with a foot rub (I like to use a squirt of hand sanitizer) and your foot will be very happy.
Stomachaches – Try a small handful of dried blueberries and a sip of water. The blueberries contain an antibacterial compound and sticky substance that soothes the tummy.
Urinary Tract Infections – Drink a tonic of half a teaspoon of baking soda in 8-ounces of water to relieve the burning caused by high acid level in urine until you can get to a doctor. Be sure to increase your water intake also. (Note: not suggested for sodium restricted diets.)
Tension headaches – Massage a couple of drops of lavender oil into your temples to relax the muscles in your head and neck area. Continue the massage to behind the ears and than up and down the neck. The circular motion of the massage and the scent of lavender do help. For additional assistance try a cool compress of lavender-scented water.
Tooth Plaque – Have a cup of tea after dinner. The natural tannis in tea helps prevent plaque from hardening into tartar.
Skin rash – Either adding Chamomile to bathwater or using chamomile in a soothing compress helps. It will “quiet” skin irradiated by too much sun or wind, or poison ivy.
