 Nature's
Way
with Alan Hayes
Reducing Skin Irritations
In many cases skin irritations are caused from contact with a particular substance, such as strong or highly perfumed soap, washing powder and liquid, cheaper costume jewellery, cats, dogs, powder paints, cement, etc. Diet and stress can also aggravate skin complaints. Avoid cows' milk - goats' milk is an excellent substitute - and refined, processed foods. Eat plenty of wholemeal flour products, sprouts (especially mung beans and alfalfa), fresh fruit and vegetables, dried beans, lentils, soya beans, nuts, yeast, B vitamins, honey and sunflower and sesame seeds.
For general skin irritations apply aloe vera to the affected area, and drink aloe vera tea three times daily. Calendula lotion can be used as a soothing balm. To make your balm put two tablespoons of dried calendula petals (available from most health food stores) and five tablespoons of glycerine in a small ceramic bowl. Place the bowl in a saucepan of boiling water and simmer over a low heat for thirty minutes. Remove from heat and strain. Discard the used petals and store the lotion in a sterilised, airtight glass bottle. Apply generously to the affected area as needed.
Tea tree lotion (which is the most common way to purchase the oil) will give soothing relief to dry skin, cracked heals, sun burn and other skin irritations (including shaving rash, nappy rash and chafe). A few drops of jojoba oil applied directly to the affected area will also give relief and help to moisturise the skin. .
For skin that is already chapped make up oil and massage over the affected area. Blend ten drops each of rose and chamomile oil, and five drops each of lemon and lavender oil with 30ml of almond oil. Store in an amber coloured glass bottle away from direct heat or sunlight, and use within two months.
Chapped and sore lips can be eased by applying a mixture of two drops each of chamomile and aloe vera juice. Treat cold sores by adding one drop of tea tree oil to a cotton bud and then applying it directly to the sore as soon as it is suspected. Repeat every day until clear.
Cucumber is very soothing for inflamed and sore skin. Apply slices as needed directly on the affected area, or grate and massage the mixture well into the skin.
Psoriasis can be eased by rubbing a few drops jojoba oil (available from most chemists and health food stores) onto the affected area as needed.
Itchiness caused by a nettle rash, heat rash, allergy rash, or a rash that results from a viral infection may be relieved by a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water.
Nettle rash can also be treated by applying a drop or two of eucalyptus oil to the affected area. Then make up the following mixture and spread it over the rash: dissolve five drops each of lavender and eucalyptus oil in a tablespoon of aloe vera juice. Or take a warm bath, to which has been added a quarter of a cup of Epsom salts and four drops of chamomile oil.
Itchy rash can be relieved by soaking in a tepid bath in which half a cup each of salt and vinegar has been dissolved.
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