Summer Remedies From Your Pantry
A day in the sun is over, and you notice that the white straps on your bathing suit have turned an ugly light brown or orange color, stained by the sunscreen we all need. You might have just what you need to remove those stains in your cleaning supplies, and many remedies for Summer maladies can be found in your kitchen and bathroom. Save some money with these home remedies!
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- Powdered cleansers that contain oxalic acid, like Bar Keeper’s Friend, are perfect for sunscreen-stained swimsuits and clothing. Wet the stain, apply the cleanser, and let it sit for a few minutes. - - The stain may take some rubbing, or reapplication, but it usually comes out and your suit isn’t ruined!
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- Bee stings are a common ailment, especially for those who like to be barefoot. In the case of a minor allergic reaction, such as pain, itching and swelling, apply an ice pack for several minutes. If the symptoms return, reapply the ice.
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- Baking soda has a long list of uses, and add “soothing heat rash” to that list. Add one cup of baking soda to a tepid bath, and soak for at least twenty minutes. The alkalinity of the soda will help dry the affected areas.
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- Spending a lot of time at the beach may inevitably mean getting too close to a jellyfish. White vinegar poured on the wound will dissolve the stingers that the jellyfish leaves on the skin, allowing the pain to subside. Fill a small spray bottle with vinegar and add it to your beach bag, just in case.
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- Your hair can suffer from hot wind, sun, and chlorine in swimming pools. Rehydrate it with a coconut oil treatment! Apply it from root to ends, wrap your hair in a warm towel, and allow to soak in for a half hour. Wash it with your regular shampoo to remove the excess oil.
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- Mosquitos, biting flies, and fleas are the most common insect bites in the summer. Dab bites with peppermint oil to cool the skin and reduce the itch. Do not apply to a bite that’s been scratched red nor to broken skin--the result will not be cooling at all!
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- Many gardeners and hikers come across poison ivy in spite of the “leaves of three, let it be” mantra. An oatmeal bath will soothe itchy, irritated skin: pulse one cup of oats in a blender or food processor until they’re ground, and add it directly to a warm bath.
Use common sense with any side effects from bites, stings, or any other skin issue: if the problem persists, by all means seek medical attention. Don’t let your warm weather fun turn into a recuperating period! Summertime ailments don’t always require a trip to the drug store, so look in your pantry for items you need in a pinch, and enjoy your time in the sun!
Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.
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