Frugal First-Aid

Photo: Dave Dugdale

With kids running around, it’s inevitable that you’ll need some basic First-Aid supplies for those cuts, scrapes, bruises, and bug bites. While it’s important to keep basic supplies on hand (like band-aids, Bactine, cotton swabs, gauze, and ace bandages), and a good private health policy works wonders (see healthinsurancecomparison.com.au to find one) you can also treat common problems with inexpensive supplies from around your home. Not only will these natural home remedies save you money, but they will also treat your wounds and infections in the most natural way possible.

1. Sunburn. If you don’t have Aloe Vera lotion at home and need some sunburn relief in a pinch, try any of these money-saving home remedies:

• Apple cider vinegar. Soak a rag or sponge in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the sunburn. It will take away the sting almost immediately.
• Baking soda bath. Take a lukewarm bath and add ½ cup of baking soda. This, too, will soothe the burn and cool down the affected areas.
• Lemon juice. Squeeze the juice of three lemons into 2 cups of cold water and use a sponge to apply it to the sunburn. Not only will this cool the burn, but it will also help your sunburn go away more quickly.

2. Benefits of rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is a staple in most home First-Aid kits, but are you taking advantage of all of its uses?

• Clean scrapes and cuts. In order to prevent infection in small cuts, apply rubbing alcohol to the site. It will cool the burn of the site and will also disinfect the area.
• Cold sore relief. Using a cotton swab, apply rubbing alcohol to an aching cold sore as needed. The sore will dry up more quickly with an alcohol treatment.
• Shapeable ice pack. If you have ever been frustrated because an ice pack doesn’t conform to your swollen knee or ankle, you can prevent this problem with rubbing alcohol. Simply use 1 part rubbing alcohol to 3 parts water in the ice pack, and it will become more pliable.

3. Poison ivy. Suffering through poison ivy can be extremely uncomfortable (especially for young children), so try some of these easy frugal remedies for relief:

• Oatmeal. Spread a thin layer of oatmeal over the infected areas and allow it to dry. The itch will be relieved quickly.
• Banana peel. Some claim that placing a banana peel over poison ivy will immediately relieve itching and burning.
• Baking soda paste. One of the most popular poison ivy remedies is a baking soda paste that consists of 3 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water. Simply spread the paste over the infected areas for 15-20 minutes at a time.

4. Bug bites. Find instant itch relief from one of these easy, homemade products you probably already have at home:

• Toothpaste. Perhaps you’ve never thought of this homemade remedy, but the chemicals in toothpaste will help soothe the irritation from a bug bite.
• Deoderant. Rub on deoderant like normal over bug bites and you will feel quick relief.
• Lemon juice. Treat bug bites with lemon juice and you’ll dry them out to prevent infection.
• Saliva. Looking for the cheapest option possible? If you apply saliva to a bug bite, some claim you’ll gain instant itching relief.

If you’re looking to save money, using home First-Aid remedies really is the most useful and cost-effective solution. So next time your kids scrape a knee or are out in the sun too long, try some of these ideas and see if they work as well as more expensive store-bought products. If so, share your feedback with us here (as well as you own ideas for home remedies!)

Tags: featured, frugal life, home-made

Category: Saving Money