As temps are rising here in Texas, people are getting outside more and doing outdoor activities like hiking, sports, and gardening. Do you know what else likes to spend warm days outside? Bees, poisonous plants and, oh yea, the literal sun.
With these dangers lurking above and around every Texas backyard, it's important to know some home remedies to stop any itching, burning, or swelling that accompanies being kissed by mosquitoes or hugged by the sun. Thanks to Texas Heritage for Living, we have some excellent answers!
Keep scrolling to see the full list of Texas home remedies that you can try as soon as today.
Texas is hot, ain't no denying. But there are many ways you can fight off the uncomfortable red skin from staying outside too long. The classic go-to when it comes to relieving sunburns is aloe vera. These plants are relatively easy to purchase and maintain, and they have unique properties that alleviate burning from the skin.
The rest of the remedies for sunburns are things you'll find in your pantry. For instance, chamomile tea (for applying to burns, not for drinking), a baking soda bath, coconut oil, cornstarch, and yogurt are all able to be applied in one way or another to a sunburn to reduce the pain.
When it comes to overheating, did you know that eating spicy foods and drinking hot beverages is actually a good idea? This is because they force your body to regulate its temperature on hot days under the sun.
If you're too scared to eat some hot peppers and drink hot tea in the Texas summer, then you can always stick to fruits rich in vitamin C like oranges and lemons, or an ice-cold peppermint tea.
You didn't have a good childhood unless you stuck your hand on poison ivy at least once. Well, if that's the case, either a baking soda salve, oatmeal bath, or witch hazel will be your answer to stop the itchy rash from spreading.
Also, keep in mind that if you ever knowingly brush up against a poisonous plant, you should always rush to wash the area with soapy water to remove any other residue from spreading further on your skin.
Doing yard work and anger a bee by just existing? Try toothpaste. This can actually counteract some bee sting venom. Another option is to add a drop of lavender or peppermint oil to the sting which will ease the pain and swelling.
Also, for all you non-vampires out there, garlic and onion can be rubbed on to a fresh bug bite to reduce the swelling.
So, there you have it. Leave it to Texas to provide options on making your life easier when crisis strikes. Just remember to always seek medical attention if bites, stings, burns, or rashes become out of hand and beyond the help of home remedies. This might be a sign of something more serious that rubbing yogurt on your arm may not fix.