HOW TO: Relieve Skin Irritations Naturally
During the winter months it's common for skin irritations to arise due to the dryness of the artificial heat in our homes. Most of us do not stay properly hydrated throughout the day, so our skin especially around our joints (knuckles and elbows) can become especially dry and cracked.
Aside from common skin irritations like eczema, skin allergies are increasing at an alarming rate. While majority of these allergens are arising because of the way the food is being grown and treated with untested pesticides. We must be diligent in getting to the root causes of these allergens since so few doctors or practitioners incorporate these methods in their practice.
There are several different types of skin irritations, and food allergies often become visible through the skin. Why? Our skin is our largest organ, anything we put onto is directly absorbed within twenty-six seconds and absorbed through the bloodstream. With the alarming amount of toxins we are faced with daily from toxic skin care products to make-up to deodorants - our skin is often the first to react. Once we grasp our important our skin is an organ, then we can understand how connected the rest of the body is.
Skin irritations can be caused due to improper digestion of certain foods, which can then leak out from the digestive tract and go directly into the blood stream. While this reaction is not supposed to happen, our bodies immediately react with antibodies to fight the unknown (in this case undigested food) and go on the attack.
This is where my personal favorite versatile superherb, cilantro comes in to play. Learn all about the benefits of cilantro in my article: Meet the Ingredient: Cilantro! So, aside from its powerful detoxification and stress reducing properties, cilantro contains natural anti-histamines that can help build up the immune system to combat allergies both internally and externally. A strong and healthy functioning immune system is key to preventing anything from the common cold to cancer.
So, how do we treat mild skin irritations like sunburns, hives, and poison ivy?
Depending on the size of the effected area, blend coconut oil and freshly rinsed organic, cilantro leaves and apply the mixture topically. That's it!
Pro Tip: For added benefits, simply blend the cilantro leaves with water and strain. Apply the cilantro topically and cover and drink the remaining cilantro juice for health benefits and additional anti-histamine benefits.
This is just ONE alternative to over the counter pharmaceuticals for skin irritation relief! There are so many other plants and remedies that can help eliminate itchiness, redness and provide relief better and safer than any pharmaceutical out there!