Natural Medicines

Colloidal Oatmeal?

Yes, oats have been used since at least 2000 B.C. by Egyptians, Arabians, Romans, and Greeks as skin beauty treatments and baths for skin conditions. Whether you itch from bug bites, rashes, or skin conditions like eczema, colloidal oatmeal can help. Although it is made from oats, this is not the type you eat. Instead, the oats are pulverized to help it absorb liquid more easily.

When colloidal oatmeal is mixed with water, a milky, almost slimy, substance results as the molecules spread through the water to permanently change the consistency. Bound permanently, the oatmeal will not settle out of the water.

As this mixture is spread over the skin, it binds to it because the water is drawn to the skin and the colloidal oatmeal holds it there. Moisturizing and softening the skin, the oatmeal protects it. The cellulose and fiber in the oatmeal are responsible for making the skin softer and more elastic. Many conditions benefit from this therapy including eczema, chickenpox, shingles, sores, sunburn, and insect bites. The itchiness associated with a case of poison ivy is also eased with a bath of colloidal oatmeal.

You can make colloidal oatmeal at home by grinding store bought oatmeal in a food processor, coffee grinder, or blender. To make it act like a colloid, you must make sure that is finely ground, not too course, or it will separate from the water and be ineffective.

Whether it is store bought or homemade, you use this colloidal in the same way. As long as the area is not too highly inflamed, it will provide the same relief. Drawing a lukewarm bath, not an irritating hot bath, add several cups of the oatmeal. Soak in the full tub for about 10 minutes making sure to avoid contact with the eyes and pat the skin dry, being careful not to rub. Hot water or rubbing will only aggravate itchy areas by drying them out or scratching them open. The treatment can be taken up to three times a day for severe itchiness. Since you will be very slippery, be careful getting out of the tub. If the skin feels sticky, rinse with a few cups of clean warm water.

This treatment is a soothing alternative to relieve the nuisance of itching from many conditions.

Common Herbs And Some Specific Uses

Echinacea

Also known as Purple Coneflower, this is probably one of the most widely recognized herbal treatments available today. While most people know it’s usefulness for fighting colds flue and infections, it is an excellent blood cleanser. It also clears up carbuncles, boils and blood poisoning.

Elecampane

Treatment for coughs, asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, mucous, kidney and bladder stones.

Eucalyptus

Also known as Blue Gum. The leaves and bark are used. It is an excellent treatment for fever, bronchitis and asthma.

Eyebright

This is the main herb for protecting and maintaining the health of the eye. Acts as an internal medicine for the constitutional tendency to eye weakness. Will also remove cysts that have been caused by chronic conjunctivitis.