I grant you, paracetamol is still our best and cheapest weapon against most injuries and ailments, but in an age where people are becoming more concerned about what they put into their bodies, maybe it’s time to mix things up. Instead of relying on shop-bought remedies, why not turn to your kitchen cupboards for all of your first aid needs?
Certain natural ingredients, when combined with some readily available chemical ingredients, can form some of the staple items in any student’s first aid kit. Why spend money on overpriced pharmaceuticals when you can play the chemist yourself? In addition to feeling a god-like sense of satisfaction at your own healing capabilities, you can rest assured that you’ve saved thousands of pounds on student fees and medical supplies.
Here are some first aid essentials that you can concoct with relative ease in your very own at-home lab:
Gel Ice Pack: A great go-too if an injury involves any swelling or inflammation. Fill a large freezer bag with 2 cups of water (H2O) and 1 cup of rubbing alcohol (C3H8O). Squeeze the air out of the bag and place it in another bag to prevent leaking. Freeze it (for 1hr+) and take out when needed.
Bee/Wasp Sting Treatment: Whilst it may seem that geese are the biggest non-human threat on campus, bees and wasps are also ready to attack. Grab some baking soda (NaHCO3) and mix it with some water (H2O) to form a paste. Rub this onto the affected area and bam! Hopefully it should sting a little less.
Swimmer’s Ear Treatment/Drops: More of a preventative measure than a cure, swimmer’s ear treatment can be made at home with just two ingredients – rubbing alcohol (C3H8O) and vinegar (CH3COOH). Use equal parts of both ingredients, and pour 1 teaspoon of the mixture into each ear before letting it drain out again.
Sore Throat: When suffering from a sore-throat, honey (C6H12O6) is your best friend. You can mix it was some hot water (H2O), and even add some lemon juice, but the ingredient will suffice on its own. Eat a spoonful and let it coat your throat; it’s natural antibacterial qualities will get to work and ease your throat in no time.
Mouth Ulcer Treatment: Add 1 teaspoon of salt (NaCl) and ½ teaspoon of baking soda (NaHCO3) to a glass of water. Swill round your mouth a few times to cover the ulcer but make sure not to swallow it. This remedy is not instant but should help to keep the ulcer clean whilst it heals.
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