Onions and Potatoes for Chilblains

Most of you haven’t probably heard about chilblains, but those living in humid and cold climates surely know what this condition is. It appears whenever there is a change in temperature, usually from cold to warm and it’s characterized through the immediate warming of the skin. Because of the high temperature, the blood vessels will expand and the blood will leak, reaching the nearby tissues. The most affected body parts are usually the nose, feet, earlobes, toes, ears, fingers and hands. The most common symptoms are dryness, a burning sensation, inflammation, intense itching, swelling, pain and redness. In about 1 to 3 weeks, the chilblains will disappear, but if you want to speed up the healing process, you can always call on natural remedies.

Potatoes

These common vegetables are able to reduce the inflammation and the itching because they have soothing and anti-irritating properties. At the same time, they can treat the blisters caused by the chilblains. Use one raw potato and cut it into slices. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over them and after that rub them on the problematic zone. Another solution is to mix water (2 cups) with 2 potatoes and let them boil for about 15 minutes. After the solution has cooled down, you can use it to apply on the affected area. Leave it on for almost 10 minutes. Repeat the treatment 2 times per day.

Black Peppercorn

Chilblains can easily be treated with black peppercorns. They can reduce the pain, swelling and inflammation thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties. Use almost 1 teaspoon of ground black peppercorns. Heat some sesame seed oil (1 tablespoon) and then mix it with the black peppercorn powder. Strain the liquid and after that let it cool down. This healthy oil can be used to gently rub the affected areas thrice a day. If your skin is bleeding or cracked, then don’t use this oil.

Calendula

Calendula has beneficial anti-inflammatory properties that will promote immediate healing and will also reduce pain and inflammation. Boil some water (2 cups) and then add the calendula flowers (a handful of them). Let the infusion simmer for almost 20 minutes and after it has cooled down, you can add a pinch of sea salt. Use this solution to soak the affected areas for 10 – 15 minutes every day. The calendula ointment that can be found in the healthy food stores is also beneficial in this case.

Onion

This is a traditional remedy to cure chilblains. Onions come with antibiotic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities that will reduce inflammation, swelling, pain, itching and will also keep you away from infections. You will need one onion that you will have to cut in slices. Use one slice at a time to rub on your affected area. Let it cure for 15 minutes and after that wash off with lukewarm water. Repeat the procedure thrice a day for a couple of weeks. You can also prepare a paste out of 2 onions. Use it to apply directly on the affected areas and let it cure for almost 20 minutes. Use cold water to rinse off. Keep in mind that if your skin is cracked, you must not apply onion juice or raw onion on it.