Prickly heat or heat rash is common during hot and humid conditions, when the individual sweats more than normal and when the sweat glands are blocked, it leads to small, red, itchy bumps, which are prickly and burning. It causes inflammation of the sweat glands. It occurs in all ages and anyone can develop prickly heat.Prickly heat is diagnosed by physical examination.
It is easily treatable by keeping the body cool. Several herbal remedies are available to treat this condition naturally. These remedies are not only simple and effective, but they do not have adverse effects on the body as well.
Best Herbal Remedies For Prickly Heat
Peppermint
Peppermint is a natural anti-pruritic agent. Taking a peppermint bath is quite effective in relieving prickly heat. All you need to do is take some fresh peppermint leaves and add them to your bathtub. You can also wrap the peppermint leaves in a muslin cloth and soak it in bathtub filled with water for 5 to 10 minutes. Take a dip in this water for 10 minutes.
Repeat this procedure as and when needed to get relief from itchiness. It comforts the skin, speeds up the healing process and cools down the body. It has high amount of salicylic acid and is a natural astringent. It loosens dry and dead skin and help in shedding of the dead skin. It opens the clogged pores due to bacteria and facilitates easy breathing of the skin.
Aloe Vera
Shear aloe leaves from aloe plants, drain the sticky, yellow fluid, and apply the gel on the infected areas of the skin. After about 20 minutes, take a cold-water bath. Follow this procedure regularly until you get relief.
You can do this three to four times in a day for quick healing. It cools down the body and relieves you from itchiness and inflammation. Aloe vera is a natural substance to soothe the skin. Aloe gel consists of salicylic acid, which relieves pain. It can be used to treat prickly heat effectively.
Its antioxidant properties unblock the pores while sterols and anthraquinones present in aloe gel have anti-inflammatory properties. The substances like glucose and mannose present in the aloe gel support healing. Saponin, a soapy substance found in this herbal plant has antiseptic and cleansing properties, which prevents the development of any kind of secondary infections. Aloe vera is the best herb for treating prickly heat.
Chickweed
Chickweed can be used both internally and externally to treat prickly heat. Take one cup of hot water along with quarter cup of chickweed and let it soak for 20 minutes. Once the heat is reduced, strain the water and drink the herbal tea. You can blend fresh chickweed plant extract with any fruit juice and drink it as required.
You can crush the plant and apply it topically on the affected skin or you add chickweed to your bath. Chickweed is a natural coolant. It soothes the skin, reduces irritation and itchiness and moisturizes the skin. It helps reduce inflammation and reddening of the skin as well. It encourages cell proliferation and is very helpful in quick healing. It promotes skin health and nourishes dry and damaged skin.
Lavender
Lavender has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It helps in treating prickly heat effectively. Lavender tea made from dried or fresh flowers of lavender can be applied on skin as skin wash to relive itching and treat rashes.
You can also take dried lavender flowers and add boiling water to them. Allow it to stand for sometime (for 5 minutes) and strain the liquid. Add honey and 2 drops of lemon juice to it and drink it. Lavender oil when rubbed on the palms and inhaled deeply helps to reduce the body temperature.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea can be applied on the heat rash to fight against the infection. Take some dried chamomile flowers and add hot water to it. Allow it stand for 3 minutes and strain the solution. Add a few drops of lemon juice to this mixture and drink it.
Chamomile can be used in bath too. Dried flowers can be added to your bath and you can take a dip in this water for about 15 minutes. It improves the immune system and is an excellent remedy for treating rashes. It also has antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
Shepherd’s Needle
The leaves and flowers of this plant are used to treat prickly heat. Dried powder, decoction, and tincture are used to treat skin infections. Dry powder and tincture are used externally while decoction is used internally to treat heat rash. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, properties and is a strong antioxidant too.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.