Natural Remedies for Chafing

Walking trails, exercising, or completing yard tasks can lead to the surprising effects of chafing. Feelings of a burning sensation to the armpits, nipples, groin, and legs often develop into levels of severity from redness to rashes, skin peeling, and bleeding. Unfortunately, “intertrigo,” or chafing, requires a minimum of two to seven days of healing. While you may have the desire to purchase a tube or container of something promising to resolve the problem, most likely, you already have most ingredients to aid in instant relief in your home.

NATURAL INGREDIENTS

Morning routines are a comfort. The application of body lotions, facial moisturizers, and deodorant offer protection. Even though you may not consider using your antiperspirant on other body parts, it is the ideal barrier, especially if your preferred brand does not contain the generic word “fragrance.” But without full transparency, the undisclosed list could be one item or extend to 100. Rather than take your chances, choose a deodorant free of fragrance and containing a medicinal property, such as aloe vera, olive oil, or powder.

Any one or a combination of the following ingredients has a host of healing properties to promote a feeling of comfort!

• The gel from an ALOE VERA plant possesses antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Healing takes place as the topical cools the skin.

• ARGAN OIL is not a well-known ingredient; however, it improves the skin’s elasticity while acting as a moisturizer.

• CORNSTARCH: Containing antibacterial properties, the extra moisture from cornstarch will prevent the infected area from infection. Sprinkle cornstarch over the tender region, and then add a light layer of Vaseline.

• COCONUT OIL helps promote wound healing while reducing inflammation. Try combining equal portions of coconut oil and cornstarch to create an effective paste! Leave on the skin for 30 minutes before rinsing with water.

• EPSOM SALT is rich in magnesium, known to reduce inflammation and the symptoms of chafing. Add one cup to a warm tub of bathwater, mix well, and soak for 20 minutes.

• OLIVE OIL: At the top of the list of natural home remedies, it possesses rich quantities of Vitamin E and antioxidants, quickening the recovery of skin inflammations.

• PETROLEUM JELLY: Its slippery texture can prevent dirt or the body’s salt from irritation while reducing the threat of developing redness.

• TURMERIC: In containing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, the presence of curcumin is one of the best treatments to help cure chafing! Combine oatmeal in powdered form with a medicinal oil and a pinch of turmeric, or mix two teaspoons to some droplets of water to form a thick paste.

• ZINC OXIDE: An active ingredient in chafing and diaper rash creams, the natural healing salve sits on top of the skin to provide a protective layer against inflammations, burns, and rashes.

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

TIPS FOR PREVENTION

We cannot always stop an unexpected event from happening; yet, preventative measures can reduce their frequency and avoid skin irritations.

• PROTECTION TO STAY DRY: The ultimate insurance tool is an umbrella. While powders and fragrance-free deodorants help protect areas most susceptible to chafing, the compact umbrella can also keep you shaded from intense sun rays and lessen the body’s natural tendency to sweat.

• CHOOSE FAST-DRYING FABRICS: Breathable materials such as cotton, linen, micromodel, and finer woven wools, like merino, are lightweight and dry quickly. Always choose well-fitting clothing and avoid fabrics that absorb heat and moisture, such as acrylic, nylon, and polyester. If exercising, always shower to remove the layer of salt and change into fresh clothing.

• USE LUBRICATION: The body needs a moisture barrier to neutralize the possibility of skin irritations; therefore, consider applying a light layer of petroleum jelly to the armpits and groin areas.

• REMAIN HYDRATED: Drinking water aids in perspiration and prevents salt crystals! Start carrying a water bottle to ensure you have the hydration levels needed each day!

ACT FAST

There’s no need to endure the pain at the slightest sensation of discomfort. After washing the area using soap and water and patting dry, apply a soothing lubricant and a breathable bandage. Take care of your largest organ!

Consumers Plan to Save More in 2022

unnecessary bills, changing shopping habits, and seeking more deals or coupons when shopping. Slickdeals noted that in 2021, the average person used 13 coupons or promos per month, up from 10 per month in 2020. Many consumers plan to put aside more savings each month. The average person saved $328 per month in 2021, and hopes to save $408 per month in 2022, the survey reported. To save without drastically altering your lifestyle, Slickdeals recommends starting with small changes – like cutting unnecessary subscriptions or looking for deals and discounts. It added that the great unknown for consumers is how much inflation will keep them on the sidelines. The vast majority of survey respondents – 83 percent – reported being concerned about inflation.

With 2022 well underway and COVID-19 already making an impact, consumers are holding to a few tried and true patterns of spending and saving. Consumers plan to be more mindful in how they spend money this year, and plan to watch inflation closely, especially its impact on big spending decisions.

Home Buying and Inflation

Holiday Debt

With inflation at its highest level in nearly four decades, tech-powered real estate brokerage Redfin reported the results of a December survey showing obverse impacts to home buying. A third of its respondents planned to delay home buying plans due to inflation. Another quarter said they would buy sooner. Redfin added that gas prices are one of the biggest factors impacting Finances are often impacted at the year’s start by spending during the consumer sentiment. They reported that 73 percent of its respondents holidays. Heading into 2022, LendingTree’s December spending survey said watching gas prices was impacting their home buying or commute said about 36 percent of consumers took on holiday debt last year (up plans. Consumers indicated rising gas prices could fuel a move to electric 5 percent from 2020), but less of it. Holiday spending averaged $1,249, vehicle purchases, and lead others to buy cheaper homes. down by about 10 percent ($130) from 2020 – and down for the first Home Renovations time since 2015. TruliantWhen consumers do spend this year, one big area will be for home Nearly 40 percent of Americans used buy now, pay later financing for improvement. Real estate website Zillow said in a November survey that holiday gifts, up three percent from 2020, the survey said, adding that most 72 percent of homeowners will consider a home improvement project holiday borrowers – 62 percent – put holiday debt on their credit cards. this year, the top choice being bathroom renovations. Some pre-pandemic patterns are holding true. The new year is always Zillow advises that as consumers tackle home improvement projects, a popular time for debt consolidation, and consumers indicated it would they should consider long-term implications. They note to prioritize be again in 2022. LendingTree reported that 82 percent of consumers projects that will create a strong return on investment (like additional with holiday debt planned to wait at least a month and either consolidate living spaces: office, finished basements and attics, or guesthouses) debt or open a balance transfer credit card to pay holiday bills. when it comes time to sell. Financial Stability Zillow also noted homebuyers are showing a willingness to pay a premium Consumers plan to become more financially stable this year, according to for spa-inspired bathroom features, such as “curbless” showers, heated an end-of-2021 survey by shopping platform Slickdeals. Some 62 percent floors and free-standing bathtubs. of respondents said last year was easier on their finances – double the Next Steps amount who claimed it was easier in 2020. Looking for ways to save? Truliant offers a No-Cost Credit Review where How do consumers plan to become better off financially? Most plan to we take you through your credit score and help identify ways to improve repair their financial statuses, namely by getting out of debt, removing it. Visit Truliant.org to learn more.

Celebrate Sipping and Savoring with The Best of Valentine’s Beverages BY SUSAN B B SCHABACKER

Sip and savor the best of beverages this Valentine’s with these romantic recipes in a celebration of the senses. Whether it’s cocktails or mocktails, tea or coffee you “heart” most, enjoy these ravishing recipes to wet your whistle this heart-full holiday!

ROMANTIC RAVISHING RED FRUITALICIOUS SPRITZER

SIMPLE SYRUP INGREDIENTS: 3-4 stalks rhubarb (chopped) 6-8 strawberries 8-10 raspberries 2 cups pomegranate 2 cups tea (fruitalicious black, green, white, or tea of choice) 1 cup sugar or honey/maple syrup or 10 drops of stevia for sugar free prosecco/champagne or tonic water/ seltzer for virgin mocktail (chilled) ½ cup cranberry/pomegranate juice ½ cup romantic ravishing red fruitalicious simple syrup raspberries muddled (optional) ice to serve colder (optional) strawberry (slit down middle) to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Boil rhubarb and pomegranate in tea with sugar or sweetener and add destemmed strawberries and raspberries. 2. Stir regularly and after several mins. or so, taste test to gauge sweetness and readiness.

3. May need to add additional tea or water depending on thickness consistency.

4. Remove from heat and let cool several minutes before straining. 5. When cool enough, pour into a glass jar sealed with lid for storage for about a month or so.

PRETTY IN PINK ROSEWATER ARNOLD PALMER

INGREDIENTS: 1 oz. rosewater 3 oz. strawberry or raspberry lemonade 1½ oz. tea of choice 1 oz. rose or liquor of choice (vodka/gin tequila) 1-3 rosebuds and/or lemon round/wedge to garnish

NAUGHTY ‘N NICE DIRTY CHAI

MARTINI (4 Cocktails)

INGREDIENTS: 4 chai black tea bags 2 oz. espresso or strong coffee 4 oz. liquor (vodka/gin/vermouth) 1 Tbs. maple syrup/honey/blue agave 1 cup plant-based milk (e.g., oat/hemp/ cashew/almond/coconut) handful of ice (optional) star anise/cinnamon stick to garnish 1/8 tsp. pink Himalayan salt

LOVELY IN LOVE POTION BELLINI

INGREDIENTS: 2-3 oz. pink grapefruit or white grape juice 4 medium peaches for puree or 4 oz. peach nectar 1 cup peach white tea, green tea or tea of choice ½ Tbs. sugar/maple syrup/honey or ¾ oz. simple syrup 4 oz. sparkling rose, champagne, or prosecco ½ oz. grenadine pink grapefruit or peach wedge to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Stir in sweetener and salt until well blended and set aside to cool. 2. Brew espresso or strong coffee and let cool.

3. Combine tea, coffee, milk, liquor (optional), and ice into shaker. 4. Boil water in pot and steep 4 chai black tea bags for 4-5 min. and discard.

5. Strain into 4 martini glasses and garnish with star anise/ cinnamon sticks.

Recipes adapted from: withfoodandlove.com/dirtychai-martini/ INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Add pitted and sliced peaches to blender with cooled tea and sugar/ sweetener and puree until liquid becomes a smooth pulp. 2. Pour desired amount of puree or nectar into champagne flute. 3. In shaker, mix grapefruit/grape juice and grenadine and add into the peach puree nectar. 4. Slowly stir in sparkling rose/ champagne prosecco. 5. Garnish with pink grapefruit or peach wedge.

HEART & SOUL ROOIBOS TEA BLEND (Caffeine-Free)

INGREDIENTS: rooibos (red tea) rose petals/buds hibiscus lavender mint (medley of peppermint and spearmint)

Recipe adapted from: thespruceeats.com/bellinicocktail-recipe-759283

PASSIONATE PINK HOT COCOA

INGREDIENTS: 5 cups milk of choice (dairy or plant based) 2 cups white chocolate (bars or chips) 1½ tsp. vanilla or almond extract strawberry syrup (sweeten to taste and desired pinkness color) whipped cream pink/red sprinkles strawberry slices (with slit down center) to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Heat milk until just before it starts to steam and stir in white chocolate, continuously stirring until fully melted and blended in with milk. 2. Lower heat to simmer and stir in strawberry syrup and vanilla or almond extract.

3. Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream and sprinkles and serve while hot.

Recipe adapted from: freshcoasteats.com/valentineshot-chocolate/

PURE PASSION POMEGRANATE SPICED CIDER

INGREDIENTS: 3 cups pomegranate juice 1½ cup cranberry juice 4 cups apple juice 2½ Tbs. maple syrup/honey 1 orange (cut into slices with some reserved for garnishing) 2 cinnamon sticks 4 star anise 1 tsp. whole cloves ½ tsp. allspice 1 drop pure orange essential oil (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan or pot and boil for 5 mins. 2. Reduce heat to low and continue simmering for about 30 min. 3. Taste test to determine if more steeping of spices is required. 4. When ready to serve, add an orange to each mug as a garnish.

Recipe adapted from: goodlifeeats.com/spiced-pomegranate-apple-cider/

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