Categories

Content Type

Sources

Master the basics; What you need to know before you begin camping

By Christopher Nelson, Source: Tribune Media Services

Getting out into nature is always an enjoyable experience. But you need to remember that you're not on your home turf anymore. You're treading in someone else's territory. You can rub up against some not-so-friendly poisonous plants. You might get a harsh hello from one of the local insects. You might even get a nasty burn from prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Sure, you could head to your local store and pick up a bottle of bug repellent and slather some sunscreen all over yourself but neither lasts very long and both need repeat applications to be effective. And most importantly, they don't go with the spirit of camping. Don't you want to get back in touch with your inner animal and use remedies that come from the earth, all the while impressing your friends with your wilderness wits? There are some simple ways to naturally fix these common camping irritations.

Let's start with poison ivy. Most people try to steer clear of this three-leaved plant but when your either knee-deep in thick cover of who-knows-what or just thoroughly enjoying the surrounding beauty, you might not be too concerned with this wicked, little weed. But you'll definitely notice it once the itch comes around so it's important to get rid of if as soon as possible to stop any spreading. Enter jewelweed. Some people have heard that jewelweed always grows right next to poison ivy but that's not the case. While poison ivy has no problem growing in the dry woods, jewelweed needs shade and moist climate to flourish, somewhere like a riverbank. The plant is instantly recognizable by its yellow and orange flowers. Just yank off a branch, leaves and all, and grind it in your hands. You'll notice that it holds a lot of liquid. That's what's going to help counteract the oil from the poison ivy.

There are simple ways to avoid and treat mosquito bites as well. They're attracted to dark colors, perfumes, colognes and anything else sweet smelling. By steering clear of these things, you're already helping yourself out. To avoid their prick even more, try eating a lot of garlic when camping. The garlic will be secreted through your pores and keep the little buggers at bay. If they do get a shot at you, a little bit of tea tree oil is sure to help soothe your bites. Bees, just as annoying as mosquitoes, have a malicious sting that could make the manliest man uneasy. If you are to be stung, grab an onion. If you put the end of it directly on the sting, it will help draw the venom out and will soothe the area that has been affected.

The sun isn't always your friend, especially after it turns your skin into barbecue. Although aloe vera is good for soothing, you probably won't find it when you're camping. But you probably won't have too hard of time finding chickweed. This plant, originally from Europe, can be ground up into a paste and used to help calm irritated skin. Otherwise, dip into your cooler, grab the milk and shower in it. The fat will help soothe your burns so try to avoid buying skim.

But the best way to deal with these problems is to never have to deal with them in the first place. By simply wearing long sleeves and pants, you're protecting almost all of your body from poison ivy. Add a bandanna to the mix and you've got even more coverage. Be mindful of how long you've been in the sun and, chances are, you won't get burned.

But when playing it safe doesn't work, nature has its own remedies for a lot of the ailments you may fall victim to. Just imagine of how cool your friends will think you are when you give them jewelweed for their poison ivy or use an onion to draw out their bee sting venom.

They might not think you're too cool when you're pouring milk all over yourself but, hey, sunburns hurt.

© 2010, Tribune Media Services