This soothing colloidal oatmeal bath can offer relief from many skin irritations.
Colloidal oatmeal is the preparation that is commonly used in lotions or baths. Essentially, it is oatmeal that has been ground up enough so that it will suspend in water. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and is gentle on the skin.
Anti-inflammatory study of Colloidal Oatmeal
Commonly used for the relief of:
- Bug bites
- Hives
- Diaper rash
- Poison ivy
- Eczema and
- Other skin irritations
You can purchase colloidal oatmeal or you can make your own.
(Colloidal oatmeal should be available at your favourite health food store or in the health food section at your local grocery store.)
Ingredients:
1 cup of oatmeal (quick or slow cooking unflavored oatmeal will work)
Directions:
Using a blender, food processor or coffee grinder:
- grind the oats into a fine powder.
- Test 1 tablespoon of the powder in a cup of hot water. If the oat powder dissolves easily, you’ve done a good job!
- Mix your homemade oat powder into a tub of warm bath water (easiest to blend while the water is still running)
- soak for 15-20 minutes.
Take care when getting out of your tub after this soothing colloidal oatmeal bath as you will find that the oatmeal can make surfaces slippery.
Quick tip: grind up extra cups of oatmeal & seal in a moisture proof container to have on hand when you want or need fast relief. Store in a cool, dry place.
