Sprains and strains happen easily—and what a pain! To reduce the swelling of an injured joint (and after a doctor has confirmed that it really is just a sprain and not a fractured or broken bone), take a big peel of an orange or grapefruit and apply it to the sprained area (put the white spongy side on the skin), binding it in place with a bandage. The bioflavonoids and concentrated vitamin C in the pith help reduce the swelling. Rest the injured joint with an ice pack on top, and change the peel every few hours until the swelling and pain are gone.
For more help with minor aches and boo-boos…
- Ginger Bath for Aches and Pains
- DIY Tricks to “Untie” a Knot in Your Back
- Safe, Effective, Economical First Aid for Minor Ailments