1.Clean the affected area(s). Remove your clothing and toss it in the washing machine as soon as you realize you’ve been exposed.
2.Wipe the affected area with a clean, dry rag or washcloth to absorb the plant oils, and then wash the area under warm, running water.
3.Use an alkaline soap without an oil base, such as Fels-Naptha soap, to avoid spreading the oily irritant urushiol.
Herbal Remedies
Teas. A tea made from burdock leaf and root, calendula, goldenseal root, grindelia, myrrh, plantain leaf, or white oak bark can be used topically to reduce itching and swelling. Chop up a bit of any of the above herbs; steep, covered, in simmering water for 5 to 15 minutes (as long as you can wait!); then strain and apply to the affected area. For long-term use, put 1 cup (240 ml) of the herb in a large glass or stainless steel container. Cover with boiling water. Cover and let stand 1 to 2 hours. Strain the tea, and apply the liquid to the afflicted area.
Jewelweed juice. Another excellent herb for topical use is jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), which is rich in natural tannins that help reduce inflammation. Simply run the fresh herb through a juicer or blender, collect the juice, and dab it on the affected areas every 2 to 3 hours. Since jewelweed is available only during the summer months, and the toxic irritant in poison ivy, oak, and sumac is active year-round, freeze the jewelweed juice into ice cubes and store it in plastic bags in the freezer. Apply the juice or frozen cubes directly to the skin.
Poultice. A poultice can also be made of green clay or gumweed (Grindelia spp.) and apple cider vinegar.
Follow-Up Care for Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac
If you do develop hives after coming into contact with one of these plants, don’t scratch! You may find that bathing brings some relief when you add 1 cup (240 ml) of apple cider vinegar, oatmeal, baking soda, or cornstarch to the bathwater.
Liquid Swedish bitters, available at health food stores, is also helpful. It is designed to be a digestive aid, but used topically, it dries the hives quickly.
There are also a number of topical home remedies that can help relieve and speed healing of “the awful itch.” Here are just a few:
Mix water with cornstarch, baking soda, oatmeal, or Epsom salts to form a paste. Apply to blisters and let dry.
Apply aloe vera juice, tofu, or watermelon rind.
Whisk 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sea salt into a pint of buttermilk and apply to the skin.
Use homeopathic sulphur (dissolve 4 pellets under the tongue 4 times daily) for burning itch worsened by warmth, with severe itching that makes you scratch until you bleed.
Apply fresh urine to the affected skin. It’s true — human urine can work wonders on an itchy case of poison rash.
Help cleanse your system by drinking herbal teas. Some good choices would be burdock, dandelion root, nettle, and red clover.
Prevention for Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac
The wisest precaution is to learn to identify the plant and avoid it. Wear gloves and clothing that cover you well before going out in infested areas. One folk remedy for prevention is to rub fresh artemisia leaves on exposed skin when going out. Many people find that homeopathy can help them better resist poison ivy. Try:
Rhus tox (which, by the way, is made from poison ivy). Three pills can be dissolved under the tongue every 2 hours before exposure.
Anacardium 3x. Five pellets dissolved under the tongue each day can be taken for 5 days before exposure.
Ledum. Four pellets dissolved under the tongue 4 times daily can be used right after exposure to prevent a rash from occurring.
Scorpion Stings
Seek immediate medical attention if:
The victim experiences nausea, fever, dizziness, muscle spasms, or breathing difficulty
The bite is from the sculptured or bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) commonly found in the southwestern United States
At-Home First Aid for Scorpion Stings
If immediate medical attention is not needed, wash the wound with soap and water. Watch for any breathing difficulty and swelling — both signs of anaphylactic shock. Remedies to help heal the bite:
Lavender. Dab a few drops on the bite every hour as needed for 2 to 3 days.
Echinacea. Dab a few drops of the tincture on the bite every hour as needed for 2 to 3 days. It’s also beneficial to drink a tea made from the dried or fresh herb.
Garlic. Apply mashed garlic to a scorpion bite for 10 minutes. (Any longer can irritate the skin.)
Lime. Cut a fresh lime in half, squeeze some juice on the bite, and apply the cut face of the lime to the bite for 10 minutes.
Rest. Take it easy for at least 12 hours.
Seizures or Convulsions
Seek immediate medical attention if:
Seizures last longer than 5 minutes, or happen consecutively
The victim does not regain consciousness between seizures
The victim is pregnant
The victim is having difficulty breathing
The seizure happens when the individual is in the water
While you wait for medical attention:
1.Help the victim lie on the floor, and clear a space around him. Do not restrain him, since holding a seizing person down can result in injury. Despite what you may have heard, don’t put anything in the victim’s mouth.
2.Place a soft pillow under the head as a cushion. Loosen clothing and remove glasses.
3.Monitor breathing. If the individual stops breathing, begin CPR.
4.Monitor the seizures. Time the duration of the seizure, and if there are more than one, keep count of how many. Relay this information to medical personnel when they arrive.
At-Home First Aid for Seizures or Convulsions
When the individual comes out of the seizure, give him comfort and reassurance. Stay with him until he’s fully recovered. Suggest that he rest as you do the following:
Massage. Rub the earlobes firmly for a few minutes to stimulate acupressure points.
Acupressure. Apply upward pressure to the fleshy skin between the upper lip and nose (it’s an acupressure point that awakens the heart).
Rescue Remedy. Do not give anything to drink until the individual is alert; then give him a couple of drops of Rescue Remedy either alone or in a few ounces of water.
Prevention of Seizures and Convulsions
Chlorella, an edible microalgae, is a good food supplement for people prone to seizures, as it provides oxygen for the brain. Try one or two 500-mg capsules 3 times daily. Other super supplements to use on an ongoing basis are calcium, magnesium, taurine (an amino acid), B-complex vitamins, and lecithin. Black cohosh, catnip, and skullcap are antispasmodic herbs.
Eat healthfully, and avoid aspartame, other sweeteners, and foods contaminated with heavy metals. Avoid camphor and sage essential oils, as in rare cases they may trigger a seizure.
Practice yoga breathing techniques for relaxation, and keep your vertebrae in proper alignment by practicing good posture.
Shock
Shock results from suppression of the body’s vital systems through injury or illness. Heart and respiration rates go up, while blood vessels become constricted. Rough handling of an injured person or delayed treatment for an injury can exacerbate the symptoms of shock. Even if an injury or illness does not seem severe, shock can be fatal.
!
Do not move anyone with a possible head, neck, or spine injury.
Seek immediate medical attention if an injured or ill person develops:
Cold, clammy, pale, moist skin
A rapid (over 100 beats per minute), faint pulse
Irregular breathing
Thirst
Weakness and nausea
Restlessness and anxiety
Disorientation and incoherent talking
While you wait for medical attention:
1.Check breathing and heart rate. Be prepared to administer CPR if it becomes necessary. If breathing becomes labored or the individual vomits, place the individu
al in the recovery position.
2.Help the victim lie down. Loosen clothing at chest, neck, and waist. If the individual becomes unconscious or has severe wounds of the jaw or lower portion of the face, turn the victim on her side to drain oral fluids and prevent choking.
3.Elevate the feet 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) using a folded coat or whatever else is handy. This will facilitate breathing and blood circulation.
4.Slightly elevate the head (unless you suspect a head or neck injury). Lower it if the victim complains of chest pain.
5.Keep the person warm. Cover only enough to prevent the body from losing heat.
6.Hold the individual’s hand and reassure her. Avoid panic and loud noises.
If the person is conscious, there are several soothing liquid formulations you might offer her. Adults can ideally be given about 1/2 cup (120 ml) every 15 minutes until medical assistance arrives. Children (ages 1 to 12) should take 1/4 cup (60 ml) and babies under a year 1/8 cup (30 ml) over a 15-minute period. If the victim gets nauseous or vomits, discontinue fluids. Some of the choices include:
Rehydration drink. A solution of 1⁄2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of baking soda and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt to 1 quart (950 ml) of water.
Any hot, sweet liquids. However, do not offer fluids to those with head or abdominal injuries. Do not leave the victim to get fluids; send someone else.
Rescue Remedy (2 drops under the tongue), rock rose (Bach flower essence, 2 to 4 drops under the tongue), or homeopathic arnica (4 pellets dissolved under the tongue). These are calming emergency remedies to administer.
Aromatherapy. Waft aromatic, centering essential oils or crushed herbs such as lavender, rosemary, or peppermint under the person’s nose.
Snakebite
A bite from a poisonous snake can be fatal! Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else has been bitten by a poisonous snake.
Signs of poisonous snakebite include:
Bruising or swelling
Sharp pain around a bite of one or two puncture wounds
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Blurry vision
Breathing problems, convulsions, or seizures
While you wait for medical attention:
1.Wash the area with soap and water. Wipe outward, away from the wound.
2.Remove the venom. If you have a snakebite kit, use the suction cup to remove the venom, preferably in the first 5 minutes after the bite occurred, before the venom starts circulating. Do not use your mouth to suck out venom, as you could end up being poisoned. Do not cut into the flesh. Remove constrictive items such as rings, bracelets, or shoes, as swelling may occur.
3.Apply ice. If ice is not available, place the limb in a cool stream. Immobilize the bitten area and keep it at or below the heart level.
4.Use any strip of cloth to make a constricting bandage — not a tourniquet. Apply a constricting band for pit viper bites 2 inches above the bite. Make sure the band is not tight and that a finger can easily be slipped underneath it. Loosen the band every 15 minutes.
5.Give the victim fluids to drink (but not alcohol).
6.Keep the victim calm. Agitation increases blood flow, bringing the venom into the bloodstream. If the victim must walk any distance, make sure it is very slowly.
7.Monitor the victim’s airway. Be ready to administer CPR if necessary.
Common Sense Beats Copperhead
Years ago I was bitten by a copperhead snake, many miles away from a hospital or even a telephone. Fortunately, we did have electricity. My husband, without missing a beat, turned on the vacuum cleaner and sucked the venom out with the wand. Just goes to show that sometimes you need to improvise!
Follow-Up Care for Snakebite
Follow-up treatments for snakebite focus on neutralizing the venom and boosting the body’s antibodies. Here are some suggestions:
Echinacea. Use echinacea orally and topically. Give 1 dropperful of echinacea tincture every hour for up to 12 hours following the bite. Saturate a gauze pad with echinacea tincture and apply to the bite. Echinacea tincture stimulates the production of the white blood cells that neutralize the venom.
Vitamin C. Give 1,000 mg vitamin C every 2 hours to help stimulate the body’s production of natural antibodies.
Homeopathic arnica. This remedy can be good for the trauma of it all.
Poultices. A salt pack moistened with vinegar or a green clay and apple cider vinegar poultice can be applied as drawing agents.
Garlic. Eat it fresh to remedy snakebite or take it in capsules as an antiseptic agent.
Spider Bites
Seek immediate medical attention if the victim:
Has difficulty breathing
Goes into shock
Experiences nausea, vomiting, or convulsions
Has a history of allergic reactions to insect bites
Has increasing pain
Is a young child
While you wait for medical attention:
1.Immediately wash the bitten area.
2.Keep the bitten area lower than the heart to slow down assimilation of the spider’s venom. Icing the bitten area will also help.
3.Neutralize the venom. Depending on what you have on hand, topical application of any of the following quick remedies will help neutralize the venom and help the tissues heal: Three to 5 drops lavender essential oil
Apple cider vinegar
Mashed garlic clove (apply for no more than 10 minutes to avoid skin irritation)
A few drops of St.-John’s-wort tincture and vitamin E oil
At-Home First Aid for Spider Bites
The steps and remedies listed above for use in an emergency situation will also provide relief for nonvenomous but itchy or painful spider bites.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains occur when a ligament or tendon (tissues connected to the muscles and bones near a joint) is stretched beyond its normal range of motion. Strains occur when muscles are stretched beyond their normal range. Both result in pain and swelling.
Seek immediate medical attention if:
Pain or swelling from an injury is severe
A fracture is suspected
A joint is swollen or out of alignment
Loss of sensation occurs in any part of the body
While you wait for medical attention:
The trick to remembering how to treat sprains and strains is this acronym: RICE. The letters stand for rest, immobilize, cold, and elevation.
1.Rest. Sit down; get ready to immobilize, ice, and elevate; and be sure to rest the injured limb for a couple of days.
2.Immobilize. Move the injured area as little as possible.
3.Cold. Apply a cold compress to help constrict the blood vessels, which will minimize bleeding and swelling. A good compress can be made by mixing 1 tablespoon (15 ml) arnica tincture or homeopathic arnica oil with 1 pint (470 ml) of cold water, soaking a cloth with the solution, and applying it to unbroken skin over the injured area. If the area begins to feel numb from the cold, remove the compress until the numbness subsides. Then reapply. Repeat for at least 6 to 12 hours following the injury.
4.Elevation. Keep the injured area higher than the heart to minimize swelling.
At-Home First Aid for Sprains and Strains
If you’re sure the injury is not a medical emergency, follow the instructions above. Then try these remedies to reduce swelling and speed healing:
Household and Dietary Remedies
Cold compresses. In addition to cold water or ice, cold compresses can be made with apple cider vinegar, tofu, chopped comfrey, plantain, green clay, cabbage, chopped onion, grated raw potato, tea tree essential oil, burdock, or ginger tea. A solution of apple cider vinegar mixed with sea salt can be gently applied to the area.
Herbal liniment. A liniment for sprains can be made by stirring 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cayenne pepper and 1⁄2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) wintergreen essential oil into a pint of apple cider vinegar. Apply topically to the inflamed area 3 or 4 times dai
ly.
Phytochemicals. Eat foods rich in the phytochemical antho-cyanin — blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and raspberries, for example. They’ll strengthen blood vessels and muscles.
Supplements. Take a 500-mg calcium and 1,000-mg magnesium supplement to keep muscles supple. Boost your intake of vitamin E (to help oxygen utilization) and potassium (to bring energy to the cells). A 500-mg dose of bromelain 3 times daily can help reduce pain and swelling. Two 500-mg capsules of turmeric 3 times daily for 2 to 3 days may help reduce inflammation.
Homeopathic Remedies
Bryonia is used when the injury is hot, red, and swollen. Pain is worse with movement, and the injury needs to be held tightly.
Ledum is for sprains that are purple and puffy. The injury feels cold, yet cold compresses bring relief.
Rhus tox is for sprains that feel worse when initially moved but better after repeated motion.
Ruta graveolens is for old sprains that are worse from being still and better with movement.
Prevention of Sprains and Strains
When the injured area has been pain-free for at least 10 days, light exercise can be reinstated. To help prevent these injuries in the future, stretch for at least 10 minutes before athletic activities.
The Natural First Aid Handbook Page 8
