Bites and Stings Bruises, Strains, and Sprains Burns, Cuts, and Abrasions Minor first aid emergencies are the most common health problems and can usually be effectively and easily treated with home remedies. Bites, stings, cuts, and abrasions should be cleaned thoroughly with mild soap and tepid water to remove bacteria and reduce the chance of infection. Apply a natural antiseptic, followed by a remedy to encourage the skin to heal after a scab has formed. Minor burns should be cooled immediately by running cold water over the affected area until the burning sensation stops. Follow this with a topical remedy to promote healing. The basic remedy for bruises, strains, and sprains is the same: Rest and elevate the affected area if possible and apply ice to reduce swelling. After twenty four hours, apply warm compresses or heating remedies in order to stimulate circulation and healing. Chiropractic Care Nutrition and Supplements Herbal Remedies Homeopathic Remedies Essential Oils Chiropractic Care  coming soon BACK TO MENU Nutrition and Supplements vitamin C plus mixed bioflavonoids, 2-5 grams daily, or to bowel tolerance: to speed healing from any injury vitamin E, apply topically to bites, stings, and burns to promote healing and prevent scarring; apply to cuts and abrasions after a scab has formed beta-carotene, 25,000 IU daily: to promote healing of any tissue injury zinc, 25-50 mg daily: to speed healing bromelain, 125-400 mg three times daily between meals: to reduce the swelling and inflammation of bruises and sprains papain, crush tablets and mix with water into a paste: apply to insect bites and stings to neutralize the venom BACK TO MENU Herbal Remedies The following herbs have antiseptic properties and, when applied topically, can help to prevent infection. They can also be taken internally for two to three days following an injury in order to boost immunity and pro- mote recovery: echinacea, 112-1 teaspoon of tincture internally three to four times daily: apply undiluted echinacea tincture to bites and stings three to four times daily; for cuts and abrasions, dilute in five parts of water and use as an antiseptic wash goldenseal, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of tincture or two capsules two times daily: for bites and stings, apply goldenseal tincture or powdered goldenseal (mixed with water into a paste) to the affected area twice daily; to stop bleeding, sprinkle powdered goldenseal directly into the wound; as an antiseptic wash, dilute goldenseal tincture with five parts water Other Helpful Herbal First Aid Remedies: calendula: for bites, burns, and wounds, use as a compress (make a strong calendula tea by steeping 2 tablespoons of the herb in I cup of boiling water until cool, soak a clean cotton cloth in the cooled solution, and apply to the affected area) or as a lotion, gel, or ointment; anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, promotes healing comfrey: apply compresses to bruises and burns; apply a salve to burns and to wounds after a scab has formed; contains allantoin, which stimulates cell regeneration o arnica: for bruises, strains and sprains, rub arnica oil onto the affected area; stimulates circulation and healing o aloe, the gel from the fresh leaves or a bottled aloe gel: use on burns to cool and soothe and to speed healing BACK TO MENU Homeopathic Remedies Homeopathic first aid remedies, used both internally and externally, can reduce pain and speed healing of minor injuries. The following are among those most commonly used: Apis: for bites and stings that are red, swollen and hot; also for a burn that stings; take internally Arnica: for bruises, strains, and sprains; reduces swelling, relieves pain, and promotes reabsorption of blood; generally the first medicine to give for any injury; take internally and apply externally. (Do not use on broken skin.) Calendula: especially effective for minor cuts, abrasions, sunburn, and painful minor burns; promotes tissue healing; apply topically Hypericum: for an injury to a nerve-rich area that causes shooting pains; inflamed or painful bites, wounds, crushed fingers or toes; take internally and also use external preparations for bites, wounds, and burns Ledum: for puncture wounds (including insect stings) that are red and swollen but cold to the touch; also for black eyes and bruises that feel better with cold applications; take internally Rhus tox.: for strains and sprains that initially feel worse with movement but are made better by continued movement; especially helpful for injuries caused by overexertion; take internally Urtica urens: for first or second degree burns that sting and burn; take internally Also available are combination remedy formulas that are prepared with some or all of the above single remedies. BACK TO MENU Essential Oils The following essential oils are helpful for treating minor first aid emergencies: lavender: antimicrobial, antiseptic, circulatory stimulant; apply one drop to a bite or sting; apply as a cool compress or use in a bath for burns; use in a massage oil for bruises; dilute five drops in 1 cup of water to use as an antiseptic wash for wounds tea tree: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant: apply one drop to a bite or sting; dilute two drops in I cup of water to use as an antiseptic wash for wounds chamomile: analgesic, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory; apply one drop to a bite or sting; apply as a cool compress or use in a bath to soothe burns; use in a massage oil for bruises and sprains; dilute five drops in 1 cup of water to use as an antiseptic wash for wounds PAGE TOP Powered by ProfessionalPlanets.com™ Copyright 1999 © ProfessionalPlanets.com™ All rights reserved. Terms of Use