Nature's First Aid Kit (Part I)

Sun with a coronal mass ejection. Photo credit: NASA

Now that warm weather is here, many of us are undoubtedly out and about more.  This is the first of two posts which will deal with practical, natural ways of dealing with (sun)burns and sprains.  My "II" post on this subject will address scrapes and minor cuts, bug bites and poison ivy.  Many of these "remedies" are common sense and/or things your grandmother did.  All of  them are non-toxic and work with the body's own healing awareness.

Of course, prevention as always, is fully encouraged. Wear hats and sunscreen 30 (Sandalwood-Santalum album-- essential oil added to sunblock enhances Vitamin D) applied frequently when  you know you'll be outdoors, light natural fabrics with long sleeves to limit sun exposure, for example.  Carry a "brew" of home-made bug spray like you carry a bottle of water through the warm months.  Although it is easy and convenient, don't succumb to buying (or using) products you wouldn't ingest; like Deet for insect control.  There are as effective natural products one can buy or make that won't accost your central nervous system.  Your body's healing sensibilities will thank you.

Besides prevention, the single biggest thing that will optimally improve the outcome of your first aid efforts is a quick response.  The sooner you address the burn, sprain or bug bite, the sooner the healing starts.  Don't wait around to see if your malady manifests.  You know you've been bitten by mosquitoes, the post itching will be much less if you address the truth of the matter immediately.

(Sun)Burns:  Everybody should have a miracle Aloe plant growing on their kitchen window sill. Applying aloe to a stove burn or sun burn, takes the pain and redness away immediately. Forget the over the counter sunburn cream, fresh Aloe is the first go-to in all minor burns and sunburns.  Determine the area size of the damaged surface, go to your aloe plant, find the Aloe "arm" that is saying "take me", thank it for all its miraculous blessings and snip off the size required.  Peel one edge of the spiny side off, split open the piece and rub continually on the burn surface. You will be amazed at how the body absorbs the somewhat slimy-gooey flesh that is Aloe. Keep repeating until pain and redness is gone.  I sometimes take a band aid and apply it over the Aloe piece on the body surface so it will stay put, freeing me up to go about my business.  Purchased Aloe in a jar or bottle is just not the same as fresh Aloe and you won't see anywhere near the positive impact on the burn from such products.  Get an Aloe plant.  It's difficult to kill an Aloe; it requires just a little light, poor soil and infrequent watering. (Mine has sometimes gone months without a watering.  Ach! forgive me dear Aloe).

If Aloe is not available, keep by the stove a 4oz roller top bottle of a burn-specific aromatherapy concoction^ which includes German Chamomile (Matricaria recutitia), Evening Primrose oil, Vitamin E and Tamanu (see resource list below).  This is also very good for post-chemo radiation burns. Roll on judiciously and frequently until pain and redness diminish.

Thinking outside the box until you get a box to think inside of:  If you are up the creek with no Aloe, no "burn" aromatherapy roller bottle handy, put the burn under cool/cold water until the pain subsides and apply moistened Chamomile tea bags to the area (while you gather yourself and call a neighbor for some Aloe).

Regenerating damaged skin:  Burns often produce external scarring.  Combining Helichrysum (Helicrysum italicum) and True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) with Tamanu.^  Applying frequently will help the skin regenerate.*

Common Sense:  Increase fluid intake (hydration) and Vitamin C (cell regeneration) with increased exposure to sun and when experiencing a burn.

Sprains:  Once you've twisted an ankle, wrist or other joint, immediately fill a large plastic bag with ice, sink the injury in it and elevate it.  Many people are afraid the bag of ice is going to be too cold for the body to handle.  The injury is going to be putting off so much heat, the ice will be a lukewarm puddle within 40 minutes.  You want to limit the swelling and inflammation from the get go; ice and elevation are key. Take Arnica homeopathic pellets (Hyland's Arnica Montana 30x -- 250 Tablets), 2-3 every 10-15 minutes for several hours. After the first hour of icing, apply Arnica gel/cream (Boiron Arnicare® Arnica Gel) or preferably Traumeel (Heel Traumeel® Homeopathic Gel -- 1.76 oz) to the injury and apply bags of frozen peas (less dripping wet, holds cold much longer than ice or those silly frozen gel packs that go warm after 5 minutes) to the injury (use ace wrap or bandannas to secure), keeping it elevated.  You are going to be icing the sprain every 20 minutes while awake for at least 24 hours.  It will probably feel good to keep doing it for another 48-72 hours. Do what feels good. Take some Rescue Remedy flower essence (Bach Flower Remedies Rescue Remedy Stress Relief Tincure -- 10 mL) if possible the first 48 hours, a dropper full in a glass of water 3 times a day.  This is for shock and trauma (and grief); helps the energy layers to settle down, and move back to homeostasis.

Sprains require babying.  If you push too fast and too soon,  you will set yourself back.  Keep off the injury as much as possible the first week, keep it elevated every chance you get. When you elevate it, apply the above-mentioned homeopathic cream/gel (for pain and inflammation). Touch it often.  Let the healing in your own hands inform the area that has been hurt, as it will inform you.  If the injury is to your lower body, use a cane, walker or crutches to stay off of it at least for a few days.  Use a light weight air brace to help with mobility. Your body will very naturally let you know when you don't need these accessories any longer.

Getting Acupuncture frequently for the first two weeks will help balance your energy systemically and improve circulation.  If there is any doubt it is more than a sprain, or you aren't seeing at least gradual improvement daily, seek help from a conventional healthcare practitioner. Approaching a sprain with a judicious attitude (following the above with patience and forbearance) will often most likely shave off a week to three weeks in the healing process.

As always, it is always best to consult with your health care practitioner when taking herbal medicines or when considering any before-mentioned health practices.




*When using any essential oil, avoid contact with eyes and broken skin.  Flush with milk (not water) if inadvertently gets in eye.
^ these essential oil based products can be purchased through Integrated Medicine of Philadelphia directly.  Contact:  mkGermaineFraser@gmail.com for further product inquiries

Resources:
For essential oils, tamanu, primrose oil:
HERBARIUM Herbal and Nutritional Supplements including Bulk ...  (great! info & service)
Appalachian Valley Natural Products


for discounted homeopathic creams and products:
Vitacost.com