Nature's First Aid Kit (Part II)

Photograph credit:  W.A. Rogers

This post, Nature's First Aid Kit (Part II), will deal with bug bites, poison ivy, minor cuts, scrapes and bruises.  I will write a part "III" at another time on general natural wellness care for dealing with maladies such as hemorrhoids, (herpes) mouth blisters, sore throat, tendonitis, stomaches, arthritis/rheumatic pain and inflammation and migraine headaches.

Minor cuts, scrapes, lacerations:  One's major objective in dealing with cuts and scrapes is to keep them clean.  Period.  Keeping broken skin clean leaves nature to dispatch her healing business without a hitch.  Broken skin exposed to all sorts of invading bacteria and viral organisms poses bigger challenges to the body's immune capabilities.  Keep it simple, keep it clean.  There are all sorts of antiseptics on the market in all sorts of containers; some claim to be painless (no hydrogen peroxide or alcohol).   Fore go the-over-the-counter cortisone and antibiotic creams; they don't assist but deter the body's innate healing tendencies.

Lavage the minor cut or scrape with soap and water. Have on hand your own home-made astringent antiseptics of aromatherapy essential oils (eo)*: combinations of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Juniper (Juniperus communis) or Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) in a solution of carrier oil and distilled water.^  Lavage judiciously.  Apply clean gauze until bleeding has stopped. Leave open to air if possible.  Many people believe applying a bandaid indefinitely keeps the cut/scrape clean and protected.  It actually is a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if you have the notion you can go about your business as usual doing dishes or exposing the broken skin to a contaminated, unclean environment. It's better to keep it open to air, watch it and have a sense of what you are exposing it to. Clean the area frequently if necessary with the eo antiseptic/astringent water. When it has scabbed over, apply tamanu a few times a day to aid in the healing and scarring process.

Consider taking adaptogens (see post: Adaptogens: Love in a bottle) to boost your immune system, fending off infection.


Bruises and contusions are handled effectively with homeopathics** (see post: Nature's First Aid Kit (Part I). Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) mixed with Tamanu is effective in aiding the healing of bruises. With your own healing hands rub this remedy in periodically through the day and watch the dark blue/purple bruise move to various shades of green and yellow over a week to 10 days.


Bug Repellent:  Obviously, once again prevention is gold. There is  a wonderful product available through the internet only called Fly-Guard.  The ingredients are as follows:  Cederwood--Cedar oil has an overwhelming effect on insects. Cedar oil is not considered a pesticide because of the manner that it attacks the insect. The aroma (molecules) of cedar oil is essentially breathed in by an insect causing the insect to suffocate. Unlike pesticides that have to be digested or touched by the insect to be effective, cedar oil only needs to permeate the surrounding air in order to eliminate an insect. This works very well with pheromone-driven insects that need to follow a "chemical trail" in order to complete tasks. It would be unusual that insects like bees, wasps, butterflies and other non-pheromone-driven insects would be impacted.
Citronelle Oil--Citronella oil is also a renowned plant-based insect repellent, and has been registered for this use in the United States since 1948.^[2] The United States Environmental Protection Agency‎ considers oil of citronella as a biopesticide with a non-toxic mode of action.  Lemongrass oil--  Lemon Grass Oil, used as a pesticide and preservative, is put on the ancient palm-leaf manuscripts found in India as a preservative.  Clove Oil-- (Syzygium aromaticum) are the aromatic dried flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae.  Neem Oil--Neem oil has a rather strong odor that is said to combine the odors of peanut and garlic. It is comprised mainly of triglycerides and contains triterpenoid compounds.  One can order through vconnect@aol.com; $29.95 plus shipping.
An aromatherapy eo bug repellent spritzer can be made with lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).^


These products can be sprayed on the body safely and/or in the general vicinity. It keeps insects at bay for about a foot radius. 


Treating bug bites: Of course, the worst part of bug bites is the itching (histamine response) and subsequent open skin and scabbing.  If possible, soon after the bite, apply a baking soda paste to draw out insect toxins.  If the itching is very bad, bath effected area in an oatmeal bath for 15-20 minutes. Than apply a salve made from  Juniper (Juniperus communis), Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) and Tamanu oil.^ If scabbing or scarring occurs from the itching, use refrigerated Tamanu frequently for fast healing.  Home Remedies For Insect Bites 
Natural Relief for Bug Bites and Poison Ivy | The Dr. Oz Show

Jewel Weed

Poison Ivy/Oak:  The stem part of the Jewel Weed (aka Touch-Me-Not) plant is purportedly the antidote to poison ivy (and can sometimes be found growing near poison ivy).  Break the stem, releasing the plants juice or open it up allowing the abundant moisture to be rubbed over the effected area.  Do this repeatedly until itching and redness abates.  (see "home remedies" link above.) 
     

As always, it is 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
Fly-Guard Insect Repellent:  vconnect@aol.com