Healthy Kids Blog: Natural Treatment for Injuries

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 02:43 PM PDT

Natural Treatment for Injuries When someone is injured, first check for bleeding and stop it, then avoid use of the injured part. Assess the damage, and then administer first-aid. The next step is to give the appropriate homeopathic remedy or herbal preparation. Homeopathy will speed the healing process. All of the remedies discussed in this article are made from herbs. Homeopathic preparations can be purchased in many health food stores (see suppliers at the end of this article). These are natural substances prepared in a specific pharmaceutical process of serial dilution. The more times the substance goes through this process, the stronger it becomes. A low strength is a 6 or 12 (an x or a c following the number indicates whether the process was done with a 1/10 or 1/100 dilution respectively); 30 is a medium strength; and 200 or 1M (1,000) are high strengths. A home remedy kit should contain 30 strength remedies, but lower will generally do as well. Give only one remedy at a time. Using more than one remedy may confuse the body's reaction. Stop administration of homeopathic remedies when symptoms improve.

Strains and sprains

A strain is an injury to tendons or muscles. This is the most common type of overuse injury that arises from twisting or wrenching a muscle. You are jogging and you step on a rock. Your ankle twists and when the tendons stretch, muscle fibers tear. The ankle is the most common site of strains, but other joints can be strained as well¾shoulders, elbows, wrists, or knees. The symptoms are pain and swelling. Bad strains may cause discoloration¾redness or bruising. A sprain involves the ligaments that attach bone to bone. The ligament may be stretched or torn, and torn ligaments can be excruciatingly painful, possibly requiring surgery. Think football, think Jerry Rice.

Danger signs

Consult a medical provider (medical doctor, osteopath, chiropractor, or acupuncturist) if there is severe pain, if the limb cannot be used, or if there is noticeable tenderness over an isolated spot. These are all signs of a fractured bone or severe strain or sprain. Your doctor will decide if an x-ray is needed.

Home treatment

Step one: RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation)

Rest – stay off the injured part, further motion will aggravate the injury.

Ice – apply ice (in a plastic bag and wrapped with a towel) to the injured part. This will reduce swelling and bruising; do this three times a day.

Compression – apply an ace bandage to restrict movement and to reduce swelling; do not use a bandage that cannot stretch.

Elevation – keep the injured part higher than the heart to prevent swelling.

Step two: Homeopathic remedies

1. As soon as possible following an injury that involves muscles, joints, or bruising, take Arnica 30, two pellets every hour for three doses, then every three hours while awake for at least three days. Apply Arnica gel to the area two to three times per day. Do not apply Arnica externally to skin that is raw from scrapes or cuts.

For sore muscles from overwork, use Arnica 30 internally and Arnica gel externally.

2. If swelling or pain persists after three days, switch to Rhus-toxicodendron 30 three times per day.

Step three: anti-inflammatory supplements

Bromelain (made from pineapple stems) and curcumin (active ingredient of turmeric) are natural anti-inflammatory agents. Bromelain limits production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. They will not produce the sedating effects and stomach irritation of painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen.

Dosage: Bromelain 500 mg. three times per day between meals, not with food. This is the dose for a 150-pound adult. Reduce the dose proportionally for children. (If a rash occurs, discontinue use.)

Curcumin 400 mg three times per day.

Tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome

Repetitive motion such as typing at a keyboard, moving a computer mouse, or using a pricing gun at a grocery can result in inflamed tendons in the forearm and irritation of the nerve passing through the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome). Tennis elbow is another form of tendinitis. Acupuncture is the most effective medical treatment for this condition.

Home treatment

Step one: Decrease the motion of the tendons involved by using a wrist splint or a forearm splint designed for this purpose.

Step two: For tendinitis take Ruta 30, a homeopathic medicine, two pellets twice per day.

Take vitamin B6 100 mg per day and bromelain 500 mg three times per day between meals.

For carpal tunnel syndrome take Viola odorata 30, two pellets twice per day.

Cuts and puncture wounds

Home treatment for cuts and scrapes

Stop the bleeding from cuts by pressing on the wound with a clean cloth, then wash with soap and water. After bleeding has stopped use tape to bring the edges of the wound together.

Step one: Calendula tincture in alcohol is usually the only application needed. Dilute the liquid Calendula extract in a little water, 1 dropper in ¼ cup water. Then apply the diluted Calendula to the skin. Calendula is a natural antiseptic. It stops bleeding, promotes healing of the skin, and prevents infection.

Step two: When the wound has healed, apply vitamin E to prevent scarring. Puncture a capsule of vitamin E and apply it to the skin once a day.

Danger signs

A physician should examine any cut longer than one-half inch on the hands or face, or any other jagged or extensive cut, because it may need stitches. Watch for significant redness surrounding the cut or red streaks extending up from the cut during the ensuing days. These are signs of infection that should be examined by a medical provider.

Puncture wounds

The danger associated with puncture wounds is the development of tetanus, a potentially fatal infection that is caused by bacteria that can only grow in a medium deprived of free oxygen. The tissues and blood vessels beneath the skin can provide just such an environment. Puncture wounds should be allowed to bleed in order to flush out any bacteria injected under the skin. A tetanus shot may be necessary to prevent this infection. If the initial series of tetanus shots or a booster has been given in the preceding ten years, then a booster shot is not needed. If no tetanus shots have ever been given in the past, then one shot of tetanus immune globulin (TIG) in the emergency room will prevent tetanus from that injury.

Fractures

For any serious injury, or persisting pain from an injury, an x-ray may be needed to diagnose a broken bone. If a bone is fractured then an orthopedist will determine the appropriate treatment¾casting, splinting, or surgery.

Home treatment

Take Symphytum 12c twice a day for six weeks. Symphytum (comfrey or boneset) will help the fracture to heal more quickly.

Sunburn

Always use sunscreen and reapply it after swimming to prevent sunburn. When redness occurs despite your best efforts, put a few droppers of Calendula tincture into a spray bottle with ½ cup water and apply this to the skin. Aloe vera gel is also a soothing application.

Home remedy kit for injuries

Homeopathic medicines Supplements

Arnica montana 30c

Bromelain

Rhus-toxicodendron 30c

Curcumin

Ruta graveolans 30c

Vitamin B6

Symphytum 12c

Calendula officinalis tincture

Arnica gel

See More Natural Remedies for your First Aid Kit

Natural Remedies for Your First Aid Kit

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 11:57 AM PDT

Natural Remedies for First Aid Kit Summer brings plenty of opportunities for kids to be outdoors. More time in nature is healthy, but children can be vulnerable to certain hazards – sunburn, insect bites, poison oak or ivy, cuts, abrasions, and other injuries.

The good news is you don’t need to expose your kids to toxic drugs or chemicals to keep them safe and well. There are plenty of natural remedies that will do the job. Here are some natural remedies you may want to include in your first aid kit.

Natural Remedies for First Aid Kit

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a general detoxifier, and applied to an insect bite, is capable of absorbing the offending poison. Activated charcoal is an absorbing agent that comes in capsules or bulk powder. For external use, wet powder and apply as a poultice for itching, bites, stings, etc. This helps draw out toxins and reduces swelling. Internally, use 1-2 capsules (or one teaspoon in a cup of water) every hour or two for problems like diarrhea, intestinal flu, food and chemical poisoning. Charcoal absorbs the poisons that are irritating the bowel. Too much, however, may cause constipation. NOTE: If chemical poisoning is suspected, contact your doctor and poison center hotline immediately and only use activated charcoal if advised. NEVER use regular charcoal briquettes as a substitute for activated charcoal.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is soothing and healing. It is anti-inflammatory and has an anesthetizing effect on the tissues. The best aloe comes directly from a plant you can easily grow in your own home. Cut open a leaf and apply the gel generously (externally only) for sunburn and all types of burns, cuts, abrasions and other injuries.

Arnica Gel or Cream

Arnica is a homeopathic remedy that has anti-inflammatory properties and it stimulates circulation to help heal sore muscles, sprains, strains and bruises. As soon as possible following an injury that involves muscles, joints, or bruising, take Arnica 30C, two pellets every hour for three doses, then every three hours while awake for at least three days. Apply Arnica gel to the area two to three times per day. Do not apply Arnica externally to skin that is raw from scrapes or cuts.

Black Salve

Black Salve is also called drawing salve. It’s used externally to draw infection, slivers, acne, boils and warts. Apply generously and cover with a bandage.

Breast Milk

If you are breastfeeding, you have an amazing healing substance with you at all times – and it’s free! The antibodies and other healing properties in expressed breast milk can heal cuts and scrapes, prickly heat rashes, and other skin irritations. Breast milk can also be expressed directly into the eye to clear up pinkeye.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender has strong antibiotic, analgesic, antiviral, antifungal, antispasmodic, and sedative properties. It is a non-toxic antiseptic and works well on cuts, wounds, dermatitis, eczema, diaper rash, pimples and burns. Lavender repels mosquitoes and can give relief to bug bites. Apply lavender oil to a minor burn after plunging it into cold water. 10 drops of lavender oil can be added to a cool bath to soothe a minor sunburn.

Calendula

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is used externally to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation. It has antiseptic, astringent, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It has a healing effect on cuts, scrapes, bites, stings, bruises, and burns. For a wound-healing compress that is also excellent for burns and stings, use two teaspoonfuls of calendula tincture in one cup of water. It quickly soothes the pain and prevents infection. It relieves the itching and irritation of skin eruptions and diaper rash. Calendula is gentle enough to use on a baby.

Comfrey

Comfrey stimulates the growth of new tissue and helps heal wounds. It is sometimes used with calendula in a healing salve.

Neem oil

Neem oil is a highly effective, non-toxic, child-safe bug repellent that can also be used on open sores and wounds. Neem heals wounds, cuts, sores, poison oak or ivy, and has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties.

Raw Honey

Raw honey can be used as an antibacterial treatment and dressing for a minor cut or scrape. It is also great for bee stings. When a wound is covered with honey, hydrogen peroxide is naturally produced in contact with body fluids, and has an antiseptic action. Make sure the honey is raw and not processed or pasteurized.

Rescue Remedy

Rescue Remedy relieves stress and emotional imbalances in children (and adults!). This is a great remedy for soothing a stressed child. It’s good for stress, anxiety, impatience, irritation, agitation, tantrums, and general meltdowns. Rescue Remedy is completely safe to use for all ages.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is renowned for its antifungal and antiseptic qualities. It speeds healing and has a mild analgesic effect, reducing pain and inflammation. Tea tree oil can be used for burns, cuts, rashes, including diaper rash, psoriasis, eczema, fungal infections such as athletes foot and ringworm, poison ivy, and insect bites. It kills germs that cause acne, warts, and boils and inhibits infection.

Mix 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil with 1/8 cup of a cold-pressed “carrier” oil (sweet almond or similar oil). Apply with a cotton ball directly to the affected area. Apply 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil undiluted directly to ringworm, athlete’s foot, warts and boils. Do not apply undiluted to the face.

Witch Hazel Extract

Distilled witch hazel is a mild astringent, and has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s great for skin irritations and insect bites. It can be used as a base for diluting essential oils. Witch hazel should not be taken internally.

If you like to make your own natural remedies for your first aid kit, here are a few recipes:

Clay Poultice

(extracted from Herbal Healing for Children: A Parent’s Guide to Treatments for Common Childhood Illnesses, by Demetria Clark)

Yield: Enough for 1 or 2 poultices

As the clay mixture dries on the skin, it pulls toxins and pus from stings and bites to keep the pain from spreading.

1 tablespoon bentonite clay
1 teaspoon echinacea root tincture
1 teaspoon chamomile tincture
1 teaspoon plantain tincture
12 drops lavender essential oil

Put the clay in the container the poultice will be stored in. Gradually add the tinctures, stirring between each addition so the clay absorbs the liquid. Sprinkle with the lavender oil, stirring to distribute it evenly in the clay mixture. Covered tightly and stored at room temperature, Clay Poultice will keep for 3 to 4 months. If the clay dries out, sprinkle it with a little distilled water to reconstitute it.

Application Instructions: For children ten years of age and older: Dab onto the affected areas, allow to dry, and wipe off with warm water.

Insect Bite Gel

(extracted from Herbal Healing for Children: A Parent’s Guide to Treatments for Common Childhood Illnesses, by Demetria Clark)

Yield: About 1 teaspoon

1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
5 drops lavender or tea tree essential oil

Combine the aloe vera gel and essential oil in a roll-on stick. Sealed tightly and stored in the refrigerator, Insect Bite Gel will keep for 8 months.

Application Instructions: For children 10 months of age and older: Apply to insect bites every few hours to soothe and relieve soreness.

Motion Sickness Blend

(extracted from Herbal Healing for Children: A Parent’s Guide to Treatments for Common Childhood Illnesses, by Demetria Clark)

Yield: Enough for dozens of dosages

This remedy also works for adults who get carsick – adults can take the same dosage as older children.

½ cup dried chamomile flowers
¼ cup dried peppermint leaves
¼ cup dried lemon balm leaves
2 tablespoons dried hops flowers

Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well. Stored in a sealed jar at room temperature, Motion Sickness Blend will keep for 6 months. To use, add 2 tablespoons of the mixture to 1 cup boiling water and steep for 15 minutes. Strain and discard the herbs. Give the first dose about 30 minutes to 1 hour before a trip.

Dosage:

For babies six month to two years of age: Seek medical advice.
For children three to five years of age: ½ cup, 1 to 2 times a day.
For children six years of age and older: Up to 2 cups a day.
The above recipes were extracted from Herbal Healing for Children: A Parent’s Guide to Treatments for Common Childhood Illnesses, by Demetria Clark. This is an excellent book that provides many easy recipes for homemade remedies as well as great information on remedies for common childhood illnesses.

What are your favorite natural remedies that you use in your first aid kit?

We’d love to hear about natural remedies that have worked well for you. Please post in comments below.

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Friday, 22 June 2012