First Aid the Natural Way! Summer is around the corner and this will be my first in Montana. With the warmer temperatures and increasing daylight hours, I have been taking advantage of the close proximity to recreational areas. After work one recent evening, my husband and I hiked up Mt. Sentinel and took in the panoramic views. We acknowledged how fortunate we are to have joined this community, and to have these outdoor opportunities so close. I encourage all of our patients to get out into nature and enjoy this lovely time of year. With so many options, there is an outdoor activity for each of us! I always carry a first aid kit with me on my adventures. I am going to share the basics with you to help keep you and yours safe this summer. All items can be obtained locally. Digestion: Charcoal caps and charcoal powder: For diarrhea. It totally works and is used in Emergency Departments every day. It binds up the bad stuff and sends it out. Warning - your stool will turn black. Ipecac syrup: For accidental poisoning; this will induce vomiting. Travel size bottles are easy to find. Warning - you will throw up! Bites & Stings: Homeopathic Apis 30c (oral): For stings with swellings (such as bee stings) Homeopathic Ledum 30c (oral): For bites (such as pesky mosquito bites and spider bites) All Purpose Herbal Salve or Dr. White’s Pain Cream: Apply topicallyto relieve discomfort Cuts, Abrasions, & Burns: Calendula Succus Tincture: Dilute with water & apply to clean out a wound All Purpose Herbal Salve: Apply after the wound is cleaned Protective gloves, Steri-strips &/or butterfly bandages, adhesive bandages, gauze pads, surgical tape, small scissors, safety pins, tweezers, Iodine packets: For larger wounds that need more attention. Homeopathic Cantharis 30c (oral): For burns or sunburns Lavender Essential oil: Apply 1-2 drops topically to burns Bruises, muscle aches, out-of-shape pains: Dr. White’s Pain Cream: Dr. White has perfected an all-purpose pain cream; apply to affected area soon after injury/ache is noted, apply liberally, and often to reduce pain and swelling; discontinue use once injury/ache resolved Homeopathic Hypericum 30c (oral): For shooting pains or nerve pain Homeopathic Arnica 30c (oral): For bruises and muscle soreness Miscellaneous: Hand Sanitizer: My favorite brand is “Clean Well” made from an essential oil that kills 99.9% of germs including MRSA (resistant staph), E. Coli, and Salmonella Epi-Pen: A must-have if someone in your group has a known serious allergy, and a good thing to carry just in case (Prescription required); know how to use it before the need arises Euphrasia Eye Drops: For cleansing the eyes (including sunscreen), for allergic itchy eyes (I recommend the brand Weleda in single dose packets to avoid contamination and dirt) Electrolyte Replacement Packets: To avoid dehydration Traveling with this kit ensures that you can handle the small stuff that inevitably comes up with adventure. Ride...hike...walk...float...paddle... safely this summer! See you on the trails, Elizabeth Axelrod, ND
Posted on: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:01:44 +0000