Written by Homegrown
|
07 July 2009
Posted in
6) Summer Health
(Posted only by Homegrown. Prepared by...)
Dr. Jennifer Salib Huber, Bsc., RD, ND
Pillars of Health
www.pillarsofhealth.ca
We all love summer, but it's a good idea to be prepared for any first aid situations that may arise. Keep a first aid kit handy, and use the following recommendations as guidelines. Always consult a health care practitioner if you are concerned.
Summer Health Issues
Details follow list below:
1. Building a First Aid Kit, a Naturalistic Approach
2. Sunburns
3. Scrapes & Abrasions
4. Insect Bites
5. Nosebleeds
6. About Naturopathic Medicine & Dr. Jennifer Salib Huber, ND
1. Building a First Aid Kit, a Natural Approach
If you're building a first aid kit (vs. buying a pre-made kit), here's a basic list of items to include:
• 10-20 small adhesive bandages
• scissors and tweezers
• adhesive tape
• alcohol swabs
• calendula cream
• hypericum tincture (St. John's wort)
• tea tree oil
• Vitamin E oil
• lavender essential oil
• Rescue remedy
Homeopathic remedies are very effective in acute situations. Most of the homeopathic remedies mentioned below are available in health food stores. Or, you can also purchase homeopathic first aid kits. Please call our office at 444.3303 and speak to our homeopath, Meryl Cook for more information.
2. Sunburns
It's important to distinguish between 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns. 1st degree burns are pink and/or red and are hot to the touch; these are the most common type of sunburn and can be treated at home. 2nd degree and 3rd degree burns involve significant skin damage are much more severe, and require medical attention. Do not apply topical treatments to 2nd and 3rd degre burns.
Cool down with a cool shower, bath or compress. For mild burns, try making a compress with witch hazel. Add 1-3 tsp to cold water, and apply over affected areas using a face cloth or small towel. Aloe Vera gel is also very soothing. Vitamin E oil can be applied to help heal the burn once the pain has subsided. Break open a capsules and place the liquid on the burn twice a day. Oral Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps skin to heal by promoting the formation of collagen. 500 mg 4x/day is a usual dose.
Homeopathic Urtica urens 30C, every 10 minutes as needed for a sunburn that feels prickly and burning.
Homeopathic Cantharis 30C if the burn is accompanied by swelling, and if the person is angry and/or irritable.
3. Scrapes & Abrasions
For minor scrapes and abrasions, clean the area with warm water, or a hypericum solution made of 10 drops of hypericum per 1 cup of water. Once clean apply calendula cream to the area and cover with sterile gauze. Topical Vitamin E can be applied once the scrape is healing and there are no signs of infection (redness, heat, etc).
Homeopathic Arnica montana 30C, every 10 minutes as needed until symptoms improve. Arnica is indicated for any injury that involves bruising, swelling or pain.
4. Insect Bites
In most cases, insect bites are a mere nuisance. But, some people do show signs of allergic reactions to insect bites. Symptoms to watch for include: swelling of the throat, hives, difficulty breathing, weakness, abdominal cramps. Seek emergency medical attention in these cases.
To help prevent insect bites, wear protective clothing, and make sure that shirts are tucked into pants and that pant legs are tucked into socks. Citronella oil can be applied to exposed skin to deter insects.
To relive the itch of insect bites, apply a with hazel compress made of 1 tsp of witch hazel applied to gauze. Alternatively, 1 or 2 drops of lavender oil can be applied to bites.
Homeopathic Apis 30C can be used for bites that show signs of swelling.
Homeopathic Ledum 30C is especially useful for any puncture wound, especially if the person if feeling chilly.
5. Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are very common, especially in children. They are most often due to a burst blood vessel, or injury. More serious causes of nosebleeds include head injury's or falls. A minor nosebleed should stop within 5-15 minutes. If a head injury is suspected, or the bleeding does not stop, seek medical attention.
Begin by tilting the head forward to allow the blood to drain. Pinch the fleshy part of the nose for 10 minutes, or until the bleeding stops. Do not blow the nose.
Homeopathic Phosphorous 30C is indicated for a nosebleed that will not stop. The blood is bright red, and the person is chilly. Dose every 2-5 minutes.
Homeopathic Arnica 30C can be used if the nosebleed is due to an injury.
About Naturopathic Medicine & Dr. Jennifer Salib Huber, ND
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the underlying cause of disease.
Treating both acute and chronic conditions, naturopathic treatments are chosen based on the individual patient – their physiological, structural, psychological, social, spiritual, environment and lifestyle factors. In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation and traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, may also be used during treatments.
Dr. Jennifer Salib Huber, ND has bee in practice since 2004 and is the owner/clinic director of Pillars of Health in Dartmouth, NS, an integrative wellness clinic offering Naturopathic Medicine, Chiropractic, Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Homeopathy and the Bowen Technique. With an emphasis on education and wellness, the clinic strives to offer the best in multi-disciplinary care. Please visit www.pillarsofhealth.ca for more information.
