common ailments and remedies

Complementary First Aid,  self-sufficiency will be the hallmark of the Year 2000 in most aspects of our lives, but especially healthcare. On or before January 1st, access to healthcare facilities and practitioners may be interrupted. This will be due to likely disruptions in the conventional healthcare system, or lower-probability infrastructure failures -- transportation or communications -- restricting access to all healthcare practitioners, supplies and services. Complementary First Aid goes beyond basic First Aid to include remedies such as Acupressure and Aromatherapy (see our archives), Bodywork, Herbal and Homeopathic Medicine, and Reflexology (see our online book). This issue features Herbal Medicine -- another exceptional healing system that goes well beyond Echinacea. --KJ Herbal Medicine has been used since primitive man first observed animals eating certain plants when not feeling well. Trial and error testing, and now scientific research, have refined herbal medicine into a significant part of complementary healthcare. Herbs are the basis of most drugs, which are often synthetic forms of the herbs. Throughout recorded history, herbs have played a strong part in healing and healthcare. With minimal side-effects and powerful results, herbal medicines can be a strong part of your wellness program, including first aid for you and your family. The following list is representative of the many conditions that herbs effect and the many herbal medicines that can be very effective. Some notes are in order to set the stage properly (source shown in parenthesis): Take all tinctures - concentrated extracts in an alcohol medium -- in a little warm water (about 2 inches in bottom of glass) to help absorption and to dilute the strong medicinal taste. (JFH) If alcohol intake is not desired - it is minimal for each dose - squeeze the dropper dose into a little just-boiled water and let it stand for 20 minutes. Most of the alcohol will evaporate. (You will have less than in mouth wash.) If one may not ingest any alcohol at all, these tinctures should not be taken. (JFH) In serious situations, consult the nearest and best-qualified healthcare professional, as available. (TIH) Child's Dosages: divide the weight of a child by 150 to get approximate fraction of adult dose. Example: 50 lb child / 150 = 1/3rd the adult dose. (TIH) Information Sources/Suppliers (Reference Abbreviations in parenthesis) Blumes Farm (BF), P.O Box 402, Franktown, CO 80116. Just for Health Enterprises (JFH), Rachel Lord, 480 South Holly St., Suite 1, Denver CO 80246, (303)341-4384. Steven Foster Group (SF), Post Office Box 1343, Fayetteville AR 72702, (501)521-5887, from Herbs for Your Health, by Steven Foster, 1996, a quick-reference guide to the 50 most commonly used herbs available in the US. Softcover, 121 pp. Susan Mallamo (SM), Homeopathic and Herbal Education Consultant, Post Office Box 28265 #16, Lakewood CO 80228-0010, (303)989-7743. Lotus Brands Manufacturing Turtle Island Herbs (TIH), Arv Donovan, Manager, 2825 Wilderness Place, Suite 400, Boulder CO 80302, (303)442-2215 / (800)684-4060. Suppliers Herbs, Seeds, Foods: Rocky Mountain Food Storage, Tom Frizzle, Sales Director, 2045 South Valentia, Suite 17, Denver, CO, USA, 80231, (303)368-7900. Containers and dropper lids: Mountain Rose (800)879-3337 and Sunburst Bottle Company (916)348-5576. BF

Examples of Conditions and Herbal Remedies follow. An expanded list is in our current eLetter at our eLetter site and the complete list in a separate article at our eJournal site.
The format for this listing is: Condition - Remedy (Information Source) Adult Remedy Application Comments/CautionsAbrasions - Echinacea (TIH) Wash well, apply Echinacea drops to area. Those allergic to pollen of other members of the aster family, such as ragweed, may also be allergic to Echinacea. May not be appropriate if you have an impaired immune system response, including tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis and HIV infection.

Abrasions - Lavender Clean area with 5 drops of Lavender oil diluted in bowl of warm water. Use sparingly for acute situations. Backache, low - Chamomile, Rosemary, Peppermint Add 2 drops Chamomile, Rosemary and Peppermint oils to 2 cups of water; add to a compress; apply to lower back; hold in place with plastic wrap. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic oils can be used with a compress or as a massage oil.

Bite, insect - Lavender, Tea Tree; in Witch Hazel Applied Lavender and/or Tea Tree oils full-strength or with Witch Hazel as a carrier. Bite, insect - Echinacea, Aloe Vera, Tea Tree, Plantain Pull stinger out with tweezers; apply available pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory remedy, such as a split raw Aloe Vera leaf, few drops Tea Tree oil, chewed/mashed Plantain; bandage; 30 drops Echinacea under tongue. Bleeding, passive: nose bleeds, blood in stools or urine - Yarrow Herb (JFH) Take 2-4 ml tincture of Yarrow Herb stem and flowers; take 3x/day in a little water. Or make a tea with 1-2 tsp of dried herb; steep in just boiled water 10-15 minutes; strain; drink 3 cups or more a day.

Bleeding, heavy - Cayenne (TIH) Drink 10 drops Cayenne diluted in 2 oz water; apply a few drops of extract to bleeding area. Bronchitis - Licorice (JFH) Take 1-3 ml tincture of Licorice root 3x/day in a little water. Or make a tea of 1 tsp dried Licorice root to 1 cup water; boil then simmer 10-15 min; strain; drink 3 cups daily.May cause reversible high blood pressure, potassium loss, and sodium and water retention IF taken regularly (more that 3 grams a day for more than 6 weeks). This is unlikely when taken in recommended dosage. To be on safe side, do not use in cases of high blood pressure renal failure or current use of digitalis preparations.

Bruise - Arnica (TIH) Apply Arnica immediately and continue every couple of hours the first day.

Burn, fire - Lavender, Calendula Apply ice cold water for five minutes, then apply 2 drops full-strength Lavender oil; re-apply as needed. Can also make a compress with honey or Calendula oil as a carrier. Calendula is Wild Marigold extracted into a carrier.

Burn: fire, sun, wind - Echinacea, Aloe Vera, Plantain Echinacea to cool; split Aloe Vera leaf or chewed/mashed Plantain often if second degree.

Cold - Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Thyme, Clove For steam inhalation, use 1 drop each Tea Tree, Thyme, Clove and Eucalyptus oils in hot water. Or in bath, use 2 drops Thyme and Tea Tree, 1 drop Eucalyptus.

Cold, flu - Astragalus (SF) Make tea with 1-5 tsp Astragalus root in one cup hot water; take three times daily. Chinese tradition is to take the large dosage and simmer for several hours.

Cold, flu - Echinacea (JFH) Take 2-4 ml tincture of Echinacea root every 2 hours for acute condition. Or for long term use, take 2-4 ml, 3x/day. Take tincture in a little water for better absorption. Use for 6 weeks on, 1 week off and repeat if necessary. Do not use as a long term immune enhancer; there are better herbs for this such as Ginseng root, Astragalus root or Reishi mushroom. If nausea occurs, mix with a little Ginger or Peppermint or discontinue.

Constipation - Cascara segrada (SF) Take 10 drops (1ml) of fluid extract. Follow label instructions. Only use aged bark. For chronic constipation, see your healthcare professional to avoid laxative dependency.

Cough - Licorice (JFH) Take 1-3 ml tincture of Licorice root 3x/day in a little water. Or make a tea of 1 tsp dried Licorice root to 1 cup water; boil then simmer 10-15 min; strain; drink 3 cups daily. May cause reversible high blood pressure, potassium loss, and sodium and water retention IF taken regularly (more that 3 grams a day for more than 6 weeks). This is unlikely when taken in recommended dosage. To be on safe side, do not use in cases of high blood pressure renal failure or current use of digitalis preparations.

Cut - Geranium, Cistus (Rock Rose) For small cuts, apply few drops of Geranium or Rock Rose, apply pressure for one minute, apply bandaide. Has good homeostatic properties.

Cut - Calendula (SM) If jagged, vlean with mild soap and water; apply 22% Calendula extract or ointment to wound; bandage; dab with extract or ointment to keep it moist; if serious, take to healthcare professional. See Homeopathic Medicine hints in Notes.

Diarrhea - Quassia (TIH) Take 3-5 dropperfuls of Quassia every 6 hours.

Earache - Tea Tree Oil (TIH) Dilute Tea Tree Oil 1-2 times w/ vegetable oil and insert 3-6 drops in ear. Feet, sore - Arnica (TIH) Massage with Arnica immediately and continue every couple of hours the first day.

Fever - Yarrow Herb (JFH) Take 2-4 ml tincture of Yarrow Herb stem and flowers; take 3x/day in a little water. Or make a tea with 1-2 tsp of dried herb; steep in just boiled water 10-15 minutes; strain; drink 3 cups or more a day.; combine with ginger, cayenne or peppermint to cause sweating. Fingers or toes, crushed - Arnica (TIH) Apply Arnica freely if skin not broken; dilute to drink every 15 minutes until pain and shock subside.

Flu - Geranium, Tea Tree, Atlas Cedarwood Mix 2 drops each Geranium and Tea Tree oils in 1/2 cup water; gargle; if mucus present, add 2 drops Atlas Cedarwood, oil. Foot ache - Rosemary, Sage, Peppermint Add approx 5 total drops of Rosemary, Peppermint or Sage oils in a footbath of tepid water. Cooling, deodorizing and refreshing oils are pleasant to use as a foot bath.

Frostbite - Cayenne (TIH) 5-10 drops Cayenne diluted in 2 oz water. Gastritis, chronic - Ginger (JFH) Take 2 ml tincture of Ginger Rhizome 3x/day in a little water. Or use fresh ginger root; grate 1 tbsp and steep in a tea for 20 minutes and strain. Do not use if fever is present.

Headache - Echinacea, Valerian (TIH) 30 drops Echinacea; 30-45 drops Valerian. Headache - Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Peppermint Inhale Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Roman Chamomile and Peppermint oils from bottle or tissue. Or add 12-15 drops each of the oils per 1 oz carrier oil,; massage gently over temples, behind ears, across the back of the neck. Or bathe with 3 drops each Sweet Marjoram, Roman Chamomile and Lavender oils.

Indigestion, nausea - Chamomile (SF) Make tea of 1/2-1 tsp of dried Chamomile flower per cup hot water; drink one cup 3-4 times daily. Or take 10-40 drops Chamomile tincture three times daily. Those allergic to pollen of other members of the aster family, such as ragweed, may also be allergic to Chamomile. Infection, bacterial and viral - Echinacea (JFH) Take 2-4 ml tincture of Echinacea root every 2 hours for acute condition. Or for long term use, take 2-4 ml, 3x/day. Take tincture in a little water for better absorption. Use for 6 weeks on, 1 week off and repeat if necessary. Do not use as a long term immune enhancer; there are better herbs for this such as Ginseng root, Astragalus root or Reishi mushroom. If nausea occurs, mix with a little Ginger or Peppermint or discontinue. Infection, minor - Astragalus (SF) Make tea with 1-5 tsp Astragalus root in one cup hot water; take three times daily. Chinese tradition is to take the large dosage and simmer for several hours. Insect repellent - Tea Tree Oil (TIH) Use Tea Tree Oil sparingly. Insect repellent, general - Citronella, Cedarwood, Geranium, Lemongrass To 1 oz vegetable oil, add 3 drops each Citronella, Cedarwood and Geranium and 5 drops Lemongrass oils; apply to skin avoiding eyes; wash hands. Citronella is a well known active ingredient in bug repellents though can be overpowering if used in strong concentration.

Insomnia - Chamomile (SF) Make tea of 1/2-1 tsp of dried Chamomile flower per cup hot water; drink one cup 3-4 times daily. Or take 10-40 drops Chamomile tincture three times daily. Those allergic to pollen of other members of the aster family, such as ragweed, may also be allergic to Chamomile.

Lice, head - Eucalyptus, Lavender, Geranium, Rosemary Add 2 drops Eucalyptus and 1 drop each Geranium, Lavender and Rosemary oils to 1 tsp (5 ml.) carrier oil; massage into the scalp, leave for 30 min; comb hair with fine tooth comb; shampoo hair, combine 2 drops each Eucalyptus, Lavender and Geranium oils, 1/2 oz vinegar, and 8 oz water; rinse and do not wash out; repeat daily until lice and eggs have disappeared. Essential oils are useful as an insect repellent when used in an environmental mist, or topical application.

Ligaments, torn - Arnica, Valerian (TIH) Massage with Arnica immediately and continue every couple of hours the first day; take Valerian.

Migraine - True Melissa, Rosemary, Sweet Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Lavender Inhale True Melissa and Rosemary oils from bottle or tissue. Or add 12-15 drops each of the oils per 1 oz carrier oil; massage gently over temples, behind ears, across the back of the neck. Or bathe with 3 drops each Sweet Marjoram, Roman Chamomile and Lavender oils.

 Morning sickness, in normal pregnancies - Ginger (JFH) Take 2 ml tincture of Ginger Rhizome 3x/day in a little water. Or use fresh ginger root; grate 1 tbsp and steep in a tea for 20 minutes and strain. Do not use if fever is present. Muscle, skeletal pain - Birch, Black Pepper, Chamomile, Clove, Helichrysum, Peppermint Make a blend for massage with a total of 20 drops in one ounce of carrier. Use a total of 10 drops in half a cup of Epsom Salts in a relaxing bath. Can use fewer drops of spice oils and oils with a strong odor intensity (Birch, Black Pepper, and Clove).

 Muscle spasms - A combination of: Passion Flower, Valerian Rhizome (JFH) May use the herbs individually, though not as effective. Take 1-3 ml tincture of Passion Flower and Valerian Rhizome 3x/day in water. May mix with a little Ginger to protect stomach. Valerian normally smells like dirty socks. Do not use this formula with any other sleeping medication. Do not use in pregnancy (Passion Flower is a uterine stimulant). Both are medium-strength herbs. If used continuously on own, take a few day's break every 2 weeks. May cause nausea/vomiting.

Muscle, cramps, sore - Arnica (TIH) Massage Arnica in immediately and continue every couple of hours the first day.

 Nausea - Ginger (BF) Grate one teaspoon fresh Ginger into 8 oz boiling water, simmering 10 minutes then strain; sip throughout day.. Or combine two 500 mg capsules Ginger;.

 Nose, bleeding - Cayenne (TIH) Insert tampon into nostril; 5-10 drops Cayenne diluted in water. Or tilt head back and pinch nostrils.

Pain - Arnica, Valerian (TIH) Apply Arnica immediately and continue every couple of hours the first day; take 30-60 drops Valerian.

Pain - Cayenne (SF) Use freely as a spice. Make tea with 1/2-1 tsp powdered Cayenne fruit in cup of water. Cayenne's pungent principle, capsaicin, is not water soluble and is a highly toxic irritant, so it is difficult to wash off and may cause burning skin irritation. Use under healthcare professional's direction.

PMS - Licorice (JFH) Take 1-3 ml tincture of Licorice root 3x/day in a little water. Or make a tea of 1 tsp dried Licorice root to 1 cup water; boil then simmer 10-15 min; strain; drink 3 cups daily. May cause reversible high blood pressure, potassium loss, and sodium and water retention IF taken regularly (more that 3 grams a day for more than 6 weeks). This is unlikely when taken in recommended dosage. To be on safe side, do not use in cases of high blood pressure renal failure or current use of digitalis preparations.

Poisoning, food - Ipecac Syrup, Echinacea (TIH) Take Ipecac Syrup to vomit; 30 drops Echinacea as often as needed; take 2 Slippery Elm capsules to absorb toxins.

Scratches -- Calendula (SM) Wash gently with mild soap and water; apply 22% Calendula extract or ointment on dressing to wound; bandage; dab with extract or ointment to keep it moist. Do not apply substances such as iodine which burn skin and delay healing. See Homeopathic Medicine hints in Notes.

Shock - Cayenne (TIH) Put Cayenne under tongue until relieved.

Sinus congestion - Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lavender Inhale Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Lavender oils from bottle or tissue. Or add 15-20 total drops of the above oils per 1 oz carrier oil; massage gently over temples, over the sinuses and around the ears. Be careful not to get into eyes.

Sinusitis - Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Thyme Inhale Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Thyme from bottle or tissue. Or add 12-15 drops per 1 oz carrier oil each of oils; massage gently over temples, behind and in front of the ears, over the nose and cheek bone.

Skin infections, fungal - Tea Tree Oil (TIH) Apply Tea Tree oil full-strength or diluted w/ vegetable oil to skin surface. Sprains, Strains - Arnica, Valerian (TIH) Massage with Arnica immediately and continue every couple of hours the first day; take Valerian. Stomach upset - Ginger, Slippery Elm (JFH, TIH) Take 2 ml tincture of Ginger Rhizome 3x/day in a little water. Or use fresh Ginger root; grate 1 tbsp and steep in a tea for 20 minutes and strain. Or Take 2 Slippery Elm capsules. Do not use if fever is present.

 Swelling - Arnica (TIH) Apply Arnica immediatelWARNINGThe critical factor in using plants for food is to avoid accidental poisoning. Eat only those plants you can positively identify and you know are safe to eat.

Enjoy great love peace and harmony!

 

Love is born in fire, its planted like a seed.

 

Please, feed many with one seed, plant it. thank you!