Herbal Remedies: Bitten!

Tags

animal bites, bee stings, bug bites, herbal remedies, mosquitoes

(Nuisance) Bug Bites and Stings

Since biting insects can harbor disease (malaria, west nile, lyme disease, etc)—and its annoying to be scratching anyhow, it is better to simply avoid getting bit in the fist place. Around the home one can eliminate places where mosquitoes can breed, make sure that screens are in good condition, and plant plants that pests dislike. In areas where this is difficult, protective clothing should be worn. Chemical insect repellents can also be used, or there are herbal alternatives.

Bug Repellant

2 oz vodka or carrier oil
15 drops lavender essential oil
15 drops citronella essential oil
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
5 drops cedar essential oil (optional)
5 drops lemongrass essential oil (optional)

Mix and spritz on exposed skin (if in alcohol), or rub on exposed skin (carrier oil)…avoid clothing as oils can stain/discolor. (Remember, no insect repellent is effective against all bugs all of the time–essential oils are volatile, evaporate quickly, and must be reapplied regularly.) If you use a carrier oil, try infusing catnip into the oil prior to mixing the essential oils.

Sometimes though, you get bitten anyhow.  And itchy is annoying…so try this recipe out!

DIY “Calamine”

1/2 c betonite clay
1/4 c baking soda
1/8 c kaolin clay
20 drops of lavender, tea tree, or some combination of the two
10 drops of chamomile, yarrow, calendula, or some combination of the three
1 teaspoon of powdered goldenseal or echinacea or some combination of the two
witch hazel to desired consistency

Mix, store in a jar (its not necessary to refrigerate, but it feels awesome if you do, and it lasts longer), apply to bug bites and other itchy ouchies (poison ivy, chicken pox, etc) as needed.

Other remedies!

• Pest repellent plants for the garden include basil which deters mosquitoes and flies (and it tastes and grows well with tomato as a companion plant), henbit which is a general insect repellent, the mole plant which doesn’t deter bugs but will deter moles and mice, tansy deters ants and flies, peppermint deters flies, mosquitoes and ants (and also rats), and pennyroyal deters fleas (but is not meant to be ingested, so keep away from where kids and pets can ingest it).
• Essential oils citronella and its cousin lemongrass, eucalyptus, bay laurel, lavender, thyme, geranium, and mint family plants (catnip, peppermint, etc) can be diluted in a carrier oil (you can also try infused oils of these plants), or added to aloe vera gel or witch hazel as a spray to repel insects.
• Real vanilla extract (as opposed to the flavoring) is reported to deter mosquitoes. Real vanilla extract is also expensive…not sure the effectiveness of this, much less if it works in dilution (but at least it smells yummy…and is baby safe)
• Bentonite clay and echinacea tincture or powdered echinacea and lavender essential oil combined to form a paste/plaster to apply to insect bites and stings to relieve itching.
• Fresh leaf poultices can be made from plantain, chickweed, sassafras, or willow and applied to bites (to make a fresh leaf poultice, be certain you have identified plant properly, pick leaf, chew, apply to bite, cover with band-aid if needed to hold in place).
• Apply witch hazel to a cotton ball and cover with a band-aid to hold in place as a sort of mini compress to bug bites.

Other bites (and stings)…

Getting bit can be bad.  There are some bites that can do serious damage or even be fatal.  Know what care to give and when to seek medical help for some of the more common bites and stings:

• Bee stings–Normally, bees and wasps aren’t that big of a deal…but for some people, their sting can be deadly.  If you are watching someone else’s kids (or they are playing at your house, or you coach a team, etc) make sure you find out if they are allergic to bees or wasps, and that (if so) they have an Epi-pen (or other appropriate intervention) and that you know what to do if they get stung, and that you have an emergency contact for the parent.  (and if your child is the one with that allergy, make sure the people they are with know those things)
• Snakes–If you are in North America, there are 4 families of snakes that are venomous–coral snakes, cottonmouths (aka water moccasins), copperheads, and rattlesnakes.  About 8,000 people a year are bitten, and most of them are bitten because they are being stupid–if you see a venomous snake, don’t try to pick it up, leave it alone.  If it somewhere that you don’t want it to be because it creates an hazard (like your bathtub) and you need to make sure it is gone, call animal control.  And, if you are in an environment that you are likely to share with a venomous snake, practice due diligence….The Hubby was once bitten by a rattlesnake, but due to luck and clothing, it only got his boot.  If you are bitten, DO NOT PANIC, and DO seek immediate professional help at a local hospital.  (with the exception of #7, this is a pretty good guide of what to do (and not to do) if you get bitten by a snake…if you are wondering why # 7 isn’t a good idea, check out “don’t” #9)
• Mammals–Generally speaking, the most common mammal bite that one is likely to have is a dog bite, followed by a cat bite, followed by the bite of a wild animal such as a bat, raccoon, rodents, etc.  Some things to keep in mind: while a dog is more likely to be the source of a bite, a cat is more likely to cause an infection (due to their dental structure they cause puncture wounds), also if you are bitten by a raccoon, bat, skunk, or fox, you have the highest probability of rabies (compared to other mammals).  The best way to deal with a bite by a mammal is to avoid getting bitten!  If, however you are bitten, you need to think about the possibility of infection, and know the risk factors and signs of illnesses that can be caused by animal bites in order to make the appropriate decisions about seeking medical assistance.  For immediate care after a minor bite, thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water, and apply some antibiotic creme with a bandage.  With a serious wound, apply pressure with a clean, dry dressing and seek medical attention.  If you are at all unsure of the immunization status of an animal (or know that they are not immunized), the official recommendation is to seek medical attention.  Also, the CDC recommends that you seek medical attention if you find a bat in or around a sleeping area, whether or not you find a bite mark, as bat bites can be difficult to spot.
• Spiders–World-wide, there are only about a dozen types of spiders that are dangerous to humans, and in North America, there are two groups to worry about–the widows (which include the black widow) and the recluses (which includes the brown recluse).  These two spiders, when they bite, do so because we have startled them and invaded their space.  (By the way, one study suggests that 30% of “spider bite” legions have actually been MRSA infections.)  The space they prefer happens to be warm, dry, dark, undisturbed areas like woodpiles, closets, sheds, etc.  If you suspect a bit from one of these insects, seek medical attention.  For more information about the spiders and symptoms of their bites, check out this site.
• Miscellaneous–Depending on where you live (or visit), you may have other animals around that might be a bite risk.  People have been bitten by alligators and crocodiles, sharks, and all sorts of animals….and (I’m going to go out on a limb here and invent a statistic) I’m willing to be that 9 times out of 10, when they get bit, its because they did something stupid and frightened the animal or because (in the case of sharks) they were mistaken for food.   Leave wild animals alone.  Know the animals where you live, know how to behave around them, and know what to do if you have an adverse encounter with one.

Other Herbal Remedies posts: Anxiety & Stress, ENT issues, Funky Feet, for Babies

Advertisement

Herbal Remedies: Foot Pain & Funky Feet

Tags

alternative medicine, athletes foot, feet, foot problems, herbal remedies, massage therapy, plantar fasciitis

Somehow, we tend to forget about our feet.

And yet, there are a number of things that can “go wrong” with our feet.  Many of them can be prevented or lessened by proper nutrition, exercise, and hygiene, some of them can be healed with time and alternative therapies from massage to specialized exercise.

As always, (the disclaimer) I am not a physician.  I have medical experience and I have a long time interest in herbalism, that is all.  This information is not meant as a substitute to actual medical care from a medical professional.  Use at your own terms and at your own risk.  And for Pete’s sake, if you think that you have a serious injury, please go to the emergency room!!

Athletes Foot 

*Soak your feet in warm water with salt and baking soda added (1 quart of water to 1 tablespoon salt and 2 tablespoons baking soda) for at least 10 minutes at least once a day until the problem clears up.
*Slather 5 drops tea tree essential oil, 5 drops lavender essential oil, and 2 drops lemon essential oil in 1 tsp carrier oil massaged onto the feet.
*Allow your feet and your shoes to air out thoroughly as often as possible.  Wear clean socks.  Keep your feet dry and they should stay happy…
*Some herbalists recommend taking garlic orally (for dosing information, try here)

There is one item of G.I. gear that can be the difference between a live grunt and a dead grunt. Socks. Cushioned sole, O.D. green. Try and keep your feet dry. When we’re out humpin’, I want you boys te remember to change your socks whenever we stop. The Mekong will eat a grunts feet right off his legs.

Thus speaks Lt. Dan, from Forrest Gump

Plantar Fasciitis

One of the most common causes of heel and foot pain, Plantar Fasciitis is the straining of the plantar fascia (the ligament that runs from the heel to the toe and forms the arch of the foot) and associated inflammation.  If you are on your feet a lot (particularly on hard surfaces), overweight, pregnant, have high arches or flat feet, wearing worn out or improperly fitted foot wear, or you have tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles, you may be prone to PF.  If you wake up in the morning and have pain in your feet for the first few steps until you get “warmed up”, and after taking stairs or on a long walk, it might be Plantar Fasciitis.  To treat PF, try to stay off your feet for a bit first.  Also, make sure your shoes fit properly, offer arch support, and are in good condition–consider inserts as an option if needed.  Keep in mind that it can take upwards of 12 weeks for PF to resolve.

• Pain relievers can help with pain from PF…this is one of those times when the miracle of modern pharmaceuticals has herbs beat, period.  It will only help with the pain, and it does not fix the underlying problem, but…go ibuprofen!
•  Stretching the foot regularly, as well as the Achilles tendon and calf muscle, can help relieve PF.  For a list of stretches, check here.
• If you think Achilles and calf tightness is part of the underlying problem, you may want to consider night time splints, which keep your feet at a 90 degree angle.  Also, if you are a stomach sleeper,  change your sleeping position–stomach sleeping requires your feet to be pointed which results in shortening your calf muscles for about 8 hours of your day, leading to lack of flexibility and PF.  Night splints make it much more difficult (if not nearly impossible) to sleep on your stomach.
• For PF, you may want to consider alternative hot and cold baths for your foot/feet.  Another option for cold therapy is using a frozen juice can and rolling it under your foot along your arch (if you don’t like the cold, you can do this with a rolling pin or tennis ball).
• Foot and lower leg massage!  An oil infused with arnica and chamomile, may be helpful in encouraging healing and relieving pain.  A foot bath can also be prepared with these herbs.
• Some herbalists recommend taking ginger, or other anti-inflammatory herbs, internally to reduce pain and swelling in the foot, caused by PF.

Calluses and Corns

Corns and calluses are both areas of thickened skin caused by excess friction and pressure.  Corns are tender areas generally on top or side of the toe, while calluses are less tender and located on the soles of the feet (or palms of the hands).  Corns and calluses might not be attractive, but they generally don’t cause problems either.  Diabetes or other circulatory problems can be problematic though, so consult with your physician if this is an issue.  Infection is also a possibility though, so if this is suspected, see a professional.

In the mean time, the best way to get rid of calluses and corns is to stop whatever causes the irritation of the skin, within a few weeks, it they should resolve on their own.  For many people, this goes back to the ill fitting shoe problem.  Either way, don’t cut your calluses off!  Instead, soak your feet (or hands) in a foot bath, exfoliate (pumice stones are your friend!), and slather your feet up with some salve.

Metatarsalgia

Pain in the ball of the foot, where the metatarsal joint are–basically, the ball of the foot behind the toes.  Metatarsalgia has the same symptoms and most of the same causes as PF, it just effects a different part of the foot.  One thing to be wary of–metatarsalgia that does not resolve can be caused by something called Morton’s neuroma, a non-cancerous tumor growing around the metatarsal nerves (and its often caused by wearing shoes that are too tight in that area of the foot, particularly heels).  Also, because metatarsaligia is not a condition on its own, but rather a symptom, consider seeking medical attention if pain persists   Rest, pain relievers and better shoes (wide toes and a rocker sole to take pressure off the heel to toe motion) are the usual recommendations.  Icing, foot baths, and foot massage are also recommended alternative therapies.

Herbs for Feet

Foot baths and salves are great ways to use herbs on the feet.  Some awesome foot herbs include peppermint, calendula, rosemary, sage, lavender, yarrow and marshmallow root.  For carrier oils, try avocado oil for dry and cracked skin, and lanolin added to a nice homemade salve.

The Herbal Foot Bath:

Fill a 1- 2 gallon cooking pot with spring or distilled water, if possible.  Bring the water to a boil and add herbs, then simmer on low, covered for about 20 min.  Cool until comfortable and pour into a basin big enough for both feet. Soak feet for at least 10-15 minutes.

 Happy Feet Salve:

Fill a clean, dry jar with 1 part marshmallow root, 3 parts rosemary, 1 part calendula, and 2 parts yarrow, loosely packed.  Then fill the jar half way with a combination of sunflower oil, olive oil (about 1/3-1/4 of the blend), avocado oil (no more than 10%–I usually add a tablespoon or two to a quart jar), and a similar amount of lanolin.  Infuse.  Strain infused oil and add beeswax to desired salve consistency in a double boiler.

Foot Powder:

Grind equal parts lavender flowers and calendula into a powder and add to a combination of cornstarch and arrowroot powder.  Consider adding a tablespoon of baking soda, or cutting in a couple of drops of tea tree oil.  Sprinkle in shoes or on feet to absorb extra moisture.

Herbal Remedies: Bleeding, Bruises, & Burns

Tags

bleeding, bruises, burns, first aid, herbal first aid, herbal remedies

Disclaimer: I am not a physician.  I have medical experience and I have a long time interest in herbalism, that is all.  This information is not meant as a substitute to actual medical care from a medical professional.  Use at your own terms and at your own risk.  And for Pete’s sake, if you think that you have a serious injury, please go to the freaking emergency room!!

Bleeding

Initial Care:
For a basic severe wound: Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile (or at least CLEAN) dressing (improvised dressings include clothing, towels, etc). Elevate the wounded area if possible and not contraindicated.  Apply compression to the artery at the corresponding pressure point.

For self-treatement:
*Powdered cayenne, sprinkled directly on the wound will initially sting like a mutha effer, but is known to staunch or slow bleeding and MAY reduce pain (capsaicin, the active ingredient is a known pain reliever, though scientific literature indicates that it takes it takes effect over time).
*Powdered kelp, powdered yarrow and powdered plantain can also be used in combination with or without powdered cayenne for the same purpose
*Yarrow tincture on a compress can be used for moderate bleeding

DO NOT REMOVE A DRESSING TO A SEVERE WOUND ONCE IT HAS BEEN APPLIED, UNLESS ADVISED TO DO SO BY A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.

*If treating a MINOR wound, CLEAN WOUND FIRST (rinse and wash wound with soap or other antibacterial substance, THEN apply herb.
*For basic cuts and scrapes, dilute an Echinacea tincture with water to wash the wound and apply a basic healing salve

All-purpose healing salve

1part dried comfrey leaves
1 part dried lavender flowers
1 part dried calendula flowers
1 part dried plantain
1 part dried St Johns wort flowers
1 part dried yarrow

Infuse in olive oil-grapeseed oil combination, strain.  Add 10 drops of tea tree oil per ½ cup of infused oil.  In double boiler, heat oil and add 1 oz cocoa butter, and then SLOWLY add beeswax to desired consistency (test by dipping a spoon/stick/etc into the mix, and allowing to cool).

Bruises

The only way to get rid of a bruise once it has formed is time (or leeches, but that is really only advisable with a medical professional).  A bruise develops as a result of blood that has collected in an area of injury, under the skin. FYI: A tendency to bruise easily may be a symptom or sign of another medical condition. Some herbal remedies are said to reduce bruising and/or help it “clear” faster.

*Benzonite clay, arnica tincture, St John’s wort infused oil or tincture and lavender essential oil can be mixed into an herbal paste/plaster and applied to bruised areas to minimize and reduce bruising and swelling.
*Arnica tincture, St John’s wort tincture, and chamomile and lavender essential oil can be mixed with witch hazel and applied with a compress to minimize bruising.

Burns and Sunburns

Initial Care:
For a first or second degree burn, apply cold water…depending on the severity of the burn, this can be for anywhere from 5-20 minutes.  For a second degree burn, also loosely cover in gauze to protect blistered skin. Try here for more information, including what to do for third degree burns.

NOTE: Do NOT use oil based remedies on a burn.  Butters, oils, lard, petroleum based products, etc. will trap in heat and can cause the burn to be more severe.  Essential oils, particularly if diluted into a water based substances are okay, since essential oils are highly volatile and evaporate quickly.

*For areas that you can treat on your own, after applying cold water try applying lavender essential oil mixed into aloe vera gel (5 drops per tablespoon).
*Honey, lavender essential oil, tea tree oil and a chamomile and water infusion can be applied as a wash to minimally burned areas.
*For sunburn, take a bath with lavender essential oil, lavender and/or chamomile flowers, green or black tea, or apple cider.
* Mash ripe strawberries and apply directly to sunburned skin or thinly slice cucumber and place them on sunburned areas.

 

Tips for the cold season..

Tags

accupressure points, aromatherapy, cold, congestion, cough, euclapytus oil, herbal remedies, herbal remedy, marshmallow, sinusitis, slippery elm

Colds, Cough and Congestion

The common cold is an upper respiratory infection can be caused by over 200 different viruses and generally lasts 7-10 days.  The only thing that will get rid of a cold is letting it run its course, thought there are options that may lessen the duration or severity of cold symptoms. 

*Some studies suggest that Echinacea may reduce the severity and duration of colds if taken in large amounts at the onset of symptoms. 
*Try incorporating probiotics into your diet.  Some studies indicate that live lactobacillus cultures have been linked to less respiratory infections, including some forms of the common cold in both adults and children.
*Vitamins & minerals–both zinc and vitamin C have long been recommended for a cold.  Studies indicate that individuals deficient in zinc and/or vitamin C are more prone to infections and supplements of these can reduce the number and severity of infections.  Zinc, in lozenge form, may reduce the intensity of the symptoms associated with a cold, particularly a cough. Additionally nasal zinc gel (but not zinc nasal spray) and zinc lozenges seem to shorten the duration of a cold.  Conversely, while a few studies have indicated that vitamin C, taken in large does at the onset of a cold may lessen the severity and shorten the duration of a cold, literature reviews of vitamin C studies indicate that it more than likely has little to no effect in preventing or treating infection….but then again, some studies do show that Vitamin C can help.
*Eucalyptus, is an expectorant that is useful in treating both chest and sinus congestion.  For chest congestion, in both adults and children, the topical application of Eucalyptus oil in a chest rub (either oil, or salve) can be of great benefit (as can steam inhalations).  Eucalyptus leaf tea can also be taken, as the leaf is believed to have additional antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.   To make an infusion from Eucalyptus leaf, take 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoonful per cup hot water and steep for 10 – 15 minutes.  Drink up to 3 cups a day.

Chest Rub:
20 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil
15 drops of lavender essential oil
10 drops of Camphor
10 drops of Peppermint essential oil
1/2 cup carrier oil

Mix together.  Rub on chest for congestion.  To make salve, add beeswax to melt until cooled mixture is at preferred consistency.

*Medicated lip balms such as Carmex or Blistex can be applied to the skin under the nose, as well as on, around and just inside the nostril to help relieve rawness from blowing the nose.  Additionally, as most are medicated with menthol, eucalyptus or some combination, which is also useful as an inhalant.
*Marshmallow, particularly the root, and Slippery elm are both effective mucilage agents and help to relieve sore throat and ease coughs, especially if they are dry and unproductive.  Marshmallow root (and valerian root) is most effectively made as a maceration (cold water infusion).  To prepare, pour 2 cups of cold water over 25 g (volume depends on consistency) of Marshmallow root and allow to sit, covered, overnight.    To prepare Slippery Elm root, pour 2 cups boiling water over 4 grams (roughly 2 tablespoons) of powdered bark and then steeping 3 to 5 minutes.  Both of these you can used as a gargle, throat rinse or “tea” up to 3 times a day.

Garlic-Ginger Syrup with Slippery Elm and Marshmallow Root

Fresh ginger root
2 cloves garlic
Marshmallow root (this recipe assumes a shredded consistency…by weight it is about 12 g)
Powered Slippery elm bark
2 c honey

Peel and finely slice 2-3 thumb sized chunks of ginger and 2 cloves of garlic.  Cover with 2 cups honey and allow to “steep” overnight (you do not have to remove the garlic and ginger).  Simultaneously, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tablespoon powdered slippery elm bark.  Allow to cool.  Once cooled, pour this mixture over 2-3 tablespoons marshmallow root.  Sit covered, overnight.  Separate the mucilage and combine with the honey.  Mix. Store in refrigerator.  Take 1-2 tablespoon 3-4 times a day to help with cough.

 

Ginger and Chicken Noodle Soup

*you will need a pressure cooker*

pressure cook together the following (about 10 minutes once pressure has been met):

whole chicken
2 cans chicken broth
several cups water (enough to cover chicken)
1-2 cups baby carrots
1 cup celery, chopped
1 yellow or vidalia onion coarsly chopped
1 pinch ground black pepper

then, remove chicken and debone…put chicken chunks back in liquid and simmer…

sautee and add:

1/3 cup sliced fresh garlic
1/3 cup fresh ginger root sliced
optional…a pinch of curry

also add:

1-2 cups egg noodles  (depends on amt of liquid you have)
bring to boil til noodles done

salt or add soy sauce to taste…optional—add a drizzle of honey to the bowl when serving…adds a bit of sweet to the spicy and salty

*Other herbs that are useful to combat colds and cold symptoms are licorice, peppermint (and other mint family members), garlic, and ginger.

 
*For more remedies, try http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/47/33.cfm

 

 

Sinus/Nasal Congestion

*Drink lots of water.  This should help thin secretions and prevent dehydration.
*Steam inhalation is your friend.  Hot showers, tenting your head with a towel over a pan of steamy water, or a steam vaporizer (not a cool mist humidifier) are all easy ways to relieve sinus congestion.
*Add eucalyptus and/or menthol based essential oils and lavender and/or rosemary essential oils to the steam inhalation reduce the symptoms of nasal congestion.
*Irrigate your sinuses.  A bulb syringe, neti pot, or one of these bottles.  Use ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp baking soda or ¼ tsp salt for 8 oz of WARM distilled or filtered water.

*Saline mist, especially if you can’t stand the idea of irrigating your sinuses (plus it is great for the kiddos)–FAR better than a conventional nose spray, is a newer OTC product that can be found at drugstores…I’ve only ever seen it in the childrens/infant section, sold under a couple of different brands. 
*Try using these pressure points to relieve sinus congestion…