Our 2014 Summer Fun Issue – For Kids & the Kid In All of Us – is now out!

Enjoy the following article from this edition!

The weather has finally broken here in the Upper Peninsula and we’re able to take advantage of all the outdoor summer activities this beautiful area has to offer. With the warmer weather inevitably come bumps, bruises, insect bites, scrapes, and other minor injuries associated with living an active lifestyle. If you aren’t lucky enough to have Dr. Oz’s number on speed dial, the next best thing is to have a fully stocked natural first aid kit so you can address most minor accidents without having to run to the store.

Most pre-packaged first aid kits will need to be personalized and added to in order to be fully functional for your needs. When you’re setting up your kit, choose containers that are roomy, durable, easy to carry, and simple to open. Plastic tackle boxes are ideal since they are lightweight, have handles and offer plenty of storage space.

In addition to the basic first-aid kit contents (bandages, alcohol pads, tweezers, scissors, sterile saline solution, hydrogen peroxide, disposable gloves, ibuprofen, antibiotic cream, Benadryl, rehydration fluid, etc.), here is a list of my most-used natural first aid remedies.

NAUSEA, VOMITING & UPSET STOMACH

Activated Charcoal: Coming down with food poisoning while traveling or camping is the pits. I’ve been there and it’s awful. Taking activated charcoal can help with upset stomach, especially if food poisoning is suspected. The charcoal absorbs the poison, which is then eliminated from the body. Activated charcoal comes in the form of powder, capsules, or tablets and the dosage varies depending on the form. The oral dosage is 1 tablespoon of powder stirred into water, 4 capsules, or 8 tablets.

Candied Ginger: Ginger is very soothing to stomach. Candied ginger is palatable and easily stored. It’s nice to have around for unexpected car sickness and general nausea.

CUTS, INSECT BITES & BRUISES

All Purpose Salve: Made by Wise Woman Herbals, this salve contains herbs and nutrients that help your cuts and scrapes heal more quickly and with less scarring. Apply salve directly to cuts and cover with a bandage if needed. This salve is mildly anti-bacterial but will not replace Neosporin in treating an infected wound.

Antibacterial Tincture: This herbal combination contains echinacea, goldenseal, gotu kola, and calendula, and is a great alternative to Neosporin. These herbs are strongly anti-bacterial and help wounds heal more quickly. I usually apply this tincture to a cut or scrape three to five times a day until it is scabbed over.

Bentonite Clay: Bentonite clay is a fantastic drawing agent. A small bag of bentonite clay goes a long way. Mix with water to create a paste and apply to any bug bite with toxins or venom. This works great for spider bites, bee stings and the really nasty mosquito bites. It can help reduce itching on small children so they don’t rub themselves raw (if you can get them to leave the clay on for long enough). Leave the paste on until it dries if you can.

Apis, Homeopathic: This homeopathic is made from bee and this gives you a big clue as to how it’s used. Just think of the last time you had a bee sting. Use this homeopathic anytime you have a bug bite that is painful, red and swollen.

NERVOUSNESS & ANXIETY

Rescue Remedy: Rescue remedy can be purchased at many natural food stores. It is a combination of flower essences that have been selected to help with general anxiety. It can be very useful to have around. Often people become anxious when they’ve injured themselves and this can go a long way toward calming their nerves. It also works great before a stressful test or pre-date jitters!

SPRAINS, STRAINS & MUSCLE CRAMPS

Traumeel: Traumeel is a topical cream that is a combination of the most common trauma-related homeopathics. It can be helpful for bumps and bruises but also for deeper injuries like sprains, strains and over-use injuries. This is a great substitute for tiger balm for all you weekend warriors! Apply the cream to the affected area as needed. This can be used in conjunction with internal homeopathics.

Arnica, Homeopathic: Homeopathic arnica is indicated in many acute traumas. Arnica can help reduce bruising and decrease healing time. Arnica is best indicated in cases of blunt trauma, such as any injury where bruising is the primary concern. In an acute situation, take three to five pellets of arnica 6C, 12C, or 30C under the tongue. Let the pellets dissolve and don’t eat or drink anything but water 15 minutes before or after taking the homeopathic. For a serious injury, homeopathic arnica can be taken every 30 minutes to 2 hours right after the injury and 1-3 times daily for a few days after. For a more minor injury, take arnica only once. Stop taking the homeopathic if the pain and bruising resolve.

These items are a great addition to a standard first aid kit. They will give you more flexibility when dealing with many common injuries and situations. These treatments don’t take the place of consulting a physician when needed. If you experience a serious injury or a wound which is not healing properly, please seek medical care. Enjoy your summer adventures and be safe!!

Dr. Jessica Nagelkirk is a licensed Naturopathic Physician (ND) specializing in integrative primary care medicine. She is a current faculty member at National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and sees patients privately at Apis Integrative Health in Marquette, MI.

 

This article was reprinted with permission from the Summer 2014 issue of Health & Happiness U.P. Magazine, copyright 2014. All rights reserved.