Your Path to Healthy Living and a Healthy Life

Clinical Pearls

Summer First Aid Ideas

Summer is fast approaching and with it comes more and more outdoor activities. This month I will suggest some naturopathic first aid ideas for common mishaps.

Everyone knows that with the thinning of the ozone layer, it is much easier to get a sunburn. If you are going to be spending any length of time in the sun, use a sunblock that protects against ultraviolet A and B rays. Also, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and clothing to cover as much of the body as possible is a good idea.

For those of you who insist on sporting a tan, slowly develop the tan by sunning before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. I know this can be limiting, but once your tan is darker, you can spend time in the sun between 10 and 4 with less risk of burning. I still recommend using sunscreen, but sunblock is not as crucial for shorter periods in the sun once a tan has developed.

If you are unlucky enough to get burnt, aloe vera preparations are the best for relieving the sting and repairing the skin. The homeopathic remedy Cantharis is very useful for sunburns as well. Milder burns may respond well to the remedy Urtica urens.

Insect stings are one my least favourite things about summer. With the West Nile virus moving west, more people are worrying about mosquito bites. Most commercial mosquito repellents use DEET. This chemical is toxic. Try using a product with citronella. It is an essential oil from citrus that works very well for keeping mosquitoes away.

The best homeopathic remedy for insect stings is Ledum. In fact Ledum is indicated for any puncture wounds. This remedy is especially indicated if the affected area feels cold, but the patient does not want the area covered or warm and the area feels better when cold is applied.

Apis is another common remedy for stings that produce redness, heat, swelling, and pain. The patient usually is better with cold and worse with heat or touch.

Picnics are a favourite pastime in the summer. Food must be prepared and handled properly or food poisoning can result. If symptoms are severe, get to the hospital as soon as possible. If symptoms are not too severe, take charcoal tablets to absorb the toxins in you gastrointestinal tract. Acidophilus and bifidus and slippery elm powder can help with some of the symptoms.

One homeopathic remedy that can help is Agaricus. This is indicated for patients with upset stomach and sharp pain over the liver and spleen. There may be diarrhea with lots of rumbling and wind. Burps might taste like rotten eggs. Arsenicum album is used when the patient has stomach upset, burning pains, burping of acid or bile, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, restlessness, chills, and thirst. Carbo veg is indicated when the patient has excessive belching which temporarily relieves some discomfort. Belches taste sour and putrid. Stomach pains can burn and extend up the back and chest. The abdomen can be distended and cramps may cause the patient to double over. Stools are very loose and watery, hot, and foul-smelling. The patient may have the desire to be fanned because they feel better with cool air.

I am really not trying to make you paranoid about summer. Take the
proper precautions and you will have little to worry about.

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