first aid 275
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First Aid
Knowing how to give fi rst aid in emergencies can and does save lives.
Herbal remedies have their limitations, and the help of modern medicine
should be enlisted for any serious injury or illness. In fact, trauma
medicine and trauma surgery are the best kinds of so-called conventional
medicine; make sure you call for help if necessary. Take a fi rst-aid course
to gain basic skills that can help until professional help arrives.
While following the fundamental rule, Do no harm, you must also
accept the principle of calculated risk in fi rst aid. Even if there is some risk,
it is right to apply a treatment that will benefi t the majority of casualties.
You must not, however, use a doubtful treatment just for the sake of doing
something.
Emergencies
bee stings
Bee stings are painful and can cause fever and headache, allergic reactions
(because of to the body’s release of histamine), swelling, redness, and rash.
With bee stings, the poison bag may still be attached to the stinger;
remove the stinger with tweezers, without damaging the poison bag, then
apply freshly crushed plantain leaf, lavender essential oil, or crushed garlic
directly on the sting.
A cold chamomile compress made with diluted essential oil could be
equally well applied. One undiluted drop of chamomile essential oil can
be applied directly to the sting; repeat every few hours (or when irritation
occurs) for two or three days. St. John’s wort fl ower oil or tincture is also
helpful used topically, as is echinacea root tincture.
bleeding
Dr. Christopher, as well as a number of other popular herbalists, have
recommended the treating of a bleeding wound with cayenne pepper in
order to stop the fl ow both internally and externally. Other herbs with
predominantly styptic qualities are plantain leaf, yarrow leaf, cranesbill
(American true geranium) root, slippery elm inner bark, oak bark, and
ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea). All these herbs are best used in powder
form. Find out the cause of the bleeding and seek appropriate further