first aid 277
is short-lived. (Midstream urine or breast milk can be used to fl ush out
the eye in an emergency.)
gashes and lacerations — deep wounds
Use a few drops of lobelia leaf and cayenne tincture orally, and then pack
with deep wound paste (see “Other Items” at the end of this chapter for a
recipe). Renew the paste on a daily basis.
heatstroke and sunstroke
The onset of these conditions is usually slow and is heralded by a
confused feeling, headache, drowsiness, a raised temperature, discomfort
in the kidney area, and a lower urine output than expected. The skin
appears fl ushed, hot, and dry. This type of temperature needs to be
brought down quickly. Feed plenty of liquids, ideally involving infusions
from plants with a high sodium content, such as seaweed, lichen, or
licorice root. If mineral salt has to be added, use minimal quantities only.
insect and spider bites and stings — serious
Calm the patient. Then immerse the affected area in a bowl of cold water
containing ice cubes and a teaspoon of baking powder, which slows the
circulation and helps prevent the spread of poison. Alternatively, apply
fresh raw onion over the area or cover with wheat germ oil, put an ice
pack on top, or apply calendula ointment. This should be done before
anything else. Give Dr. Bach Rescue Remedy (a fl ower remedy available
from specialist shops and pharmacies), arnica (a homeopathic remedy), or
a few drops of lobelia leaf tincture. Serious allergic reactions need to be
treated with cortisone or adrenaline, for which you must seek urgent
medical help; administer coffee in the short term. If the patient loses
consciousness, apply a few drops of lobelia leaf tincture to the lips. This
very often brings them back.
Don’t scratch or squeeze the wound, which can encourage infection.
Use lavender, tea tree, or rosemary essential oil, or lemon juice. Also
apply echinacea root tincture topically. When in natural surroundings, look
for plantain leaves and either rub on fresh or prepare as an extra-strong
tea (boiled for ten minutes) and apply it to the wound on cotton balls.
insect repellents
Elder leaves and fl owers can be bruised and made into a concoction.
Applied to the skin it will act as a repellent, but can also be used as a
poultice for insect bites. Lemongrass and citronella also make excellent
insect repellents.