Herbal Medicine for Health & Well-Being

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The information in this booklet has not been approved by the FDA, and is in no way intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. If you are ill or injured, please see a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Herbal First Aid Kit Instructions

Cuts. Use Calendula succus to wash any wound where the skin surface has been broken. For a superficial wound place Calendula tincture on a cotton ball and apply to the wound periodically. For a wound that you wish to keep covered, place the Calendula succus onto the pad of a bandage and place over the wound. Keep the wound covered with a bandage and Calendula until new skin forms. If the wound is very painful add Hypericum tincture for pain relief.

Burns. For 1st degree burns such as sunburns, you may apply Urtica and/or Hypericum tinctures to the affected area periodically until the pain has subsided. For kitchen burns such as scaldings or contact burns, immerse the affected part in cool water for up to 30 minutes. Then apply Urtica and/or Hypericum tinctures and allow to dry. If you chose to cover the burn use a clean and dry bandage. If the burn looks like it may become infected, apply Calendula succus to the applications. For chemical burns flush with water immediately for 20 minutes and seek professional assistance. Burns are tolerated poorly in children under the age of 5 and the elderly, and are therefore of greater concern in these individuals.

Bruises. Mix a few drops of Hypericum tincture into some Arnica oil and gently rub over the bruised area. This can be repeated until the discoloration and inflammation subside. Arnica can be irritating to a bleeding bruise, is this case apply the Hypericum tincture alone to the bruise using a cotton swab.

Bites and stings.Wash any bite first with Calendula, then apply Hypericum tincture to the wound periodically with a cotton ball or place the Hypericum onto the pad of a bandage and cover the area of the bite. If the area of the bite is itchy and leaves a splotchy rash consider applying Urtica tincture. If you are at home you can also make a poultice out of grated potato, or if you are in nature make a poultice out of mud—it will draw out the insect venom and soothe the inflammation.

Strains and Sprains. Tradition tells us to use ice, elevation, rest, and the support of an ace bandage in the case of a recent strain or sprain. In addition, gently rub Arnica oil onto the affected part, or mix Arnica oil with Hypericum tincture for added pain relief and decreased inflammation.

Herbal First Aid Kit Remedies:

Calendula Succus
• Is the juice of the aerial parts of the Calendula plant preserved with a small amount of alcohol. It cleans wounds, stops bleeding, and promotes tissue healing. Calendula is used externally on either open or closed wounds that are tender, red, swollen and tending toward the formation of pus. It is used for inflamed skin conditions like lacerations and burns (including sunburns) and other skin irritations such as diaper rash or eczema. When used early on in the wound healing process Calendula can also prevent the formation of scar tissue.

Hypericum Tincture
• Can be used externally on burns, puncture wounds, sores, boils, and insect and cat bites. It is specific for wounds with sharp, shooting pains, and wounds from sharp penetrating instruments. Hypericum is also useful for bruises, neuralgias, and muscle strains, spasm, and aches. It has pain-soothing, anti-inflammatory, and tissue healing properties. A few drops of Hypericum tincture in water makes a pain-relieving mouthwash for gums that are sore from flossing or dental work (Hypericum is safe to take internally so do not be concerned if some is swallowed).

Urtica Urens Tincture
• Applied topically to a recent burn Urtica brings about rapid relief of pain and promotes tissue healing. Urtica is specific for burns that are stinging and/or itching, and also helpful on hives. In 1st and 2nd degree burns it can prevent the production of vesicles, inflammation, and scarring. It can also be applied to old burns to bring about more complete healing.

Arnica Oil
• Arnica is specific for bruises, strains, sprains, and discomfort from overexertion. It is best suited for blue and red swollen bruises when the wound is recent and the inflammation active. It is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, it relieves pain from injuries, and promotes tissue regeneration. ARNICA OIL IS FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY and should not be used on bruises with bleeding since it can irritate exposed capillaries.

Further information about herbal remedies for first aid is available in Chapter 12 of Herbal Medicine for Health & Well-Being.