Conventional, Naturopathic and Homeopathic Advice for Summer First Aid

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Conventional, Naturopathic and Homeopathic Advice for Summer First Aid

Every year at this time, I make a special trip to the drugstore to stock up on summertime first aid products, since with the season’s pleasures comes an assortment of cuts, bruises, bites, sunburns and motion sickness. I prepped for this year’s shopping trip by asking for a list of summertime first aid essentials from three different types of doctors -- a family physician, a homeopathic physician and a naturopathic physician.

THREE DOCS, THREE APPROACHES

For the family medicine perspective, I spoke with Ellert, MD, recipient of the 2009 Family Physician of the Year award by the American Academy of Family Physicians, whose advice emphasizes preventive measures and common sense. I got homeopathic suggestions from Carlston, MD, author of Classical Homeopathy, who uses both conventional and alternative therapies in his clinical practice. In his view, homeopathic medicine is the "gentler and more natural" approach to healing because it encourages the body’s "innate healing powers" to cure itself, rather than masking symptoms. And then, for the naturopathic

perspective I spoke with Jane Guiltinan, ND, immediate past president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, who believes that in most situations "living organisms are able to mount their own healing responses." Naturopathy encourages the support of those healing abilities through a variety of natural approaches including nutrition, botanical medicine, dietary supplements, hydrotherapy (water therapy) and homeopathy.

SUMMERTIME FIRST AID: 5 SCENARIOS It’s a good idea to stock your home and car with basic first aid items, as well as specific ones you or your family may require on outings and day trips. These should be stored under dry and temperate conditions, avoiding prolonged exposure to heat or cold.

Cuts, Scrapes and Bruises

Conventional approach:

Dr. Ellert says that few wounds get infected if they’re washed out well -- he advises using soap and water or a cleansing wipe and, if the wound gets red and more tender (signs of possible infection), applying a triple antibiotic ointment or Bacitracin. For bruises, Dr. Ellert recommends using a cold pack for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling.

Homeopathic approach:

For cuts, scrapes and other types of abrasions, Dr. Carlston recommends using calendula (Calendula officinalis) cream or ointment, made from marigolds, which promotes healing and prevents infections. He treats bruises with the oral homeopathic remedy Arnica montana (made from mountain daisy) to reduce swelling and stiffness.

Naturopathic approach:

Dr. Guiltinan recommends applying CCC Cream (composed of calendula, coneflower and comfrey) to stimulate healing for both abrasions and bruises... or the homeopathic remedy Hydrastis canadensis cream (made from goldenseal). These products are available at health food stores.

Insect Stings and Bites

Conventional approach:

Dr. Ellert advises repelling mosquitos and other biting insects with mosquito nets and over-the-counter insect repellant. To soothe mosquito bites, he turns to the old standby Calamine lotion. To treat bee stings, Dr. Ellert recommends washing the sting area... removing the stinger... and applying a cold pack or ice to reduce swelling. To reduce itching and block an allergic reaction, you can take an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). For severe allergic reactions, use an EpiPen, if you have one available, and seek medical attention.

Homeopathic approach:

To prevent bites, Dr. Carlston recommends taking vitamin B-1 and applying topical soy oil, re-applying every 45 minutes. Dr. Carlston uses the homeopathic remedies Sulphur and Urtica urens (made from the nettle plant) to relieve the discomfort of mosquito bites.

For bee stings, he advises tailoring homeopathic treatment to your individual response: If the area feels cold or is accompanied by throbbing pain, he recommends Ledum palustre (made from wild rosemary)... if the area feels hot, swollen or sensitive to touch, he recommends Apis mellifica (made from honeybees).

Naturopathic approach:

Dr. Guiltinan suggests taking Brewer’s yeast or vitamin B-6 to keep mosquitos away. She recommends Chickweed (Stellaria media) cream to reduce itching and promote healing, noting that the application of soy oil can also be helpful. For bee stings, Dr. Guiltinan recommends rubbing Bromelain (enzymes derived from pineapple) cream on the affected area.

Poison Ivy

Conventional approach:

If you have a rash from poison ivy, Dr. Ellert’s advice is to first wash the area thoroughly with soap (you can use either regular soap or poison ivy-specific soap such as Tecnu) and water and then apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to the affected area, which will relieve inflammation and irritation. Calamine lotion and cold packs may also be helpful.

Homeopathic approach:

Wash thoroughly and then use a homeopathic remedy, depending on the symptoms. Dr. Carlston recommends Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus tox), made from poison ivy, if both itching and burning are intense... Sulphur if itching gets worse with heat... or Anacardium occidentale (a remedy derived from cashew nuts) if the rash is painful but light touching feels good.

Naturopathic approach:

Dr. Guiltinan recommends Calamine lotion along with the homeopathic remedy Rhus toxicodendron. A less common remedy that is also often helpful is comfrey, particularly in combination with goldenseal, she said. Yet another: Use old-fashioned lye soap. It removes the oil when applied in a thick paste to the affected area. Wash off after it dries completely.

Sunburn

When it comes to sunburn, all physicians stress prevention. Limit direct exposure to the sun, especially during the peak hours of 10 am to 2 pm. But if you find yourself with a burn anyway...

Conventional approach:

Dr. Ellert says that the most important thing to do when suffering from sunburn is to replace the lost fluids by drinking plenty of water. Soothe the burn by taking a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Homeopathic approach:

Dr. Carlston recommends the homeopathic remedy Belladonna (from the plant of the same name) to ease the pain and promote healing.

Naturopathic approach:

Dr. Guiltinan recommends applying aloe vera gel to the affected area. It helps to both heal the skin and soothe the pain.

Motion Sickness

Spending time in cars, planes and boats can set the stage for motion sickness.

Conventional approach:

To prevent motion sickness while riding in a car, Dr. Ellert suggests sitting in the front seat (and don’t read). In a boat or a plane, choose a seat in the middle, where there is less rocking motion. If you are prone to motion sickness, Dr. Ellert recommends taking preventive medications such as Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate) 30 minutes beforehand or Bonine (meclizine hydrochloride) one hour beforehand.

Homeopathic approach:

Dr. Carlston recommends Cocculus indicus (from the Anamirta cocculus plant) for dizziness and Nicotiana tabacum (from the tobacco plant) for nausea and vomiting. Use only to treat symptoms, not as a prophylactic.

Naturopathic approach:

Eat ginger to prevent motion sickness, suggests Dr. Guiltinan. You can chew fresh ginger... eat chewable candies... or swallow capsules. Ginger tea may also be helpful, though it is not as strong.

Suzi

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http://360./suziesgoats

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massrii@...From: Suzanne <suziesgoats@...>Subject: Conventional, Naturopathic and Homeopathic Advice for Summer First Aidhealth Date: Thursday, May 28, 2009, 5:54 PM

Conventional, Naturopathic and Homeopathic Advice for Summer First Aid

 

Every year at this time, I make a special trip to the drugstore to stock up on summertime first aid products, since with the season’s pleasures comes an assortment of cuts, bruises, bites, sunburns and motion sickness. I prepped for this year’s shopping trip by asking for a list of summertime first aid essentials from three different types of doctors -- a family physician, a homeopathic physician and a naturopathic physician.

THREE DOCS, THREE APPROACHES

For the family medicine perspective, I spoke with Ellert, MD, recipient of the 2009 Family Physician of the Year award by the American Academy of Family Physicians, whose advice emphasizes preventive measures and common sense. I got homeopathic suggestions from Carlston, MD, author of Classical Homeopathy, who uses both conventional and alternative therapies in his clinical practice. In his view, homeopathic medicine is the "gentler and more natural" approach to healing because it encourages the body’s "innate healing powers" to cure itself, rather than masking symptoms. And then, for the

naturopathic

perspective I spoke with Jane Guiltinan, ND, immediate past president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, who believes that in most situations "living organisms are able to mount their own healing responses." Naturopathy encourages the support of those healing abilities through a variety of natural approaches including nutrition, botanical medicine, dietary supplements, hydrotherapy (water therapy) and homeopathy.

SUMMERTIME FIRST AID: 5 SCENARIOS It’s a good idea to stock your home and car with basic first aid items, as well as specific ones you or your family may require on outings and day trips. These should be stored under dry and temperate conditions, avoiding prolonged exposure to heat or cold.

Cuts, Scrapes and Bruises

Conventional approach:

Dr. Ellert says that few wounds get infected if they’re washed out well -- he advises using soap and water or a cleansing wipe and, if the wound gets red and more tender (signs of possible infection), applying a triple antibiotic ointment or Bacitracin. For bruises, Dr. Ellert recommends using a cold pack for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling.

Homeopathic approach:

For cuts, scrapes and other types of abrasions, Dr. Carlston recommends using calendula (Calendula officinalis) cream or ointment, made from marigolds, which promotes healing and prevents infections. He treats bruises with the oral homeopathic remedy Arnica montana (made from mountain daisy) to reduce swelling and stiffness.

Naturopathic approach:

Dr. Guiltinan recommends applying CCC Cream (composed of calendula, coneflower and comfrey) to stimulate healing for both abrasions and bruises... or the homeopathic remedy Hydrastis canadensis cream (made from goldenseal). These products are available at health food stores.

Insect Stings and Bites

Conventional approach:

Dr. Ellert advises repelling mosquitos and other biting insects with mosquito nets and over-the-counter insect repellant. To soothe mosquito bites, he turns to the old standby Calamine lotion. To treat bee stings, Dr. Ellert recommends washing the sting area... removing the stinger... and applying a cold pack or ice to reduce swelling. To reduce itching and block an allergic reaction, you can take an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). For severe allergic reactions, use an EpiPen, if you have one available, and seek medical attention.

Homeopathic approach:

To prevent bites, Dr. Carlston recommends taking vitamin B-1 and applying topical soy oil, re-applying every 45 minutes. Dr. Carlston uses the homeopathic remedies Sulphur and Urtica urens (made from the nettle plant) to relieve the discomfort of mosquito bites.

For bee stings, he advises tailoring homeopathic treatment to your individual response: If the area feels cold or is accompanied by throbbing pain, he recommends Ledum palustre (made from wild rosemary)... if the area feels hot, swollen or sensitive to touch, he recommends Apis mellifica (made from honeybees).

Naturopathic approach:

Dr. Guiltinan suggests taking Brewer’s yeast or vitamin B-6 to keep mosquitos away. She recommends Chickweed (Stellaria media) cream to reduce itching and promote healing, noting that the application of soy oil can also be helpful. For bee stings, Dr. Guiltinan recommends rubbing Bromelain (enzymes derived from pineapple) cream on the affected area.

Poison Ivy

Conventional approach:

If you have a rash from poison ivy, Dr. Ellert’s advice is to first wash the area thoroughly with soap (you can use either regular soap or poison ivy-specific soap such as Tecnu) and water and then apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to the affected area, which will relieve inflammation and irritation. Calamine lotion and cold packs may also be helpful.

Homeopathic approach:

Wash thoroughly and then use a homeopathic remedy, depending on the symptoms. Dr. Carlston recommends Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus tox), made from poison ivy, if both itching and burning are intense... Sulphur if itching gets worse with heat... or Anacardium occidentale (a remedy derived from cashew nuts) if the rash is painful but light touching feels good.

Naturopathic approach:

Dr. Guiltinan recommends Calamine lotion along with the homeopathic remedy Rhus toxicodendron. A less common remedy that is also often helpful is comfrey, particularly in combination with goldenseal, she said. Yet another: Use old-fashioned lye soap. It removes the oil when applied in a thick paste to the affected area. Wash off after it dries completely.

Sunburn

When it comes to sunburn, all physicians stress prevention. Limit direct exposure to the sun, especially during the peak hours of 10 am to 2 pm. But if you find yourself with a burn anyway...

Conventional approach:

Dr. Ellert says that the most important thing to do when suffering from sunburn is to replace the lost fluids by drinking plenty of water. Soothe the burn by taking a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Homeopathic approach:

Dr. Carlston recommends the homeopathic remedy Belladonna (from the plant of the same name) to ease the pain and promote healing.

Naturopathic approach:

Dr. Guiltinan recommends applying aloe vera gel to the affected area. It helps to both heal the skin and soothe the pain.

Motion Sickness

Spending time in cars, planes and boats can set the stage for motion sickness.

Conventional approach:

To prevent motion sickness while riding in a car, Dr. Ellert suggests sitting in the front seat (and don’t read). In a boat or a plane, choose a seat in the middle, where there is less rocking motion. If you are prone to motion sickness, Dr. Ellert recommends taking preventive medications such as Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate) 30 minutes beforehand or Bonine (meclizine hydrochloride) one hour beforehand.

Homeopathic approach:

Dr. Carlston recommends Cocculus indicus (from the Anamirta cocculus plant) for dizziness and Nicotiana tabacum (from the tobacco plant) for nausea and vomiting. Use only to treat symptoms, not as a prophylactic.

Naturopathic approach:

Eat ginger to prevent motion sickness, suggests Dr. Guiltinan. You can chew fresh ginger... eat chewable candies... or swallow capsules. Ginger tea may also be helpful, though it is not as strong.

   Suzi 

List Owner

health/  

http://360./suziesgoats 

What is a weed?  A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.