Important Announcement

The MSN Groups service will close in February 2009. You can move your group to Multiply, MSN’s partner for online groups. Learn More

The Herbal First Aid Kit

Please remember that when dealing with potentially serious injuries,

first aid is a stop gap measure until adequate medical attention can

be found! Follow up on any serious injuries with a qualified

physician!

Aloe

Break off an aloe leaf and scrape the gel to soothe minor burns,

scalds, and sunburns. Aloe has tissue regenerative properties and

will help heal all wounds.

Arnica

Arnica cream or oil can be used on bruises or sprains where the skin

is not broken. Caution should be used with Arnica however since it

can become toxic in high doses.

Calendula Cream

Homemade or storebought, this is antispetic and antifungal. If you

make it, try adding comfrey to the cream; it will help speed the

healing process.

Clove Oil

Clove oil is an excellent antispetic for cuts and is also useful for

treating toothaches. It should be cut with a carrier oil when used

on the skin since severe irritation can occur.

Compresses

Keep squares of gauze or cheesecloth on hand to make compresses. Use

comfrey, witch hazel, or arnica for sprains; St. John's Wort for

deep cuts; comfrey or witch hazel for burns.

Crystallized Ginger

Chew for motion sickness or morning sickness.

Eucalyptus Oil

This is a good inhalant for colds, coughs, and respiratory

infections.

Rescue Remedy

This combination of 5 of the Bach Flower Remedies is effective for

shocks and emotional upsets, especially in children.

St. John's Wort Infused Oil

Excellent for minor burns and sunburn.

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm powder is used to make poultices for drawing out

splinters and bringing boils to a head.

Tea Tree Oil

Antispetic and antifungal. Useful for cleansing wounds.

Witch Hazel Extract

Use it to treat minor burns, sunburn, and insect bites. Apply to

nasal passages to stop nosebleeds. Wash cuts with it to help cleanse

them

Leaves of Three

Years ago there was a song on the radio, which went something like this, and I quote; " When you go into the woods today, you may be in for a big surprise, for today is the day the teddy bears have their picnic " To-day that surprise may be Poison Ivy, one of the Species Sumacs once admired for their ornamental leaves.

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron) Member of the Cashew Family (Anacardiaceae)

Any encounter with this plant; which is found in the Rouge; is no picnic. The leaves of the plant contain an oil called urushiol; which is transferred to exposed skin with the slightest contact; and causes a rash, which appears in 24 to 48 hours. For those people who are allergic to Poison Ivy, the rash appears in as little as 4 to 12 hours, and these people may require hospital care immediately. Several precautions, can prevent the results of any contact with the plant.

Learn to recognize the plant ... Three leaves in a triangular pattern, one with a longer stem, two leaves side by side with short stems... 0.5 to 1 meter tall. Has an oily shiny surface, which when contacted skin causes dermatitis. Plant is especially dangerous in spring and summer months Found in large patches alongside disturbed areas (ie) trails, sandy or gravelly soils, dunes and gardens.

Protection from Poison Ivy ... Watch where you are walking, reaching, kneeling or what you are touching. Wear protective clothing. Shorts are comfortable, but expose too much skin. If you wear shorts while hiking, also wear long socks. Watch where your dog explores. The oil from the plant clings to their fur. When You Touch your dog, the oil transfers to you.

Symptoms of contact with poison ivy are... the development of itchy burning areas on the hands, arms and legs. For people allergic to the plant their eyes may swell shut and blisters may erupt on the skin. These people will require hospital care.

Treatment for Poison Ivy ... There are many treatments for Poison Ivy, but I am not qualified to endorse any. We do know the First Nations People used impatiens; also known as jewelweed; as an remedy.

Everybody does agree; that rinsing the affected area with COLD WATER using enough water to carry away the oil; helps. DON'T RUB the area, it just spreads the oil, and helps it adhere to your skin. Change and wash your clothes in hot soapy water and if necessary bath your dog in warm soapy water to clear away oil off it's fur as well.

Never burn Poison Ivy, the smoke is extremely dangerous, and if inhaled may cause death. The most effective cure is avoid the plant altogether, recognizing it and wearing proper clothing when hiking or riding.

Remember this quotation ...

" Leaves of three, let it be. Berries white, danger in site. "

Important Announcement The MSN Groups service will close in February 2009. You can move your group to Multiply, MSN’s partner for online groups. Learn More
Light & Shadows of Chalandor	[email protected]