"HERBAL FIRST AID"
Part I
An emergency kit should be in every home, car, and place of business. One can purchase an emergency kit from a well-equipped pharmacy, but in that kit are some unnatural and poisonous--sometimes habit-forming materials that will give temporary relief, but will not go to the cause. We will give suggestions for emergency problems, to give relief at the time of accident or need. Then as quickly as possible, we advise you to find some good doctor to aid in any way he can if the problem warrants it.
Abrasions
a. rubbing or scraping off.
b. a spot rubbed bare of skin or mucous membrane.
One of the first things to do in this condition is to see that the area is free of dirt or fine particles that could cause infection. The use of liquid green soap, obtainable at a pharmacy or corner drug store, is one of the best cleansers to use. This procedure is painful since the green soap contacts the bloody area, but must be endured until the area is clean and free from infection. Following are some natural herbal aids for this condition.
Burdock (Arctium lappa) Burdock is well-known world wide as a blood purifying agent and if the leaves are pounded and put on the bruise, abrasion, sprain, etc., it will allay inflammation and ease the pain.
Plantain (Plantago major) This entire plant is solvent in water or can be used directly on the external area in question and is an alterative astringent, diuretic and antiseptic. When applying bruised leaves to the wounded area, it is known to check external bleeding and aid as an anti-infectious aid as well.
Antiacid: This is dyspepsia, more commonly known as chronic indigestion, and is among the most widespread types of stomach trouble. The symptoms of indigestion are a full, heavy feeling in the stomach, gas, heartburn, a gurgling, rumbling stomach and sometimes nausea.
As an aid (after resolving to cut down on the wrong types of foods) start using papaya and/or peppermint tea. Stomach Comfort Formula is also an emergency aid in colic and stomach upsets containing Catnip & Fennel.
A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of honey in a cup of water (distilled preferably) if used 30 minutes before meals, is also a great help to ease or offset acid problems, as this combination adjusts the acid flow to the correct amount after a period of time.
Bruise: A superficial injury produced by impact without laceration; a contusion.
To treat a bruised condition, use any of the following herbs.
Burdock (Arctium lappa) Use the crushed leaves, fomentations or compresses.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) Use the flower heads as compress.
Burns: A lesion caused by the contact of heat. Burns of the first degree show redness; of the second degree, vesication; of the third degree, necrosis through the entire skin; and the fourth degree, more or less, charring.
Burdock (Arctium lappa) Burdock poultices have been used to treat bloody bruises and burns.
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) Fomentations or poultices of the leaves and flowers beaten up with linseed meal have been applied to burns, scalds and boils. (Weiner's Herbal, Stein & Day Pub.)
The following paste formula can be used for the mildest to the most severe third degree burns with assurance of success, if used as instructed. This paste has been used by hundreds of people with great success. It is made as follows:
To equal parts of liquid honey and wheat germ oil, blend in finely chopped or powdered, fresh or dried comfrey leaf or root. When the mixture is the consistency of a heavy spreadable paste it is ready to use. Apply it a half-inch thick or more, over the entire area that has been burned, scalded, etc. Cover with gauze and bandage lightly. Observe area from day to day and if paste has been absorbed, add more on top of the original application. Do not remove original, just add to it when needed. This paste will keep well for many months at room temperature, if kept in a tightly sealed jar. Always have it on hand for emergencies. You should think of carrying a small jar on trips in case of emergency.
If comfrey paste is not available, submerge the burned area in cold water and leave it there as long as possible to take the heat out, or keep cold, wet compresses over the burned area. If honey, wheat germ oil, or olive oil are available, use them to saturate the area completely, keeping it well soaked in the honey or oil until healed. The gel form of the Aloe Vera plant promotes the healing of burns. These are all good, but nothing can compare with the comfrey paste which is now called the Complete Tissue & Bone Formula Ointment which is also a good ointment to have on hand for burns and other skin problems.
Broken Bones: After the doctor has set the bone, take the Complete Tissue & Bone Formula capsules three times a day and also take the Herbal Calcium Formula.
Use two #00 capsules or more three times a day.
Cuts: A cut is a wound, such as an infliction by a sharp object. Certain cuts, such as those that are deep and wide, may require stitches and the immediate attention of a doctor to prevent scarring. If the bleeding does not stop using the following methods, or if the blood gushes in bright spurts, use a tourniquet and seek medical attention immediately.
The old herbalists claimed that cayenne pepper (capsicum or red pepper) should be poured directly into a fresh wound, to sterilize and stop the bleeding. A wound, external or internal, will stop bleeding if the individual will drink a cup of water (preferably hot) with a teaspoon of cayenne pepper (red pepper) stirred into it. The bleeding will stop generally by the time a person can count up to ten after drinking the cayenne tea. The cayenne equalizes the blood pressure from the top of the head to the feet. This keeps the pressure from the hemorrhage area so it will clot naturally, which it cannot do with heavy blood pressure pumping the blood rapidly at the hemorrhage area. Moistened chewing tobacco, shave grass, shepherd's purse, wild alum root, and yellow loosestrife will aid in stopping bleeding and assist in healing.
Decongestant: The removing of congestion such as colds, catarrh, coryza (cold in the head), influenza, etc. A cold is a disorder in the respiratory tract resulting from exposure, with catarrh and invasion of microbial cleansers. These symptoms, common cold, coryza, flu, etc., are evidenced by an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, marked by an acute catarrhal condition of the nasal mucous membrane, a slight rise in the temperature, chilly sensations and general indisposition.
It is caused by oral bacterial infection feeding on excessive or copious secretions of mucus (waste materials) due to the body's inability to properly assimilate milk and concentrated starches. When a cold or fever just gets started, it can be cleared up very easily, if these following procedures are started early.
One of the most simple remedies is to stop the use of all foods and beverages, take a high herbal enema (catnip is good) and drink only red raspberry tea. Between cups of this tea, distilled water may be used, and if desired, give some good organic (natural) Vitamin C. Drink several quarts of red raspberry tea during the day, but no solid foods. The running nose, fever, headache and weariness will soon leave and one will feel like a new person. Even after feeling greatly improved, continue on with the red raspberry leaf tea all that day and well into the next day. If an adult will stay on the tea for three days, it would do a wonderful cleansing job for the body. To make red raspberry leaf tea put one heaping teaspoonful of cut or granulated (powdered) raspberry leaves into a teacup. Fill the cup with boiling distilled water, cover and let stand in a warm place for five or ten minutes. Strain, and drink it while it is very warm (You may use an ounce of red raspberry leaves to a pint of distilled water, if desiring to make up more at a time).
According to Dr. Shook, both the raspberry leaves and berries contain a very wonderful citrate or iron (FE-2, C6, H5, 0-7-2, CH20). It is upon these God given formulas that the body depends for the remarkable blood making and regulating properties (astringent and contracting action on internal tissues and membranes). The leaves also contain pectin and other organic acids, calcium and potassium chloride and sulphate. Medicinal action and uses of raspberry leaf tea are as follows: astringent, tonic, hemostatic, antiseptic, anti-abortient, parturient, anti-gonorrheal, anti-leucorrheal and anti-malarial (Dr. E. Shook). With this description of a "simple" herbal tea, can you now doubt why it is so good for mankind? In Ezekiel 47:12 we read " . . . and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine."
Another aid is boneset tea. Take one ounce of cut boneset herb and over it pour one and a fourth pints of boiling water. Cover and set in a hot place to steep (not boil) for thirty minutes. This is one of the great flu remedies.
One more of the "greats" for flu and colds:
2 ounces elder flowers
2 ounces peppermint leaves
1 1/2 pints boiling distilled water
Pour boiling water over herbs, cover and allow to steep (not boil) in a hot place 20 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey. Give to patient, who should drink the whole amount of tea as hot as possible. Stay closely covered in bed and use a hot water bottle covered with a cloth or towel dipped in apple cider vinegar and place at the feet. In a few minutes there will be a copious perspiration; the pulse will slow down and the patient should sleep peacefully for hours.
When taken alone, elder flowers are inclined to be an emetic, and somewhat nauseous to some people. The effect can be prevented by combining them with peppermint (Mentha piperita). Peppermint is a stimulant, nervine, calmative, and antiemetic, which offsets the undesirable effects of elder flowers. This combination is world famous as a great fever and cold remedy.
Earaches: Pains or aching in the ear. Earaches are caused by infection, colds in the head, a blow to the side of the head, and of course, many other causes.
The simple, old-fashioned aids are sometimes very fast in giving relief. We will give you a number of aids that have been used successfully for many years. Always treat both ears, even if only one aches.
Onion: Lightly bake a large onion, cut it in half and while warm, (not hot enough to irritate the area) bind one half of the onion over each ear. Bandage in place and hold bandage on with a night cap and leave on all night.
Garlic. Drop four to six drops of oil of garlic into each ear and plug with warm cotton. Also add three or four drops of tincture of black cohosh, if available.
Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis). Use a fomentation over both ears of three parts of chamomile and one part lobelia. Also take two ounces orally of this tea (a wineglassful) each two waking hours. Leave the fomentation on the ears all night. (Cover the fomentation with plastic or oiled silk).
Mullein. (Verbascum thapsus) Use three to six drops of mullein oil in both ears several times each day. Insert it upon retiring for the night, and as before, plug the ears with cotton. Place a fomentation over the ears all night of three parts mullein and one part lobelia.
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata). Place a few drops of tincture of lobelia (warmed) into each ear and plug with cotton. Substitute antispasmodic tincture, black cohosh tincture combination or anti-plague tincture if needed.
Hops. (Humulus lupulus) Apply a flannel bag of hops and moist heat (hot water bottle, never dry heating pad) over the affected area.
Fungus: Such as impetigo, contagiosa. This is a contagious disease, caused by staphylococci masked by flat vesicles that become pustular and then crusted.
The best aid that can be given to clear up a fungus condition is the use of black walnut tincture as a fomentation externally and 6-10 drops three or more times a day taken orally in liquid (fruit juices or herbal teas).
Infection: When signs of infection occurs, use our infection and formula, called "xceptic" (see #12 - Germicide). When there is blood poisoning and/or lock jaw, use tincture of lobelia (tincture of lobelia seed is stronger) then after clearing the lock jaw by pouring a few drops on the lips, then go to the cause and clean up the infection that caused the lock jaw to become evident. Use plantain as a poultice (fresh) or plantain ointment.
Insect repellant: Symptoms are caused by insect stings or bites; a sharp prick with an acute burning sensation. Can be caused by the fine hairs in the stinging nettle; by the tail of the wasp, bee, etc., from the head of gnats; from the claws of centipedes. Usually the sting causes a local reversible inflammation. When the sting carries pollen, it may cause violent constitutional reactions in victims who are hypersensitive to that pollen. Death has occurred in some instances.
Oil of anise (Pimpinella anisum) and oil of sassafras mixed together are effective, as is black walnut tincture and oil of elderberry. Plantain bruised, or juiced in a juicer, and placed over the sting or bite will generally bring relief within a short time. The pain and itch will cease and the swelling will leave. Rub the bruised leaves or juice over the exposed parts of the body, and it will discourage the insects from annoying you. The juice or crushed leaves of elderberry, walnut lilac (leaf) and hounds tongue will assist in keeping bites and stings to a minimum.
Germicide: An agent that kills germs. A germicide that can be used for sterilization of tissue surfaces is an herbal combination called "X-ceptic". It consists of oak bark, golden seal root, myrrh, garlic and capsicum in 37 to 42% pure grain alcohol.
Nausea: Tendency to vomit, sickness of the stomach. Use the anti-nausea formula, which is 1 ounce each of the following herbs: powdered cinnamon, powdered cloves, and powdered nutmeg. Simmer in one pint of water five to ten minutes. Do not boil, pour this decoction over four ounces of spearmint leaves and steep for twenty minutes. Strain, sweeten with honey and use from a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful or more as needed. You may also use the anti-plague formula.
This is good for car, plane, or boat sickness; in fact, for most any motion sickness. It is also good for nausea from pregnancy, etc. You may find the relaxease formula to be helpful also.
Poisonous weeds: Whenever you feel the sting from poison oak, poison ivy or stinging nettle, there will be, within eyesight, one or more of the following herbs growing; mullein, hounds tongue, plantain or lilac leaves. Bruise the leaves of any of these and apply over the irritated areas and it generally gives quick relief. Use chickweed ointment, plantain ointment, or mullein ointment to relieve the itching and aid in neutralizing the poisons.
Sprains & Muscular soreness. Use of our cayenne healing balm for muscular soreness and also as an aid in relieving the pain in sprains.
Toothache: Apply oil of clove or oil of cinnamon for immediate relief in the cavity or around the area where the toothache is occurring. This will not go to the cause (see Dr. Christopher's Herbal Home Health Care book for aid in clearing the condition). Also, some have been temporarily helped by chewing small pieces of ginger root (fresh preferably). This is Ginger officinale. This herb has aided in overcoming a paralyzed throat as well.
Some of the items to put into an emergency kit would be:
1 unit 3 inch bandage compress
1 unit 4 inch bandage compress
3 x 3 pads
tourniquet - scissors - tweezers
1 box, 1 x 3 adhesive bandaids (elastic bandages)
1 roll gauze bandage 1 inch x 10 yards
1 roll gauze bandage 2 inch x 10 yards
1 pint rubbing alcohol, 70 percent
1 bottle calamine lotion for insect bites
1 bottle tincture of green soap
1 bottle vitamin C
1 bottle glycerine suppositories burn ointment
penlight absorbent cotton
safety pins sanitary napkins
eye pads matches
wooden tongue blades oral thermometer
plastic bandages splinter forceps
our own formulas recommended for each of the 16 emergencies mentioned
SUGGESTED HERBS FOR HERBAL FIRST-AID KIT
(These are some of the wide-spectrum herbs and have many virtues.) Dried or Powdered Herbs:
Cayenne pepper: Nature's finest stimulant. Useful for heart and circulation problems, indigestion, tonsillitis, heart attacks, wounds, flu, phlegm, ulcers, bowel and liver sluggishness...The list is quite long.
Golden Seal Root: Antibiotic, antisyphilitic, clean antibacterial for eyewash, nosewash, or douche, anti-gonorrheal tonic.
Garlic: Antibiotic, antihistamine, vulnerary, used to equalize blood pressure, source or organic sulphur, tonic, nervine, vermicide, decongestant, expectorant, anti-syphilitic, condiment, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, anti-gas, mouth ulcers, etc.
Oak Bark: The basic astringent. Used for urinary problems, prolapses, varicose veins, bowel problems, catarrh, hemorrhoids, anti-emetic, vermifuge, for hemorrhages, boils, skin eruptions, etc.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: High in calcium citrate of iron, and natural Vitamin E. Excellent for women before, during and after pregnancy. Used as a tea for colds and influenza. (See Dr. Christopher's Cold Sheet Treatment and Aids for the Common Cold, for instructions on how to use the tea when you have colds and flu.) One year we gathered a large supply of raspberry leaves. That winter we supplied friends and neighbors with raspberry leaves for their colds and flu when they realized by word of mouth how effective a remedy raspberry leaves were.
Elder flowers and peppermint leaves: This combination of herbs has no equal when a child is suffering from a hot, dry fever that cannot be broken easily. It is one of the illustrious Dr. Shook's splendid formulas, a great remedy for influenza, colds, fevers, etc. Many people have died needlessly for want of a simple remedy. We know a lady who never travels without these herbs and has been able to relieve the discomforts of many children in the space of one hour through the use of this formula alone. Once you have seen the formula function, you will be truly amazed.
Juniper berries: This herb feeds the urinary tract. It would be very wise to dry and store some of these berries or have them in a tincture or extract. They have wonderful medicinal properties, and have saved the lives of people who were in horrendous and excruciating pain from retention of urine. The juniper berry tea can bring blessed relief within minutes.
Black Walnut hulls or leaves: Fungicide, eliminates parasites and is a source of organic iodine.
Catnip: A mild nervine. Used in catnip enemas.
EXAMPLES OF NUTRITIVE HERBS TO STORE FOR SURVIVAL
The following herbs are nutritive as well as medicinal and can be relief upon as concentrated food sources during times when fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds are not very abundant.
Alfalfa: (Arabic for "father of foods.") It contains protein, chlorophyll, vitamins A, B12, K, C, P, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. The tap root of alfalfa can extend as much as 40-70 feet below the surface of the ground, picking up many minerals from deep within the earth. This is something a plant with a shorter root could not do. Alfalfa can be used as a food or a food supplement. it contains essential hormones and enzymes necessary to keep the pituitary and adrenal glands functioning. There is a story we have told at many lectures and classes about the family that was incarcerated in a concentration camp during the Nazi occupation of Europe. This particular family found the strength to carry them through to the end of the war when they were released. The key was an alfalfa plant growing in the corner of the compound inside the fence. Each member of the family secretly permitted themselves a few leaves of the plant every day...allowing the alfalfa plant to replenish its leaves throughout the long months. The family obtained the necessary nutriments from the plant. These nutriments were not provided by the inferior and scarce prison food. The family maintained their health while others around them dropped dead from malnutrition.
Kelp or Dulse: (dried and powdered or granulated) These plants originate in the ocean. They also contain essential protein, vitamins (including B12) minerals, plus about 35 trace elements needed by the body in order to function well. The organic iodine supplied by kelp will rebuild and maintain the thyroid gland. Kelp also has a salty flavor because of the high potassium content, so it will flavor other foods as an excellent salt substitute without the ill effects of salt. We know of a couple who lived on a beach far from "civilization." When mushrooms and other wild vegetable food was scarce inland, they survived on fresh kelp washed ashore from the sea. Often they made kelp soup or kelp drink sweetened with honey and using fresh water.
Slippery Elm Powder: This is high in protein and vegetable gelatin. One could thrive very well on slippery elm alone. We have attended several cases where small children were losing weight rapidly and becoming weaker from some wasting disease. Often they could not keep down any regular food. When they were placed on slippery elm gruel, a combination of slippery elm powder, water and honey made into a thin paste, they not only survived, but actually gained weight and regained their health. The taste is very palatable, too. It is filling, satisfying and nourishing.
Licorice Root Powder: The adrenal glands need a lift about every 5 hours to sustain the body's energy. If a meal or some other nourishment isn't available, licorice root will feed the adrenals. The armies of Alexander the Great carried licorice root with them on their long marching campaigns for energy, strength and stamina. A far cry from today's K-Rations, a calcium-leaching sugar chocolate candy bar issued to the poor G.I., by the military. Licorice root will also retain hunger and thirst. A tablespoon of licorice root powder in a quart of water (shaken thoroughly) and taken a mouthful at a time over a period of a day will sustain the energy of a person who needs to stay alert on a long automobile drive, for example. Licorice root tea is a splendid pick-me-up. A group of women who worked on the night shift at a well known radio factory were getting caffeine jitters from ingesting quantities of the popular over-the-counter preparation for staying awake. They switched to licorice root tablets and found that their energy could be maintained throughout the night without the consequences of caffeine. Licorice root is an excellent choice for a storage herb, it was even found in Egyptian tombs! Do not procrastinate in obtaining the substance. Another possibility is to try to obtain some starts for licorice at a nursery and cultivate it in your garden.
Marshmallow Root Powder:This is an invaluable herb which can be used as an herbal food as well as a soothing bath for healing the worst of open sores, especially gangrene. Marshmallow root powder can be reconstituted and used as a drink (a tea or thicker if desired) that can keep one from starvation. It is full of vegetable protein. It also promotes the flow of mother's milk.
This herb list was meant only to be an example of some of the herbs to consider for storage. We certainly hope that you will do some of your own research so that you can determine exactly what your family will need.
Many of the herbs mentioned here are available in our bulk single herb order page.
