May 21, 2009 You are subscribed as herbsplus@carolina.rr.com Creating an Herbal First Aid Kit for Illnesses and Emergencies by Steven Horne, RH(AHG)
Accidents, illnesses and emergencies are a part of life. They happen to everyone. Some people might think that this is only due to "negative" thinking, but most people who promote positive thinking don't deny that we go through difficult times; they just teach that we should look on even our difficulties in a positive light. We do this by seeing them as opportunities for growth. In that vein, I've always thought that being prepared for emergencies is a good idea. Part of this is training. Everyone should have some basic first aid training and know how to handle common injuries. I also think that everyone should be able to handle common illnesses, which is why I wrote my Dr. Mom-Dr. Dad Course. In the latest version of the Dr. Mom-Dr. Dad Course, I offer some suggestions for an herbal first aid kit. Here they are: A General Activator or Stimulant
You want to have at least one herb or formula which you can administer which stimulates the energy of the body. You use this at the first sign of colds, flu or other acute illness and administer it in small, frequently repeated doses to stimulate the system to remove the disease. I think Capsicum (discussed last issue) or HCP-X are the best choices, but ginger will also do.
An Antispasmodic Herb or Formula
An antispasmodic relaxes muscle cramps of spasms and can be used to ease pain, relax the body during anxiety attacks and stress, ease asthma attacks, and relieve tension headaches. Lobelia is my favorite remedy here, although Blue Vervain or CBG extract could also be used.
An Immune Stimulant
It's good to have something to stimulate the immune system. This can be used for fighting infections, but it can also be used for prevention. Take the remedy when colds or flu are going around to "immunize" yourself and your loved ones. Ultimate Echinacea and Immune Stimulator are good for this purpose, but you can use any herbal product that stimulates the immune system.
A Natural Antibiotic
I always keep raw garlic on hand to use as a natural antibiotic for fighting infections. For long term storage, I also keep Garlic Oil and High Potency Garlic in my home health care kit. Silver Shield has also found a permanent home in my first aid kit, both the liquid and the gel.
An Astringent
It's a good idea to keep at least one astringent in your home health care kit. Astringents can be used to arrest bleeding and other discharges. They are useful for diarrhea, bee stings and insect bites and gargles for a sore throat. My personal favorites are yarrow, bayberry and white oak bark. Yarrow is particularly good because it is also a valuable remedy for fevers.
Activated Charcoal
As I said last issue, Activated Charcoal is a vital remedy that should be in everyone's home. I especially believe every home that ever has small children in it should have some activated charcoal on hand for use in case of poisoning. It lasts forever, so there is no worry about it going bad on you. A Blend of Topical Analgesic Essential Oils
I don't know where I'd be without my Tei Fu oil. It has to be one of the most useful remedies I've every found. It can be applied topically to ease the pain of sore muscles, to reduce swelling in bug bites and bee stings and to aid headaches, sore throats, sinus and respiratory congestion and a whole lot more.
A Shock-Relieving Flower Remedy
The classic here is Dr. Bach's Rescue Remedy, but NSP's Distress Remedy is even better as I explained in the last issue.
An Expectorant and Decongestant
Although HCP-X and Lobelia all have an expectorant and decongestant action, it is best to have a formula that is more specific to clearing excess mucus from the lungs and sinuses. AL-J is my favorite.
Aloe Vera Gel
A high quality aloe vera gel is useful to keep on hand for burns, sunburn, abrasions and other skin irritations, such as NSP's Aloe Vera Gel. Herbal Trim is even better as it contains some Tei Fu oil and other ingredients.
Arnica
Arnica is one of the best remedies for treating bruises, sprains and other related injuries. Nature's Sunshine's Healing AC Cream is a great remedy that contains both arnica and calendula.
An Anti-Viral Formula
My favorite is VS-C. This is something you can use for chicken pox, measles, cold sores, herpes and other viral infections.
A Carminative
Carminatives are used to relieve gas, bloating and colic. Catnip and Fennel is a great choice, especially for families with young children.
Nature's Fresh Liquid Enzymes
Although this is supposed to be a stain odor remover (and it's a very good one), Nature's Fresh Liquid Enzymes also makes a great first aid spray for injuries, sunburn and many other problems. Non-Herbal Supplies
You will also want to keep an assortment of bandages, gauze pads and other dressings for wounds in your home health care kit. I also include a pair of tweezers and a needle for extracting slivers, a pocket utility knife, a small pair of scissors, an elastic bandage for sprained ankles and related injuries, an emergency flashlight and radio, and a couple of "space blankets" as an emergency way to cover someone in shock and keep them warm.
Having a kit like this (and knowing how to use it) brings me great peace of mind because I know I'm prepared for illness, injuries and emergencies.
Upcoming Issues
Here's what's coming in Nature's Field - May 26 - Herbal First Aid for Minor Injuries.
- June 2 - Do You Have Constricted Liver Chi?
- June 9 - Blood Sugar Problems Are Linked to Crime and Delinquency
To view past issues you may have missed go to www.treelite.com.
| The Fast-Track to Success with Herbs and Supplements is as Easy as ABC+D
As many of you are aware, NSP has been sponsoring my ABC+D Approach to Natural Healing course via webinar. I designed the ABC+D Program to shorten the time it takes to become a competent herbalist and natural healer.
Our next class starts in June and you can register for the first two sessions in this class absolutely FREE. All you have to do is register for the two free preview webinars which will be held June 17 and July 1. To register for the early session (6:00 ET, 5:00 CT, 4:00 MT and 3:00 PT) click here—> EARLY SESSION REGISTRATION To register for the late session (8:00 ET, 7:00 CT, 5:00 MT and 4:00 PT) click here—> LATE SESSION REGISTRATION The first two sessions discuss the ABCs of natural healing and why treating disease is different than building health. I talk about the seven basic supplements I feel most people need and basic cleansing programs. This is great information to get anyone started in the business, so be sure to let everyone know about this great educational opportunity.
Complete information about the class can be found on our website: www.treelite.com. Announcing My Pre-NSP Convention Class: Practical Approaches to Emotional Healing
Due to the great response I had to my Manage Your Mood DVD and Flower Essence Webinar, I've decided to make emotional healing the theme of my class before the NSP Convention in Las Vegas this year. In this class, I'll demonstrate how to "read" information about a person's emotional problems when you are talking to them. I'll demonstrate the "hands on" techniques I use to help a person heal from issues with anger, depression, grief and fear.
The class will also include information on how to use plants (as herbs, flower essences and essential oils) to help a person work through their emotional issues. All of this is based on over 22 years of hands on experience in helping people heal from abuse, neglect, emotional trauma and other issues. You'll get the most out of this class if you study the following materials before attending: Manage Your Mood DVD There Are No Negative Emotions Audio CDs Flower Essence Webinar If you haven't already participated in these programs, I recommend you purchase and view them prior to this class to get the most out of it.
Click Here to Register
Video Clips on How to Fix a Hiatal Hernia
For many years I've passed on what I learned from Jack Ritchason about the hiatal hernia being a major underlying cause of people's chronic health problems. My article on dealing with a hiatal hernia is the most popular article on my personal website.
Last summer I recorded some video clips on how to work on the hiatal hernia using my wife as my guinea pig. (It was recorded before we were married.) These clips were put on the end of our Fibromyalgia DVD, but are now available for free at: www.steven-horne.com In addition to watching the video clips, you may also wish to read my article about what a hiatal hernia is, what causes it and what can be done to correct it. It's called "Hiatal Hernia: Hidden Cause of Illness."
Click here to read it.
Feel free to leave comments or to forward the articles to other people who may need this information.
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