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 William 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 Michael 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.