Witch hazel
preparation and use:
Soak a clean cloth in witch hazel and apply directly to the bruise. Hold for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the elixir to soak into the skin.
yield: 1 appLicaTion
How it works: Witch hazel is an astringent,
meaning it contracts tissue to reduce bleeding and swelling.
When Simple Doesn’t Work
If you have pain unrelieved by ice and rest, take acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve). Keep in mind, however, that non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibupro- fen, naproxen, or aspirin) taken in higher amounts impair clotting and can make you more susceptible to bruising and spontane- ous bleeding.
Many people swear by homeopathic
arnica montana used internally and
externally to prevent swelling and bruising after trauma. (In homeopathy, the active substances are highly diluted.) Research is inconclusive, though some studies have shown that a homeopathic arnica gel, applied topically, may help.
Topical applications of the herb comfrey
(symphytum officinale) have been shown
to reduce bruising, swelling, and pain after trauma. You can find comfrey-containing salves in natural food stores.
Lifestyle Tip
don’t smoke! smoking decreases blood circulation and retards wound healing.
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Bruises
127
Folic “No Folly” Salad
Folic acid is a bruise defender. Because your body stores only a small amount, try to maintain adequate levels by regularly eating the following foods—whether in this salad or in their own tasty combos.
4 cups (120 g) spinach, rinsed and drained ½ cup (150 g) artichoke hearts
6 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 mandarin or regular orange, peeled, seeded, and sectioned
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil ½ cup (80 g) chopped onion
½ red bell pepper, seeded and sliced 16 asparagus spears, woody bottoms
chopped off
½ block (about 7 ounces, or 200 g) firm tofu, cut into squares
1 tablespoon (11 g) low-sodium honey mustard 1 tablespoon (7 g) sliced almonds
preparation and use:
Mix the spinach, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and orange. Divide between two or among four plates.
Pour the oil into a large skillet over medium- high heat. Add the onion and red pepper and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until lightly browned. Add the asparagus and tofu and lower the heat to medium. Cook for another 3 minutes. Mix in the mustard and stir for another 30 seconds to 1 min- ute. Top the salads with this delicious folic-rich combo.
yield: 2 Large SaLaDS or 4 SiDe SaLaDS
How it works: Spinach, asparagus, oranges,
artichokes, red peppers, and tofu are high in the B vitamin folic acid. Folic acid boosts produc- tion of red and white blood cells and platelets. Deficiency of folic acid, as well as of the vita- mins C, K, or B12, can impair blood clotting and increase the risk of bruising. Dark leafy greens also contain vitamins C and K.
When to call the Doctor
• You’re taking a blood thinner or have a blood-clotting disorder and sustain more than a minor bruise, especially if the affected area is a joint.
• You notice that you have bruises not associated with significant trauma. • You have significant pain.
• The injury has reduced the mobility at a joint.
• You’re unable to bear weight or walk. • A bruise is still apparent after two weeks. • Skin infection or other symptoms begin
to develop.
• After striking your head, you: - fall more than a few feet
- lose consciousness, however briefly - vomit more than once
- become confused, sleepy, or have trouble walking
- have a prolonged, severe headache - notice your neck hurts
Note: For suspected concussions and fractures, have someone drive you to the emergency room. If you suspect you injured your neck, don’t move. Have someone else call 911.
JOB: 10-40174 Title:FW-500 Time Tested Home Remdies
Burns
Most anyone who spends much time in the kitchen or out in the sun has experienced a burn. Causes of burns include ultraviolet light, hot liquids, fire, electricity, and chemicals. Although the skin is normally involved, hot liquids can burn the mouth and throat; inhala- tion of smoke and some chemicals can burn the lungs.
Burns come in three varieties:
• First-degree burns affect the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. They cause redness and pain, and, after a couple of days, peeling skin.
• Second-degree burns extend into the dermis, the bottom layer of skin. In addition to red- ness, pain, and swelling, they raise blisters. • Third-degree burns, also called full-thickness
burns, destroy the skin and damage underly- ing tissues. Because nerves are damaged, the area may be numb. Other signs include white or charred skin.
If a first- or second-degree burn occurs, swiftly remove the skin from the source of heat. Plunge the area into cool water for five min- utes. If clothing can’t be quickly removed (or is stuck to the skin), thrust it into the water, too. Afterward, wash the area with mild soap and water and cover with sterile gauze. Remove any constricting jewelry from the area. If arms or legs are involved, elevate to about the level of the heart.
Once the injury has occurred, it can take twenty-four to forty-eight hours for the burn to stop progressing. Redness, blisters, and peel- ing will steadily evolve.
We’ll discuss indications for physician treatment at the end. More severe burns can lead to dehydration, infection, scarring, and even death.
History
The ancients used the plant and animal sources available to them to treat burns. Animal “cura- tives” included cow dung, beeswax, bear fat, lard, milk, butter, eggs, and honey. Except for honey, these animal sources were usually harmful because they retained heat or were contaminated with bacteria.
Chapter
19
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Plants were also used with tea leaves and Aloe vera gel proving helpful for first- and second- degree burns. During the Renaissance, physi- cians treated burns from gunpowder by cleans- ing them with boiling oil! The use of carbolic acid in the nineteenth century seems barbaric by today’s standards of care. However, the use of maggots—also used in the past to debride burns—has made a recent comeback. Without damaging healthy tissue, maggots remove dead tissue, which otherwise would delay healing and possibly become infected.
The discovery of sulfa drugs and antibiotics, such as penicillin, to treat infection in acute burns led to drastic changes. The emphasis on ade- quate fluids, along with skin grafts, compressive dressings, and antibiotics, revolutionized treat- ment for serious burns. However, many burn vic- tims still die of infection, a leading cause of death for millennia. Today, infection is often the result of antibiotic resistance, the worst being from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Interestingly, the use of honey—used by the Egyptians in 2000 BCE—has come full circle and is once again being applied to burns to ward off the infections that threaten burn victims. Manuka honey, made by bees that pollinate a particular New Zealand plant, has antibacterial effects.
Lifestyle Tip
Once a burn has cooled down and begins to heal, cover it with an herbal salve to help reduce dryness and promote healing. Don’t apply it too soon. If the burn is still warm, the salve will lock in heat and could increase damage to the skin.
RECIPES tO tREat BuRnS