Emergency Self Healing

By Dr. Debbie McFarland

As always, the very first and most important part of healing is PRAYER! That being said, here are a few things that may make a huge difference in your life. Just a few key things to stock your cabinets and first aid kits can make a huge difference.

Emergency Info Kit to have in several key places:

(This does not work if no one knows where or what the list is, make sure to have

Emergency plans for medical/fire/personal events practice every 6 months)

•  Emergency contact info:

•  Personal phone numbers of mom, dad, siblings, grandmas, work numbers, etc.

•  Phone number of all doctors, dentists, specialists.

•  Attorneys in case of power of attorney, living will or other medical legal issues.

•  List of surgeries including the reason for the surgery and any complications.

•  List of any traumas including fractures, concussions, falls, auto accidents, etc.

•  List of medications, make sure to update with Each and Every change in dose/medication or frequency.

•  List of conditions you are currently being treated for, the type of treatment, who you are getting treatment from.

•  General information including names, birthdates, employer information and insurance information.

•  Plans of where to meet in case of separation. Have at least 3 designated places with all pertinent information.

•  Designated person to have banking, insurance and other vital information to be contacted that is able to make decisions necessary in the event you are incapacitated. This can be vital to avoid late fees, services turned off, etc in your absence.

•  List of child care givers on call.

•  Up to date pictures / distinguishing features / fingerprints of all family members.

My biggest life saving tip can cost you a whooping 75 cents and that is if you get the majorly premium stuff. In the event of a heart attack, using just one teaspoon of cayenne pepper under your tongue the attack will stop immediately! This has been proven over and over. So my best advice is to have a packet of 1-2 teaspoons of Cayenne in a small baggie and stash these all over, in your wallet, in your purse, in the glove compartment of the car and label all them “In case of Heart Attack put this under the tongue”.

The next tip is along the same lines and just as powerful:

Self CPR  

What are you to do if you have a heart attack while you are alone?

The Johnson City Medical Center staff actually discovered this and did an in-depth study on it in our ICU. The two individuals that discovered this then did an article on it, had it published and have had it incorporated into ACLS and CPR classes.

It is called cough CPR.

A cardiologist says it's the truth and it could save your life!

 Let's say its 6:15 PM and you're driving home (alone of course), after a usually hard day on the job. You're really tired, upset and frustrated. Suddenly you start experiencing severe pain in your chest that starts to radiate out into your arm and up into your jaw. You are only about five miles from the hospital nearest your home. Unfortunately you don't know if you'll be able to make it that far. What can you do?

You've been trained in CPR but the guy that taught the course didn't tell you what to do if it happened to yourself. Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, this article seemed to be in order. Without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness. However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again.  Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital.

From Health Cares, Rochester General Hospital via Chapter 240s newsletter 'AND THE BEAT GOES ON ' (reprint from The Mended Hearts, Inc. Publication, Heart Response)

Anxiety
Anxiety is common for anyone facing an emergency situation. Extreme nervousness or a panic attack with a pounding heart, rapid or difficult breathing, and chest pain can all be characteristics of anxiety.

Kava root can relax you within a half-hour. Dosage: 1 tsp liquid 3 X daily or 70 mg of kava lactones 3 X daily in capsule form. Note: While it is best to avoid kava if you are consuming alcohol, short-term use at these dosages poses no risk.

Passionflower has been used traditionally for its calming and relaxing effect—and may also help with insomnia. Dosage: one 250 mg capsule 2 to 3 X daily or 1 tsp liquid 2 to 3 X daily.

Rescue Remedy is extremely helpful for anxiety in cases of physical or emotional emergency. Dosage: 10 drops under the tongue for shock or a severe fright.

Other options include chamomile tea and valerian tincture (1 tsp 3 X daily).

Burns
Burns can be caused by hot water, sun exposure, chemicals, and electricity. Drink an electrolyte beverage and plenty of water to replace lost fluids. For a minor burn from touching a hot surface, immediately take arnica for shock (one dose of 4 to 8 pellets). Once the shock has passed pain from the burn sets in. At this point, consider:

•  Cantharis to prevent or reduce blistering and pain. Dosage: 30c potency, 4 to 8 pellets, 4 to 6 X daily for acute burns.

•  Calendula lotion or gel, applied at least twice daily, to ease pain, shorten healing time, and prevent infection .

Other options include causticum for severe burns and pain with blister formation. Hypericum lotion also relieves discomfort and aids healing.

Bleeding and Wounds

Bleeding from cuts or wounds is when the first-aid kit (full of sterile 4” x 4” gauze pads, Band-Aids, surgical tape and wraps, and pressure bandages) is especially helpful. To stop bleeding, press sterile gauze or the cleanest material available firmly over the wound. When the bleeding stops, bandage the wound firmly. But be aware of the need for emergency care if bleeding persists. Call 911 for more serious injuries.

Among natural medicines, the quickest acting is homeopathic. Arnica is the first choice if the bleeding is from a blow or a fall, or if the victim is in shock. Also consider:

•  China when bleeding is accompanied by weakness, faintness, or shortness of breath .

•  Carbo vegetalis if there is steady oozing of dark blood and the individual has collapsed, has cold or clammy perspiration, and shortness of breath. In addition, call 911.

•  Ipecac for bright red blood that gushes (common during a nosebleed), accompanied by nausea and/or cold sweat.

•  Phosphorus for a profuse nosebleed, following injury.

•  Cayenne pepper applied directly to the wounds stops the bleeding and helps the wound to heal.

Cinnamon essential oil contains tannin constituents that can quickly reduce the amount of bleeding from any source. Take 1 to 5 drops every 3 to 5 hours.

Digestive Upset
Diarrhea can result from contaminated water and/or food, viral infections, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, or even stress, all common in emergencies.

Garlic (as capsules, powdered, or whole clove) is useful where you anticipate contaminated food or water. Antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and protective against intestinal parasites, this herb has been found to fight E. coli and can inhibit the overgrowth of Candida albicans. Dosage: 1 capsule 2 X daily.

Probiotics , or friendly bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus, can aid digestion and fight infection. Probiotics also stimulate immune cells in the local area to fight infection. For acute diarrhea, use products with 10 billion active organisms 2 to 3 X a day for 2 weeks. Take Saccharomyces boulardii for acute diarrhea: 1 capsule 2 X a day for 10 days.

Activated charcoal powder is also useful for diarrhea. Its porous nature allows it to absorb viruses, bacteria, and parasites into its surface area, and carry them out of the body through the stool. Dosage: 2 capsules 2 X a day for 3 days.

Also consider ginger tea every 2 hours, digestive enzymes (1 to 2 capsules with each meal), 500 mg of oregano oil in capsule form (especially if you suspect parasites), or cinnamon bark powder, 1/2 tsp daily.

Food poisoning can occur after eating foods that are unrefrigerated, undercooked, or handled in less than hygienic circumstances. Bacteria may also be found in local water after storms. Probiotics combat harmful bacteria. Dosage: at least 5 to 10 billion active organisms 2 to 3 X daily.

Oregano oil has antibacterial benefits. Dosage: one 500 mg capsule 4 X daily until symptoms are resolved. Activated charcoal powder can help absorb toxins from food poisoning. Dosage: 3 capsules every 2 to 3 hours for three doses.

Garlic offers a wide range of benefits. Dosage: 1 clove or 1 capsule, 2 to 3 X daily.

Arsenicum (30c) is the most common homeopathic remedy for food poisoning. It can treat vomiting and anxiety, as well as diarrhea . Ipecac (30c) is advised for diarrhea accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Infections
Infections, whether of the ear, digestive system, respiratory tract, or skin , respond to antibacterial and antiviral plants. Taken orally, these botanicals can enhance the immune response. Echinacea is especially well-known for its antiviral properties. Dosage: 2 tsp liquid 4 X daily or 2 capsules 4 X daily.

Garlic is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-parasitic. Eat 2 or more cloves daily, or take 1 capsule 2+ X daily.

Zinc supports immune function and may also have antiviral effects. Zinc lozenges can be used every 2 hours for sore throats, or as a supplement take 15 to 40 mg of zinc a day to help fight an array of infections .

Also consider calendula tincture, which can be applied topically to infections of the skin (it stings just like topical iodine). Make a paste with charcoal powder and flour, and place it between two pieces of clean, soft cloth. Apply to the affected area.

Shock requires immediate attention. Lie the victim down, with feet slightly raised (which sends blood to the head). Keep him warm, offer reassurance, and give arnica. The dosage is 4 pellets every 15 minutes after experiencing an injury or accident that causes a shaky sensation; repeat every hour as needed.

Toothaches:

Toothaches should always be professionally treated by a dentist. Some methods of self-treatment, however, may help manage the pain until professional care is available:

•  Rinsing with warm salt water.

•  Using dental floss to remove any food particles.

•  Taking aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve pain. The drug should be swallowed— never placed directly on the aching tooth or gum.

•  Applying a cold compress against the outside of the cheek. Do not use heat, because it will tend to spread infection.

•  Using clove oil ( Syzygium aromaticum ) to numb the gums. The oil may be rubbed directly on the sore area or used to soak a small piece of cotton and applied to the sore tooth.

•  A washcloth soaked in chamomile tea and placed on the infected tooth or swished around in the mouth will help to ease the pain.

•  Putting a teabag on the gums next to the infected tooth.

Toothaches caused by infection or tooth decay must be treated by a dentist. Several alternative therapies may be helpful for pain relief until dental treatment is available. The herb corydalis ( Corydalis yanhusuo ) may also help relieve toothache pain. Pain also may be reduced using acupressure , acupuncture , or reiki . Acupuncture should be done only by a licensed practitioner.