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first aid  
277  
is short-lived. (Midstream urine or breast milk can be used to f ush out  
the eye in an emergency.)  
gashes and lacerations deep wounds  
Use a few drops of lobelia leaf and cayenne tincture orally, and then pack  
with deep wound paste (see “Other Items” at the end of this chapter for a  
recipe). Renew the paste on a daily basis.  
heatstroke and sunstroke  
The onset of these conditions is usually slow and is heralded by a  
confused feeling, headache, drowsiness, a raised temperature, discomfort  
in the kidney area, and a lower urine output than expected. The skin  
appears f ushed, hot, and dry. This type of temperature needs to be  
brought down quickly. Feed plenty of liquids, ideally involving infusions  
from plants with a high sodium content, such as seaweed, lichen, or  
licorice root. If mineral salt has to be added, use minimal quantities only.  
insect and spider bites and stings serious  
Calm the patient. Then immerse the affected area in a bowl of cold water  
containing ice cubes and a teaspoon of baking powder, which slows the  
circulation and helps prevent the spread of poison. Alternatively, apply  
fresh raw onion over the area or cover with wheat germ oil, put an ice  
pack on top, or apply calendula ointment. This should be done before  
anything else. Give Dr. Bach Rescue Remedy (a f ower remedy available  
from specialist shops and pharmacies), arnica (a homeopathic remedy), or  
a few drops of lobelia leaf tincture. Serious allergic reactions need to be  
treated with cortisone or adrenaline, for which you must seek urgent  
medical help; administer coffee in the short term. If the patient loses  
consciousness, apply a few drops of lobelia leaf tincture to the lips. This  
very often brings them back.  
Don’t scratch or squeeze the wound, which can encourage infection.  
Use lavender, tea tree, or rosemary essential oil, or lemon juice. Also  
apply echinacea root tincture topically. When in natural surroundings, look  
for plantain leaves and either rub on fresh or prepare as an extra-strong  
tea (boiled for ten minutes) and apply it to the wound on cotton balls.  
insect repellents  
Elder leaves and f owers can be bruised and made into a concoction.  
Applied to the skin it will act as a repellent, but can also be used as a  
poultice for insect bites. Lemongrass and citronella also make excellent  
insect repellents.  


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