NEWSLETTER

Burns

Three classifications for burns exist:

First Degree- This burn affects the outer layer of the skin, causing redness and sensitivity to the touch. Most cases of sunburn are considered first degree burns.

Second Degree- This type of burn extends to the underlying skin layers. Often characterized by redness, blistering, and acute pain.

Third Degree- In third degree burns the entire skin and possible underlying tissue, such as muscle, are destroyed. The skin may be red, white or yellowish and in some cases may be black with the burn. There is usually little or no pain as all the nerve endings have been severely damaged or destroyed.

If you receive a first or second-degree burn immediately hold the burn under cold running water. You can use water to stop the burning sensation but it will take some time. The oil of Lavender is of great use as placing a few drop on the burn usually stop the burning sensation right away. Lavender also has some anti bacteria properties and may stop secondary infections on second-degree burns whose blisters have opened.

The use of aloe gel or aloe juice on burns can also help stop the burning sensation in the skin.

In cases involving third degree burns you should have a medical professional look at it right away. Do not put cold water on third degree burns. If clothing has become stuck to third degree burns do not remove. Once first aid has been administered there are many nutrients that can be taken for healing.

Very Important Nutrients

Colloidal silver – a natural antibiotic that can be applied topically. May be mixed with aloe juice or gel this is a great way to apply colloidal silver. For third degree burns mist colloidal silver every few hours on the burn. This will help reduce infections and help with scaring.

Free form amino acids – Taken as directed by a healthcare professional or as directed on bottle. Amino acids are needed to rebuild tissue damaged by burns.

Potassium- 100 mg per day. Potassium is needed to replace potassium lost from burns.

Vitamin A – depending on severity of burn you should take anywhere from 100,000 I.U to 25,000 I.U. per day until burn has healed. Vitamin A is needed to repair burn tissue and reduce scaring.

Vitamin B complex- take as directed on label or by healthcare professional. B complex vitamins are very important in healing skin tissue.

Vitamin B-12 – 1000mcg twice daily. Needed for protein synthesis and cell formation. A sublingual form or nasal gel is best.

Vitamin E - Start with 600 IU then slowly move up to 1,600IU daily until burn has healed. Also opening up the soft gel and applying the oil directly to the burn to help prevent scar tissue.

Vitamin C – 10,000 mg immediately after burn, 2000mg three times daily there after until burn has healed. Acts as an antioxidant. Essential for formation of collagen, and promotes the healing of burns.

Zinc – 30mg 3 times daily. Needed for healing tissue.

Stings

There are many types of stings that occur in the US each year. Most stings are from bees but other insects such as wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, spiders and ants can occur. Insect stings often inject venom into the victim. This venom can have mild to sever affects depending on the person. Some people are very allergic to stings and require immediate medical assistance. Some symptoms are; shock, closing of the airways, trouble breathing, severe swelling, and difficulty swallowing. These sever symptoms can come on very quickly so stay alert.

If no server or immediate life threatening symptoms are present then you will need to remove the stinger if it is still in the skin. To remove the stinger do not pull on it with fingernails or tweezers. Scrap the stinger out with a sterile knife or surgical blade. If the venom sac is still attached to the stinger do not squeeze it as more venom may be injected into the skin.

Once the stinger is removed wash with water. Placing papaya enzymes on the sting will help to neutralize the venom. Charcoal powder may also be used to pull out venom. Also oil of Lavender may be used to stop the pain. A poultice made from comfrey, slippery elm, and white oak bark may be used to help with pain. Lobelia may also be used as a poultice.

Taking large doses of Vitamin C has been known to reduce the severity of bee stings. When yellow jackets are killed or squashed their body releases a chemical that causes other yellow jacket to attack. Leave the area at once and avoid swatting at yellow jackets.

Poison Ivy/Poison Oak/ Poison Sumac

These three plants are probably the most common allergic plants in the US. These plants are found in every state except Alaska. These plants are common along roadsides, forests, and even suburban back yards. These plants usually grow in rich soil.

These plants produce a sap that causes reaction in 65% of the people who come in contact with it. The sap contains the oil of Urushiol and is very poisonous in it pure form. The sap in poison ivy/oak/sumac are in high concentration in the spring, summer and fall. Even dried plants can infect and cause problems. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous. Do not burn poison ivy/oak/sumac as the smoke can enter the lungs and cause severe problems.

Animal can also be a source of infection as they may have rubbed against it in the wild then you pet them not knowing. Also garden gloves and other clothing that have come into contact with these plants can carry the sap and oil for years into the future. Be careful and cautious around clothing or animal that have had contact with the plant.

The first symptoms of poison ivy are burning and itching sensation. This is often followed by sever itching along with red rash with oozing blisters. Symptoms can appear anywhere on the skin including the eyes and mouth. The affected areas tend to be clumped together. Scratching the rash can cause it to spread, as the poisons in the oils are still active.

Vitamin C – is very important to take. Take 3,000 to 8,000mg per day. This helps prevent spreading.

Chickweed tea- drink three to five cups of chickweed tea daily. Chickweed may also be made into a poultice and applied directly to the rash.

Aloe juice- or aloe vera is very affective at reducing itching and swelling associated with poison ivy. Apply liberally.

A strong tea made of equal parts limewater, and white oak bark is very good for poison ivy. Apply a wet compress and reapply a brand new one when the old one becomes dry.

In sever cases you should seek the help of a medical professional.