Originally published March 20 2013
Seven powerful emergency herbal remedies
by Jonathan Benson, staff writer
(NaturalNews) Accidents happen. But if you equip yourself with knowledge about how to handle them calmly and effectively, their resultant injuries will not catch you off guard and without an appropriate plan of action. Here are seven herbal remedies you might want to keep on hand at all times, as they may come in handy as all-natural first aid in the event of an emergency situation:
1) Arnica Montana (Arnica). Cuts, wounds, bruises, and other external injuries tend to respond exceptionally well to Arnica Montana, an herb-based homeopathic remedy that has been around for many centuries. Long used throughout Europe and North America, Arnica Montana is commonly used in cream form to soothe muscles, reduce inflammation, and heal wounds. It can also be brewed into tea to help alleviate stress and promote restful sleep.
"Well-known in traditional medicine, [Arnica] is often the first remedy to be given after a fall, muscle strain, injury or surgery," explains Katherine East in an article for Natural News on the therapeutic benefits of Arnica. "When applied directly after an injury, Arnica significantly reduces bruise formation. It is also helpful for treating arthritis, burns, ulcers, eczema, and acne." (http://www.naturalnews.com/029118_arnica_healing.html)
2) Eupatorium Perfoliatum (Boneset). If you grew up playing the classic computer game Oregon Trail, you may recall that members of the wagon clan sometimes died of conditions like typhoid fever and snake poisoning. But if these fictional characters had an herb on hand known as Eupatorium Perfoliatum, also known as Boneset, they may have been able to survive these and other conditions.
"[Boneset is] a great remedy for treating the symptoms of influenza, and helpful for treating aches and pains and fever," explains the blog Prepared and Empowered. "In a survival instance, this herb can mean the difference between life and death in high fever or poisoning." (http://preparedandempowered.wordpress.com)
3) Symphytum Officinale (comfrey). Another excellent herb for first aid situations is comfrey. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), comfrey contains a substance known as allantoin that helps new skin cells grow. When its roots and leaves are ground and turned into a paste or cream, comfrey can be applied to skin and wounds to help alleviate inflammation, prevent bruising, and even heal pulled muscles and ligaments, fractures, sprains, strains, and osteoarthritis. (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/comfrey-000234.htm)
4) Aloe vera. One of the most medicinally-versatile herbs in the world, aloe vera is beneficial both internally and externally as an emergency remedy. A powerful analgesic, aloe vera gel is often used to treat cuts and scrapes, burns, sunburns, insect bites and other skin injuries. Aloe vera not only helps promote rapid wound healing by increasing the availability of oxygen and collagen, but it also helps fight damaging inflammation.
When taken internally, aloe vera helps promote healthy digestion, detoxify and cleanse the blood, ease inflammation and arthritic pain, and alkalize the body. It is also rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and glyconutrients, all of which play a vital role in regulating and normalizing systems of the body that may incur harm in an emergency situation.
(http://www.naturalnews.com/021858_aloe_vera_gel.html)
5) Hyssopus Officinalis (Hyssop). Referenced in the Holy Scriptures as a powerful cleansing herb, hyssop continues to be used in traditional medicine as an expectorant, or to clear respiratory passageways of phlegm and other secretions. Hyssop also contains powerful anti-viral agents that make it an effective poultice for cuts, abrasions, sores and other skin wounds. (http://www.localharvest.org/hyssop-seeds-hyssopus-officinalis-C19819)
"Tea made from the flowers of this herb is good to have on hand for people needing assistance with breathing problems," says Prepared and Empowered. "It has positive effects on the lungs, and can be helpful for asthmatics."
6) Capsicum annuum (cayenne). Possessing an exceptional ability to increase circulation, cayenne pepper, and particularly the type in liquid form, can be applied to bandages to help boost the supply of fresh blood to a wound while stopping excessive bleeding. It can also be taken orally for the same purpose, as cayenne aids the body in naturally healing itself from a variety of health conditions. (http://www.gobeyondorganic.com)
"Taking cayenne in the mouth causes your body's circulation to spring into action in a dramatic way sending fresh blood to the areas of your body that most need it," explains EnerHealth Botanicals about the benefits of cayenne tincture. "Since many disease states involve poor circulation and in many cases stagnation of bodily fluids, the use of cayenne can have potent results in aiding a wide range of health complaints."
7) Echinacea Purpurea (Purple Coneflower). One of the most popular herbal medicines in use today, echinacea is an excellent emergency remedy for purifying the blood following bites by poisonous spiders and snakes. Echinacea can also be used to help treat ear and throat aches, as well as to fight infections and treat lymphatic problems. (http://www.motherearthliving.com)
Sources for this article include:
http://www.naturalnews.com
http://www.offthegridnews.com
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