Snake Bite! What to do BEFORE Help Arrives or Just in Case
Snakebites…ewww…those slithery things that make up nightmares (think Snakes on A Plane) but anyway, shiver. I live out in rattlesnake country (along with copperheads and water moccasins…joy) and on top of that, average response time to a 911 call for help can be anywhere from 10 minutes to 45 minute, and that is under good circumstances. And a hospital? At least ½ hour away…paramedics don’t have anti-venom… So, being the person I am when I first moved out to the country I did my homework on how to handle a potentially unpleasant snake bite until I can get professional help. Copperhead bites are rarely fatal, but the timber rattlesnake and water moccasin snakes can cause all sorts of problems including anaphylactic shock. If you ever are bitten by a snake, seek help immediately!
Please note: I am not a ‘trained’ medical professional. All information I provide is for informational purposes only and not intended to treat nor diagnose. ALWAYS get professional help as soon as possible!
Short story time: Last year my dog Maggie, a Pitbull was barking furiously, I go out to investigate and what did I hear? That good ole’ rattle sound…that is a sound you will NEVER forget…thank goodness the snake was on one side of the wooden fence and she on the other. The year before that I was pleasantly surprised (sarcasm included and dripping) by a timber rattler sunning itself on the bottom step of my side porch…needless to say I used the backdoor instead.
Earlier this year my husband and I were out fishing early one morning…yep, guess what we almost stepped all over? And guess what I was wearing for shoes? Never mind, its embarrassing but what can I say? Wake me up at 5 am to go fishing and I probably ain’t smart enough yet But there was a nice copperhead hanging out in the vegetation. I went home that day and bought a good pair of snake boots…never leave home without them now. I have also had the pleasure of scaring a copperhead who was sunning itself near my wood pile, half under it… (I burn wood for the winter)…so I know what is in my yard!
Anyway, my point is that I live in snake country, they are here and I can only do so much to protect me and mine from them (and lest I forget, we have about 6 different types of other snakes who would leave a nasty bruise, one is a nice King Snake that likes to hang out across the garden path, huge thing! But he doesn’t even blink at us nor a dog for that matter we walk back and forth and around him all day long, I am thinking of naming him).
Prevention becomes your biggest friend in avoiding a snake bite.
If you live in snake country and do a lot of outdoor activities, get some snake boots, even for the kids. Barring that, there are other ways to ‘pad’ your lower leg and they do make some sort of snake protection that ties on to your leg.
Wear heavy leather work gloves when working outside. Something is better than nothing.
Pay attention to your surroundings, most especially what is UNDER your feet or where you are sticking your hand.
Don’t try to pick up a snake with your hands (my one daughter is infamous for picking up any and every living thing she finds outside…needless to say she no longer does it to snakes nor spiders after a bit of ‘home schooling’)
Try and keep brush piles gone from around your home and where your kids play.
VaCreepinOutdoors has written and excellent blog about keeping yourself safe from snakes in the great outdoors. You can find that here.
Snake Bites
Snake venom acts as a hemotoxin, damaging blood vessels, or a neurotoxin, affecting the nervous system. Rattle snake, copperhead and water moccasin venom is considered hemotoxic; whereas the coral snakes’ venom is more neurotoxic. Nevertheless, snake venom can affect one or more body systems.
Bites from a rattle snake can causes immediate and extremely painful swelling at the site. This is very characteristic of this group. It can involve the destruction of blood vessels resulting in abnormal coagulation or blood flow. The tissue around the site becomes bruised in a few hours and can become necrotic with time, turning purplish-blue.
The symptoms of snake bites may vary from being mild to acute. Symptoms of snake bites are conditional on the species of snake, the amount of venom injected as well as the age of the victim, normally all such victims are likely to experience the following conditions after a snake bite:
Blood loss from the wound or bruise caused by snake bite
Burning sensation of the skin around the affected area
Cloudy or confusing vision
Seizures or spasm
Diarrhea or dysentery
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Too much perspiration
Unconsciousness
Marks of snakes fangs on the skin
Rise in body temperature or fever
Enhanced thirst or feeling thirsty despite intake of sufficient fluids
Lack of muscle coordination
Queasiness and vomiting
Fast pulse rate
Debility or general feeling of weakness
Lack of sensation (numbness) and tingling
Death of tissues in the affected area
Acute pain
Swelling at the place of the snake bite
Systemic poisoning includes excessive salivation, vomiting which can lead to hypotension and shock. These symptoms can happen very quickly and if severe, can lead to death on average at about 48 hours. Get help!
It is very important to remember that in children symptoms can become life threatening very quickly. Please make sure you know CPR!
First aid
It is very important for anyone who lives in ‘snake’ country or who camps/hikes/fishes in snake country to know the basics of first aid ‘just in case’ a bite happens. Knowing what to do BEFORE you can get to professional help (which could be hours away) may save your life or someone else’s:
First things first…get a plan, have a plan and be prepared it helps with the first ‘do’:
Stay CALM! It is important that the bite victim remains as calm as possible. If you are bit getting anxious and upset will send your heart rate up which increases circulation. Not to mention how adrenaline works on the body which may cause you or them to do something no so smart. Aconite 30c works best at this point.
Limit the movement of the person who has been bit as much as possible. Again, this is to slow down the venom movement in the blood stream.
DO NOT raise the bite wound above the heart, keep it as low as possible from the heart even if its squirting blood out (this is actually a good thing as venom will come out with the blood)
The wound should be treated like all other wounds. A Sawyer Extractor® for venom extraction is a proven method for reducing the venom from entering the system. This is actually the ONLY approved device approved for extracting venom of all types including bees, wasps and snakes.
Get rid of all rings or other items that may cause constriction since the area around the snake bite will swell.
Remember, the area of the snake bite will gradually swell and become discolored if the snake that bit the victim is venomous.
If you can, keep an eye on the vital signs of the victim, including pulse rate, pace of breathing, body temperature and blood pressure.
If you begin to see signs of shock in the bite victim, have them lay down.
Seek immediate medical help. It is important not to waste any moment after a person has been bitten by a snake.
What NOT TO DO:
Never apply a tourniquet or strap near the area where the snake has sunk its teeth.
Don’t make the victim become over-exerted. Carry the victim to a safer place, if it is deemed necessary.
Avoid applying any type of cold compresses to the affected area.
Don’t incise the area of the snake bite with a razor, knife or any other sharp object.
Never try to suck the snake venom out of the victim’s body with your mouth.
Don’t give anything to the snake bite victim to eat or drink.
Don’t elevate the affected area above the level of the person’s heart for it may increase the flow of venom to the heart.
Don’t give the victim any medication, either painkillers or stimulants, these could mask serious symptoms that a doctor/trained professional will need to see in order to asses the bite victim.
So now what? What can you do YOURSELF while you wait for help or are trying to get to help? There are a few that can be used to help you, your furry friend or two legged friend until you can get professional help:
Get and USE A Sawyer Extractor® for venom extraction, follow direction on the package.
Wash and clean the wound as best as possible and keep it as clean as possible. Personally I keep Tea Tree Essential Oil on hand to use after traditional cleansing. Use Tea Tree Essential Oil on and around the wound (about 6 inches diameter). I also keep helichrysum essential oil on hand for wounds.
If you have it handy, use Bromelain (which is a dietary supplement easily found at many stores with a good selections of vitamins) 1000mg as soon as possible after the bite. If need be use 1000mg per hour until you can get help. The snake venom molecule (and most snake and insect bite venoms) are composed of three-dimensional, nearly 100% pure, protein. The strongest known natural solvents for protein molecules are bromelain and papain. Bromelain can be used after you have been released from the hospital too…500mg 8 times a day.
(http://phoenix.about.com/cs/desert/a/snakebite_4.htm)
Goldenseal capsules or tincture. 1 tsp immediately after bite and then 20 drops (or 500mg if using powder) 6 times a day. Until you can get help or after returning home.
Echinacea. This famous natural herb stimulates the immune system. It is mentioned as a snake bite remedy in many older herb books. 1000 mg immediately if using powder or 1 tsp of tincture. Take every 20-30 minutes until you reach help (or until you see swelling and bruising subsiding) after that…8 times a day for 10 days (past 10 days Echinacea is no longer effective).
Yellow dock can be used to alleviate symptoms until you can get professional help. Drink a cup of yellow dock tea or take 2 capsules of yellow dock every hour until the symptoms are gone.
(http://medicinalherbinfo.org/diseases/Snakebite.html)
Soak and wash wound in activated charcoal until you can get help or until signs are gone. There have been some people who have taken activated charcoal by mouth as directed on the bottle to help also. Activated Charcoal should also be taken by mouth, in the quantity of approx. 2 Tbsp. every 2 hours, for 3 doses, and 1 tsp. every hour for 24 hours. Each dose should be followed by 2 glasses of water.
(http://articles.herballegacy.com/snake-bites/)
Black Cohosh (aka Snake Root) applied as a salve or paste to the wound until you can reach help. May also be used as a tincture to help with pain (especially ‘cramping’ like pains).
Now to my favorites because they are easy to take with you into the woods, cheap and last a long time!
If you choose to use homeopathics give every 10 minutes and then back off as symptoms subside. 5 pellets every 10 minutes, then every 20, then every 30 minutes, etc. until you can get professional help. With homeopathy, you are looking at signs and symptoms someone is displaying or MIGHT and then giving the appropriate remedy. If after 3 doses of a given remedy you do not see improvement, then choose another one.
Aconite is beneficial in any situation that causes emotional trauma or hysteria. This remedy is also beneficial for any responder that is in a panicked. THIS IS THE FIRST REMEDY TO GIVE. I carry this with me everywhere!
Apis is useful in reducing an allergic reaction from the insect poisoning and snake venom. It may be used to help reduce the likelihood of anaphylaxis shock or used if the animal is having difficulty breathing.
Arnica is used first for any trauma. It will help minimize the symptoms of shock and the soft tissue damage from the bite.
Crotalus hordius, a homeopath remedy derived from the rattlesnake venom, has shown benefits with doses at 15 minute intervals. Poor circulation and hemorrhaging may be occurring at the bite site.
Hypericum could be used when the bite results in extreme pain especially nerve related pain. Rattle snake bites are known to be very painful and Hypericum just might help.
Lachesis, derived from the Bushmaster snake, is used for bite wounds that turn purplish-blue. There venom results in poor circulation with dark blood that does not coagulate easily. It may help prevent septic (shock) complications.
Ledum is best known for any puncture wounds. It should be given first, after Arnica, for any punctures that might cause infection or pain. The wound area may twitch and feel cold but not always. There may be great swelling and inflammation.
There are a number of other homeopathic remedies to help combat the affects of a poisonous snake bite that should be considered. Belladonna would be useful if the animal or person is restless or delirious with dilated pupils. A sudden, high fever may occur due to the toxins in the system.
Cedron is another rattlesnake remedy.
For any snake bite I would give one dose of Aconite to help them calm down (heck, I would take a dose myself!) Then if I had it on hand while waiting for help or getting to help I would give one dose of arnica, then every 15 minutes rotating, hypericum, then cedron then ledum. Personally I always carry Crotalus hordius…use every 15 minutes until you reach help. And ONE dose of Lachesis 1M.
I understand this seems like a lot to carry with you but I promise, its not! The tubes are very small and light weight and can be used for many other health challenges, not just snake bites!
According to Dr.Eileen Nauman, DHM, DHom(UK) in her book ‘Poisons that Heal’ pg. 83
Snakebite
On the way to the emergency room:
If the skin around the bite becomes purple-red or purplish looking; seepage of dark blood, Lachesis 30c every 5 minutes
Rapid swelling and and bleeding under the skin around the bite, discolored flesh, and the person is extremely sensitive to be jarred or moved: Crolatus Horridus 30c every 5 minutes
Shallow breathing, band around the head sensation, face congested looking with a pale nose and mouth, vomiting, weak pulse (systemic poisoning)Carbolic Acid 6c
She also recommends for ANYONE who is outside a lot or hikes/camps a lot to keep Lachesis 1M in their first aid kit just in case of snakebite. Take one dose every 10 minutes until you reach help.
Being prepared in an emergency could save your life. As someone who lives in area with 3 types of poisonous snakes, spends quite a bit of time outdoors and is far away from help, I like to have a back up plan and this is it until I can reach help.
Hope this helps you prepare! Be safe and be aware that is always your first line of defense…but just in case…
survivingshtfmom
Homeopathic Self Care for Colds, Coughs and Fevers
Homeopathic Remedies for Fevers and Coughs
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is basically the use of almost untraceable amounts of animal, plant and mineral substances that help to stimulate the body to heal itself. Homeopathic remedies that ‘heal’ are basically the substance that would induce the ‘symptoms’. It is based upon the belief that like cures like.
The basis of homeopathy rests with matching the specific symptoms (physically, mentally and emotionally) of the illness or injury with those of the given remedy. If a remedy does not work, you can safely assume that the chosen remedy did not closely match the symptoms. In order to ‘choose’ the correct remedy you will want to ask a series of questions before choosing a remedy. You will want to choose the one that most FITS the description of the remedy. You may not have all the ‘symptoms’ that correspond to a homeopathic remedy, but you want the one that has the MAJORITY of the ‘symptoms’ for the remedy. In order to ‘choose’ the correct remedy you will want to ask a series of questions before choosing a remedy. You will want to choose the one that most FITS the description of the remedy. You may not have all the ‘symptoms’ that correspond to a homeopathic remedy, but you want the one that has the MAJORITY of the ‘symptoms’ for the remedy.
Homeopathy can be a very safe and effective way to handle many health challenges. It is fairly inexpensive and very easy to use. You can some on ebay and amazon but personally I like to order from abchomeopathy online.
General Guidelines for How Much to Take.
For the majority of colds and flues, you will give a 30c potency. As a rule, I will use 3-5 pellets or tablets, wait 15 minutes to see if condition improve and/or symptoms subside noticeably. If not, I wait another 15 minutes and then give another dose of 3-5 pellets/tablets. Again, wait to see if improvement happens. If still no improvement, I will give one more time. If no improvement then another remedy is indicated.
IF you see improvement do not give another ‘dose’ of the remedy until symptoms begin to return or become worse again, then give another dose. This will be an ‘as needed’ approach.
Once a person begins to feel much better drop back to only 3 pellets, 2-3 times daily until healed and then one ‘dose’ of 3 pellets daily for 2 more days.
Please keep in mind that there are many remedies for coughs, colds and fevers but typically you will find only 1 or 2 that WORK WELL in that particular person and for that particular illness. Not all colds, coughs and flues are the same!
Fevers: A fever is the body’s attempt to fight infection. In most cases, the fever is
actually helping the body kill the bacteria or virus that is causing the infection. Generally, fevers of 103 degrees or lower are safe; the exceptions are newborns younger than six weeks, those with chronic illness or immune system compromised conditions, and people who tend to have convulsions with fever. If you or your child has a fever and meet any of the exception seek immediate medical help.
Questions to ask yourself or the person you are trying to help to find the ‘right’ remedy for a fever. You may not have to ask all the questions but this is the list:
How do you feel?
Tell me what’s bothering you.
Tell me more.
Anything else?
What makes it worse?
What makes it better?
When do you notice the fever the most?
How did the fever start?
Are you hot or cold or both?
Do you want to wrap up?
Do you want warm or cool air?
Where in your body do you feel the fever? Heat or cold there?
Do you want warm or cool drinks?
What emotions do you feel prior to and since getting sick?
How quickly did it come on?
Having gathered as much information as possible next look at the remedies below single out the ones that immediately match the answers given. Then look at each remedy selected and choose the ONE that most resembles the ‘symptoms’ (answers) and use that one.
Fever remedies:
Aconite: first stage of colds and coughs, sudden onset, develops after exposure to cold
air or wind, often with high fever, often with restlessness or fear, chill from drafts, heat
comes on during sleep, very thirsty, pupils contracted
Worse: night or after falling asleep, warm room, touch, fright, noise, light
Better: motion helps the chill but in general sitting still helps, open air
Arsenicum: chill from 12-2 a.m., periodic (fever comes and goes,) heat of face with
chilled body, thirsty for constant small sips, head feels better from cold, but rest of body
wants warmth, very chilly, increased appetite after chills, restless, fearful, worried
Worse: cold drinks, worry
Better: warm drinks
Belladonna: sudden, intense fever, chill beginning at 3 p.m., dry, burning heat without
chills, face and body burning hot, face red or redness anywhere on body, hands and
feet icy cold, right-sided symptoms, craving lemonade, but generally little thirst, twitching
face or body during fever (main remedy for convulsions/epilepsy after becoming
heated), throbbing, bursting headache, pupils dilated, can go into delirium and
hallucination
Worse: 3 p.m., sun, light, noise, jarring, drafts, motion,
Better: light covering, bending backward, leaning head against something
Bryonia: slowly developing high fever and painful inflammation, great thirst for large
amounts, left frontal headache, face pale during chill, deep red during heat, irriatable,
wants to be left along, wants to go home, anxiety about finances, very aggravated by
motion, touch
Worse: motion, anger, cold, wet weather, eating
Better: open air, lying still
Chamomilla: common children’s remedy, especially during teething, perspiration with
chills, heat only in back or front of body, shuddering with heat, one cheek red and hot,
other pale, excitement, irritability, nothing makes them happy, want things then throw
them away, desires to be held, but it doesn’t always comfort
Worse: 9 a.m. or 9 p.m. or in bed at night, teething, warm covering or uncovering, anger
Better: being carried, sweating, heat, fasting
China: famous remedy for fevers from malaria or fevers that come and go, thirst with
chills, headache with heat, skin sensitive to touch during fever, weakness or fatigue after
prolonged fever, worse after diarrhea or loss of vital fluids, most sensitive and irritable
during fever, anxiety before chills, sensitive to light, noise, odors, spaced out during chill
Worse: motion, open air, drafts, uncovering, touch
Better: hard pressure, warmth
Eupatorium Perfoliatum: fever with severe pain, especially bone pains, chill
beginning in back or hands, thirsty before or during chill, vomiting bile, craves cold things
during fever, warm things during chill, yawning and stretching before chill
Worse: morning from 6-9 a.m., cold air, motion, smell or sight of food
Better: vomiting bile, conversation, sweating, lying on face
Ferrum Phosphoricum: fever with few other symptoms, early stages of fever, fever
after head injury, headache and flushed face, inflammatory states
Worse: right side, night
Better: lying down, cold applications
Gelsemium: fever with weakness and trembling, chill running up and down back, chill
begins in hands or feet, face flushed dark red, eyelids heavy, blurry vision, worse
anticipating something, especially a test
Worse: fright or excitement, spring, humid weather,
Better: profuse urination, sweating, shaking,
Hepar Sulph: fever with suppurating glands, chills without heat after, can’t get warm
enough, needs all parts covered, fever blisters about mouth, voice hoarse
Worse: uncovering, evening and night, cold, dry air, winter, touch
Better: covering, heat
Lycopodium: chill in afternoon especially 4-8 p.m., forehead furrowed during fever, eye
pain during heat, anxious, wants someone in same room but doesn’t want to interact
Worse: in bed, after sleep
Better: rising from bed, warm drinks, motion, urinating
Mercurious: night-time fevers with sweats and weakness, sensitive to both head and
cold, runny nose, salivation on pillow at night, metallic taste in mouth, urine odorous
Worse: rising from bed, too warm or too cold, sweating, lying on right, changing weather
Better: moderate temperature, rest, morning
Natrum Muriaticum: fever or chill 10-11 a.m., begins in fingers or toes, severe
headache, especially on right side, especially after grief, complains little, reserved,
craves salty things
Worse: 10-11 a.m., heat of sun, exertion
Better: open air
Nux vomica: fever with violent heat and chills, after overeating or drinking, headache in
back of head, very irritable
Worse: uncovering at all, turning in bed, open air,
Better: lying very still, warm drinks, heat
Pulsatilla: patternless, constantly changing, clingy, no thirst, wants open air or open
window, tearing in eyes, fever with desire to urinate with nothing passed, numb hands or
feet with chill
Worse: 2-4 p.m., warm room, turning in bed
Better: cold bathing, motion, open air
Rhus-tox: fever with aching, stiffness, restlessness, thirst for small quantities, desire to
stretch, heat on left side, chill on right side or heat on back side of body,
Worse: cold, damp air or weather, getting wet
Better: warmth, warming up body with movement
Next up are the coughs and colds.
Again, we begin with questions-
Questions to ask:
How do you feel?
Tell me what’s bothering you.
Tell me more.
What does the cough feel like?
Anything else?
What makes it worse?
What makes it better?
What body position aggravates the cough?
What body position helps the cough?
What foods do you want?
Do you want warm or cold drinks?
How does swallowing feel (swallowing solids, liquids, empty swallowing?)
What emotions do you feel prior to and since getting sick?
What external things bother you? (light? sound? dust? touching throat? odor?
etc)
What kind of weather were you in prior to the cough?
What activities aggravate the cough? (breathing? moving? eructation? talking?
sneezing etc.)
What other conditions accompany the cough? (chills? sleepiness? fever?
diarrhea? etc)
What type of cough is it? (barking? deep? distressing? dry? paroxysmal?
suffocative? whistling? etc.)
Having gathered as much information as possible next look at the remedies below single out the ones that immediately match the answers given. Then look at each remedy selected and choose the ONE that most resembles the ‘symptoms’ (answers) and use that one.
Aconite: first stage of colds and coughs, develops after exposure to cold air or wind,
often with high fever, often with restlessness or fear
Worse: night or after falling asleep, breathing in, lying on either side
Better: lying on back
Allium cepa: cough from colds or allergies, often with lots of watery discharge from
nose that irritates skin and watery discharge from eyes that is not irritating, cough is
painful, may grasp the larynx with pain at each cough
Worse: evening, warm room
Better: open air
Antimonium-tartaricum: noisy, rattling, loose cough – sounds like chest filled with
mucous but cough too weak to expel mucous, especially in elderly or young children,
person may be irritable or not want to be touched, main remedy for pertussis (whooping
cough)
Worse: night, especially 10 p.m. to midnight, becoming irritated, lying
Better: sitting, bending head backwards
Arnica: pertussis remedy, painful, racking cough, person fears each cough, holds chest,
weeping with pain of cough, nose can bleed with cough or burst eye vessels, holds chest
wit each cough, thick, sticky, yellow, can be bloody mucous
Worse: pain
Better: lying with head low or outstretched
Bryonia: severely painful cough felt in whole head and chest, dry cough with each
movement or deep breath, afraid of breathing in
Worse: eating or swallowing, overheating, lying with head low, ascending, raising arms,
bending head backward
Better: open air
Belladonna: Sudden high fever, cough in paroxysms (many at a time), bursting
headache with each cough, bright red face
Worse: motion, deep breath, dust, touching larynx, yawning, bright light, noise, night
Better: less stimulus – resting in dark
Causticum: irritating, tickling cough, difficult to expectorate, but keeps coughing
deeper to try and get it up. Can have cough at any hour, but vanishing during the day is
a strong indication for Causticum. There may be urinary leakage with the cough.
Worse: Drafts or cold air, becoming heated at night, lying, bending head forward,
talking, bathing
Better: Cold drinks, rainy weather
Coccus Cacti: Paroxysmal (many at a time), tickling cough at 6 or 7 a.m. or 11:30 p.m.,
cough can be dry or produce ropes of thick mucous
Worse: becoming heated, warm rooms, warm drinks or food., lying, rinsing mouth, winter,
in alcoholics
Better: Cold or open air, cold drinks, cold food
Drosera: hard, deep, violent, paroxysmal cough, irritated airways, tickling and dry
throat, suffocative cough, can press the pit of stomach to start cough, but cough so
painful must hold chest, can have bloody expectoration
Worse: being enclosed
Better: sitting up, walking slowly
Hepar Sulph: dry or productive cough, mucous is thick and yellow if present, cough
dry at night, loose in morning, cough all night long, chilly, wants to be covered
Worse: chill
Better: warmth, expectoration
Ipecac: very dry cough, asthma, irritated or tickling cough in paroxysms, choking or
gagging with cough, frequent vomiting with cough
Worse: night, esp. 7 p.m., deep breathing in, esp. morning in bed, eating, warm room
Better: after expectoration, cold drinks
Kali-Carbonicum: cough at night, esp. 2-4 a.m., dry, tickling cough, bronchitis,
productive cough (sputum comes up), stitching pains in chest with cough, may be
vomiting
Worse: 2-4 a.m., on first going to sleep, cold air or draft, lying, exertion, deep inspiration,
warm food.
Better: Sitting upright or bent forward
Lachesis: cough from allergy, severe infections or heart problems, sensation of crumb
or obstruction in larynx, any attempt to talk causes cough
Worse: all night, disturbing sleep, wakes with cough as soon as falls asleep or in morning
on waking, stuffy room, lying on left, drinking
Better: open air, after expectoration
Mercury: paroxysms of cough at night and from warmth of bed, dry at night, yellowgreen
expectoration during day, tickling behind upper part of sternum, sounds and feels
like chest very dry, hoarseness, diarrhea, salivation, with running nose or nasal
congestion, can’t get temperature right, too hot or too cold
Worse: night, talking, sweating, drafts, artificial light
Better: rest, morning, moderate temperature
Phosphorus: every cold ends in cough and chest infection, dry, tickling cough, painful
cough, burning in chest with cough, headache during cough, must squeeze chest with
pain of cough, exhaustion, trembling from cough, can vomit with cough
Worse: cold air, talking, nervous, entrance of stranger, strong odors, morning in bed and
at night when falling asleep or waking from sleep, lying on back
Better: cold drinks, eating refreshing things, soda, fruit, sleep, dark
Pulsatilla: cough from allergy or asthma, loose rattling with green, juicy
expectoration, dry cough evening, loose morning, can have tearing with cough or
urinary leakage
Worse: evening or night in bed, becoming cold, warm room, smoky room, warm drinks,
exertion, lying, measles, before menses or if menses suppressed by pill
Better: open or cool air, gentle walking, sitting, deep breath, lying propped on pillows
Rumex: intense tickling with cough, covers mouth in cold because it causes cough
Worse: 11 p.m. morning, cold air, entering or leaving warm room, undressing, uncovering,
bending head backwards, pressing on pit of throat
Better: turning on right side
Spongia: dry, hacking, barking cough from allergy, asthma or infection, suffocative
cough, can turn blue, burning in throat, chest, larynx with cough
Worse: around midnight, both day and night, cold, dry air, cold drinks
Better: warm food or drinks, eating or drinking, sucking on hard candy or cough drops,
sitting, bending head forward
Squilla: sudden, violent, dry, paroxysmal cough with headache, copious sputum, but
only in morning, may pass stool, urine or have tears with cough, sore chest and abdomen
with cough, urge to blow nose after cough
Worse: taking deep breath, cold drinks
Better: expectoration, sitting up
Please keep in mind that I, Laura Macklem, survivingshtfmom, am NOT a medical professional…I am passing along information that I personally use that may or may not help you. If in doubt, please seek professional medical advice, especially in the event of a medical emergency. I am an advocate of self-care, not harm.
Allergic Reactions and Anaphylactic Shock Emergencies
Addressing Post-SHFT Allergic Reactions
One of my greatest concerns even before a TEOTWAWKI event is an allergic reaction to bee or wasp stings. Myself and other members of my family have all had moderate to severe reactions to stings and while it would be nice to think that an EpiPen will be available, I am realistic. They are expensive, have an expiration date and require a prescription. I am all for having one ‘just in case’, but after moving out of the suburban rat trap a few years ago, I found myself living about 20 minutes from the nearest ER and the nearest rescue squad is about 10 miles from my home. I had to get educated about how to stop or slow down allergic reactions and quick since time is of the essence in an allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis). And besides that, you and I both need to know what to do just in case medical help is a long time coming or not all.
The following are JUST IN CASE measures! If you are experiencing a severe allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock and medical help is available…GET IT WITHOUT DELAY!
First thing first…what is an allergic reaction?
An allergy is an overreaction of the body’s own natural defense system that helps fight infections, the immune system. Normally the immune system protects the body from viruses and bacteria by producing antibodies to fight them. In an allergic reaction, the immune system starts fighting substances that are usually harmless (such as, pollen, a medicine, food substance or even venom) as though these substances were trying to attack the body by releasing histamines. When histamine is released, the body reacts with an allergic reaction. This overreaction can cause a rash, itchy eyes, a runny nose, trouble breathing, nausea, and diarrhea.
This over reaction of the immune system may not occur the first time you are exposed to an allergy-producing substance. For example, the first time you are stung by a bee, you may have only pain and redness from the sting. If you are stung again, you may have hives or trouble breathing. This is caused by the response of the immune system to the venom.
Allergic reactions can range from mild and annoying to sudden and life-threatening. Most allergic reactions are mild, and home treatment can relieve many of the symptoms. An allergic reaction is more serious when severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis occurs, when the allergic reaction causes other problems or when home treatment doesn’t help.
Start at the beginning. Since an allergy is an immune system response, it would make sense to be sure that your immune system is strong and working properly. Eating correctly, getting enough sleep, stress reduction and mental attitude all play a roll in a healthy immune system. Granted, in a SHTF scenario all of these may go out the door, but until then, do what you can and when it does hit the fan, do what you can to maintain as best as you can.
Herbs that can help strengthen the immune system are varied and many grow right in your backyard or can easily be grown.
Echinacea Purpurea is the most well known of the immune system strengthening herbs. I recommend drinking as a tea (1 cup daily) or using the tincture form for one week out of four weeks for general use. Do not use continuously as it can over stimulate the immune system and be rendered useless.
Garlic and local Honey. Yes, garlic and local honey…they are both considered ‘tonics’ to the immune system and maybe used daily. For garlic, fresh is the best. Crush and eat one clove daily. For honey, 1 Tablespoon daily.
Astragalus is a time honored TCM tonic for the immune system which can be grown in many regions of theUnited States. Use either as a decoction (boiled, strong tea) or in tincture form daily for one month on, one month off.
Peppermint. Yes, peppermint. This can be made into a tea for daily use and is readily grown through out the world.
Next, the immune system is linked with the nervous system. A calm and healthy nervous system will go a long way towards reducing the severity of an allergic response. A few herbs that are excellent for the nervous system are Avena sativa (Oats), Scutellaria lateriflora (Scullcap) and Turnera diffusa (Damiana). All of these may be eaten, taken as a tea or tincture and used daily or as needed.
Also, keeping your liver healthy so that it can function correctly is important and goes a long way to strengthening your immune system too.
Herbs that help in maintaining a healthy liver are widely varied and include:
Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root and Leaf, Artichoke Leaves and Astragalus. Dandelion root and artichoke are easily cultivated here in theUnited Statesand both maybe eaten without cooking. Dandelion makes a wonderful tea too and can be used daily.
The above herbs can be used alone or together for prevention or mitigation of an allergic reaction.
Okay, now you are doing prevention and being as careful as possible to avoid the allergen, but somehow, you have an allergic reaction. I will assume for the rest of this writing that you know what ‘caused’ the allergic reaction.
First thing to remember is that TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE in an allergic reaction and to remain as calm as possible. Be prepared to react quickly upon first symptom of an allergic reaction, especially if you are prone to anaphylactic shock. If you have an EpiPen use it FIRST!
Bees and Wasps and Other Bites
The first line of defense that has worked very well for me and my family has been homeopathic remedies followed by essential oils and herbs.
The following are appropriate remedies for stings and bites:
Aconitum napellus: This remedy can be helpful if a person feels fearful or panicked after being stung or bit. Cutting, stabbing, or burning pain may be felt, along with swelling, tingling, or numbness. Aconitum should be used immediately, while symptoms are intense, and can be followed by another remedy, as indicated.
Apis mellifica: If a bite or bee sting causes puffy, tender swelling that is pink or red and hot to the touch, this remedy may be helpful. The area stings and burns, and cold applications bring relief. (If a person is allergic to insect venom, especially bee-stings, Apis may help to reduce the swelling of the passages, given as first aid while on the way to emergency medical care.)
Cantharis: This remedy may be indicated if a bite or sting results in intensely burning, scalding pain. The area of inflammation is red, and blisters may develop.
Carbolicum acidum: This remedy is usually indicated in first-aid situations, while medical help is being sought. The person feels sick and weak, and may have trouble breathing, with a dark or reddish face that looks pale around the mouth.
Hypericum: This remedy is known for its soothing effect on injuries to nerve-rich body areas. It is also useful after puncture wounds, including bites and stings. Shooting pains or pains with numbness and tingling often are experienced when Hypericum is needed.
Ledum palustre: Swelling that extends some distance from the bite, often with a bluish tinge, a feeling of cold and numbness, and aching pain, suggests the use of this remedy. If the swollen part seems cold, but the application of ice or cold water brings relief, Ledum is strongly indicated.
Urtica urens: Reddish blotches that burn and itch intensely (like a nettle sting) after insect bites may be relieved with this remedy. It is also a useful remedy for hives that sting and itch.
For those who are known to have anaphylactic response to stings and bites the three main remedies that are a MUST have in a SHTF situation are: Aconitum napellus, Apis mellifica and Carbolicum acidum.
Use the Aconitum FIRST followed immediately by the Carbolicum (if indicated) and Apis. Take 4 pellets of the Aconitum immediately. Then take 4 pellets of the other remedies (both if need be but definitely the Apis!). You use a homeopathic remedy (and a tincture for that matter) by putting the pellets under the tongue and allowing to melt. Do NOT chew or swallow. Allow the remedy to work. If you seek it working significantly, then do not dose again. If you begin to see ‘improvement’ slow or no improvement, take another dose. Do not hesitate to take another dose if you are unsure!
Take these remedies as needed until the symptoms subside and the threat has passed, then begin to take the other remedies mentioned above to address the other possible reactions. I will typically take a homeopathic dose and then when symptoms begin to resume take another dose. You will have to pay attention to the signs and symptoms in order to know when to dose…again, if in doubt, dose. But if the symptoms have clearly gone away, do not dose. Often times you will see a ‘reduction’ in symptoms and then a ‘rebound’. PAY ATTENTION. The MINUTE you see a return of symptoms take another dose.
Regarding homeopathic remedies…I personally keep on hand the 200c, 6c and 30c remedy for emergency situations of these remedies and it is suggested that you use either the 6c or 30c but use whatever strength you have on hand.
Food Allergies- There is no straight forward homeopathic remedy that I know of for a food allergy reaction. However, it is my understanding that the same remedies used in a first aid situation for bee stings would also help in this situation given the symptoms may be the same. It goes without saying to AVOID the offending food. Bromelain, which is found in Pineapple has been found to be beneficial in reducing allergic reactions to food.
Of note is one ‘herbal’ remedy for an allergic reaction to food. Peach Tincture. Kiva Rose, a well-known and respected master herbalist uses the tincture of Peach to halt allergic reactions to food. I have yet to find it already made for purchase but it is simple to make yourself ‘just in case’ and you don’t have to kill the tree to make it.
Directions for making Peach Tincture:
After spring pruning take the twigs or branches of the peach tree that you would normally compost or burn and grab a glass jar. Cut the branches or twigs into small 1 inch pieces and place in the glass jar (at least half full). Pour 100 proof alcohol over this filling to the top of the jar. Place the lid on top and tighten. Place the jar with the mixture in a cool, dark place for at least 6 weeks. Be sure to shake this mixture in the jar 2-3 times a week and then remove the plant material after 6 weeks. To use at the beginning of a food allergy reaction (mild to moderate) take 1 tsp. of the tincture and hold, swishing in the mouth for at least 1 minute before swallowing. Use as needed until symptoms are gone.
The aftermath. Nothing is worse that getting over an allergic reaction. The pain, swelling, itching can be horrible. This is due to the histamine reaction and there are ways to address this and speed up the process as your body clears its system of the allergen.
An antihistamine is used to fight off the body’s natural chemical histamine and should be used as soon as any threats to life have been addressed and if possible, used at the sametime. Antihistamine herbs fight off histamine and stop the allergic reaction from continuing.
Echinacea
Chamomile
Basil
Ginger
Stinging Nettle
Plantain
Reishi (a type of mushroom)
Wild Oregano
If you have a known allergy it may be well worth it to incorporate these herbs into your diet. Basil, ginger, and oregano can easily be incorporated into your diet and grown. Echinacea, chamomile, stinging nettle and plantain can also be grown or wild crafted. Echinacea, chamomile and stinging nettle can be taken as a tea or tincture as needed to fight off a histamine response. Plantain is often used directly on the site of the sting or bite to counteract the allergen.
In any case, 1 cup of tea as needed to control the histamine response. 60-100 drops of the tincture as needed OR if you have the herb in pill form (best for overnight use) take up to 6 capsules at one time.
Plantain can be found growing wild in waste areas. To use simply pick, chew and then place the chewed material directly on the site of the bite/sting to help reduce histamines.
You may also use Tea Tree or Lavender essential oil to help with the allergic reaction. Especially for stinging, swelling and pain. I have found that liberal use of Tea Tree essential oil (not diluted) on the affected area is most helpful for ‘hot’ skin and lavender essential oil is best for ‘cold’ skin…allow to dry and repeat as needed.
Natural ephedrine….just in case. While certainly nothing will replace the EpiPen there is one plant/shrub that contains natural ephedrine that can be grown here in theUSand is often found in the wild in the western areas of theUnited States. Mormon Tea. It might be worth a shot to have on hand ‘just in case’ to deliver a shot of ephedrine into your system. I know first hand its usefulness in bronchitis and in helping to control asthma symptoms. You would need to either have the tincture available for immediate use (use 1tsp, hold in mouth, swish around for 1 minute and then swallow) or the plant material to make a strong tea. If you use the tincture you cannot use a homeopathic for at least 20 minutes as the alcohol will destroy the homeopathic.
THESE ALL WORK! Both my husband and I have extremely bad reactions to bee and wasp stings and using these have allowed us to reduce the allergic response enough to treat at home. The key is having these on hand for IMMEDIATE USE! Homeopathic remedies do not go bad when stored correctly and having these on hand might just save your life or someone else’s while you either wait on the ambulance, get to the doctors office or even tough it out yourself. While anaphylactic shock is extremely serious I would personally rather try something than do nothing and if you don’t have this type of reaction you might just save yourself some pain and misery by using this information. Use your brain here, severe allergic reactions are no joke and if you can, I always recommend to get professional help if at all possible in life threatening situations.
God bless and good luck!
Rev. Laura
Cold? Flu? Allergies? Pt.4 Help for the Flu Using Homeopathics
Homeopathics for the flu are very specific in their nature and require that you pay attention to signs and symptoms in order to select the BEST remedy for you or yours. In fact, you may select several remedies, and that is okay, select remedies based upon symptoms. Read the descriptions carefully and select the one(s) that most closely match the signs and symptoms. And again, follow these directions after selecting the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms:
Depending upon what symptoms you are displaying you may want either one of the single remedies or a combination remedy. Typically a homeopathic remedy is a pellet, liquid or soft tablet. Directions on ‘how much’ to take come on the package. What I will suggest however is disregarding the ‘how often’.
Acute/Active Symptoms: 3-5 pellets (2-3 tabs or 3-5 drops) every 15mins for the first hour or until symptoms begin to clear up. If after 4 doses in the first hour you aren’t noticing any benefit, reassess your symptoms and try something else.
Onset/Not Too Bad/Just Beginning: 2-3 pellets (1-2 tabs or 2-3 drops) every 20-30 minutes until you notice the symptoms are gone.
In both cases once you get your symptoms under control (in otherwords, symptom relief)
back off dosing to every ½ hour. If you symptoms begin to return within that half hour time frame continue to take the remedy every half hour. As time progresses you will notice a greater period of time between displaying of symptoms…you will have to pay attention to this. If at the half hour mark you still have no symptoms wait until the one hour mark before taking another dose and then pay attention as to when the symptoms begin to return so that you are gradually decreasing your dosing schedule to 2-3 times per day, increasing length of time between doses by a ½ hour each time. Once you have reached this 2-3 times per day for 1-2 days you can then stop taking the remedy and you are ‘cured’. With children I always recommend to stop after being symptom free for 1 day.
Infants dosing should be ½ of that of an adults dose, however, as I have learned, sometimes with a young child the adult dose is appropriate to initially relieve symptoms so do not be afraid to use more in a infant or young child.
AGAIN…the trick is watch for symptom reduction! If you aren’t seeing a reduction in symptoms with the first hour of use (2-4 doses) then move onto another homeopathic!! I have increased the amount taken in children in very stubborn or acute symptoms just to ‘tamp’ it down quickly and then reduce the amount taken once I have reduced symptoms.
I would first like to suggest the following for prevention of the flu OR to take as soon as you believe you might be coming down with the flu:
Oscillococcinum Flu Remedy
This can often be found in many drug stores and is well worth keeping on hand ‘just in case’ and should be used as a ‘first defense’.
With that said, you don’t have to take the whole vial at one time as they instruct. I truly believe that this is a marketing ploy to make money. Instead, I suggest the following which has worked for me over many years.
1) To prevent the common flu…take 3-5 pellets at one time, every other day for one week. The following week, take 3-5 pellets 2 times that week and finally, the following week and every week there after, take 3-5 pellets once a week. Do this for the duration of the ‘flu’ season. Actually, I would take starting in September and then end in March.
2) If you feel like you are getting the flu…follow the standard dosing instructions above. Now, with that said, if you don’t start feeling better within 2-3 hours (in otherwords the symptoms don’t go away) you are most likely NOT getting the flu, but a cold. Try a different remedy that can be found on the Cold Part 3 blog page.
Common Flu Remedies
The number one flu homeopathic remedy is GELSEMIUM . The flu has a slow onset and is associated with chills, tiredness and paralytic weakness. The chills begin in the hands and feet, and run up and down the spine.
These patients feel as if run over by a truck. Aching pain is felt in the muscles and they experience trembing of the limbs with lack of mucular co-ordination. Want to lie down and be left alone.
The patient is generally worse in the early morning and last thing at night. They feel better after urination and in fresh air. Please see below for more information on Gelsemium.
Aconite: Sudden onset of the flu with great anxiety and fear. She thinks she is about to die.
Better: in fresh air
Worse: in a warm room, in the evening or at night, lying on the left side, hearing music, when exposed to tobacco smoke.
Other uses: any situation where the person is scared, such if they just witnessed something horrible, were just involved in an accident, etc
Arnica: Flu with a feeling of soreness, as if bruised internally and externally.
Symptoms come on very suddenly, especially after exposure to a dry, cold wind or from an emotional shock or fright.
High fever, dry cough, sore throat and feeling of great worry and fear.
The individual is very restless.
Fear of death with anxiety, tossing and trembling.
Croupy cough, early stages of croup.
Pneumonia with sudden onset.
Coughing up of blood.
Other uses: This is the main initial remedy for acute trauma, injuries and accidents. Bumps, bruises, sprains, strains, cuts, etc. It is commonly given to patients before and after surgery to improve outcome, decrease bleeding and bruising and promote healing. You will find Arnica in all homeopathic emergency kits.
Aconitum napellus: This remedy is useful for a flu that comes on suddenly and intensely accompanied by fever, anxiety, constricted pupils, and strong thirst. The person may feel fearful or agitated, and the fever can alternate with chills. Symptoms are often worst around midnight. Exposure to cold wind or a shock of some kind often precedes the illness.
Apis mellifica: If a person has dry fever that alternates with sweating, facial flushing, and a very sore throat with swollen tonsils , then this homeopathic remedy may be prescribed. Pain may extend to the ears, and the eyelids may be swollen. Exposure to cool air and cold applications may bring relief. Despite the fever, thirst usually is low. The person can be very irritable, disliking interference.
Arsenicum Album: Influenza in children with sudden onset and much prostration.
Extremely restless, oversensitive, anxious and weak.
Fear of death.
Extreme prostration, out of proportion to the disease.
Very restless, can’t stay in one place.
Does not want to be left alone.
Chilly.
Pale face with an anxious expression.
Burning pains that are better with warm applications.
Thirsty, drinks in small sips often.
Worse between 1 and 2 a.m.
Vomiting and diarrhea are common.
Diarrhea with acrid, offensive, watery stools.
Too neat, upset by clutter.
Desires fatty and sour things, especially lemon.
Other uses: Food poisonings, stomach flues.
Baptisia: Looks drowsy and drunk. Flu with high fever and a feeling of being bruised all over.
Flu that comes on suddenly.
Sensation of being bruised and sore all over, the body and limbs feel as if they are scattered.
Profuse sweating with a high fever and an intense thirst.
Dull red face, looks dazed and sluggish as if they may fall asleep at any time.
The bed feels hard (Compare with Pyrogenium and Arnica)
Stupefying headache, with confusion.
Delirium with strange sensations, like as if there is somebody else in bed with him, parts of her body are separated, etc.
Patient smells bad.
Belladonna: Flu with a high fever, red face and dilated pupils. Dryness and burning heat. Everything is intense and concentrated in the head.
High fever that comes on suddenly, often as a result of a change in temperature (e.g. becoming chilled or overheated, washing the hair).
Flushed face, sore throat, eyes wide and staring, pupils dilated, bright red tongue, red throat with white spots on the tonsils.
Constriction on attempting to swallow
Ejection of food and drink through the nose and mouth from spasm.
There may be confusion, delirium or vivid hallucinations.
Twitching and starting.
Headache.
Symptoms tend to affect the right side of the body.
Craving for lemon or lemonade.
General aggravation at 3 p.m.
Better: standing, sitting upright, in a warm room.
Worse: any noise, bright light, movement, lying down, night.
Other uses: strep throat, meningitis, abdominal cramps, menstrual cramps, etc, when the overall picture fits.
Bryonia: Extremely irritable, talks about business. Bryonia is good if symptoms include a headache, cough, constipation, thirst, and irritability
Flu with a severe, throbbing headache, body pains. All symptoms are worse from any motion.
Slow onset.
Thirst for large amounts infrequently, preferably cold.
Pains (headache, body pains) better by pressure. Lies on the painful part.
Dryness everywhere, dry tongue, with generally a white coating
Nose bleed
Pneumonia, especially of the right side; pleurisy (pain on breathing and coughing).
Business: worries, talks and dreams about it.
Wants to go home. May be confused and not realize she is at home.
Better: pressure, rest
Worse: any excitement, noise, touch, movement, bright light, from eating and coughing and at around 3am and 9pm.Other uses: Pain in joints, sprains, strains, when symptoms are worse from movement.
Specific Symptoms for Bryonia:
Grumpy and feels miserable with the flu
Wanting only to lie still and be left alone
Headache, muscle aches, and cough or stomach pain
Everything feels worse from even the slightest motion.
Dry mouth, with a thirst for long cold drinks
Eupatorium – perfoliatum: Flu with body pains so severe, that the bones feel broken.
Feels as if run over by a truck, with pain deep in the bones.
Bursting headache and sore eyes.
Thirsty for ice cold water (opposite to Gelsemium, which is not thirsty).
Chills running up and down the back.
High fever preceded by chills, especially from 7 – 9am.
Worse: movement
Ferrum Phos: Flu without any localizing or characteristic symptoms.
High fever, usually 102 degrees or higher.
Right sided complaints – Pneumonia.
Flushes or redness or pallor.
Hemorrhage [Nose or Chest]
Specific symptoms for Eupatorium:
Deep ache in the bones and muscles
Eyeballs hurt
Exhaustion
Desires cold food and drinks, which are vomited as soon as they warm in the stomach
Painful cough
Yellow tongue
Tremendous aching, as if bones are broken
Fever preceded by chills, especially from 7:00 to 9:00 A.M.
Ferrum phosphoricum: This remedy may be helpful during flu associated with the following symptoms:
Fever
Headache
Rosy cheeks
A feeling of weariness
Sensitive eyes
A short hard cough
Strong thirst
Vomiting after eating
This remedy is also prescribed in early stages of flu or fever, even if symptoms are not especially clear.
Gelsemium: Flu with chills and paralytic weakness. They feel as if run over by a truck.
This tends to be the number 1 flu remedy. Take Gelsemium if you have heavy, droopy eyes; feel weak and tired, with aches and chills up and down your back; and want to be alone.
Slow onset
After worrying about a forthcoming task or event such as a public speaking engagement.
Sore throat.
Bursting headache beginning in the neck and which may extend over the head to the eyes and forehead; relieved by copious urination.
Double vision often before or during the headache. Eyelids are heavy and droopy, can’t keep them open.
Fatigue, heaviness and dullness. The legs feel weak and shaky and they just want to lie in bed.
Pain is felt in the muscles.
No thirst.
Aching muscles.
Chills begin in the hands and feet, and run up and down the spine.
Worse: early morning and last thing at night, in the sun, and when exposed to tobacco smoke.
Better: urination, fresh air
Comparisons:
Bryonia also has pains, but they are much worse from any movement. Gelsemium patient does not want to move due to fatigue and heaviness, not aggravation from movement.
Eupatorium perfoliatum patient also feels as if run over by a truck, but the pains are more severe, and they are felt in the bones. In addition, Eup-per patient is thirsty, and Gels patient is not.
Other uses: Anxiety anticipating an important engagement.
Specific symptoms for Gelsemium:
hot head and face, but with chills that go up and down the back; burning headache without any real sense of thirst, etc. are symptoms for which this remedy is often prescribed. Other symptoms:
Fatigue and achiness that come on gradually, increasing over several days
The face feels heavy, with droopy eyes and aching.
A headache may begin at the back of the neck and skull
Chills and heat running up and down the spine.
Anxiety
Dizziness
Moderate fever
Trembling
Perspiration
Kali sulphuricum: Yellow, slimy
Fever with easy sweating
Yellow slimy tongue, nasal discharge, ear discharge, diarrhea.
Cough with easily expelled yellow slimy sputum.
Thirsty. Averse to hot drinks.
Wants to lie down, but it makes her worse, so she must walk for relief.
Mercurius solubilis: Dirty, smelly, drooling.
Increased salivation, offensive breath, profuse offensive sweat.
Filthy tongue, large, flabby, tooth – notched
Thirsty
Craves bread and butter.
Worse: night, heat of bed
Nux Vomica: Flu with great irritability and over sensitivity. Easily offended, angry, cold.
Irritable, impatient, angry and easily offended.
Very chilly. Chilliness on the slightest movement. On the slightest exposure to the open air, shivering and chilliness for an hour; dreads to go out into the open air. By the slightest draught he gets chilled. He cannot get warm. Great coldness not removed by heat, or by bed coverings. Wants to be completely covered.
Very sensitive to light, noise and odors.
Shivering and chilliness immediately after drinking.
Fastidious. Wants everything just so.
Collapse and fatigue states from overwork.
Other uses: Ailments from overdoing: overeating, overwork, etc. Hangover.
Specific symptoms for Nux Vomica:
Nux Vomica is often prescribed for flu associated with thoroughly chilled feelings, cannot get warm at all, limbs and back are aching, stomach upset. Other indications are:
high fever
violent chills
strong nausea
cramping in the digestive tract (or a painful cough and constricted breathing if the flu is respiratory)
headache
oversensitivity to sound, bright light, and odors
often very irritable
feels worse from exertion
Feels worse from being cold in any way
Phosphorus: The flu quickly affects the lungs, especially the base of the right lung. Lots of cough. Bleeding.
Bloody sputum, bright red.
Craves cold drinks, which may be vomited when they become warm in the stomach.
Burning, ressure and constriction in the chest; worse lying on the left side; worse lying on the painful side (patient and the cough).
Nose bleed, bright red.
Cough, worse talking and laughing.
Specific symptoms for Phosphorus:
This remedy is indicated for flu when it is accompanied by:
fever with an easily-flushing face
feels very weak and dizzy
headache
hoarseness
sore throat
cough
stomach pain and nausea or vomiting
strong anxiety
wanting others to be around to offer company and reassurance
strong thirst, with a tendency to vomit when liquids warm up in the stomach
Pulsatilla: Clingy and weepy when sick.
Flitting chilliness; chills in spots. Chilly in a warm room.
One sided chilliness – heat – sweat. One cheek red, the other white.
Palpitations with anxiety: must throw off the clothes.
Dry cough at night, better sitting up, worse on lying down again.
Thick yellow-green discharge from nose. Yellow-green expectoration.
Craves butter, cream, pastries.
Thirstless.
Tearful, craves company and sympathy.
Worse: external warmth, closed room
Better: open air, outside, slow motionOther uses: This is one of the most commonly used remedies in children. Whatever the problem (ear infection, teething, cold, etc), when the child is weepy, wants the caregiver next to him all the time and gets better only when held. This is opposite to Chamomilla children, who are often angry and reject kindness.
Pyrogenium: Septic states.
Extremely restless. Has to keep on moving, rocking, wringing, for momentary relief.
The bed feels too hard, aching everywhere, feels beaten and bruised.
Everything is offensive: sweat, breath, discharges, stool, etc.
The pulse is abnormally rapid for the temperature. High temperature with slow pulse, or the reverse.
Creeping chills in the back, with a thumping heart.
Bursting headache.
Rapid bed sores.
Feels as if someone else is in his bed.
Consciousness of the heart beating.
Rhus toxicodendron: Stiff and restless, better with movement.
Restlessness. Wants to move all the time.
Aching and stiffness in the joints, worse on first starting to move and better with continued movement.
Red triangle on the tip of the tongue.
Intense fever: thirsty: great prostration: weeps without knowing why.
Severe aching in the bones.
Fear of poisoning. She may refuse taking medicine feeling it is poison.
Anxiety and fear which are worse at night.
Other uses: Sprains, strains, when the pain is better with movement (opposite of Bryonia).
Rhus toxicodendron: A person who needs this remedy during flu feels extremely restless and complain of achy, stiff muscles. Other indications:
fever is often accompanied by bone and muscle aches
teasing cough
sore throat
red tongue
nausea and bloating
soreness and stiffness may be felt all over,
feels better from hot showers or from getting up and pacing.
feels worse when waking up, after lying in bed, or from keeping still too long.
symptoms are often relieved by rubbing and stretching, but especially warmth and movement.
Sulphur
Hot, burning sensations. This is a well known remedy for skin irritation.
Partially recovers and then relapses.
Very sensitive to the open air and drafts (opposite to Pulsatilla); worse from washing and taking a bath.
The crown of the head is very hot but the feet are cold.
The soles of the feet burn at night; they must be put out of the bed.
Hungry and starving at 11am, but not before then.
Often left-sided
Specific symptoms for Sulphur:
This remedy is often prescribed if a flu is very long-lasting or has some lingering symptoms such as the case when people have neglected to take good care of themselves. The person may feel hot and sweaty, with low fever and reddish mucous membranes. Symptoms, either digestive or respiratory, will often have a hot or burning quality. Heat aggravates the symptoms, and the person often feels worse after bathing.
Other remedies that may be used but are often used in ‘worst case’ flu situations and, if at all possible, professional medical attention should be sought out.
Camphora: Flu with laborious, asthmatic breathing, accumultion of phlegm in the air tubes, cold, dry skin.
Profound prostration/collapse.
Coldness and shivering.
Cold to touch, yet cannot bear to be covered.
Very sensitive to cold air
Face is pale and blue, lips are livid.
Pulse is weak and scarcely perceptible.
Pneumonia or bronchitis with collapse. Irritability
Worse: Cold
Carbo –vegetalis: “Corpse reviver”
Desperate cases.
Cold; even the breath and tongue are cold; very pale, air – hunger, asks for the windows to be opened, to be fanned.
Shortness of breath. Must sit up in bed.
Bloating, indigestion, and tremendous amount of gas.
This is a frequent ICU remedy, when life seems to be draining away.
China (Cinchona officinalis): Ailment from loss of fluids: blood loss, vomiting, diarrhea.
Desperate cases.
Debility with chilliness.
Anemic; pallid; weak. Sensitive to touch: motion: to cold air.
Worse at regular period: alternate days, every third day, every seven days, etc.
Weariness of the limbs, with desire to stretch, move or change position.
Painless diarrhea with a lot of gas.
Other uses: A very common remedy for diarrhea
Other possible remedies that may help:
Antimonium tartaricum: pneumonia with rattling of mucus in the chest.
Profuse mucus in bronchi with drowsiness. Loose, coarse rattling but scanty expectoration. Suffocative shortness of breath; alternating with cough. Chest seems full, yet less and less is raised, followed by vomiting or sleep.
Nausea; in waves; with weakness and cold sweat.
Forcible vomiting, followed by exhaustion and sleep
Tongue coated thick white with reddened papillae and edges.
Vomiting better lying on right side.
Desire for acids, apples.
Anxiety, aversion to being looked at; wants to be left alone.
Sleepy, weak, sweaty.
Worse: heat; warm room.
Asclepias tuberosa
Influenza with marked weakness on walking.
Shooting pleuritic pains (pains with inspiration) during and lingering after influenza.
Bleeding from gums, coughing up blood, bleeding from nose.
Worse: Lying, especially on left side. Motion of arms. Deep inspiration.
Better: Bending forward.
Euphorbium resinifera: Flu with burning pains in the bones.
Intense burning pains as if a live coal were on, or in the part.
Pharyngitis with a sensation as if expired air was a burning flame.
Worse: Touch; rest; sitting; beginning of motion.
Better: Continued motion; cold applications (compare with Arsenicum, which has burning pains better from hot applications).
Euphrasia: Flu with eye symptoms.
Acrid tears and bland nasal discharge.
Burning, smarting eyes and aversion to light and constant winking.
Cough with large quantities of mucus.
Ipecacuanha: She coughs till she vomits.
Dry, spasmodic cough ending in choking, gagging and vomiting. Person stiffens and becomes pale or blue; gasps for breath.
Constant nausea not relieved by vomiting.
Clean tongue.
Profuse salivation with the nausea.
No thirst.
Worse: Heat.
Other uses: Any ailments or pains attended with constant nausea and clean tongue. Whooping cough.
Sanguinaria: Flu with burning in various parts and headache.
Right-sided remedy.
Burning in various parts: eyeballs, cheeks, tongue, throat, chest, stomach, palms and soles.
Headaches, especially right sided, spreading from shoulder over the head to the eye.
Spasmodic cough with expectoration of rust-colored sputum.
Runny or stopped-up nose, followed by diarrhea.
Dryness of mucous membranes.
Desire for spicy and pungent food.
Warm-blooded.
The following information was taken from an article in Homeopathy World Community and was written by Bente Ødegård. It may be found at: http://www.homeopathyworldcommunity.com/profiles/blogs/influenza-pandemics-and-long
Influenza pandemics have for centuries posed the greatest threat of a worldwide calamity caused by infectious disease. Over the past 300 years, ten influenza pandemics have occurred among humans. According to recent analysis, the 1918-19 pandemic killed 50 to 100 million people globally. Today, even a “mild” pandemic could kill many millions of people.
Influenza manifests in the respiratory system and produces generalized aches and pain, especially in the limbs and back. It produces malaise; prostration; fever; coryza, headache; with photophobia and retrobulbar aching; and inflamed respiratory mucous membranes. The incubation period is around 48 hours.
The symptoms begin with sore throat with substernal burning; nonproductive cough; and coryza. Cough usually becomes severe and productive and causes pain in the chest. The soft palate, posterior hard palate, tonsils and throat become reddened and painful. The eyes water easily and the conjunctiva may be mildly inflamed. Sweating and weakness may continue for weeks. Complications include bronchitis; pneumonia; breathlessness; spitting of blood; pulmonary edema; encephalitis; and death.Old people; babies; those confined to bed; or with chronic pulmonary or heart disease are the most at risk.
During the 1918 influenza pandemic it was young people, 25 -34 years of age, which were most severely affected. They appeared to have no immunity and succumbed to a pneumonia that would kill within days. It was not uncommon for someone physically strong and in good health to get up feeling well in the morning and by bedtime they would be dead. During this flu pandemic large numbers of people sought homeopathic care and were restored to good health; in numerous cases their lives were saved
An article published in the Journal of the American Institute of Homeopathy in May 1921 states that Dean W.A.Pearson of Philadelphia collected 26,795 cases of influenza treated by homeopathic physicians with only a mortality rate of 1.05%, while the average conventional medical approach had a mortality rate of 30%.
During this time there were many Medical Doctors practicing homeopathic medicine throughout Europe and in America, much to the chagrin of non-homeopathic doctors and pharmacists. While conventional hospitals in the US had an 80-90% loss of life during the scarlet fever, Cholera and Flu epidemics around 1919, Homeopathic Hospitals had only a 2-5% loss.
There is however a possibility that some of these high numbers of positive effects of homeopathic treatment can be subscribed to the ill effects of the conventional treatment. Many homeopaths reported a decrease in chance of survival in those that had, previously to homeopathic treatment, been taking Aspirin. A.F. Stevens, M.D. in St.Louis said about the patients undergoing conventional treatment: “They died like flies around a plate of poison although ‘science’ did all that could be done to ‘save’ them”.
There has been at least three large scale double-blind placebo- controlled trials to treat people with flu or influenza – like syndrome. Each of these large scale studies were conducted by independent researchers, and a treatment is considered proven when at least three independent studies verify positive results.
Several studies have suggested that the homeopathic remedy oscillococcinum, which is prepared from a duck liver, is a very effective treatment for influenza. One study found that the remedy significantly increased the rate of cure within two days of diagnosis. This was a high- quality trial, published in an important, non- homeopathic journal and involving large numbers of patients (237 treated and 241 on placebo).
It is generally impossible in homeopathy to pinpoint a few remedies that would help in general against the flu. But, what is fascinating is that during an influenza epidemic, a remedy or two will work marvellously. This remedy is sometimes referred to as genus epidemicus. The homeopathic Materia Medica has well over 3,500 remedies. There is no one remedy that is specific to the flu because individuals will manifest symptoms in different ways that are unique to them. The most important point to remember about homeopathy is that it treats the individual.
If you are interested in more information or purchasing a homeopathic flu kit for yourself please visit:
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