Hi Everyone
Carol B.Willis, who is cooking in San Jose, California, emailed me earlier today and ask if I'd do a blog on treating heat ailments. I said yes. So, here it is:
First Aid Treatment for for HEAT related symptoms, recognition of HEAT symptoms, plus a few homeopathic remedies that might be of help as well....
With the USA burning up due to Greenhouse Effect, homeopathy can help--but you can also help--avoid heat exhaustion, heat cramps and sunstroke. Here’s what YOU can do. This information does NOT replace a medical doctor’s advice--so follow it first. This is a ‘what else can I do?’ after taking with your MD or calling 911.
1. Stay hydrated! I can’t stress this enough. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. This does NOT mean soda pop or sugary drinks. This means WATER, folks. Gatorade, the original, is okay to add to this.
ELDERLY: they tend not to drink enough liquids at all. If you are caring for an elder, make sure they are getting enough to drink. For example, my mother is 89 years old and does not drink near enough liquids and she lives out here with us in Arizona...where it’s over 100F every day in the Summer. TIP: We found out she loves Starbucks Frapaccinos! So, we go to Safeway, where there is a Starbucks, and order her a Strawberries and Cream “venti” (largest one they have) for her daily. She drinks the whole thing! When you consider it’s about 80% ICE--you get the idea--lots of WATER in it. With Elders, don’t worry if the drink has sugar in it--unless of course--they are diabetic or their doctor says no sugar. It’s more important to get them to drink. Think about no sugar added fruit juices such as grape, apricot, peach, guava, grapefruit and orange juice. Another good one is Gatorade because it replenishes their sodium-potassium balance--which is more than likely to give out during heat and lack of drinking enough water.
If you are caring for an elder, find out what they like to drink and keep it on hand. It might save them from heat exhaustion, heat cramps or worse, heat stroke.
2. If you have to go outside, wear a HAT and a long sleeved WHITE cotton shirt or blouse. Both will protect you from the sun--not to mention--skin cancer.
3. Do all your work outside in early morning hours or in the evening after 5:00 p.m. Don’t be stupid and work out in the middle of the day when the temperature and humidity are at their highest.
4. If you must work outside--work in the SHADE, if possible.
5. Do not wear TIGHT-fitting clothing. Choose cotton, silk or any other natural kind of fabric that breathes. Keep clothing LOOSE; it allows for better circulation of air over your body plus allows your perspiration to dry up.
6. If you suspect any heat related condition, call the person’s medical doctor right away. Get instructions from him or her. Or, if you suspect heat/sun stroke, call 911 FIRST, then attend to the person as quickly thereafter as you can. Try to find out the person’s medical doctor--call when you can.
THREE HEAT RELATED CONDITIONS YOU NEED TO WATCH OUT FOR....
I’m putting the most life-threatening first, Heat or Sun Stroke, then non-life threatening, Heat Exhaustion and finally, Heat Cramps, last. Below these symptoms/treatment are some homeopathic remedies that might be used, providing the person matches the symptoms--right along and after treatment (and 911 has been called in the case of heat/sunstroke).
SUN STROKE or HEAT STROKE
This is a life-threatening condition. Call 911 immediately/first and then help the person. This is a condition where the body is unable to deal with the amount of head buildup within it and can’t cool itself down. The temperature rises rapidly and tissues are destroyed. It can occur outdoors, in closed, poorly ventilated, humid spaces (think of the elderly stuck in a little apartment here...), heat waves, vigorous physical outdoor activity, places without air conditioning, without good ventilation. Children left unattended in a locked car on a hot day (this happens all the time in Phoenix, unfortunately).
SYMPTOMS:
1. Often, symptoms of HEAT EXHAUSTION occur first before the onset of the life-threatening SUN STROKE symptoms come next. However, their skin may be sweaty and skin may still be moist or wet--and this is a SIGN that you’re dealing with sun stroke and not heat exhaustion.
2. Body core temperature rises rapidly up to 106F degrees. This is where brain injury can occur.
3. Change of behavior are usually the first sign of sunstroke. They may be confused, not know where they’re at, not know your name, or their name...wandering around....dazed...changing levels of consciousness...slurring words, incoherent, mumbling, not making sense when they talk, are all examples of changing behavior. They may be stumbling around, flailing around, awkward appearing, as if unsure of their balance.
4. Then, quickly after that, person becomes unresponsive. Semiconscious or unconscious.
5. Pulse is usually rapid and strong at first but as person becomes increasingly unresponsive to you, pulse becomes weaker and blood pressure begins to fall.
TREATMENT: Call 911 first and then.....
1. Get person out of hot environment and into a cooler one--such as a house or a room where there is air conditioning or at least, a fan. If air conditioner available, put on HIGH or MAXIMUM and put them in front of it if possible.
2. Remove person’s clothing (keep on bra/panties/boxer shorts, however).
3. Wrap person in soaking wet bath towels (drenched and dripping in cold water) or a sheet. (If you happen to be out without help and there is a stream or lake nearby--have person sit in it and sluice water over them--but always keep a hand on them--they could go unconscious on you and drown!! This is the MOST important part of sun stroke treatment is lowering that person’s temperature as fast as you can. If you can get them to sit in a tub of cool water--so much the better--but many are not in that kind of shape to walk to move. Do what you can, with what you have--keeping in mind lowering their temperature with cooling water on the outside of their body could save their life.
4. Put person wrapped in soaking wet towels/sheets directly in front of a fan. What you have to do is try and lower their body temperature as quickly as possible.
5. Pour cold water over their hair/head--this helps cool them down quickly. Or, another way is to put a soaking wet towel and wrap it around their head--this helps lower temperature in brain tremendously.
6. Put a bunch of ice cubes in a zip lock bag, wrap in small towel and gently but firmly place it around the back of their neck--this cools the blood going into and out of the the brain and helps bring back consciousness level.
7. If they are conscious, have them drink cold water and if they want, water with ice cubes in it.
9. Be prepared to deal with someone who may not be ‘all there’ because their brain is boiling at 106F, and they may be hallucinating, may be combative, spacy, semiconscious or just plain hard to handle. If you have help, call for it. Usually, the more people around to help this person before 911 arrives, the better. One person can run and go soak bath towels in a bathtub of running water. Another person can go pack ice cubes in a zip lock bag.
HEAT EXHAUSTION symptoms
(also known as: heat prostration heat stroke or heat collapse)
If you get any of these symptoms it is because your body has lost too much water and your electrolytes (sodium and potassium, among others) have decreased due to heavy sweating. In other words: you’re not drinking enough water, often enough and you’ve depleted your body of necessary fluids that keeps your body going.
People in the Southwest don’t feel the perspiration because of low humidity, so are very prone to this condition. People who have higher humidity can see their are sweating profusely and this is a signal to start drinking plenty of water to replace what you’re losing!
1. Skin is usually cool, cold or clammy feeling to touch
2. Person will admit they have been working hard (except in cases of elderly--all they have to do is sit there in a hot place and they sweat and become exhausted)
3. Feeling dizzy
4. Feeling weak
5. Feeling faint
6. May or may not be accompanied by nausea
7. Vital signs are normal, although pulse (put two fingers on the inside of a person’s wrist) may be rapid
8. body temperature is usually normal or slightly elevated. On rare occasions, it can climb to 104F.
TREATMENT:
1. Get person water to drink immediately. Gatorade is okay. They suggest a liter of water should be drank--but don’t force a person to glug it down. If they want to constantly sip water, that’s fine too.
2. Put person in the SHADE if outdoors. Or, get them indoors where it is cooler. Put a fan on them if available. Or place them where there is air conditioning.
3. Loosen their clothing.
4. Treat for shock--which means lay them down (pillow under head) and slightly elevate their feet by putting a pillow under their ankles. You can also put pillows under knees to support them, as well.
5. Never force fluids by mouth on a person who is not fully alert--the fluids can go into the lungs and then you have a life-threatening problem on your hands.
With this care, a person should snap out of it in about 30 minutes.
If they do not, and you see changing levels of consciousness (may or may not their name, your name, where they are, disoriented, confused, ect.) or their temperature elevates and climbs (or does not go back to normal), then call 911.
After you have done all the above, you may think about one of several homeopathic remedies. Remember: you match the homeopathic remedy with the person’s symptoms. If they do not match the person’s symptoms--do NOT give it to them!!!
HEAT CRAMPS
Is a condition where you develop what we call ‘charley horses’ or painful muscle spasms that usually occur after vigorous exercise. Or, they may show up in the middle of the night--waking you out of a dead sleep--with horrific pain. The mechanism for what brings on heat cramps is not well known. But what they do know is that your electrolyte balance is not what it should be--and they are not distributed evenly in your body like they are supposed to be. No one knows why this occurs--in some people--it just does. Usually, there can be a loss of salt and/or potassium for starters, that makes these knotty, painful muscle spasms occur. Sometimes heavy sweating and vigorous exercise can trip these symptoms into appearing. Dehydration is believed to play an important part in heat cramps occurring. Large amounts of water can be lost from the body as a result of excessive sweating. The loss of water may affect your muscles that are being stressed and this causes them to go into spasms/cramping.
Heat cramps usually occur in the leg or abdominal muscles. In the abdomen, it can make you think you have a severe and acute abdominal problem (think of appendix here....).
TREATMENT:
1. Remove the person from the hot environment and get them inside to air conditioning or a fan on them.
2. Loosen any tight clothing.
3. Replace fluids by mouth. Use water or diluted (half strength) balanced electrolyte solution such as Gatorade.
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDY TO USE: Natrum muriaticum 30C
I have found with myself, that I’m a thirstless person and don’t drink enough water. And when I do my two mile hike, sometimes I’ll end up with heat cramps in the middle of the night. I always have a bottle of Nat. Mur. 30C on my bed stand--I pop 2-3 pellets into my mouth and within ONE MINUTE, the cramps are gone. This is the remedy I specifically recommend for heat cramps. You won’t need Belladonna or Glonoine for this particular set of symptoms. Interestingly enough, Nat. Mur is common table salt. The homeopathic remedy helps redistribute the sodium-potassium balance in its correct levels with one another by taking this remedy. You will not need than 3 doses, five minutes apart, to handle these symptoms. If you do need more, you need to go call your medical doctor who will decide what should be done next.
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
If you don’t have these remedies, any good health food store should have them. Just call them up and ask. The POTENCY you want is: 30C.
If you can’t get the remedies, then perform the standard care and treatment as outlined above, instead.
Later, after the emergency is over, you might want to have these three on hand since Summer seems to be a pot boiling over for us. Here’s where you can order them online or via a toll free number:
Hahnemann Laboratories, Inc.
1940 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA 94901
HOURS: Monday-Friday --- 9am-1pm & 2 pm - 6 pm
Michael Quinn, RpH, owner
1-888-427-6422--toll free in USA
To order on the internet:
HOW TO ORDER ON WEB SITE:
Please note: for each remedy you order, you must repeat the below procedure. You can’t order three at once. It is one remedy at a time.
Hahnemann LabsGo to:
http://www.hahnemannlabs.com/
2. In the upper RIGHT hand corner of the front page it says: ORDER HERE
click on that
It will say: Select a Remedy in the box mid-page
write in: Natrum muriaticum (or Glonoine or Belladonna)
(default on blue button is the Search by Official Name--leave as is)
click on FIND REMEDY
3. This will lead you to Step 1
Click on C
4. Step 2 is selecting potency. See box
point/click on 30C
and then click on Continue Select Size of Vial
5. Step 3 is selecting size.
point/click on 1/2 dram 9.95
point/click on: add to shopping cart
6. From there, you can order however more remedies you need and then, fill out name/address, ect.
HEAT SYMPTOM RELATED HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
DOSAGE: In acute cases, taking 3-6 pellets under the tongue, ten minutes apart, for three doses, should do it. If there is no change in symptoms within this time then continue on with your traditional care of the person per your medical doctor and/or 911 arrives.
POTENCY: Never anything but a 30C. It is strong enough to change the symptoms.
FINDING A PROFESSIONAL HOMEOPATH NEAR YOU:
Any higher potency for any homeoapthic remedy should be prescribed through your professional homeopath, not taken without specific direction. For homeopathic directory, to find a homeopath nearest you:
Homeopathic DirectoryBELLADONNA atropa 30C
1. Cold hands and feet, but face is hot feeling, red or flushed looking.
2. Eyes are dilated--pupils are huge and black appearing.
3. Eyes may be red appearing, brilliant or shiny looking in appearance.
4. Eyes feel swollen ad protruding sensation. Or, sensations as if eyes are half closed--but they re not.
5. Emotionally volatile; may get angry all of a sudden, get combative and strike out at you, or bite you.
6. Headache pains made worse by least jarring, noise, direct (sunlight) or indirect light (light sensitive), by heat, stooping over or coughing. Pains are throbbing or knifelike. May feel pulsation or pounding. They may tell you it feels like their brains are going to explode out of their head or get pushed out their eyes or head.
7. They feel better from light covering, sitting semi-erect, resting in bed, leaning head against something (pillow is good), bending or turning the affected part.
8. The feel worse from heat of the sun, from drafts on head (they probably will not want to be fanned or in front of an air conditioner--but ask first and see), getting jarred (just walking worsens them), too much light (sunlight or a light overhead in the room where they are lying in the shock position), too much noise (they can’t stand ANY noise, even people talking....they want it quiet and non-disruptive), doesn’t want anyone touching them, being around running water agitates them, and doesn’t want to look at anything shiny or glistening (think of a mirror here).
GLONOINE 30C
Is a premier homeopathic sunstroke and heat stroke remedy. I always suggest having this when you take a vacation, trip, or are out on business or keeping it in your medicine cabinet at home. This is one of those remedies that may save a life some day.
1. Sensation of pulsing (throbbing, wavelike) motion in head or in some part--or all of their body.
2. Confusion with dizziness. Cannot bear any heart about their head.
3. Throbbing headache with a feeling of surging blood from heart into their head.
4. Bursting, expansive sensation in their head--as if their head were going to explode.
5. Extreme irritability; gets excited by the slightest opposition.
6. Confusion about where they are (even if it is a familiar place).
7. Clothing feels tight to them.
8. Violent convulsions associated with cerebral congestion in the head. They may say it feels like there’s too much blood pouring into their head.
9. Feels very tired, cannot work or move.
10. General pulsation's with numbness.
11. They feel better if in open air (a fan on them or being fanned or in front of an air conditioner), elevating their head just slightly, placing a hand on head with pressure, drinking fluids and cool/cold applications (wet cloth over brow, wiping off their face and arms with cool cloth).
12. They feel worse out in sun, tight collars, from motion or moving around (they want to lie down--let them and put them into shock position--see above), stooping, drinking any kinds of stimulants such as coffee, tea or soda, lying down on left side.
NATRUM MURIATICUM 30C
Is well known for helping to rebalance the electrolytes between sodium (salt) and potassium
1. Headache, throbbing , but feels like a hundred hammers pounding inside their skull.
2. Blinding kind of headache.
3. Craving for salt (these people do well if Gatorade is available--mix with water). They may want to eat salty things like Fritoes, peanuts or whatever. Let them....but also get them to be drinking water along with the salty snack.
4. Emotionally, they get irritable, fuss over details that aren’t important, awkward, hasty, wants to be left alone to cry. May joke or make fun of their situation when its not really funny at all.
5. Rapid heartbeat. Fluttering, palpating, or intermittent pulse.
6. May get cramping in extremities; particularly the calves of the legs.
7. Not thirsty. Thirstless. But needs to drink water.
8. Eyes feel bruised. Eyelids are heavy; hard to keep eyes open.
9. Palms of hands are hot and sweaty. Numbness or tingling in fingers and lower extremities may be there.
10. Can look very pale or waxen looking in the face. Like ‘death warmed over’ kind of look.
11. They feet better in open air, moving air (fan, being fanned or near air conditioning unit), cold bathing or cold cloth over face, arms, lying on right side. Pressure against the back (lying down on back in shock position).
12. They feel worse with noise, music, warm room, any mental exertion (even talking), they don’t want consolation, to be touched or made a fuss over, heat or talking.
HOMEOPATHIC KITS BY EILEEN NAUMAN
Eileen Nauman Homeopathic KitsI have created several homeopathic kits based upon needs of the below books I have written over the years. Every home should have a homeopathic kit as far as I’m concerned. And if you need one, check mine out! You can also get kits at local health food stores who carry homeopathic remedies, too.
BOOKS ON HOMEOPATHY WRITTEN BY EILEEN NAUMAN
Homeopathy Books by Eileen NaumanIf you have an interest in Homeopathy, you might check these books out that I have written over the last 15 years:
HELP! And Homeopathy by Eileen Nauman, DHM (UK) : What do you do in an Emergency after call 911 and BEFORE help arrives? When an emergency happens at home, on the job, in the car, or on vacation, the moments that follow after you call 911 are critical. Now, you can learn how natural homeopathic remedies can be an effective first line of defense in times of crisis while waiting for help to arrive... Price $16.95 USD
Homeopathy for Epidemics by Eileen Nauman, DHM (UK) : Fearful of getting West Nile Virus? SARS got you up at night and worried about contracting it? Nowadays, we are on the defensive against not only 'Super Germs', but also haunted by Terrorism and their promise to kill people with nuclear, biological or chemical weapons. How can you protect yourself against these threats? Homeopathy can help. For a brief overview of the contents, click here... Price $25.00 USD
Beauty in Bloom by Eileen Nauman, DHM (UK) : You don't need to suffer from menopause symptoms. They can be alleviated naturally with homeopathy, a wonderful alternative medicine practiced worldwide. Have hot flashes? Can't sleep at night? Sleep deprived? Your hair is falling out? Bladder troubles? Emotional swings? Read on. This book is for you... Price $24.95 USD
Some other references:
Hot Summer Days Can Make Sick People Sicker
http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/content/Article/88/100056.htm?pagenumber=1
Surviving Summer
http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/content/article/88/99850.htm
Understanding Heat-Related Illness -- Treatment
http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/content/article/54/61501.htm
In Spirit....
