| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| createmyworld |
Posted - Jul 26 2007 : 2:28:27 PM
Hi everyone,
Today while going for my daily speedwalk, I was bit by a horsefly. I have had encounters with these little stinkers in the past, enough to know that I react to the bite, so my mind quickly went to work on preventing the "usual" symptoms. The ususal symptoms for me include, a welt in the bite area which becomes extremely itchy and painful, sometimes swells an even larger area around the initial welt, and after a day or so the inital bite area turns into a bruise which lasts for weeks longer and is just tender.
Today I turned to my limited knowledge of herbs for help and I think it really did work, so I wanted to share my knowledge with you! I bought a few essential oils in the past year, one was oregano oil which I had read to be good with bruises and inflamation. When I got home I cleaned the bite area, then put on some diluted oregano oil (for those who have never used essential oils, it is important for some oils, like oregano oil, to dilute first with a carrier oil - like almond, olive, etc. - if you purchase an undiluted essential oil). I let the oregano oil soak in for about an hour. The whole area heated and swelled up a little with some redness, so I put an ice pack on it for a few minutes. After this, I showered and when clean and dried, I rubbed some essential lavendar oil on the area, which I have heard to be useful with bruising. Now 6 hours later, there is absolutely no swelling anymore and no pain and most amazing no itch! I'll keep you posted to let you know if the oils keep the bruise at bay too. Just thought this info might be of help to some of you in the future! |
| 8 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| createmyworld |
Posted - Jul 28 2007 : 3:55:09 PM
Oh, I forgot to mention... Day 3 and after a total of 3 oil/ice applications -- no swelling, minor itch which goes away after application, tiny mark at initial bite area, but no bruising! |
| createmyworld |
Posted - Jul 28 2007 : 3:53:12 PM
Wow, Thanks for all of the additional information ladies, especially Babs with the plantain info, I will look for some of that next time it happens, which it frequently does in the summer while out walking! And thanks Tasha for the EO info, especially the how to make EO info! The book I have is "Prescription for Natural Healing". I'll have to check out the book Tasha mentioned too.
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| GaiasRose |
Posted - Jul 28 2007 : 09:13:21 AM
Since it is, in fact Essential Oils that are being discussed, I have a number of VERY helpful EO books. My favorite EO book is "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy" by Valerie Ann Worwood. It covers just about everything you would want to know about EOs for any useage, topical, internal, as cleaners, etc. I love it. It's always my first consult when working with EOs.
Here is an amazon listing for it: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Essential-Oils-Aromatherapy/dp/0931432820/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-8574908-0475158?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185638634&sr=8-1
I got it from my herbal people up here. They are another one of my consults when I just can't find an answer. I think aside from personal knowledge, a dentist and a chiropractor, a good herbal/oil/homeopathic medicinal person is ESSENTIAL to have for optimal health.
So anyhow. Check it out. I love it!
Others listed that we will use if the chamomile is not to be found (as was the case last night for Rob when he got stung by a hornet) lavender, eucalyptus, thyme and peppermint. Also Yarrow oil or Yarrow tincture is recommended by my herbal guy on a little Summer info sheet that he recently (well, in May-ish) handed out at the shop. Catnip oil seems to work as well and there was actually a study done recently, and I am sorry I dont have link info, that catnip not only will relieve and insect bite but it actually is shown to out perform Deet in repelling insects. (a couple of friends of mine and I learned this at a wild harvesting and oil making workshop up a White Earth Indian Reservation about two months ago.)
Hope your itching goes away!!
ETA:To make your own herbal oils and ointments, combine about 4 ounces of the fresh (or 2 ounces of dried) herb with 1 pint of olive, safflower, or other pure vegetable oil. Heat gently, uncovered, for about one hour. For oil, strain, bottle, and cap tightly when cooled. For a thicker ointment, add 1 to 1-1/2 ounces of beeswax to the mixture as it heats. Let cool and bottle appropriately.
So if you do go the plantain route but would like an oil instead. The same can be done with any plant you wish to make into an EO.
Easy Peasy.
Google search for making EOs, as I am sure there may be more than one method:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=how+to+make+essential+oils&btnG=Google+Search
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
Birth is safe, interference is risky; TRUST BIRTH |
| Bluewrenn |
Posted - Jul 27 2007 : 10:54:28 AM
I've just gotten into this area of study and would like to know what reference books you suggest I look at first...
My Homesteading Journal http://toomyvara.livejournal.com
My craft journal http://bluewrenn.livejournal.com
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| babs |
Posted - Jul 27 2007 : 10:08:39 AM
When dealing with an insect bite its really best if you can get to them quickly, as soon as you realize you've been bitten. The tissue will immediately begin to react with venom and/or bug saliva, at worst that tissue will close up leaving all that to roil inside.
We use plantain to treat all manner of bug stings from mosquito bites to wasp/bee stings. When you are out in the wild it's honestly the best thing for you, unless you are in the habit of carrying your preffered oils around. I've used witchhazel and I swear plantain works better.
It will reduce swelling almost instantly and relieve pain, as well as impart antiseptic properties which in turn, helps the wound to heal. In fact, it works so well to reduce the swelling I no longer apply baking soda to a bee sting.
To help you identify plantain in the wild, here are google images to show you what it looks like:
http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&q=plantain+weed&btnG=Search+Images
To use, roll it into a ball and put it in the palm of your hand, with your other hand grind it with the heal of your palm. You want it well bruised to the point it begins to release its fluid. Take this bruised plant matter and rub it over the bite, you should feel almost instant relief. For stings I make a poultice - I mash it plenty good and just band aid right over the top of it. Pick a few extra leaves for a fresh poultice when you get home.
Good for you, taking charge of your health like that. I hope this information helps you in the future. :)
Babs
Laundry Soap at Etsy: www.mugwortmaggies.etsy.com
Connect to me on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mugwortmaggie
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| GaiasRose |
Posted - Jul 27 2007 : 07:52:38 AM
i use chamomile for insect bites. it soothes the itch really nicely.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
Birth is safe, interference is risky; TRUST BIRTH |
| createmyworld |
Posted - Jul 27 2007 : 07:13:21 AM
Okay, well day two and I have to admit that what did with the oils and ice is not a panacea. I woke up this morning with itchiness and a little swelling and redness, so I'm reapplyed the oils and ice and again I have no pain or itchiness. Although it doesn't seem that what I did took all symptoms away magically for good, it certainly did alleviate them for most of the time... Still no bruise which is a really good sign. Will keep you posted. |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 26 2007 : 2:40:28 PM
Wow Beth! Good job! I am so happy that the oils are working for you! Aren't horseflys the worst? I hate them!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
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