subject: Unani First Aid For Pain [print this page] Everyone experiences unexpected injuries and illnesses at one time or another, and quick; treatment may be essential both to alleviate pain and to prevent the; problem from escalating.
Bruises
According to unani therapy, place anything cold on the affected part as soon as possible, and leave for about 10-15 minutes. An ice pack, a bag of frozen peas from the freezer, or simply a washcloth soaked in cold water will do.
Arnica is the best remedy for mild to moderate bruising, and hypericum for severe bruising. Apply either as a cream over the entire area after icing and drying the bruise.
Alternatives to arnica are comfrey cream and aloe vera gel. A cold compress soaked can also be beneficial.
Sprains
As for bruises, place an ice pack or similar on the affected part, and keep it there for as long as possible.
Immerse the sprain for about 15 minutes in a bowl of cold water containing four drops of the essential oils of rosemary and sweet mar-joram. Make a cold compress using the same liquid, wrap it around the sprain, and keep it in place (using a waterproof bandage or similar) for several hours.
CUTS
Clean the cut with warm water. If the cut is deep, apply firm pressure for several minutes after cleaning to help stop the bleeding, preferably using a lint or cotton pad. Check that there is no loss of sensation or impeded function. Protect with a sterile pad, clean handkerchief, adhesive tape, or bandage.
BITES
Bites from any creature, animal or human, can be serious if deep enough, and infection is always a risk. So, in addition to washing and cleaning the wound, and applying an antiseptic( tea tree oil is excellent), always seek medical help as soon as possible. This step is essential if the bite is from a wild animal, snake, or dog.
STINGS
Calamine lotion is a good general remedy for minor stings, but not for stings from bees and wasps.
Bee stings : Sodium bicarbonate will neutralize the poison. Dissolve two teaspoonfuls in a cup of warm water and apply with a cotton ball.
Wasp stings : Vinegar or lemon juice, applied to the skin undiluted, will neutralize the poison.
Jellyfish stings : A hot bath is the best way to neutralize the poison in jellyfish stings. The temperature should be 100-1020F (38-390C).
Nettle stings : Rubbing a dock leaf onto the affected area is very effective (docks are usually found where nettles grow). The leaf should be rubbed on vigorously, so that the juice from the leaf goes into the skin to neutralize the poison.
Poison ivy stings : Cut an onion in half and rub it on the affected area. Wash the area with soap and water to remove the plant's oil, and apply a paste of sodium bicarbonate and water as for bee stings.
Cautions : Reactions to some stings, notably from insects (especially bees and wasps) and jellyfish, can sometimes be so severe as to be life-threatening. This kind of allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis. Signs are cold, clammy skin with an itchy rash, rapid, shallow breathing, and week pulse. Seek immediate medical help.
