Posts

Comprehensive Guide to Burns: Types, Treatments, and FAQs

Image
Introduction Burns are common injuries that can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. They result from the application of heat, radiation, friction, or electricity and can range from minor discomfort to life-threatening emergencies. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the different types of burns, their treatments, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you better understand how to manage burn injuries effectively. Types of Burns Burns are categorized into several degrees based on their severity: First-Degree Burns: Superficial burns that affect only the outer layer of the skin. Symptoms include redness, pain, and mild swelling. Usually caused by brief contact with a hot surface, sunburn, or minor scalds. Second-Degree Burns: Affect both the outer and underlying skin layers. Symptoms include blistering, severe pain, swelling, and a wet appearance. Commonly caused by hot liquids, flames, or prolonged exposure to the sun. Third-Degree Burns: Involve damage to a...

Bleeding wound

Image
  Bleeding wound A wound is a cut or break in the skin and flesh resulting from injury. First Aid Get a piece of clean cloth and apply pressure directly over the wound for 10 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of manual pressure, reinforce the cloth with a thicker piece of material and apply more pressure over the wound. Bandage snugly but not too tight. Let the patient lie down and bring him immediately to the nearest hospital or clinic if the wound is big and will need suturing. Observe for numbness and discoloration of the toes or fingers. If there is numbness and discoloration of the toes or fingers, the bandage is too tight. Loosen but don't remove it.  Herbal Medications for Mild Bleeding 1. Young saging leaves • Pound young leaves until soft and juicy. Drop the juice over the wound. Apply with pressure the pounded leaves over the wound. Bandage snugly but not too tight. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes, bring the patient to the nearest hos...

Bee and wasp stings

Image
  Bee and wasp stings Bee and wasp stings could be very painful; the pain could last for several days. Herbal Medications Do any of the following: □ Immediately rub the bitten area with vinegar or kalamansi juice until the pain subsides. Rub the bitten area with any wet toilet soap. Don't rinse the soap with water; leave it on till dry. Rub the bitten area with moist baking soda for 5 minutes. Repeat after 2 hours if still itchy and painful.

Athlete's foot

Image
  Athlete's foot Athlete's foot (alipunga or dermatophytosis) is an eruption on the skin characterized by the formation of itchy small vesicles with cracking and scaling on the hands and feet, especially between the toes. Preventive Measures 1. Keep feet and toes always clean and dry. 2. Always wear clean and dry socks and shoes. 3. Don't wear others' slippers, sneakers, socks and shoes. Don't let others wear your footwear. 4. Don't go barefoot in the bathroom. Wear your own rubber slippers in public bathrooms, swimming pools and river beds. 5. If your feet are infected, put your slippers and shoes under the sun for one hour every day for one week when not in use. Water Treatments Using Herbal Decoctions 1. Makabuhay vine hot foot bath ● Chop a one-foot long portion of the vine and boil in 5 glasses of water for 15 minutes. Soak the infected foot in the hot decoction for 15 minutes or as can be tolerated. While foot is soaked, rub between the toes with cotton ap...

Asthma

Image
  Asthma Asthma is a disease of the bronchial tubes or airways Symptoms are a feeling of lightness in the chest, shortness of breath wheezing and coughing Water Treatments 1. Fomentation on the chest, 2 times a day. Please see page 55 for procedure. 2 Steam inhalation, 2 times a day. Please see page 58 for procedure. 3. Breathing exercises for 10-15 minutes when there is no attack of asthma, 4 times a day. Breathing Exercises Position: Sit relaxed on a chair, with the back supported by a pillow. Breathe in through the nose. Then purse the lips and pretend you are blowing through a straw. Blow out twice as long as you breathe in. Gradually increase the time of blowing. Relax after blowing and take 3 or 4 normal breaths before you start the pursed breathing again. These can be done in the morning, upon waking up, and in the evening, before retiring. These may be performed also when short of breath while doing other exercises and activities. Herbal Medications 1. Talumpunay leaves ● R...

Acute and chronic cystitis

Image
  Acute and chronic  cystitis Cystitis is the inflammation of the urinary bladder, characterized by painful and scanty urination. Water Treatments 1. Hot sitz bath for 20-30 minutes, 2 times a day. Please see page 48 for procedure. 2. Drink at least one glass of water every hour during waking time. Herbal Medications 1. Sambong leaves Boil 1 cup of chopped fresh leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes. Dosage: Adults: 1/2 cup, 3 times a day. Children: (2-6 yrs.) 2 tablespoons, 3 times a day. (7-12 yrs.) 1/4 cup, 3 times a day. 2. Pandan leaves ● Boil 1 cup of chopped fresh leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes. Dosage: Adults: 1 cup, 3 times a day. Children: (2-6 yrs.) 1 cup, 3 times a day. (7-12 yrs.) 1/2 cup, 3 times a day. 3. Papaya leaves and green fruit . Boil 1 cup of chopped fresh leaves and 1 cup chopped green fruit in 4 glasses of water for 15 minutes. Dosage: Adults: 1 cup, 3 times a day. Children: (2-6 yrs.) 14 cup, 3 times a day. (7-12 yrs.) 1/2 cup, 3 ti...

Abscesses and boils

Image
  A bscesses and boils An abscess is the center of a suppuration or pus collected within a tissue. A boil is a furuncle. Boils and abscesses are characterized by pain, heat and swelling. Water Treatments 1. Hot compress for 30 minutes 2 times a day until the abscess or boil has ripened. Please see page 52 for procedure 2. Hot sitz bath for 30 minutes. 2 times a day if abscess or boil is on or around the rectall and perineall area. Please see page 48 for procedure Herbal Medications I. Alugbati leaves poultice      ● Crush 2 leaves. Apply as poultice, 2 times a day. 2. Amarillo leaves poultice      ● Crush 3 leaves and two flowers. □ Apply as poultice, 2 times a day 3. Gumamela leaves and flowers poultice • Chop 5 leaves and 2 flowers. Apply directly on abscess or boil as poultice, 2 times a day. 4. Langka juice or sap (milky juice from the tree trunk) compress Get the milky juice from the trunk and mix with a little vinegar. . Warm the mixture and use ...