A dog bite or a cat scratch can be distressing for both man and beast. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple things you can do to heal wounds fast, from healing herbs to homeopathic remedies.
HERBAL FIRST AID FOR BITES AND SCRATCHES
Bleeding will clean out a wound or scratch, but you’ll also need to wash it with antiseptic soap and hot water. Allow the water to flush the wound by running over the bites for 10 minutes. Next, apply a few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil, echinacea tincture, or hydrogen peroxide topically to further disinfect the wound.
You can also apply some goldenseal powder, a plantain leaf compress, or charcoal poultice over the wounded area, using enough of the moistened remedy to cover the area. (See ″Preparations 101″ on page 18 for information on how to make a compress.) After applying the poultice, apply a sterile dressing.
Take an extra 500 mg of vitamin C for kids and 1,000 mg for adults and a dropperful of echinacea tincture several times daily internally to prevent infection for at least three days afterwards.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
Get medical attention in any of the following circumstances:
• A bite occurs from a human or wild animal.
• The bite is on the face, which can leave scarring.
• A child who has allergic tendencies has been bitten.
• The bite results in a bluish discoloration at the bite site, indicating nerve or blood vessel damage.
• Signs of infection appear.
Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen
Treat second- and third-degree burns by blending 1/2 cup (120 ml) wheat germ oil with 1/2 cup (170 g) raw honey and 1/2 teaspoon lobelia powder. Store in a clean glass jar in a cool place. When needed, add enough chopped or blended comfrey leaves to make a paste. Apply gently with a new clean paintbrush! Don’t clean off the paste, just keep painting on additional layers 2 or 3 times daily to regenerate new skin. Comfrey contains allantoin, which stimulates tissue regeneration.
HOMEOPATHIC FIRST AID FOR BITES AND SCRATCHES
Give homeopathic Ledum if the wound is deep, especially if the area is swollen, red, and feels cold. Give homeopathic Apis if the wound is hot and stingy and if cold applications bring relief. Homeopathic Lachesis is a remedy specific for dog bites, whereas homeopathic Acetic acid is for cat bites. In all instances, take 3 to 4 pellets under the tongue 4 times a day if needed.
PRACTICE THIS
Teach children to avoid petting animals they do not know and to not approach wild animals. Wild animals that allow themselves to be petted are more likely to be sick. Large dogs can cause the most serious bites. Do not leave children alone with animals and avoid interfering with animals that are mating, fighting, or eating.
This Healing Animal Bites and Scratches article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
