If you’ve been exercising in high temps, working in the hot sun, or even tanning yourself too long, you can suffer from heat stroke, which is the overheating of the body due to fluid depletion Heat exhaustion is more serious and the result of the loss of minerals and the body’s heat regulation system stops functioning. Symptoms of both heatstroke and heat exhaustion can include disorientation, headache, rapid heartbeat, nausea, dizziness, high body temperature, red, hot, dry skin, thirst, and strong rapid pulse. Victims may become unconscious. With heat exhaustion, the victim’s skin will be normal temperature, but with heat stroke, a high temperature will be present and the person may become disoriented and unable to notice their predicament.
Before using any natural remedies, get the person out of the sun and remove or loosen their clothing. Lie them down and slightly elevate their head. Use a hand towel and sponge their bare skin with cool water and fan them vigorously with anything available.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Vitamin C can help prevent heatstroke or heat exhaustion. Siberian ginseng in capsules, tincture, or tea can also help people acclimate to changes in climate.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HEAT STROKE OR EXHAUSTION
To help cool a person with heat stroke/exhaustion, make cool compresses by soaking washcloths in a sink full of cool water to which 10 drops of essential oil of cooling lavender or peppermint have been added. Compresses can be applied to the forehead, over the wrists, and around the neck to help cool body temperature. Alternatively, make a spritzer by filling an 8-ounce (235 ml) spray bottle with spring water, 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of witch hazel, and 10 drops of lavender and 10 drops of peppermint essential oils. Spritz over the person’s face (with glasses removed, eyes and mouth closed), neck, and upper chest for a cooling and reviving gentle blast.
BEST FOOD AND BEVERAGES FOR HEAT STROKE OR EXHAUSTION
Make an electrolyte beverage by adding 1/4 teaspoon each of baking soda and sea salt to 8 ounces (235 ml) of water. A bit of fruit juice can be added to improve the flavor. Watermelon juice is also helpful in cases of heatstroke. Hibiscus flowers, lemon balm, strawberry leaf, and peppermint tea all make cooling beverages, especially when chilled. Squeeze lemon or lime into water for a cooling effect. Give sips of fluid every 10 minutes. However, give fluids cautiously asone suffering from heatstroke can be more likely to choke.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
Heatstroke can be fatal. Should the victim of heatstroke become unconscious, place them in the recovery position and seek medical attention immediately.
Both cucumbers and watermelon are very cooling to eat. Many victims of heatstroke are deficient in potassium, so if you feel you may be at risk, be sure to include potassium-rich foods in your diet, such as bananas, cantaloupe, and potatoes. During hot weather, eat lighter fare like salads, yogurt, smoothies, melons, and green leafy vegetables.
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Drink lots more fluids but avoid alcoholic beverages and stimulants such as coffee, which can be further heat the body and are diuretic, causing the body to lose more important minerals.
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Immersion in very cold water is vasoconstrictive and can result in death or brain damage by preventing the heat from escaping. But after initial cooling takes place, one can slowly get into tepid water feet first, parts at a time. Ice packs can also be placed under the armpits, behind the neck, on the wrists and forehead, and over the groin.
KEEP IN MIND
To prevent heatstroke or heat exhaustion, take a nap during the hot part of the day when you are likely to feel low in energy. Avoid strenuous exercise during midday and instead exercise early. Go for a walk after sunset. Have sex later in the evening when the weather has cooled rather than during the heat of the day.
Wear lighter cotton or hemp clothing. Use a hat with a brim and make sure your arms and legs are covered with light-colored clothing. In the morning of hot days, apply coconut or sunflower oil to the body before bathing to help you feel cooler. Slow down your activities.
In cases of heat cramps (symptoms include dizziness, shallow breathing, nausea, and muscle cramps), get into the shade and drink water to which a pinch of salt has been added to 1 pint (475 ml) of fluid. Since most heat cramps occur in the legs, elevate them and apply firm pressure on cramped muscles.
This Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
