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SPRAINS AND STRAINS A Sprain is an injury affecting a joint, with torn ligaments and often much swelling, e.g. ankle sprain. A Strain is a muscular injury, primarily due to excessive exercise or incorrect use; there may be inflammation or just tenderness and stiffness. Treatment Comfrey, Lavender, Rosemary Comfrey: Use an infusion of it as a cold compress initially for sprains, to reduce the swelling. Then gently apply Comfrey Ointment to help speed up healing. The ointment can also be rubbed into muscles strained through over-exercise . Lavender: Use the essential oil as a cold compress for sprains, diluted at the rate of 5 drops to a table spoon of cold water. Rosemary: Use the essential oil, preferably combined with essential oil of Lavender, to gently massage into the aching muscles. It must be diluted, at the rate of 3 drops Rosemary oil plus 5 drops Lavender oil to 20ml (approx. 1 tablespoon) of a vegetable oil such as Sweet Almond. SUNBURN It is an injury to the skin caused by direct exposure to the rays of the sun. There is inflammation and redness around the area, and then the color of the skin in the affected area becomes dark. Treatment Avoid any further exposure to the sun. Smaller areas in particular can be treated as for Burns. If sunburn is mild but widespread, a cooling, moisturizing cream can be helpful, especially if containing essential oils of Chamomile, Lavender or Tea Tree. WOUNDS First of all, clean the area gently but thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. If the wound is severe enough to require dressing, just cover it with a dry dressing and get medical aid. Treatment Comfrey, Marigold, Witch Hazel, Yarrow Comfrey: Use the Ointment on minor cuts, scratches, grazes, and if necessary cover to keep clean. Marigold: It is an alternative ointment to Comfrey, especially where there is inflammation and redness a round the area. Witch Hazel: Either wash with Witch Hazel or use it diluted, as for bruises, on a dressing to astringe cuts and minor wounds. Yarrow: Use as compress or saturate a dressing to promote clotting and healing of cuts. |
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