DIY EMERGENCY MEDICINE

In terms of preventing allergies, avoid triggers like sugar, wheat, and dairy products as much as possible until symptoms clear and you feel stable.

BURNS AND CUTS

First and second degree burns respond nicely to pure aloe vera gel and topical vitamin E applied to the burned area. Hydrogen peroxide can also be applied to keep the wound free of infection if needed, but is more applicable to cuts and abrasions. (Hydrogen peroxide sprayed on cuts, scrapes, and cat scratches works quickly to kill bacteria and keep the wound disinfected as it heals.)

Do-It-Yourself Emergency Medicine: 11 Conditions You Can Treat at Home

BY ZOLTAN P. RONA, MD, M.Sc.

CHEST PAIN

Chest pain is a common cause of emergency room visits – the main concern here is heart damage from a heart attack. If you cannot make it to the hospital in a reasonable amount of time, then it has often been recommended to take some ASA immediately to both reduce pain and prevent obstruction of the arteries with blood clots. If the pain is due to acid reflux, then baking soda in The Ontario College of about 3 million people Family Physicians in Ontario will not estimates that have a family hot water can (recommended also reduce dosage: 1/2 chest pain by offsetting acidity tsp soda dissolved in 4 oz glass doctor by 2025. The Covid pandemic certainly has had an of water). If the pain is due to intestinal gas, poor circulation, impact on this. As well, aging physicians are increasingly or excess blood clotting, then cayenne pepper may be approretiring or dying at an accelerated pace, leaving many people priate; cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which has strong without doctors. The death rate of younger physicians in their anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve chest 40s and 50s has also increased. People are then pain. You can get this in capsules or a powder forced to use emergency rooms for both acute and that can be mixed with fruit juice. chronic care. If the chest pain persists despite these emer-

Are there simple strategies that you can safely gency measures then definitely consult a doctor. adopt to avoid crowding the emergency rooms? This article is by no means comprehensive COLDS AND INFLUENZA enough to suggest that you can avoid contact Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common with a physician altogether, but at the very least childhood virus currently being blamed for the it provides information that allows you to take surge in pediatric emergency room visits across some control over various health challenges at Canada. Symptoms are similar to the comhome. Of course, for serious traumas like car mon cold and include coughing, fever, runny accidents you will need to go to the emergency nose, and a loss of appetite and energy. room, but it’s best to have a good first-aid kit Testing can distinguish it from Covid-19 and handy in your home and car to at least stop the seasonal ‘flu. More serious cases involve bleeding. dehydration and a need for intravenous fluids. Of course, like all viral illnesses including ALLERGIES Covid-19, RSV can lead to superimposed Aside from antihistamines, steroids, the Epi pen, and OTC bacterial infections like pneumonia and the need for antibidecongestants, there are non-drug alternatives that can both otics. It’s therefore very important to treat the symptoms prevent and treat allergic reactions. These include high dose early to prevent the need for emergency room visits. vitamin C (6,000 mg or more to bowel tolerance – i.e. until Most of the cold and influenza remedies listed in my you get diarrhea) daily. Also effective are quercetin (3,000 recent article on the subject [1] can be used for both prevenmg daily) and stinging nettle tea or tincture. tion and treatment. Remedies that are most effective for a

As an emergency solution for constipation, one can use high dose vitamin C along with magnesium citrate

sore throat and cough include echinacea tincture, manuka honey, oil of oregano, high dose vitamin D3/K2, C, NAC, cod liver oil, and zinc lozenges. Astragalus and probiotics are also important.

As well, St. John’s wort, goldenseal, berberine, colloidal silver, olive leaf extract, ginseng, pau d’arco and garlic are all good natural antibiotics and immune boosters. Keep these stocked in your home medicine cabinet and take as directed by a knowledgeable health professional or follow directions on the label.

CONSTIPATION

Believe it or not, many people have gone to the emergency room to get help for constipation when laxatives were unsuccessful. Aside from obvious dietary changes that involve drinking more water* and eating a high fibre diet, one can also use high dose vitamin C to bowel tolerance (5,000 to 10,000 mg per day) and magnesium citrate (1,000 mg or more daily until bowels move well) in powder or capsule form.

The main side effect of high doses of vitamin C and magnesium is diarrhea so just increase the dose to bowel tolerance (diarrhea level) and then lower the dosage until bowels move easily. For the real stubborn constipation cases, high doses of pantothenic acid (5,000 mg in a powdered form mixed with fruit juice) added to the vitamin C and magne-

Winner of 20 Gold Awards

BEST PRODUCT

Did you know?

Oregano is derived from two Greek words: Óros – gános meaning “Joy of the Mountains”

Certi ed Organic, Sustainably Harvested Wild Mediterranean Origanum Minuti orum Highest Carvacrol Potency Available A Family Owned Canadian Business Celebrating 20+ Years Oregano Is All We Do!

Certifi ed Organic Wild Mediterranean A Medicine Chest In A Bottle®

ree EF Ebook

Access th erwohe P our Hof Yo Higher Self

HigherConssciousness.ca sciousness ca

sium citrate can be effective. (Editor ’ s note: Adding a teaspoon of unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to a glass of water, and sipping throughout the day, is helpful for relieving bowel stagnation. And adding kefir to the diet (made from dairy or coconut milk) is an excellent source of probiotic bacteria that helps restore bowel regularity.)

DIARRHEA

Diarrhea is something that can be caused by infections, food allergies (e.g. dairy and gluten), or by stress and anxiety. If you haven’t determined the cause or cannot reach a doctor and have tried Pepto Bismol, Immodium, and/or electrolytes without success, then consider some natural alternatives. These include plain calcium citrate in high doses (2,000 mg), pancreatic digestive enzymes, and a good probiotic supplement. If you suspect parasites, try a combination of artemisia annua (wormwood), black walnut, garlic and cloves to eradicate them.

In cases of suspected food poisoning, one can use activated charcoal capsules to bind and eliminate bowel toxins, so have these handy in case you are prone to gastrointestinal problems.

FEVER

What about fever? According to Dr. Christopher Vesey, ND, author of The Healing Power of Fever, “Contrary to popular belief, a fever is not a symptom to be treated but a sign of a healthy, functioning immune system naturally working to heal the body. The rise in body temperature is caused by the intensification of efforts by the body ’s defenses as they fight microbes and purify the internal terrain. Lowering a fever through the use of drugs counters the body ’s ability to fight illness, infection, or poisoning and can greatly lengthen recovery time. ”

Fever is therefore the body ’s way of fighting an invading microbe, so suppressing it quickly with drugs prevents the immune system from adequately fighting the illness. Instead, some of the natural remedies you could use that support the immune system include bone broth (e.g. chicken soup), apple cider vinegar, turmeric, oregano oil, tepid sponge baths, vitamin C, and echinacea tincture or tea. Hydration is very important in fighting high fevers and the child should be encouraged to drink water at least hourly.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “A temperature up to 102 F (38.9 C) taken rectally for children ages 2-3, or taken orally for children older than 3, does not require medication. ” For temperatures above 102F, Mayo recommends Tylenol or Advil. In these severe circumstances one can use Tylenol alternating with Advil every 2 hours until the temperature goes well below 102F (38.9 C)

Oregano is a strong antiviral and antibacterial herb recommended for colds and influenza

If the fever fails to come down and keeps rising, or if more serious complications arise (e.g. convulsions or other neurological signs) then hospitalization is likely required.

PAIN CONTROL

Headache, muscle pains, and joint pains (especially if they are chronic but respond poorly to ASA, acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can also be helped by natural remedies. These include cannabis, high dose echinacea, ginger, curcumin from turmeric, enzymes like serrapeptase taken on an empty stomach, as well as pancreatic enzymes also on an empty stomach. There are several more of these natural pain remedies discussed in my previous Vitality magazine articles on the subject.[2]

Topical emergency pain remedies include DMSO gel and homeopathic Arnica cream or pellets that are especially effective after sports injuries, sprains, strains and other accidents. DMSO is a plant-derived solvent that allows whatever herb or mineral you place or rub in on top of it to penetrate deep into tissues and reverse inflammation as well as enhance healing. DMSO breaks down into methyl sufonyl methane (MSM) which can be taken in high doses orally (6,000 – 12,000 mg daily) to reduce pain, swelling and chronic inflammation. Many people use this successfully for arthritis relief.

RADIATION EXPOSURE I’m not predicting that an atom bomb will fall anywhere near where you live, but global geopolitics is making nuclear war more likely these days. Miso soup is one of several dietary tools known to help clear radiation from the body. According to Naturopath Suzanne Bartolini: “Miso soup was used as the primary antidote for the effects of radiation poisoning after the Hiroshima bombing. A 1990 Hiroshima University study concluded that people who regularly consume miso soup may be up to five times more resistant to radiation poisoning than people who do not. ”[3]

Furthermore, one can be exposed to radiation while being a passenger on a jet or getting X-rays, especially CT scans and other types of medical irradiation. Whether exposure is from nuclear war or everyday medical procedures, a good antidote is potassium iodide. I usually recommend using 12.5 mg daily for at least a month after exposure, as well as a good B complex vitamin containing some niacin and niacinamide.

In terms of prevention, one can consume more sea vegetables daily such as kelp and dulse because their iodine content helps to protect the thyroid from radiation.

SINUS PAIN N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) is an amino acid that dissolves mucous and can help clear out nasal and sinus phlegm. Together with high doses of vitamin C, it often clears both sinusitis and bronchitis without antibiotics. If the sinus

Relie evelie Spinal P S i ain inal P l Pa

with spin essionomprnal dec g using t echnicTeX O the C

. N. r. D agnellraPd ichar. R

erC

ti ed ,titioneracraechnic PX TeOX d C .C., N.DD. ., Homeopath, HOM N.D.

r turaNy alley ValeckoH thicopa tic Cacoprhir& C l linic

519.941.7553 1.800.3397.3085 om.cagnelldrpr

WHOLE E BODY THERMOOGRAPHY

A NEW GE TION ENERAT OF MEDICAL TH HERMOGRAPHY

399$

AXPLUS TA

THFEMALE BREAST HEAL THTE HEALA A MEN’S PROST ADRENAL/THYROID ISSUES TIONINFLAMMA A DIGESTIVE DISORDERS LIVER/KIDNEY FUNCTION THBRAIN HEAL TTERNYME PA ATL LYME PA CHRONIC INFECTIONS THAL HEALDENT

Detailed Report – see where your body is stressed, where toxins are held and possible infections. Report can be shared with your healthcare professional. Price includes complimentary ½ hour appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor to review your results.

416-236-3444

www.enclinic.ca

2906 Bloor St. W. Toronto, ON

symptoms are triggered by seasonal allergies, one can also use stinging nettle tea or tincture and quercetin as a supplement to offset symptoms.

Other benefits of NAC include liver protection from drug overdoses (especially acetaminophen). NAC also boosts the body ’s own production of glutathione, a major antioxidant that protects all our cells from damage.

TOOTHACHE

Clove oil applied topically to the gums and teeth offers effective short-term relief from toothaches. If you also take extra vitamin C (2,000 – 5,000 mg per day), this will help to keep the tooth infection under control until you can get to a dentist.

Echinacea tincture applied topically, along with the clove oil, as well as CBD oil which can be swallowed from cannabis or hemp, are quite effective as alternatives to analgesics including narcotics.

A Note About Chronic Conditions

Different types of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart rhythm abnormalities can be monitored at home on a regular basis, potentially saving one from a need to visit the emergency rooms. Glucometers can be checked regularly for blood sugar monitoring, and one can also measure the blood pressure at home with a variety of electronic gadgets available from most pharmacies. There are even now available applications that connect to a smart phone that can monitor for a very common heart rhythm disturbance known as atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

Of course, there are many other health issues that have not been addressed here, but I think I’ ve covered the major areas of concern that drive people to the emergency rooms. If you wish to send in your questions regarding issues I haven’t covered, or wish to add your own DIY emergency medicine strategies, please post them in the comments section in the extended version of this article posted on Vitality ’ s website at: tinyurl.com/DIYEmergencyMed

REFERENCES • One in 5 Ontarians Could Be Without a Family Doctor by 2025: https://www.ontariofamilyphysicians.ca/news-features/family-medicinenews/~260-1-in-5-Ontarians-could-be-without-a-family-doctor-by-2025 • 28 OTC Medications: https://www.primalsurvivor.net/otc-medicationsemergency/ • Young doctors are dying at a rate 12X higher: https://stevekirsch.substack.com/p/doctors-in-canada-are-dying-at-a • Children ’ s Hospitals in Canada Overwhelmed: https://www.theepochtimes.com/childrens-hospitals-across-canada-report-being-overwhelmed-by-kids-with-respiratory-infections _ • Natural remedies for fever: https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/11natural-home-remedies-fever/ • [1] Boost Your Defenses Against the Flu: https://vitalitymagazine.com/article/boost-defences-flu/

• [2] My Top 20 Favourite Cures for Pain: https://vitalitymagazine.com/article/top-20-favourite-cures-pain-effective-non-drug-strategies/ • [3] Protect Your Body from Radiation Damage with Vitamins, Herbs, and Supplements https://vitalitymagazine.com/article/radiation/ • Cayenne Pepper benefits: https://heartcareimaging.com/cayennepepper-benefits-your-gut-heart-beyond/ • Radioprotective effects of miso explained: https://www.naturalnews.com/049769 _ miso _ radioprotective _ effects _ hiroshima _ survivors.html • Let Fever Do Its Job – The meaning of fever in the pandemic era: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7717216/ * Christopher Vasey, ND, The Healing Power of Fever: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Healing-Power-ofFever/Christopher-Vasey/9781594774379 * Mayo Clinic, Quick Guide to Treating a Fever: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/in-depth/fever/ART-20050997?p=1

Zoltan P. Rona, MD, MSc, offers consultations on nutrition and natural remedies in Thornhill. He has recently retired from medical practice as a Complementary and Alternative medical practitioner and now strictly offers nutritional consultations. He is the medical editor of The Encyclopedia of Natural Healing and has also published several Canadian bestselling books, including Vitamin D, The Sunshine Vitamin. To see more of Dr. Rona ’ s articles, visit: www.highlevelwellness.ca and for appointments, please call (905) 764-8700; office located at: 390 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 19, Thornhill, Ontario