Doctor in A Box
Doctor in A Box
Doctor in a Box
To help you become better prepared and better informed in case of a crisis or emergency
situation, this guide will review a number of the most common ailments and some of the more
serious diseases and health problems that can pose a threat to your health in survival
circumstances. Common ailments range from fevers, sore throats, diarrhea, colds and flu to
dehydration, bruises, cuts, scrapes and other minor wounds.
More serious medical issues that are addressed include cholera, dysentery, how to
manage high blood pressure, broken bones / fractures and emergency care for gunshot wounds.
This guide will also review how to legally stock up on antibiotics even without a prescription, as
well as some of the most potent natural antibiotics and fungicides known to humankind.
From issues such as bruises, cuts, scrapes and minor wounds to fevers, sore throats, the
common cold, nausea and vomiting there are many potential health problems just waiting for the
opportunity to strike. Bacteria, viruses and other pathogens are notoriously opportunistic so it is
especially important to take preventative measures to protect yourself and your loved ones from
the potential of developing more contracting serious illness or disease.
Adolescents, young children and infants are especially susceptible to common health
ailments including diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. Whereas an adult will generally recover
from such issues even under less than ideal circumstances, fever, infectious disease and other
common ailments are often much more deadly for children and the young.
With that said, nature offers a veritable cornucopia of beneficial, medicinal and otherwise
therapeutic plants, ranging from fruits and vegetables to herbs, nuts, seeds and a variety of wild
grown plants. Benefits range from anti-inflammatory affects to anti-diarrhetic, antispasmodic and
anti-cancerous effects, among others.
Most minor bruises, cuts and scrapes will heal naturally in a short period of time but there
are some circumstances that can lead to relatively minor injuries becoming quite serious or life-
Aside from keeping a well-stocked first aid kit with various antiseptics, ointments and
bandages of varying sizes there are many natural plants, herbs and remedies that can be used as
alternatives to developed medicine. For antiseptic and antibacterial properties cayenne pepper,
lemons, limes and honey can be used for topical application on scrapes and cuts.
Bruises can be treated with a compress that has been soaked in cold water; for additional
healing benefits essential oils such as lavendercan be added to the water the compresses soaked
in. You can also eat foods that are rich in vitamin C speed the healing of bruises; this is because
vitamin C is used by the body in the synthesis and production of collagen.
No one enjoys being sick, least of all in an emergency or dire survival situation; not only
are the miseries of most illnesses multiplied many times over under such circumstances, but what
starts as a light fever, sore throat or the common cold can swiftly become deadly.
Children, infants and young adolescents (as well as pregnant women) are particularly at
risk from developing a cold or fever, especially when accompanied by vomiting and/or
[Link] over-the-counter or prescription medication is unavailable there are a number of
natural remedies and cures that can be used to facilitate a return to good health.
First and foremost, if the person is feverish they should be kept warm but not hot, should
stay well hydrated, and should get as much peaceful rest as possible. A cool, damp cloth applied
to the forehead, throat/neck and legs or feet can also help reduce or break a fever.
One classic folk remedy for reducing or breaking a fever is to take a clove of garlic and
steep it in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes; then drink the fluid and swallow the clove of
garlic.
Here’s the recipe for another natural remedy for seasonal colds and flu, as well as sore
throats and general lessened immunity:
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can occur for a number of reasons but some of the most common include:
The use of certain medications, especially antibiotics like penicillin, amoxicillin and
others; antibiotics kill off both malignant and beneficial bacteria in your body, so if you
get diarrhea after taking an antibiotic, try supplementing with a probiotic to restore the
balance of healthy flora and fauna in your gut.
Lactose or other food intolerance; if you know you’re lactose intolerant then you can
easily avoid diarrhea by avoiding milk consumption, but other foods may also cause
diarrhea depending on how they were handled, processed or [Link] you have sensitive
intestines, avoid foods that are very spicy, high in milk content or that contain alcohol.
If you have access to it, yogurt can often help clear up a case of diarrhea, especially when
caused by a round of antibiotics or an imbalance of healthy bacteria in the gut. Yogurt is a rich
source of probiotics (i.e. the healthy bacteria your body needs) and can help with common
digestion problems as well as diarrhea.
Applesauce can also be eaten to help relieve diarrhea, especially in younger children.
Apples are a natural source of pectin, so you can also shred or grate a fresh apple (shredding /
grating activates more of the pectin and aids in digestion) if you don’t have applesauce on hand.
Another remedy for diarrhea and general stomach upset is chamomile tea. With strong
anti-inflammatory affects, chamomile tea has been shown to relieve abdominal cramping,
alleviate the intestinal inflammation associated with diarrhea, and even inhibit the growth of the
bacteria campylobacter jejuni, which can cause chronic diarrhea. To use chamomile tea for
diarrhea, simply steep a cup of tea from fresh or dried chamomile flowers and drink 3 cups a day
or as needed. For additional health benefits, chamomile tea can be sweetened with honey.
Remain well-hydrated throughout any bout of diarrhea, rest as much as you can, and
watch out for fever; a fever over 100 degrees or that lasts for more than a day or two can indicate
There are many natural herbs and foods that can be eaten to reduce the onset or severity
of nausea, vomiting or severe intestinal cramping. Foods with a high fiber content, such as
bananas, beans, whole-grain rice and whole-wheat flour are a great option to consume if you
separate room severe intestinal cramping or IBS and/or chronic or acute constipation.
Teas that can help reduce intestinal cramping and discomfort include chamomile tea,
feverfew tea, red raspberry tea and ginger tea. Chamomile and feverfew are closely related and
the plants produce almost identical, daisy-like flowers; the flowers and fresh leaves of either
plant can be eaten raw or steeped as a tea to obtain their benefits.
Ginger has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine as an anti-
nausea and anti-vomiting agent. A 1 inch cube of ginger, sliced and boiled in simmering water
for 10 - 15 minutes can throw cup of tea but, in most circumstances, will settle a nauseous
stomach even if you have vomited or feel like you will. If you can’t stomach the taste of ginger
tea, you can eat a raw chunk of ginger or swallow several slices.
Avoiding alcohol consumption, getting plenty of rest and remaining well hydrated are
some other good ways to alleviate nausea and/or vomiting and intestinal cramping. Most
members of the peppermint family, including spearmint and peppermint, are also quite suitable
for use as anti-nausea teas, especially when a touch of honey is added.
Finally, many women experience nausea and vomiting (often called morning sickness)
during pregnancy. If pregnancy is a possible cause of your nausea or vomiting, exercise caution
before taking any medications or herbal supplements. Many medications and supplements are
perfectly safe for normal use but can pose serious threats to an undeveloped fetus, so be careful
what you put in your body until you’ve confirmed or ruled out the possibility of pregnancy.
The human body is comprised of approximately 60% water, so it’s little surprise that
water is one of the most important elements to maintaining human life. The average adult needs
a minimum of 3 liters (approximately 1 gallon) of water per day in a true survival situation.
dry or sticky-feeling mouth with poor saliva production and/or dry, cracking lips
sleepiness, drowsiness or general tiredness, especially among children
dry, scaly, peeling and/or cracking skin
decreased urine production, esp. important to look out for in infants and young children
very dark urine (dark yellow, orange or amber in color)
constipation or very hard time defecating; the colon needs adequate moisture to move
feces along and defecate properly
headache, dizziness and/or light-headedness
lack of sweat, saliva production and/or tears when crying
extreme thirst, rapid breathing and/or a rapid heartbeat
irritability, disorientation and confusion
low blood pressure
In very extreme cases (near death) of dehydration the victim may become delirious
and/or fall unconscious [Link] rehydrating a severely dehydrated person, introduce
liquids slowly. A badly dehydrated person can become quite sick if they drink too much, so start
by wetting the lips and allowing the person to have a few drops on their tongue. In extreme
cases, allow the individual to suck of a moist piece of cloth or sponge, introducing liquids in
small increments.
To obtain the cleanest water, preferable sources include running streams, brooks or
rivers. Avoid taking water from stagnant ponds or areas of pooled runoff. Boil all drinking or
washing water prior to use, including the water used to wash your clothes, as this will kill most
bacteria, viruses and pathogens as well as parasites. Boiling water will not, however, remove any
particulate contaminants or heavy chemical contaminants, so more adequate filtration is always
preferred.
Most diseases and chronic ailments have their roots in malnutrition and chronic vitamin
deficiencies, and unfortunately such deficiencies are only likely to increase in the event of
widespread disaster or other emergency. Aside from stockpiling additional nutritional
supplements and nutritionally dense foods, there are a number of wild edibles and commonly
cultivated herbs and fruits that pack a serious nutritional punch and that you can supplement your
diet with in an emergency.
If you have access to them, hemp seeds are another nutritional powerhouse and are well
worth stockpiling, especially for vegetarian or vegan individuals. Packed with fiber, protein,
amino acids, minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids, hemp seeds practically have it all.
Eaten raw or toasted, by themselves or tossed in a salad, hemp seeds are delicious, can also be
ground into hemp seed butter, and can potentially be made into a flour for baking.
Spinach and broccoli, as well as brussels sprouts, collard greens, beans and many
seeds are also good nutritional storehouses. In addition to their vitamin, mineral and fiber
content, most of these foods are also rich in antioxidants and bioflavonoids that have been shown
to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous effects. Onions are also rich in antioxidants.
And for those with a sweeter tooth, many berries including wild blueberry, raspberry,
blackberry and other fruits are full of nutrients as well as tasty. Fruits tend to be higher in
vitamin C and many are packed with antioxidants and tons of beneficial flavonoids.
The misery of a bad headache, or worse yet a migraine, is hard enough to endure under
regular circumstances but in a survival situation can really undermine your ability to stay alive.
Aside from preventative measures such as avoiding known trigger foods (particularly important
for those with a known tendency toward migraines), managing / mitigating stress and getting as
much rest as possible when a headache or migraine strikes, there are several natural remedies and
traditional cures you can make use of to ease the pain.
Dietary sources for magnesium include dark leafy greens (spinach, kale and other
greens) as well as nuts and seeds (note that nuts can be a contributing factor to migraines for
some individuals, so if you have a known nut sensitivity or allergy its best to choose another
source for your magnesium) and fish, particularly halibut, mackerel or pollock.
For the nausea associated with many migraines, ginger is another natural substance that
can be used to alleviate certain symptoms. Steeped as a tea or eaten raw, ginger is well known
for its stomach soothing capacities and its anti-inflammatory effects may also help to ease the
pain associated with headaches and migraines.
Gangrene is a serious condition that can quickly become life-threatening when left
untreated; it arises from the necrosis or death of body tissue. Although gangrene can set in
following a traumatic injury or infection, it is particularly prevalent among individuals with very
poor circulation such as those advanced diabetes and long-term smokers. There are several
different types of gangrene, including dry gangrene, wet gangrene, internal gangrene and gas
gangrene.
Treatment for gangrene typically begins with preventive measures for those who are at
risk such as sufferers of diabetes and heavy tobacco smokers. Losing weight, cutting down your
tobacco consumption and maintaining good bodily hygiene (including caring for and keeping
clean any wounds) are all good ways to help avoid the possibility of developing gangrene.
Another common cause of gangrene setting in is frostbite, particularly to the lower extremities
including the toes, due to the fact that cold severely limits blood flow as well as damaging tissue.
If gangrene has already started to develop, efforts should be made to restore blood flow
and topical or internal antibiotics may be used to help combat infection. In mild cases, the
restoration of blood flow, maintenance and regular cleaning of the wound, and/or the application
of antibiotics is often sufficient to resolve a gangrene infection. If the infection worsens or
continues to spread (or if the gangrene infection is gas gangrene) then surgery may be necessary
either to remove areas of necrotic flesh or in extreme cases to amputate a limb entirely.
Left untreated gangrene will quickly become fatal, leading to systemic blood poisoning
and death. Please note that one natural alternative to surgery is often the use of selective species
Suffering a bullet wound is a traumatic enough experience on its own, but having to treat
someone with a bullet wound can also be a high-stress [Link] you will never have to
treat a bullet wound, either on yourself or a loved one (or even a stranger), but just in case you
ever do here are some tips to follow.
First and foremost be sure that the threat has passed (or disable any attacker) before
administering medical help, then immediately check the victim’s airways and ensure that
they are breathing; if the person is conscious and able to speak then you can proceed with
additional steps. If the person is unconscious however, check their airway to be sure it’s
free of obstructions; when there is blood in their mouth or blocking their airway, help
them clear it or use a rag or cloth to soak it up.
Locate the gunshot wound or source of bleeding and apply firm pressure over the
bleeding; use a pad, emergency compress or thickly folded cloth if nothing else is
available, and try to take an accurate measurement of the victim’s pulse.
Check the victim for damage to the spinal cord or neck; an easy test for spinal or neck
injuries is to have the victim move their hands and feet. If the victim is unable to move
their hands and/or feet, there is likely damage to the neck or spinal cord and the victim
should not be moved until they have been stabilized.
Prepare for the victim to go into shock; medical shock is the condition that sets in
following a traumatic injury and/or sudden loss of blood. Symptoms of shock include loss
of color, palloror paleness in the face, a substantial drop (or occasionally a spike) in body
temperature, and possible loss of consciousness. Keep the victim warm and stabilized,
and if the gunshot wound is to the torso or upper body do not elevate the legs as this will
increase bleeding from the wound.
If there is uncontrollable bleeding from an extremity (ex. hand, arm, leg, etc.) a
tourniquet may be applied to restrict blood flow and loss, but don’t ever apply a tourniquet to the
neck! If there is bleeding from the neck or you think the carotid artery may have been nicked,
soft and even pressure can be applied and an occlusive bandage can be applied to the wound for
dressing.
Another good item to have in your emergency medical kit is the Israeli Battle Dressing
(IBD) also known as an emergency bandage when sold for civilian use. An IBD consists of an
Gunshot wounds to the head, or wounds to the abdomen which expose or damage the
intestines, are usually fatal (unfortunately victims with wounds to the lower abdomen often
survive for days or weeks, dying slow and painfully from resulting infection if they don’t bleed
out initially) but medical care and proper attention can save some lives.
Whenever possible, a skilled doctor or surgeon should remove any bullet or remaining
pieces of [Link] the initial trauma of the gunshot wound, if the victim has survived you
will need to maintain a clean wound site. Change bandages and dressings as often as possible
and keep the victim resting in a clean, sanitary and stress-free environment until the wound has
healed.
Remember that a single bullet can also cause extensive damage, often more than simple
the initial bullet wound and surrounding tissue / bone damage. Additional damage may be caused
externally or internally, especially if the bullet is a fragmenting round designed to split into
pieces (wounds from such bullets are often fatal). Internal bleeding isn’t always immediately
obvious, even to the person who has been shot, but signs include vomiting (esp. vomiting blood),
decreased alertness, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure and weak pulse.
Broken bones and fractures can range from minor breaks in the toes and fingers, to more
severe breaks in the wrists, ankles, elbows or knees. A particularly common area for fractures
and breaks to occur (especially in children) is at various joints. In addition to the initial pain and
discomfort that accompany a break or fracture, such injuries may also lead to swelling,
substantial bruising and possibly infection.
Most breaks or fractures are caused by some form of external trauma (for instance, falling
from a height, landing wrong, getting in a fight, etc.) but fractures and breaks can happen
‘spontaneously’ as well. When there is no immediate traumatic injury to cause a break or
fracture, the injury is known as a pathological fracture. A pathological fracture happens because
of some underlying cause, often osteoporosis, leukemia, metastasis or another disease. Long-
term smoking can also lead to a weakening of the bones and loss of bone mass.
In the event of a broken bone or fracture, immobilize and stabilize the injured limb as
quickly as possible. Immobilization will reduce any extra damage that may be done to the
damaged limb, and pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be used to mitigate
pain. One the limb has been immobilized the victim can be moved to a proper location for
medical care.
Untreated breaks or fractures can lead to a variety of additional health problems, infection
and even death depending on their severity. In extreme cases, when the bones are too badly
damaged for surgery or other repair techniques, amputation of a limb may be required. A limb
that should be amputated but isn’t will most likely lead to gangrene or other infection and death.
If you were paying attention during history class in school, the terms cholera and
dysentery probably ring a bell somewhere in the annals of your memory. These two separate, but
closely related, diseases are practically unheard of in the developed and modern world of today,
but historically they claimed many, many lives in this country, particularly during the days of the
pioneers when the trails leading west were dotted with the gravemarkers of the dead.
Both diseases occur because of contaminated water, particularly water that has been
contaminated by fecal [Link] while cholera is caused by the bacteria Vibrio choleraeand its
symptoms include very watery diarrhea and vomiting, dysentery is characterized by chronic
inflammation of intestine (esp. the colon) and results in severe diarrhea, often containing blood,
mucus and feces or pus. Dysentery is often accompanied by fever and severe abdominal pain.
Cholera can be transmitted by individuals with no symptoms of the disease and when left
untreated can lead to severe and rapid dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and death. Treatment
for cholera may include intravenous liquids (when intravenous liquids are not available,
individuals should be kept well hydrated with water and/or soothing teas) and use of prescription
antibiotics or natural alternatives such as garlic, tea tree oil or iodine.
Early symptoms of dysentery include mild stomach pains, frequent defecation and
intestinal discomfort. More severe cases of dysentery may include mucus, pus or blood in the
feces depending on what pathogen or bacteria is causing the disease. The most severe cases of
dysentery may include severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, fever, delirium, shock and death.
Treatment for dysentery consists of rehydration (plenty of fluids should be drunk by the victim)
and the application of antibiotic, antiviral and/or anti-parasitic medications.
Prevention is the best method for containing and avoiding both cholera and dysentery.
These two diseases are practically unheard of in the developed world because they only flourish
in grossly unsanitary conditions. Filtering and/or boiling all drinking water is one good way to
avoid the likelihood of developing cholera and/or dysentery. Most adults can recover from these
Scurvy
Scurvy is a particularly nasty disease that results from severe deficiency of vitamin C
which is required by the human body for the synthesis of collagen. The initial symptoms of
scurvy (i.e. severe vitamin C deficiency) often include symptoms of illness, tiredness or lethargy,
feelings of depression and potentially even partial immobilization. As the disease (or deficiency)
progresses spots form on the skin, particularly on the thighs and legs, and individuals will
become pale and weak; there may be bleeding from the mucus membranes, spongy gums, loss of
teeth and fever leading to potential neuropathy and death.
Luckily, vitamin C is rather abundant in nature and there are many powerhouse foods that
you can consume to keep your daily intake up. Aside from the standard citrus sources like
lemons, limes, oranges and tangerines, there is also quite a bit of vitamin C in apples, cherries
and strawberries. Fruits aren’t the only foods you can get vitamin C from, either.
If you are unable to stockpile antibiotics or are unable to use them due to allergies or drug
sensitivity, there are a range of natural antibiotics that can be used instead. Some of the most
potent, natural medicines known to mankind include:
Garlic, aside from being famed for its anti-vampire effects, has been a popular ingredient
in traditional cold and flu remedies for hundreds upon hundreds of years. Thanks to
recent scientific studies, the antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties of garlic are
better understood now than ever before.
One of the chief components of garlic, responsible for a great deal of its antibacterial and
antiviral activity, is a compound called allicin. Allicin is produced when garlic is crushed
or cut; it results from the enzyme allinase reacting with the compound alliin, and tends to
break down very fast so it isn’t very shelf stable. Allicin also breaks down when garlic is
cooked, so those who wish to get allicin from fresh garlic should consume the freshly cut
or crushed garlic raw.
Honey has been known for its healing properties among numerous cultures for thousands
of years. Pharaohs of Egypt were found buried with jars full of honey and its medicinal
properties are extolled in traditional Chinese, Vedic, Roman, Greek and other texts from
around the world. With the advent of modern science and technology, honey has been
shown to contain a multitude of powerful antioxidants with potent antiseptic and
antibacterial properties, thus confirming the ancient wisdom of antiquity.
Due to the strength of its antibacterial properties, honey has even been used in New
Zealand hospitals to treat and control the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA) and other bacterial infections. For all its potency, however, honey
remains a safe and non-toxic alternative to many prescription medications. The health
benefits of honey don’t stop there, either.
Depending on the quality and source of the nectar used by the bees to create the honey,
honey generally comprises of various sugars (glucose and fructose), as well as a variety
of minerals, including magnesium, sulfur, iron, potassium, calcium and phosphate. Honey
often also contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and vitamin C, and it can be used as a
healthier alternative to sugar for sweetening teas and other sweet treats.
Tea tree oiloriginates in Australia, and has been popular locally as an antibacterial,
antifungal and antiviral agent for many decades. In recent years, tea tree oil has gained
recognition and popularity abroad, especially in the United States. Sold in the natural
health section of many large grocery retailers, including Fred Meyer, Kroger’s, Whole
Foods, Trader Joe’s and New Seasons, tea tree oil is a clear, watery substance with a
distinct odor. Standard instructions recommend not to use full strength directly on the
face, internally, or near/on the mucous membranes.
As an antifungal treatment, tea tree oil can be used topically to address common fungal
infections like ringworm or athlete’s foot. You can also apply tea tree oil to cuts, scrapes
and minor wounds as an antiseptic and to promote accelerated [Link] although it
may cause some dryness of skin (especially in more sensitive individuals) tea tree oil can
be used to treat acne, dandruff, bug bites, itching rashes and warts.
Iodine tincture and/or iodine tablets can also be used for water purification. And in the
event of a nuclear explosion or radiation spill (as in the case of Chernobyl or the more
recent catastrophe at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan) it’s recommended to take
iodine tincture or tablets for protection of the thyroid. The thyroid is a small gland located
in the throat and is responsible for regulating many endocrine and hormonal functions.
During a nuclear or radioactive event the thyroid is sensitive to soaking up radioactive
iodine, which can lead to the development of thyroid cancer and other health issues, so by
fortifying the thyroid with regular, stable iodine you can protect it.
Colloidal silveror what are commonly known as ionic silver products are products that
consist of silver ions suspended in a gel or pure water solution with no salts; colloidal
silver has also been used in bandages and dressings in hospital burn wards for decades.
Prior to the use of colloidal preparations, silver has been used in health and the treatment
and prevention of disease for thousands of years, going back to Hippocrates in Greece.
This is because, on a molecular level, silver is just plain deadly to bacteria, mold, and a
host of known pathogens.
Most colloidal or ionic silver products are sold as health food supplements and are
marketed for topical or internal use in small doses. Some of the most commonly reported
benefits from the use of colloidal silver include treating bacterial, viral and fungal
infections, treating upper respiratory infections, treating yeast infections and thrush, as
well as UTIs, bladder infections and soothing ulcers, but evidence is primarily anecdotal
and scientific studies are largely rather lacking.
Some people who have heard about colloidal or ionic silver are concerned about the
possibility of turning blue, or developing a condition known as argyria. This condition
can develop after the overconsumption of certain colloidal silver supplements,
particularly those that contain silver chlorides (or salts). The silver chlorides settle in the
skin and then discolor when exposed to sunlight, causing skin to tint blue or grey.
Although there are a small handful of people who have developed this condition (chiefly
from overconsumption of silver chloride solutions), most manufacturers produce very
good, pure ionic silver or colloidal solutions with no salts. The risk of developing argyria
is, as a result, actually quite low.
Cayennepepperis a rich source of the oil capsicum, which has been shown to have many
health benefits and marked effects on the cardiovascular system. Also, despite being
notoriously hot and spicy cayenne pepper has been noted to ease upset stomach, soothe
sore throats, alleviate diarrhea, reduce the size and severity of ulcers and even cure
hemorrhoids (after some initial burning excretions, of course).
In traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, cayenne pepper has long been used as a
traditional remedy for the common cold and seasonal flu due to its ability to break up
mucus and congestion, thus speeding recovery. More modern scientific studies have
revealed the cayenne pepper also has many antifungal properties, is a powerful anti-
inflammatory and could help reduce allergies and allergic response in some people.
Beetroot is exceptionally good for the cardiovascular system and overall heart health.
Beets can be eaten raw, juiced or sliced into thin pieces and soaked in water to make a
beet juice concentrate. The consumption of beetroot juice is correlated to an increase in
energy, mood and general vitality; anecdotal evidence and limited clinical trials have also
shown beetroot to be effective in treating fever, minor wounds and constipation.
Beets are especially healthy for the elderly and aging seniors; not only has it shown
promising results in treating and mitigating high blood pressure and other cardiovascular
disorders, but beet juice has also been shown to increase the flow led to the brain and
may help fight against dementia and Alzheimer’s. Beets have also been shown to
decrease the likelihood of stroke and heart attack and are stock full of antioxidants.
Studies have also shown that the compound betacyanin, found in the common beetroot,
has marked antitumor properties and can inhibit the growth of tumors by up to 12.5% in
Cinnamonis a popular spice that originates in India and Southeast Asia, and aside from
being a potent natural medicine for managing LDL cholesterol, blood sugar levels and
Type2 diabetes (cinnamon promotes increased production of insulin), cinnamon has been
shown to have an anti-proliferation effect on leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory properties and is a popular ingredient in many folk
remedies for arthritis and swollen joints.
Another popular, traditional use of cinnamon has been in combination with honey to treat
the pains associated with various types of arthritis. Cinnamon also has anti-infectious
qualities and has been shown to effectively reduce ulcers;one of the few potential
downsides of cinnamon consumption is that very large amounts can be hard on the liver.
Chamomile (or its closely related cousin feverfew)is known to have anti-inflammatory
properties and has been used for hundreds of years as a folk remedy for headaches,
migraines, nausea and indigestion. Because of its antispasmodic effects, chamomile tea
can also be used to treat and alleviate the effects of diarrhea.
Another traditional use of chamomile tea has been as a sleep-aid for those who are
restless or find themselves lying awake and unable to sleep. A cup of warm chamomile
tea, especially with a touch of honey, can help ease stress and aid in more relaxed rest.
Chamomile tea is also a strong antibacterial substance, and in combination with honey is
a common cure for the flu or seasonal cold.
Applied as a poultice (made by crushing chamomile flowers into a coarse paste, often
with a mixture of other plan matter) to wounds, chamomile has been shown to increase
the rate of healing (drinking chamomile tea may have similar effects).
On the downside, some people suffer allergies to chamomile, potentially even life-
threatening anaphylaxis. If you or your loved one has known allergies to other members
of the chamomile family, such as daisies, chrysanthemum, ragweed or marigold,
approach chamomile with caution and consider doing a skin patch test prior to use.
Turmeric is a popular oriental spice used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine; it is a
member of the ginger family and is a source of many potent antioxidants with a long
history of use in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine as an anti-inflammatory and
Most commonly found as a dried, powdered spice, fresh turmeric root can also be
consumed and has a number of health benefits of its own. In addition to being a good
source of dietary fiber, turmeric contains many essential minerals and vitamins such as
calcium, iron, manganese, copper, magnesium, zinc and potassium as well as vitamin C,
choline, niacin, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and riboflavin. Fresh turmeric can also help
control and lower blood LDL or so-called bad cholesterol levels.
Many individuals have used turmeric as an alternative to prescription NSAIDs and have
had success in treating and reducing the pain associated with inflammatory conditions
such as tendinitis, gout, bursitis, arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Thanks to its anti-
inflammatory and antioxidant properties turmeric is also exceptionally healthy for the
heart; curcumin has been found to drastically reduce the buildup of plaque in the arteries
that leads to atherosclerosis, as well as reducing blood clots and LDL cholesterol levels.
Sageis a common garden herb and has been popularly cultivated for thousands of years.
Known traditionally as a potent, uplifting herb with great capacity for sharpening the
mind and increasing concentration, Sage tea has frequently been called the thinker’s tea
and can help in cases of mild ADHD or with the elderly who may suffer failing memory.
Fresh sage can be eaten raw, tossed in salads or used to season soups. The fresh and/or
dried leaves and flowers of the sage plant are also popularly steeped as a tea. Additional
health benefits can be had by adding honey to the tea. Finally, sage has been shown to
contain thujone, a GABA and serotonin (5-HT3) antagonist; thus sage can be used with
great efficacy to treat depression, grief or mild mood disorders.
Emergencies can strike at a moment’s notice, and although we all hope never to need our
medical kit, it is nonetheless most advisable to keep a well-stocked and prepared emergency
medical kit on hand at all times.
Other useful things to pack in your first aid kit include sunscreen, bug repellent, throat
lozenges, laxatives, antacid tablets and washcloths.
Last, but certainly not least, it’s always a good idea to have a basic medical guide (like
this one!) included in your first aid kit. Even if you are a fully trained or qualified doctor or
practicing medical professional, most people aren’t and a time may come when you need
You may not be aware, but common prescription antibiotics such as amoxicillin,
penicillin and ciprofloxacin are available from most vets and many farm and animal supply
stores. Often marketed as antibiotics for use in aquatic environments, and sold under brand
names such as FishMox, FishFlox and FishPen, these antibiotics are USP pharmaceutical grade
medicines that are identical to those sold for human use with a prescription.
To verify the contents of any antibiotic or other medication marketed for animals you can
simply read the identifying drug code imprinted on the pill. Using this pill identification number
you can go to one of many free online sources to look out the precise manufacturing details and
content of the medication. Most medications, including the aforementioned FishMox, FishFlox
and FishPen, will pull up the USP information confirming that the drug is made and
manufactured in a facility intended for human consumption. The only difference between the pill
you hold in your hand and the one you pay a doctor for a prescription for is how it is marketed
and branded.