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| Burns and Scalds |
| Burns are potential medical emergencies and only the most minor should be treated at home. Any burn more than about 2 inches across should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. |
| For less severe burns, run cold water over the affected area or use an ice pack (or package of frozen peas) to cool it down and ease the immediate pain. Keep the injury cool for two or three hours; use a clean cloth soaked in cold water, chilled marigold infusion, or diluted lavender oil (combine a teaspoon of oil with a tablespoon of iced water) to cover the affected area. Fresh aloe vera gel is very cooling; if you have a plant, slit open a leaf and apply it to the burn after initially cooling with cold water. Infused St. John's wort oil is also ideal for minor burns; apply a little directly to the area after it has been kept cool for a couple of hours or use chickweed cream or infused oil in the same way. |
| For minor burns and scalds, slices of fresh cucumber, a purée of fresh cranberries (or cranberry juice), or a little grated raw potato can all be applied directly to the affected area and held in place with gauze and adhesive tape. |
| Catarrh and Sinus Problems |
| Catarrh can take many formsfrom thick mucus that makes breathing difficult to watery secretions causing a semipermanent drip; it has many different causes. |
| Catarrh can be a symptom of the common cold or it can be a sign of allergic reaction as in hay fever (p. 73); it can stay in the upper respiratory tract causing nasal congestion or affect the lower airways and be coughed up as phlegm. Lingering catarrh makes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and can lead to inflammation of the sinuses. |
| Whatever the cause, diet is extremely important, and as in the common cold, foods that encourage mucus formation should be avoided. These include refined carbohydrates, dairy products, and alcohol. A fruit fast (three pieces of fruit at each meal and plenty of fruit juice) for twenty-four hours can help, while zinc and vitamin C |
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