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Page 26
| externally. Likewise, chronic problems such as gangrenous sores due to diabetes must be addressed systemically as well. |
| Echinacea tea can be used to wash a cut to help prevent infection, but it is not very practical since it is difficult to get the necessary freshly harvested roots. Echinacea loses its potency very quickly, especially once powdered. I have kept echinacea powder in my first aid kit for many years and have applied it to wounds on numerous occasions, sprinkling the powder onto a sterile gauze pad or Band-Aid and applying it directly to the wound. Simultaneously, I would have the person begin taking an echinacea alcohol extract at approximately one to two droppersful (1/41/2 teaspoon) every few hours for the day. I have used it for cuts and puncture wounds and have never seen a wound treated with echinacea become infected. With puncture wounds I always try to squeeze a little bit of blood out as soon as possible and then wash and dress the wound. Monitoring the wound afterwards is very important, especially in puncture wounds. If black streaks are observed under the skin coming from the wound or if a mild fever occurs, medical attention should be sought immediately. Now I use a mixture of several herbs, including echinacea, as my primary first-aid powder. |
| In absence of the echinacea powder or root, a compress can be made using the alcohol extract by adding one teaspoon of the extract to one-half cup of water and washing the wound; alternatively, put the extract directly on the gauze or Band-Aid and apply it to the wound. It will sting initially, but will subside momentarily as echinacea's local anesthetic activity kicks in. |
| In vaginal yeast infections and trichomonas, both |
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