By Jonathan Evans
Herbal Information Specialist for the Herbarium
This month, let’s look at several summer health issues, and some of the alternative ways to take care of the problems.
Tick talk
As anyone who has stepped into their backyard or taken a walk in the forest already knows, the tick infestation this year is horrendous. I know every living thing has a purpose in the circle of life, but when it comes to ticks, I really begin to question the wisdom of the Eternal. Apparently, fowl such as Guinea hens, chickens and turkeys will eat ticks, but I guess they aren’t trying hard enough this year.
When it comes top tick protection, there are many suggestions online as to what essential oils may be helpful as tick repellants, as well as several recipes, with varying amounts of success.
At the Herbarium, we have been making an insect repellant for 35 years, using multiple oils and adjusting our formula to address each year’s problems. The past two years we have added several new oils to combat the tick infestation, including Kunzea or tick bush oil. It is proving very effective against the ticks, and of course, mosquitoes, fleas and any other blood sucking insect out there.
However, regardless of what you use as a repellant, how you remove a tick that has bitten you is very important. YouTube is showing people using peppermint oil directly on the tick and the tick does retreat very quickly (you would too if somebody poured peppermint oil on your behind!) The problem is this approach could increase your chances of contracting Lyme or other diseases. The tick is a blood sucker, so how does it introduce viruses to the host? Because of the mouth structure of the tick, its salivation glands surround the tube it uses for ingesting blood. When you hit the tick with peppermint oil, or a lit match, etc. it irritates the tick and it simply spits into you. That is how you can contract a virus more easily.
Not every tick bite means you are infected, but the improper removal of the tick increase your chances dramatically. It is best to use tweezers or that little special doohicky now available in so many places, to pull the tick straight out.
Your questions - sunburn and psoriasis
Dear Jonathan,
We spend a lot of time at the beach – both ocean and lakes. No matter how many times I put sunscreen on, either the kids or I always seem to get a sunburn. What can be used to stop the pain? I can do okay, but the children suffer terribly. Any suggestions?
Elaine
Dear Elaine,
Apple cider vinegar can be very soothing for sunburns. Chamomile tea is an excellent anti-inflammatory and good for skin. You might want to make chamomile ice cubes and bring them with you to the beach. The quicker you cool down the burn, the better. Regular black tea can also be used to treat sunburns.
— Jonathan
Dear Jonathan,
I have had psoriasis for many years. It usually improves in the summertime but not completely. I keep seeing TV commercials for a prescription, but the side effects they list scare the hell out of me. Are there any natural ways to get rid of psoriasis?
— Gil
Dear Gil,
There is no cure for psoriasis that I know of, but there are plenty of things that can improve your situation. We just covered psoriasis and eczema on our Herbal Answer Man. You can find it archived on our Facebook page for June 20.
There are plenty of things to help with psoriasis that do not come with warning labels. For example: B-complex vitamins (50-100 mg) several times a day, extra vitamin C, essential fatty acids such as found in fish, flax, black cumin seed oil or evening primrose, Turmeric, Coleus forskholi, vitamin E, D and A in higher doses than found in most over-the counter vitamins. We have a complete list of supplements available at Herbarium. Mineral salt baths can be very soothing and healing. Also, many people notice their skin improves when they are at the beach and bathing in the salt water.
— Jonathan
One last thing - if you are going to leave a message on a phone to me or anyone at The Herbarium, recite your phone number SLOWLY into the machine. You know your number very well – we do not.... just sayin'
— Jonathan
Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans via email at herbarium258@gmail.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee, Mass. 01013. If requesting additional information from Evans, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
