Bedsores Health Dictionary

Substances, usually silicone-based, applied to the skin before work to prevent damage by irritants. They are also used in medicine – for the prevention of bedsores and nappy rash, for example.... barrier creams

Linn.

Family: Elaeagnaceae.

Habitat: North-west Himalayas at 2,350-5,000 m.

English: Seabuckthorn, Sand Thorn.

Folk: Dhurchuk, Chumaa, Tarwaa (Uttar Pradesh), Sirmaa (Punjab, Ladakh).

Action: Fruit—astringent, anti- diarrhoeal, stomachic, antitussive, antihaemorrhagic.

Sea Buckthorn preparations are used internally for stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer and other illnesses of the alimentary organs; externally in cases of burns, bedsores and other skin complications induced by the treatment with X-rays and other radiations.

The berries contain polyphenols, 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid and p- coumaric acid. They are an important source of vitamins for people living in cold, long winter regions; contain high concentration of vitamin A (carotene 30-40 mg), B1, B2, B6, C (50-600 mg) and E (160 mg/100 g).

The plant is an effective antioxidant and shows protective effect on smooth muscles of rabbits in vitro. The methanolic extract of the berry showed scavenging activity on chemically generated superoxide radicals.

The leaves contain flavonoids, iso- rhamnetin and astragalin; the bark gave serotonin.... hippophae rhamnoides

Palma Christi. Ricinus communis L. Part used: oil expressed cold drawn from the seeds without the aid of heat. Versatile agent for skin diseases. “Biochemical precursor of prostaglandins . . . a trigger mechanism to immune system T-cells in the skin causing them to activate a local immune system reaction through the lymphatics.” (Harvey Grady, Edgar Cayce Foundation, Virginia Beach, Va., USA)

Action: anti-allergenic, galactagogue. Canary Island nursing mothers bind leaves to the breast to increase secretion of milk. Vitality of cells is upgraded by contact with the oil. Oral contraceptive. (V.J. Brondegaard, Plants Med. 23, 167, 1973) A traditional purgative.

Uses: Internal. Rarely used, except for varied forms of allergy (penicillin, hay fever, etc): 5 drops oil in honey, 3-4 times daily. Mouth ulcers, smear with oil. Large doses avoided.

Topical. Anti-fungal, emollient, anodyne.

Application to warts, corns, bunions, skin disorders, psoriasis, eczema, nail infection, bedsores, pigmented mole, ringworm, itch, ear-infection in children (drops), leg ulcers – dab with smear for pain relief, rodent ulcers made bearable, gangrene (with tincture Myrrh drops). Oil massaged into scalp for 20 minutes daily for falling hair. Eyelids, to soothe and heal. Age spots: brown patches on face, arms or hands have been known to disappear when persevering with a smear of each – Castor oil and Bicarbonate of Soda.

Preparations: Internal use: oil – 5 to 20ml, as prescribed.

External use: Zinc and Castor oil cream, or ointment. Or, Castor oil only.

Castor oil pack, to stimulate the immune system: apply soft pad of material saturated with Castor oil; hold in position with elastic bandage for skin diseases, pains of arthritis or rheumatism; lacerated and well-sutured wounds that refuse to heal. Renew oil when pad becomes dry. Oil may be used as a vehicle for eye drops. ... castor oil plant

Decay or death of tissue from inadequate blood supply. Two kinds, dry and moist: in the dry the flesh withers, in the moist there is putrefaction.

Causes are many: blood-clotting, burns, frostbite, boils, Raynaud’s Disease, injuries, ulcerated bedsores. Diabetics and arteriosclerotics are most at risk, where even minor injuries to fingers or toes may result in necrosis.

Symptoms: wounds swollen and painful with oozing of brown exudate of sickly odour. Fever, low blood pressure, sweating and bronze discoloration around lesion.

To be treated by or in liaison with a general medical practitioner.

Treatment. Hospitalisation. Thuja and Echinacea make a powerful combination for senile or diabetic gangrene. Externally, also, they break down the odour, stimulate tissue to renewed activity and promote healthy granulation. Echinacea strengthens the body’s powers of resistance. Treatment may also have to be aimed at releasing spasm of the peripheral blood vessels.

Alternatives. Tinctures. (1) Combine, Echinacea 4; Thuja 1. (2) Combine, Echinacea 3; Goldenseal quarter; Myrrh quarter. (3) Combine, Sarsaparilla 2; Wild Indigo 1; Lobelia 1. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons in water every 3 hours. (4) Thuja, (singly): 5 drops in water every 3 hours.

Abundant herb teas to support: Lime flowers, Nettles, Marshmallow root.

Topical. Powdered Myrrh wrapped over affected area for 24 hours. Renew for same period. Repeat as necessary. When condition clears leave undisturbed for few days. OR: Lint soaked with tincture Myrrh applied to affected area; replenish when dry. OR: Aloe Vera pulp or gel. OR: Tea Tree oil, neat. May be diluted many times. (Dr Paul Belaiche, Paris) For diabetic gangrene.

Diet. 3-day fruit juice fast, followed by diet as for heart and circulatory disorders.

General. Regulate bowels. ... gangrene

See bedsores.... decubitus ulcer

Reduced physical activity, for example, through disease, injury, or following major surgery. Immobility is particularly harmful in the elderly because it causes muscle wasting and progressive loss of function.

Total immobility can produce complications including bedsores, pneumonia, or contractures. A common complication of partial immobility is oedema (fluid retention), which causes swelling of the legs. Rarely, sluggish blood flow encourages formation of a thrombus (abnormal blood clot) in a leg vein. Regular physiotherapy and adequate nursing care are important for any person who is totally immobile.... immobility

An open sore on the leg that fails to heal, usually resulting from poor blood circulation to or from the area.

There are various types of ulcer.

Venous ulcers (also referred to as varicose or stasis ulcers) occur mainly on the ankles and lower legs and are caused by valve failure in veins; they usually appear in conjunction with varicose veins.

Bedsores (decubitus ulcers) develop on pressure spots on the legs due to a combination of poor circulation, pressure, and immobility over a long period.

Leg ulcers can also be due to peripheral vascular disease and diabetes mellitus.

In the tropics, some infections can cause tropical ulcers.... leg ulcer

Ulcers that develop on the skin of patients who are unconscious or immobile.

They are also known as decubitus ulcers or bedsores.

Common sites include the shoulders, elbows, lower back, hips, buttocks, ankles, and heels.

Pressure sores may develop following stroke or spinal injuries that result in a loss of sensation.

Incontinence, if it results in constantly wet skin, may also be a contributory factor.

Pressure sores start as red, painful areas that become purple before the skin breaks down.

At this stage, the sores often become infected and are very slow to heal.

Deep, chronic ulcers may require treatment with antibiotic drugs and, in some cases, possibly plastic surgery.

Good nursing care, including changing the patient’s position regularly, skin care, protection of vulnerable areas, and use of cushions and special mattresses, should prevent pressure sores from developing in most cases.... pressure sores

Myroxylon balsamum var. balsamum

FAMILY: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

SYNONYMS: Toluifera balsamum, Balsamum tolutanum, B. americanum, Myrospermum toluiferum, Thomas balsam, resin Tolu, opobalsam.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A tall, graceful tropical tree, similar in appearance to the Peru balsam tree. The balsam is a pathological product, obtained by making V-shaped incisions into the bark and sap wood, often after the trunk has been beaten and scorched. It is a ‘true’ balsam.

DISTRIBUTION: Native to South America, mainly Venezuela, Colombia and Cuba; also cultivated in the West Indies.

OTHER SPECIES: There are many types of South American balsam-yielding trees, such as the Peru balsam – see entry.

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: The balsam works primarily on the respiratory mucous membranes, and is good for chronic catarrh and non-inflammatory chest complaints, laryngitis and croup. It is still used as a flavour and mild expectorant in cough syrups and lozenges. As an ingredient in compound benzoin tincture and similar formulations, it is helpful in the treatment of cracked nipples, lips, cuts, bedsores, etc.

ACTIONS: Antitussive, antiseptic, balsamic, expectorant, stimulant.

EXTRACTION: The crude balsam is collected from the trees. It appears first in liquid form, then hardens and solidifies into an orange-brown brittle mass. An ‘essential oil’ is obtained from the crude by 1. steam distillation, or 2. dry distillation. (A resinoid and absolute are also produced for use primarily as fixatives.)

CHARACTERISTICS: 1. A pale yellow-brown liquid with a sweet-floral scent and peppery undertone. 2. An amber-coloured liquid with a rich balsamic-floral scent, which slowly solidfies on cooling into a crystalline mass. Tolu balsam blends well with mimosa, ylang ylang, sandalwood, labdanum, neroli, patchouli, cedarwood and oriental, spicy and floral bases.

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: The balsam contains approx. 80 per cent resin, 20 per cent oil, with cinnamic and benzoic acids, small amounts of terpenes, and traces of eugenol and vanillin.

SAFETY DATA: Available information indicates it to be non-toxic, non-irritant, possible sensitization, see Peru Balsam.

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE

SKIN CARE: Dry, chapped and cracked skin, eczema, rashes, scabies, sores, wounds.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: Bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, croup, laryngitis. ‘It may be used as an inhalant by putting about a teaspoon into a steam bath.’6

OTHER USES: As a fixative and fragrance component in colognes, cosmetics and perfumes (especially the dry distilled type). Some use in pharmaceutical preparations, e.g. cough syrups. Low levels used in many major food products, especially baked goods.... balsam, tolu