This antiseptic was first discovered during World War I, when doctors on the battlefield were trying to find ways to kill germs and prevent infections, such as gangrene and putrefacation from setting in.  Doctors used Dakin’s solution before and after surgical procedures and for wound irrigation.  It was most beneficial after the wound had been adequately cleaned and foreign material and dead tissue had been removed.

All Supplies Needed:

• Sodium hydrochlorite solution at 5.25% (Bleach-unscented)
• Clean tap water
• Clean pan with lid
• Sterile measuring cups and spoons
• Sterile jar with a sterile lid
• Label for jar to label antiseptic,date, time and discard date

Directions:

1.  Wash your hands well with soap and water.

2.  Measure out 32 ounces (4 cups) of clean water.  Pour into a clean pan and allow water to boil for  15 minutes.

3. Remove pan from heat.

4.  Using a sterile measuring spoon, add 1/2 tsp. of of baking soda to the water. 

5.  Measure bleach according to the strength that is desired: 

• For full stregnth – add 3 oz. bleach or 95 ml.
• For 1/2 strength – add 3 tbls. + 1/2 tsp. or 48 ml
• For 1/4 strength – add 1 tbls. +2  tsp. or 24 ml.
• For 1/8 stregnth – add 2 1/2 tsp. or 12-14 ml. 

6.  Place the solution in a jar and close it tightly with a sterile lid. Cover the closed jar with tin foil to protect it from sunlight. 

7.  Throw away any unused portion of the antiseptic within 48 hours of use.  This solution can be made up to a month prior to using and stored away

Uses For Dakin’s Solution

• Minor scrapes
• Skin and tissue infections
• Can be used before and after surgical procedures to prevent infection
• Can be used as a mouth wash (should not be swallowed)
• Used as a wound irrigator solution to clean wounds
• Can be applied as a wet-to-moist dressing for wounds

According to WebMD, “The body’s own wound-healing tissues and fluids can decrease the antibacterial effect of Dakin’s solution.  Therefore, this solution is often used only once daily for minor wounds and twice daily for heavily draining or contaminated wounds… Additionally, protect the surrounding healthy skin with a moisture barrier ointment (i.e. petroleum jelly) or skin sealant as needed to prevent irritation.”

Additional Information on Dakins Solution

In this type of situation, many will be turning to alternative medicines to alleviate and assist some of the more chronic health issues such as high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, migraines, anemia and arthritis.   Acquiring books on herbal medicines for a disaster scenario would be a great knowledge source to add to any preparedness library. 

 In the book, Herbal Medicine: The Natural Way To Get Well and Stay Well by Dian Dincin Buchman, Ph. D, the author advises how important natural medicine is.  She adds that, “Even though much of the medical community ignores, perhaps even disdains plant medicine as too old fashioned, plants are nonetheless the basis for some of the most effective drugs.”  This article is based on some of the author’s favorite medicinal herbs.

Top Ten Medicinal Herbs for a Survival Garden

Cayenne Pepper – (Capsicum minimum)

“Cayenne pepper is a powerful stimulant, producing a sense of heat in the stomach, and a general glow ove r the body without a narcotic effect.  A few grains in hot tea will aid in sluggish digestion and flatulence.” (Source – Herbal Medicine: The Natural Way To Get Well and Stay Well)

• This pepper can assist as a digestion aid.  Using sparingly, sprinkle a bit over food or in a hot soup.
• Cayenne pepper is a good source of Vitamin C.
• Mixing cayenne pepper to a citrus drink such as grapefruit juice can be a very effective energizing drink.
• Cayenne pepper can be used to combat a sore throat and can also be used in a sore throat gargle mix.
• An effective anti flu drink uses 2 tsp. of cayenne pepper, 1 1/2 tsp. of salt, 1 cup of boiling water, 1 c. apple cider vinegar.  Most adults can take between 1 tsp.-1 tbls. every half hour.
• Sprinkling cayenne pepper in shoes will warm the feet when it is cold outside.  Caution: it will stain the area where it is sprinkled, but it is quite effective.
• Cayenne has a history of being used during malignant sore throats and in scarlet fever where it is used internally and as a gargle.
• Cayenne tea can be used as a control for internal or external bleeding and should be used for those health emergencies where no medical or nursing help is available.
• A few grains on the gums of cayenne will smart on the gum, and in a cavity and act as a temporary pain alleviator.

Chamomile – (Anthemis nobilis )

•  This herb is known for it’s uses as a mild sedative. 
• Some homeopathic and natural remedies for children with ADD/ADHD have used chamomiles calming properties.
•  The flowers can be strained out of the tea and placed into a warm compress to use on ear infections. 
• Tea compresses and tea rinses can be used to treat eye problems. 
• It also has the power to assist in healing of  indigestion, morning sickness, nervousness, neuralgia, painful periods and assists as a sleeping agent.

Dandelion – (Taraxacum officinale)

•  The salt in this plant acts to neutralize the acids in the blood and is considered a cleaning tonic. 
• When the flowers and a few leaves are gathered and made into a tea that treats biliousness (gastric disorder caused by liver or gall bladder disorder) and reducing ankle swelling. 
• To jump start a slow functioning liver, drink two to four ounces of freshly sliced dandelion root in two pints of water until the water is reduced to 1 ounce. 
• A coffee can be made from the root to cleanse the liver and also has a tonic effect on the pancreas, the spleen and the female organs. 
• If a person is suffering from gallstones, dandelion can also be used.  Combine an ounce of  each: dandelion root, parsley root, lemon balm with a half ounce each of licorice root and ginger root.  Add two quarts of boiling water, simmer down to one quart, strain the liquid and drink a half glass every two hours.
•  The Chinese “barefoot doctors” use the entire dandelion in their healing practices.  The leaves and the tops are simmered together in a decoction, or they are crushed and used as a poultice for boils and abscesses on the body.
• Dandelion has also been known to lower elevated cholesterol levels, as well as normalize blood sugar levels in diabetics, and can also help cure symptoms of gout due to its uric acid content.
• Additionally, young leaves can be gathered in the spring time to make a lovely salad or a steamed side dish.

Echinacea –  (Echinacea Paradoxa, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida)

• There are three types of echinacea plants, and all have the same healing properties.  The chemical constituents are different in some, but the healing is the same. 
• Although the root is most widely used for it’s medicinal purposes, truly the entire plant can be used.
• This herb strengthens the body’s ability to resist infection and stimulates production of white blood cells.  Echinacea stimulates the body in non chronic illness such as colds, bronchitis, sore throats, abscesses and for recurrences of yeast infections.
• Echinacea can also be taken as an anti-inflammatory for arthritis.
• A gargling solution can also be made with the tea to use with a sore throat.  For cases that are not strep throat related: add 10-16 drops to water or to sage or ginger tea and use as a gargling agent.  If a person is fighting strep throat: every two hours, gargle with the above mentioned teas to which add a dropful of echinacea extract.  If only tablet or capsules are available, take then every two hours during the acute stage.
• It also helps eliminates mucus and phlegm associated with certain respiratory conditions.

Garlic - (Allium sativum)

• Garlic is an absolute must for a medicinal garden.  Garlic has so many healing properties, they cannot all be listed.
• Garlic has natural antibiotic properties. 
• In Russia, garlic is used as an anti flu remedy.
• Garlic draws out the pain from joints, toothaches, and earaches.  Place a crushed raw piece of garlic on some gauze (otherwise some of these strong herbs can cause blisters) and place the gauze over the area of pain.  For the joints, use a garlic paste.  For the ear, use slivers in gauze.  It takes about 5 days to cure the ear infection.
• Garlic also helps alleviate and draw out infection from abscesses in teeth as well as in the body. 

Marigold- (Calendula officinalis)

• Marigold is an excellent herb to have on hand for skin issues such as eczema, skin inflammations, soothing varicose veins, soothing chapped hands and can be used to reduce body scars.
• Creating a plaster by combing marigold ointment and peppermint can be used on the chest to ease the heart during inte4nse fevers.
• Dipping a compress into marigold tea and using equal parts of apple cider vinegar can alleviate inflammation. 
• The author believes that marigold is “the greatest healing agent for all wounds.”
• Using marigold in the case of open wounds that will not heal is an effective way to promote rapid healing. 
• This flower is also a haemostatid after a tooth extraction.
• A douche can made from marigold to aid in leukorrhea (vaginal discharges)
• Due to marigolds cleansing properties, it can also be used as dressing a terrible wound.
• Marigold was also used as a toothache and headache preventative in the 1500’s in England.
• This is also a great companion plant to many garden vegetables.

Peppermint – (Mentha piperita)

• Peppermint is used in a tea in conjunction with chamomile as a digestive aid.
• It has stimulating and refreshing properties that dispels headaches.
• Peppermint tea will also assist in overcoming muscle spasms and cramps. 
• Due to the camphorous principles in peppermint, if peppermint is applied to a wet wash cloth it can be used externally to relieve pain.
• This herb also hep clear sinus infections.  Apply a large, warm peppermint pack to the sinus area.

Sage- (Salvia officinalis)

• A tea made of common sage can help lift depression.  A pinch of bruised cloves and a pinch of pure ginseng can also be added as these herbs are also used as antidepression herbs.
• Rubbing the sage leaves across the teeth can be used to clean the teeth and assist in bad breath.  The tea can also be used to gargle with.
• Sage tea rub downs and sage baths can be used to ring down a fever.  American Indians used this type of fever reducer.  Note: adding apple cider vinegar to the tea for reduction can be quite effective and the patient simply feel better.
• Sage tea can used as an antiseptic by chewing the sage leaves to cleanse the system of impurities or drank as tea.
• Sage has also been known to assist with hot flashes associated with menopause.
• If a person has stomach troubles, cold sage tea can used to alleviate the symptoms.
• Sage can also be used to treat the flu.  Using the tea before and during any type of epidemics and to hasten healing during a flu attack.
• Sage leaves can be wrapped around a wound like a band aid to help heal the wound faster.

Tea Tree- (Melaleuca alternifolia)

• The Aborigines have used this plant for centuries as an antiseptic to heal insect bites, stings, abrasions , cuts and warts.
• Because of tea tree oils high antibacterial properties it can also be used as an antiseptic to treat acne.
• Applying tea tree oil directly to fungus on feet (Athlete’s foot), or adding drops into a foot bath this will help treat the fungus.
• Tea tree oil can also be used to cure cold sores.
• Diluting the tea tree oil (4 drops of oil and a pint of water)  in water can also be used as a douche to cure yeast infections.
• Adding a few drops on tea tree oil to a fine tooth comb and combing through hair to catch lice eggs is also effective. 

Thyme - (Thymus vulgaris)

• Although thyme is normally used in culinary recipes, it has a great range of use.
• Thyme can help alleviate gastric problems such as wind, colic and bad breath.
• Thyme also has properties to help eliminate phlegm and is helpful in overcoming shortness of breath and help with most lung problems.
• If it also effective in fighting sore throat and post nasal drip.
• If a person has the whooping cough, make a syrup of thyme tea and honey to help treat the disease.
• Thyme can also be used to treat a fever.  It is recommended to mix thyme with other herbs to have a better medicinal quality.  Herbs used in conjunction with thyme to treat a high fever could be: marshmallow root tea, slippery elm powder (or tablets), fenugreek or comfrey root or leaf tea.
• This herb also helps relax the nervous system and can relive a headache.
• Thyme can be used as a first aid poultice.  Make up a paste of moist (hot-moistened) thyme leaves and apply it to the skin to relieve the pain of an abscess, boil or swelling.  A hot poultice of thyme can help relieve the pain of a sciatic attack, too.
• An antiseptic can be make for both internal and external use.  It is also used as a local anaesthetic.  Medicate gauze and worrl for surgical dressings with theyme. 
• his herb is also great for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, parasitic skin infections and burns.
• A insect spray (combined with lavender) can assist in keeping gnats and mosquitoes away.  In fact, the Greeks used thyme as a fumigator.
• This herb can also be used to dispel worms and parasites.

As many are gearing up to buy seeds for a survival garden, please do not forget to purchase medicinal herbs.  Keeping a body as strong as possible from viruses, colds and flu’s will only help a person in the long run.  And supplying a home with organic healing medicines can, in an extreme emergency assist in saving their lives. 

Suggested Home Medical Supplies

The idea of having medical supplies in the home is to be prepared for any given situation that could arise.   In the long run, if supplies are adequately organized and ready to go, the person administering medical assistance will have everything in place and be ready to act.  Making an inventory list of everything that is needed for all family members (include children’s needs as well as family members with special needs) as well as items that have already been purchased can help with organizing the supplies for storage.

• Antacids
• Anti-diarrheal
• pain reliever
• Children’s pain reliever
• First aid book
• Prescription medications (keep copies for records)
• Cold/flu medicines
• Vitamins
• Blood clotting
• Sterile gauze
• Dressing bandages
• Dressing rolls
• Medical tape
• Bandages of all sizes
• Alcohol wipes
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Eye flushing solution
• Anesthetic solution
• Hypodermic needles (for the antiseptic solution)
• Electrolyte tablets
• Benadryl
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Cold Packs
• Warm Blankets
• Antibiotic ointment
• Thermometers
• Skin irritation creams
• Gloves
• Mask
• Suture needles/string
• List of medical contact phone numbers
• Medical history file (if needed)

Animals and house pets can often fall victim to an injury as well.  Having medicine and first aid supplies for them will ensure their health and safety.

Storing Medical Supplies

Medicines can break down and spoil if they are subject to moisture, temperature fluctuations and exposure to light.  For example, aspirin has a tendency to begin the breakdown process when it is exposed to a slight amount of moisture.  Unless the medicine indicates otherwise, store the medicines in a cool, dark place that is out of children’s reach.   If possible, try and find a place to put the medical supplies that is in an easily accessible area in the event of a medical crises.  Check expiration dates periodically to ensure the medicines are still good to use.  Additionally, storing a first aid kit in the car and in the 72 hour bag will provide additional medical assistance if needed.

Signs of Expired Medicines

Although there is data that medicine can last longer than their expiration dates, knowing the signs of expired medicine can help indicate when new items are needed.

• Creams or ointments which are discolored or have changed in texture.
• Creams or ointments which have cracked or separated.
• The medicines smell has changed since it was opened.
• Tablets are broken or chipped and have changed color.

Source – www.generalmedicine.suite101.com

Organizing medical supplies to be ready for a possible disaster is not a time consuming event.  In a disaster situation, having supplies on hand to deal with a medical emergency can expedite the stabilization process and possibly save a life.

Related Articles:

Are You Ready Series: Emergency Medical Supply

Having Medical Information On Hand May Help Save A Life

Emergency safety books can be purchased in book stores, Red Cross Organizations and even online.  Having this information in your G.O.O.D Manual, 72 hour bag or survival supplies does not take up much space.  In fact, having a wide array of knowledge sources in the survival supplies is a key point in surviving a disaster.  Here are a few e-books that were found on this subject:

• First Aid Full Manual
• Emergency War Surgery
• First Aid for Dental Emergencies

Familiarize Yourself With The Solutions

Some people cannot stand the sight of blood.  In the case of an emergency, they have no choice.  If a person is bleeding and needs help, action must be taken.  Sometimes, visibly seeing the process of what is involved can desensitize the person who would be administering the aid as well as teaching and preparing themselves more fully.  Find websites online such as www.firstaid.about.com that deal with first aid care and go through each injury to see what medical instruments and items are needed.  Make a list for supplies that can be added to the disaster medical supplies.  Watching medical videos online can assist in learning about medical techniques as well as desensitizing someone to open wounds.  For example, see the following links for a few medical demonstration videos found online.

• Different Types of Suturing
• Different Surgical Techniques

First Aid Kits

When preparing a medical first aid kit, research what the advanced kits have and purchase the items from that kit  individually, if possible.  This will create a unique kit that is individualized for the people that will need it, as well as save money in the process.  Some kits are overloaded with items that may not be needed.  Additionally, think about how many people may need first aid from the kit.  If there are not enough medical supplies for everyone, it may be time to stock up on some additional items.   First aid kits can be used for the home as well as the car.  There are many websites online that carry the everyday first aid kit and advance up to the immediate response kits.  Websites such as www.thereadystore.com is a great website to start at.

Emergency Response Medicines

When an emergency situation arises, one must act calming and decisively.  In the case of a severe injury where there is a lot of blood loss, there must be supplies that can stop bleeding, cut the pain threshold and calm the patient if necessary.

Celox

Initially, if someone has an open wound, the first thing to do is to try and stop the bleeding.  Emergency responders are now carrying Celox.  Celox can instantly clot  and stops bleeding in 30 seconds.  Celox is made from a natural polymer extracted from shrimp shells called chitosan.

Celox bonds to the surface of red blood cells and platelets to produce a gel like clot or plug.  It works independently of the body’s normal clotting machanism and can clot hypothermic or even heparinised blood.

Removing celox from a wound is as easy as it is to put in the wound.  One can remove as much of the celox “plug” by hand and then irrigate it with water or a saline solution.  This would be an effective tool to have in any first aid supply.  This is something that could prolong a life long enough to save it.  Celox is available at www.celox.com as well as available on www.amazon.com.

Lidocaine

When dealing with a painful injury, lidocaine can dull the area around the wound so that treatment can be made.  Many doctors offices and dentists use lidocaine on their patients to numb the area they would be working on.  Lidocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication) used topically on the skin or gums to reduce pain or discomfort.  Additionally, many use lidocaine to care for scratches, painful bug bites, and painful skin irritations such as poison ivy.  Use a small amount on the wound area as a little can go a long way.  If one uses too much there are overdose symptoms such as uneven heartbeats, seizure, coma, slowed breathing, or respiratory breathing.  There are different forms of using lidocaine such as pump sprays, gels, creams and powders.  Many of these forms are available on www.amazon.com.  Just do a little researching into the types that you would want.

As many are beginning to make lists to fully prepare for any number of emergency situations, questions are raised as to the how much one will need to be fully prepared.  People may ask themselves, “What plans do I have in place in case a disaster happens?”, “Will I be have enough supplies to last through the disaster?” or  “Will I have enough knowledge acquired to make a decisive action?”  Taking the necessary steps to prepare for a disaster depends on how long the estimated time the disaster will last.  Medical emergencies can occur at the drop of a hat, and having the necessary supplies can mean the difference between life and death.

The information provided is only to familiarize a person with the ideas of emergency medical response.  This post is intended to give suggestions of things one may do in an emergency medical situation and should not be construed as medical advice.  Getting someone to receive professional medical attention is by far the best thing to do.