Hawthorn

[Briggs]

Does anyone know of a natural remedy for Hawthorn thorn splinters? I know the thorn itself is not poisonous, it's the infectious bacteria that lurks on the thorn that turns matters nasty but is there a natural plant that is a good all-round source for first aid?

[FEISTY]

Does anyone know of a natural remedy for Hawthorn thorn splinters? I know the thorn itself is not poisonous, it's the infectious bacteria that lurks on the thorn that turns matters nasty but is there a natural plant that is a good all-round source for first aid?

I've built up a stock of tea tree oil for this kind of thing - it's anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, etc and kinder to skin than the creams you buy over the counter. Use sparingly, with care. Iodine would have been used many years ago, but I can tell you it hurts like crap, even for a small cut. Not sure of any plants you could grow though, except those you have to derive the oil from, ie lavender. Garlic, however, is supposed to be a "broad based antibiotic".

[Briggs]

Thanks, Feisty.

Mrs B had teatree oil and anti-histamine on it quite quickly but whatever nastiness was on the thorns is immune to that. Her thumb has turned black under the skin, like it is bruised and flexing the joint for her is painful. Pressure on the pierced skin is painful too. Quite worrying was she got a headache and was drowsy all afternoon yesterday. It crossed my mind that this wasn't hawthorn at all and she may have got nipped by something else but she is sure it was hawthorn.

She is going to see how it heals up today and may be off to the docs later.

[FEISTY]

Thanks, Feisty.

Mrs B had teatree oil and anti-histamine on it quite quickly but whatever nastiness was on the thorns is immune to that. Her thumb has turned black under the skin, like it is bruised and flexing the joint for her is painful. Pressure on the pierced skin is painful too. Quite worrying was she got a headache and was drowsy all afternoon yesterday. It crossed my mind that this wasn't hawthorn at all and she may have got nipped by something else but she is sure it was hawthorn.

She is going to see how it heals up today and may be off to the docs later.

Probably best to get it seen to. I think we can see how difficult it would be in a SHTF situation to deal with even relatively small wounds and infections. I hope she gets it sorted out.

[FEISTY]

Google "Hawthorn poisonous?" It doesn't seem to be, but other people have had nasty puncture wounds. Apparently, because puncture wounds don't bleed so much and the wound is difficult to clean, the bacteria carried in stays there causing problems. Time for a trip to the doc, probably. Blood poisoning isn't to be toyed with .

[FEISTY]

If the SHTF, the first thing I will do, if I can, is to raid the local pharmacy for their stock of antibiotics and epipens. Priorities! Everyone else will, hopefully, be heading in the direction of the supermarket ! Keep meaning to peruse the pet shop aisles for fish antibiotics (only to be used in post apocalyptic scenario).

[Briggs]

It just goes to show how a tangle with the wrong bit of fauna and flora can sometimes quickly get complicated. She was wearing thick work gloves at the time as well.

[Plymtom]

Keep meaning to peruse the pet shop aisles for fish antibiotics (only to be used in post apocalyptic scenario).

Don't waste your time they don't sell it, like human antibiotics it's a prescription thing from a vet in the UK, you can get it online though.

It just goes to show how a tangle with the wrong bit of fauna and flora can sometimes quickly get complicated. She was wearing thick work gloves at the time as well.

Indeed, get to the Docs, I think I'd investigate all the cures I could, plus look at the fish antibiotic thing again I suppose.

[jansman]

The main thing is Tetanus. Make sure you are up on your jabs. It now lasts a lifetime.
I keep hydrogen peroxide in. Always used it to clean wounds from work. As a Butcher you get the odd one. It hurts like hell, but cleans it a treat.

[FEISTY]

Keep meaning to peruse the pet shop aisles for fish antibiotics (only to be used in post apocalyptic scenario).

Don't waste your time they don't sell it, like human antibiotics it's a prescription thing from a vet in the UK, you can get it online though.

Good to know. If anyone knows a kosher site .... I'm sure there are all sorts of charlatans out there!