“There are only 4 types of people who exist – Care givers, Caretakers, Care holders and first aiders. The unique part is that all contributes to service and humanity.
HISTORY
Prussian military surgeon introduced first aid to military calling it “erste hilfe “ – meaning first aid for wounded comrades.
FIRST AID KIT IN ALLOPATHY
It is aimed at collection of supplies and equipment used to give immediate medical treatment, primarily to treat injuries and mild to moderate medical conditions.
These are comprising of –
Masks, adhesive bandages, tweezers, gloves, face shield, Oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airway, bag valve mask, manual aspirator or suction unit, sphygmomanometer, thermometer, Stethoscope, antiseptic solution, bandages, cotton balls / swabs, emergency blanket, gauze, ice pack etc. depending on place of emergency (Contents vary a/c to place and emergency units)
AYURVEDIC FIRST AID KIT / MEDIKIT /CARE PACKAGES
Irrespective of emergency handling methods, Ayurveda too plays an important role as a way to treat / manage emergencies according to Ayurvedic norms. Every institution / hospital can make up an Ayurvedic first aid kit. Let’s see what we can include
- Murivenna / Oil
Medicated Ayurvedic oil, known for its anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and analgesic properties which offer treatment of inflammation caused due to sprains, fractures, muscle cramps, dislocations, arthritis, and other injury related conditions
It originates from two Malayalam words ‘muri “meaning injury and “enna “meaning oil.
Any injuries or sprains suddenly at home can be healed with this oil. Safely can be used for any age group of people. A bandage with same for a full night with arka patra / Calotropis leaves relieves sudden rheumatic pain also
- Charngeryadi gutika
A potent immediate relief medicine for chronic diarrhea .Works good similar to any anti – diarrheal drug
- Vilwadi gutika
A multi potent drug for indigestion, toxic effects and fever (Almost all Covid resistant kits contained this medicine because of its antipyretic action).
For sudden bite conditions, can be applied as paste with basil leaves
- Vayu Gutika
Most of the time, a single drug which provides immediate relief from all pains and is efficient in managing gati/pathway of vata and reducing sudden hiccups is none other than this tablet . As the name itself it signifies, Vayu controlling gutika controls every function of body
If given with cumin seeds, it also reduces cough, breathlessness, and tiredness.
- Jathyadi kera tailam/ ghritha / Ointment
Any injury condition can be best managed equivalent to any antiseptic ointment with jathyadi oil / ghritha. As Ointment form is available, it becomes more patient friendly now
- Karutha gutika / Shirasthoda gutika
A sudden outbreak of headache takes back one from their normal routines and most often taking a pain reliever can be replaced with this tablet.
For vata headaches – mix with taila / oil. For pitta headaches – mix with ghritha and kapha headaches – mix with coconut milk (for identification of types of headaches, please consult an ayurvedic practitioner). As it gives sudden relief for all shiro roga / cranial problems, it can be mixed with vasa swarasa or breast milk for better results
- Amritharishta
As the name indicates, amritha or nectar medicine acts as sarva jwarantaka / all types of fever reliever. This fermented preparation was part of most of the Government Projects for unidentified fever/pyrexia origin.
- Nagaradi choorna
For any inflammations originated due to external factors or arthritic swellings, external application of this choorna gives instant relief. Gives the best results when applied with dhanyamla / coconut water. For external swelling, nagaradi choorna mixed with egg white and when tied with a cloth serves the purpose of bandage effect. Also, it should include necessary bandages and gauze pieces, etc.
Though the list is many, still when we think of Ayurveda eternity, this list is never complete and each one of us is free to do any addition or subtraction useful for this list.
Next time, if you find relief with a karutha gutika application, rather than a pain tablet, the purpose of Har Ghar Ayurveda will be fulfilled.
“Let’s Practice, Propagate and Preach Ayurveda” !!!!!