ULTIMATE ESSENTIAL MEDICINAL HERB GUIDE FOR WNG

[basorexia]

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METHODS & HOW-TOS
[sub]credit to quill on feralfront[/sub]

AROMATHERAPY
[sub]Prepare a decoction or herbal tea as normal, but instead of letting it steep to prepare it as a tea, allow to come just to a boil before pouring into a separate bowl. Allow the steam to cool for a few moments before having patient lean over the bowl to breathe the steam in.[/sub]
BROKEN BONES & SPLINTING
Keep in mind that there are several types of breaks.
[sub]- Simple or "clean" breaks, where the bone breaks in one place cleanly in two
- A displaced break, where the bone broke cleanly and then moved, but does not break through the skin
- Open break, where the bone has pierced through the skin
- Fractures, where the bone breaks, but not completely
- Multiple breaks[/sub]

When treating broken bones, the first thing to note is what kind of break it might be. For most of this guide we’ll be considering breaks to legs; I’ll mention broken ribs at the end, as well as other possible treatments.

The type of break can be determined through sight alone, in the case of an open break or a displaced break where the joint is at the wrong angle. In other cases, the medic may gently run their paws over the affected area to see if there is a break. Alternatively, the medic can have the patient attempt to move the joint with care, without causing further injury.

No matter what breaks, the injury might be accompanied by swelling, the contraction of the muscles surrounding the injury (the body’s way of preventing further injury).

For a simple break or fractures, you may then move on to splinting the area as the bone did not move out of place.

For a break in which the bone has been moved, it will need to be set again. This is done by carefully pulling the bone back into place. With the patient still, possibly with someone holding the rest of the joint to keep it still, the medic can then slowly begin to set the bone once more. The important thing to note is to go slow to prevent the muscles of contracting again and causing more injury, as well as keeping the joint straight as you pull the bone back into place to avoid wrenching the area and hurting the patient more. Pulling slowly, using the force needed, the area can then be splinted when the bone is back into place.

For an open break, the same method above will apply, but first having to push the bone back into place.

For multiple breaks, the bone may still be set properly and bandaged with care, but if the bone has shattered, then other methods may need to be considered if the area cannot be saved, such as a leg or a paw. There is a risk of blood poisoning and internal bleeding if a shattered bone is left untreated.

For broken ribs, or an odd place, such as a jaw, there may not be much that could be done. Ribs cannot be splinted, they can only be allowed to heal. The patient should take it easy, and any internal bleeding should be watched for.

Splinting is the act of immobilizing a typically broken area to prevent it from moving and easing pain so that it can heal.

Attend to any bleeding before placing a splint. Then, with something rigid: sticks, rushes, anything sturdy, place it so that it rests above and below the injured area on other side. Then, with some sort of binding for ties, such as strips of bandages or bindweed, tie the splint to the area, avoiding tying anything directly across the injury itself.

COBWEBS VS BANDAGES
[sub]The age old question of old versus new! But, both methods have their pros and their cons, and both are useful in the medical field.
[/sub]

Bandages
+ Found in large quantities
+ Can be easily replaced and discarded; even washed and reused if absolutely necessary.
+ Compact, easy to carry

- Hard to find naturally.
- Have to use more to cover an area, as it doesn't stick

Cobwebs
+ Found naturally
+ Sticky, pulls a wound closer together to help stave heavy bleeding quickly
+ Less can be used, as it doesn't need to be wrapped around the body

- Can be hard to manage or carry in a bag
- Found in lesser amounts
- Cannot be reused

COMPRESS
[sub]Making a compress is the manner of preparing a strong herbal tea or decoction and dipping a cloth within in, then laying it atop of an afflicted area. These are typically helpful in swelling or bruised areas that requires delicate care, such as eyes.
Double the amount of herbs should be used in the same amount of water of a normal dosage of a tea or decoction, and extra can be saved for later treatments in a clear glass lidded jar for a few weeks.
[/sub]
DISLOCATIONS
[sub]Dislocations are a tricky thing that depends on what joint was dislocated in the first place. If we assume a shoulder, as is common, then it is rather simple to set the joint back into place, though the person would then need rest to allow it to heal properly or risk it dislocating again. Symptoms of dislocation also include swelling, pain, unable to bear weight, and lameness of the joint.
With the appendage of the dislocated area held firmly, the limb must be carefully moved so that the joint can be set back into place by holding the person firm and shoving it back into socket.[/sub]
HEAVY BLEEDING
[sub]Heavy bleeding is a concern as bleeding out is a quick way to lose a patient. Both internal and external bleeding can be controlled, but doing it within a specific time frame in case of heavy bleeding can be case for stress.
Pressure is the quickest way to help stave bleeding, alongside bandages and cobwebs.
A wound may also be stitched if necessary, but cauterizing (burning) a wound shut should be avoided if at all possible, as the risk of infection from such a treatment is greatly increased. However, if it is the only means possible, then the risk may be necessary.
Another option for heavy bleeding on a limb is a tourniquet, which is a large strip of cloth tied above a heavily bleeding wound and tightened with a stick or some sort of object to decrease blood flow. There is also a risk with this of cutting off circulation and injuring the limb itself, but, again, a risk may be necessary in order to save a patient’s life.[/sub]
HERBAL OILS
[sub]Carrier oils are what the herbs are infused in to become an oil itself. Carrier oils are mainly from vegetable sources, like cob nuts or sunflower seeds. These can be crushed into its oil state. Then, put desired herbs in a clean glass jar and cover with the desired carrier oil.[/sub]

RATIO: The proper ratio for this would be 1 part herbs to 5 parts oil.

Set the jar in a windowsill in natural light for up to a week or two. If a stronger batch is desired, after the two weeks time is up, add a fresh batch of herbs and allow to infuse for another two weeks.

If it is a gentle herb, like lavender, lemon balm or marigold, it should be a 'cold' infusion, meaning to leave it in a dark place away from the heat. Though, this will take several weeks longer to steep.

Once the oil is as desired, strain and keep in a clean jar for up to a month or two.

HYPOTHERMIA & HEATSTROKE
[sub]Hypothermia
When a patient experiences hypothermia, their core body temperature has dropped below normal levels, and they are at risk of frostbite, organ damage, or even death. Though, Hypothermia comes in different levels of severity, and if the patient is found in enough time, should be able to make a steady recovery.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke, also known as hyperthermia, is when the body’s temperature increases beyond the normal regulated temperature. There is a mild case, heat exhaustion, and a severe case, heat stroke.[/sub]

Mild
With mild hypothermia, the patient will be experiencing shivering, stumbling, irrational behavior, and numbness in arms and legs. It can be treated by warming the patient up with blankets, mild activity, such as walking, shelter, and a warm drink, like tea. Alcohol should not be given.

Moderate
With moderate cases, the patient verges on the point of unconsciousness and the possibility of organ damage as the body fights to keep the core warm. The patient will experience severe shivering, heavy confusion, increased heart rate and breathing, higher incoherence and stumbling, and loss of fine motor control. Quicker action should be taken to dry and warm the person up, as well as seeking shelter and increased circulation.

Severe
In a severe case of hypothermia, the patient verges on death. There will be muscle stiffness, all shivering will stop. The person may collapse, or lose consciousness, and have a dulled or no reaction to pain. The pulse and breathing will be slow. Skin will be cold, and the gums may be blue or gray in color; pupils will also dilate. The patient should not be encouraged to move on their own, and be treated gently. If they are alert, they may be incoherent and refuse help- you always help them no matter what. Seek immediate shelter and warmth for the patient, and help them to maintain their breathing. Offer warm drinks if they are able to swallow, and encourage small sips, slowly as to not shock the body. The patient will have to be brought back to a stable temperature slowly, as in not gulping down lots of hot drink, so it does not shock the body further.

A patient with Heat Exhaustion may exhibit the following symptoms: Cool, moist skin, despite being in a warm place; heavy sweating or panting, faintness, dizziness, fatigue; weak, rapid pulse, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, nausea, or a headache. If this is true, then the patient should stop all physical exertion and rest, moving to a cooler place. They should also be offered a cool drink and allowed to rest for at least an hour or so.

A patient with Heat Stroke will show confusion, agitation, or slurred speech, as well as irritability, delirium, or even a seizure or coma in more severe cases. Skin will feel hot and dry to the touch, and the patient may also exhibit nausea or vomiting, red skin or sunburns; rapid, shallow breathing, increased heart rate, and a headache.

Patient should be immediately moved to a cool place with shade, with any excess accessories, such as scarves, hats, etc. removed. They should be cooled as quickly as possible, with a cool bath, cold compresses, or a spray bottle of ice water.

POULTICES
[sub]Poultices are simple in the fact that they are applied externally to treat swelling, pain, and congestion. It has many uses, and is a staple in medicine for its simplicity.

Chop herbs finely and moisten with a bit of hot water.
Combine with 1 part herb to 3 parts flour or other dry mix.
Spread mixture onto a warm cloth and fold the ends and sides over the mixture.
Lay over the affected area until cool. Repeat if necessary.[/sub]
PREGNANCY
[sub]Though not every pregnancy, nor every birth, will be the same due to species, or even simply different characteristics, there are a few things to keep in mind no matter the circumstance. This guide will cover feline pregnancy, as that will be the most common, but other information can surely be researched.

Feline pregnancy is, on average, 9-10 weeks. Canine pregnancy is, on average, 12 weeks. Pregnancy is not truly noticeable until week 4-5, and it is at this point that Medics may also be able to feel the litter by feeling around the belly.

Most pregnancies will be accompanied by morning sickness in the first few weeks, followed by increased fatigue, hunger, or food aversion, as well as general aches. No one pregnancy will be the same.[/sub]