Saturday, July 20, 2013

Natural Remedies for Heat Exhaustion


It may be July, but it feels like  the dog days of August. So, I thought you might find these natural remedies for heat exhaustion helpful. Becoming overheated can result in an elevated body temperature or hyperthermia and symptoms that include disorientation, headache, rapid heartbeat, nausea, dizziness, high body temperature, red hot dry skin, and a strong rapid pulse. Symptoms of heat cramps are dizziness, shallow breathing, nausea and muscle cramps. Here are some tips that can help cool you down if you feel overheated:
Get out of the sun. If you are overheated, get out of the sun immediately and remove or loosen clothing. Lie down and slightly elevate your head. Use a hand towel and sponge your bare skin with cool water and fan yourself vigorously with anything available. If you have muscle cramps, drink a pint of water to which a pinch of salt has been added. Elevate your legs and apply firm pressure on cramped muscles.
Make cool compresses. Put several washcloths in a sink full of cool water to which ten drops of essential oil of cooling lavender or peppermint have been added. Apply as needed.
Create a spritzer by filling an 8 ounce spray bottle with spring water, 2 teaspoons of witch hazel and 10 drops of lavender and 10 drops of peppermint essential oils. Spray it on your body wherever needed, avoiding the eye area.
Replace important fluids. Make an electrolyte beverage by adding one fourth teaspoon each of baking soda and sea salt in eight ounces of water. Add a bit of fruit juice to improve the flavor. Try drinking a chilled glass of strawberry leaf and peppermint tea. Or just squeeze lemon or lime into water for a cooling effect. Sip fluid every ten minutes. Avoid alcohol and caffeine which is a stimulant.
Eat cooling foods. Both cucumbers and watermelon are very refreshing to eat in hot weather. Eat lighter fare like more salads, yogurt, smoothies, melons, and green leafy vegetables. Replace depleted potassium levels by eating bananas, cantaloupe and potatoes.
Take a nap during the hot part of the day when you are likely to feel low in energy. Avoid strenuous exercise. Do your exercise early in the day. Go for a walk after sunset.
Wear lighter cotton or hemp clothing. Use a hat with a brim and make sure arms and legs are covered with light colored clothing. In the morning of hot days, apply coconut or sunflower oil to the body before bathing to help you feel cooler. Slow down your activities.
When to See Your MD. This information is not a substitute for medical counseling. When in doubt, or if someone who has heat exhaustion becomes unconscious, see your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

2 comments:

Linda O. Johnston said...

I've never dealt well with heat, Chrystle, so your suggestions are most welcome. Thanks!

Betty Hechtman said...

I love the spritzer idea. I've used plain water, but the addition of essential oils sounds great.