Jellyfish Sting

The human body is affected both internally as well as externally by a jellyfish sting-a sting is similar to a snake bite, in the type of injury it causes. At the site of injury, symptoms such as intense pain, swelling and immense itching will be apparent where the sting has penetrated.

This outward sign of injury is accompanied by redness in the affected area, and the development of a rash or numbing sensation becomes apparent immediately. Depending on the depth and size of the area affected by the sting, the numbness may be moderate or it can be quite serious. The body may be numbed to the point of paralysis if the sting is from a large jellyfish.

Drowning is often a fatal result if the unlucky victim is stung while he or she is swimming-if he or she is alone, the swimmer may not reach safety in time, before passing out. Many harmful free radicals are formed because of the toxins injected into the blood and lymph systems from the sting of a jelly fish, these toxins affect all the internal organs and can cause shock along with immense physical trauma.

Similar in action to insect stings the sting from a jelly fish might lead to an allergic reaction in the person's body, the person will have difficulty breathing and moving about, the possibility of nausea is very real and the possibility of shock always exist.

Nematocysts or stinging cells are the real power packs in the stings of jellyfish and the sea anemones, these organisms have tentacles trailing from their body, and these tentacles contain very large amounts of these nematocysts or stinging cells each of which can fire a barb mixed with toxin. In some marine organisms, the tentacles have been measured to be sixty feet long trailing off from the body.

When the nematocysts or stinging cells shoot out, the barbs attach themselves to the skin of the victim, immediately releasing venom into the body of the victim. The release of these toxins causes intense pain and tissue destruction, leading to symptoms like numbness and rash-like marks on the skin.

Supplements and herbs

Regular supplements of the vitamin C must be taken in order to assist the immune system in fighting off the effects of the toxins released into the victim. The vitamin C supplements can be used along with the plant based natural substances known as bioflavonoids which work naturally with the vitamin C in supporting the body. The toxicity of the stinging cells can be neutralized to some extent using enzymes like papain and other digestive enzyme applied topically.

Residual toxins accumulating in the body can be eliminated through the use of the given herbal remedies. These herbs will also promote healing in the affected area of the skin, and help immensely in decreasing the inflammation. The remedies will also help in the immediate detoxification of blood and will boost the functioning of the immune system.

Purify the blood and strengthen the functioning of the immune system by taking about 10-20 drops of Echinacea herbal tincture mixed in liquid thrice a day up to a week at a time or if you prefer you can use 1-2 capsules or the herbal tablets of Echinacea for the same period of time.

The sting may cause the formation of a blister, if this opens on its own in the course of time, apply or dab some aloe vera gel as a topical treatment along with the healing and soothing vitamin E along the affected area of skin. Applications of crushed comfrey leaves or crushed comfrey roots will speed healing along the affected area of the skin-this must be done after all signs of blisters have disappeared and the skin has regained its smoothness.

The detoxification of toxin affected blood can be done using chlorophyll as a direct herbal supplement. To provide chlorophyll, take a single tsp. of the alfalfa grass, along with some blue-green algae or a tsp. of spirulina thrice every day; alternately you can take 2 tbsp. the fresh juices of herbs like the wheat, the barley or the alfalfa also in single doses taken thrice each day during the treatment period.

Additional things you may do

Use a mixture of a tbsp. of medicinal clay in a half cup of water to draw out toxins and to cool the skin. This mixture can be dabbed on the affected area once every two hours or so during the day time, following the accident. During the night place a cool clay compress on the affected area and go to sleep. Use aloe vera gel as an alternative application on the following days.

The affected area of skin can also be soothed and healed using a powdered, mixture containing activated charcoal along with a little bit of water. The topical use of activated charcoal is strongly suggested as it is an antidote for many types of poisons. When applied on the skin, the activated charcoal slowly draws out the venom infused in the blood and it gradually collects this on the skin.

Every half hour to an hour, you can repeat the treatment using charcoal by simply dabbing the affected area of skin using a soft and damp cloth and followed by an application of a fresh activated charcoal paste. After doing this make sure that you immediately rinse the affected region of the skin using some sea water, or some alcohol or perhaps vinegar, if you prefer some baking soda paste can also be applied.

Whatever is applied, it must be scraped off the skin using a knife or a sharp cardboard piece-this scraped off cream or paste will take the toxins along with it. Topical treatments can also be carried out using applications of the vitamin C made by mixing the contents of a 1,000 mg capsule in some water. This vitamin paste can be spread on the area of skin where the sting penetrated about once every two hours to bring relief.

Usual dosage

Papain, 1,000 mg thrice a day.

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg every 2 - 3 hours.

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