Nature's First Aid
Tips to prevent and manage
Contributors: Shenel Engel, Sylvia Reitsma, Jessika Schaad, Lisa Worth, Alyson Maier
December 2024
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Summer has arrived and along with it come some nasty little critters, such as ticks. They’re those teeny tiny little guys whose bites can be potentially dangerous to both humans and animals. So, we thought it timely to share this very useful information with you.
This article, discussing the prevention of tick bites as well as managing them, is a compilation of insights recently shared among our members.
The most talked about item was the homoeopathic remedy, Ledum.
Source:
Ledum can be used both preventatively and after a tick bite occurs. To source Ledum ask your local homoeopath, your local health food store or failing that, you can source this remedy online.
Dosage:
Use any of these potencies: 6x or 6c or 30c
The dose can vary among manufacturers, so please refer to the instructions on the package.
Generally speaking - in pillules one dose equals two pillules, however if the pillules are larger, one dose equals one pilule.
In liquid form, one dose equals two to four drops.
Prevention of tick bite
Ideally start taking the remedy six to eight weeks before the start of tick season (for Australia this is usually the end of winter and start of spring), or, if you missed that window, start at the onset of the tick season (end of spring, early summer).
Dose for prevention
Humans: one to two doses per day for as long as the season lasts.
Animals (dogs): two drops in the animal’s water bowl. If there is more than one animal drinking from the bowl: four to five drops or three to four pillules.
Management post bite
Firstly, remove the tick. Take Ledum until the person or animal is symptom free. How often the Ledum is used will vary according to the severity of the reaction, see below for more details.
Dose for management post tick bite
Humans: if the area is puffy, cold, pale or mottled looking, give one dose of Ledum every 15 minutes for three to four doses. Stop and wait to see how the body responds to the remedy. Repeat at one dose every two to three hours if symptoms continue to develop and the bite doesn’t improve in appearance.
Animals: two drops in their water bowl or two drops directly into the mouth (use a syringe if that’s easier). If there is more than one animal drinking from the bowl, four to five drops or three to four pillules.
Additional tips for prevention:
Wear protective clothing, for example, a long sleeved top with close fitting cuffs; tuck your pants into your socks; a hat to protect your head
Apply topically: a spray made with lemon myrtle oil and tea tree on clothing and skin; neat tea tree oil on tops of boots and socks (also good for repelling leeches); coconut oil on pets
Carry a freeze off spray to use immediately if you do get a bite
