Jellyfish Sting

Symptoms

A jellyfish sting, like a snake bite, affects the body internally and externally. Local injury includes pain, itching or swelling with the sting, as well as redness, rash or numbing sensation. The numbness can be quite serious, depending on the size of the sting. A sting from a large jellyfish usually numbs the whole body to the point of paralysis. If the victim is stung while swimming, it can lead to drowning. A jellyfish sting also injects a toxin into the blood and lymph systems that affects internal organs and can cause the formation of harmful free radicals in the body. As with insect stings, there is the possibility of an allergic reaction, characterized by difficult breathing, nausea and possible shock.

Causes

Jellyfish and sea anemones have tentacles trailing off their main bodies that contain stinging cells. In some cases, the tentacles are sixty feet long. The stinging cells attach themselves to the skin and release a venom into the body, causing intense pain, numbness and rash-like symptoms.

Nutrition

Eat shiitake or reishi mushrooms, either fresh or dried, with a meal. These healing mushrooms have overall detoxifying powers, which will help the body fight the venom.

Nutritional Supplements

To assist the immune system in fighting the toxin, take vitamin C supplements. Bioflavonoids work naturally with vitamin C. Papain digestive enzyme will neutralize the stinging cells.

Daily dosage:

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg every two to three hours

Papain, 1,000 mg three times daily

Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies promote healing of the skin, decrease inflammation, help the body cleanse residual toxins from the blood and boost the immune system function.

To fortify the immune system and purify the blood take 10-20 drops of echinacea tincture in liquid or 1-2 capsules or tablets three times daily for up to a week.

If the blister opens on its own, dab on aloe vera gel and vitamin E for healing. After the skin is smooth and all remainders of the blister have fallen off, apply crushed comfrey leaves or roots to speed healing.

Chlorophyll helps detoxify the blood. Take 1 tsp. of alfalfa, blue-green algae or spirulina three times daily or 2 tbsp. fresh juice of wheat, barley or alfalfa three times daily.

Homeopathy

An experienced homeopath should be sought for a more extensive treatment.

Tissue Salts

See the condition itching and poison for appropriate tissue salt remedies.

External/Physical Therapies

To cool skin and draw out toxins, mix 1 tbsp. of medicinal clay with 1/2 cup of water. Dab on the affected area every two hours on the first day and apply a cool clay compress for the night. On following days, alternate with aloe vera.

Mix powdered, activated charcoal with a little bit of water and apply to the affected area. Activated charcoal is a poison antidote. It draws out the venom and collects it on the skin. Repeat charcoal treatment by dabbing the area with a soft, damp cloth and applying a fresh charcoal paste every half-hour for a couple of hours.

Immediately rinse the skin with sea water, alcohol or vinegar, or apply a baking soda paste and scrape off with a knife or sharp cardboard.

Apply vitamin C by mixing a 1,000 mg capsule with a little bit of water and spread the paste on the sting about every two hours.

Other Suggestions

Do not puncture the blister.

Available Brand Name Products

Other Nutritional Supplements

Aloe Vera Gel (The Real Aloe Co.)

Herbal Remedies

Echinacea Fresh Herb Tincture

(Natural Factors)

Alfalfa Leaves (Nature’s Herbs)

Barley Grass (Nature’s Herbs)

Chlorella, Better (Nature’s Herbs)

Echinacea Angustifolia Extract

(Nature’s Herbs)

Shiitake-Power (Nature’s Herbs)