This post focuses on what to do to care for yourself or others after experiencing common injuries in conjunction with peaceful protests. Common sense should always be used, as should protest best practices. These tactics should not be used instead of valuable medical care, rather, these should be used in addition to medical care, when needed.
Legal Considerations
If you are injured during a protest or while in police custody, you need to document your injury promptly and correctly. Seek out local grassroots legal teams, if available. I am not a lawyer, nor a legal expert.
Pepper Spray or Tear Gas
Pepper spray and tear gas are incapacitating agents that can potentially lead to further health problems. These agents can linger in the body and disrupt hormonal cycles, tax our liver, and damage the protective lining of the lungs. If you are exposed to a chemical agent, it is important to support your detox pathways as quickly and as effectively as possible!
As soon as possible after exposure, take a COLD shower. While unpleasant, this will help prevent further absorption by your skin by keeping your pores closed. I highly recommend using a pure Castille soap like Dr. Bronner’s to effectively clean your skin from head to toe.
Following your COLD shower, you can warm up with a detoxifying hot bath. Mix 2-3 cups of epsom salt with 1 cup of baking soda and (optional) a few drops of lavender essential oil to calm your nervous system. If you are experiencing any skin irritation, you can also add oatmeal to this bath to soothe the skin.
Nutritional support must include the following:
Water with electrolytes. Water is essential for proper detoxification. In the days following exposure, ensure you’re drinking 2-3L of water daily. Adding electrolytes to 1-3 glasses of water each day will support essential mineral balance in your body.
Bitter greens. Dandelion greens, escarole, radicchio, rapini, mizuna, and turnip greens to name a few. Bitter greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, including compounds called glucosinolates. Bitter greens promote detoxification and stimulate gallbladder contraction to release bile. Bile plays a critical part in your detoxification.
Milk thistle seeds. Most equate milk thistle tea with hangover cures, but the seeds are the real hero for liver support. The seeds prevent and treat liver damage from chemicals. You can grind the seeds and top salads with them or take it as a supplement.
Avoid inflammatory foods while your body is healing. Including sugar, gluten, dairy, soy, corn, processed foods, and fast food.
If you’re experiencing respiratory difficulties, please ensure you’re evaluated by a doctor at a local urgent care! Once you are clear, you can try the following to ease respiratory distress:
Herbal steams. Add any of the following fresh herbs or essential oils you have in your kitchen to boiling water then make a “tent” for yourself using a towel over your head and breathe slowly and deeply for 10 minutes.
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Clove
Oregano
Basil
Eucalyptus
Lavender
Licorice root. This is beneficial for a dry cough that can sometimes come after chemical exposure. It also supports your adrenals and endocrine system. Please note: licorice root is contraindicated for individuals with high blood pressure! Add 10-20 drops of the herbal extract to warm water and drink up to three cups daily.
Minor bumps, bruises, and burns.
Arnica cream. Used topically, arnica can reduce swelling and bruising from minor injuries. Do not use on open wounds or cuts.
Comfrey salve. Use with caution on open wounds (avoid if the wound is deeper than it is wide). Comfrey stimulates healing and reduces inflammation.
CBD. CBD has many healing properties, it can be helpful for promoting rest, reducing trauma, and reducing inflammation. CBD oil or lotion can be used topically to provide minor pain relief. You can make a tea and apply to bruises or sore muscles for relief as well as add to a warm epsom salt bath.
Manuka honey. Soothes inflamed skin and can be used to treat minor burns.
Taser injuries.
A taser is a weapon that uses electrical currents to override your central nervous system (CNS). This is often a superficial skin injury and burns where the barbs make contact with the skin. If you are treating someone who has been tasered, it is important to ensure that the device is no longer active before proceeding. Pull the barbs directly up from the skin and safely dispose or safely keep if needed for evidence later.
Treat the wounds with regular soap and water. Cover the wound and check often for signs of infection such as swelling, warm to the touch, discharge, etc.
Magnesium glycinate (up to 400mg) beneficial for healing, as it promotes relaxation in the muscles and will help calm any lingering spasms.
Nettle tea will promote acetylcholine balance. Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger that helps our nerve cells communicate and can become overstimulated by tasers. Drink 3 cups daily.
Anxiety, depression, insomnia, and trauma.
There is no way to sugar coat this, it is possible you will feel heightened emotions that don’t subside after protesting. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, it is your body’s best way to heal from any trauma. Breathwork is also beneficial, as it immediately communicates safety to your body. Try box breathing or 4-7-8 breathing whenever you’re feeling tense or unsure.
There are many nutritional and herbal remedies for trauma, but some of my favorites include:
Lemon balm tea. Drink 2-3 cups daily to support mood, relieve tension, and strengthen your nervous system.
Holy basil. Drink 3 cups daily to support chronic stress, reduce depression, lower blood pressure, and lower anxiety.
Ashwagandha. Probably one of the most commonly known adaptogens, this herb supports depression, anxiety, exhaustion, and restorative sleep. Try 1 tsp powder mixed with some manuka honey before bed.
This post is not intended to be all-inclusive, nor is it a replacement for proper medical help when needed. Use common sense with yourself and those around you. Be safe, stay strong.