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The First Thing You Should do Immediately After a Stroke - Cover

The First Thing You Should Do Immediately After a Stroke

Strokes affect millions of people across the world every year. These medical emergencies usually occur when the blood supply to your brain is reduced or interrupted, preventing it from getting oxygen and nutrients. Other times, they signify bleeding in the brain.

Common types of stroke:

  • Ischemic strokes occur when blood clots block arteries leading to the brain, often due to plaque build-up in the arteries.
  • Thrombotic strokes happen when a blood clot forms within an artery in the brain.
  • An embolic stroke can be caused by clots that form elsewhere in the body and travel to the brain.
  • A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain and bleeds.
  • A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or ministroke, may be harder to detect because it’s over with more quickly. The symptoms, which are caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow in the brain, usually resolve within 24 hours and last no more than five minutes. However, they are a sign that a more severe stroke may be on the way.

Prompt treatment is crucial to lower the chances of brain damage and even death. In this blog we go over how to recognize the signs of a stroke, what you should do in response, and treatments you can use (many of them natural) to recover more quickly and prevent a recurrence.

How Do I Know If I’m Having a Stroke?

Sometimes a stroke develops slowly over time, but you’re likely to have one or more acute symptoms like these:

  • Dizziness
  • The First Thing You Should do Immediately After a Stroke - BenefitsA feeling of weakness or numbness in your face, arm, or leg on one side of your body
  • Confusion or difficulty understanding others
  • Visual disturbances in one or both eyes
  • Having difficulty speaking
  • Problems with balance or coordination
  • Severe headache

If you suspect that you’re having a stroke, use the FAST test, which evaluates your entire body for common symptoms.

  • FASTFace: Smile and see if one side of your face is drooping.
  • Arms: Raise both of your arms. Does one arm drop?
  • Speech: Speak briefly to check for strange or slurred speech.
  • Time: Call an ambulance immediately if you notice any of the behaviors outlined above and note the time when your symptoms started.

What Should I Do If I’m Having a Stroke?

Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital, and don’t wait to see if your symptoms disappear on their own. Breathe slowly, remain calm, and call Emergency Services in your areas.

With strokes, every second counts. When a blockage stops blood flow in the brain, the brain cells start dying from lack of oxygen and nutrients. Without treatment, two million neurons and 7.5 miles of brain fibers are lost each minute.

Depending on the type of stroke you have, doctors may prescribe aspirin or specialty medication that break up clots. This medication works best when you take it within three hours of when your symptoms first appeared. In the case of a burst blood vessel, doctors will make measures to stop the bleeding as soon as possible.

Regardless of the therapies involved, you want to address the reason for the stroke and prevent another one from happening. The remedies below can help you accomplish both.

Natural Remedies for Recovering From and Preventing Strokes

After experiencing a stroke, many of us recognize the importance of taking better care of our health. These natural remedies may help you fortify your health, improve your chances of recovering quickly, and reduce the likelihood of another stroke.

Black or Green Tea
The First Thing You Should do Immediately After a Stroke - Green Tea and Black Tea

Tea contains flavonoids, which lower cholesterol levels and can help people with high blood pressure. Drinking at least three cups a day can also reduce your risk of having a stroke. According to this study, individuals who consumed this much green or black tea had fewer repeated stroke incidents.

Pomegranate

The First Thing You Should do Immediately After a Stroke - PomegranateThe antioxidants in this tart fruit are good for the heart and brain. Not only does it contain phytosterols, a type of plant steroid known to lower cholesterol, but pomegranate juice is excellent for hydration, which is beneficial for the brain.

According to the Israeli Institute of Technology, pomegranate concentrate consumption, combined with low-dose statin therapy or regular use of cholesterol-lowering drugs can lower cholesterol levels.

The First Thing You Should do Immediately After a Stroke - Garlic and Turmeric

Garlic and Turmeric

Turmeric reduces inflammation in the body, and garlic is known for its ability to reduce blood clotting. Together, these foods provide a wealth of nutrients that can reduce the risk of strokes. They can be used in a variety of recipes, making them an easy addition to your daily diet.

The First Thing You Should do Immediately After a Stroke - SalmonSalmon

Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to normalize BDNF levels and protect against neuroplasticity loss. BDNF, which stands for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, is a protein that supports new neuron and synapses growth in the brain.

Vitamin D

The First Thing You Should do Immediately After a Stroke - Vitamin D

In this study, ischemic stroke patients who added more Vitamin D to their diets noticed an improvement in outcomes after three months.

Recommended sources include oily fish (salmon, sardines, and herring), egg yolks, and fortified breakfast cereals.

Dan Shen

The First Thing You Should do Immediately After a Stroke - Dan ShenAnother traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is widely used in China to treat acute ischemic stroke.

Heart disease is a risk factor for stroke, and research suggests that Dan Shen may reduce the disease. One study concluded that it has beneficial therapeutic properties and can be an effective alternative remedy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

The First Thing You Should do Immediately After a Stroke - AshwagandhaAshwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is another herb that has been successfully used to treat ischemic stroke. This study found that it could support stroke repair thanks to its antiapoptotic (prevention of cell death) and antioxidant properties.

Buchang Naoxintong

A natural blood thinner, the Chinese medicine, Buchang Naoxintong has been used to improve recovery in ischemic stroke patients. However, if you have a history of hemorrhagic stroke or any blood disorders, this remedy should be avoided.

Stroke recovery can be a long and frustrating process. It’s normal to encounter obstacles along the way, but regular exercise, a diet rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods, and herbal remedies shown to be effective for stroke patients can support a full recovery.

To encourage cardiovascular and brain health, we’ve also put together an herbal remedy bundle that helps to regulate blood sugar levels, improve brain function, and support heart health. Visit the Apothecary today to learn more!

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Hi I paid for thisbut only got the online edition

Hi Hedy,

Thank you for reaching out to us.
Please check your personal email. We sent you an email with your order details.

Many blessings and good health!

I thought I was receiving a hard copy book when I bought this. Pretty disappointed

Hi Sharon,

Thank you for your interest in our work.
Please check your personal email. I sent you an email with your order details.

Many blessings and good health!

i send for my book but i did not get them it bent 6 week now please let me now what happen

Hi Richard,

Thank you for reaching out to us.
An email has been sent to you regarding your order.
Please check your personal email for more details.

Many blessings and good health!

Okay, I had a stroke at work in 2019. I had slurred speech, my right hand went numb and so did the right side of my face. I (stupidly) stayed on and finish the rest of my 5-hour shift at work and then drove myself to the hospital.
I wish I would have known more about healing herbs then and the different teas that could have been made. I might have been able to prevent it.
BTW – I walked into the emergency room and told them I needed to see a doctor because I had a stroke. They got me in. Four days later after leaving the hospital, I drove 180 miles home. (I file this under the ‘do not try this at home’ or “stupid things I’ve done”. My husband followed me home to make sure I was fine. I am fine now with some minor numbness in my lips and in my right hand.

You’re a tough bird, Joann! I’m glad everything worked out ok. 🙂

Thank you.

Someone once told me that a quickie remedy is to try to get a stroke victim to swallow black coffee (or caffeinated tea) with Jack Daniels (hard whiskey) in it. One to stimulate, one to relax the blood vessels. Do you have an opinion on this?

What about Cayenne tea in the instance of stroke? It stops bleeding, it’s heart healthy, I know it is perfect in case of heart attack. Just a thought while reading another excellent article by Nicole. My Mom has had two strokes so turning to a healthier eating plan has been a priority for me.

Ingested, cayenne is actually a “blood thinner”. That’s why it’s used when having a heart attack. The best thing to do is call 911 so you can get to a hospital, have a CT scan and find out what type of stroke you’re having. If the stroke is caused by a bleed in the brain, an anticoagulant would be harmful not helpful.

This is why I normally don’t post. Of course, I would call 911, I am not stupid but you assumed I was. As explained, my Mom has had two strokes. I don’t watch news, tv and for the past two years, my focus has been on healing my body. I’ve been trying to crack my own personal health code for about 20 years now. Christopher’s Cayenne Pepper in the liquid form is amazing stuff. From what I understand, cayenne actually regulates blood flow. Here is a video of the guy, I wish I could find the old website that has a ton of information on cayenne and its uses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJLXpYA6GuY

Cyruta may be helpful. Its call the Roto rooter of the arteries

I’m so blessed with reading all of your lifelong research and work! The references and resources are so valuable. I’m just so thankful for all of your books and knowledge- a wealth of natural god given remedies. I have been looking for this for so long. Thank you so much for sharing your story and findings.

I agree!! I enjoy this website so much.

I paid for this and only got the online version. I don’t do online stuff very well. The add made it sound like it was a real book, or 2 I believe I bought.

Hi Barbara,

Thank you for purchasing The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods.
Please check your personal email for a message regarding your order.

Many blessings and good health!

I also ordered a book and it didn’t come two months ago. Please don’t say check your email. I can’t have a book through my email. I want a physical book. Thank you.

I paid for the books 📚and only received the online copy. Is there a separate cost for the hard copy?or will I receive a copy?

Hi Larry,

Thank you for your interest in our work.
Please check your personal email. I just sent you an email regarding your order.

Many blessings and good health!

Hello Doc Nicole,

Strange thing happened today I was aching all over and not very happy with old age of 79 years. I like coffee but due to the ease of making, I used instant. But today I remembered I had some Blue Mountain beans from longn ago. I ground them and drank a cup and the effect was supprising to sy the least. My body felt better and my mood soared. I did not expact that. I just wanted a good cup of coffee. Wow!

Sorry about spelling errors on my comment. My typing finger goes off into typing finger dreamland every so often. It is faithful, So I forgive its sojourns.

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