Homeopathy vol.5

Homeopathic first aid

The out door season has arrived so lets get out there and have some fun. Some fresh air, play footy, skate, long walks or even some BBQ maybe? This month we will look at some useful first aid remedies to go with the possible accidents that typically come with having fun in the sun. You can take the following remedies in the 30C or 200C strength, which are effective when treating acute symptoms in such cases as accidents and emergencies.

BUMPS & BRUISES, SPRAINS & STRAINS

ARNICA

This is the first remedy to think about for any falls and bruises. Arnica will help prevent bruising and aching after any kind of physical shock or trauma. You can also take it after a day of physical exertion to prevent aching the next day. Remember, a physical shock can also be an emotional shock, accidents happen suddenly and unexpected, so take Arnica to help undo the emotional shock as well. If in doubt, take Arnica!

HYPERICUM

Use Hypericum if there has been any injuries to the nerve. So falling on your coccyx, injuring the spine or even stubbing your toes, go for this one as well as Arnica. The pain typically associated with Hypericum is shooting, cutting, sharp nerve pain. This remedy is also good for cuts especially used along side Calendula.

NATRUM SULPH

After any head injuries take Natrum Sulph.

RHUS TOX

Stiff achy joints, which get better with motion would be relieved by Rhus Tox. A good remedy to use with Arnica and also Ruta.

RUTA

Ruta is for strains and sprains. For the tendons and sinews that’s painful try this along side remedies such as Arnica and Hypericum.

SYMPHYTUM

AKA “Knit Bone” will help heal broken bones quickly and effectively. After getting the broken/fractured bone set in place by your doctor, start taking Symphytum 6 twice a day and continue for 4 weeks.

BITES, STINGS & PUNCTURE WOUNDS

APIS MEL

Red, burning, stinging and swollen bites and stings, including allergic reactions are treated effectively with Apis. This remedy is often used for hives and similar skin reactions.

LEDUM

Puncture wounds. If you’re bitten or stung go for Ledum, whether by a bee, mosquito, snake or an animal and take it alongside whichever remedy suits your injury (typically Apis, Hypericum, Calendula). Hypericum is often used along side Ledum, if there are any signs of tetanus or to prevent it.

SILICA

When you get a splinter or something imbedded, Silica can help eject foreign objects out, which do not belong in the body.

BURNS & SCALDS

CANTHARIS

An excellent remedy for burns and scalds. Take as soon as possible after burning yourself to prevent blisters forming. It is a good remedy to be taken with Arnica, to help the shock. Effective remedy that can really reduce the pain after a burn, a good one for sunbathing gone wrong.

BELLADONNA

Another good burns remedy, especially if the symptom has a lot of throbbing and heat. Again, an effective remedy for sunburn.

CUTS & WOUNDS

CALENDULA

Calendula is the amazing healer that can help cuts and wounds heal quickly. As well as taking it as a remedy in the tablet form, you can also get the herbal tincture, which you dilute in a bit of water and apply on to the affected area. Ointments and creams are also available from many natural pharmacies. Calendula makes a good combo with Hypericum to help sooth the pain of a cut/wound and heal it at the same time.

SHOCK & TRAUMA, FEAR & PHOBIA

For emotional symptoms, in this case shocks and fears, you can take any of the following remedies at the strength of 200C or 1M and take it as and when you feel you need it.

ACONITE is for fear. This is a good general remedy for fear, so don’t hesitate to take it in any emergency. Take a strength of 200C or1M, as and when needed.

TRIPLE A, or AAA, which are three remedies: ACONITE, ARGENT NIT and AMBRA GRISEA, is a combination excellent for fear and anxiety. Often used for performance anxiety, fear of flying, exam nerves, panic attacks and such acute fears, it is a combination that is definitely reliable to get you calm and collected. Keep it in your pocket for any emergency.

And again, the good old ARNICA, the best above all for shock and trauma, physical and emotional.

Written by Aiko Dinan

Aiko Dinan moved from Japan to the UK in 1983. She grew up in Edinburgh, Scotland, and moved to London in 1993 to study Modern Languages at the University College London, as well as Cologne University in Germany. After graduating she went on to study Homeopathy for further 4 years at the Centre for Homeopathic Education, during which time she also completed a 2 year apprenticeship with a master Homeopath. Aiko also has a longstanding commitment in working in some of the most respected Homeopathic pharmacies in the UK, where she assists in making remedies as well as fulfilling the role as the in-house Homeopath.

Aiko is a member of The Alliance of Registered Homeopaths.