We're now into the full swing of summer which means for many of us, spending more time in the outdoors. This of course, can mean a whole spectrum of opportunities to use homeopathy for first-aid. Today I wanted to talk about insect bites, burns (including sun burn), and minor injuries such as falls, scrapes and sprains.
It is important to remember that a suitable homeopathic remedy is not chosen just based on a type of pathology/condition/injury, but rather we are looking for the pattern of your symptoms that are the closest match to those symptoms we know a particular remedy can cure. Also, the remedy you might need for an injury or another acute ailment may not be on the list. Please contact a homeopathic physician if your complaint doesn't improve within a few days when self-prescribing.
Insect Bites:
-Bee stings: The homeopathic remedy Apis Melifaca (made from the honey bee) can be useful for many types of insect bites, and especially bee stings, when there is a lot of swelling and the itching and pain feels better from cold applications or cold bathing.
-Mosquito bites: Ledum Pallustre is one of the top remedies for mosquito bites. Ledum is also a great remedy for puncture wounds, black eyes and much more. It's indications are often mottled or blueness of the skin (especially in abcessess or wounds) which is worse from heat and strongly improved by cold applications (similar to Apis)
Burns:
-Cantharis is a great remedy for burns, and especially 2nd and 3rd degrees burns where there are vesicles (eruptions filled with fluid) that burn and itch quite intensely. I have used it successfully for a severe sunburn as well as burning from cutting jalapenos peppers and touching my face without washing my hands.
-Urtica Urens is also a good burn remedy for less serious burns. It is also used for the agonizing stinging pains that come from close contact with the nettle plant.
-Don't forget Calendula for burns also. Calendula in tincture form works really well for healing of burns. You can take 10 drops in a little water a few times a day and also apply the tincture diluted in water directly on the burn.
Falls, Sprains, Scrapes:
-Arnica Montana is often the first-line treatment in injuries such as falls or injuries especially where there is a suddenness or unexpected aspect to them. Some specific indications of Arnica are a sore, bruised feeling; unable to find a comfortable position; a person with a sudden injury may not want to be touched or may say they are fine immediately after a serious accident.
-Hypericum (St. John's Wort) is especially known for injuries to areas rich in nerves such as fingers, toes and the head; it is also indicated for falls on the coccyx (tailbone)
-Rhus-Toxicodendron is often over prescribed for a variety of joint problems including sprains. It can work wonderfully if you have the following symptoms; worse for initial motion but better for continued motion; pain is usually worse at night with restlessness; pain is significantly ameliorated by heat.
-Also don't forget about Calendula (Marigold). It is wonderful to help speed healing of the skin from a whole bunch of injuries. Calendula works by increasing granulation of wounds, so it shouldn't be used if you have an infected cut or wound.
Figuring Out Potency/Dosage:
-For most adults in an acute situation, 200c is a good place to start. For children you could use a 30c.
-In an acute situation such as an injury, the general rule of thumb is that you should feel an improvement within 3 doses (2 pellets each). If you feel no improvement at this time, this means it is not the correct remedy.
-Do not keep taking the remedy- take only when you need it. This means if you feel your complaint get better and all your symptoms disappear, stop taking the remedy. If your complaint improved and slightly relapsed, take another dose as necessary.
If you have questions about how homeopathy can work for you, I offer complimentary 15-minute consultations in person or on the telephone. I can be reached at 647-688-8290 or by e-mail at redpearlhomeopathy@gmail.com
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