In recent weeks, struggling with a few cases, I rummaged around to the back of the drawer and pulled out a long-forgotten friend….homeopathy!
Homeopathy is a system of therapeutics based on 2 fundamental notions:
1. Like cures Like
2. The infinitesimal dose (extremely diluted substances)
I often compare it to vaccination: you administer a MINUTE dose of a substance, in order to stimulate the body’s natural healing system. The remedy acts as a catalyst, encouraging the body to overcome the more threatening symptoms of a disease/illness/pathology.
Developed by a German physician, Samuel Hanemann, homeopathy has a long, rich history in Europe and continues to be a favoured treatment option today.
Me at Samual Hanemann's grave in Paris, France 5 years ago...pre-digital camera! Note: Hanemann's monument is just slightly larger than Jim Morrison's!
The results attainable with homeopathy border on miraculous. When you get it right, the case opens up, the symptoms clear up and patients get better….fast.
Unfortunately, classical homeopathy can be hard…..really hard. Each remedy (and there are thousands) has a very specific symptom picture. The goal is to match the ONE right remedy to the individual’s presenting picture. It can feel a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack and has been a source of frustration on more than one occasion!
Thankfully, for many common conditions there are a few key, go-to remedies and, even better, there are many homeopathic combinations on the market today, making homeopathy more accessible and effective for the general population.
I thought it would be nice to compile a list of easy-to-use, first-aid homeopathics you can keep on hand.
This is my version of Homeopathic “Coles Notes”!
2. The infinitesimal dose (extremely diluted substances)
I often compare it to vaccination: you administer a MINUTE dose of a substance, in order to stimulate the body’s natural healing system. The remedy acts as a catalyst, encouraging the body to overcome the more threatening symptoms of a disease/illness/pathology.
Developed by a German physician, Samuel Hanemann, homeopathy has a long, rich history in Europe and continues to be a favoured treatment option today.
Me at Samual Hanemann's grave in Paris, France 5 years ago...pre-digital camera! Note: Hanemann's monument is just slightly larger than Jim Morrison's!The results attainable with homeopathy border on miraculous. When you get it right, the case opens up, the symptoms clear up and patients get better….fast.
Unfortunately, classical homeopathy can be hard…..really hard. Each remedy (and there are thousands) has a very specific symptom picture. The goal is to match the ONE right remedy to the individual’s presenting picture. It can feel a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack and has been a source of frustration on more than one occasion!
Thankfully, for many common conditions there are a few key, go-to remedies and, even better, there are many homeopathic combinations on the market today, making homeopathy more accessible and effective for the general population.
I thought it would be nice to compile a list of easy-to-use, first-aid homeopathics you can keep on hand.
This is my version of Homeopathic “Coles Notes”!
Note: You should, of course, consult a naturopathic doctor before administering homeopathics. Though quite safe, there is always the potential for an adverse reaction with any treatment!
Unless otherwise stated, all doses are 5-10 pellets, 30C.
For Babies and Children
Chamomille: for the angry inconsolable child, nothing helps but still wants to be held….great for teething pain or colic with these symptoms
Belladonna: for fever when the face/cheeks are red
Pulsatilla: the clingy, emotional baby – can be given to babies with these symptoms whether they are teething or have a fever.
Arnica: For bumps, bruises, strains and sprains…especially great for thumps to the noggin
Calendula Cream: diaper rash, minor abrasions
Great Combos for Kids:
Chamilia:Teething. Gum pain, restlessness, irritability
Coccyntal: Relieves symptoms associated with abdominal colic
Coryzalia: runny nose, congestion and sneezing – whether it’s from a cold or allergic rhinits
Viburcol: Fever. Restlessness in children, with or without fever.
Oscillococcinum for kids: Symptoms of flu
For Adults
Nux Vomica: Constipation (with ineffectual urging)
Cantharis: Burns, Sunburns (pain is smarting, raw, burning)
Gelsemium: For performance anxiety
Arnica: For bumps, bruises, strains and sprains. As a cream and/or pellet
Coffea Cruda: For insomnia from mental excitement…looking forward to something the next morning. The “Christmas Eve” remedy.
Calendula Cream: minor skin rashes and abrasions
Great Combos for Grown-Ups!
Oscillococcinum: For symptoms of flu.
Traumeel: Like arnica, just pumped up with many other homepathics, to increase healing properties.
Sedatil: Stress, fatigue-related issues
Rescue Remedy: Stress, anxiety, emotional upset. Calming and centering action
Travel Kit for Summer
1. Bites: Apis (pain is stinging/burning), Ledum (bite is swollen/cold)
2. Sunburn: Cantharis (pain is smarting, raw and burning. Swollen), Urtica Urens (skin is red, no blistering)
3. Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke: Belladonna (comes on suddenly, throbbing headache, skin hot and dry), Bryonia (severe headache, maybe nausea)
4. Motion Sickness: Tabacum (with sensation of band around the head), Nux Vomica (queasiness, chills, headaches at the back of the head or behind one eye), Cocculus (everything around the person is spinning)
5. Nose Bleeds: Aconite (comes on suddenly), Phosphorus (won’t stop bleeding), Arnica (from blowing too hard/injury)
6. Fear of Flying: Rescue Remedy
Unless otherwise stated, all doses are 5-10 pellets, 30C.
For Babies and Children
Chamomille: for the angry inconsolable child, nothing helps but still wants to be held….great for teething pain or colic with these symptoms
Belladonna: for fever when the face/cheeks are red
Pulsatilla: the clingy, emotional baby – can be given to babies with these symptoms whether they are teething or have a fever.
Arnica: For bumps, bruises, strains and sprains…especially great for thumps to the noggin
Calendula Cream: diaper rash, minor abrasions
Great Combos for Kids:
Chamilia:Teething. Gum pain, restlessness, irritability
Coccyntal: Relieves symptoms associated with abdominal colic
Coryzalia: runny nose, congestion and sneezing – whether it’s from a cold or allergic rhinits
Viburcol: Fever. Restlessness in children, with or without fever.
Oscillococcinum for kids: Symptoms of flu
For Adults
Nux Vomica: Constipation (with ineffectual urging)
Cantharis: Burns, Sunburns (pain is smarting, raw, burning)
Gelsemium: For performance anxiety
Arnica: For bumps, bruises, strains and sprains. As a cream and/or pellet
Coffea Cruda: For insomnia from mental excitement…looking forward to something the next morning. The “Christmas Eve” remedy.
Calendula Cream: minor skin rashes and abrasions
Great Combos for Grown-Ups!
Oscillococcinum: For symptoms of flu.
Traumeel: Like arnica, just pumped up with many other homepathics, to increase healing properties.
Sedatil: Stress, fatigue-related issues
Rescue Remedy: Stress, anxiety, emotional upset. Calming and centering action
Travel Kit for Summer
1. Bites: Apis (pain is stinging/burning), Ledum (bite is swollen/cold)
2. Sunburn: Cantharis (pain is smarting, raw and burning. Swollen), Urtica Urens (skin is red, no blistering)
3. Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke: Belladonna (comes on suddenly, throbbing headache, skin hot and dry), Bryonia (severe headache, maybe nausea)
4. Motion Sickness: Tabacum (with sensation of band around the head), Nux Vomica (queasiness, chills, headaches at the back of the head or behind one eye), Cocculus (everything around the person is spinning)
5. Nose Bleeds: Aconite (comes on suddenly), Phosphorus (won’t stop bleeding), Arnica (from blowing too hard/injury)
6. Fear of Flying: Rescue Remedy
Check it out: One of my resources, and a great home reference: Naturopathic First Aid by Karen Barnes, ND.
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