Remedies to the Rescue Healing Common Injuries
Myra Nissen, CHom, & Margo Adams Homeopathic Consultants
Published:
Community
Kids, January 2008, Volume 5, Issue 1
Homeopathy is a form of medicine developed over two hundred
years ago by a German physician, Samuel Hahnemann. It is
based on a principle that a substance which can cause disease
can be used to heal a similar disorder. Forms of this unique
concept have been used for centuries dating back to Hippocrates.
The word Homeopathy comes from the Greek words for Homeo
(similar) and pathy (suffering). Homeopathic remedies are
made from minute amounts of natural substances. There are
over 6,000 different remedies- each with many unique attributes.
The idea is to choose a remedy whose properties are similar
to the indications of the disorder.
In injury situations, there will be a homeopathic remedy
match that, if properly applied, works quickly and gently
to relieve the symptoms. Some remedies are taken internally
and others are made into lotions and ointments for topical
applications. Usually remedies are in pellet form that can
be found in small tubes at your local health food store
or pharmacy. These tiny pellets have immense powers and
properties. At the end of the article are tips for taking
remedies.
Outdoor play can be restricted by the weather. Roughhousing,
your older pushes the younger one. He falls. He bangs his
head …. a large goose egg develops on his forehead.
Arnica can help relieve pain and bruising. When there is
a fall, a sprain, a muscle strain, or minor bleeding, Anica,
taken orally, is the first remedy to think of to alleviate
these symptoms. Arnica can be applied externally as a lotion
or gel to unbroken skin. Sometimes the cooling affect of
a gel is soothing.
Calendula is a remedy useful for minor cuts, scraps, and
burns. Noted for its antiseptic and fast granulating qualities,
Calendula promotes quick healing. If your child falls and
scrapes her shin, wash the area with water and soap and
blot dry. Apply Calendula homeopathic ointment or lotion,
and loosely cover if necessary.
Your child takes off on his skateboard. He attempts a “heelflip”
and lands -- not back on his board -- but on a nail! Ledum
is a remedy known for its relief from the effects of puncture
wounds. Soak the wound in warm soapy water, rinse, and apply
Calendula, and take Ledum orally. Ledum is indicated when
the wound feels cold to the touch, and cold applications
make the injured part feel better. Other common uses of
Ledum include insect bites/stings and a black eye. Hypericum
is another remedy used for minor puncture wounds, but it
is most commonly used for injuries to areas with sensitive
nerves such as fingers, toes, hands, feet, or tailbone.
We recommend adding Arnica, Calendula, Ledum, and Hypericum
30C to your home first aid kit. Calendula and Arnica also
come in lotion, ointment or gel forms for external use.
If your child has sensitive skin, look for ointments and
lotions without lanolin, petroleum products, or alcohol.
A “wash” for external applications can be made
from dissolving 1 pellet of Calendula 6C (potency) in 2
oz. of water. Learn more about Homeopathy at our upcoming
class, “Bloom Into Homeopathy: Discover the Wonderful
Healing of Homeopathy” at Benicia Parks and Recreation
April 22 (www.ci.benicia.ca.us). Sign up for the newsletter
at www.myranissen.com to keep informed about home care tips,
useful resources, events, and classes.
What
potency to take?
In Homeopathy, the potency is matched to the degree of the
disorder. The rule is minimum dose. Start with a 30C potency.
How much to take?
In Homeopathy, less is best! Whenever one takes a remedy,
remember - wait. Wait for a response. Let one pellet dissolve
on its own in 1⁄2 cup of water. Stir briskly; take
a teaspoon. The action of stirring releases the medicinal
properties of the remedy. A low potency (6C or 30C) gives
you the ability to stir and make stronger. In an acute situation
if there is no response after thirty minutes to an hour,
stir five times and take another teaspoonful. You can do
this three times. If there is still no response –
you are probably not on the right remedy. Stop the remedy.
What constitutes better?
If your child has been whiny and crying but then begins
to play and show signs of recovery, or if that goose egg
just isn’t affecting him that much, he is better.
This
advice does not take the place of homeopathic constitutional
care, which will be addressed in an up coming article. If
the injury is serious or is not responding to homecare,
contact your doctor or health care professional immediately,
or go directly to the hospital.
Myra Nissen, C. Hom., and Margo Adams are certified homeopathic
consultants with practices in Vallejo, Benicia, and Pleasant
Hill. Together their services include Classical Homeopathy
for adults and children, Gemmotherapy, Home Care Visits,
and Pet Consultations. We are available to give presentations
at parents groups, schools, and other events. If you are
interested, please call 707-750-4455.
