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Ruminating on Remedies

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Julia Coyte, CHom

My thoughts on a few of the many thousands
of homeopathic remedies available.
​Where, when and how they may be applied in everyday life.

#wellnessawaits

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4/9/2023

Kitchen Quickies: Burns

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Kitchen Quickies… Burns
As the name implies, Kitchen Quickies are short and to the point remedy suggestions to get you on your way if you have suffered any mishaps in the kitchen.
​
I open my oven door and pull the rack out to tend to whatever lovely thing is cooking all the time. The other day, however, I managed to singe my forearm on the rack.

What did I do?
I immediately sprayed it with something I keep in my kitchen for precisely such occasions: Similasan Burn Recovery.* (Note: Mine was a minor burn. If you have anything more serious than a superficial burn, seek medical assistance.)

This Burn Recovery bottle has pride of place in my cupboard and is standing ready and available for quick access following silly cooking errors as well as sunburned shoulders. Next to this spray is a little tube of Cantharis, which I also took shortly after using the spray. At bedtime that night, I put a little Boiron Calendula ointment* on the burn and that was that. I didn’t think about it again until my husband saw it and commented a few days later, saying, “that was a nasty burn.” I had pretty much forgotten about it because I didn’t feel it again after the first day.

This Similasan burn combination contains homeopathic Calendula, Cantharis, Echinacea, and Urtica urens. All of these homeopathic remedies would likely be just as affective if taken orally when chosen individually, based on the presenting symptoms. But, this spray feels so good! (Additionally, homeopathic pellets can be put in some fresh water and applied to the skin for a similar effect to the commercially available spray.)

Homeopathic Calendula is the first remedy I think about for any skin ouchies — big and little. According to K. Chandran (and Kuttan 2008), it’s with good reason. They found  “the administration of Calendula officinalis extract significantly decreased the serum level of marker enzymes of tissue damage….” (Note: This research was conducted using an extract of Calendula.)

Why these homeopathic remedies?
  • Calendula pains are cutting, burning or stinging in nature. Calendula can also be beneficial for neurologic or nerve pains.
  • Cantharis is the first remedy I think about for any burns (and burning pains, too). Cantharis pains are sharp and stitching and the direction of the pain is inward.
  • Echinacea according to Robin Murphy, has antiseptic qualities.
  • Urtica urens are for stinging pains and redness. (Urtica urens is one of the top choice remedies for bee stings, too.)

Keep on cooking, but mind the oven racks!


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits

* I have no affiliation with this company, I just like their products.

​K. Chandran, P. and Kuttan, R., 2008. Effect of Calendula officinalis Flower Extract on Acute Phase Proteins, Antioxidant Defense Mechanism and Granuloma Formation During Thermal Burns. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition [online], 43 (2), 58–64. 

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7/23/2022

Summer Fun #4: Sprains, Strains & Bicycle Falls

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I didn't get to all of these injuries, but I address quite a few of them in this article.
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Summer athletes, take heed! ER visits shoot up in the warmer months as the weekend warriors take on the bats, balls and trails.

SPRAINS
This one hits home right now as my husband is in week 3 of his nasty sprain. Click here for an 18-second visual of what’s involved in an ankle sprain. (For the record, he wasn’t being a weekend warrior, it was just unfortunate happenstance.)

We were hours from medical care, his ankle was huge and looked very wrong. I gave him Arnica 1m immediately, to great effect. Ice. Rest. Elevation. More Arnica as needed. The ER took X-rays and sent him on his way with 2 Ace bandages and told him to take ibuprofen* for the pain. That was helpful. Not. The next day we were able to see a proper orthopedist who took more X-rays and this time sent him on his way with a walking/air boot and the same instructions for pain. He never resorted to the over-the-counter painkillers, I am happy to say.

What to do after that? Well, some people say the X-rays can be a problem. If you’re worried about that, Nat Mur 6x, (twice daily the day of the X-ray and a few days following) is said to help.

Back to sprained ankles…

The number one remedy to turn to for any accident or injury is Arnica. Give it early and repeat as needed. As a general rule of thumb, the worse the injury, the higher the potency and then back off the repetition and lower the potency as the pain dictates.

The next remedy to consider is Aconite to help reduce the shock which often follows a bad injury. Remember! Aconite rhymes with fright. Any situation that has been a shock to your system can benefit from Aconite. And, in this case, it can benefit not only the person who had the accident, but the person who witnessed the accident.

The traditional, much accepted treatment for injuries is RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Some injuries respond to cold, some respond to heat. Ice restricts blood flow and blood flow is what you need to heal your parts. But, that blood flow is also what can cause all the swelling. I am not a physician but I have certainly had more than my fair share of injuries in my lifetime. Some of my injuries felt better with rest and elevation and ice and some felt better getting moving right away. To my mind, your pain (in addition to the input from your physician) needs to be your guide as to what is right for you.

What else can help? Here are a few homeopathic suggestions and their symptoms which may help you choose the best homeopathic remedy for your injury.

Arnica: Start here. “It is safe to say that 98% of patients who have suffered traumatic injury, however caused, need a dose of Arnica to begin their recovery” (Thomas 2000). See below for some research on Arnica.

A typical Arnica patient does not want anyone to touch their injured area. Sore, they may feel “beaten up” with swelling, bruising and inflammation. Topical Arnica is an option if the skin is intact. Do NOT apply Arnica to open wounds.

Rhus tox: for an injury that feels better for heat and continued motion. Worse on first moving. Better suited to simple sprains.

Ruta: for an injury that is worse for motion and worse for cold application. Bruised, crushed, weak feeling. A remedy for tendons and ligaments, similar to Rhus in its pain. May feel hot to touch. Follows Arnica well to help aid in recovery.

Bellis perennis: Think of this remedy if Arnica is not helping as much as you think it should be helping. Bruised pain. Like Rhus tox, a Bellis pain hurts when starting to move but gets better as you keep moving the injured area and is better from heat. A Bellis pain, though, may have the sensation of a band squeezing the injured joint. “Complicated sprains involving tendons, ligaments and soft tissue with swelling, edema and pain” (Ratera 2016).

Bryonia: worse for the slightest movement of any kind. Better for rest and immobility. This person might be a little grumpy as a result of their injury.

Ledum: when the injured area feels better from cold applications. Ankle feels dislocated and is worse by walking, to the point of being intolerable. The skin may be cold to the touch.

Symphytum for tears at the point of tendon insertion into the bone (Ratera 2016). This remedy has been known to speed along recovery. CAUTION: do NOT use Symphytum until you are certain there is no break or fracture.

Cell Salts which may be of help for sprains (Weintraub 1999):
  • Ferr phos: first aid remedy
  • Mag phos: pain which accompanies sprains
  • Nat sulph: after effects of shock
  • Ferr phos, Kali mur: swelling
for tendons and ligaments: Make a compress from these cell salts dissolved in tepid water and applied to the area: Calc fluor, Ferr phos, Mag phos, Kali mur.

Again, let your pain be your guide as to how long and how often you taking the remedies


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STRAINS
According to American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a sprain is a stretch and/or tear of a ligament and a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Sprains generally occur in ankles, knees and wrists and strains generally occur in the back or leg, particularly the hamstring. Both injuries can range in severity and neither is necessarily worse than the other — it depends on the person and the injury.
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Conventional medicine again recommends RICE for strains (see above).

Homeopathically, Arnica is the best place to start and may be all that you need. “Forcing, twisting, wrenching strains and tears are most likely to respond to Arnica if it is prescribed within 24 hours of the trauma” (Thomas 2000).

The above list of sprain remedies can also be applied to muscle strains with these notations:

Rhus tox may be especially helpful in injuries due to lifting or over-exertion.

Bryonia is especially well suited to intercostal and rib injuries.
​
Ruta is also useful for injuries due to over-exertion. Follows Arnica well to help aid in recovery.

Traumeel or T-Relief as it is now known is a nice combination remedy to help with strains. (See below for some Traumeel research.)

Cell Salts which may be of help for strains (Weintraub 1999): 
In addition to the above listed cell salts:
  • Calc sulph, Mag phos: for muscles strained from overwork and a sensation of heat
  • Mag phos: for muscle spasms


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BICYCLE FALLS
Number one: wear a helmet. Høye (2018) found helmet use reduced serious head injury by 60%.

We just watched an interesting documentary called Bikes of Wrath where 5 young guys re-created the journey from Steinbeck’s novel of a similar name, but this time on bikes. None of them had any head injuries, but they did indeed have some strains and perhaps a sprain — in his case, it was his elbow. They certainly could have benefitted from carrying a little remedy kit with them, that's for sure!

Sprains and strains are covered above, let's move on to cuts, scrapes and contusions.

Once again, Arnica is the first stop for any injury. If the fall was big enough, take a dose of Aconite for any shock.


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ROAD RASH, see this link for more information 

Ooof! It’s been a long time since I’ve had to pick gravel out of my knee, but I can still remember how unpleasant that is!

In this case, an oral dose of Arnica may be helpful because there is probably some element of bruising that will accompany the road rash, but remember DO NOT to apply Arnica to broken skin.

I have no idea who this group is, but they have some clear images indicating whether hospital treatment should be sought following a skinned knee.

Assuming the wound is not too bad and does not need professional medical care, clean the area and remove any debris. The Wound Care Society has some nice instructions.

Calendula is where you want to start homeopathically for this injury — after the wound has been sufficiently cleaned out, that is. Calendula can be taken orally, or a Calendula tincture or cream can be applied. If you have the homeopathic pellet, but not a tincture, dissolve the Calendula pellet in some clean water and apply that to the wound. Hypericum can be used in this way, as well.

Ledum is useful if the wound is deeper. It may be cool to the touch and very painful.

Hypericum: like Calendula, Hypericum is very good and soothing to use topically. In fact, they can work very well together. Helios offers a lovely combination cream**. A Hypericum wound is very sensitive and is definitely indicated if any nerves are involved, like fingertips or toes.

Hamamelis is very good if the wound continues to bleed. Arnica, too, can help with bleeding, but Hamamelis would be the next stop. Also very good for hematomas which may form as a result of the injury.

Cell Salts which may be of help for cuts and abrasions (Weintraub 1999): 
  • Ferr phos for abrasions and wounds; topical application of powdered tables applied directly to the injured parts
  • Calc sulph: for cuts that are slow to heal
  • Kali mur, Ferr phos: for swelling


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Bruising
​

Guess what the first remedy is for bruising? You’re so clever! Yes, it’s Arnica! The bruise is painful and they don’t want anybody to touch it!

Bellis perennis if the bruising is deeper, and especially if the bruising is in the abdominal area.

Ledum shows up again here, too -- if the area feels better with cold application.

Ruta or Symphytum if the bone is bruised or the periosteum is affected (the tissues between the bones and the skin — think of the shins or cheekbones).

Cell Salts which may be of help for bruising (Weintraub 1999): 
  • Ferr phos for any bleeding into tissues -- may also apply powder directly to the area
  • Calc fluor for bruises affecting the bones
  • Kali phos for all-over feelign of being bruised
  • Kali mur for hard, blue-black bruises
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To make a compress: dissolve 5 of each cell salt tablet and apply locally; take internally also: Ferr phos, Kali mur.


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HEAD INJURIES
First off — consult a physician if you have hit your head, whether you were wearing a helmet, or not.

Once again, Arnica is the place to start. Not only because it’s the go-to first remedy for any accident or injury, but in this case because Arnica is the first choice homeopathic remedy for head injury, period.

Bonus! One of my favorite homeopathic books for injuries, First Aid with Homeopathy by Dr. Manuel Mateu Ratera, has a PDF of his Head Injury pages available online.

The next-in-line remedy for head injuries is Nat sulph (see cell salts below). Like Arnica, Nat sulph can be used for residual effects from old head injuries.

Why choose one over the other? Arnica has the general trauma/injury element to it.

When to choose Nat sulph? Nat sulph has a slight edge in terms of residual effects from head injuries: concussions afterward, migraines afterward. However, Nat sulph is more clearly indicated when there is vertigo following a head injury or depression or mental dullness sets in after a head injury.

For some research on mild traumatic brain injuries and homeopathy, see Chapman et al. (1999). 

Cell Salts which may be of help for head injuries (Weintraub 1999): 
Calc fluor for bruises on the cranial bones, with hard, rough, uneven lumps
Ferr phos for bruising to the head, with pain
≈ Nat sulph as a cell salt may be used, as well.


These homeopathic remedies, Arnica in particular, should accompany you when you set out for any physical activities this summer. Or, better yet, purchase a little kit to throw in your bag. Taproots has nice one*.

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits
* Just because NSAIDs are available over the counter does not mean they are without risks. There are plenty of studies out there talking about the downside of taking NSAIDs. Below are just a few of these studies.

** I have no affiliation with these companies, I just like their products.

Reference list

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, n.d. Sprains, Strains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries - OrthoInfo - AAOS [online]. www.orthoinfo.org. 

Helios Homoeopathy, n.d. Hypericum/Calendula cream: 
helios-frontend [online]. www.helios.co.uk. 

Høye, A., 2018. 
Bicycle helmets – To wear or not to wear? A meta-analyses of the effects of bicycle helmets on injuries. Accident Analysis & Prevention [online], 117, 85–97. 

Mayo Clinic, 2018. 
Sprained ankle - Symptoms and causes [online]. Mayo Clinic. 

Ratera, Dr. M. M., 2016. 
First Aid with Homeopathy. Kander, Germany: Narayana Verlag.

Sonnenschmidt, R., Sankaran, R., Vithoulkas, G., Borland, D., Scholten, J., Kusse, F., Mangialavori, M., Birch, K., Das Kaviraj, V., Perko, S., Welte, U., Le Roux, P., Hahnemann, S., Jus, S. and Chauhan, D., n.d. 
Manuel Mateu i Ratera First Aid with Homeopathy Reading excerpt First Aid with Homeopathy of Manuel Mateu i Ratera Publisher: Hahnemann Institut [online]. 

Summers, S., 2022. 
How can I take care of a scraped knee? [online]. www.truthaboutnursing.org. 

TapRoots, 2022. 
SUMMER On-the-Go Portable Homeopathic Kit Including Hard-covered Case, Holds 8 Kit-sized Remedies [online]. TapRoots. 

Temple ReadyCare, 2021. 
6 Reasons for Summer ER Visits and How to Avoid Common Injuries and Illness [online]. Temple Health.

Thomas, E., 2000. 
Homoeopathy for sports, exercise, and dance. Beaconsfield, Bucks, Uk: Beaconsfield Publishers.

Weintraub, S., 1999. Natural healing with cell salts. Pleasant Grove, Ut: Woodland Pub.

woundcaresociety, 2016. How to heal skinned knee quickly? [online]. Wound Care Society. 

woundcaresociety, 2019. 
How Long Does Road Rash Take To Heal [online]. Wound Care Society. 


Research links - Arnica:
Marzotto, M., Arruda-Silva, F. and Bellavite, P., 2020. Fibronectin Gene Up-regulation by Arnica montana in Human Macrophages: Validation by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay. Homeopathy [online], 109 (03), 140–145.

Research links Homeopathy & Head Injury:
Chapman, E. H., Weintraub, R. J., Milburn, M. A., Pirozzi, T. O. and Woo, E., 1999. Homeopathic Treatment of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation [online], 14 (6), 521–542. 

Research links: Traumeel:
Birnesser, H., Oberbaum, M., Klein, P. and Weiser, M., 2004. THE HOMEOPATHIC PREPARATION TRAUMEEL® S COMPARED WITH NSAIDS FOR SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT OF EPICONDYLITIS. Journal of Musculoskeletal Research [online], 08 (02n03), 119–128. 

Conforti, A., Bertani, S., Metelmann, H., Chirumbolo, S., Lussignoli, S. and Bellavite, P., 1997. 
Experimental studies of the anti-inflammatory activity of a homeopathic preparation. [online]. 

Lussignoli, S., Bertani, S., Metelmann, H., Bellavite, P. and Conforti, A., 1999. 
Effect of Traumeel S, a homeopathic formulation, on blood-induced inflammation in rats. Complementary Therapies in Medicine [online], 7 (4), 225–230.

Porozov, S., Cahalon, L., Weiser, M., Branski, D., Lider, O. and Oberbaum, M., 2004. 
Inhibition of IL-1β and TNF-α Secretion from Resting and Activated Human Immunocytes by the Homeopathic Medication Traumeel® S. Clinical and Developmental Immunology [online], 11 (2), 143–149. 

Schneider, C., Klein, P., Stolt, P. and Oberbaum, M., 2005. 
A Homeopathic Ointment Preparation Compared With 1% Diclofenac Gel for Acute Symptomatic Treatment of Tendinopathy. EXPLORE [online], 1 (6), 446–452. 

Research links: NSAIDs:
Allison, M. C., Howatson, A. G., Torrance, C. J., Lee, F. D. and Russell, R. I., 1992. Gastrointestinal Damage Associated with the Use of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs. New England Journal of Medicine [online], 327 (11), 749–754. 

Bindu, S., Mazumder, S. and Bandyopadhyay, U., 2020. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and organ damage: A current perspective. Biochemical Pharmacology [online], 180, 114147. 

Graham, D. Y., Opekun, A. R., Willingham, F. F. and Qureshi, W. A., 2005. Visible small-intestinal mucosal injury in chronic NSAID users. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology [online], 3 (1), 55–59. 

Risser, A., Donovan, D., Heintzman, J. and Page, T., 2009. NSAID Prescribing Precautions. American Family Physician [online], 80 (12), 1371–1378. 

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7/16/2022

Summer Fun #3: Flying Things (mainly)

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As a rule, repeat the homeopathic remedy every 15 minutes for the first hour.

If no relief in that time, it is most likely not the correct remedy for now -- try another.

      --------------------
Swelling, redness, heat, worse by heat: Apis.

Bites that itch and burn: Caladium.

If a watery blister develops: Cantharis.

Burning pains:  Cantharis.

If a secondary infection develops: Gunpowder. 
See: Things that go boom.

Intense, unbearable, possibly radiating pain with hypersensitivity to touch: Hypericum.

If the skin is hot and looks blue or purple: Lachesis.

Itching is better by cold and the site is sensitive to touch: Ledum.

Excessive itching or develop large welts: Staphysagria
​

Intense itching and burning with hive-like swelling: Urtica urens.

(Lessell 1999; Schmukler 2006; Ratera 2016). 
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My teenager came looking for me the other day at 8 am. It’s summer vacation so I knew something was not quite right. He awakened with a centipede in his bed. Not a good way to wake up in the morning! [Note to self: be careful of the blog articles I am planning… first the appendectomy and now the centipede in the bed!] Dr. Forgey (2020) says a cold pack is usually sufficient treatment but notes that some centipede bites can be severe and result in regional lymph node swelling. My son’s morning visitor got him on the shoulder and we used a little OHM Sting Relief & Insect Repellent and he was good to go. Beautiful stuff, but we’ll get to those ingredients in a minute.

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It's a good thing that most bug bites are just annoying. But, for those unlucky few, that's not the case. I have a friend who just found out the hard way that she is allergic to bees. They got her twice at once - (one on the leg and the other the hand) and her hand swelled up, as did her throat! She, too, is a homeopath and knew just what to do. In this case, Apis mellifica.
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Homeopathic Apis is made from the honeybee and is absolutely the #1 go-to remedy for anything that causes an anaphylactic reaction. Repeat Apis often while on the way to the hospital or awaiting medical attention.

“Anaphylaxis is a sudden onset, immediate reaction that implies a risk of death … reactions usually begin within 2 minutes to 2 hours after injection, infusion, ingestion, contact or inhalation. Fatalities can be from asphyxiation from laryngeal or oropharyngeal swelling, collapse from hypotensive shock, cardiac arrest, or acute severe bronchoconstriction that causes respiratory failure and arrest” (Watts and Ditto 2019). In other words, anaphylaxis is serious stuff which most often requires immediate medical attention though “fatalities are a rare occurrence” (Anagnostou 2018). Most people who know they have anaphylactic reactions would be equipped with an Epi-pen, but this was news for my friend!

Even without the anaphylactic reaction, Apis is the remedy to turn to for bee stings. As a side note, given that the remedy is made from the honeybee itself, this makes Apis not homeopathic, but isopathic. Isopathy is “same cures same” as opposed to homeopathy “like cures like.” See ​Hom, not Home.

Anyway, back to bee stings and Apis… if there is burning and stinging, swelling and redness, then Apis is what you’re after.

Ledum can also be useful for bee stings, especially if the stricken area feels cold.

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Ticks can be hard to spot -- be sure to check your skin carefully!
Ticks are insidious little creatures. I remember finding wood ticks on me as a kid. I even have a little piece of my ear missing from when I panicked and pulled the big, fat thing off of me when it was still attached. To my knowledge, those ticks were just annoying. Now, we have to worry about Lyme disease (and 14 other known diseases (Alton and Alton 2021)) from the ticks.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection from ticks and is a multisystem disease which is on the rise (Ross Russell et al. 2018). Fortunately, as we have gained more knowledge of Lyme, we learn of more preventative steps which can be taken and the horrific nature of this disease can be thwarted if caught early.

How do you know if you’ve been bitten by a disease carrying tick? First off, if you find a tick on you, remove it, following the most recent medical recommendations for removing the tick. (See here or here for starters.) Once the tick has been removed, save it in a jar or a plastic bag to be submitted to your local health authorities to find out whether it is indeed an infected tick.

OK, the tick has been removed and saved for analysis. Now what? Wash and disinfect the area (and wash your hands afterward, as well as washing your clothing in hot water and drying in high heat) and keep an eye on the bite sight. If that “bullseye” rash develops, and you experience fever and chills, muscle aches, fatigue and joint pain --  seek professional treatment immediately. "In about 70% of patients, the rash occurs before the fever and starts as a bump with redness in the area of the bite. It often then develops into a red ring-like 'bulls-eye' that feels warm to the touch. Alternatively, some may present with a spreading, crusty, splotchy area of redness, a red oval plaque or a bluish rash" (Alton and Alton 2021).

Homeopathically, start with Ledum 200c, twice daily for a week. Ledum is known for its use in puncture wounds and for the ill effects of puncture wounds. Ledum can be helpful in warding off bad stuff which would result from said wound. If you had to remove a tick from your body, you have certainly been punctured by the little bugger! The Mayo Clinic (2018) says Lyme infection is unlikely if the tick is attached for less than 36-48 hours, so be sure to check yourself carefully if you’ve been out in the wilds (or, even the not-so-wilds, like just being in your backyard if you live in tick-land!)

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Mosquitoes.
I have to say, I am not a fan. At all. OK, I actually don’t know anyone who does like the little bastards, but I feel compelled to complain about them.

These little suckers also carry some nasty diseases. The Survival Medicine Handbook (Alton and Alton 2021) notes that “in terms of the sheer number of human deaths, the lowly mosquito puts all the classic creatures from our nightmares to shame.” They do clarify, however, that it’s not the mosquito in and of itself that is the problem, they merely carry the microbe to the unsuspecting victim. I still don't like them, even if they haven't transmitted any diseases to me! Their bite alone is enough!

What kinds of diseases? Malaria, Dengue Fever, Zika, West Nile, to name a few. Addressing all those diseases homeopathically is far beyond the scope of this article. However, it's important to note that the first homeopathic "proving" done by Samuel Hahnemann, the father of homeopathy, was done on Cinchona or quinine -- which is the original treatment for malaria (Permin et al. 2016) and that homeopathy may help in these situations. For a quick read on this, try: The Cinchona Experiment (Homeopathy Plus 2020).

Homeopathically, again, the first place to stop for a mozzy bite is Ledum, as it’s another puncture wound, after all.

My go-to for mosquito bites is Staphysagria — it’s particularly well indicated if there is a level of anger involved with dealing with the bite.

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For wasp stings, see my previous articles: here and here.
​


"Within the vertically oriented sheath of mouthparts below the eyes are scissor blades that slice and shred their way into the skin of tough cow or horse hide with ease. A sponge-like structure on the end of the proboscis then mops up the blood that pools on the skin". 
(Sue 2014) 
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Blackfly or Horsefly

These guys are relentless! Equipped with the ability to cut through cow hides or horse hides, they can do a real number on humans!

I had a run-in with them a few weeks ago. I felt the first one and then I didn't feel it when they delivered the rest of their nastiness! These bites were sore and scabby and oozy and definitely good candidates for Graphites. (I still have residual marks, but the pain is gone.) But, again, Ledum could definitely have been helpful here, too.


BUG BITE PREVENTION:

In addition to bug spray and citronella candles, what else can be done?

Dr. Colin Lessell (1999) claims homeopathic Ledum begun 3 days before potential exposure to the biting insects and repeated every 12 hours “will assist in the reduction of reactivity.”

Dr. Ratera (2016) also adds Staphysagria (3-6 times a day) as well as Vitamin B12.
​
If you know you react poorly to bug bites, these certainly sound worth a try to me!
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DON’T LET THESE GUYS FOOL YOU!
​
These 2 look cute and friendly and I thought they were harmless. Silly me!

Many years ago, my then-toddler got a terrible, painful rash on his cheeks and it turned out to be from a caterpillar. I know now that the best thing to do is to use sticky tape to remove the toxic hairs from the skin (Cleveland Clinic 2021). In hindsight, I would most likely have used Cantharis to help him out with the pain, but maybe Graphites as I think I remember it being a weepy rash.

Later, we were visiting out of state and while swinging on the swings we were attacked by ladybugs. Who knew?! They were painful little bites! In hindsight, I probably would have used Ledum or Staphysagria.

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Back to OHM’s Sting Relief and Insect Repellent. OHM is a homeopathic pharmacy located in Texas; but, unfortunately, they do not sell to the general public. What’s in this marvelous little concoction? Equal amounts of Apis, Belladonna, Caladium, Calendula, Graphites, Ledum, Pulsatilla, Rhus tox and Staphysagria (as well as non-homeopathic bug repellent ingredients. It's a win/win -- if the repellent fails, you've got the homeopathic remedies to fix you up!)

As I have mentioned before (see: Calming the Cold, What Hurts?, Relief, Recovery from Surgery) learning the various remedies included in a combination remedy is a good place to start when figuring out what might help you, as well as just learning homeopathic remedies in general.

We talked about Apis, Ledum and Staphysagria already so let’s have a quick look at OHM’s other ingredients.

Belladonna is highly indicated in red, swollen, hot, intense conditions and there may be a “biting” quality to the pain.

Caladium may also have a “biting” pain. Bites that itch and burn intensely.

Calendula (See: I did a doozy) is a marvelously soothing remedy for things that hurt, particularly things that hurt worse than they “should.” Calendula can also be used topically.

Graphites is known to help skin conditions with honey-like oozing.
​
Pulsatilla skin eruptions which itch or sting, especially when scratching makes it worse.
​
Rhus tox for burning skin eruptions or pain after scratching.

If a stinger remains, Herbal Medic (Coffman 2021) recommends scraping “it away using a flat scraper such as the edge of a credit card. Then clean the bite or sting area well and apply the plaster or poultice.”

​What kind of a poultice, you ask? Coffman recommends bentonite clay or charcoal.

​
Other topical options:
​
Calendula, Pot Marigold, is just a marvelously soothing substance. It is also known to help keep infections at bay.
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Rural Sprout (Magyar 2020) has instructions for a fresh plantain poultice for bites and stings. Or, you can use a ready made Plantain tincture. I tried the tincture after my wasp sting and found it very soothing. Or, you could also use homeopathic Plantago major which is also indicated for puncture wounds.

​For both Calendula and Plantago, if you have the homeopathic remedy, but not the tincture or the fresh ingredients at hand, put a pellet or 2 of the remedy in clean water and then apply the medicated water to the affected area.


It’s a jungle out there in the summer! All this talk of creepy crawlies is making me itchy! Keep some of these homeopathic remedies at hand in case of attack!

​

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits


* I have no financial affiliation with this company, I just like their products.

Reference list:


Alton, J. and Alton, A., 2021. The survival medicine handbook : the essential guide for when help is NOT on the way : a Doom and Bloom guide. United States? Doom And Bloom Llc.


Anagnostou, K., 2018. Anaphylaxis in Children: Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Management. Current Pediatric Reviews [online], 14 (3), 180–186.

Benzoni, T. and Cooper, J. S., 2021. Tick Removal [online]. PubMed. 

Cleveland Clinic, 2021. Caterpillar Rash: How to Spot and Treat It [online]. Cleveland Clinic. 

Coffman, S., 2021. Herbal medic : a green beret’s guide to emergency medical preparedness and natural first aid. North Adams, Ma: Storey Publishing.

Forgey, W. W., 2020. The prepper’s medical handbook : how to provide medical care when you can’t rely on anyone but yourself. Guilford, Connecticut: Lyons Press.

Homeopathy Plus, 2020. The Cinchona Experiment [online]. Homeopathy Plus. 

Lessell, C. B., 1999. The world travellers’ manual of homoeopathy. Saffron Walden: C.W. Daniel.

Magyar, A. C., 2020. How To Make A Plantain Tincture + 8 Ways To Use This Healing Plant [online]. Rural Sprout. 

Mayo Clinic, 2018. Lyme disease - Symptoms and causes [online]. Mayo Clinic. 

Permin, H., Norn, S., Kruse, E. and Kruse, P. R., 2016. On the history of Cinchona bark in the treatment of Malaria. Dansk Medicinhistorisk Arbog [online], 44, 9–30. 

Ratera, Dr. M. M., 2016. First Aid with Homeopathy. Kander, Germany: Narayana Verlag.

Ross Russell, A. L., Dryden, M. S., Pinto, A. A. and Lovett, J. K., 2018. Lyme disease: diagnosis and management. Practical Neurology [online], 18 (6), 455–464. 

Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines, 2022. How to Remove A Tick [online]. HealthyChildren.org. 

Schmukler, A. V., 2006. Homeopathy : an A to Z home handbook. Woodbury, Minn.: Llewellyn Publications.

Sue, 2014. Gigantic black horse fly [online]. Back Yard Biology. 

Watts, M. M. and Ditto, A. M., 2019. Anaphylaxis. Allergy and Asthma Proceedings [online], 40 (6), 453–456. 

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4/20/2022

Recovery from Surgery

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Funny how the world works. I have been thinking of writing a post about recovering from surgery and lo and behold, not long ago, I awakened to a text saying my oldest son was in the ER experiencing terrible stomach pain. 

Yes. You guessed it. Within 12 hours, he had his appendix removed*.

Always remember… the procedure may be simple, but recovering from removing a piece of your anatomy is never simple!

He was prescribed and he filled all of the meds the doctors recommended. Has he used them? Nope. (I take that back. He took one single Tylenol the first morning.)

How did we address this post-surgical pain? With 2 little tubes of homeopathic remedies: homeopathic Nux vomica and Helios’** homeopathic combination remedy, "Surg".

Why Nux vomica following an appendectomy and anesthesia? 

Dr. Ratera (2016, p. 310) lists Nux vomica among a selection of only 11 remedies for use following general anesthesia, including narcosis (“a state of stupor, drowsiness or unconsciousness produced by drugs”). 

Schroyens (2012) lists Nux in the following rubrics in his homeopathic repertory:

• Stomach, nausea, operation on abdomen, after; Including cramping pain.
• Vomiting following an operation.
• General ailments following an operation.

In addition to those “official” symptoms, Nux vomica is the remedy to turn to when you have things in your system that shouldn’t be there — (see:  Garbage in, Garbage out and Too Much!). 

Once upon a time, our Great Pyrenees, Rufus, had a minor procedure and he was not waking up following the anesthesia (see definition of Narcosis above). When I set out to his vet appointment, I didn’t know he was going to be put under, so, I didn’t bring any remedies with me. But, I always have Nux vomica 200c in my purse, (see: My Little Bag of Wellness). I slipped 2 pellets in between his gum and his cheek and he literally popped out of Neverland and was able to stand up and walk to the car. Did I mention he’s a big dog? There was no way I was going to be able to carry him to the car. We got home and he curled up on his bed and was back into a very deep sleep. Another dose of Nux placed between his gum and his cheek and he got up and drank some water. I think we did 1 final dose of Nux later that evening and he was back to his normal self.

My son didn’t want to take the Nux immediately. They told him that having the anesthesia in his system would help him to sleep that night and since it had been a long time since he had any sleep, that’s the route he chose.

The other tube of homeopathy he used was a beautiful mixture of homeopathic remedies from Helios pharmacy they call “Surg.” Surg is a combination of Arnica, Bellis perennis, Calendula, Hypericum and Staphysagria.

Homeopathic Arnica is probably the most researched homeopathic remedy. Below is a good handful of summaries and links to the actual papers.

ARNICA & SURGERY RESEARCH:

Anesthesia recovery and Analgesia in dogs -- Arnica & Papaver
“The Arnica group required rescue analgesia later than the others.” (I’m willing to bet the rescue analgesia could be have been avoided all-together if further doses of Arnica were provided.)

Postoperative Sore Throat (This is a case report.)

Knee Surgery
“In all three trials, patients receiving homeopathic arnica showed a trend towards less postoperative swelling compared to patients receiving placebo.”

Post-tonsillectomy analgesia
“The results of this trial suggest that Arnica montana given after tonsillectomy provides a small, but statistically significant, decrease in pain scores compared to placebo.”

​Healing of Wounds following surgery, compared to diclofenac
“After foot operations, Arnica… can be used instead of diclofenac to reduce wound irritation.”

Effectiveness and Safety of Arnica montana in Post-Surgical Setting, Pain and Inflammation. This is a review showing “arnica Montana is more effective than placebo when used for the treatment of several conditions including post-traumatic and postoperative pain, edema, and ecchymosis.”

Varicose vein surgery Varicose vein surgery
“The results of this pilot study showed a trend towards a beneficial effect of Arnica… with regard to reduction of hematoma and pain during the postoperative course.”


Is Homeopathic Arnica Effective for Postoperative Recovery? A Meta-analysis of Placebo-Controlled and Active Comparator Trials
“Homeopathic Arnica has a small effect size over and against placebo in preventing excessive hematoma and other sequelae of surgeries. The effect is comparable to that of anti-inflammatory substances.”

Is there a role for homeopathy in breast cancer surgery?
“A. montana… could reduce post-operative blood and seroma collection in women undergoing unilateral total mastectomy.”

Use of Arnica to relieve pain after carpal-tunnel release surgery
“…there was a significant reduction in pain experienced after 2 weeks in the Arnica-treated group.”

RESEARCH on ARNICA combined with other homeopathic remedies listed in “Surg.”

Healing of Surgical Wounds -- Arnica & Staphysagria
The table provided in this study shows the number of days needed to complete healing of the surgical wound for the control group and the groups assigned either Arnica or Staphysagria.

Homeopathic Mixture Accelerates Wound Closure -- Arnica, Calendula, and Hypericum
“A homeopathic remedy… accelerates in vitro wound scratch closure of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts.”

The effect of the homeopathic remedies Arnica montana and Bellis perennis on mild postpartum bleeding
“Treatment with homeopathic Arnica montana and Bellis perennis may reduce postpartum blood loss, as compared with placebo.

RESEARCH on Arnica and homeopathic remedies not listed in “Surg.”
Perioperative Homeopathic Arnica and Bromelain
"A systematic review of the literature demonstrates the potential for arnica and bromelain to improve perioperative outcomes including edema, ecchymosis, and pain control."

RESEARCH on Hypericum:
Hypericum perforatum to Improve Postoperative Pain Outcome After Monosegmental Spinal Sequestrectomy (HYPOS)
“Although no significant differences between the groups could be shown, we found that patients who took potentiated Hypericum in addition to usual pain management showed lower consumption of analgesics.”

Homeopathic treatment for peripheral nerve regeneration
“Hypericum improves functional recovery of peripheral nerve regeneration in rats.”

Note: Most of the research on Calendula, Hypericum and Bellis perennis  centers on herbal or mother tinctures. 

Historically speaking, in homeopathic terms, these last three remedies have a terrific reputation for post-surgical and wound healing with claims that it can promote healing and reduce risk of infection. Dr. Robin Murphy spoke often in his seminars of the healing qualities of Calendula and names it the number one remedy to use following surgery, noting the homeopathic remedy can be taken internally as well as topically. (Note: to use topically, a pellet of homeopathic Calendula can be added to clean water and used as a compress. Or, “Calendula, mother tincture, 15 drops to a wineglass of boiled water. This will cleanse the abraded surface and prevent sepsis. Calendula 6 given three to four times daily by the mouth will assist the healing process” (Shepherd and Robinson 1995).

Calendula and Hypericum tinctures are often used together following surgery or for wound healing in general. 

Dr. Dorothy Shepherd*** says, “I have never seen a cleaner wound surface or more rapid healing in a torn perineum than those which were treated with Calendula sprays, and it was much more efficacious, and more rapid than the strongest antiseptic, nor was there any rise in temperature after!” (Shephard 1989).

Bellis perennis is the common daisy. When I first learned about this remedy, the story was told about the soldiers in the war marching over fields of daisies. They were tired and they were sore and they were bruised and they didn’t realize the little flowers they were tromping over actually held the key to their ails. “Bellis perennis is long-flowering and surprisingly tough. It is resilient to the damage of mowing and human footfall, bouncing back” (Evans 2020).

The National Center for Homeopathy says it is most often used to speed surgical healing.

In addition to being helpful after surgery, Bellis can be used to assist in the healing from “long-unresolved or repeated trauma from accidents and injuries; physical, emotional or sexual abuse” (Evans 2020). Bellis is “especially useful in soft tissue injuries …. Similar to Arnica, it acts on muscle fibers and blood vessels with intense pain … deep trauma … especially in pelvis and abdomen” (Ratera 2016).


If you or a loved one has a surgery scheduled in the near future, contact Helios for a tube of “Surg” or, grab a tube of each of the remedies included in that combination (Arnica, Bellis perennis Calendula, Hypericum, and Staphysagria) and make your own combo remedy to help speed your recovery along. (Note: A good way to make your own combo remedy is to drop a pellet or two into a bottle of water and take sips as needed. Remember, every sip is a dose, so it's wise to have a water for drinking and a bottle for healing.)


For further research on the potential benefits of homeopathy, see: https://classicallypractical.com/research.html.



Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits


* Are there homeopathic remedies that can help with an inflamed appendix? Yes, there are, and perhaps I will write about those one day. In the mean time, if you are suffering from appendicitis, or, other severe stomach/abdominal pain, please go to the ER or talk to your physician.

** I have no affiliation with Helios; I just like their products.

*** Dr. Dorothy Shepherd was an orthodox physician who turned to homeopathy, saying, “I must admit that homeopathy has never let me down.” She had a homeopathic clinic in London during the war (Anon. 2009).

Reference list
Anon., 2009. Dorothy Shepherd (1885 - 1952) [online]. www.sueyounghistories.com. 

Anon., 2022. Bellis perennis [online]. National Center for Homeopathy. 

Evans, J., 2020. Asteraceae: remedies of the sunflower family. Harlem, NL: Emryss.

Ratera, Dr. M. M., 2016. First Aid with Homeopathy. Kander, Germany: Narayana Verlag.

Schroyens, F., 2012. Synthesis : repertorium homeopathicum syntheticum. Accessed through Radar Opus software. London: Homeopathic Book Publishers.

Shephard, Dr. D., 1989. The magic of the minimum dose : experiences and cases. Saffron Walden: Health Science Press.
​
Shepherd, D. and Robinson, G. E., 1995. More magic of the minimum dose : experiences and cases. Saffron Walden, Essex: C.W. Daniel Co.

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11/21/2021

Relief

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T-Relief, that is. I was annoyed when the company changed the name of Traumeel to T-Relief. No reason, I guess I just liked the name Traumeel. But today, I think the name T-Relief is far superior. 

I am riddled with osteoarthritis. It seems every time I have an x-ray done, I get confirmation as to why this or that place was stiff, sore or uncomfortable. My hands, wrists, knees, hips, ankles, feet — I’m sure there are more, but I haven’t had those black and white internal pictures yet. For the most part, my osteoarthritis is a non-issue. I credit bone broth and homeopathy (of course!) and exercise. If I don’t move regularly, my knees (right knee in particular) and hips get ornery. So, I make sure to walk frequently and for fairly long distances. Conversely, my hands and wrists can get sore if I use them too much. Go figure. (Actually, as I am thinking about it, perhaps that has to do with broken bones, as I broke a bunch of fingers and my wrist. Hmmm. I’ll have to noodle this further. I’ve never really given it any thought before.) 

I take absolutely no medicines or painkillers of any kind, aside from homeopathy. It is important to note that I have arthritis in many places, but I need to acknowledge that my arthritis is considered mild to moderate. (If you are suffering with severe osteoarthritis, homeopathy can probably still help, but I would recommend a more targeted homeopathic approach in addition to T-Relief.)

Occasionally, I wake up with sore hands. Today was one of those days. I grabbed T-Relief and put a small amount of the cream on my hands. Within less than 2 minutes, I had relief. True relief. No remnants of stiffness or soreness. None. That’s the moment I decided I prefer the new name of this homeopathic combination. (A few years ago I watched an older woman with pretty advanced arthritis use Traumeel and she said, “it’s like I put on gloves and I have new hands.” Yes! I can now relate to that! 

What’s in T-Relief and why does it help? Let’s take a look. Interestingly, this combination uses extremely low potencies: 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 6X and 10X. (For a refresher on homeopathic potencies, click here and ​here.) With these low potencies, the instructions of using it “2 to 3 times daily, or more often if necessary” make good sense*. 

Aconitum napellus or Aconite for short. Numbness and tingling can result when the inflamed joints press on nerves. Raynaud’s disease occurs more frequently in arthritis patients and it, too, can be helped by Aconite. “Red, shining swelling, very sensitive joints” (Murphy 2020) are helped by Aconite as are weak and lax ligaments of joints and sharp joint pains. Hip joints and thighs that feel lame. Trembling can also be associated with osteoarthritis and Aconite can help with this, too. 

Arnica montana. T-Relief takes, in my opinion, a scattershot approach (in a good way!) with their Arnica by including it in 1X, 3X and 10X potencies. One of these potencies is most likely going to provide some relief. Arnica is the go-to remedy for over-doing it, as well as experiencing a lame feeling. Limbs which ache as if they had been beaten. Aching as a result of exposure to cold and damp or muscular strain. Cramps, like writer’s cramp. Weakness in the hands, especially when grasping. Arnica is shown here and here and here to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Baptisia tinctoria is also excellent for aching, sore and bruised pains with great weakness. Wandering pains as well as stiffness and pain. 

Belladonna is well known for any ailment which is red and hot. Swollen joints, cramping pains. Spasms and shifting pains and the cold limbs which can sometimes result from arthritis. 

Bellis perennis, the common daisy, is amazing for aching pains, new or old. (If you are suffering from old injury pains, Bellis perennis may be your new best friend.) Sore joints as well as muscular soreness. A bruised, aching, sore pain. Tight wrists. Hip pains that are worse for exertion. 

Calendula officinalis. Calendula has been shown to be anti-inflammatory (and here, too) as well as being useful in repairing damaged tissues and when we get right down to it, what is osteoarthritis? “Osteoarthritis is a joint disease in which the tissues in the joint break down over time” (NIAMS 2019) so it makes sense that Calendula would be helpful in repairing not just superficial wounds, but also the deeper tissues. Like Belladonna, Calendula can also help with cold hands and feet. 

Chamomilla The Materia Medica does have some guidance regarding Chamomilla assisting when ankles give way, when there are pains in the hips and loins and numbness and stiffness of hands, particularly when grasping objects. However, I think Chamomilla’s biggest contribution to this combination remedy is its ability to soothe irritability and anger. Not being able to easily do, or do at all, what you want to do, inevitably leads to irritability. If Chamomilla can help soothe a teething toddler, it can help a grumpy old arthritic person! 

Echinacea also addresses cold hands and feet as well as aching, weakness and pain in general. 

Hamamelis virginiana is another good pain remedy. It is indicated in very sore muscles and joints and it is one of the most highly indicated remedies for varicose veins which have been found to be associated with osteoarthritis (Sisto et al. 1995). 

Hypericum perforatum is another excellent nerve remedy as well as a good remedy for when the joints feel bruised. It is also a highly indicated remedy for pain in general, especially radiating or shooting pains.

Millefolium is a pain remedy, not terribly specific to arthritis with the exception of sprains and strains of joints. (Remember, T-Relief is not specifically formulated for arthritis, it is for pain, in general.)

Ruta graveleons is a big remedy for bruised pain, particularly in the bones and shows an affinity for joints, ankles and wrists. Cracking in joints. Knees which give way. Pains in the bones of feet and ankles. Pain and stiffness in wrists and hands. 

Symphytum officinale is for bone pain and more importantly, complaints and pains of cartilage. Aching hip pain as well as joint pain, generally. See here and here for research on Comfrey, AKA Symphytum.)

As you can see, T-Relief is a beautiful combination of low potency homeopathic remedies to assist in the relieving of mild to moderate arthritis pain.

P.S. Don’t be surprised if you rub some T-Relief into your hands and find relief in your knee. Once the remedies are in your system (in this case via the skin), you will likely find relief all over, not just where it was applied.


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits


* It’s always important to read the directions and use according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

REFERENCE LIST

Arthritis National Research Foundation, 2021. Does arthritis cause numbness or tingling? [online]. Arthritis Research | Arthritis National Research Foundation. 

Carmona-Terés, V., Moix-Queraltó, J., Pujol-Ribera, E., Lumillo-Gutiérrez, I., Mas, X., Batlle-Gualda, E., Gobbo-Montoya, M., Jodar-Fernández, L., and Berenguera, A., 2017. Understanding knee osteoarthritis from the patients’ perspective: a qualitative study. BMC musculoskeletal disorders [online], 18 (1), 225. 

Grube, B., Grünwald, J., Krug, L., and Staiger, C., 2007. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine [online], 14 (1), 2–10. 

Jurca, T., Józsa, L., Suciu, R., Pallag, A., Marian, E., Bácskay, I., Mureșan, M., Stan, R. L., Cevei, M., Cioară, F., Vicaș, L., and Fehér, P., 2020. Formulation of Topical Dosage Forms Containing Synthetic and Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agents for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Molecules [online], 26 (1). 

Marzotto, M., Arruda-Silva, F., and Bellavite, P., 2020. Fibronectin Gene Up-regulation by Arnica montana in Human Macrophages: Validation by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay. Homeopathy [online], 109 (03), 140–145. 

Murphy, R., 2006. Nature’s materia medica : 1,400 homeopathic and herbal remedies. 3rd ed. Blackburg, Va.: Lotus Health Institute, November.

Murphy, R., 2020. Nature’s materia medica : 1,400 homeopathic and herbal remedies. 4th edition. Blackburg, Va.: Lotus Health Institute, November.

NIAMS, 2019. NIAMS Health Information on Osteoarthritis [online]. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. 

Sisto, T., Reunanen, A., Laurikka, J., Impivaara, O., Heliövaara, M., Knekt, P., and Aromaa, A., 1995. Prevalence and risk factors of varicose veins in lower extremities: mini-Finland health survey. The European Journal of Surgery = Acta Chirurgica [online], 161 (6), 405–414. 

Staiger, C., 2012. Comfrey: A Clinical Overview. Phytotherapy Research [online], 26 (10), n/a-n/a. 
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11/11/2021

Homeopathy in Dystopia

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Dystopian fiction used to be one of my favorite genres… until 2020 happened and we found ourselves living in an actual dystopia! A few weeks ago, I decided it was time to return to normal and re-visit this type of fiction. 

One Second After by William R. Forstchen came to me via an enthusiastic recommendation and it turned out to be a well-written, plausible scenario of the after effects of an EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) being dropped on the United States. The result? All electronics ceased functioning: no phones, no running water, no refrigeration, no cars. Supply lines stopped. Stores looted and emptied in the first days. Medical help was dependent on the knowledge of the local doctors, nurses and veterinarians and whatever supplies they happened to have on hand.

You know what was missing in this scenario? Somebody with some homeopathic knowledge! Homeopathy is an essential skill to have if you are living off the grid, whether by choice … or through a fictional EMP being dropped.

The main character got a life-threatening infection after cutting his hand.  A number of remedies come to mind for a really bad infection*: Calendula (Parente et al. 2012; Givol et al. 2019; Preethi and Kuttan 2009), Gunpowder (Casey 2011) or, the  Banerji protocol of Hypericum 200c mixed with Arsenicum album 200c (Banerji and Banerji 2013). 

*This article is based on a fictional situation. If you find yourself in any of these situations in real life, seek medical attention immediately!

His daughter had Type 1 diabetes (NOT a good thing to have when the supply lines are cut and there is no more insulin to be found) and though homeopathy may help control some of the symptoms, it isn’t going to do much to help that situation. There are certainly medical conditions for which pharmaceutical drugs are absolutely necessary to keep people alive. But, this dystopian novel made me think about all the people dependent on pharmaceutical meds for non-life-threatening conditions. You don’t want to be dependent on these things when this fictional EMP is dropped (or even if there is a breakdown of the supply chain)!

The coming to grips with their new reality? Ignatia could certainly help with that. It is so good at addressing emotional shocks and for those suffering ill effects from hearing bad news or from fright and "disorders of the mind, particularly if actuated by grief, sadness, hopelessness, hysterical variableness, fantastic illusions" (Murphy 2006, p. 973).

The diarrhea that spread through town? Arsenicum album (Rafferty and Kayne 1994), Veratrum album (Banerji and Banerji 2013) or Camphor ​(Banerji and Banerji 2013; Leary 1997; Perko 2005). [An interesting read on the use of homeopathy in cholera epidemics.]

The psychiatric patients in town who no longer had their meds… Homeopathy has a good track record for helping mental and emotional conditions of all sorts and certainly could have helped to keep some of these conditions at bay, but these are better suited to an individualized classical homeopathic remedy. (Check out Homeopathy and Mental Health Care by C. K. Johannes for a place to start.)

Another beautiful aspect of homeopathy is it doesn’t require much of a supply chain. It is completely possible to make your own homeopathic remedies as long as you have either the raw materials or the homeopathic remedy itself. If you have blank pellets, you can create more pellets as needed, or, you can make essentially limitless liquid remedies from a couple of pellets and treat the whole town at once!

What else could these people have used? A good First Aid Kit** and the knowledge of how to use it.  When your local hospitals and clinics are no longer of any use to you, a medium-sized accident can leave you in a world of hurt. Remember, in this fictional account, there was no electricity, no internet, no phones to help you figure out how to use your first aid kit. It does you no good to have something downloaded on your now defunct tablet; you need to have good, old-fashioned books to guide you, like US Army First Aid Manual or Herbal medic : a green beret’s guide to emergency medical preparedness and natural first aid.

I know some people find these catastrophic topics disturbing. I like the problem solving that comes along with reading these kinds of books; to think about the worst case scenario and figure out ways to tackle the problems — being prepared (in my mind, at least) brings me a sense of calm.

I’m happy to have this genre back in my life. I wonder what the next dystopian scenario coming my way will be? Regardless of what it is, I bet homeopathy would be a useful skill to have!


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits

** I have no affiliation with this company or any products listed here, I just like their products.

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‌​​Forstchen, W. R., 2009. One Second After : John Matherson, Book 1. New York: Forge.

REFERENCES

Anon., 2020. Instructions For Turning Pills Into Liquid Remedies [online]. Homeopathy Plus. 

Banerji, P. and Banerji, P., 2013. The Banerji protocols : a new method of treatment with homeopathic medicines. India: Pratip Banerji.
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Camerlink, I., Ellinger, L., Bakker, E. J., and Lantinga, E. A., 2010. Homeopathy as replacement to antibiotics in the case of Escherichia coli diarrhoea in neonatal piglets. Homeopathy [online], 99 (1), 57–62.
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Casey, S., 2011. Gunpowder! Little-Known Remedy Packs a Wallop Against Wounds - Shirley Casey [online]. Hpathy. 

Coyte, J., 2021. Homeopathic potency briefly explained [online]. CLASSICALLYPRACTICAL.COM. 

Givol, O., Kornhaber, R., Visentin, D., Cleary, M., Haik, J., and Harats, M., 2019. A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration [online], 27 (5), 548–561.

Jacobs, J., Jiménez, L. M., Gloyd, S. S., Gale, J. L., and Crothers, D., 1994. Treatment of acute childhood diarrhea with homeopathic medicine: a randomized clinical trial in Nicaragua. Pediatrics [online], 93 (5), 719–725.

Johannes, C. K., 2010. Homeopathy and Mental Health Care. The Netherlands: Homeolinks Publishers.

Leary, B., 1997. The homoepathic management of cholera in the nineteenty century with special reference to the epidemic in London, 1854. Medizin, Gesellschaft, Und Geschichte: Jahrbuch Des Instituts Fur Geschichte Der Medizin Der Robert Bosch Stiftung [online], 16, 125–144.
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Murphy, R., 2006. Nature’s materia medica : 1,400 homeopathic and herbal remedies. Blackburg, Va.: Lotus Health Institute, November.

Parente, L. M. L., Lino Júnior, R. de S., Tresvenzol, L. M. F., Vinaud, M. C., de Paula, J. R., and Paulo, N. M., 2012. Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Animal Models of Calendula officinalis L. Growing in Brazil [online]. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 

Perko, S. J., 2005. The homeopathic treatment of influenza : surviving influenza epidemics and pandemics past, present and future with homeopathy. San Antonio, Tx: Benchmark Homeopathic Publications.

Preethi, K. C. and Kuttan, R., 2009. Wound healing activity of flower extract of Calendula offlcinalis. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology[online], 20 (1).

Rafferty, A. and Kayne, S., 1994. The use of Arsenicum album 30c to complement conventional treatment of neonatal diarrhoea (“scours”) in calves. British Homeopathic Journal [online], 83 (04), 202–204.
‌

FIRST AID BOOKS

Coffman, S., 2021. Herbal medic : a green beret’s guide to emergency medical preparedness and natural first aid. North Adams, Ma: Storey Publishing.
‌
Pareek, R. S. and Pareek, A., 2012. Homeopathy for Acutes and Emergencies. Kandern, Germany: Narayana Publishers.

Ratera, Dr. M. M., 2016. First Aid with Homeopathy.

Schmukler, A. V., 2006. Homeopathy : an A to Z home handbook. Woodbury, Minn.: Llewellyn Publications.
​
United States. Department Of The Army, 2009. U.S. Army first aid manual. New York: Skyhorse Pub.

Wiseman, J. and Britain., G., 2014. SAS survival handbook : the ultimate guide to surviving anywhere. New York: William Morrow, An Imprint Of Harpercollins Publishers.
‌

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11/4/2021

Brace Face

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I probably should have had braces “back in the day” but after watching 2 of my kids suffer these things, I’m glad I didn’t. Their mouth issues are not cosmetic, though, or we wouldn’t have gone this route. Thing One suffered terrible headaches and ringing in the ear that we suspect was a result of the braces. We swapped orthodontists for Thing Three and this ortho has a different approach — so far, so good. 

Regardless of the reason someone has a mouth full of metal, the results can understandably be quite uncomfortable.

Sore, aching mouth: Like most dental work, homeopathic Arnica is a good bet for sore, aching muscles from having to hold your jaw open for the work to be done and for the actual moving of the teeth and also for any bruising that may occur. A dose of Arnica prior to the appointment and as soon as practicable following the appointment should help. If the pain persists, and the Arnica is helping, keep taking if and when the pain returns.

If Arnica doesn’t help, try Ruta.

Cuts: those painful little cuts from the wires are best met with Staphysagria or Calendula. Homeopathic Staphysagria has a good history for “cutting” pains as well as pains caused by actual cuts. Additionally, Staphysagria is a terrific remedy for humiliation and shame — perhaps as a result of name calling. I’m not sure kids today face the ridicule of old for having a mouth full of metal and that’s a good thing. But, if they do suffer some mental and emotional problems as a result of having braces, that may make Staphysagria an even better choice.

Calendula has the reputation of being “the great herbal anti-septic” (see studies below) and is very useful for cuts and lacerations, especially those that hurt more than they “should” and it is very helpful in removing the local pain and suffering.

Calendula in its herbal form can be very helpful for mouth sores, too. Here are couple of suggestions: Healthy Gums Anti-gingivitis Rinse is made with Calendula and other ingredients and is very soothing for a sore mouth**.  Celebration Herbals** makes a nice tea whose only ingredient is Calendula officinalis.

Toothache: Homeopathic Chamomilla is one of the best remedies for teething children. Think of the pain of toddlers cutting teeth and the accompanying grumpiness and irritability. Teenagers (and their family members!) suffering from the pain (and grumpiness!) of braces, especially right after an adjustment will appreciate this remedy. 

Anxiety before appointments: Homeopathic Gelsemium has a longstanding reputation to assist in anticipatory anxiety. A dose of Gelsemium 6c prior to the appointment should help. 

Nerve pain: homeopathic Hypericum for shooting/nerve pain following adjustments or during the use of palatal expanders.

Keep on smilin’ and if you need more tailored assistance for the pain of braces, contact me here.


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits

** I have no affiliation with these companies, I just like their product.


STUDIES related to this article:

Calendula:
Jahdi, F., Khabbaz, A. H., Kashian, M., Taghizadeh, M., and Haghani, H., 2018. The impact of calendula ointment on cesarean wound healing: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care [online], 7 (5), 893–897. 

Khairnar, M., Pawar, B., Marawar, P., and Mani, A., 2013. Evaluation of Calendula officinalis as an anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis agent. 
Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, 17 (6), 741.

Nicolaus, C., Junghanns, S., Hartmann, A., Murillo, R., Ganzera, M., and Merfort, I., 2017. In vitro studies to evaluate the wound healing properties of Calendula officinalis extracts. 
Journal of Ethnopharmacology [online], 196, 94–103. 

Parente, L. M. L., Lino Júnior, R. de S., Tresvenzol, L. M. F., Vinaud, M. C., de Paula, J. R., and Paulo, N. M., 2012. 
Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Animal Models of Calendula officinalis L. Growing in Brazil [online]. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 

Preethi, K. C. and Kuttan, R., 2009. Wound healing activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis. 
Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 20 (1).

Gelsemium:

Bellavite, P., Bonafini, C., and Marzotto, M., 2018. Experimental neuropharmacology of Gelsemium sempervirens: Recent advances and debated issues. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine [online], 9 (1), 69–74. 


Bellavite, P., Magnani, P., Zanolin, E., and Conforti, A., 2011. Homeopathic Doses of Gelsemium sempervirens Improve the Behavior of Mice in Response to Novel Environments. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM [online], 2011, 362517. 

Magnani, P., Conforti, A., Zanolin, E., Marzotto, M., and Bellavite, P., 2010. Dose-effect study of Gelsemium sempervirens in high dilutions on anxiety-related responses in mice. Psychopharmacology [online], 210 (4), 533–545. 

Marzotto, M., Olioso, D., Brizzi, M., Tononi, P., Cristofoletti, M., and Bellavite, P., 2014. Extreme sensitivity of gene expression in human SH-SY5Y neurocytes to ultra-low doses of Gelsemium sempervirens. BMC complementary and alternative medicine [online], 14, 104.   

Olioso, D., Marzotto, M., Moratti, E., Brizzi, M., and Bellavite, P., 2014. Effects of Gelsemium sempervirens L. on pathway-focused gene expression profiling in neuronal cells. Journal of Ethnopharmacology [online], 153 (2), 535–539.

Venard, C., Boujedaini, N., Mensah-Nyagan, A. G., and Patte-Mensah, C., 2011. Comparative Analysis of Gelsemine and Gelsemium sempervirens Activity on Neurosteroid Allopregnanolone Formation in the Spinal Cord and Limbic System. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM [online], 2011, 407617. 

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10/3/2021

Homeopathic Remedies to consider following a major accident

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Ladders are deceptively dangerous. A few years ago a friend fell from a 2-story ladder and suffered horrific injuries resulting in numerous surgeries and the lingering potential loss of a limb. Today I learned of another friend who fell off what was described only as a tall ladder. I’m told he broke 3 ribs, his nose and his arm and required some stitches in his face and was knocked unconscious. I can’t even imagine the pain he is enduring.

Without further information of what sorts of interventions he has been given, here is what I would suggest, homeopathically speaking, to help find some relief after such a major accident.

When something like this happens, you have to address the most serious aspects first and in this case that would be the injury to the head.

He has apparently not suffered any brain damage, thank goodness. With a knock to the head like that though, I would start things off with a dose of homeopathic Arnica montana in as high a potency as you have available. Arnica is the first homeopathic remedy to think of after an accident in general and more specifically following an injury to the head. Arnica is one of 2 highly indicated remedies for head injuries. (Nat sulph is the other remedy to consider in this scenario.) Arnica is reputed to help with shock: Traumatic shock, shock from blood loss, shock from fractures, surgical shock and even mental shock. Arnica is also known to help with all these types of pains in general, including the pain from all the broken bones as well as the inevitable bruising* that will follow.

Broken ribs. 3 of them! Homeopathic Bryonia alba is known as the “grumpy bear” remedy. A Bryonia pain is virtually always aggravated by motion (Morrison 1993). When it hurts to move. When it hurts to breathe. When it hurts to even move your eyes. When you hurt that much, you’re gonna’ be grumpy. Bryonia is also an excellent remedy for the pain from broken bones, which, of course, hurt when you move them.

For the stitches, homeopathic Calendula would be where I would start. Calendula is amazingly soothing in addition to its ability to help heal wounds*. Calendula can be taken both internally as well as used topically (by dissolving some pellets in water and then soaking cloths or bandages in the solution and applying them to the area).

*For research showing the benefits of Calendula and wound healing and Arnica for bruising,  check out my research page.

His loved ones are suffering right along with him. Ignatia amara may help to address the worry and the fear they are enduring. Aconite might be in order if they witnessed the fall, to help with that shock, especially if the image keeps re-playing in their mind.

How often to take the remedies following an injury varies and is dependent on the severity of the injury and the resulting pain. Let this pain be your guide. The worse the pain, the more frequent the administration of the remedies. With the remedies suggested above, I would do the following:

Arnica: Immediately following the injury and repeat as necessary until the person is calm. Following that, begin alternating Arnica and Bryonia every hour until the pain is significantly lessened. (Note: this may need to be more frequent at the start.) 

Calendula 30, twice daily. Re-apply the topical Calendula dressings as they begin to dry out until no longer needed for pain and the risk of infection has passed.

After the initial few doses, wait for the pain to return before taking another dose. Do not take the remedies if there is no pain. If the pain returns, that is the time to take the remedy.

Support remedies to be considered:
​Calcium phosphorica 6x (Calc-phos) and Calcium Fluoride 12x (Calc-fluor) are tissue salts (cell salts) which can be taken daily, or even
twice daily, for bone support.

For the loved ones:
Aconite immediately and repeat until they are calm and that initial shock has subsided.
Ignatia, twice daily until the stressful situation has stabilized.

Be mindful of deceptively dangerous contraptions!


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical Homeopathy


#wellnessawaits  #homeopathycanhelp

Sources:
Morrison, R., 1993. Desktop guide to keynotes and confirmatory symptoms. Nevada City, Calif.: Hahnemann Clinic Pub.
‌

Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash

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9/30/2021

My Little Bag of Wellness

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Not my actual purse, but the same style from the same company. Maruca Design uses US fabric mills and are all crafted by hand in Colorado and are incredibly well made and long lasting.*

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This is the actual little remedy bag that I keep in my purse. It is an EMF shielding bag and though I don't know that that is necessary, it is made for holding homeopathic remedies and therefore sized just right.*

My purse is not large. It is just big enough to hold my phone, my credit card, my keys and a small bag of homeopathic remedies, of course!

What do I keep with me on my person whenever I leave the house? Here’s the complete list and how and why I use these remedies when I am out and about. 
​Please note, the use of these remedies is not daily. They are with me just in case.


Aconitum/Bryonia. This Banerji Protocol combination remedy is my absolute go-to for anything that is not quite right. At the first sign of feeling unwell, this is what I grab when I am not at home.

This remedy also came in handy following a golf cart traffic accident. (These carts are dangerous and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!) The driver of the cart broke their wrist and I messed up my knee and hip and cracked the windshield with my noggin.

Aconite for short, (rhymes with “fright”) is, the pre-eminent remedy for being in or witnessing a shocking event. "Suddenness and violence are the soul of Aconite" (Pareek and Pareek 2012, p. 104).

Bryonia is an excellent remedy for both sprains and broken bones, particularly the wrist (Morrison, M.D. 1998, p. 375) and for when pain is experienced with the slightest movement. Bryonia is major clinical remedy for neck injuries (Pareek and Pareek 2012, p. 60) which was a distinct possibility for me in this situation. 

Both of these remedies came in very handy immediately following this crash.

Natrum phosphoricum 30c. For a while there, indigestion was troubling me and Nat phos would calm that unpleasant burning feeling right down. As is the case with most well selected homeopathic remedies, the appropriate remedy will both address the immediate situation as well as help your body heal itself moving forward.
I didn’t even realize I still had this remedy in my bag because I haven’t needed it in a such a long time.


Helios AAA. AAA is a combination of Ambra grisea, Anacardium and Argentum nitricum. This remedy was taught to me as a good remedy for people experiencing anxiety while traveling.

I first put it in my bag a few years ago when my young son was experiencing an unusual fear of flying before a trip. He is a seasoned traveler and his discomfort threw me for a loop. I gave him one dose of AAA and within an hour he had completely forgotten he even had any apprehension at all let alone the fact he was certain that death was imminent.

I keep it with me because it is just a really excellent remedy for severe anxiety.

Hypericum perforatum 200c. Hypericum is known as the “Arnica of the nerves.” I don’t remember why I put it in my bag originally, but it did come in handy after a fall on the ice rink. Hypericum is well known for its ability to address pain in nerve-rich areas and the tailbone most certainly is a nerve-rich area! And, an excellent remedy for puncture wounds.

Ferrum phosphoricum 3x. This cell salt is a really good first aid remedy for both halting sicknesses and fever (Morrison, M.D. 1998, p. 541) before they can take root as well as reducing inflammation following an injury. It has been used for my sons’ bleeding noses (it stops them quickly!) as well as for a very young dining companion who was feeling poorly (she was back to her old self before dinner was even served).

Petroleum 200c originally went in my bag a few winters ago when I had some cracked and sore hands (Morrison, M.D. 1998, p. 411). This homeopathic remedy is far superior to the goopy stuff with the same name that one might apply to their skin — I don’t recommend that at all! Strangely, homeopathic Petroleum is also good for motion sickness (Morrison, M.D. 1998, p. 214). 

For the dry, cracked skin, take it once or twice daily until the skin is improved.

For travel sickness, take a dose every 15 minutes or so. (If there is no improvement after 4 or 5 doses, it’s not the right remedy and it's time to find another better indicated remedy).

Arnica 200c. Between the Arnica, the Hypericum, the Ferr phos, and the Aconite/Bryonia combination, I definitely have emergencies covered! Arnica is the first remedy to consider in an accident or injury (Morrison, M.D. 1998, p. 371). It not only addresses shock (similar to Aconite above), but it is also excellent for bruising, muscle soreness and general aches and pains.

Arnica & Hypericum are well indicated following any dental work, and that is reason enough to keep them in your purse!


Apis mellifica. Apis is the first remedy to grab when anaphylactic shock sets in, or is threatening to set in. Allergic reactions, bug bites and bee stings, (especially those that appear full of fluid) and throats threatening to swell shut! (This happened to my brother after eating shell fish when we were kids — I didn’t know about homeopathy then but I think this memory is why I keep it in my bag now, though Urtica urens would probably be a better choice for allergic reactions to shellfish in particular.) If you have someone in this frightening condition, administer the Apis (or Urtica urens) immediately and frequently while you are on the way to the hospital or waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

**Apis is one of the few remedies for which caution is advised when pregnant. That is not to say this remedy can’t be used during pregnancy, it is to say that it should be used cautiously and judiciously when pregnant. 

Natrum muriaticum 30c. I usually keep 6x in my purse, but I ran out and forgot to replace it. I was traveling a few weeks ago and there was smoke from forest fires all around and the local shop didn’t have my usual 6x. The 30c definitely made breathing easier and helped with the burning/stinging eyes. Nat mur can put a stop to a hammering headache (Morrison, M.D. 1998, p. 11) before it has the chance to take proper hold and it is very helpful for dry, chapped lips as it helps to balance the fluids in your body.

Nux vomica 200c. Historically, this remedy is probably the most frequently used remedy in my family. Nux is amazing for when that restaurant meal didn’t settle too well. It’s good for cold  and allergy symptoms and it’s very good for sneezing fits. Nux has come in handy for irritability and anger as well as headaches that accompany the crankiness. Nux vomica is an excellent remedy for too much… too much fatty food, too much candy, too much alcohol.

Nux vomica came in extremely handy after our dog had a minor surgery for something embedded in his paw. I didn’t know he was going to have this little procedure or I would have planned accordingly. But, because I had Nux in my purse, I was able to slip it in his cheek and this 130 pound beastie quickly awakened from his anesthesia (Pareek and Pareek 2012, p. 310) and was able to get into the car on his own steam. About an hour later, the stupor returned but another dose of Nux got him moving again. 

One last thing I keep in my bag is a tube of Boiron’s Calendula cream.* Just today when we were at the zoo I used some for a little cut on my leg and a bug bite on my wrist which was irritated by my watch strap. I have used it as a face cream. I use it for dry skin. (Did I mention I live in a desert?) I have shared it with friend’s children when they have fallen and scraped their knee. I have used it following a sunburn. It’s by far the largest thing in my bag but it has earned its spot on the front lines.

This list sounds like I’m not telling the truth about the size of my purse. Honestly, you would never imagine the amount of healing this little bag could hold just by looking at it.

Julia Coyte, CHom
classicallypractical.com

​#wellnessawaits. #homeopathycanhelp

​*I have no affiliation with these companies, I just like their products.

Coco and Camille

Maruca Design

Resources used in this article:
Morrison, M.D., R., 1998. Desktop companion to physical pathology. Nevada City, Calif.: Hahnemann Clinic Publ.
‌
Pareek, R. S. and Pareek, A., 2012. Homeopathy for Acutes and Emergencies. Kandern, Germany: Narayana Publishers.

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9/24/2021

Keep Calm and Carry a Homeopathic Remedy Kit

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I’ve heard jokes made about homeopathic first aid kits. You know the sort of thing. “How is this sugar pill going to help you when you’re bleeding out?” Point taken. Your gushing finger will eventually need to be bandaged up, once you have the bleeding and shock under control. That’s where the homeopathy comes in and that’s why I keep both a homeopathic first aid kit & a good conventional first aid kit handy.* 

Homeopathic Phosphorus is indicated when there is “bright red and abundant blood” (Ratera, 2016). I have witnessed the blood stop flowing, whether it be from my son’s profuse bloody nose or my gushing finger. “Maybe the blood was stopping on its own, anyway!” Maybe. But, when you see the blood stop flowing on multiple occasions and situations… I’m going with the Phosphorus is working… and very quickly!

Cantharis is one of the best remedies for burns (Ratera, 2016, p. 386). Not only can this remedy be taken by mouth to relieve the pain and to start the healing, homeopathic Cantharis can be diluted in water and applied topically after soaking some gauze in the solution.

Calendula is another remedy which works well when diluted and applied topically, especially if there are lacerations (deep cuts). Homeopathic Calendula is highly indicated “to promote healthy granulation (Taber’s Medical Dictionary: “granulations bring a rich blood supply to the healing surface”) and prevent excessive suppuration (Taber: “the formation of pus”) and disfiguring scars” (Allen, 2017, p. 76). Plus, it helps the pain… a lot! 
​
** I have included a few links to research papers on Calendula in this article.
For more links to further research on the benefits of homeopathic remedies, visit my research page. 

And, let’s not forget the first rule of dealing with an emergency … staying calm. Arnica should be one of the first remedies administered in an emergency. Homeopathic Arnica is highly indicated in the patient who says there is nothing wrong with them (especially when they are clearly in need of medical attention (Pareek and Pareek, 2012, pp. 62 & 79). Arnica, too, can be applied topically for bruises, strains and muscular injuries, but NEVER on an open wound (Morrison, M.D., 1998, p. 368). English physician Dorothy Shepard (1885-1952) writes about her patients who believed they were being given morphine when in fact they had been given homeopathic Arnica (Shephard, 1989, p. 145). 

I am not suggesting that homeopathy can fix everything all by itself, (though, it can go an awfully long way!) Homeopathy is also excellent to use ON THE WAY TO THE HOSPITAL! 

If you are dealing with someone who is suffering hives or an allergic reaction and it looks like it is turning into an anaphylactic situation, administer homeopathic Apis mellifica  immediately (Ratera 2016, p. 322) and frequently while on the way to the hospital or when you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive. 

If you are faced with someone having a stroke or heart attack, administer Arnica or Aconite immediately (Banerji and Banerji 2013, p. 56; Pareek and Pareek 2012, pp. 17,  47, 53, 79 & 120) and frequently while you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

In addition to all the horrible scenarios that are possible, a homeopathic kit can also help address everyday issues that arise: ear aches, fever, too many sweets, diarrhea & vomiting, bumps and bruises and coughs, colds & allergies.

I have written a few times about when my homeopathic remedy kit has come in handy… here and here. 

Below, please find some links to a wide range of homeopathic remedy kits. Once you have a kit in your possession, you are on your way to protecting yourself and your family both in everyday and emergency situations. The more you use it, the more you will want to use it because you will be amazed at how quickly bad situations can be averted and made right.

* I have no affiliation with any of the companies listed in this article.

Julia Coyte, CHom
classicallypractical.com

#wellnessawaits #homeopathycanhelp

Homeopathic Remedy Kits
These prices and links are accurate at the time of writing this article in September 2021.
1/2 dram vials are excellent for travel.
2 dram vials are much easier to dispense the remedies and are excellent for home use.

A 30c kit is a very good place to start, regardless of who makes it or how many remedies are included. ​

Americans For Homeopathy Choice
An Altoid sized tin with twelve 1/2 dram glass bottles to which you can add your own remedies, $20. Or, you can purchase a full kit which includes twelve 1/2 dram OHM Pharma remedies, $60.
A truly easy to carry choice.
BONUS! All profits from this kit are donated to Americans for Homeopathy Choice.


Boiron
Remedies included:
HomeoFamily Kit: this is a nice drawer-like kit, holding 32 full size Boiron remedies in both 6c and 30c as well as 12 individual Oscillococcinum tubes, includes the “Easy Guide” with room to hold 16 additional full size tubes: $199.99. Remedies included.
HomeoTravel Kit: Room to hold 16 remedies, 6c & 30c combined, $109.99. Remedies included.

Boiron storage containers only (no remedies included), but a good way to organize your loose Boiron tubes!
My Home Kit: is an empty drawer-like container with room to hold 48 Boiron tubes plus 18 doses of Oscilloccinum: $49.99. 
My Pocket Kit is an empty container which holds 5 Boiron tubes: $1.99.
My Travel Kit is an empty container which holds 16 Boiron tubes: $29.99.


Hahnemann Labs: 
2020 kit: 12 remedies, 30c: $70 — 2 dram
First Aid: 15 remedies, 30c: $61.95 — 2 dram
Home Remedy Kit: 35 remedies, 30c: $154.95 — 2 dram
Expanded Home Remedy Kit: 50 remedies, 30c: $203.95 — 2 dram


Helios
Childbirth kit, 18 remedies, 200c £29.95
Traveller kit, 36 remedies, 30c, £42.95
Pet kit, 24 remedies, 30c, £36.25*
*Homeopathic remedies are the same whether for pets or for people. A pet kit could be used for people and a people kit can be used for pets.
Accident & emergency, 18 remedies, 200c, £29.95
Basic 18 kit, 30c, £29.95
Basic 36 kit, 30c, £42.95


Lotus Health (Robin Murphy, N.D.)
First aid kit, 1/2 dram, 50 remedies, in either 30c or 200c: $150

Robin Murphy, N.D. also offers a number of CDs or Downloads to learn all about homeopathy and homeopathic remedies. I highly recommend all of his lectures, but in this instance, I suggest his “Emergencies and First Aid” lecture.


Natural Health Supply
First aid: 50 remedies, 1/2 dram:
     6c: $149 
     30c: $149 
     200c:  $179 
Emergency kit upgrade, Part B, 1/2 dram:
     30c: $169
     200c: $189 
Household kit, 25 remedies, 2 dram:
     30c: $159
     200c: $189 
Tissue salts kit, 12 remedies, 2 dram: $59.95


Ollois
First aid kit
, 4 remedies in a little case, 12c and 30c: $29.99


Washington Homeopathy 
50 remedy kit 30c, 1/2 dram: $124.99 (out of stock til 10/21)
50 remedy kit 200c, 1/2 dram: $174.99 (out of stock til 10/21)
Top 100 kit: $224.99 (out of stock, no date given)

Empty storage kits:
1/2 dram, 50 count: $7.59
​1/2 dram, 100 count: $8.19

Resources for this article:
​Allen, H.C., 2017. Keynotes : rearranged and classified with leading remedies of the materia medica and bowel nosodes including repertorial index. Noida, U.P., India: B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd.

‌
Banerji, P. and Banerji, P., 2013. The Banerji Protocols: a new method of treatment with homeopathic medicines. India: Pratip Banerji.

**Givol, O., Kornhaber, R., Visentin, D., Cleary, M., Haik, J. and Harats, M., 2019. A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 27(5), pp.548–561.

**Hostanska, K., Rostock, M., Melzer, J., Baumgartner, S. and Saller, R., 2012. A homeopathic remedy from arnica, marigold, St. John’s wort and comfrey accelerates in vitro wound scratch closure of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12(1).
‌
Morrison, M.D., R., 1998. Desktop companion to physical pathology. Nevada City, Calif.: Hahnemann Clinic Publ.

**Nicolaus, C., Junghanns, S., Hartmann, A., Murillo, R., Ganzera, M. and Merfort, I., 2017. In vitro studies to evaluate the wound healing properties of Calendula officinalis extracts. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 196, pp.94–103.

Pareek, R.S. and Pareek, A., 2012. ​Homeopathy for Acutes and Emergencies. Kandern, Germany: Narayana Publishers

‌
Ratera, Dr.M.M., 2016. First Aid with Homeopathy.
Dr. Ratera specialized in Internal Medicine and also studied Traumatology and Emergency Medicine in Spain.


Shephard, Dr. D., 1989. The magic of the minimum dose : experiences and cases. Saffron Walden: Health Science Press.
A highly readable book, loaded with good information as she recounts her days in war torn England.
‌
Venes, D. and Clarence Wilbur Taber, 2013. Taber’s cyclopedic medical dictionary. [22nd ed., ISBN: 9780803629776]. Philadelphia, Pa.: F.A. Davis.

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