OHM is an excellent homeopathic pharmacy located in Texas. They make a nice little kit aimed at pain management. Unfortunately, OHM doesn’t sell to the general public; but, that doesn’t stop you from creating your own little kit based on their suggested remedies.

Let’s see why these 12 11 remedies are included in this select little kit and why you may want to consider having some handy.
Note: this is a quick list to get you started — it is far from complete.


Aconite 200c

• Pains that come on suddenly and intensely; may follow shock.
• Sharp, shooting, stabbing pains; may be quite severe.
• Nerve/neuralgic pains, especially when they are accompanied by anxiety or restlessness.
• Burning pains, particularly in the face or extremities.
• Throbbing pains; headaches.
• Pains are worse from the cold and may improve with warmth.
• Sore throats, sudden colds and coughs.
• Mentally/Emotionally: marked restlessness and anxiety; with a fear of death or disaster.
• Particularly good when used as soon as possible when the symptoms arise.

Arnica 30 & 200

• Bruised and sore pain, especially after physical trauma or injury. Soft tissue injury.
• Muscle and joint pains and stiffness from overexertion or strain.
• Helpful following surgical or dental procedures.
• Headaches that feel bruised or sore; following head injury/concussion.
• Aggravation from touch or pressure.
• Restless and unable to find a comfortable position.
• Useful where the body or mind is in a state of shock due to a recent injury or traumatic event.

Bryonia 30c

• Sharp, stabbing pains — may be quite intense and are often localized.
• Worse with any movement or jarring; complete stillness is preferred.
• Joint pain, especially when movement makes it worse.
• Headaches that feel heavy and are worse from movement; may be described as “bursting.”
• Chest pain which is worse from deep breathing or coughing.
• Abdominal pain: sharp and worsens with movement. Constipation.
• May feel restless but only find relief when completely still.
• Dryness: dry, sore cough; dry mucous membranes.
• Irritability and thirst.
• Acute inflammatory conditions affecting the joints, lungs and abdomen.

Calc phos 6c

• Growing pains, especially during periods of rapid growth.
• Bone pains or soreness, particularly in cases of fractures or delayed healing.
• Neck and back pain; may be associated with weakness or poor posture.
• Joint pain may be worse in cold, damp weather and improve with warmth.
• Headaches resulting from mental exertion or stress — a dull ache.
• Abdominal discomfort or colic, especially in children

Calendula 30c

• Pain associated with cuts, scrapes and other wounds; abscesses or infected wounds.
• Burns or burning pains (including sunburns); burning sensations.
• Sore and tender skin: dermatitis, rashes, cuts, abrasions.
• Helpful to alleviate pain and promote healing after surgical procedures, especially in soft tissue.
• Joint pains which are worse movement and better with rest; sprained joints or muscles.
• Sensitive to touch or pressure.

Chamomila 30c

• Particularly effective for teething pains, characterized by irritability and discomfort.
• Colicky abdominal pain, often accompanied by cramping and restlessness.
• Intense headaches with irritability or anger. (See also, Caffeine Withdrawal.)
• Neuralgic/nerve-y pains that are sharp and shooting.
• Sore or tense muscles, especially after exertion.
• Mental/Emotional: often indicated when pain is exacerbated by emotions like anger or frustration. Sensitive to pain, feeling overwhelmed by even mild discomfort. May seek comfort from being held or cuddled, particularly in cases of teething or colic. Oversensitive to pain.
• Worse at night or during emotional distress. Better from warmth and warm applications.

Hypericum 30c

• Nerve pain: sharp, shooting, tingling or burning sensations. Nerve trauma.
  • Nerve-related pain following surgical procedures.
• Pain resulting from injuries to nerve-rich areas (fingers, toes, spine).
• Cuts or lacerations involving nerve endings.
• Headache with a neuralgic component.
• Shooting pains; may radiate from one area to another.
• Sensitivity to touch.
• Worse from movement.
• Mental/Emotional: emotional distress related to injuries or trauma.

Phosphorus 30c

• Burning pains, especially in the chest, stomach or extremities.
• Neuralgic/nerve pains: sharp and shooting, often with heightened sensitivity.
• Headaches: intense and throbbing; often described as bursting.
• Joint pains worse in the cold weather; improves with warmth.
• Crampy or colicky abdominal pain with digestive issues.
• Pain associated with bronchitis or pneumonia.
• Vascular trauma.
• Post-anesthesia effects.
• Often very sensitive to external stimuli, including touch, noise and light.
• Worse at night and during times of emotional stress.
• Thirsty for cold drinks which may temporarily relieve the burning sensations.
• There may be an emotional aspect to the pain: anxiety or fear accompanying physical symptoms.

Rhus tox 30c

• Stiffness and soreness in muscles and joints; worse after periods of rest. Muscle or tendon sprains.
• Rheumatic (deep aching or throbbing) pains, worse in cold, damp weather and better with movement and warmth.
• Burning sensations.
• Pains following overexertion or strain.
• Restlessness due to discomfort — feel they need to move to relieve the pain.
• Skin sensitivity or rashes; eczema.
• Worse at night or at rest.

Ruta 30c

• Bruised, sore and aching pains, especially after trauma or injury.
  • Injuries to bones and periosteum; sprains and dislocations.
• Useful for tendons and ligaments — often described as stiffness or strained; following injuries.
• Back pains which are worse from lying down or sitting but improves with movement.
• Eye strain — may lead to aching eyes and headaches.
• Deep pains in the bones; following injury or over-doing it.
• Sensations: strained and bruised, particularly in joints and tendons.
• Worse from cold and damp; better from warmth and rest.
• Good for mechanical injuries; overuse of muscles and tendons.

Symphytum 30c

• Deep, aching bone pains, particularly after fracture or injury. Injuries to bones, cartilage and periosteum.
  • NOTE: do not use Symphytum with suspected fracture until after imaging and the bone is properly set.
• Pain from injuries to bones and soft tissues. Joint pains often better with movement.
• Bruised or sore sensations.
• Pain following surgical procedures involving bones or joints.
• Nerve pain occurring in conjunction with bone injuries.
• Sensitive to touch — even the slightest touch can cause discomfort.

This kit suggests using the appropriate remedy every 15 minutes in acute situations. Reduce frequency repetition upon improvement.
​
I have a number of longer homeopathic pain remedy articles still in the works. Sit tight!


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits

I misjudged how much time I actually have had in the last couple of weeks, so here's a little pain teaser to tide you over…

With that, here is a very quick rundown of go-to pain remedies as suggested in the latest arrival to my bookshelf… Weiner’s Pain Management: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (Boswell and Cole 2007).

I purchased this hefty tome (coming in over 1600 pages) to learn better how mainstream medicine approaches treating pain: diagnostic criteria, pathophysiology and methods of treatment; associated factors; causations, etc. I was, needless to say, very happy to see a chapter on Homeopathy! Dana Ullman is a co-author of this section with a short overview of homeopathy (remember, this book is aimed at mainstream physicians), followed by brief entries on common painful conditions, each accompanied by relevant research for the homeopathic remedies.

Then, they have a short list of “Commonly Used Homeopathic Medicines for Painful Conditions”:

• Arnica… “the most common homeopathic medicine for injuries to soft tissue and pre- and post surgery; this remedy is also thought to reduce shock of injury or from surgery.”
• Hypericum… “the first medicine to consider for injuries to the nerves or to parts of the body rich with them, including the fingers, toes, back and eyes. Any injury with shooting pains should be given this remedy.”
• Belladonna… “for rapid and violent onset of throbbing pain (arthritis, headaches, menstrual) arising with flushed face and/or skin; symptoms are aggravated by tough jarring and especially by motion, and warm wraps relieve them.
• Bryonia… “Headaches or arthritis syndromes that are aggravated by any motion; some relief of pain comes from lying still, heat, direct pressure and lying on one’s painful side.”
• Ruta grav… Injuries to the elbow or knee; serious injuries to connective tissue, deep achy pain in the joints, especially the back, worse in cold damp weather, worse when lying down, better with movement.”
• Rhus tox… “the most common remedy for sprains and strains after the use of Arnica during the first 24 hours. It is especially indicated when a person experiences a ‘rusty gate’ syndrome, that is, pain on initial motion, which is reduced gradually as the patient continues to move. It is also often given to people with the flu, arthritis, or fibromyalgia who experience this similar rusty gate syndrome.”

Sit tight for the longer, more in-depth pain articles which are currently in the works. I am not going to get them all posted before the end of the year - my apologies for that.

Wishing you a pleasant and pain free end of 2025!



Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits

Boswell, M. V. and Cole, B. E., eds. 2007. Weiner’s pain management : a practical guide for clinicians. New York: Informa Healthcare.

A couple of months ago, we were given some “new” information about Tylenol. In actuality, there was nothing new about this information, it was just brought to our broader attention through "official" channels. (See, also: The Road Less Traveled, from 2022 where I brought a little light to the darker sides of over the counter (OTC) painkillers for headaches*.)

“But, popping a painkiller is so easy!”
I know. I truly do. There is a song called “The Sinking Feeling” by the band The The, which says, “The path of least resistance leads to the garbage heap of despair (air-air-aiiir), I think I’d better get back in bed.” I like the whole song, but that one line is what really sticks with me. Taking the easy route is not always the best choice.

I am confident in saying that when it comes to dealing with your pain, taking the road less traveled is well worth the time and energy required to figure it out. Using OTC painkillers don’t just block the pain, they block important healing messages to get the job done, doing what the body is meant to do -- fixing what's wrong.

For the sake of discussion, let’s assume we are dealing with a sprained ankle.

​What exactly is a sprained ankle?
A sprain is a trauma to the ligaments by stretching it too far; this causes pain and difficulty with movement. “A mild sprain is really a pulled or strained ligament, with tenderness and mild swelling, but no tearing of tissue. A moderate strain** has partial tearing of the ligament, while a severe strain entails a complete tear, with corresponding degrees of swelling, bruising and inability to move the joint or bear weight” (Hershoff 2000). Conventional treatment involves applying ice to the area and wraps to compress the area. Taber’s also recommends “analgesics and NSAIDs.” As we’ll see below, not all sprains respond well to ice and wraps — another place where homeopathy shines -- We can use those data points to help us find the best suited remedy.

Let’s get back to the simplicity of the over-the-counter pills… How do they work? If you ask an AI, it will tell you that the exact mechanism of acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) is not fully understood, but it is believed to work through the central nervous system to block pain signals. Ibuprofen (NSAIDS/Advil), on the other hand, blocks the production of prostaglandins.

What are prostaglandins again?
In simple terms, prostaglandins (PGs) are the chemical messengers that cause pain, swelling, and fever — let’s call that the “alarm system”. In short, Advil turns off the alarm system at the source (blocks the PGs). Tylenol turns the volume down on the alarm sounds in your brain — the alarm is still going, you just don’t “hear” it as loudly, so the pain feels less intense.

Sounds like a solid plan to me! What could be the problem with it?
Taber’s Medical Dictionary (Venes 2017) tells us that prostaglandins (PGs) “influence a broad range of biological effects, including vasodilation, vascular permeability, bronchoconstriction†, platelet aggregation, dysmenorrhea†, inhibition of gastric acid secretion, stimulation of neural receptors for pain during tissue damage, sleep inhibition†, and maintenance of patent ductus arteriosis†.” That sums it all up, doesn’t it?! Keep reading — we’ll see if we can sort some of this out.

• Vasodilation. If you sprain your ankle, vasodilation is what causes the ankle to swell up and become red, hot and painful. Blocking the vasodilation reduces swelling and makes the ankle less painful. The potential harm of blocking that vasodilation is the vasodilation is actually allowing for your body to call in the repair crew to come in and fix what needs fixing. The OTCs can slow down the healing process — the correct messages aren’t being sent to the fix-it crew.
• Vascular permeability. This is what causes the swelling (edema), another healing mechanism. As I understand the process, the swelling creates a nice liquid-y environment that allows the healing cells (neutrophils and macrophages) to move around quickly to get their jobs done. Think of it like a walled off watery construction site. If this mechanism is turned off, we risk messing with the essential building blocks (such as fibrinogen and fibronectin), making our imaginary construction site walls temporary, rather than permanent.
• Platelet aggregation. Kind of important stuff. Let’s assume that when you sprained your ankle, you also got a cut at the same time. Without platelet aggregation, bleeding would continue. Platelets job is to stop the bleeding. Ibuprofen keeps the platelets from doing their thing and is therefore considered a “blood thinner” — but it’s not actually thinning the blood, it’s slowing down the blood clotting mechanism.
  • This would be part of the reason Advil/Motrin has been known to cause gastrointestinal bleeding (especially with prolonged use or for those with a history of peptic ulcers or other bleeding disorders or who take blood thinning medication. If you require an OTC painkiller with any of these conditions, acetiminophen would be a better choice in this instance as it is “a weak inhibitor of platelet cyclooxygenase 1” (Munsterhjelm et al. 2005).
  • “NSAIDs induce clinically significant ulceration, bleeding, and/or obstruction in 1-4% of patients chronically taking these drugs. Even higher rates of ulceration are seen in patients with a history of peptic ulceration; in patients concurrently taking anticoagulants, low-dose aspirin, or glucocorticoids; and in the elderly” (Wallace 2008).
    • 1-4% doesn’t sound like a big deal, but there was a mom on the playground once upon a time who was “bleeding out” due to NSAID use (I was told later). Another mom, who happened to be a doctor, was nearby. If not for her, she probably wouldn’t have made it. This was my first wake up call to an OTC drug I used to use regularly. NSAIDs have also caused GI bleeding in family members - so two close encounters with this stated tiny minority.
  • Inhibition of gastric acid secretion. On the topic of the GI system, NSAIDs can increase gastric acid secretion and harm the stomach lining, too (Wallace 2008). So, the prostaglandins inhibit the gastric acid secretion and the NSAIDs can increase the acid secretion. Tylenol does not have this effect.
• Stimulation of neural receptors for pain during tissue damage. This is called nociception which is, according to Taber’s (Venes 2017): “The stimulus-response process involving the stimulation of peripheral pain-carrying nerve fibers and the transmission of impulses along peripheral nerves to the central nervous system, where the stimulus is perceived as pain.” By blocking these signals, you are blocking your body’s way of telling you to stop using an injured part so it can heal, potentially causing more damage before you have healed. Tylenol, on the other hand, could be even more harmful as it has not done anything to lessen the inflammation at the injury site, it has just turned down the pain volume.

OK. I get it, OTCs are not completely without risk. What do you suggest using for this fictitious sprained ankle?

Well, homeopathy, of course!

• Arnica is always a good place to start for any injury. Swelling, bruising, weakness; worse with movement, touch and jarring. Better for cold compresses.
• For a sprained ankled with redness that feels hot, painful, swollen and stiff and is worse when moving it (or, even incapable of moving it) but feels better from pressure (even tight bandaging) and local heat: Bryonia alba.
• Rhus tox for pain and stiffness that is worse with the starting of movement but it gets better with continued movement and feels better from applied heat. In other words, the stiffness and soreness are worse from staying in one position too long. Rhus works on ligaments and connective tissue as well as joints.
• If the affected area feels cold to the touch but also feels better from cold applications/worse for warmth: Ledum palustre. There may be a deep aching.
• Ruta if it feels tender or bruised and aching — especially good for sprains involving ligaments, tendons and connective tissues. Also good for repetitive strain injuries. May feel worse with cold, damp weather or pressure on the affected area; may feel better for warmth and rubbing.
• Symphytum is known to aid in healing ligaments and tendons, making it particularly useful in sprains where joint stability is compromised. Particularly good if there is a deep, aching sensation with significant bruising around the sprained area.
• Bellis perennis for sprains with more bruising and may feel cold (Bellis is sometimes called “the deeper Arnica) — deep-seated soreness; may feel better for warmth and gentle movement. There may be a feeling of constriction as if there were a band around the joint.

Another option… choose two well suited remedies and alternate them. There are a lot of different pieces to a sprain puzzle and these symptoms may change as the healing takes place — move to the next remedy as symptoms change or if the current remedy is no longer as effective.

Or, the combination of Arnica, Ruta and Rhus is an excellent injury go-to, covering many bases at once.

I encourage you to read up on the OTC painkillers. Drugs.com is a good place to start. (Hint: keep scrolling down the page on Drugs.com. There is a brief overview at the top of the page, but if you keep going, you’ll find further links for “side effects” that should be known but are a little hidden.)

If you purchase/make a good household kit, you will be ready to deal with most common ailments that come your way and be able to skirt the OTCs.

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits

*Ibuprofen/Advil/Motrin/NSAIDS are used interchangeably throughout this article; likewise acetaminophen/Tylenol, too.

**Some sources say a strain is the injury to tendons while sprains are injuries to ligaments. Other sources use strain and sprain interchangeably.
​
†In keeping with the sprained ankle analogy, bronchoconstriction, dysmenorrhea, sleep inhibition and maintenance of patent ductus arteriosis do not pertain to this situation.

Reference list
American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists, n.d. FAQs [online]. The American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists.

Anderson, L. A., 2024. Pain / Fever Drugs and Alcohol Interactions [online]. Drugs.com.

Andonian, N., 2020. Rebound (Medication-Overuse) Headaches: How to Stop Them [online]. GoodRx.

Dimitropoulos, E., 2014. Acetaminophen Toxicity: What Pharmacists Need to Know [online]. Uspharmacist.com.

Durbin, K., 2023a. Acetaminophen [online]. Drugs.com.

Durbin, K., 2023b. Ibuprofen [online]. Drugs.com.

Fine, M., 2013. Quantifying the Impact of NSAID-Associated Adverse Events [online]. AJMC.

Harvard Health Publishing, 2024. Acetaminophen safety: Be cautious but not afraid - Harvard Health [online]. Harvard Health.

Hershoff, A., 2000. Homeopathic Remedies. Kindle. Avery Uuuu-Uuuu.

Mcconnell, T. H., Paulson, V. A. and Valasek, M. A., 2014. The nature of disease : pathology for the health professions. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Ogilvie, J. D., Rieder, M. J. and Lim, R., 2012. Acetaminophen overdose in children. Canadian Medical Association Journal [online], 184 (13), 1492–1496.

Saljoughian, M., 2016. Acetaminophen Intoxication: A Critical-Care Emergency [online]. Uspharmacist.com.

Venes, D., 2017. Taber’s cyclopedic medical dictionary. Kindle. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company.

Waugh, A. and Grant, A., 2023. Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness. 14th ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier Health Sciences.

No matter what you want to call it … (if you’re squeamish, just know we’re talking about diarrhea and skip forward to the next paragraph). If toilet humor is your thing, here we go: Number 3, Chocolate Thunder, Poo Stew, Rectum Rapids, Turd Tea, Emergency Evacuation, The Squirts, Brown Bomb, Liquid Lunch, Poop Soup … I’ll stop now. (If you would like a few more unseemly names, see Travelers’ Diarrhea.)

Don’t worry, I won’t continue with the graphic descriptions. What follows is a long list of situations where one might experience diarrhea and the most highly indicated remedies for each.

Once again, if you are experiencing diarrhea beyond an acute bout, please seek professional medical advice.

Before embarking on my long list of unfortunate bottom-related circumstances, let me share one of my first amazing homeopathic "wowee!" moments. We were traveling and my then young teenage son was very sick in the night with suspected food poisoning. I was hemming and hawing, trying to remember what I had learned about remedies. I went with Veratrum album and within minutes everything stopped. I mean, everything completely stopped. He slept the rest of the night and woke up fine and dandy. “Better out than in” is what we say around here! As a result of this experience, I keep a little vial of Veratrum album in my little travel kit that accompanies me every time I leave the house with my suitcase.

Veratrum album is my go-to homeopathic remedy for if things are coming out of both ends. What else may point to the use of this remedy? The diarrhea (or vomiting) may be violent, voluminous and relentless. Collapse following diarrhea (not the only well indicated remedy in this rubric, but a good place to start). The person may be cold: cold limbs, generally chilly, and/or clammy. Diarrhea with perspiration. Diarrhea after eating fruit; diarrhea after eating cucumbers (technically a fruit, after all). Diarrhea during menses. Diarrhea which is made worse by movement/motion (Bryonia is another one to think of for this symptom). And, here’s one more unusual concomitant symptom for Veratrum album: hiccups during diarrhea. Isn’t that just what you need in that situation?!

Children & Diarrhea:
If you have an infant with diarrhea, administer Podophyllum on the way to see the doctor — dehydration can set in quickly.

Diarrhea while cutting teeth: Chamomilla. Chamomilla is such an excellent remedy for children, in general, and it doesn’t let us down in this situation, either (but these symptoms are not confined to children. With everything homeopathy, if the symptoms match, the remedy would be effective for man, woman, child or animal. Diarrhea with abdominal pain. Diarrhea: following anger; after taking a cold; after eating and, specifically after eating rhubarb. Emotional diarrhea or from excitement. During hot weather. Painless diarrhea. And, here is a rubric unique to Chamomilla (but hopefully you wouldn’t find this in a child!): diarrhea after smoking.

The Elderly & Diarrhea:
Like children, the elderly, too, have some remedies with great affinity to their age. In this particular situation, I would lean toward China officinalis.

China is so good for enfeebled people, as can often be found in the later years. In particular, China is useful for weak digestion; dyspepsia/indigestion; flatulence; chronic belching.

Dysentery, in simple terms, involves frequent bowel movements with blood and mucus in the stool, often accompanied by cramps and pain. Give some China while on the way to see a doctor. Please seek medical assistance if you are experiencing these symptoms.

If diarrhea and constipation alternate in older individuals, consider Antimonium crud.

On to the general list…

If experiencing abdominal pain, and it feels like diarrhea is imminent, Aloe would be my first recommendation. There may be accompanying weakness. Diarrhea after eating and in particular, diarrhea following the slightest dietary indiscretion. Walking makes it worse. Lots of toots during the diarrhea.

There are a few rubrics where Aloe and Sulphur “tie” when it comes to diarrhea: burning pain in the rectum; being driven out of bed in the morning, needing the toilet desperately (Sulphur has the specific times of 5-6 am); painless diarrhea; standing makes it worse.

Where Sulphur “wins out” over Aloe: diarrhea after beer and nighttime diarrhea, especially after midnight.

If the diarrhea alternates with another symptom, such as:

• rheumatism: Kali bich
• a heat sensation in the head: Belladonna
• headaches: Podophyllum
• asthma, especially at night: Kali carb
• diarrhea every other day: China

Diarrhea and emotions:

• after anger: Colocynthis
• after anticipation/anxiety: Argentum nitricum or Gelsemium. If nausea is part of this picture, also consider Nux vomica.
• feeling cheerful despite chronic diarrhea: Calc carb, which is a little unusual when it comes to elimination — they don’t mind being constipated and apparently chronic diarrhea doesn’t bother them, either!
• irritability: Bryonia
• with mental restlessness: Arsenicum album

Feeling wiped out after all that wiping? China is a good place to start. If the weakness is particularly pronounced, also consider Phosphoric acid. If the act of wiping actually causes pain: Graphites.

Diarrhea during pregnancy: Phosphorus

Diarrhea during menopause: Lachesis

Diarrhea following an injury: Arnica

If it’s coming out as from a hydrant: Podophyllum

If it has a really noxious smell: ​Baptisia

Diarrhea following the consumption of:

• after a debauch: Nux vomica
• ice cream: Arsenicum album or Pulsatilla
  • if ice cream after diarrhea makes you feel better: Phosphorus
• chocolate, sugar or sweets: Argentum nitricum
• pastries: Pulsatilla

If you find your appetite increases with diarrhea: Petroleum.

Cold hands with diarrhea: Phosphorus
Cold feet: Lycopodium
Cold limbs: Arsenicum album, Camphora and Veratrum album

Positionally speaking:
If lying down make it worse: Dioscorea
If lying down makes it better: Bryonia (though it may be worse lying on your side)
Sitting upright makes it worse: Bryonia

Time of day:
If it starts after you have risen from bed and moving around: Bryonia or Nat sulph
After midnight: Arsenicum album or Sulphur
If the diarrhea causes sleeplessness: Phosphorus

I changed my mind. I will use one more dysphemism: the sharts, also commonly referred to as “gambled and lost” (Flanagan 2010). If you are having diarrhea during rectal flatus, there are a number of well indicated remedies, but I would start with Aloe — the remedy for an insecure rectum (click that link to read the previous article with the same name.)

What would cause an “insecure rectum?” Let’s go back to Giulia Enders’ Gut for this explanation. Apparently we have a pair of “sophisticated” sphincters which Enders takes a few pages to explain and I am going to try and shrink it down to the bare essentials using her words, (but her full explanation is certainly worth a read). “The outer muscle is a faithful servant of our consciousness. When our brain deems it an unsuitable time to go to the toilet, the external sphincter obeys and stays closed with all its might. … Our internal sphincter is a no-nonsense little guy. His motto is, ‘If it’s gotta come out, it’s gotta come out!’ … The external sphincter, on the other hand, has to deal with the vagaries of the outside world and its many options.” Suffice it to say, we need these two sphincters to communicate well.

A few more remedies for involuntary stool (not necessarily diarrhea):

• on bending over/stooping: Ruta
• during coughing or sneezing: Phosphorus or Sulphur
• on laughing: Sulphur
• on moving: Phosphorus or Phosphoric acid
• on beginning to move: Rhus tox
• during sleep: Podophyllum
• on walking: Aloe

As you can see, homeopathy can be invaluable when it comes to diarrhea — there is a homeopathic remedy for almost any situation!

​
Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits

References:

Enders, G., 2015. Gut : the Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ. Greystone Books.

​Flanagan, D., 2010. Everybody poops 410 pounds a year : an illustrated bathroom companion for grown-ups. Berkeley, Ca: Ulysses Press.

Murphy, R., n.d. Homeopathic Remedy Guide. accessed through Radar Opus software.

I was listening to a Russel Brand podcast the other day where he was talking to the man who began VivoBarefoot* shoe company -- shoes that changed my world.

I used to love my pointy-toe cowboy boots and my high heels and for a minute there I had some kickin' little, pointy toe boots made from army green cloth -- they didn't last long, but I loved them!

Somewhere along the line, a body worker suggested my footwear may be playing a part in my hip/spine aches.

So, me being me, always looking for ways to improve my condition, I put my binding and lifting (but cute!) shoes on the shelf and moved to a shoe with a negative or zero-drop heel and a wide toe box.

Lo and behold, it helped! A lot. I'm never going back.

It wasn’t over night, that’s for sure. It took quite a while to build up those long under-used muscles. When I first began, the ache in my feet, going all the way up the leg was definitely a thing. (If you are going to give this a try, be sure to go slowly — wearing the barefoot shoe for short periods of time and building up to a full day.)

The only problem, though, was that the bulk of these shoes were not cute. I would look down at my feet and think, “I’m wearing clown shoes.” But, I stuck with my unfashionable shoes and my toes can now move around like never before — the way they are supposed to. (Note: overall, comfy shoes are much better looking now than when I began this process.)

There are zero-drop shoes and there are minimalist shoes (like the Vivo Barefoot I mentioned earlier, as well as what I call my “frog feet” shoes — Vibram Five Fingers* — which they now do a nice job of disguising, but when I first started wearing them they were really goofy looking).

The point of minimalist shoes is to allow your feet to use all those muscles that become under-utilized when wearing modern comfy, squishy shoes. There are a lot of muscles in your feet and all those muscles connect to all those other muscles and ligaments and tendons and joints going all the way up the chain -- you know, the foot bone is connected to the ankle bone…. (For a little look at what’s going on down there: (Card and Bordoni 2020).

As we have all experienced, when your feet hurt, everything hurts.

I have written a little bit about plantar fasciitis and heel spurs here. 

Without going into specific foot problems, a place to start for sore feet would be my go-to combination for all things joints/muscles: Arnica/Ruta/Rhus. See here and here.

Why Arnica, Ruta and Rhus?

Arnica is the first remedy to think about for trauma/injury. Excellent for bruising and muscle pain, in general.

Ruta is good for connective tissues -- tendons and ligaments as well as stiffness.

Rhus tox is a go-to for joint issues and is highly indicated in the following specific feet issues:

• aching feet
• sore feet due to exertion
• while sitting
• in the morning
• walking/movement helps
• restlessness feet
• stiff feet

If you want to get a little more specific, rather than taking a combo remedy, try one of these remedies on for size…

Foot pain that extends upward: Ledum palustre
As if sprained: Arnica or Rhus tox
Toenail injuries: Arnica or Hypericum
Cramps: Mag-phos or Calc carb
Pain while sitting (the pain lessens during continued movement) & feels better in warmth: Rhus tox
Pain while standing: Ruta
Sole pain: Causticum
Shooting pain or tearing pain: Kali-carb

Take a step in the right direction and try some homeopathy and see if you can get a little relief for those sore tootsies.


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits

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

Reference list

Card, R. K. and Bordoni, B., 2020. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Foot Muscles [online]. PubMed. 

Kassel, G., 2022. What’s the Deal with Zero-Drop Shoes? [online]. Shape. 

Vibram, 2023. FiveFingers: The Original Barefoot Toe Shoes | Vibram [online]. 

Vivo Barefoot, 2023. Shoespiracy 2| Vivobarefoot | USA [online]. www.vivobarefoot.com.

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. 

Rufus is a big dog and he most likely suffers from the hip joint problems these big fellows are known to endure. He’s been slowing down for a while now and we dare not take him on a long off-road walk because there would be no carrying him back home if he decided to sit down and be done with the walk.

The other day, poor old Rufus couldn’t (or wouldn’t) get up to get his breakfast. He had to have his back end lifted for him to get him on his way. He seemed fine the day before. Fine is relative here. It always seems an effort for him to stand up. There is almost always a groan and a sudden drop when he tries to make himself comfy.

Having no idea what happened to Ruf — did he injure his leg or back or is it just the old age aches of a big dog — I wasn’t sure where to start and he wasn’t helping me figure it out.

After being helped up, he had his breakfast and took himself outside for a bit and plopped back down in his cool room. 

I brought him a homeopathic T-Relief spiked treat*.

T-Relief used to be known as Traumeel and was one of the first homeopathic remedies that I began using on my own. It’s a homeopathic mix which covers a lot of ground:

Arnica — Joint, back, muscle pain
Calendula — pain reliever 
Hamamelis — a good remedy to think of when Arnica didn’t act.
Bellis Perennis — joint and muscle soreness
Belladonna —  pain reliever
Hypericum — nerve pain (see “Poked by a Branch” blog)
Ruta — tendons and ligaments
And a few more remedies thrown in for good measure. 

A lot of homeopaths don’t like the combination remedies. Could an injury or pain be more specifically addressed through a targeted remedy? You bet. But, in a pinch and when you don’t have the working knowledge to guide you to the “correct” remedy, combination remedies can often quickly get you the relief you need.

And, for Rufus, it did just that.

He lounged most of the day, as usual, and he was able to get up for his dinner, albeit slower than usual. A few more doses of T-Relief put him back on track.

If you or your loved one or beloved pet is suffering from aches and pains, contact classicallypractical.com to see if homeopathy can help.

[In writing this article, I see Medinatura also offers a line of Pet products. I have not tried them. The ingredients and price appear to be identical to the people version.]

* I crush the tablet with the back of a spoon or the flat part of a knife and pick up the powder on a piece of meat or cheese and give it to him that way. They can also be put directly in the mouth, between the gum and cheek.
​
** Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.