Homeopathic First Aid Help Yourself Heal Faster Naturally By Heather Caruso B.Sc., DHMS, HD $34.50-1 -
In any emergency situation, call 9-1-1 or get medical attention immediately. In any emergency situation where someone s life is at stake, go to your emergency department or call 9-1-1. Assess the situation and if you are in over your head, don t hesitate to seek help. Homeopathic remedies are excellent to use until the paramedics arrive. They can be used on any age, illness and on pets, too. I have personally witnessed a miracle with the remedy called Arnica Montana. My son was born breech and had severe damage to the nerves in his arm. He was diagnosed with Erb s Palsy and his one arm just hung there. The doctors had told me to expect the worst: he would have one useless arm and it would be smaller than the other. I did not find that acceptable and I took him to a homeopath. She recommended he take Arnica. Our next trip to Sick Kids for physiotherapy on his arm proved homeopathy s power. They were doing physio on the wrong arm! They couldn t tell which side was the one affected and he was back to normal! That experience among others was one of the turning points in my life to choose a new career of homeopathic medicine. In any emergency situation, you should never refuse traditional medical treatment. There may be further damage that needs to be assessed. It is wise to always be thoroughly checked out to know what you are dealing with. I had once been dragged over a curb by my rambunctious golden retriever. It turned my ankle right over, farther than I would have expected it to go without a break. It proceeded to swell, turn blue, then black and cause me to limp. I had taken two remedies: Ledum and Arnica Montana. I did get an X- ray to determine if there was a broken bone. Once you get the knowledge of what you are working with, you can better choose remedies to suit your needs. Symphytum would be an excellent remedy to help heal fractures and breaks. I hope that you will use homeopathic remedies along with modern medicine. That way, you will get the best of both worlds. Please keep in mind that there are many more homeopathic remedies that may be useful to you. This is a list of a small handful of common remedies for first aid. Please consult with your doctor or homeopath if you are unsure how to treat yourself. WHAT IS HOMEOPATHY? Homeopathic medicine is a safe and gentle medicine that has been used for over 200 years. Samuel Hahnemann developed this art of homeopathy in the 1700 s although it was used in ancient times by some of the major healers like Aristotle. It is practiced by many physicians in England, France and India. In North America it is gaining much popularity. Homeopathy is based on the principle of like cures like. This means that a substance in its crude form can cause illness in normal people. For example, when we cut an onion (a vegetable in its crude form), our eyes and nose water and run. When it is diluted into a homeopathic form, it can treat exactly those symptoms. When you take a remedy, it makes your body recognize those artificial symptoms as abnormal. It in turn stimulates your body to take action and dispels these symptoms safely and effectively. It is similar to an inoculation, except it is harmless and it is matched to both your physical and emotional symptoms. - 2 -
HOMEOPATHIC SELF-PRESCRIBING -- HOW TO CHOOSE THE CORRECT SINGLE REMEDY Homeopathic self-prescribing can be very rewarding. With any self-prescribing, please keep in mind that you may need the help of a professional homeopath. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SELF-PRESCRIBING Homeopathic case taking is an art and takes some skill and experience to perfect. Homeopathy requires a different manner of case assessment than traditional medicine. The more detailed information you acquire about the person s symptoms, the easier it is to prescribe accurately. One needs to write everything down. The following approach for prescribing for oneself is an adaption of the book Homeopathic Self Care by Robert Ullman and Judith Reichenberg-Ullman. Observation When taking a case, observe, listen and then ask questions. By observing, you would note things such as their facial expression, skin tone (pale, flushed, sweaty), body posture, the throat, eyes, ears, etc. You may notice that they have perspiration or discharges (like tears, and runny noses) with a particular consistency, colour or odour. Make note of the person s facial expression, such as frowning, smiling or a pained look. Gestures such as scratching, repetitive movements, trembling and blinking are significant. Notice what environment is preferred such as a dark place, sauna, bathtub, under warm blankets, outdoors in open air or in closed environment like indoors. Listening Listen to the language the sick person uses to describe their symptoms. Asking openended questions is better, such as tell me more to get information in the patient s words. If they say, I feel like I am being threatened or attacked, write those symptoms down in their words. It is easier to research and review that information. It is hard to recall the subtleties of a case without good notes. Ask Questions Once your client has finished telling you about their problem in their own words, you can begin to ask questions. You can solicit more information by asking questions like: When did your symptoms start? How long have you had them? Do you know what caused your problem? When do your symptoms come on, time of day, season etc.? Is there anything that brings out the symptoms or makes you feel better or worse? Do you notice any difference in other environments? How is your mood with all that is going on? If you could rate the symptom on a scale of one out of ten, what would it be? 10 for very intense, 1 for barely there. How is your appetite or thirst? Do you have any cravings, aversion or aggravations from food and drink? Is there anything unusual about your symptoms? - 3 -
Picking the Remedy Write down your important symptoms and look up the remedies under the disorder that matches your condition. If the symptoms are strong, they must be covered in that remedy. If there are any mental or emotional symptoms present, they must also be included. It is easier to find a remedy when unusual symptoms are present as compared to only common ones. For example, there are at least a hundred remedies for the common cold. However, if there are a few strange, rare and peculiar symptoms, it can cut that list down considerably. For example, people who have a cough who need the remedy Bryonia, tend to be very irritable and want to be left alone. They are thirsty and don t want to be moved. These symptoms are unusual for a cough and are found in only four remedies. That cuts the list down considerably. By reading the description of the remedies, you can differentiate between them. Under each remedy heading, the symptoms that are strong or common to that remedy are marked in bold. If you match to a few of the bold symptoms, you may try that remedy. You will never match every single symptom of the remedy. Usually you would want at least three of your main symptoms to match a remedy. If none of the remedies match your symptoms, seek the help of a professional or do more research. What Should I Expect from a Homeopathic Medicine? Once you have taken the remedy, you must know what to expect for a response to know when to re-dose it or change your selection. There are a few scenarios that may appear: No change: After a few doses on the remedy, you notice there is no change in the intensity of your symptoms. You likely do not have the right remedy. You can try a different remedy or you may need help from a professional homeopath. There is some change for the better: You have found some of your symptoms less intense or gone all together. The medicine has acted. You can stop the remedy and wait until you need another dose (when the symptoms return.) There is complete relief: The remedy has worked beautifully and all symptoms are gone. Only repeat this medicine if you have a relapse. Symptoms are aggravated and there is no improvement: If you find you have felt worse after taking the remedy and the symptoms are the same, you either have the incorrect remedy or you have antidoted it, meaning cancelled it, which results in no improvement after the aggravation. (Read on about antidotes to remedies.) If you have antidoted or cancelled it, you can re-administer the remedy. If it is a chronic disease, you can wait a day or two to see if the symptoms abate. You can choose another remedy if there is no improvement or seek the help of a professional homeopath. Symptoms are worse but improvement follows: The medicine is correct so only repeat the dose as needed. Sometimes people have a slight aggravation from the remedies after they are prescribed. This is the body s way of fending off symptoms by recognizing them and then releasing them. The original symptoms go away and then a new set appear: The remedy picture has changed. Sometimes people have layers of symptoms like an onion - 4 -
has layers. They may have released one layer and exposed a past layer that needs to be healed. It could also mean that a different remedy needs to be prescribed to cure the case. What we gather from above is not to re-dose a remedy if it is acting. Only take the remedy again if you have a relapse or have antidoted it. You can take the remedy in a 6 to 30 CH, four pellets under the tongue, two to three times a day. In acute conditions you can take the remedy every fifteen minutes and reduce the dose as needed. You can safely take them for a few days and then wait and see what happens. If you have an improvement or aggravation, stop taking the remedy and wait. Less is more with homeopathic prescribing. Antidotes to Homeopathic Remedies Some things such as camphor, mint, strong odours, coffee, drugs, X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs and electric blankets are known to antidote or counteract remedies. These strong flavours are said to antidote the remedies because the very gentle remedies can t compete with them. Coffee affects the nervous system but tea is said to be less injurious to the remedies. Dosing the Remedy Usually people would take their homeopathic remedy in a 30CH potency in a pellet or liquid form. Pellets are taken two or four at a time or drops are taken ten at a time, under the tongue. They have to be taken away from consuming meals or drinks by at least half an hour. In acute conditions, take the remedy every 15 minutes for a few hours. You can take the remedy less frequently as your symptoms improve. Lower potencies like those under a 6 CH dilution, have some molecules of the original mother tincture left. Therefore, a low potency is not suitable for remedies that are made from heavy metals or other potential poisons. Any dilution above a 6 CH has no potential side effects. The higher the number of the potency, the more often it is used to treat the person s constitution, emotional or mental state. Lower potencies are more often used to treat the physical body. For example, if you sprain your ankle, you may use a Ledum 6 CH. Lower dilutions often have to be dosed more frequently than higher dilutions. However, it is best to start with a lower potency and increase it as needed. Start with a 12 or 30 CH initially. When taking a remedy over time, its effectiveness may wear off and a higher potency may be required. Homeopathic remedies don t necessarily have to be prescribed daily; one dose may suffice. However, in an acute condition you may take the remedy every 15 minutes for a few hours as needed. If there is an improvement or worsening, stop the remedy. When you are dealing with a chronic condition, you may take the remedy for a few weeks before you see a change. Be sure to read the previous section on what to expect when taking a homeopathic remedy to know when to stop or re-dose the remedy. HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR FIRST AID ABSCESSES - 5 -
According to Wikipedia, abscesses are defined as a collection of pus (dead neutrophils) that has accumulated in a cavity formed by the tissue on the basis of an infectious process (usually caused by bacteria or parasites) or other foreign materials (e.g. splinters, bullet wounds, or injecting needles). It is a defensive reaction of the tissue to prevent the spread of infectious materials to other parts of the body. The organisms or foreign materials kill the local cells, resulting in the release of toxins. The toxins trigger an inflammatory response, which draws large numbers of white blood cells to the area and increases the regional blood flow. The final structure of the abscess is an abscess wall, or capsule, that is formed by the adjacent healthy cells in an attempt to keep the pus from infecting neighboring structures. However, such encapsulation tends to prevent immune cells from attacking bacteria in the pus, or from reaching the causative organism or foreign object. It may also be caused by a bacterial infection. In extreme cases, sepsis may occur and doctors may need to administer a broad spectrum antibiotic. Doctors may also recommend topical cream and surgery to remove the abscess. Homeopathic Remedies for Abscesses Hepar Sulphur Swelling is very hot to the touch These types are very chilly and want to be covered up Pains are sticking or stabbing in character Abscesses may have small pimply eruptions around it These lesions easily expel pus Emotionally, these people are very irritable These types are aggravated by dry, cold wind and touch They are helped by wrapping themselves up and staying warm Pyrogen Swellings are very foul smelling The lesion may show a red streak extending from the lesion (this may indicate sepsis or blood poisoning) These types are very chatty Silica Discharge that is thin, irritating and has an offensive odour Abscesses may form after being vaccinated They may have a great thirst and are very chilly Types that are aggravated by touch, cold and damp weather Types helped by warmth and heat - 6 -
BEE STINGS If you have anaphylactic shock to bee stings, use an epi-pen and call 9-1-1 immediately. Homeopathic remedies are not to replace these methods but work in conjunction with them. A bee sting strictly means a sting from a bee but can be a sting of a bee, wasp, hornet or yellowjacket. Some people may even call the bite of a horsefly a bee sting. The stings of most of these species can be quite painful and are therefore an object of dread for many humans. In people who are allergic to bee stings, a sting may trigger a dangerous anaphylactic reaction that is potentially deadly. Homeopathic Remedies for Bee Stings Apis Mellifica Bites or stings are swollen, sensitive and sore They swell rapidly after the bite occurs Types that are aggravated by heat and touch Types ameliorated by cold compresses and ice Belladonna Bites rapidly swell and are hot Pains are quite intense The skin may be very red and then go pale The skin is very hot as if touching hot coals Types that are not thirsty and may have glassy-looking eyes with enlarged pupils Ledum This remedy is paramount for any puncture wounds The injured part may feel cold yet the person likes cold compresses or ice on it Swelling from the wounds Wounds are bruised for a long time after they are injured Worsened by movement and warmth Improved with cold compresses and rest BROKEN BONES/FRACTURES Broken bones take time to heal but homeopathic remedies can help the bone to knit back together more quickly. They speed healing, reduce inflammation and help with pain relief. Homeopathic Remedies for Broken Bones and Fractures - 7 -
With any of the following remedies you can alternate the remedy Arnica Montana 30 CH. This means you would take one dose of arnica and than a different remedy in between doses. Arnica is paramount to all healing. It should be reached for first in any injury and is a must in one s first aid kit. Arnica Montana A good remedy for people who feel sore, lame and bruised as if beaten Trauma is felt in the muscle tissues Good for acute injuries such as bumps, bruises and cuts These types find it difficult to get into a comfortable spot; every where they sit or lie seems too hard You can use Arnica internally or as a cream on sore spots, strains and injuries that are not open wounds. Calcarea Phos. Fractures that don t heal (non-union of the bone) People that tend to be thin and have weak or brittle bones Those who feel worse with weather changes Those prone to cramps and headaches Hekla Lava This is a small remedy. Bone injuries cause an enlargement or node in the bone tissue The jaw bone is often affected in this remedy Symphytum Injuries to the periosteum, cartilage and bone Fractures fail to heal and fail to heal well Eye pains following a blow (to the head? eye?) BRUISES Bruises occur after a trauma to the tissues. Some people tend to bruise more than others. These easy bruisers need a constitutional treatment, not an acute remedy. If you have recently injured yourself and have a bruise that you would like to heal, use the following remedies. Homeopathic Remedies for Bruises With any of the following remedies you can alternate the remedy Arnica Montana 30 CH. This means you would take one dose of arnica and then a different remedy in - 8 -
between doses. Arnica is paramount to all healing. It should be reached for first in any injury and is a must in one s first aid kit. Arnica Montana A good remedy for people who feel sore, lame and bruised as if beaten When trauma is felt in the muscle tissues Good for acute injuries such as bumps, bruises and cuts These types find it difficult to get into a comfortable spot; every where they sit or lie seems too hard You can use Arnica internally or as a cream on sore spots, strains and injuries that are not open wounds Lachesis Blue, purple or black discoloration to bruises Swellings in affected area Skin is stretched and dark The skin tends to show broken vessels easily Wounds may become infected and full of pus Improved by warmth and bleeding or discharges Ledum Bruises linger long after the injury Useful in eye injuries, swelling of the eye and pain Eye is contused and blood shows in the eyeball Contusions These types tend to suffer from gout and arthritis Cold ameliorates symptoms BURNS With any burn it is best to be checked by your medical doctor if the burn appears to be deep. Infection can be a consequence of burns and you want to be sure you protect yourself from suffering a staphylococcal infection. Any superficial burn can be treated at home. If you have a serious burn, do not delay with medical treatment. Homeopathic Remedies for Burns With any of the following remedies, you can alternate the remedy Arnica Montana 30 CH. This means you would take one dose of arnica and then a different remedy in - 9 -
between doses. Arnica is paramount to all healing. It should be reached for first in any injury and is a must in one s first aid kit. Arsenicum Album Common symptoms include: Skin looks like it has been seared Skin feels burnt The skin is very dry, scaly with flakes These burns are more like third degree burns These people are restless and anxious These types feel chilly and thirsty for small sips of water Cantharis Common symptoms include: Burns or scalds that cause blisters or fluid-filled vesicles Pains are cutting, burning and smarting Symptoms are improved by cold compresses Causticum Common symptoms include: The skin is raw, sore, cracked and fissured Eruptions itch and burn Old injuries like burns open up and don t heal These types feel well in damp and wet weather This remedy treats the effects of deep burns. CRAMPS There are many causes for cramps such as certain medications, over exertion, too much caffeine and a lack of calcium and magnesium. Cramps may affect people in the form of menstrual cramps, leg cramps and back spasms. Homeopathic Remedies for Cramps Cuprum Metallicum Common symptoms include: Spasms, cramps, convulsions that begin in the fingers and toes Cramps that are violent and intermittent Cramps in palms, soles and hands Types that are worse before their menstrual flow and from contact Types that are better drinking cold water and perspiring This remedy is useful for spasms, convulsions and epileptic attacks Magnesia Phos. Considered to be the homeopathic version of aspirin, common indications include: - 10 -
Muscle pains that feel better with heat Pains that usually feel cramping, tight, and sharp The sensation of a lightening stitch Pain that feels unbearable and drives person from place to place Types that feel better with pressure or warmth on the affected muscle and worse for cold air and motion. CUTS AND SCRAPES Cuts and scrapes often heal in time. However, homeopathic remedies can help to reduce pain and speed healing time. Homeopathic Remedies for Cuts and Scrapes With any of the following remedies you can alternate the remedy Arnica Montana 30 CH. This means you would take one dose of arnica and then a different remedy in between doses. Arnica is paramount to all healing. It should be reached for first in any injury and is a must in one s first aid kit. Arnica Montana People who feel sore, lame and bruised as if beaten Trauma that is felt in the muscle tissues Acute injuries such as bumps, bruises and cuts Types that find it difficult to get into a comfortable spot; every where they sit or lie seems too hard You can use Arnica internally or as a cream on sore spots, strains and injuries that are not open wounds Bellis Perennis This is the first remedy to reach for after a deep incision from surgery or injuries like deep lacerations. Other common indications include: Injuries to the nerves and when sore and worse from bathing Sore muscles and lameness When aggravated by cold and hot bathing and by cold wind Staphysagria Common symptoms include: Tissues that are lacerated from surgery; including knife wounds, episiotomy Emotionally very sensitive types Worsened by least touch and loss of fluids EYE INJURIES For any eye injury it is best to seek medical treatment to ensure that any foreign objects are removed and the eye can be assessed for the degree of damage. - 11 -
Homeopathic Remedies for Eye Injuries With any of the following remedies you can alternate the remedy Arnica Montana 30 CH. This means you would take one dose of arnica and then a different remedy in between doses. Arnica is paramount to all healing. It should be reached for first in any injury and is a must in one s first aid kit. Arnica Montana A good remedy for people who feel sore, lame and bruised as if beaten Trauma is felt in the muscle tissues Good for acute injuries such as bumps, bruises and cuts These types find it difficult to get into a comfortable spot; every where they sit or lie seems too hard You can use Arnica internally or as a cream on sore spots, strains and injuries that are not open wounds Coccus Cacti Distress from splinters in the eye Dull pains in the eye (especially the right eye) Sensation of a foreign body lodged in between upper lid and eyeball Ledum Bruises linger long after the injury Useful in eye injuries, swelling of the eye and pain Eye is contused and blood shows in the eyeball Contusions For types that tend to suffer from gout and arthritis When cold alleviates symptoms FOOD POISONING When Should a Doctor be Contacted? if you suffer from a sore neck or headache if you have signs of being dehydrated such as excessive thirst, urine that is infrequent and dark yellow, dry mouth, sunken face and eyes, skin that loses elasticity and doesn t bounce back when it is pinched the vomiting lasts more than eight hours there is blood or greenish bile in the vomit Tips for Vomiting Drink a lot of water or clear fluids. - 12 -
Fast for the day to take the pressure off the stomach. If you must eat, consume only bland foods. Avoid spices, fats and solid foods. Rest after you eat, so that you do not rile your stomach. Do not over consume any food or drinks. For morning sickness, eat small frequent meals and carry crackers to snack on. For motion sickness, try to focus on an object on the horizon. Ride in the front seat, not the back. If smells bother you, stay out of the kitchen whilst meals are being made or cook odourless food. Fresh air may help with nausea. Open a window or go outdoors. Homeopathic Remedies for Food Poisoning Arsenicum Album burning pains with abdominal distension may have both vomiting and diarrhea frequent vomiting of food and after motion and cold drinks or food watery, painful diarrhea sensitive to the smell of food cold and clammy with the feeling they can never get warm enough desires to sip hot drinks and warm applications despite burning sensation great thirst yet only takes small sips of hot water anxiety, restlessness with exhaustion relieved by hot drinks, warmth, motion and exercise worse after midnight, eating fruits, cold drinks, after eating, and during rest Ipecacuanha constant and continuous nausea retching, vomiting of blood and bile incessant inclination to vomit right after retching tongue is clean and uncoated despite nausea vomiting from coughing stitching and cutting pains in the abdomen stomach feels like it is hanging loose aversion to food vomiting of white mucous aggravated by motion, overeating, stooping, pork, fats, pastry and candy better in open air Veratrum Album sudden loss of strength - 13 -
weakness with trembling projectile vomiting cough with vomiting cold sensation in the stomach profuse, cold sweat on the forehead violent nausea and vomiting watery diarrhea simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea gripping colic pains mentally these types are haughty and may have hallucinations when ill craving for sour fruits, lemons, salt and ice worse with least motion, drinking, perspiration pain from exertion and fright relieved by pressure on the head, walking and from stimulants MUSCLE PAINS For avid gardeners and golfers, a sore back is a real bummer! If you have chronic pain or a recent injury, homeopathic remedies can really help you to feel more limber again. Homeopathic Remedies for Muscle Pains With any of the following remedies you can alternate the remedy Arnica Montana 30 CH. This means you would take one dose of arnica and then a different remedy in between doses. Arnica is paramount to all healing. It should be reached for first in any injury and is a must in one s first aid kit. Arnica Montana For people who feel sore, lame and bruised as if beaten Trauma felt in the muscle tissues Acute injuries such as bumps, bruises and cuts Types that find it difficult to get into a comfortable spot; every where they sit or lie seems too hard You can use Arnica internally or as a cream on sore spots, strains and injuries that are not open wounds Magnesia Phos. Considered to be the homeopathic version of aspirin, common indications include: muscle pains that are better for heat Pains that usually feel cramping, tight, and sharp People with the sensation of a lightening stitch Pains that can feel unbearable and drive the afflicted from place to place Improved with pressure and warmth on the affected muscle and worsened by cold air and motion. - 14 -
Rhus Tox. An excellent remedy for joint pains where the person feels much better moving, other common indications include: Limbering up after moving Stiffness felt when lying, sitting or sleeping Types that feel worse from dampness and cold Symptoms that are improved by being warm and moving SUNSTROKE The symptoms of sunstroke are high fever, chills, convulsions and even coma. Homeopathic Remedies for Sunstroke Belladonna Symptoms of sunstroke where violent shooting pains in the head come and go Pains make the person scream The head may be hot and the feet are cold They may be delirious and hallucinate with heat stroke Eyes look glassy Face is red and hot to touch Glonoine Headache that is throbbing and synchronous with the pulse Sensation as if the blood vessels in the head may burst Even moving the head feels as if the head would fall apart The veins may be distended, but this symptom is not necessary for the prescription Homeopathic remedies can be very effective in healing first aid conditions. Do not hesitate to seek medical treatment in the case of an emergency. If you find your symptoms do not improve, seek the help of a qualified homeopath. You can look online for a list of homeopaths in Ontario at www.ontariohomeopath.com. If you would like more information on homeopathy, you can sign up for a free e- newsletter at www.carusohomeopathy.com. There are many interesting tidbits of information on health and diet. - 15 -
As part of a free health promotion from our clinic, Caruso Homeopathic Clinic invites you to enjoy our educational health blog or a free health pass. They are completely risk free. EDUCATIONAL HEALTH BLOG! We now have a blog attached to our website! If you would like to subscribe to it, you can do so by going to http://carusohomeopathy.blogspot.com/ and hitting the subscribe to button at the bottom of the blog. I hope to keep it interesting and informative about news, upcoming events Caruso Homeopathic Clinic 595 Woolwich Street, Guelph Ontario, N1H 3Y5 519 827 9237 Toll Free 1 866 249 5755 www.carusohomeopathy.com - 16 -