If you or a member of your family is due to undergo a surgical procedure, it is worth remembering the power of homeopathy to support your recovery. There are a number of homeopathic remedies which are effective in post-operative recovery. The right remedy can significantly reduce pain, swelling and bruising, and prevent or heal infection in the wound.
The following five remedies are those recommended as a basic post-operative first aid kit. Choose the remedy or remedies that most closely correspond to your symptoms, and take a dose periodically until your recovery is well under way. For further advice and information about how to take the remedies, see my free e-book on first aid prescribing.
Arnica is the first remedy to take in any situation involving physical or emotional trauma. It can be taken routinely after any surgical procedure (including c-section childbirth) or dental work, and will boost your body’s ability to heal itself. Arnica has been shown to reduce bruising and swelling and prevent haemorrhage, and will reduce recovery time.
Bellis Perennis will be especially helpful following abdominal, pelvic or breast surgery. It is also indicated when swelling remains after a course of Arnica.
Calendula is effective in preventing post-operative infection in the surgical wound, and like Arnica can be used routinely. Calendula also promotes closure of surgical wounds (and because of this it is imperative they are kept scrupulously clean). In addition, Calendula is helpful in reducing pain in the wound, and will stop bleeding promptly after dental extraction (Arnica will also help here).
Chamomilla is a valuable remedy when there is intense pain after surgery. It is especially indicated where acute pain makes the individual angry and fretful, and is often accompanied by hot sweat and restlessness. It is one of our most important remedies for severe toothache, and can be used in dental treatment to reduce pain during a procedure.
Hypericum is also known as the ‘Arnica of the nerves’, and is a very useful remedy in surgical cases where there is acute nerve pain, especially following surgery (or injury) to parts which are rich in sensory nerves, for example, hands and feet, spine, brain or facial surgery. It will relieve the pain in injuries to the coccyx (eg in childbirth). It will help in cases where the site of the surgery is acutely sensitive and painful to touch. Its analgesic (pain relieving) properties also make it invaluable before and after painful dental treatment. The tincture of Hypericum can be used topically to swab the area when regular injections are required and the site becomes acutely painful.
There are many other remedies that are frequently used and effective in post operative recovery. Staphysagria is an important remedy which is very helpful for pain following invasive procedures (including colonoscopy or catheterisation), slow healing following deep surgical procedures, and where there is concern about peritonitis following abdominal surgery. Phosphorus is the main remedy for the bad effects of anaesthesia, with nausea and vomiting, or general difficulty in recovering from anaesthetics. It can also be useful in excessive bleeding following dental work. Millefolium (which is in the same botanical family as Arnica) has a special relationship to haemorrhage, and if there has been a previous history of surgical haemorrhage, it can be helpful to take Millefolium before any further procedures (including dental work).
For further information and advice about homeopathic treatment, please get in touch.
Hi, I wondered if you could help me please. I am undergoing a total hip replacement at the weekend and wondered which remedies and at what dose I can to take that will help me post-op. as I am unable to take oral anti-inflammatory medication as it affects my stomach and kidneys. I have some Arnica but it went out of date at the end of 2015 is it still safe to use?
I would appreciate your advice
Regards Lynda Dean
Hi Lynda, thanks for getting in touch. The Arnica you have will be fine to take. There is a statutory requirement for ‘Use By’ labelling, but remedies do not lose their effectiveness after this date. Arnica can be used routinely post-op, but other remedies would need to be selected according to your individual circumstances. You are welcome to get in touch to discuss further. Good luck with your forthcoming surgery. With best wishes, Karen
I just had rotator cuffs surgery done arthroscopicly and the surgeon said the rotator cuff had been shredded because of bone spurs. I would like to find a remedy that would internally help Restore the tissue on the rotator cuff.
Hi Trish, it is difficult to say whether homeopathy may be able to help, without taking a more detailed case history. You would be welcome to book a free discovery call with me to discuss further: https://karenleadbeater.co.uk/work-with-me/. Best wishes, Karen
Hi Karen, any suggestions for post operative depression? Even though I have been physically recovering well, I feel like a sad recluse. I suspect the anesthesia and antibiotics didn’t help. Thank you so much ❤️.
Hi Kelly, thanks for your question. I am mindful that there is possibly a bigger picture here, and I don’t know anything about your history or the emotional impact of your surgery, of course. You might want to think about whether it might be helpful to work with a homeopath with this in mind. If you suspect that the problem may be partly due to the effects of anaesthesia, you could read up homeopathic Phosphorus and see if this fits your symptoms, as a first step. Best wishes, Karen
Good evening – my partner us just back home following reconstruction to a blocked superior vena cava. Scar tissue has blocked it since birth. It has twice been attempted to break the scar tissue and stent the blocked area but failed. On this third occasion it has worked and there are now 4 stents. He is taking arnica and I wonder what emse might help.
Hi Patricia, thanks for getting in touch. I am pleased to hear that your partner’s recent surgery has been successful. Regarding additional homeopathic support, it is best to work with a homeopath in this situation, as it would need careful monitoring. Do you have someone local to you who you could consult? If you do not have anyone near you, I offer online consulting and would be happy to discuss further. I hope all continues well for your partner. Best wishes, Karen
Hi, my poor Mum is just home after large hernia repair & pancreas spleen & some intestine removed due to cancer. She spent 3 months in hospital. I’m going to look after her from Sunday & want to buy her some homepathiic remedies. She’s very fragile, crying lots feeling very vunverable & depressed. Her wound is still weeping. Please advise
Hi Joanne, I am sorry to hear about your mum’s situation, and I can understand your wish to help her with homeopathy. On an initial ‘first aid’ basis you might want to look up the remedies Bellis perennis and Calendula to see whether you feel they fit. Calendula is a natural ‘antiseptic’ and promotes healing post surgery, Bellis is often indicated in healing after abdominal surgery specifically. However in this situation I would really recommend you have a homeopath on board to offer more specific professional advice to aid your mum’s recovery. There will be other remedies that might help her. She will also of course be monitored by her surgical team, but homeopathy will be a good addition to her care. If you have a local homeopath you could get in touch with them, or if you would like to have a chat with me you can book a free 15 minute zoom call here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19077393 Good luck and best wishes to you both, Karen
Hi there I recently had a biopsy on my nose and took arnica for 48 hours before switching to a post surgery formula of calendula hypericum and arnica but have noticed the site is very red and now discharging small amounts of infection fluid. I will see my GP tomorrow but wondered if there’s a good remedy to be taking and in what quantity? Many thanks
Hi Pauline, my apologies for not seeing your comment sooner. Any suggestions I can offer now may be no longer relevant, but there are remedies to consider in this situation. The main one is Calendula, as it is indicated for suppurating wounds. I would also read up on Gunpowder as a homeopathic remedy, and also Hepar sulph, especially if the area is sensitive to touch. I hope you are recovering well. Best wishes, Karen
I shall be having surgery under general anaesthetic for Dupytrens contracture L hand next month. I am frightened at the thought of anaesthetic and also have anxiety about the wound getting infected &/or not healing. Which remedies & potencies would you reccomend and when should I take them.
Hi Heather, good luck with your upcoming surgery. You can certainly take Arnica routinely to support your recovery, and I suggest you also read up on the remedy Ruta grav. For more personalised support you would be well advised to work with a homeopath to ensure the best remedy matches, and the optimum dosage and potency for your individual situation. I offer acute and first aid appointments for post-operative recovery, which include a 30 minute consultation, remedies posted to you, and a brief follow up call post surgery. This can be booked here: https://karenleadbeater.co.uk/work-with-me/. Best wishes, Karen
My son just had a major repair on his tendon and is in a lot of pain what would you recommend please.
Hi Joan, thanks for your question. Straightforward recovery support such as that described in my blog post, can be done at home without professional support. However in your son’s situation he would get the best results with professional care. There are a number of remedies that correspond to acute post operative pain, and connective tissue repair and healing, depending on how he is experiencing the symptoms. I offer post operative professional treatment, which you can access via the Work with Me page on my website. I wish your son well with his recovery! Best wishes, Karen
On Wednesday I’m due to have a lobectomy due to a potentially sinister nodule. I’m assured that once the operation is done, I will be cured. I’m now very concerned about the healing process and wondered if there was any remedy in particular that could help heal my poor lung and the various keyholes. I’ve had tremendous success with homeopathy in the past and actually managed to conquer Crohn’s disease, much to the medical profession’s amazement! I think they thought it was them, but it certainly wasn’t!
I am very frightened of this coming procedure.
Hi Sally, thanks for your question. In this situation it is always best to work closely with a professional homeopath for the best results, with personalised support and prescribing. As you previously worked with a homeopath I would very much encourage you to go back to them – if it is possible – as they know your case best and were able to help you before. Wishing you all the best for your surgery, and a speedy recovery. Best wishes, Karen
Please can you recommend something for effects of painkillers on my stomach after hip replacement.
I am someone who is unused to painkillers and I.m waiting to get in touch with my homeopath.
I feel a little nauseous and dizzy at times
Thank you.
Hi Vivienne, thanks for your question. Unfortunately there isn’t just one remedy for the effects of painkillers on the stomach, as it depends on the exact way you are experiencing the symptoms. If you have a homeopath it is always best to check with them for a more personalised recommendation, including perhaps a homeopathic prescription for pain relief to reduce your reliance on the painkillers. I wish you well with your recovery. Best wishes, Karen
Hi. My son had a mole removed on his face. And now there is a bit of numbness and a little swelling. What homeopathic medicine should I give him?
Hi Beverly, thanks for your question. However without knowing a lot more about your son’s case, it would not be appropriate for me to make a treatment recommendation. Is this immediately following surgery, for example, or some time later? What do his doctors advise about this numbness and swelling? If you would like to seek individualised homeopathic care, I suggest you contact a local homeopath. I hope your son makes a good recovery. Best wishes, Karen
I am due to have a hysterectomy in a few weeks and intend to stock up on all the remedies you listed above including Staphysagria and Phosphorus. I’m confused about when they should be taken (how many times a day – all at once etc.) and what strengths to get. I’m in my seventies and very anxious about the upcoming procedure. Would TripleA help with the pre-op anxiety and is so what strength? Any help appreciated, thank you.
Hi Elaine, thanks for your question, and I wish you well with the upcoming surgery. It may be worth considering an advice only acute consultation, so I can give you more individual recommendations for remedies and dosage, depending on your individual case. Best wishes, Karen