Two years ago I published a blog post entitled Nine Remedies for the Emergency Room, in which I described the power of a well matched homeopathic remedy in situations of emergency first aid. There are so many more that I have decided to write about a further nine remedies. These are among the ones I prescribe most frequently in first aid situations, and prescribed accurately, will effect a rapid improvement in symptoms.
As ever, use your judgement and common sense in dealing with acute and first aid situations. Seek urgent medical advice and examination without delay if there is any cause for concern. If you have a homeopathic remedy kit, take it with you and administer remedies on the way to hospital or walk-in centre if appropriate.
For me, these tiny homeopathic treasures powerfully illustrate the place and value of homeopathy in first aid and emergency medicine.
Bryonia has a wide range of action, and is well known as a remedy for coughs and influenza, where the picture matches. Its great benefit in emergency cases is in conditions which are excessively painful, especially upon the slightest movement or exertion. It is especially helpful, for example, in shoulder injuries and frozen shoulder, knee injuries and knee surgery, carpal tunnel syndrome, stress fractures, and any other situation in which the pain is much worse on movement. Very typically, the person will feel some relief if the affected part is bandaged or otherwise immobilised, and they will often want firm pressure to help with the pain.
Cantharis is the first remedy to think of in painful burns, which often blister rapidly. The burning pain may be very violent and intense. This is one of my very favourite first aid remedies, as in many such cases Cantharis will relieve suffering swiftly – the pain typically reduces significantly soon after the first dose. Think of Cantharis in kitchen burns or scalds, for example.
Carbolicum acidum (Carb-ac) is a less well known remedy, which has an important place in emergency medicine. It is used for anaphylaxis following bee and other insect stings, with characteristic swelling of the face and tongue. I recommend to my clients who are especially susceptible to insect stings that they keep a small kit of remedies in their bag alongside their Epipen, and this would include Carb-ac and Apis, among others.
Conium is a remedy which has a wide range of uses in treating chronic health problems, but in first aid it is used in the treatment of injuries. Conium is beneficial in injuries to soft tissues and glands, with a characteristic induration or hardening of the affected area. For example, injuries to the breasts which produce a hard and painful lump correspond to Conium, which will often help in such cases (compare Bellis-p).
Hepar sulph is a key remedy used in the treatment of infected wounds and abscesses. It is especially indicated where the site is intensely sensitive and painful to touch, with pain that is typically sharp, stabbing or splinter-like.
Millefolium is a remedy which is best known for its use in haemorrhage, and in particular it is used in first aid treatment for haemorrhages following injury. It is said to be especially indicated in wounds that bleed profusely following a fall (compare Arnica). Millefolium can be given prophylactically to patients with a history of bleeding, before they undergo surgery.
Nux vomica is a well known homeopathic remedy, with a wide sphere of action in both chronic and first aid treatment. As a first aid remedy, it is particularly known for its use in conditions attended by abdominal cramping and nausea, where the picture matches. For example, it is used in situations where there is persistent nausea, but the urge to vomit is ineffectual. Nux vomica is also helpful for individuals who react badly to certain drugs, which produce digestive and neurological side effects.
Silica has an important use in first aid. Its best known and primary use is in the removal of foreign bodies, for example, thorns and splinters, that have become lodged in the body and are difficult to remove manually. Silica has an especially powerful centrifugal action, and will push foreign bodies to the surface. NB Caution should be taken if you have a stent or pacemaker fitted, as prolonged use of Silica, while it would be unlikely to push out the device, could in theory affect its function in some way. However, fillings, crowns and dental implants appear not to be affected.
Staphysagria is a helpful remedy for pain following invasive procedures (including colonoscopy, catheterisation), slow healing following deep surgical procedures, and where there is concern about peritonitis following abdominal surgery.
If you would like further information about first aid prescribing in homeopathy, and when and how you can use the remedies for first aid treatment at home, you can download my free e-book My Top Ten Homeopathic Remedies here.
Some first aid situations are beyond the scope of self-prescribing, or may appear to be first aid or acute complaints, but are in fact flare-ups of a deeper, chronic condition. In either case you are welcome to contact me for further advice. Click here to send me an email.
Hello, Iām Karen.
I am a homeopath based in Tavistock, Devon, UK and I also consult locally and worldwide via Skype. I am a lecturer and clinical supervisor at the School of Homeopathy in Stroud, and offer supervision for qualified homeopaths and for students.
Would millefolium be indicated for post partum hemorrhage? Thanks!!
Hi Lindsey, yes, a good question – Millefolium is one of a number of remedies listed for postpartum haemorrhage, but this situation needs to be overseen by an experienced homeopath – it is beyond the scope of first aid prescribing.
Are there any other homeopathic remedies for anaphylaxis from insect stings and bites? Aside from Apis and Carb-ac?
Can these remedies also help with anaphylaxis due to peanut or egg allergies?
Thanks!
Hi Nancy, yes there are a number of possible remedies for anaphylaxis from insect stings. I generally recommend constitutional care for anyone who is susceptible, and then I can also put together a tailor made kit of remedies to carry in case of emergency. Peanut and egg allergies are also best addressed constitutionally – in emergencies Apis may sometimes be indicated, depending on the individual symptoms, but it is best to seek professional support and have suitable remedies to hand. It is also worth mentioning how important it is never to delay emergency care if anaphylaxis is suspected. Remedies can be taken on the way to hospital if you have a suitable remedy kit. Best wishes, Karen
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I have studied homeopathy for years and love learning. I look forward to more!!!!Thanks again for sharing . Jayne
I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed the blog post Jayne. There will definitely be more! š Best wishes, Karen
We take diatamacious earth every morning with Kombutcha. Teaspoon only… Is there a known problem with daily use?
Hi Lynn, in terms of professional advice this is beyond the scope of homeopathy, and you might want to check in with a nutritional therapist about it, to look at your individual case and what you are hoping to achieve. The main general concern is with the silica content, so it is very important to avoid inhaling diatomaceous earth. it is also advisable to take breaks from it rather than use continuously – e.g. two weeks on, two weeks off. I hope this helps, and good luck. Best wishes, Karen
I am confused with dosages. For a 6c dose vs a 30c dose, how many pills woyld be effective. I’ve read anywhere from 1- 5. That seems like a long stretch to me. I’m thinking an illness that’s more chronic than acute. Thanks.
Hi Rhonda, thanks for your question. The number of pills is much less important than the potency, and the repetition. This is because homeopathy provides an energetic stimulus rather than a material dose. One pill provides a similar energetic stimulus to 5 or 10 pills, if given at the same time. With chronic conditions it is best to work with a homeopath, as the potency, dosage and repetition is important, and much harder to work out on your own. Good luck and best wishes, Karen
Kindly suggest remedy for my wife 71yrs age.she is suffering from extreme breathlessness n water build up in stomach which is bloated,is under oxygen 24hrs.its impossible to do any physical activity.she is diabetic since 10yrs n is on insulin (mixtart),she has blood pressure n is taking allopathic medicines regularly.
Hi Saleem, thank you for your question. In chronic health problems – especially more complex situations such as your wife’s – it is very important to work closely with an experienced homeopath. I recommend that you contact a local homeopath and make an appointment. Good luck and best wishes, Karen
Hi
I have seen the amazing action of silica for expelling foreign objects. My husband had hand surgery and when the stitches were removed small bit of a stitch was left behind and with a couple of doses it was expelled. My question is this. I had a partial mastectomy 28 years ago and the internal wound was closed with metal clips. I am afraid to use silica despite its good properties because I don’t want these clips to be affected. Am I being over cautious?
Hi Elaine, you are right to be cautious, as Silica has a marked action in expelling foreign objects. In my experience a single dose when it is well indicated is unlikely to disrupt internal clips, plates or prosthetics, but repeated doses may be problematic. Check with your homeopathic practitioner before taking Silica, to discuss whether it is truly indicated, or whether there may be more suitable alternative remedies. Best wishes, Karen
Hello
I am curious about the use of Silica in diabetes with insulin pump. I have never used it because of the risk but would like to due to having very weak nails.
Hi Gennie, thanks for your question. There are all sorts of reasons why someone may have weak nails, and this would not always indicate a constitutional Silica picture. Especially with your diabetes in mind, it is advisable to work with a homeopath for constitutional care, rather than attempting to self prescribe. Good luck and best wishes, Karen