Arnica montana

Arnica montana is a sunflower-like plant from Europe. Historically, it has been used for its anti-inflammatory properties despite its moderate toxicity. Of course, with homeopathy, even the most poisonous of substances is safe once potentized.

I imagine that Arnica is the first remedy many of us learn to use. Injuries happen. Unlike many remedies, there is little room to misapply Arnica. Do you have a child learning to walk or ride a bike? When they fall, have Arnica at hand. Depending on the injury, Arnica may not be the end all be all remedy. But with most minor injuries of children, one dose of Arnica does the job. I personally have used Arnica on my kids and watched “goose eggs” shrink and blackening eyes un-blacken.

From Sue Meyer, “*Always give Arnica, in all cases of accident or injury, shock, is the great silent killer: 200c a.s.a.p. and again every 15 min. until outward symptoms subside. Even when unconscious, pellets given under the tongue or inside the cheek are safe. (Lyle W. Morgan Ph.D.,H.M.D.) (For shock, if patient says he is alright- give Arnica: if patient says he’s going to die- give Aconite.)”

See why I love Sue’s book? :-)

If someone says the bed is too hard, look to Arnica.

Soreness, bruises, sprains, blunt force injuries, surgeries, dental work, overwork of muscles, all kinds of hemorrhages- these all call for Arnica.

Worse from the least touch

Better from lying down or with head low

One caveat, don’t apply Arnica topically on broken skin. It will hurt.

Sources consulted were Homeopathic Materia Medica by William Boericke, M.D., Homeopathy for Mommies by Sue Meyer, and Wikipedia for source plant information.

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One caveat, don’t apply Arnica topically on broken skin. It will hurt.

Sources consulted were Homeopathic Materia Medica by William Boericke, M.D., Homeopathy for Mommies by Sue Meyer, and Wikipedia for source plant information.

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Apis Mellifica- The Honeybee

Apis Mellifica

Apis is a common remedy with an interesting history. According to Homeopathy Plus (https://homeopathyplus.com/know-your-remedies-apis-mellifica/), Apis was introduced into the pharmacopeia in 1847 right here in the U.S. New York physician, Dr. Marcy, saw dried, powdered honey bees cure a patient with severe swelling due to a kidney problem. The powdered honeybees were prescribed by a Native American medicine woman. As a result of this, Dr. Macy potentized and tested in provings this new remedy.

I suspect most of us know to reach for Apis when someone has been stung by a bee (or wasp or hornet or yellow jacket), but I was ignorant of its other uses. This is a great remedy all stings with a normal reaction- pain, swelling, stinging pain. [Incidentally, Sue Meyer states that for anaphylactic reactions to stings, reach for Carbolic ac first.]

Think of Apis when there is swelling, redness, and stinging pain, just like that bee sting.

Mentally, the Apis patient is anxious and restless. Patient wants to sleep but is too restless. If patient falls asleep, may wake screaming.

Pains are stinging. Watery swellings.

For any allergy symptom where there is swelling, puffy, dry, hot, shiny, skin affections. Red, puffy eyes with burning or stinging.

The Apis sore throat is swollen inside and out. Fiery red.

This remedy does have an affinity for kidney problems that result in swelling and dark colored, scanty urine. Burning bladder infections.

Worse from heat in any form, touch.

Better from cold and open air.

Sue Meyer does list one warning about Apis. Because of the action on the kidneys, Apis is not recommended in a lower potency than 30C during pregnancy.

Sources Homeopathy for Mommies by Sue Meyer, Homeopathic Materia Medica by William BOERICKE, M.D., and www.homeopathyplus.com

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(Yes, I am aware that those are bumblebees, not honeybees, but I didn't have a picture of a honeybee.)