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.

#RemedyReview

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.)

Antimonium tart

Antimony Potassium Tartrate

This remedy is a compound derived by reacting tartaric acid with potash. The salt of tartaric acid is commonly known at cream of tartar. The name derives from pot ash, which refers to plant ashes soaked in water in a pot, the primary means of manufacturing the product before the industrial era. The word potassium is derived from potash. Antimony is a chemical element with symbol Sb (from Latin: stibium) and atomic number 51.

[Antimony is below Arsenic and above Bismuth on the periodic table of elements. This is interesting to me because Antimonium tart has been used as en emetic to induce vomiting since the middle ages. We know that Arsenicum album is used to treat stomach problems. Bismuth (in Pepto Bismol) is also used to treat stomach problems. I know this was a tangent, but I thought it was interesting.]

Though traditionally non-homeopathically this substance has been used to cause vomiting, homeopathically it is typically used for respiratory problems.

The face of an Antimonium tart patient will be pale and sickly with dark circles around the eyes.

The keynote of this remedy is rattling of mucus in the chest with little expectoration. Ipecac has a similar rattling of mucus, but with great expulsive power, where Ant tart has weakness which does not allow great expectoration.

Patient will have much drowsiness, debility, and sweat. Sometimes described as an irresistible inclination to sleep. Vertigo alternates with drowsiness. Fear of being alone. Children who need this remedy will not be touched without whining.

Nausea in waves. Nausea, retching, vomiting bitter and sour things.

Coldness, chilliness, and trembling are also symptoms.

Worse from evening and lying down

Better from sitting erect, belching, and coughing up mucus.

Information gleaned from William Boericke’s Materia Medica, Lectures on Homepathic Medicine by J. T. Kent, Materia Medica of Homeopathic Medicines but S.R. Phatak, and Homeopathy for Mommies by Sue Meyer.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimony

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Allium Cepa, The Red Onion

First, let me say that I am not a homeopath, nor a medical doctor, nor a registered nurse. I am just a mom who has access to the work of others through books and the internet. I am just sharing information I have gleaned from those sources.

Allium cepa

Red Onion

This week’s homeopathic remedy is Allium cepa, the red onion. This seems appropriate for several reasons: it is next alphabetically among common remedies, it is cold season in much of the northern hemisphere, and many of us will be cutting up these little darlings this week for Thanksgiving, although I prefer the yellow onions. This is an easy remedy to understand since there are probably very few among us who have not experienced the effects of the non-potentized substance. Eyes and nose run, sneezing sometimes occurs, eyes burn, in short, it is no fun at all.

When I think of Allium cepa, I think of profuse nasal discharge that burns the nose and upper lip, burning eyes with bland tears flowing and sneezing. The nasal discharge burning and the tears not burning is a key here. If the opposite is true (bland nasal discharge and tears that burn the skin beneath the eyes) then look into Euphrasia.

If your child complains of the tissues being rough or his nostrils and upper lip are red, Allium may be indicated.

Many symptoms begin on the left side of the body and move to the right.

Better from moving and cold, open air

Worse from sitting, evening, and warm room

Useful for:

Allergies and hay-fever if the symptoms match the above.

Colds during cold, wet weather.

Nasal polyps, if symptoms match

Spasmodic, tickling coughs in autumn

Earaches with pain shooting up the Eustachian tube

Shooting pains after surgery

Sneezing, especially when entering a warm room

Cough especially when breathing cold air

Colds that begin with sneezing

Nose stuffed with just one nostril dripping

Traumatic neuralgia (phantom limb pain)

Colicky babies with abdominal pain

Headache mostly in forehead

Peculiars:

Feels as if thread runs through head, face, neck, elsewhere. Threadlike pain in face

Light sensitivity

Sensation of glowing heat on different parts of the body

Sensation of weakness in bladder

Canine hunger

Burning pain in urethra

Sore, tired arms

Awakens at 2 a.m.

Information gleaned from Homeopathic Medicine for Children and Infants by Dana Ullman, Homeopathic Medicine at Home by M. Panos, Homeopathy for Mommies by Sue Meyer, Boericke’s Materia Medica.

ABC's of Hompeopathy- Aconitum napellus

I have been using some homeopathic remedies for about a decade. Just recently, I have begun to study homeopathy more deeply. Since at the root of homeopathy is the remedies, I am wanting to learn many of the more common ones in depth. Here is my information on Aconitum napellus. It is certainly a remedy I would not want to do without.

Aconitum napellus

A is for Aconite

Aconitum napellus is a European species of Monkshood. It has an attractive purple inflorescence.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aconitum_napellus

According to J. H. Clarke, the remedy is made from a tincture of the entire plant, including the roots, taken just when it is beginning to bloom.

Here, in Kentucky, we have a different species of Monkshood (Aconitum uncinatum) which also has pretty purple flowers.

As with many items made into homeopathic remedies, you wouldn’t want to consume a non-homeopathic version of Aconitum napellus. It is quite poisonous.

According to J. H. Clarke, Aconite is more closely associated with the rise and progress of homeopathy than any other member of the materia medica. Aconite was the remedy by means of which Hahnemann was able to meet most of the conditions which in his day were treated by blood-letting. It was Aconite more than any other remedy which paved the way for the disappearance of blood-letting from general medical practice.

Ideal for situations where symptoms set in with great rapidity and intensity. Not simply a remedy for acute cases, with guidance of a homeopath, can be used to treat chronic symptoms as well.

Think of Aconite in cases of sudden inflammation, especially if caused by cold, dry air.

According to William Boericke, a state of fear, anxiety; anguish of mind and body. Physical and mental restlessness, fright, is the most characteristic manifestation of Aconite. Acute, sudden, and violent invasion, with fever, call for it. Complaints and tension caused by exposure to dry, cold weather. Also complaints from very hot weather.

Great fear, anxiety, and worry accompany every ailment, however trivial.

Excellent for when you are afraid you are getting sick.

Sue Meyer says always Aconite before Belladonna when fighting off something. A before B.

Hemorrhage with great fear and shock. Bright red blood.

For the earliest stages of colds and flu. Up to the first 24 hours.

Patient desires ice cold water.

Many times, patient thinks death is imminent.

Vertigo from sudden fear.

Violent, tearing, burning, sudden headaches. Violent headache over the eyes. Bursting headaches. According to a member of a homeopathy group I am a part of, it is a good remedy to take at the beginning of a migraine to prevent development.

Sudden, throbbing, intense earaches and toothaches. Sensitive to light and sound. Feeling as if drop of water in ear.

Helpful in violent after-pains with shooting, tearing pains. (I wish I had known this post partum!)

According to S. R. Patak, symptoms are acute, violent, and painful.

Symptoms appear suddenly, remain for a short while, as a big storm which soon blows over.

The mind is affected by such emotional factors as FRIGHT, SHOCK, and vexation.

Nerves are excited and patient is under emotional and nervous tension.

Neuralgic pains are very intense.

FEAR is INTENSE, so much so that patient becomes frantic, screams, groans, gnaws on fists, bites nails, wants to die.

Vintage Sewing Machines

I have been collecting vintage sewing machines for quite a few years. 

Packratting runs deep in my genes. As with many old things, these don't all work 100%. 

My  most recent project has been a Coronado Select-o-matic.

Tell me that doesn't look like a car from the 50's!

Right now, it doesn't sew yet. The hand wheel doesn't move the needle. 

I hope to get it working soon.

Here are some of my other vintage sewing machines.

All of these, as well as the Coronado, were made by Brother.

Meet the Electro Grand:

Atlas Deluxe

This is a bad photo, but this one is actually Brother branded.

I also have a lovely hundred year old treadle that does function fully.

And maybe another couple of portable machines from the 50's to 70's.

;-)

If you sew, what is your favorite sewing machine?

Travelling Smoothie

I have a favorite smoothie I make especially when travelling. 

It's yummy, portable, and keeps me filled up a long time. 

But the best part is it is diet-friendly! 

So, here is my "recipe" for Low-Carb Berry Smoothie:

To a strong blender add equal portions of frozen strawberries and frozen mixed berries.

Add to that enough heavy cream or coconut milk 

to allow the blender to blend.

Blend.

I know it's a complicated recipe, but it is worth it. Sometimes I add a teaspoon of homemade vanilla extract, too. At first this is so thick it's like fresh made ice cream. Later, it is drinkable. But it is always thick and rich. This is so cold and satisfying, I could have one everyday except I don't enjoy washing my blender that much. 

 You'll know it's done when it looks like this-

Enjoy! I know I will!

-Susan