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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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.

Got GOOT?

I've long been a fan of home remedies. While being aware that some are not at all what they purport to be, I find that many of them have immense value. The primary problem I have is remembering which actually worked for us and which didn't. This is one of those remedies that did work for us.
It's called GOOT. You likely have all the ingredients in your kitchen right now. The recipe calls for combining equal portions of minced garlic, olive oil, and coconut oil.

Why would you want to combine garlic, olive oil, and coconut oil? To fight infections, of course! Around the web, GOOT is touted as a treatment for colds, the flu, and skin infections. Garlic and coconut oil on their own have long been known to fight infections, including yeast and antibiotic resistant bacteria. GOOT seems to be a great remedy to have in the refrigerator. We had a cold last week. That was when I found mention of GOOT. Well, I made some, and within hours, my hubby, daughter, son, and I were wearing it on our feet under socks and on our backs. It's sticky and smells strongly, but it really seemed to help. The thing I noticed within minutes of applying the salve, was I was breathing easier- both my nose and my lungs felt clearer. The kids each had one bad night with congestion or coughing, but that was it. We are all still a little snotty, but we only used GOOT for two days.

I will warn you all, however, you WILL smell like garlic for a while. Since it's actually absorbed into your body, even bathing does not completely remove the odor. I noticed this for about two days after I applied GOOT.

Here's the recipe:

3 TBSP fresh, minced garlic
3 TBSP olive oil
3 TBSP coconut oil, warmed enough to be liquid.

Combine in a blender until quite smooth. Concoction will be liquid to begin with. Pour into glass container and store in fridge. After a while in the fridge, it will be about the consistency of petroleum jelly. It will melt on contact with skin. It may stain clothing or sheets. I didn't notice this, but I know that coconut oil can do that, so I thought I should warn you.

From what I have read, it is suggested that GOOT be applied to the feet, back or chest, or near lymph nodes to aid absorption. I put it on my feet, chest, and arm pits. I applied it to the kids feet and backs.
Keep it away from eyes and little hands because it will wind up in eyes that way.

I used Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut oil. Having tried many coconut oils, I find Tropical Traditions the best quality oil and almost the cheapest.
Around here, Nutiva is the cheapest. It's good, too.
I just like Tropical Traditions better.

Without sounding like an add for Tropical Traditions, let me add that if you tell them that I referred you, you will get a free book on coconut oil with your first order. My referral number is 5967402. I will also get something for your referral, but having never referred anyone before, I don't know what I get out of this. I thought it only fair that I tell you. Now through Monday, January 31st, 2011, they are having a free shipping promotion. They do this from time to time and I almost never order except during the free shipping times because I'm cheap, um, I mean frugal, like that.

I hope none of you are sick or have family members sick, but if you do, I highly recommend trying GOOT. I wish I had had this in my arsenal of natural remedies sooner.

If you do try it, let me know how you like it. Have you tried it before?

I look forward to hearing from you!

-Susan