Photo: Herb Market in Xiang, China
There is a great and growing interest in herbal and homeopathic medicine today as people like you search for alternative,
non-invasive health care. This is not because it is "trendy", but because people are looking for things that work, especially medicines that work without side effects.
Up until recently, I wrote a regular column in a local newspaper targeting those interested in natural health and alternative and complimentary therapy. In response to reader requests, I wrote up a list of natural homeopathic remedies to have around
the house and on hand for general needs. I have rewritten it here for you.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR CHILDREN
Especially useful for treating colds and allergies, homeopathic remedies are generally safe and effective. Use potencies weaker than for adults; 12C and 30C are suggested. These remedies usually come in small sugar pellets.
Give 3 to 5 pellets under the tongue every 4 to 6 hours while awake and away from food. For infants, dilute 2 or 3 pellets in a little water and let them suck out of a baby bottle.
- Aconitum napellus: colds of sudden onset, fever, chills, burning palms, restlessness, intense thirst, laryngitis, and acute fits of minor anxiety.
- Apis mellifica: insect bites, sunburn, hives, inflammation, rashes, allergic reactions, swelling (edema), and sore throat.
- Arnica montana: bruises, sprains, muscular pain, and muscular fatigue.
- Belladonna: fevers, headaches, colds and flu, otitis,
conjunctivitis, and head congestion. Note: NEVER GIVE A CHILD TINCTURE OF BELLADONNA OR HE OR SHE COULD EXPERIENCE TOXIC EFFECTS.
- Chamomilla: teething pains, diarrhea due to teething, and nervousness and irritability.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ADULTS
Strength of remedies can be higher for adults than for children; use a 30C potency for acute situations, up to 200C for chronic conditions. Give 3 to 5 pellets under the tongue every 4 to 6 hours while awake, on an empty stomach.
- Arnica montana: prevention of pre- and postoperative complications, such as swelling, pain and bruising, muscle ache and fatigue, painful healing fractures, and training for sports.
- Belladonna: headaches, fever, colds and flu.
- Ignatia amara: nervous conditions, sleeping disorders, irritability, apprehension and fear, migraines of nervous origin, and rheumatic symptoms brought on by nervousness.
- Magnesia phosphorica: muscle spasms, abdominal pain or cramps, headaches, premenstrual syndrome, menstrual pain, dysmenorrhea, sciatica, and facial neuralgia.
- Nux vomica: indigestion and uneasiness brought on by excessive drinking/hangovers, heavy meals, gastritis, constipation, hemorrhoids, insomnia, abuse of stimulants, and poor digestion. NOTE: Give 3 to 5 pellets under the tongue at bedtime if needed.
AND SOMETHING FOR SENIORS
For older people, use 3 to 5 pellets under the tongue 3 or 4 times a day on an empty stomach. Use 30C potency for acute situations and 200C potency for chronic situations.
- Calcarea fluorica: joint pains, varicose veins, poor tooth enamel and lumbago.
- Lycopodium clavatum: chronic constipation, poor digestion, dry wrinkled skin, sallow complexion, hemorrhoides, gout, bloating, gas and heartburn.
- Rhus toxicodendron: sprains, tendinitis, joint pain, lumbago, rheumatic pain, poison ivy, sciatica, hives, excess muscle fatigue and pain, and eczema. It is also used for flu-like symptoms with fever, diarrhea and generalized body pains.
- Sepia: change of life, menstrual disorders, constipation, hemorrhoids, liver insufficiency, jaundice, impotency and frigidity.
- Silicea: weakness, poor nutrition, pyorrhea, fistulas,
constipation, anxiety before an event, suppuration, chronic bronchitis and sinusitis.
Homeopathic remedies in the strengths suggested will not interfere with anesthetics, prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, amino acids, and other substances you are taking.
Smoking and drinking caffeinated drinks interfere with natural remedies. |
