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Natural Medicine |
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What to Put Into Your Natural Medicine Cabinet |
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. |
FIVE 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. |
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| 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. |
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FIVE 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. |
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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. |
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FIVE NATURAL REMEDIES 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. |
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| 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. |
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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. Avoid storing natural medicines where they might be exposed to direct sunlight . | |
