Injuries -- Homeopathic Remedies - [Alternative Medicine]

Homeopathic remedies are often very useful for soothing pain and promoting healing. A homeopathic first-aid kit is welcome when accidental falls or head-bumps, fingertips shut in doors, scraped knees, a burn on the stove, a twisted ankle, or any number of minor mishaps occur. Remedies may also be used preventively for "expected" injuries that come from dental work or surgery, as well as sports-related bruising, or occupational injuries from strenuous or extensive injuries, to help control bleeding and tissue damage, relieve discomfit, and encourage healing. Any serious injury should have the care of a physician.

Although homeopathic substances listed in this article are generally not known to cause serious side effects, their effectiveness has not been demonstrated by scientific research. Consumers should check labels carefully, since a homeopathic product that is not diluted, or not diluted enough, can contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions, side effects, or interactions. It is always advisable to discuss any new treatment program with your healthcare practitioner.

For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also “Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?

Homeopathic Options

This remedy can be helpful when a person feels extremely fearful or agitated after being injured. It may help to soothe anxiety and panic and reduce the chance of shock.

This is the major remedy for new traumatic injuries-especially bruises, sprains, and concussions. Symptoms are worse from touch and motion. Arnica can be helpful for painful bruising and tissue-damage caused by surgery and dental work-given preventively before an anticipated injury, and used to treat the soreness afterward. It is also helpful in preventing shock.

This remedy is useful for injuries to the trunk and deeper tissues-as from falls, car accidents, surgery, etc. -especially if a feeling of stiffness or coldness develops in the injured area. If Arnica has been given for an injury-especially a strain or bruise-but has not had much effect, Bellis perennis may be helpful.

This remedy is useful for bone bruises, old or slow-healing fractures, or any injury that leads to soreness in the bones, especially if the area feels cold or numb and improves with warmth. The muscles near the injury may ache or stiffen.

This is a very helpful remedy for cuts and scrapes or other injuries with broken skin. Potentized Calendula can be taken internally, to prevent or combat infection if a cut or scrape becomes inflamed. Herbal calendula can be applied directly to wounds as an ointment, lotion, or diluted tincture.

This remedy is indicated for injuries to body areas with many nerves, such as fingertips and toes, the genitals, the spine and tailbone, and the eyeballs. Shooting pains, a feeling of "jangled nerves," and pains mixed with tingling and numbness are strong indications. People with concussions, nerve pain after surgeries and root-canals, or bites and puncture wounds may benefit from Hypericum.

This remedy can be helpful as first aid if heavy bleeding occurs after an injury, with a feeling of nausea and weakness. (Emergency care is crucial when serious bleeding occurs; pressure should be applied to a severely bleeding wound, and medical help should be found immediately.)

This remedy is indicated for injuries that lead to puffy swelling, especially when ice-packs or cold applications bring relief. Sprained ankles or knees, bashed noses, black eyes, or any kind of bruising injury that is painful and very swollen may respond to Ledum.

Contusions or sprains that involve small broken blood-vessels and lead to bruiselike bleeding beneath the skin suggest the use of this remedy. It is often also useful for nosebleeds after injury, and for bleeding in other parts of the body (for instance, after childbirth or surgery).

When small wounds bleed easily, or a person has a tendency to bruise from minor injuries, this remedy can be helpful. It is also useful for nosebleeds.

This remedy is helpful for injuries to tendons, joints, and muscles, and has a special affinity to the coverings of the bones (the periosteum). Bone-bruises, barked shins, or any injury that leads to stiffness and aching may respond. Ruta is often useful after Arnica for sprains, pulled muscles, and connective tissue injuries.

This remedy is best known for its healing effect on broken bones, and is also good for bone-bruises. It is valuable if blunt injury occurs to the eyeball (from a rock, a stick, a flying object, etc.) Any injury to the eye or eyeball should be examined by a doctor.

Dosage

Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.

Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.

If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.