My Top 10 1st Aid Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathy is an incredible therapy and I’m finding myself more and more amazed by its depth and breadth as I continue my own journey practicing and learning about this wonderful gift I’ve been lucky enough to have found a part of and live alongside.  One of the most startling aspects can be the speed at which a correctly chosen remedy can alter and affect what’s happening for an individual, and in first aid or acute situations this is particularly apparent.  I was thinking about my Top 10 remedies to have in a first aid cupboard (or kit) and thought would share them here.  Remedies can be safely given to any age of person from babies upwards and can be prescribed at home – should you wish for more guidance please contact a qualified Homeopath. 

In Homeopathic prescribing we always aim to match the picture the patient is showing to that of a remedy (Law of Similars), so in first aid cases we do this also.  Some of the following descriptions may assist you to give Homeopathic remedies in the home to help with common ailments.  We work on another rule which we call the Law of the Minimum Dose.  This states we only use as little of a medicine as possible to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanism.  When you give a remedy give one dose (one tablet) and wait to see what happens.  If things improve, leave the patient to continue improving.  We only give another dose if the case stops improving before a full recovery is reached or if symptoms return.

So here’s my Top 10 (in alphabetical not favourite order!):

Aconite – No.1 remedy to nip colds in the bud.  If you take in the early stages of colds you may even find you suffer no ill effects.  Useful for helping with fevers and inflammations especially in healthy people whose symptoms come on suddenly.  There may be extreme restlessness and fear shown by the person needing this remedy.

Usually Arnica is the remedy the most people have heard of and, rightly so.  I would consider it as an essential part of any alternative (or indeed any) first aid collection.  Arnica is best known as a treatment for bruising and as well as the Homeopathic medication you may also purchase Arnica cream to be applied topically.  Arnica is less well known for it’s use in shock and exhaustion and is a great remedy to alleviate Jet Lag for those Long Haul Travellers!  In the cases of accidents and injuries where given early it will reduce swelling and bruising.  They may show fear of being touched because of the pain and may want to be left alone or claim are OK, when clearly they are not.

Belladonna – is the No.1 remedy for high fevers.  The inflamed area or even the entire patient may be burning, red and hot.  They eyes are glassy, with dilated pupils.  Onset is sudden and pains are violent and throbbing, whilst the patient has a rapid pulse.  They may be angry, delirious or even have visions.

Chamomilla – No.1 remedy for teething children, especially if the child has one red cheek.  You’ll see over-sensitivity and intolerable pains which may appear to be out of proportion to the illness or injury.  Suited to hot, bad-tempered, over-tired children who are only quiet when carried and constantly request, then reject things.

Hypericum – No.1 remedy for injury to nerves.  This is a useful first aid remedy for lacerated wounds from sharp instruments or any injury to nerve rich areas (e.g. slamming door fingers).  Pains are extreme and shoot along the nerves.

Ignatia – No.1 remedy for emotional shock.  It’s a great remedy for treating symptoms which follow acute loss, grief or disappointed love.  The patient may not accept what has happened and reacts with a sense of disbelief.

Ledum – No.1 remedy for puncture wounds.  Also useful in preventing or easing black eyes.  Use it to treat deep wounds (e.g. by nails) and bites from animals and insects, where the area is swollen, blue and cold but feels worse for heat and better for cold applications.

Nux Vom – No.1 remedy for hangovers, complaints from over-indulgence of alcohol and/or rich food.  For people who work and play very hard, surviving on a ‘diet’ of coffee, alcohol and tobacco.

Rhus Tox – No.1 remedy for sprains and strains.  Stiffness, accompanied by restlessness.  Pains are usually around joints, which ache, feel sore and bruised.  Pain is worse on first movement, with a tearing or stitching sensation, but eases after continued movement.  Rhus Tox can also be indicated in Chicken Pox or Shingles.

Silica – the No.1 remedy for forcing out splinters and foreign bodies.  In first aid situations this is a great remedy to assist in forcing out foreign bodies or hard plugs of ear wax (especially after swimming), but as a note of caution, do not use if you have a pace-maker, grommets, metal pins etc.  It’s useful for helping painless wounds heal that are suppurating and slow to heal.

Serious injuries and illnesses should never be treated without seeking expert advice. Use your instincts and common sense, if you are worried then call for help first and you can give the appropriate remedy whilst you are waiting for help to arrive.  If symptoms show no improvement or return always seek professional help.   

Happy prescribing!

Em x