by Denise Timofai

Just as the winter brings various ailments that we associate with cold weather, the warmer temperatures evoke their own set of issues. Instead of reaching into the medicine cabinet for acetaminophen after playing a little too hard on the beach, try natural remedies from homeopathy that are just as effective and less harmful to the body.

Used extensively throughout Europe and third world countries, homeopathy is a two hundred-year-old practice that is based on the idea that the body has a natural system of healing and is practiced by giving small doses, or remedies, of the substance that is causing the reaction in order to help the body stop reacting to the substance. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has declared that homeopathic remedies, used under the supervision of trained professionals, “are generally considered safe and unlikely to cause severe adverse reactions."

Homeopathic remedies originate from plant, animal and mineral substances and are created through an involved and time consuming process created by Samuel Hahnemann, the father of homeopathy. Most often, homeopathic remedies are found in pellet form in health food stores. Each remedy has many uses and deciding which remedy to use requires specific information about the issue(s) that need to be addressed.

Adults, children and animals can be treated for acute or chronic issues using homeopathy. Reasonsfor chronic issues are not as easy to pinpoint, so most times, etiology—a time line of events—is employed to come up with a cause.The cause may have roots in an emotional trauma or could possibly stem from a past physical issue. Acute issues like the ones discussed below are easier to treat and most times results are seen quickly.

Using homeopathic remedies for non-emergency situations can open up a whole world of possibilities for treatment that are kinder and gentler to the body. The list below includes some acute issues and their homeopathic remedies, which can be administered with either 30C or 200C potency. This “C scale” system of measurement is displayed on the remedy bottle and should be taken as indicated.

Aches and pains: Arnica Montana Arnica is a great remedy when physical limits are met and there are feelings of soreness and pain the next day. Take this remedy until symptoms subside.

Anxiety/Fear: Gelsemium Sempervirens and Aconitum Napellus These remedies work great together for fear and anxiety. This may be used for a child that is anxious about going to day camp for the first time or for an adult who has a fear of heights but wants to parasail. These remedies should be taken together on an as-needed basis.

Bee stings: Apis Mellifica Apis is a great remedy for bee stings where there is pain, swelling and itching. It helps to eliminate the toxins through urine. This is a slow-acting remedy and usually needs to be repeated. Increased urine flow is an indication that the remedy is working.

Bites from ticks, spiders or other animals: Ledum Palustre Ledum is a “puncture wound” remedy. Whether it is a tick bite or a spider bite—or even a dog bite—the body recognizes it as a puncture would. Ledum helps especially if there is a bluish discoloration around the bite.

Colds: Ferrum Phosphoricum This is a great remedy for colds in general. Take it at the first sign of a sore throat or cold coming on and repeat as needed until the cold is gone. If the cold is a result of air conditioning, use Dulcamara.

Heat stroke/Dehydration: Veratrum Album This remedy is for strong heat stroke, sun stroke and dehydration. The symptoms may include cramps, diarrhea and even cold sweats.

Homesickness: Pulsatilla Nigricans Children away from home for the first time can be lonely and feel homesick. Pulsatilla is a great remedy to help turn this around.

Jet lag: Cocculus Indicus This remedy is used to maintain alertness after a long trip. It will not make up for lost sleep, but will increase alertness temporarily.

Leg cramps: Magnesium Phosphoricum During the summer, people are more active and may experience leg cramps at night. This nightstand remedy will eliminate these cramps.

Overeating/Overdrinking: Nux Vomica Summer barbeques and pool parties may encourage overeating and overdrinking. This remedy can be used on an as-needed basis to feel better in a short amount of time. But, it does not mean that more food or wine should be had.

Eyes sensitive to sunlight: Natrum Muriaticum This is a great remedy to try especially if eyes tear, burn or even itch when out in the sun. Natrum Muriaticum is also a grief remedy.

Poison Ivy: Rhus Toxicodendron This remedy is made from poison oak and is great for any type of contact toxin such as poison oak, ivy, sumac, etc. If the rash is on the face, use Anacardium Orientale.

Seasickness or motion sickness: Tabacum This is a great remedy for seasickness when there is a sinking feeling in the stomach along with nausea and vomiting. If it is accompanied by headaches or dizziness, use Cocculus Indicus.

Sun Headaches: Belladonna Throbbing headaches are relieved with Belladonna. Usually the sufferer will also have a red face. If the headache is caused by the sun and comes in waves, use Glonoinum.

Sunburn: Urtica Urens Use Urtica Urens for sunburn with bad blisters and intense burning and stinging, where applying cold does not relieve the pain. Use Cantharis Vesicatoria for sunburns with mild blistering and those burns where cold helps with relief. Both remedies can be used topically as well. Mix spring or distilled water with one remedy pellet in a spray bottle. Spray on as desired to ease the pain and discomfort.

Swimmer’s Ear: Mercurius Solublis This is a highly effective remedy for swimmer’s ear and chronic ear infections.  The external ear may look red and feel hot. There may also be shooting pains. Kali Muriaticum should be used if the glands are swollen and the Eustachian tube may be blocked causing limited hearing.

Denise Timofai holds both a Certification in Homeopathy and Diploma in Homeopathy. She is available for individual consultations and beginner and advanced classes on Homeopathy. Connect with her at 610-982-5012, [email protected] or via her Facebook page, Homeopathy Made Simple. July 2014.

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