A to Z

Homeopathy

A

ARNICA

Arnica is the first choice homeopathic medicine after most accidents, injuries, shock or trauma. It will reduce swelling and bruising if given early enough. It can be used before and after operations, including before, during and after labour and visits to the dentist. It also has a reputation for relieving jet lag.

Have you ever approached someone who is in the state of shock and asked if they are ok to find that they say they're fine when they clearly are not? This is typical of someone who needs Arnica.

Characteristically, the person who needs Arnica is oversensitive due to shock. As a result of this, the person may want to be left alone.

I have personally seen Arnica work what appear to be miracles on people including myself. It's an extremely versatile homeopathic medicine and every home should have some in their first aid kit.

Arnica is available from most pharmacies and natural medicine stores in 6c or 30c homeopathic tablets. It is also available as a cream for bumps and bruises.

A

ARSENICUM

Arsenicum is the first choice homeopathic medicine for food poisoning. If the stomach pains and discharges are burning then this is the medicine to try. Despite the burning sensation the person who needs Arsenicum feels chilly. As a result they will wrap up and take frequent sips from a warm drink. Although physically wiped out they will feel anxious and restless and may dislike being left alone.

I've seen Arsenicum work swiftly to relieve an upset tummy after eating poorly cooked food from a barbeque and diarrhoea and sickness when on holiday, so Arsenicum is always in my rucksack when I'm on my travels.

Arsenicum is available from most pharmacies and natural medicine stores in 6c or 30c homeopathic tablets.

G

GELSENIUM

Gelsenium is the number one homeopathic medicine for 'flu. If you are shivering, trembling and everything seems too much of an effort it's worth trying this medicine. Characteristically the person that requires this medicine is mentally alert but can't do anything since they feel so heavy. They may also have the appearance of their eyelids drooping.

Gelsenium is available from most pharmacies and natural medicine stores in 6c or 30c homeopathic tablets.

G

GLONOINE

Glonoine is the no.1 homeopathic medicine for sunstroke.

The person who needs glonoin will have a pulsating, congestive headache. They will appear flushed and you may even be able to see the arteries in their neck and temples throbbing. They may feel confused and dizzy. The headache feels much worse for alcohol, heat and moving about. It feels better for pressing the head and lying in the dark.

The first aid priorities are to bring the person's temperature down and to prevent further dehydration.

Medical advice should be sought if their temperature is above 40°C (104°F).

I

IGNATIA

Ignatia is the number one homeopathic medicine for grief, for example, the loss of a loved one or the end of a relationship. In fact, I'm reminded of a time when I was about 5, and I used to walk to school and I used to carry a small teddy bear to school in my satchel. One morning I lost him and I was distraught. Had my family known about homeopathy then, I'm sure they'd have given me it.

Ignatia is most appropriate when the grief produces involuntary sighing and the sensation of a lump in the throat that leads to constant swallowing. The mood of the person will be all over the place, laughing one minute and sobbing the next. They are an emotional roller-coaster. Often food becomes an issue. Either they will want to eat lots to fill a hollow sensation or will not want to eat at all. The person tends not to cry. They are holding in their emotions hence it goes to their throat and/or their guts. Since they want to hold in their emotions they tend to prefer to be left alone.

Literally, Ignatia may help any complaint that has been brought on by grief; hence… every home should have some!

M

MILK THISTLE

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum, Carduus marianus) is an herbal medicine that has a great reputation as a liver protector and detoxifier. It's best taken before a 'party' in order to benefit from its protective effect. It's available as dried seeds, tincture and capsules.

N

NUX VOMICA

Nux vomica is the number 1 homeopathic medicine for hangovers and overindulgence in rich food. Therefore it's often handy after the office Christmas party and on New Year's Day. The symptoms which it's most appropriate at dealing with, should you need reminding, are:

- Ailments from lack of sleep
- Waking up like a bear with a sore head
- Oversensitive to light, noise and odours etc.

Understandably, it's also known as a liver detoxifying medicine. The sort of person who works hard and plays hard - Coffee during the day and alcohol at night, could benefit from its use in homeopathic practice.