Homeopathy to the Rescue
Homeopathy. The term seems to be ubiquitous in the natural health field today. Much of what you find on the shelf that is labeled as "homeopathic," however, does not really fit into the picture of classical homeopathy. Physicians need to have a more sophisticated understanding of this field.
Fortunately for NCC students, we have a great source of information. Cliff Kearns, DC, DNBHE, gave a seminar on Homeopathic First Aid on June 14. Dr. Kearns, who practices in Schaumburg, teaches the postgraduate course in classical homeopathy at NCC. He presented this material for students as a follow-up to the Introduction to Homeopathy that he gave in February.
Dr. Kearns began by reviewing some basic history and principles of homeopathy. (For a more detailed discussion, see the article in the March 1997 issue of The Synapse.) Its main tenet is the Law of Similars, or "Like cures like." A substance that produces a certain symptom pattern if taken by a healthy person, can relieve those same symptoms in a sick person. In order to be safe and effective, the remedy is diluted and potentized via a precise process.
In classical homeopathy, the doctor selects a remedy specific for the individual patient. This can be a complicated process, but in chronic cases, it yields the best results.
In first aid situations, however, the human organism tends to respond in characteristic ways. Therefore, it is possible to generalize a few remedies that will apply to most people in such acute trauma cases.
Before describing the remedies, Dr. Kearns reminded the audience of the ideal parameters for taking homeopathic remedies. Patients should not eat for about thirty minutes before or after taking a remedy. They should also avoid using products that contain camphor or menthol, such as lip balm, Icy Hot, Vic's, cough drops, and even tea tree oil. Mint can reduce the efficacy of certain remedies, as can coffee. The remedies should not be stored in direct sunlight, nor allowed to exceed temperatures of 151°F. In emergency situations, one cannot always adhere to all of these guidelines, but they should be followed as closely as possible.
The first remedy to think of in most acute injuries is Arnica montana. This remedy has an affinity for soft tissues, and so can be used for any type of muscle soreness, strain/sprain, or bruising, no matter how severe. Arnica should be taken before and after undergoing any type of surgery; this will help to speed the healing process. In fact, when treating a patient who is also under allopathic care, one must provide thorough education. Arnica will speed the healing process tremendously, but not make injuries "disappear" instantaneously. Therefore, the allopath may be confused by the rapid progression in the stage of a strain or hematoma. The best way to administer arnica is in the form of a pellet to be taken by mouth. Arnica gels and sprays are available for topical use; these have merit, but should never be used on an open wound or any broken skin.
There are particular symptoms patterns that will suggest arnica even more strongly. The patient may be in shock after an injury, denying help or attention. Similarly, they may deny help because the injury is so painful that they do not want to be touched. Numbness and cramping is another clue for arnica in the acute injury. Arnica can even be used for old injuries, if symptoms or complications still exist. Though arnica is the first remedy for acute trauma, the symptom picture may change; in that case, a new remedy must be selected.
For any type of nerve injury, Hypericum perforatum is indicated. The most common injuries to highly innervated areas include stubbed toes and fingers smashed in car doors. The characteristic of this type of pain is radiation, either proximal or distal to the site of injury. The pain appears suddenly, disappears gradually, and is worse from cold. Hypericum can help with dental pain which involves exposed, irritated nerves. It should not be used prophylactically before dental work, however; it is so strongly protective of nerves that it may inhibit the action of the anesthetic! It can be used for more serious problems as well, such as concussion, spinal cord injury, radiculopathies (e.g., from whiplash), and post-episiotomy pain. Hypericum can even be useful in treating the "incurable" condition of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (causalgia, Sudeck's atrophy)—the remedy should be given in low dosage over a long period of time.
Calendula oficinalis is the remedy of choice for skin complaints. Unlike most other remedies, calendula is commonly used topically as a mildly dilute (5:1) tincture, rather than taken internally as a potentized pellet. The major use for calendula is to promote healing of open wounds. It encourages growth of granulation tissue, and prevents scarring. Because of its effectiveness, however, it should not be used for deep puncture wounds: The more superficial portion may heal first, leaving fertile ground for abscess formation below. It is an essential post-partum remedy, for healing the skin of the perineum and abdomen. Calendula is also useful in cases of acne, diaper rash, eye complaints (as a very dilute rinse), vaginitis (as a douche), and ruptured tympanic membrane.
If a wound is caused by puncture, Ledum palustre is appropriate. This extends to insect stings and animal bites. It is also used for black eye, which has a puffy, blue appearance and whose pain is clearly relieved by cold application. Because of its protection against punctures, ledum can be given before a vaccination, followed with two more doses afterwards. This will help to minimize any negative effects.
Ruta graveolens is the fibrous tissue remedy. Therefore, it should be used for any common connective tissue injury: sprained ankle (after giving arnica), tendinitis, and joint capsule injury following dislocation.
After Dr. Kearns' discussion, Pat Pryor of Standard Homeopathic talked about the remedies themselves. She recommended a 30C potency for most first aid remedies; kits are available from many of the major manufacturers. Douglas-Main Pharmacy, at 5207 Main Street in Downers Grove, will give a professional discount on homeopathics to NCC students; ask for Judy Velk at (630)969-0036 for more information.
Copies of the handouts, along with other interesting materials such as the revised Natural Alternatives Resource Guide, are available in the Natural Alternatives folder, on reserve at the LRC. Video tapes of this seminar and Dr. Kearns' previous seminar are also available for check-out at the LRC. We plan to bring Dr. Kearns back in the fall for "part two" of his presentation of Homeopathic First Aid.
More information about homeopathy.
Reprinted from The Synapse, July 1997.
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