Les Moore: Homeopathy and first aid

May 8, 2012: Les Moore: Homeopathy and first aid

Homeopathy is a very safe medicine that can be used for home first aid. The practice is more than 200 years old; it is considered the second largest therapeutic system in the world by the World Health Organization with hundreds of millions of users, particularly in India, Europe and South America. Although there are practitioners who use homeopathy for acute and chronic diseases and there are homeopathic hospitals in the world, one of the most popular ways of using homeopathy is for first aid in athletics and at home. Homeopathic remedies can be purchased at grocery stores, pharmacies and health food stores.

The first homeopathic remedy that most people begin with is Arnica Montana. It can be applied as an ointment or used internally. Arnica Montana can be given immediately for any injury or accident. It is indicated for bruises, sore muscles, falls, bumps, contused wounds, black eyes and sprains.

Calendula officinalis (marigold) is also a good homeopathic remedy to keep on hand for abrasions, scratches, burns, superficial wounds and incised wounds. It can be applied for skin irritation or injury requiring a soothing lotion or cleansing. It protects the skin, promotes healing and prevents infection.

Hypericum perfoliatum (St. John’s wort) is useful for nerve end injuries such as crushed fingertips. Pains can be shooting up the limb or shooting centrally in the limb of the injury. It can also be used for puncture and lacerated wounds.

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Ledum palustre (Labrador tea) is used for puncture wounds from sharp objects, bee or mosquito stings, animal bites and scratches, black eyes and long-lasting bruises. It is indicated for injuries that are cold and numb that are relieved by cold applications.

Rhus toxicodendren is used for sprains or strains of joints, muscles, tendons or ligaments, including torn ligaments and tendons. It is also indicated for blistering, itching, burning and swelling of skin. The injury is generally painful when first moved and gets better after continued motion.

Les Moore is a doctor of naturopathy, holds a master’s of science in Oriental medicine and is a licensed acupuncturist. He is director, Integrative Medicine, at Clifton Springs Hospital, Ontario County.

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