Homeopathic Medicine to the Rescue

Use Homeopathy for First-aid Treatment and for Self-care

Aug 28, 2009

Use of homeopathic medicine for self-care is on the rise. Pharmacies and health food shops around the world sell remedies over-the-counter. They are safe and effective.

The use is homeopathic remedies is steadily rising as people become more and more conscious of the many options to self-care. Likewise, awareness of the benefits offered by complementary and alternative medicine is growing.

Some orthodox medical practitioners are of the belief that homeopathy is nothing but quackery, but as the Beth Israel Medical Center website writes on its Your Health pages, ‘nonetheless, homeopathy is used widely today, especially in the United Kingdom, but also in the US and other countries. Some studies seem to provide evidence that homeopathic remedies can be effective.’

Homeopathy is Person-centered Health Care

In general, classical homeopaths prescribe remedies based on the symptom picture of the whole person, which is based upon a complete profile given by the patient in consultation, including emotional, physical, and psychological characteristics and symptoms. However, homeopathy is also used to treat specific conditions. In this regard, homeopathic self-care can be the first port of call for people suffering with minor ailments, such as cystitis, or sudden or anticipatory anxiety, or when acute conditions arise. The sudden onset of a cold or flu, or an injury acquired during sports are both instances where homeopathy, as first-aid response, can be very beneficial to recovery.

Sports Injuries and the Homeopathic First-aid Remedy Arnica

In the case of sports injuries, for example, the use of the remedy, Arnica, has become nearly commonplace. It can be used as a topical ointment and as an oral supplement. It greatly reduces bruising as well as muscle soreness. Furthermore, with the endorsement of such integrative physicians as Dr Andrew Weil, many patients are turning to homeopathy for relief. Mark Linsky in the June 2006 issue of Running Times Magazine writes about homeopathy and arnica in particular, saying that remedies ‘are prominently displayed on pharmacy counters. With the backing of popular health personalities and a disclaimer that boasts of being relatively side-effect free, homeopathic arnica seems to have the edge on its pain-reliever competitor–ibuprofen'.

Patients Get Better Results With Arnica Gel

There have been many studies investigating the effects of using a combination homeopathic gel ointment in the treatment of ankle sprains. Beth Israel Medical Center has an extensive website devoted to holistic treatments and in particular to homeopathy. Considerable information is given with regard to the efficacy of using homeopathic ointment in the treatment of sports injuries. The test results showed that people given treatment with the gel recovered more rapidly than those given placebo. The results of another double-blind, placebo-controlled study are also cited. ‘The results were promising. By the end of the trial, participants using either form of the ointment experienced significantly superior improvement as compared to those taking placebo.'

Use Homeopathy for First-aid

Homeopathic medicine is available from health food shops and sold in bottles of single remedies or in kits. There are kits especially for first-aid that include remedies for sudden shock, bee stings, twisted or sprained ankles, bumps and bruises, and cuts and minor wounds. The path to self-care is made easier with homeopathy.