Homeopathic Remedies For First Aid

By
Alicia McWatters, PhD, CNC

What follows are some of the most important items to have in your natural first-aid kit. These are the ones commonly used in emergency situations. Be sure you seek veterinary care for any injury, trauma or emergency health problems your pet experiences.

* Aconite- (Monkshood) indicated for injury and shock where there is fear. Useful after unexpected temperature extreme or exposure to cold wind. Also, used for respiratory distress.

* Allium Cepa- (onion) may be indicated for your friends or relatives who may be allergic to your furred friend. Give them a dose of 30c to relieve symptoms such as sneezing and runny, burning eyes, better in open air.

* Arnica - (Mountain daisy) Anti-inflammatory, vulnerary. Helps with physical and emotional trauma and stress from injury. Good for sprains, fractures, and bruises. Reduces pain and swelling. Arnica ointment may be used externally if skin is not broken. Useful before and after surgery. Ruta treatment may be indicated following arnica for stiffness in joints and legs during healing. 6c or 30c as needed.

* Belladonna- (Deadly nightshade) heatstroke. 30C

* Calendula -(Marigold) antiseptic, analgesic. Heals skin wounds, cuts, abrasions, and minor burns. Relieves pain. Stops bleeding and promotes healthy tissue repair. Heals umbilicus (navel) in newborns. After proper cleansing, apply herbal ointment (may also include Echinacea, Vit E, comfrey, red clover, burdock root, mugwort, etc.). Homeopathic remedy may also be offered orally. 30c

* Cantharis- (Spanish-fly) used for burns. Apply cold water compress, then oral dose Cantharis 30c every hour as required. If distress accompanies burns Arnica or Aconite 30c may be indicated, followed by Calendula or Hypericum externally. Appropriate gauze dressing and bandaging should be applied. Aloe vera gel is also highly effective in soothing and healing burns.

* Chamomilla (German Chamomile) is a useful remedy for irritability, restlessness, impatience and anger.

* Euphrasia -(Eyebright) is an astringent and anti-inflammatory. Very helpful for eye infections (conjunctivitis), irritation, or inflammation. Used as an eyewash. Make an herbal infusion. Homeopathic remedy may also be offered orally. 30c

* Hypericum- (St. John’s wort) is useful as an antiseptic, analgesic, stops bleeding, healing agent. Helpful for injuries of the feet, toes, and claws. Used after amputation of a limb to promote healing. Relieves pain from injury. Useful for burn accidents following oral Cantharis. May be used in conjunction with calendula ointment, such as Hypercal®. Orally 30c.

* Ignatia- (St. Ignatius’ bean) indicated for sorrow or fear and loss of a loved one. For very stressed, nervous animals. 30c

* Ledum Pal (Marsh tea) used for skin injuries, puncture wounds, bites, stings and inflammation. 6c or 30c orally. Use calendula/hypericum (Hypercal®) ointment topically.

* Manganese Aceticum- (Manganese acetate) good for sore, swollen feet after limb injury. 30c

* Nux vomica (Poison-nut) may ameliorate vomiting and digestive disturbances that include diarrhea or constipation.

* Rhus Toxicodendron- (Poison ivy) stiff, swollen, painful joints and limbs. 6c or 30c.

* Ruta Graveolens- (Rue) for stiff or sprained limbs during recovery from injury. 6c

* Symphytum (Comfrey)- following Arnica for trauma. Heals and aids speedy recovery to fractured bones. Useful in the stimulation of bone, connective tissue and cartilage repair. Use after bones have been set. Calc Phos (Phosphate of lime) 6c or 30c may be used to complete union of severe fracture. Symphytum is also helpful for eye injuries. 6c or 30c.

* Rescue Remedy® (Bach flower remedy)- non-homeopathic. A combination of Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose, and Star of Bethlehem. Helpful during highly stressful times. Ex: before and after vet visit. Place eight drops of RR in 1 oz. of spring water, after succussion offer 4 drops on tongue.