When I took my first course in homeopathy, I was not drawn to it. It seemed impossible that it could work. Placebo… for sure. I bought a 100-remedy kit for study, and put it in my herb cabinet where it sat for five years.

Later after hours spent in the dentist office, my third visit in two months, my mouth was punishing me. Not only was I keeping it open for extending periods of time, but I was having extensive work done, the replacement of my silver amalgam fillings. I felt bruised, swollen, and fatigued from the stress of the experience. I also felt drugged by the over-the-counter pain relievers I was taking.

I went to buy a cup of coffee at the health food store. Strolling by each aisle enjoying my joe, I came across homeopathic Arnica Montana 30c. It mentioned tooth pain on the box. I grabbed it. Why not?

Within fifteen minutes of dissolving the little pellets under my tongue, my pain had subsided significantly. My neck was less tense, and some stress had subsided along with the muscular ache. I was completely impressed, and I had to know more. I continued every fifteen minutes, then every three hours, then I forgot about it. The change occurred subtly, and I didn’t feel over-medicated.

That kit is now pulled out regularly, and it has saved us from many a heartache and given us comfort.

These are the conditions we experienced and the remedies that brought us relief:

Arnica Montana  –Head injury, body injury from trauma, bruising, and swelling.

Muscle soreness and inflammatory conditions.

Kali Bichromicum – Sinus headache, sinus pressure. Susceptible to sinus infections.

Dry, croupy coughs.

Nux Vomica  – THE hangover remedy, period. Too much to drink? Can’t handle one or two glasses of wine without a headache?

Food intolerance and over-indulgence.

Headache from chemical exposure, environmental exposure, over medicating, or a bad meal (think carnival food).

Headache from constipation.

Nausea. Addiction.

Nux to the rescue!

Your body forgives you. It is miraculous.

Coffea Cruda -Coffee or caffeine abuse, caffeine shakes, heart racing.

Anxiety causing missed sleep.

Itching of the skin preventing sleep.

Cantharis  –Think burning. Burning with urination, sunburn, and minor burn injuries. Take this to Florida.

Belladonna (6c dilution, the plant is poisonous)- Throbbing pain associated with heat.

Headaches, fevers, ovarian pain, ear aches and infections, and viruses. May come on suddenly.

Ledum  –Eye Injuries. For pain, if Arnica doesn’t work.

Mosquito bites! That’s right. Itch be gone. What a relief.

Apis –Stings from bees, wasps, and other insects.

Allergic reactions. Swelling in tongue, throat passage.

Burning and soreness when urinating, scanty urine. Swelling.

Gelsemium –Great for anxiety leading up to planned events. Stage fright. Nervous about testing or a presentation. Works even better alternating with the cell salt Kali Phos 6x.

Arsenicum Album  –Food poisoning, diarrhea and vomiting after food.

Weakness after diarrhea. Bloody stools. Consumption of too much fruit.

These are just some of my favorites. They are not like medicines in that the symptoms are immediately suppressed; instead, they are to be used over a period of time to stimulate the body to heal itself and overcome the condition. With acute cases, progress should be felt within the first four doses. Chronic conditions require professional guidance.

Homeopathic remedies are often available in health food stores in 6c and 30c dilution. Always follow package instructions or contact a professional to learn more.

If you are new to natural health and would like to know more, please stop by on Walk-In Wednesdays or email me Christy@heartlandherbalist.com.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor.