Can homeopathy help with uncomplicated injuries?
You bet.
Here are just three homeopathic remedies that should be in every home remedy kit – Arnica, Ledum and Ruta.
Arnica: Most consumers have heard of Arnica and know that it works. The full remedy name is Arnica montana and it’s made from a flowering plant found mostly in Europe. Arnica is a remedy par excellence for blunt trauma injuries to soft tissue. If your son or daughter plays soccer, for instance, blows to the upper leg (quadriceps muscle) are common and can cause much soreness and bruising. Arnica, taken as soon after the injury as possible, will minimize pain and swelling as well as discoloration - allowing your athlete to return to the field quickly.
Ledum: Known in homeopathy as Ledum palustre, this remedy is made from the plant wild rosemary. This homeopathic remedy is a great option after a blow to the eye – particularly if the area around the eye becomes blackened. It can also be used to effectively clear up long-lasting discoloration after an injury – particularly where Arnica has failed to return the skin to its natural color.
Ruta: Known in homeopathy as Ruta graveolens, this remedy is made from a plant called Rue. This one is wonderful for bruises to the bone – the kind that result from a blow to the bone that can occur when a shin bone is kicked hard (think soccer again). Many people make the mistake of using Arnica for all sports injuries only to find that in some cases it’s ineffective. If your athlete has great soreness on a bone after a blow to that bone – think Ruta first.
Dose with either a 30C or 200C potency to start - placing one pellet under the tongue or one pellet in water, stirring vigorously and taking teaspoon doses as needed. Always cease dosing when relief begins and only redose if symptoms again worsen. As with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of an injury as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.
Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.
Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because, in her experience, it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as remotely using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet
]]>What’s the difference you ask?
Combination remedies are a mixture of a small number of low-potency single remedies, each of which is commonly recommended to relieve various conditions.
Remember – homeopathy is based on a law of nature – "like cures like.” For any remedy to provide relief, the symptoms it can produce in healthy testing volunteers must match those seen in the patient before you.
Why would one want to use a combination remedy rather than a single remedy?
For those new to homeopathy (they make a great gift), combination remedies can be a safe, uncomplicated, and quick way to try homeopathy for various complaints. Because they contain several of the remedies often used for the complaint for which you seek relief – they may work for you. But it is important to realize – no combination contains all the possible remedy options.
For those who know more about homeopathy and either have the training, access to self-help books, or access to my columns, working with single remedies is often the preferred course of action. With single remedies, one has a greater choice of remedy options and a wider range of potencies with which to work. However, in a pinch, a combination remedy might provide significant relief.
Whatever course you choose – know that you are joining over 500 million people worldwide who use this system of medicine to keep their families well. Homeopathy is the safest, gentlest and by far the greenest medicine on earth.
]]>
Especially with acute illnesses, it can be like: KA-BOOM!—feeling so much better in such a
short period of time.
As amazing as homeopathy is, if it’s not supported by good lifestyle choices,
excellent health will always be out of reach. So, I wanted to summarize for you
what I call the 5 Pillars of Health:
the foundations that can re-build and maintain health. From this solid base,
homeopathic remedies can perform even greater magic!
Pillar
#1—Food
Diet is a very personal matter, but there are certain guidelines that can help
us choose how to eat that add to our health rather than detract from it:
*Eat more
plants, less animals. Try to aim for 80-20%, or fully vegan.
But as with most things in life, being too rigid often backfires, so make sure
there is some flexibility so you can sustain it. The animal products you do eat
should be organic, or in the case of fish, wild. Animal products (I mean all
foods that come from an animal, not just meat) tend to cause acidity and
inflammation in the body – neither of which we want. Eating plants is not only
better for you, it’s far better for the planet. And much more humane to often
poorly-treated, mass-produced animals, be it fish or cattle or chicken.
*Eat fewer
calories. In numerous studies, caloric restriction was a
better predictor of longevity than what was eaten. It makes sense
that the less digesting we do, the less wear and tear on the body. Digestion is
a very labor-intensive process – compare what goes in and what comes out – they
look very different! The best way I know to eat less is to do some form of
intermittent fasting. Many of you know I recommend 18-6 (18 hours of fasting with
non-calorie liquids only, and a 6-hour block of healthy eating each day). It
only takes a few days for the body to get into the rhythm of this, and the
benefits to energy, health and weight are significant. When the body has 18
hours without digestion, it has plenty of time to do needed repairs.
*Don’t worry
so much about “getting enough protein.” This is the single
most-often asked question I get! Yes, of course, we need protein for growth and
repair, but as adults we are no longer growing, so we don’t need as much
protein as when we were younger. Adults need protein mostly for repair, and
there are plenty of plant-based proteins around to suffice: nuts, nut butters,
organic soy (tofu), beans, lentils—and you’ll be surprised to know, even though
grains and veggies are considered carbs, many of them have significant amounts
of protein. So, let’s reconsider our protein obsession! Eating a well-balanced
diet with grains, beans, legumes, fruits and veggies should give you everything
you need. Organic is best!
*Increase
fiber. Fruits and veggies are not only densely packed with
nutrition, they are a main source or fiber, which is beneficial for our
microbiome. Much has been said about the microbiome of late and it is often referred
to as the second brain. A healthy microbiome can have positive effects on brain
function, mood, metabolism and immune function, not to mention digestion and
absorption. So, add much more fiber to your diet to improve gut health, along
with fermented foods.
*Moderate
alcohol and sugar. This helps control weight and stabilize
your body’s ability to manage sugar, which can prevent diabetes. What more need
be said?
Pillar
#2—Exercise
Have as a goal to exercise at least 4x a week—whether that’s a walk in nature,
yoga, cardio, weights, Pilates, swimming, dancing, High-intensity interval
training—mix it up and commit! The benefits to your heart, muscles, mood,
weight, health, sense of well-being, longevity are numerous and documented.
Find
what you can
do, and do it. Start slow. Write it in your agenda. It’s a date with yourself.
Pillar
#3—Sleep
Numerous studies show that poor sleep affects health and longevity—good,
restful sleep is worth so much more than just not feeling tired! There seems to
be two types of us—those who can’t sleep and those who won’t sleep! Those who
won’t sleep just need the discipline to get into bed earlier, or not fall
asleep on the couch (which affects the quality of the rest of their night after
transferring into bed some hours later!). Those who can’t sleep (whether
trouble falling asleep, or staying asleep—both are awful) seem to be in good
company—it’s practically an epidemic among women over 50 in my experience.
FUN FACTS about sleep:
*caffeine suppresses melatonin production; have your last caffeinated beverage
no later than 2pm, or consider cutting it entirely.
*alcohol reduces REM sleep and causes lighter, interrupted sleep.
* exercise increases the amount of deep sleep at night.
* blue light from screens turns off melatonin—stop screens 90 minutes before
bed.
*sleep in a cool or cold room to help drop your core temperature, or take a
cool shower 30 mins before bed.
*cocoon yourself using a sleep mask for darkness and ear plugs to block sound,
and a weighted blanket if that sounds appealing.
*consider aromatherapy.
*stop
all beverages after dinner, to decrease the need to pee at night.
*avoid strenuous exercise within 4 hours of going to bed.
*consider meditation or rhythmic breathing to calm the mind before sleep; make
notes of things you need to do the next day before getting into bed, so you can
free your mind for sleep.
Pillar
#4—Stress Management
It’s not what happens to us, it’s how we react to it. Most of us know this, and
yet….. how to remember that we can learn how to manage our reactions to life
and to stress. We can’t avoid stress, it always seems to find us, but we can
determine that being centered and having peace of mind are our goals and we do
what we can to return there each and every day. This is a life’s work, in my
opinion, but progress can be made. There are numerous “thinking traps” that we
often fall into; I spend a chapter on each of them in my book, Emotional
Repatterning: Healing Emotional Pain by Re-wiring the Brain, and it’s
good to become familiar with them to understand better what tends to ensnare
us. Whether we commit to meditation, tapping, emotional repatterning (changing
subconscious limiting beliefs), therapy, or a regular gratitude practice to
re-focus on what we have—as opposed to what’s missing.. Any and all of these are
helpful, and essential. The less stress we are under, the healthier our immune
systems are and the more gracefully we age. And the degree of stress can be
determined by us, not the stressor, as we are not victims but authors of
our own reactions!
Pillar
#5—Connection
Connection is so very important for well-being. I break this down into three
parts: connection to ourselves, connection to others, and spiritual connection.
For me, each is essential. Connection to myself is about being honest with
myself about how I’m feeling and why. It’s a self-exploration that can bring
about greater understanding and then an ability to take action. If I don’t know
exactly what it is I’m upset about, if I’m disconnected with myself and have
little self-awareness, it’s hard to take steps to improve things. We are often
so reluctant to look within and inquire—it seems like a scary and dark place
sometimes that we would rather not know too much about! Courage!
Connection to others is also essential, and I think many of us have discovered
this over the last 2 years. Being disconnected from like-minded community,
feeling isolated and lonely, is for sure not conducive to good health. Studies
have shown that those with close relationships live longer. How can we find
others we can trust with our truest, most authentic selves? This is possibly
the greatest gift of all: to be seen and understood as we are, and to return
that same gift to another. Again, it takes courage to be vulnerable and develop
deep and meaningful relationships/friendships. Make it a value to talk about
more than “the weather” and look for deeper connection in your relationships.
Take a risk. We don’t need dozens of close people, just a small handful. Even
one.
Spiritual connection is obviously very personal: finding meaning in the
mystery of life, and in the mystery of our own lives. Connection to the Divine,
connection to nature, hope and prayer all play an integral role in linking us
to the magic of the Unknown. Acknowledging that we are a part of something much
bigger than ourselves can certainly help us put things into perspective so that
we feel more grounded, more grateful and optimistic each day!
Incorporating the 5 Pillars of Health into your everyday life,
as much as possible, will make a noticeable difference in your health and
well-being. And, it will provide a better base from which to respond to
homeopathic remedies!
Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. is an exceptional homeopath who provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine and she's a partner with Dr. Andre Saine N.D. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.
Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet.You can follow her on Facebook as well.
Photo credit: Xavier Mouton
]]>Runny or stuffy nose
Itchy or sore throat
Cough
Congestion
Slight body aches or a mild headache
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Low-grade fever
Mild fatigue
The discharge from the nose may become thicker and yellow or green in color as a common cold runs its course. What makes a cold different from other bugs is that with a cold generally you won't have a high fever. You're also unlikely to experience significant fatigue from a common cold.
The good news—homeopathy can help shorten the intensity and duration of a cold. Here are some great remedies to consider:
Colds can be challenging to treat homeopathically because many of the symptoms one observes are common from one patient to another. The key is in identifying the symptoms that are unique to your family member.
The essential element to choosing the correct/helpful remedy is ALWAYS the same. One must match the characteristic symptoms of the patient to a remedy capable of producing similar characteristic symptoms to have success. If you choose a remedy with characteristics most similar to the characteristic symptoms of the patient, you will have a happy outcome every time. If you don’t, you will either feel no effect or one that is mild at best.
Dose with either a 30C or 200C potency to start by placing one pellet under the tongue or one pellet in water, stirring vigorously and taking teaspoon doses as needed. Always cease dosing when relief begins and only redose if symptoms again worsen. As with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of your illness as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.
About Dr. Lisa Samet
Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.
Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet
]]>What causes these painful cramps in the first place?
The explanation lies in the fact that a woman’s uterus must shed its lining each month and this job requires uterine contractions. As the uterus contracts, blood vessels that supply the uterus become constricted, reducing blood flow, sometimes painfully. For some women, the hormonal changes that trigger menstruation may be more pronounced, causing the uterus to contract even more vigorously and more painfully.
Happily, homeopathy can really help.
Here is a list of the homeopathic remedies most often recommended for this problem:
How to dose:
Dose with either a 30C or 200C potency to start by placing one pellet under the tongue or one pellet in water, stirring vigorously, and taking teaspoon doses as needed. Always cease dosing when relief begins and only redose if symptoms again worsen. As with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of your condition, as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.
Remember, the key to choosing the correct remedy is ALWAYS the same. Match the characteristic symptoms of the patient to the characteristic symptoms produced by our many remedies by choosing the remedy with the most similar characteristics. If you try a few remedies with disappointing results, don’t give up! If you can see a professional homeopath and determine the “general” remedy you need overall, this step will surely help with the cramps and any other PMS symptoms you experience.
About Dr. Lisa Samet
Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.
Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet
]]>Lost sleep has large effects – from daytime drowsiness and fatigue, to mood disturbances, employment and relationship difficulties, and memory impairment. The benefits of healthy sleep are considerable – as are the effects of deprivation.
Happily – homeopathy, along with other measures, can help those with uncomplicated sleeplessness improve their sleep – safely and without side effects or risk of addiction.
The first area to look if you are struggling with sleep problems is diet, and one of the biggest contributors to simple sleeplessness is caffeine. Avoid it and related substances like chocolate from mid-morning on if possible. Also avoid alcohol and nicotine in the evening.
The sleep environment also deserves attention. Try to eliminate unnecessary light from your sleeping environment and create an environment that is a bit cooler than your daytime environment. Make sure your environment is quiet. Also try to keep cell phones, tablets and laptops out of the bedroom.
Finally – try to get plenty of exercise – but remember to avoid exercise for at least three hours before you retire for the night. Also avoid stressful activities or activities that over-stimulate in the hours before bed.
Having removed obstacles to better sleep – it’ time to consider homeopathic remedies that can help. Here are a few to consider:
Aconite:The patient needing this homeopathic remedy is restless and anxious with an anguished kind of fear. This remedy may help the person who feels a bit panicky on going to bed – in fact they may fear sleep or feel that they might not wake up. It can be particularly helpful for those who have experienced a fright before sleep.
Arsenicum album: The person requiring this homeopathic remedy is often the restless, meticulous type of person who cannot get to sleep because they have to get everything ordered in their mind. They may be so restless that they feel the need to move from place to place during the night. They tend to be chilly by nature and may struggle with sleep after midnight – particularly after 1:00AM. They also tend to be thirsty for small sips of water at regular intervals.
Cocculus: Here is a homeopathic remedy that one may think of for someone who has been deprived of sleep, as is the case for those who are caregivers for others. The person needing this remedy will often feel exhausted to the point of feeling weak – particularly in the muscles of the neck and small of the back. They may also feel mentally foggy and at times a bit dizzy – particularly on rising from bed. Like Natrum muriaticum (see below), the patient may also be sad, absorbed within himself or herself, brooding, moody, and silent.
Coffea cruda: A person needing this homeopathic remedy feels as if they just drank a stiff cup of coffee – they are wakeful and somewhat excited. This state is sometimes caused by joy, pleasurable excitement, or sudden happy surprises as well as by unexpected bad news. A person over-fatigued from long journeys may also require it. Those requiring Coffea cruda often experience smell, taste and touch that is acutely sensitive and report an unusually active mind - full of ideas.
Ignatia: This homeopathic remedy is often helpful to those who experience sleeplessness after a loss of some sort. They may sigh and yawn a lot, yet find sleep difficult to come by, and when they do sleep - find it fitful at best. They may twitch, toss and turn and be subject to nightmares.
Natrum muriaticum: This homeopathic remedy is also frequently indicated for those with sleeplessness after the death of a loved one, a slight, or loss. The pattern of sleeplessness here may be associated with feeling isolated, feeling aggrieved and perhaps crying themselves off to fitful sleep. Those needing this remedy are often sad – but made worse when someone tries to console them. They may also experience palpitations with the grief. Interestingly – Natrum muriaticum patients are very uncomfortable in the heat of the sun. If you find you are a true sun worshipper – chances are very good that this remedy will not work for you.
Nux vomica: A person needing the homeopathic remedy Nux vomica is often one who can fall asleep early, but awakens at 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. with great mental activity or worries. After this period of restlessness and worry, the patient finally feels able to sleep and often does, only to wake in a tired, irritable state. Sleeplessness for those needing this remedy is commonly brought on by the overuse of drugs and/or stimulants including alcohol, coffee, and wine, or by overwork or excess studying. Nux vomica patients are typically irritable, easily angered, and impatient – as well as chilly, nervous, and excitable.
How to dose:
Dose with either a 30C or 200C potency to start - placing one pellet under the tongue or one pellet in water, stirring vigorously and taking teaspoon doses as needed. Always cease dosing when relief begins and only redose if symptoms again worsen. As with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of your condition as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.
Remember - the key to choosing the correct remedy is ALWAYS the same. Match the characteristic symptoms of the patient to the characteristic symptoms produced by our many remedies – choosing the remedy with the most similar characteristics. If you try a few remedies with disappointing results, don’t give up! If you can see a professional homeopath and determine the “general” remedy you need overall, this step can also help immensely.
Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a weekly column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.
Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as remotely using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet
Photo credit: Alyssa L. Miller via Foter.com / CC BY
]]>Here are a few remedies to consider for family members who may struggle with this problem:
Arsenicum album: The typical Arsenicum child is anxious, restless and fastidious. "They will get out of bed to put a chair straight." They are frequently chilly as well. A child needing the homeopathic remedy Arsenicum will often wet the bed from 1-2:00AM.
Causticum: This homeopathic remedy can be useful in children who wet the bed particularly when they first fall asleep. Often the urine passes so easily that the patient is unaware of it. These children can also leak urine on coughing.
Kreosotum: A child needing this homeopathic remedy often experiences a sudden urge to urinate and can't go quick enough. They are known to have a sudden urging during the first, deep stage of sleep - wetting the bed. There is frequent urging at night. He or she wakes with urging but cannot retain the urine or dreams they are urinating and wet the bed.
Lycopodium: The child needing this homeopathic remedy has involuntary urination during sleep during which he or she may pass enormous quantities of clear urine. The typical Lycopodium patient craves sweets, likes hot drinks and has aggravations from 4-8PM for many complaints. They are often a bit cross and in an ugly mood on waking.
Pulsatilla: The child requiring this remedy often suffers with urine discharges that are involuntary. The urine can dribble while sitting or walking and at night in bed. The typical child needing the homeopathic remedy Pulsatilla is often "moody and fickle" and can be a bit weepy. They tend to have little thirst, and love being in company.
Sepia: The child needing Sepia often must keep her mind on her bladder or she will lose urine. The bed is wet almost as soon as the child goes to sleep (compare with Causticum). The child needing this homeopathic remedy is often indifferent, does not like sympathy and wants to get away alone. They may also crave the heat of the sun.
The key to choosing the correct/helpful remedy is ALWAYS the same. Match the characteristic symptoms of the patient to the characteristic symptoms produced by our many remedies - choosing the remedy with the most similar characteristics - and you will have a happy outcome every time. As with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of your illness as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.
Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. is an exceptional homeopath who provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.
Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet.You can follow her on Facebook as well.
Photo credit Thomas Hawk Foter CC BY NC.jpg
]]>Here are a few homeopathic remedies to consider if you feel your child is well-represented by any of these scenarios:
Particularly for the youngest set, starting daycare for the first time or kindergarten and a new school can be traumatic for the child and even for the parent. For the more established school-goers, memories of the previous year, where it didn’t go so well academically or socially, can be daunting.
If minor separation anxiety is a problem, lots of tears and weepiness at the thought of mommy or daddy leaving, the first remedy to consider is Pulsatilla. The child cries a lot and begs not to be left, in the most heartbreaking way. They seem totally distraught at the idea of being left “alone.” They are much better from being hugged and reassured. These kids are usually quite shy by nature and have fear of separation.
Another close consideration is Ignatia, which is an acute remedy for sadness. With Ignatia, you might see more anger at having to go to school and more upset, with uncontrollable sobbing. There is often brooding and deep sighing. The child may not want consolation, and may push you away if you try. Maybe the reason for the upset is less fear of separation as in Pulsatilla, but more sadness at leaving the parent.
For kids that are socially awkward due to shyness, school can be a real challenge to their perceived social inadequacies. Pulsatilla and Silicea would be good remedies to consider for this extreme shyness. With Pulsatilla, there is often more blushing from embarrassment when addressed by others, with Silicea there is often more social awkwardness, especially with peers.
As a general rule, Pulsatilla is more suited for a child with an easy-going, yielding disposition, usually low thirst, always feels better outdoors in the fresh cool air, tends to cry readily and is easily reassured and comforted. They often have a history of frequent colds.
A Silicea child on the other hand, does not like to be consoled and can get very angry if they are approached when sad or scared. They often have a lot of minor anticipation anxiety, becoming very stressed before an event (ie, start of school). Those needing Silicea are typically chilly and sweat a lot, especially from the feet or head in sleep. The sweat often can have a sour or “off” smell. They frequently are picky eaters and may have digestive problems, and are often thinner than average as a result. They can be pale and undernourished-looking. They often have a history of late teething.
If performance anxiety is the issue, one might think about Lycopodium or Gelsemium. Kids needing Lycopodium are not too hard to spot. They are terrified of class presentations, often not sleeping well the whole night before one and are very stressed before exams, though they are likely very well-prepared. They are perfectionists and set the bar very high. They are overly concerned about what teachers and parents think of them. Inexplicably, this may stem from inherently low self-confidence. In general, these kids get angry very easily, especially when contradicted, are bossy by nature and have a hard time making decisions. When stressed, they frequently have digestive problems, as that is their weak point.
Gelsemium often works like magic if taken acutely before a presentation, or performance. Many professional singers take this remedy right before they go on-stage to calm their jitters.
Many kids in my practice have taken this remedy before important entrance exams, and felt immediately calmer. Try it!
Remember (particularly if you’re new to homeopathy) the key to choosing the correct/helpful remedy is always the same. One must match the “characteristic symptoms” (i.e., unusual or peculiar) of the person you are caring for (not the common ones like a headache, sore throat, cough, fever, etc.) to a remedy capable of producing similar characteristic symptoms to have success. If you choose a remedy with characteristics most similar to the characteristic symptoms of your family member, you should have a happy outcome every time. If you don't, you or they will either feel no effect or one that is mildly positive at best, but there is never a bad effect from choosing the “incorrect” remedy.
Once you have chosen a remedy that appears to match your symptoms, dose with a 30C or 200C to start by placing one pellet under the tongue or one pellet in water, stirring vigorously and then giving a teaspoon dose as needed. Always cease dosing when relief begins and only redose if symptoms again worsen. And as with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of the problem as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.
Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. is an exceptional homeopath who provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine and she's a partner with Dr. Andre Saine N.D. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.
Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet.You can follow her on Facebook as well.
]]>Here's a list of six remedies I highly recommend you consider for your next adventure:
Arnica: This homeopathic remedy is a first-aid remedy par excellence and an absolute must-have for all occasions. It can help after a fall, a strain or a blow to soft tissue. One pellet one to three times a day for a day or two should usually be enough to get you or your family members back in the game. It is also available in a cream for topical use. The WHP kit refill size Arnica is perfect for stowing away in your backpack and their topical Arnica ointments WHP Be gone™ Lil’ Bruises & Bumps and Sore Muscles are great to have on hand as well.
Arsenicum album: This homeopathic remedy is very helpful with travelers' diarrhea and upset stomachs. Your patient will often be chilly, restless, and thirsty for frequent small sips. Whether it be from bad food, anxiousness, or a bug, Arsenicum is often the homeopathic remedy likely to help. If the diarrhea is relatively mild, 1-3 doses in the first 12 hours should help enormously if it is the correct remedy.
Calendula: Another gem and must-have. This remedy is a wonderful option for the minor cuts and scrapes common to vacations. Preparations of Calendula come in pellet form and as ointments or topicals. Topical forms include creams: WHP Be gone™Lil' Cuts & Scrapes, and WHP Be gone™ Diaper Rash. If you're injured, first gently rinse the area of the wound with water. Then apply Calendula. Most formulations are entirely pain-free and safe for the very, very young as well as the old.
Chamomilla: This homeopathic remedy is essential if you are traveling with children, particularly small children. It's beneficial for young children who, for whatever reason, become restless, irritable, whiny, and can only be quieted when carried. It can be a lifesaver on a crowded plane.
Ledum palustre: It’s hard to be outside in the summer and not encounter biting insects. This remedy is often helpful. Ledum's bites feel cold to the touch (vs. Apis, which feels hot. By the way, if I was to add a seventh remedy to the list it would be Apis. Very helpful with bee and wasp stings). Ledum may also be particularly effective with large bruises (like poking your thigh into the corner of a desk) when Arnica doesn't help. Finally, it is often the best remedy to use with a black eye (best if used immediately after baseball or elbow makes contact with eye socket!)
Nux vomica: What's a vacation without a bit of overeating and drinking? And what's better for the aftereffects of those moments than Nux vomica? Be sure to take it on waking the following day, and you will be amazed at how much better you quickly feel! Take 1-2 doses (an hour apart) for relief.
Remember (particularly if you're new to homeopathy) the key to choosing the correct/helpful remedy is always the same. One must match the "characteristic symptoms" (i.e., unusual or peculiar) of the person you are caring for (not the common ones like a headache, sore throat, cough, fever, etc.) to a remedy capable of producing similar characteristic symptoms to have success. If you choose a remedy with characteristics most similar to the characteristic symptoms of your family member, you should have a happy outcome every time. If you don't, you or they will either feel no effect or one that is mildly positive at best. There is never a bad effect from choosing the "incorrect" remedy.
Once you have chosen a remedy that appears to match your symptoms, dose with a 30C or 200C to start by placing one pellet under the tongue or one pellet in water, stirring vigorously and then giving a teaspoon dose as needed. Always cease dosing when relief begins and only redose if symptoms again worsen. It is always advisable to discuss the use of any medicine, including homeopathy, during pregnancy or when nursing with your licensed practitioner. And as with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of the problem, as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.
Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. is an exceptional homeopath who provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine and she's a partner with Dr. Andre Saine N.D. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.
Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet.You can follow her on Facebook as well.
Photo by Dino Reichmuth on Unsplash
]]>No big deal, right? Well for many, it can be. And homeopathy can help!
Hot flashes are by far the most common symptom of menopause with 80% of all women reporting them. Common symptoms of hot flashes include a sudden, brief, periodic increase in body temperature, sweating and in some cases an increase in heart rate.
While this symptom can be profoundly annoying, depending on how often and how intense it is (and how much sleep you lose having hot flashes at night), it’s great to know that research[1&91; and experience show that homeopathy can help make this transition far more comfortable.
Here is a list of five homeopathic remedies commonly prescribed for hot flashes:
Lachesis. This homeopathic remedy is typically for those experiencing flushes of heat, primarily on falling asleep, through the night, or on waking. While that in and of itself is not unique to this remedy, the greatest symptom I have found to confirm Lachesis is when even the most intense hot flashes happen without any perspiration—a dry heat. This remedy is arguably the most common of the remedies to give relief to those with menopausal hot flashes. The woman needing this remedy is worse in every way from heat—a warm room, hot temps or hot drinks.
Sulphur. The woman needing this homeopathic remedy often feels warm and is worse from heat, like Lachesis. The hot flashes tend to ascend up the body, rising to the face and head, which may often feel hot. They may also frequently experience being too hot at night in sleep, especially the feet which they desire to uncover (although cold feet may also occur). Other general Sulphur symptoms include craving for sweets, hunger in the late morning (around 11:00AM), loose stools (often occurring in the early morning), an energy dip at 2pm and a fear of heights.
Sepia. A person needing this homeopathic remedy often has hot flashes that are typically accompanied by weakness, lots of sweating, with the feeling of heat usually ascending upwards. Sepia patients typically are better from hard workouts or exertion and can be emotionally sensitive and a bit nervous by nature. They are very chilly and can have an energy dip (or feel worse) from 3-5pm. They also tend to be sun worshippers—greatly enjoying the heat of the sun for long periods of time. If you are someone who does not enjoy the heat of the sun, it is unlikely Sepia will be helpful.
Pulsatilla. This remedy would be most often indicated in a menopausal woman who has become very sensitive, down, blue and weepy. She feels better from reassurance. The hot flashes are worse in a warm room and better outside in cold or fresh air. Typically patients are hot (like Sulphur, might also want to uncover their feet at night), thirstless, have an energy dip around 1pm, and have a hormonal history with difficult periods or PMS.
Conium. This remedy is useful in hot flashes but the indications for it are less clear, except to say that there is usually profuse perspiration with the hot flashes. It’s easier to recognize that this remedy is needed when we consider the person as a whole. The keynote to this remedy, oddly enough, is that the person is very sensitive to sunlight and MUST have sunglasses outside on a bright day. They also tend to have very sore and/or swollen breasts at this time in their life (and also maybe previously, in PMS), crave salt, and are thought of as very “nice” people, although somewhat averse to change (loving routine).
Glonoinum. A woman needing this homeopathic remedy often has hot flushes that are sudden, violent, and with an upwards rush of blood to the head. Palpitations in the chest are also common, as are bursting headaches rising up from neck, with great throbbing and sense of expansion as if the head would burst; cannot bear the least jar.
How to dose:
Dose with either a 30C or 200C potency to start by placing one pellet under the tongue or one pellet in water, stirring vigorously and taking teaspoon doses as needed. Always cease dosing when relief begins and only redose if symptoms again worsen. As with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of your condition as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.
Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. is an exceptional homeopath who provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine and she's a partner with Dr. Andre Saine N.D. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.
Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet.You can follow her on Facebook as well.
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
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