Travel with these and protect yourself this summer!
Arnica: The pre-eminent remedy for all injuries, falls, bruises, concussions, strains and sprains, no first aid kit should be without this one! Can also be used before and after surgery to help with the pain and soreness that often accompanies any surgery.
Apis: The first remedy to think of in stings or bites– whether it be wasp, bee, mosquito, black fly, red ants, etc. If the area is red, hot & itchy, and feels better from cold applications, Apis is the one for you! Apis is one of those remedies you can take before going on a hike or sitting around a campfire in the evening when the bugs come out. If you are the one they love to bite, consider trying it preventatively and see if you get fewer than usual!
Arsenicum album: An upset stomach or diarrhea can ruin the day especially for those going away from home! Whether it be from food poisoning, anxiety or a mild virus, Arsenicum is most often the one needed.
Belladonna: This is always a good choice with red, hot skin at the first sign of a fever! Also, it can be really useful when dealing with a sunburn as it will help the body get rid of the excess heat, and promote skin healing.
Gelsemium: The first remedy to think of for summer colds (especially if the symptoms are vague and do not indicate a clear remedy) where the person is chilly, has little thirst, and low energy.
Hypericum: For injuries to nerve-rich areas, like a stubbed toe, a finger slammed in the door, or a fall on the tailbone, resulting in”nerve pain” – shooting, sharp and tingling. Ouch!
Ledum: This is a good remedy for puncture wounds – like stepping on a nail or a rose thorn. Also, for bites, especially if Apis doesn’t help or is not indicated.
Ledum’s bites feel cool to the touch, vs Apis, which feels hot. Ledum has also been found to be particularly effective with large bruises when Arnica doesn’t help, and it is often the best remedy to use with a black eye, best if used immediately after impact!
Rhus-tox: This remedy has two very useful acute indications: one is with poison ivy, and as mentioned above, if you are susceptible to poison ivy, you can take a dose before a hike or gardening, and it should prevent a reaction. If you do get poison ivy, though, this is the most common remedy to help with the intense itching, although it needs to be given frequently!
Also, Rhus-tox is a useful remedy for strains or sprains, especially when the joint is stiff in the morning and feels better after movement. Use following Arnica; when that remedy no longer provides any benefit.
Ruta: Easily confused with Rhus-tox for use in sprains, Ruta seems to have more affinity for tendons- but if unsure, try Rhus-tox first and if no results after a day or so, change to Ruta.
Silicea: This remedy encourages deep splinters to be expelled.
Good Luck!
This article is not intended to substitute for medical advice. Always consult a healthcare practitioner before starting and/or stopping any drug, nutrient or diet therapy.