ARNICA
A flower remedy and perhaps the best known of homeopathic remedies. The number-one first-aid remedy, it helps prevent bruising and deal with shock or fright. Excellent for accident victims and to help with recovery after surgery or childbirth.
BELLADONNA: (Deadly Nightshade)
Often used as a fever remedy, particularly when there is very high temperature, redness and burning sensations. Symptoms can be violent and intense, and there may be delirium and hallucinations.
CALCANEA CARBONICA: (Calcium from an Oyster Shell)
This remedy can be indicated for patients who are extremely sensitive to cold. There may be a dampness or clamminess, particularly on hands and feet. The body may be floppy and exhausted.
GELSEMIUM: (Yellow Jasmine)
A good remedy for fright from anticipation, e.g. stage fright. It is also used when there is general prostration, with the limbs feeling too heavy to lift.
IGNATIA: (St. Ignatius’ Bean)
A major remedy for grief and shock – even hysteria. It is often used for a patient who has suffered bereavement, the ending of a relationship, financial loss or a miscarriage. The Ignatia patient tends to be introspective, brooding and melancholy, but their moods can be changeable.
LACHESIS: (Bushmaster Snake Venom)
Renowned as a remedy for jealousy and vengefulness. Physical symptoms include constriction of the throat, and a feeling of suffocation. The patient often cannot bear to have things around their neck, and may have a fear of snakes.
NATRUM MURIATICUM: (Common Salt)
This remedy is associated very closely with suppressed anger and grief. The patient tends to be closed and unhappy, and actually feels worse for any attempts at consolation. On the physical level, there is a tendency to be chilly, with cold hands and cold feet.
PULSATILLA: (Pasque Flower)
This is traditionally seen as a female remedy but can just as easily be appropriate for a male patient. On the emotional level, there is shyness and insecurity and a fear of being deserted. Physically, there may be abdominal pain and flatulence. Thirstlessness is a key symptom.
SULPHUR:
The leading homeopathic skin remedy, often indicated in cases of eczema and other skin eruptions where there is redSness, itching and burning. Sulphur is powerful at reversing the effects of suppressive medication – and so needs to be used with care.
This was written by British homeopath Nigel Summerley.
Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine which uses microscopic doses of natural substances to stimulate the body’s own healing processes.
