Look to homeopathy and you may just find a friendlier solution to your everyday bumps, scrapes, bruises and more around the home…
As a mum of two young children, Harriet (4) and Tom (3), I am keen to avoid exposing them to too many toxins whether these be environmental or chemical. I have been fortunate, as a homoeopath, to know of the alternatives in the home I can use on my kids that are gentle while also effective (when used according to homoeopathic principles).
I thought it may be worthwhile to share with you eight of the remedies I frequently use – some of which are available at pharmacies – that time and again have helped me to resolve minor ailments in my household.
1. Arnica
This is the number-one remedy to use when there is trauma of any kind that results in bruising, or strains and sprains. I always have it at hand for when the kids take a tumble, or I will give it immediately following burns or when there is bleeding. This wonderful remedy is available in cream and tiny pill form in some pharmacies. I usually apply the cream where there are bumps and bruises but give the pills when the skin is broken (and the cream should not be used) to help reduce inflammation.
2. Calendula cream
This cream can be applied topically where there are cuts, scrapes, burns, sores and eruptions. It is also available in some pharmacies and is used to promote healing.
3. Schuessler Tissue Salts: Mag Phos
Available in some pharmacies, tissue salts are generally very good for acute situations. Mag Phos is invaluable in our household when there is cramping or spasm of any kind and so can be used for spasmodic stomach pain or even painful periods. It is known as the aspirin of the homoeopathic world, so I also use it for minor headaches.
4. Schuessler Tissue Salts: Kali Mur
This is one of the first remedies I use in the case of ear infection in conjunction with other homeopathic remedies. It is also great for helping to relieve mucous congestion such as seen in colds.
5. Pulsatilla
This is a popular remedy used on children and I use it frequently in the treatment of colds where there is a thick, yellow/green nasal discharge, or to manage ear infections. It can be used during teething although is not the major remedy for teething issues. If a child is weepy and clinging to the parent then this remedy may also be one to consider.
6. Chamomilla
This remedy was my best friend when Harriet and Tom were teething! Characteristically, Chamomilla is usually indicated for teething when the child is irritable and extremely sensitive to the pain with one cheek hot and red and the other pale.
7. Nux Vomica
This remedy has many good uses. It is the first remedy parents might want to grab if they have a hangover (along with lots of water). I have also used it to help constipation in my children, in particular where there is an urge but the child cannot go, or for digestive issues in adults especially after having too much rich food or alcohol.
8. Coffea
As the name suggests this remedy is made homoeopathically using coffee. I have had good success with this remedy when my son couldn’t sleep when he was around one to two years old. He would be almost overtired, his mind overstimulated and he was very restless. Nux Vomica can also be used for insomnia but is usually indicated when a person is kept awake thinking about work or other matters causing stress.
These are just a few of the many homoeopathic remedies available, which I have found useful for my family. As always, please contact your local homoeopath for specific instruction, if required, and remember to seek medical advice in case of emergency and if you are unsure about the condition to be treated.
Further information on first aid treatment is available on Claire Gregory’s website.
We’d love to know how you have had success with homeopathy in your household. Share your tips and views in the comments section below.
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