Homeopathy for Halloween

To keep the fun flowing for tomorrow’s celebrations, come armed with these homeopathic remedies.

 Aconite

This must-have remedy will come in very handy if a child you might know become scared and isn’t easily calmed. They might even throw a fever that night. Aconite will help prevent the fever from turning into a nasty cold.

Pulsatilla

Reach for this remedy if you or your child has overindulged in Halloween treats and gets a nasty stomachache.

Nux Vomica

If it’s alcoholic treats that you have overindulged in, then take a few doses of Nux Vomica to settle your stomach and relieve your headache.

Please get in touch for further information.

Happy Halloween and Happy Homeopathy!

World Mental Health Day. October 10th 2023.

Mental health is a term that covers a huge spectrum of feelings, and each of those feelings can be experienced at different degrees of intensity. Awareness of mental health issues is greater than ever before, but after awareness, there needs to be action and that’s where homeopathy comes in.

The individualised nature of homeopathy is key to its success in working with mental health issues.

Homeopathy recognises that in a room full of people, each of whom suffers depression, no two people will experience that depression in exactly the same way. One person may have become depressed after a bereavement, another after a business failure. One may be very tearful in their depression, whereas another will be angry. One may suffer insomnia with their depression, another may find refuge in sleep. Each of those people will need different homeopathic treatment that recognises their individuality.

The homeopathic consultation is a process that will seek to find the root causes of mental health issues and how your life is affected by them. The consultation is therapeutic in itself.

Homeopathic remedies are natural, without side effects and are totally non-addictive.

If you want to find out more, please get in touch.

Get set for the cooler months with homeopathy

The weather is beginning to change and the Autumn Equinox is this coming Saturday. While this time can be embraced as an opportunity for renewal or for letting go, it is also a time to prepare for the colder months.

Covid and your bog standard colds and flu-like illnesses are already travelling around my children’s schools - perhaps yours too.

To help them through the symptoms speedily and lastingly, make sure you have the following remedies at home:

  • Aconite - at the first sign that symptoms are building, especially after being caught out in a cold wind.

  • Allium Cepa - this is the onion in its homeopathic form for the common cold with stinging eyes that water, sneezing and a runny nose that turns the space between your nose and your upper lip red and sore.

  • Belladonna - again at the onset of illness if your child wakes at night feverish with a red face, dilated pupils and a fast pulse.

  • Eupatorium Perfoliatum - for the horrible deep bone ache of fluey viruses.

  • Gelsemium - again for flu - with chills and shaking, exhaustion, heavy head and droopy eyelids.

  • Kali Bichromicum - this remedy is a great one for post nasal drip and unblocking stubborn sinuses.

  • Pulsatilla - for very snotty people who are feeling very sorry for themselves and become very needy - or rather even needier - when they are ill.

All these remedies are available from the superb homeopathic pharmacies Ainsworths and Helios.
Let me know if you need any further advice and also let homeopathy make your winter easier.

Get to work on your hay fever now the pollen is almost gone

It may well feel a relief to have the pollen season almost behind us but now is the time to work on your hay fever homeopathically. During the spring and summer, the body’s energy is directed at managing your allergy, but in the autumn and winter the body’s energy can be harnessed to address the loss of immunity that actually causes the allergy.

The autumn/winter hay fever protocol boosts your immunity and makes the pollen season easier to manage year on year. Homeopathy addresses the root causes of ill-health to bring lasting improvements and less dependence on pharmaceutical medication.

Homeopathic Constitutional Remedy 3 - Natrum Muriaticum

Natrum Muriaticum, or Nat Mur for short is not a remedy that I would be without –from headaches and migraines to skin complaints, from constipationto grief, this remedy is one of the vertebrae of the homeopathic spine.

Very young babies are rarely Nat Mur in constitutionbut can become very suited to this remedy should a sibling come along or should their parents split. Emotional triggers can make Natrum Muriaticum a very useful remedy.Nat Mur kids are very sensitive and emotionally reserved.

They are often more serious than their peers and can even be sad, or as they become older, depressed. If they are upset, they will want to be by themselves to feel better and will push affection or kind words away. This kind of behaviour lasts into adulthood, and can really harden.

As you’d imagine, as this remedy is made from salt, there is a lot of dryness in the picture for the people who need it. They will be thirsty people, but nevertheless, they’ll suffer from dry skin, cracked lips and constipation.They’llalso crave salty food like cheese and crisps.

Nat Mur is a brilliant remedy for headaches and migraines, and it is one to think of immediately if the headaches or migraines began or significantly worsened when there was some kind of emotional event. In a child, this would besomething likeparents separating, or in older children might be a grief or a change of school, then later in life, the trigger might be the ending of an important relationship.

If any of this sounds familiar, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The Homeopathic Constitutional Remedy #3 Sulphur

Sulphur is one of the fundamental constitutional remedies in homeopathy. Physically, there are a lot of skin symptoms, especially eczema, which itches or burns like crazy and which makes the person scratch until it bleeds. These skin symptoms can plague Sulphur people from infancy to adulthood.

The Sulphur child and adult is hot-bodied – likely to be in shorts all year – and very hungry, with their hunger characteristically kicking in late morning, and must be satisfied!

This type is lazy – Sulphur babies would rather their toys be passed to them rather than having to crawl to reach them! This laziness can reach alarming new heights during the teens, and will be matched with messiness, a horror of washing and an exasperating level of self-interest.

Information is a big deal for Sulphurs and they love to talk about their ideas or knowledge. Young Sulphurs may well tell you their impressive understanding of dinosaurs or space.

To a person who sounds like the description, well-timed doses of Sulphur will help their skin, if its problematic, or generally boost their health and wellbeing.

Please feel free to get in touch for further information.

The homeopathic constitutional remedy #2 Pulsatilla

As a parent to 4 daughters/step-daughters, I have prescribed pulsatilla more times at home than I can remember. It’s a must-have remedy for little ones - kids who are forever snotty, might be often tearful and who like to stay as close as they can to their parent.

The pulsatilla baby will make her mother feel as if she has given birth to a koala as this baby will not want to be separated from her mother’s arms. Pulsatilla people, right into adulthood, are needy!

The Pulsatilla baby may well have mucus issues such as gunky eyes and the snuffles.

Older Pulsatilla children will present with mucus-related issues again, with wet coughs, eye and ear discharges and the anxiety regarding separation will persist. Digestive issues will also be a problem with strong reactions to rich, fatty food.

The trademark of the Pulsatilla person is their affection and desire to be connected to their parent but on the other hand a tearfulness, neediness and a strong tendency to self-pity!

Teen Pulsatillas have these traits and may well have hormonal problems that exacerbate everything.

Adult pulsatillas are likely again to have hormonal issues or the mucus-related issues, and might become more Pulsatilla-like emotionally if they have been bereaved or come out of a nasty break-up and feel abandoned.

If this remedy portrait sounds familiar, Pulsatilla may well be your constitutional remedy, one which will give your health and wellbeing a boost.

The homeopathic constitutional remedy

A homeopathic constitution powerfully raises the whole health of the person. It is truly holistic as it is a remedy chosen to match you on every level from physical to emotional. I often give my clients their constitutional remedy plus a second remedy which is very specifically targeted at the complaint which I’m asked to sort out, such as eczema, anxiety, recurrent tonsilitis and so on. This produces very effective results without the side effects of pharmaceutical medication.

The next few blog entries will be detailing some of the key homeopathic constitutional remedies that can apply to children and adults alike. They form the backbone of homeopathic healing.

Constitutional remedy 1 – Calcarea Carbonica

This remedy is made from the calcium found in an oyster shell. As it comes from calcium, it is a true building block remedy.

Calcarea babies are round and on the chubby side, can be sweaty and can be fearful. They appear like a placid, bonny baby doll, The baby may be slow first to sit and then later to walk. This kind of infant may well have digestive or ENT issues, bronchitis or carry excess weight.

Older Calcarea children are worriers and are very shy but are hard -working and diligent, though they may well lack energy and strength. They may suffer with glandular problems and may not like to sleep alone as they are fearful and may have bad dreams. Development may be delayed.

In adulthood, Calcarea people are very hard workers and over-responsible. They will be big worriers and very family orientated. They may find they catch colds easily, be low on stamina and often be constipated.

If this picture reminds you of yourself or someone in your family (often both!), this remedy could well be helpful. Please get in touch for more information.

Combination Remedies #5 Accident and Injury

This remedy contains 6 remedies, each of which have a slightly different treatment area. Arnica is for soft tissue injury, Calendula heals wounds, Hypericum helps nerve pain and injury, Rhus Tox helps sprains and strains and injuries to tendons, Ruta acts brilliantly on injured joints and Symphytum helps heal broken bones. All six remedies are made from plants and are 100% pharmaceutical-free.

You don’t have to worry which remedy does what when you or someone on your family hurts themselves. You just reach for the combination and whichever remedies are needed, do their work.

Please note that this remedy should not be used in place of first aid or if necessary, medical help. But in any case, I would always give this remedy in addition to speed healing and ease pain. Please feel free to get in touch for further information.


Combination remedies #4 ABC

Aconite, Belladonna and Chamomilla - or ABC - are the three primary childhood fever remedies in one combination, and together are a great asset as a parent; if your child has a fever, it’s no time to be wondering which remedy is going to be best. Given timely, these remedies can nip whatever your child is brewing neatly in the the bud, making life a lot easier for all concerned and removing the need for further pharmaceutical medication. 

A fever is a sign of a healthy immune system and is a sign that your child’s body is working to fight the cold, earache, etc. Of course it is vital that you keep close attention to your child and ensure that they are hydrated and that you follow NHS guidance: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fever-in-children/. In addition to following this guidance, give ABC every 30 minutes for 4 doses and watch your child’s response. 

Paracetamol/Ibuprofen will generally bring down the fever and make your child more comfortable, but it will not address what’s causing the fever. Homeopathic remedies on the other hand, stimulate the immune system and help push the body through the acute and back to health. Always seek medical advice if you are concerned and please feel free to get in touch with me regarding the homeopathic approach to your child’s health. 

Combination remedies #3 Sinus drainage

Blocked sinuses are something which we might normally have associated with wet British winters, but unfortunately, with the rise of allergies and this year’s off the scale pollen count, it’s a problem during the spring and summer too.

The three remedies Hydrastis, Kali Bichromicum and Pulsatilla work fabulously together to drain mucous from the sinuses - and incidentally from the fallopian tubes too, if that is something you are facing.

This remedy combination is available from Helios the homeopathic pharmacy Helios taken in a 6c daily. Please get in touch for further information.

Combination Remedies #2 Travel Sickness

This combination contains the three most commonly prescribed remedies for motion sickness: Cocculus, Petroleum and Tabacum. These three remedies will address all the most frequently experienced symptoms such as nausea and dizziness, sometimes with headaches and often worse for certain smells such as food, petrol or cigarette smoke. Give the remedy before the journey and as required en route.

This combination remedy is available from Helios homeopathic pharmacy https://www.helios.co.uk and is completely pharmaceutical-free. Please feel free to get in touch for further information. 

Combination remedies #1 Hayfever

Combination remedies #1 Hayfever

The great thing about combination remedies for the home prescriber is that you don't need to agonise about which remedy suits your symptoms best. The most common and effective remedies are put together for everyday complaints, enabling you to prescribe for yourself or your family quickly and simply.

The hay fever combination remedy from Helios homeopathic pharmacy ( https://www.helios.co.uk/) contains remedies prepared from the humble onion and the plants Eyebright and Sabadilla. They address the typical hay fever symptoms of - amongst others - itching and watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose, and being straight from nature, don't have the downsides of anti-histamines.

Taking well-chosen homeopathic remedies through the winter through a qualified practitioner will address the susceptibility to hayfever, but as the pollen season is already underway, use the combination remedy to help with the symptoms as they appear.

If you need any further advice, please get in touch.

Using homeopathy to speed your recovery after surgery 2

This week we’ll look at the brilliant remedy Staphysagria. This remedy comes in very handy after surgery when there is a feeling as if there has been some kind of unwelcome intrusion made to the body – even when the surgery has been fully agreed to.

Staphysagria is useful, for example if a procedure has been performed on your piles. In this case, take Staphysagria alongside Aesculus (which comes from a conker, as pictured here), which is a great remedy for piles, and the tendency to get piles themselves.

Think about Staphysagria after circumcision. In this situation, Arnica will also be very relevant.

Think also about this great little remedy if you went into hospital to deliver your baby naturally but ended up having to have a C-Section, and understandably feel angry about that eventuality, as necessary as it may have been. This is also the case after an episiotomy.

Finally, Staphysagria is often very well-indicated after a hysterectomy too. For more information on all matters homeopathic, please get in touch.

Using homeopathy to speed your recovery after surgery 1

If you are faced with the prospect of surgery, you will be eager to get yourself back to form in as short as time as possible. While there is no substitute for the rest which you will certainly require, homeopathic remedies will speed the healing process very effectively as well as helping with the emotional responses too. 

Emotions before the event

Homeopathic remedies can really help with the emotions that can be experienced prior to surgery. If you’re feeling apprehensive, trembly and weak, consider taking Gelsemium to steady yourself. If it’s panic you’re feeling and you’re scared you might die, no matter how risky or how routine the surgery is, reach instead for Aconite. Try taking one dose of the more appropriate remedy the night before your procedure, another on waking and a third nearer to the time of the appointment.

 Good old Arnica

Arnica is the number one remedy to take pre-surgery. It helps to minimise both trauma to the body and also bleeding. It should be given at least twice afterwards, with something like an hour interval between the doses. It can be given for longer periods but that depends completely on the nature of the surgery and the toll it has taken on the body.

Next week we’ll take a look at remedies for recovery from specific procedures.

Home prescribing for colic

If the person suffering colic is a baby, the first remedy to consider is Colocynthis except if they’re teething, in which case, reach for the Chamomilla. If the baby is arching back with the pain, however, Dioscorea is your remedy.

If you’re prescribing for yourself or an other adult, has the pain come on after eating and drinking too much? If so, Nux Vomica is your remedy. If the person has a lot of bloating and wind, reach for Carbo Veg, but it they’re drawing their legs up into the foetal position, reach for Colocynthis. If, on the other hand, they’re arching back to stretch out the stomach, use Dioscorea.

All the wonderful homeopathic remedies mentioned above come from the plant kingdom and are safe for babies and adults alike.

Homeopathic remedies for Teething

Give the top teething remedy, Chamomilla. Very often this will work. If your child doesn’t respond, ask yourself:

Is my child constipated? Yes – give Nux Vomica.

Does my child have hot, red cheeks? Yes – give Belladonna.

Does my child have ulcers where the tooth is coming through? Yes – give Borax

Is my child’s tongue red and swollen? Yes – give Apis.

I hope this helps. Please get in touch for further information.

Staying well this Winter #5

A well-chosen homeopathic remedy is often very effective in helping alleviate the acute symptoms of a sore throat, though if the sore throats recur chronically, do consult a professional. Consulting a professional is important also if the symptoms are severe.

The following remedies are some of the most commonly prescribed for sore throats.

Aconite

Reach for Aconite if a sore throat comes on suddenly, especially if you’ve been caught out in the cold. The throat will be swollen, red and dry and may feel burning. A child with an Aconite sore throat may well wake up during the night feeling anxious and restless.

Apis

Made from the honey bee, this remedy suits those symptoms you’d associate with a bee sting: red and swollen with stinging pains. This is how the throat looks and feels. You’ll want cold drinks to keep the pain down and the inner and outer throat and the uvula will all be inflamed.

Belladonna

Like Aconite above, Belladonna suits the sudden onset of a sore throat, though Belladonna is also one of the most common remedies for acute tonsilitis. The tonsils will be scarlet red and be burning. The child suffering these symptoms may well also have a high fever. There may be a difficulty even swallowing water. There may be a craving for lemons or lemonade.

Mercurius

Think of this remedy if a cold settles in the throat and it’s very painful to swallow. Again, there will be swelling and redness, but with this remedy there will be a lot of salivation, a dirty yellow tongue and very bad breath. The tonsils and the lymph glands may also be swollen.

There are many other remedies for sore throats, so if you need further information, please get in touch.

 

Staying well this winter with homeopathy #4 Cell Salts

Cell Salts are an easy and effective way to keep classic winter ills at bay.

Cell or Tissue Salts are a biochemical cellular therapy prepared from 12 of the body’s essential minerals such as magnesium and potassium. The Salts are micro doses of the 12 minerals and are taken in combinations to address different kinds of ailments.

The Cell Salt Combination J is known as the winter seasonal remedy as it helps prevent (if taken promptly enough) or alleviate colds, coughs and congestion. It includes the minerals Ferrum Phosphate, Potassium Chloride and Sodium Chloride. These are all in microdoses and are therefore are a form of homeopathy which is very easily self-prescribed.

Cell Salts are easily obtained from health food stores and some pharmacies.