When you have children (and even adults that can act like children) then mom knows that she needs to be prepared to be a doctor in the field and trenches. I have five children and I suspect that one of the reasons I got them is that they wanted to challenge me to see how good I was in acute homeopathic prescribing. Hardly a day went by or I had to bring out the "magic box" as it was dubbed by my combative children…"Let's see dad if homeopathy can treat this," was their warrior cry: Cuts, bruises as big as an egg, burn wounds…and yes even heartaches and disappointments! I am actually grateful for these challenges now as they are all grown ups, and have their own children, and not even a moment do they doubt to use homeopathy for all the same troubles their children cause now as they did to me. There is some pride in their voice as they talk about having successfully treated some of the 101 incidences that do not require an ER visit or a even a doctor's visit. I want the reader to get acquainted with some of these "magic pills" and put a physician's cap up for a moment and see the "magic of the minimum dose" as we call it.

Here follow some descriptions of homeopathic remedies you should have in your first aid box. They easily replace Tylenol and company as they are effective if truly indicated. The intake of these remedies for acute cases (I am not talking about chronic diseases for which you need to consult a professional) is always the same.

The Magic of Arnica

This is the sports and injury remedy par excellence! Bruises, falls on the head with the formation of the well known "eggs" on the front, black eyes (you never know how they got them) and "over exercise" all respond by magic to Arnica. "Over-exercise" can go truly to overdoing it even when you are a well trained athlete. But I think more about children and adults alike who do very little during the year, go on vacation and imagine that the muscles they never used, are just ecstatic to be used excessively. Enthusiasm easily takes over the first vacation day but the second day, one feels like a "bulldozer run over him." This is where Arnica comes in (the pellets taken orally in water are MUCH more effective than the cream and cheaper!). Arnica can be used acutely after operations where bruising takes place, is a must for the woman right after delivery of her child, after tooth extraction…it brings the swelling down immediately, stills the pain and stops the bleeding. Pure miracle! Keep in mind: never use Arnica for open wounds!

The Sting of Hypericum

Have you ever crushed your finger between a door? Fingers are rich in nerve endings and that's why it is excruciating painful! It is also indicated in any pressure on nerves like in acute sciatica where the pain radiates down your leg from the back on. While an chiropractic adjustment and acupuncture treatment can do wonders, Hypericum's pain relieving characteristics are fabulous. Indicated for those sharp, electrical, stinging and stitching nerve pains (even in tooth pain).  

Sprains and Rhus-tox

Nothing is more effective than Rhus-tox for sprains and strains of your ligaments no matter where in your body. You rolled over your ankle and now a swelling appears? Make sure there is no fracture first but in such sprain there is restoration within a few days. It is also greatly indicated in any lumbago. You lifted some things during a move? You hyper-extended your shoulder serving a tennis bal or less gloriously, painting a ceiling in your home? You worked for hours bent over in the yard and now you really do feel your age as you can't straighten your back? Put the youth back in that lower back with Rhus-tox and look forward to your next day of gardening! Keep it also in mind after acute whiplash!

Grief and Ignatia

While physical ailments can bring much pain, whoever has felt grief (and who hasn't) needs this remedy. Hearing bad news, emotional shock from seeing horrible things, unexpected death of a friend or family member, deception and betrayal and the first lost love of your child…nothing makes the healing of the soul smoother than Ignatia. It has all the characteristics of deep grief: hysterical crying or sobbing, loss of appetite, even the development after grief of a stiff neck or tic nerveux, constant sighing, a feeling of a ball in the throat, loss of sleep in your grief…this miraculous remedy will remedy all of this before the situation might develop in a full blown depression! I wish the rest of the world knew of this remedy! Tell your friends, they will be grateful. I even had children developing a stiff neck when humiliated by a coach or teacher in front of everyone. Always have Ignatia remedy for the many insults to the soul!

Infection and Calendula

I wish allopathy would know the wonders of the antiseptic characteristics of this remedy. Again better to take the remedy orally rather than using it on the open wound although you can do both! Any cuts, open wounds, scraped skin, incisions after operations, post delivery to heal the cu in the perineum, to avoid infection after tooth extractions, can be avoided and healed with Calendula, derived from a little flower like Arnica, True Nature does not have healing boundaries and limitations. Mankind has not made sufficient use of its powers.

Aconite and Fever

If your child wakes up around midnight with sudden high fever, weeping, very restless, hot to the touch In the head and over the body, bring Aconite out to the rescue! That little tsp from your bottle as by magic will calm the child down, make her fall asleep and often, the first dose cures! How could it have happen? It often happens on a sunny but rather cold NE windy day. he child has been sweating and caught a cold, which shows up without warning between midnight and 2 am with these violent expressions. It is also a great remedy for anyone who was caught in a sudden fright…almost died from as heart attack or from an accident: the restless and excited mind needs the calming capacity of Aconite! And no better remedy for the fearful woman pregnant for the first time, fearful for what can happen during the delivery!

Cantharis and Burn Wounds

The sun is out for the first time and you can't get enough! And it was so great to splash around in the pool or ocean, but when evening comes, you are burning allover your body in spite of sun cream. Even blisters (second degree burn) can show up. Reach to cantharis for first and second degree burn wounds and see healing taking place without the formation of scars. As I told you before, my children did test this remedy more than once!

Arsenicum: Such Poison and Such Healer!

To finish a remedy that "I never leave home without," (never mind Mastercard), especially on my travels overseas! For any food poisoning with bad water, causing burning constant diarrhea, draining your fluids, Arsenicum is indicated. The diarrhea is an expression of the body's attempt to purification and evacuation and Arsenicum will assist the body in doing so in the right way. Medications that stop the diarrhea often don't help (it is like putting a cork in your anus leaving the toxins in your body where they play havoc!). Numerous are the people I helped with this wonderful remedy in Mexico, India, Egypt, china, Morocco. The travel brochure usually does not advertise Montezuma's revenge as they call this illness. Don't be caught without having Arsenicum at hand.

These are just some of my favorite remedies but there are so many more. Much more can be learned from my book, "The People's Repertory", which you should have at home and bring on your travels. You feel empowered and grateful you can help your family and others!

Become a domestic physician!!