Homeopathy can be very helpful for healing bruises, sprains and strains.
Please note, this article provides information about remedies which are useful to have on hand for working with a homeopath who, through their training, has the knowledge required for appropriate and safe dosing of remedies for these conditions. It is also possible for someone who is not a homeopath to learn how to use these medicines safely and effectively for first aid. (See the reference below).
Homeopathy for any type of Trauma and Bruising.
Arnica is a remedy which is very commonly used for any type of trauma, and can even be used for trauma which occurred long ago. The injured person can be oversensitive to pain and is afraid of being approached or touched. Arnica also helps with the mental trauma of the injury. Arnica can be taken internally and also in the form of gel, cream or ointment can be applied to the injured part.
A bruise occurs when blood vessels under the skin are broken. Arnica is usually the first choice of homeopathic medicine for bruises, and is great for ameliorating the pain and blood flow under the skin associated with bruises. If bruising is severe and the area is cold and numb, and is better with cold applications, Ledum should be used instead of Arnica. Ledum is also the first choice for black eyes. For bruising of bony areas such as knees or elbows, Ruta often reduces pain.
Homeopathy for Strains and Sprains.
For strains and sprains, Arnica is very useful if there is substantial swelling or bruising in the area of the injury. After the initial bruising and swelling subside, other remedies should be used.
Rhus Tox is the one of the most commonly used remedies for these types of injuries and is especially indicated when initial movement is painful but continued motion brings about alleviation of pain.
Ruta should be chosen for sprains and strains after the bruising and swelling have gone down if, Rhus Tox has not made the injury better and if the injured part is neither worse with initial motion nor better after continued motion. Body parts feel bruised and there may be a great feeling of weakness in the person who needs Ruta.
Bryonia is useful for sprains and strains where the patient is much worse from any movement at all and is not improved through continued motion. With such a patient, there will be swelling, but not so much as in a patient who requires Arnica.
Ankle sprains are often improved with Ledum, especially if the area of the sprain feels cold and numb and is the pain is improved with cold applications.
All of these remedies are made from completely natural substances which are diluted and shaken a multitude of times; these processes create the unique healing properties of the remedies and also remove any harmful qualities that may be in the original substance.
In the treatment of strains and sprains, rest, elevation of the injured part, icing and wrapping the injured part with light pressure are also useful. After 24 hours the icing can be switched to warm applications or a warm bath; however, if the patient prefers, icing should be continued.
Please contact me if you would like to know more.
Reference:
Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicines by Stephen Cummings, M.D. and Dana Ullman, MPH. (The link opens in a new tab – not necessarily an endorsement to purchase, just information about how to treat common ailments with homeopathy)
