Homeopathy is a holistic health practice that is a part of alternative medicine. Homeopathic remedies are made from plants and other substances found in nature. They are highly diluted from original tinctures, or extracts, and have few side effects. The Homeopathic Materia Medica lists thousands of remedies that can be used for a variety of conditions. However, there are a few common remedies which are considered homeopathic polychrests, or standards.
Arnica Montana
Arnica Montana is a wild flower native to North American. It is considered a remedy for all trauma and emergencies. It is used to treat injuries, falls, blows, and contusions. Arnica could be administered to trauma patients who may be nervous or fear being touched. They may be feverish, but the skin will feel cool to the touch. They may also complain of headache, pain in the stomach and diarrhea. They can experience dry mouth and extreme thirst or hunger. Any number of these symptoms following an injury might be addressed by using arnica.
Arsenicum Album
Arsenicum is made from asenic. It is used to treat patients with extreme headaches accompanied by red eyes and sensitivity to light. They are generally restless and irritable, and become easily exhausted. People who require arsenicum generally do not like to take medicine, and may think it is pointless. They may also become depressed and despondent, and prefer not to be alone. Unlike those who fit the arnica profile, those who require arsenicum will be thirsty, but will not want to eat.
Belladonna
Belladonna is derived from the plant with the same name, also known as deadly nightshade. In high doses it is toxic. However, in homeopathic medicine it has no side effects and is used to treat many of the same symptoms the plant causes when taken whole. Belladonna is recommended for those with high fevers characterized by a red, swollen face. These fevers may be associated with any number of illnesses. Patients who require belladonna will be extremely sensitive, and have skin that is hot to the touch. They will also have very high fevers, and may experience vertigo and even delirium. When administering belladonna, the fever will typically spike at first, then quickly subside.
Hepar Sulphuris
Hepar sulph is made from calcium sulphide. It is the first line of defense for colds, sinus infections, sore throats and ear infections. The mucous membranes will be sore and inflamed, and there will be excess catarrh. Those requiring hepar sulph are generally overly sensitive and irritable, and complains of chills and headaches. They will have a runny nose with offensive discharge, and may complain of a feeling of splinters in the throat, or a sensation that the throat is scratched.
Lachesis
Lachesis is derived from the venom of the bushmaster snake, a pit viper found in South America. It is used to treat symptoms related to poisoning and toxicity. Lachesis may be indicated for those suffering from headaches (especially upon waking), pressure and burning in the head (especially with movement), as well as vertigo and even delirium. The face will be pale, and the patient may have nose bleeds as well as swollen or bleeding gums. The throat may be dry and swollen, accompanied by difficulty swallowing.
Nux Vomica
Nux vomica, also known as poison nut, comes from the Strychnine tree found in Asia. It is also a hangover remedy. It is considered one of the most important remedies, because it is commonly used for so many modern conditions, especially those which may be stress-related. It is indicated for those who over-indulge, particularly in alcohol, coffee, recreational drugs, or even food. Symptoms such as nervousness and irritability, or headaches made worse with light are part of the nux vomica profile. Constipation is another common problem where nux vomica is indicated, especially if it is associated with over eating or over indulging in fatty foods.
Pulsatilla
Pulsatilla, which is made from windflower, is commonly used to treat children's conditions. The pulsatilla child may be timid or whiny, and does not like being alone. They need to be held and comforted often. Other symptoms associated with pulsatilla include: emotional sensitivity, pressure-type headaches, difficulty hearing, loss of sense of smell, and colic-like pains in the stomach.
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