A Holistic First Aid Kit by Dr. David Levi

First Aid Holistic Essentials

By Dr. David Levi, ND

The Healthy Home Economist,  11 February 2014

Band-aids, Neosporin, Tylenol, heating pad, etc. are the items you’ll find in a conventional first aid kit. Well, if you have children, you’re going need a lot more than that!

This is where homeopathy comes into the picture.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I consider homeopathy to be the best home remedy modality for acute (as opposed to chronic) situations, particularly with children. Homeopathic remedies can be found at most healthfood stores, they are inexpensive, and those tiny sweet pellets are extremely easy to administer to a child of any age, even newborns as they dissolve easily on the tongue.

So why aren’t these remedies in every home’s first aid kit? The reason is because most parents are intimidated by the plethora of different remedies out there so they don’t know where to start.

My goal in this article is to list the most important homeopathic remedies to have in your home first aid kit at all times to deal with acute situations and even more importantly, when to appropriately use them.

Before I begin identifying specific remedies you really need in your home first aid kit, a word on dosage: The ‘30C’ that you see next to many of these remedies below is what we call the potency, or strength of the remedy. 30C is known to be the most appropriate potency for self-limiting conditions, as opposed to chronic ones.

Dosing of the remedies listed below is usually 2-5 pellets, 2-4 times per day depending on the severity. The great news is that you can’t overdose.

Which remedy to choose? Being able to determine which is the right remedy for your child is like learning how to ride a bike. As your children get sick you will understand more on how they present when they’re sick and you’ll be much more efficient with selecting the right remedy.


The good news is, again, there is no overdosing and these remedies are not dangerous in any way.

* Print this list (mouse over the orange “share” button at the top of the article) and tuck it into your first aid kit with the remedies you choose to stock below so you have the descriptions of which remedies to use for what situations when you need it.

 

Holistic Remedies for a First Aid Kit

Ferrum Phos 6X (Cell Salts)
I call this the “nip it in the butt” remedy because it is taken the moment you notice symptoms that indicate that you may be coming down with something. You take two tablets twice a day.
Once you’re sick then you really need to find the remedy that matches the symptoms.

Arnica 30C (source)
As my Homeopathy professor always said during Naturopathic medical school: “Emergency rooms should have bath tubs full of this remedy!”

If you’re going to only have one remedy in the house, then this is the one it is going to have to be. Use for any type of blunt trauma to the body, bruising, falls, after a surgical procedure (i.e. pulled molars), bumped head, finger stuck in closet or door, etc.
I’ve seen miracles with this remedy in my own children after accidents where the aftermath should have been way worse, but because we had Arnica handy the swelling and bruising was extremely minimal.

Phosphorus 30C (source)
Best used for respiratory conditions, such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, tightness in the chest, dry lingering coughs, and deep coughs. The child may seem well even when sick. Matches children who are very sociable, love performing, and love meeting new people.

Arsenicum 30C (source)
The nose is running like a faucet and the skin around the nostrils is raw from the acrid discharge. Extremely fatigued.

Gelsemium 30C (source)
So drained that you feel like you’ve been “run over by a truck.” Can barely open your eyes. Running a fever with chills. Excellent acute anxiety remedy for children nervous about going to the doctor, nervous about a big test, etc.
I personally took this remedy before taking my Naturopathic medical board exams.

Rhus Tox 30C (source)
This is the arthritis remedy. Specifically indicated for stiff joints that tend to get better with movement. Can also be used for sprained ankles, poison ivy, and even cold sores. Helps with coughs that give a tickle in the throat.

Nux Vomica 30C (source)
I call this the GI (Gastrointestinal Tract) remedy. Used for anything from heartburn to hemorrhoids. Can also be used for diarrhea or constipation. Best indicated for the typical stomach flu presentation. Well know for ameliorating hangovers.

Aconite 30C (source)
This is for the child who is running around outside in the cold and a wind comes and gives them a chill. They wake up in the middle of the night with strong flu symptoms. Also can help for any type of sudden fright, like being shaken up from almost getting in a car accident.

Pulsatilla 30C (source)
This is the universal childhood remedy. Great for tummy aches, headaches, and infections. They might have a mild fever, but not thirsty. Typical presentation is a child that is very clingy, a little teary, very sweet, wants to sit on lap or be held, and is easily consoled.

Kali Bich 30C (source)
Thick and sticky mucus that cannot get out of the nose or throat.

Apis 30C (source)
The bee sting remedy. Back of throat and uvula is all swollen, and looks like it is full of water. Desires ice cold drinks. Great for any type of water retention (like pre-menstrual swelling of fingers and can’t get ring on).

Lachesis 30C (source)
A left-sided remedy. Purplish discoloration to face and affected areas, usually do to circulation issues. Can’t stand anything around the neck. Gets worse from hot drinks.

Lycopodium 30C (source)
This is a right-sided remedy. Desires warm drinks. Feels like there is a lump in the throat.

Mercurius 30C (source)
Drooling a lot. Sweat and breath smells bad. Sheets are drenched with sweat.

Kali Mur 6X (tissue salt)
Helps resorb ear fluids during an active ear infection.

Belladona 30C (source)
Fevers with a fast onset. Come on strong. Bright red face.

Chamomilla 30C (source)
The impossible kid. Usually when they’re teething or have a sore throat.
Now you’re ready to upgrade your first aid kit to include plenty of homeopathic remedies – holistic, safe, and effective!

Additional Information

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Source:

The Healthy Home Economist