Milk Thistle // Carduus Marianus

Several weeks ago, I happened upon this lovely thistle flower next to a pond. I love thistles. Part of my love of thistles may have to do with my Celtic heritage, as the thistle is a strong Celtic symbol. I love the story about Scotland being saved from a Viking invasion by a single thistle...

One night, when approaching for a surprise attack in the dark, a Viking stepped on a thistle and his cry woke the sleeping Scotsmen. King Kenneth III adopted the thistle as a symbol of Scotland which continues to endure today. 

In general, I am a big fan of weeds; the wild and free plants growing all around us that we so often consider to be a nuisance. There is so much to learn about them and from them. And I notice that the weeds that are the least liked in one's lawn, such as thistles and dandelions for example, are so often the ones that contain the most potent medicine for us. 

Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum) is a potent detoxifier. It can actually assist in repairing liver cells! And it protects the liver against the damaging effects of alcohol and other poisons. Although my practice focuses on homeopathic medicine, I will quite often suggest a few other beneficial natural health supplements to my clients that I know will assist in their treatment. I recommend milk thistle to any of my patients who appear to have a sluggish liver and need some additional support. In our modern age, I feel that many of us can benefit from additional support for our over-worked livers. If you are considering a cleanse, which I think is a good idea in the spring and fall, think about taking milk thistle tincture as part of your cleanse.

St. Mary's Thistle (another name for milk thistle) is also a lesser known homeopathic remedy. Carduus Marianus, is not surprisingly used as an organ specific remedy for the liver. This remedy is used to treat inflammation of the liver (especially the left lobe) that is worse from lying on the left side and from motion but better from pressure. Terrible attacks of gallstone colic, fullness and soreness in the hepatic region and cirrhosis with it's characteristic jaundice with clay coloured stools and dark urine can be treated with this great homeopathic remedy. But please don't treat yourself or others for advanced or chronic ailments. Contact a trained homeopath.

Didn't I tell you this plant is amazing? So next time you get pricked by a thistle or find one growing in your garden, please remember how fortunate we are to have such a powerful ally, growing wild and free among us!

♥ Andrea ♥

*The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health care practitioner.*

Drosera Rotundifolia

*image courtesy of big portage*

Drosera is known as the common sun dew and is a carnivorous plant. The sticky fluid is how it catches it's prey and then the plant secretes enzymes to dissolve them into nutrients. Sun dews grow in poor soil and lack the enzymes needed to uptake nitrates from the soil like other plants do. Catching and digesting insects ensures they get the nutrients they need. Fascinating isn't it? Drosera has been used for centuries as an herbal treatment for coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough and asthma.

The reason I've decided to write about Drosera Rotundifolia today is because the whole family was sick a little while back with a very intense chest congestion and cough and each and every one of us required this little homeopathic remedy. Though I was familiar with drosera, I had never actually had to prescribe it before. I was really alarmed by how intensely ill we all were when in need of this remedy. And I don't ever recall a time when our whole family or another whole family that I was treating all required the same remedy.

See all the sticky fluid on the spindles? Doesn't it look like bronchiol tubes and aveolea covered in fluid? That is exactly what it felt like to be in need of this homeopathic remedy. We all had a chest congestion that caused difficult expiration. You could hear the sound of the fluid with each expiration which was the pointer to the remedy for me. The continuous coughing from that congestion was unbearable. This chest congestion and cough held on for a long time but each time any of us took drosera we noticed an immediate amelioration.

While each homeopathic remedy can be indicated for a number of issues and can present itself in different ways, this was our particular drosera experience. If you would like to learn more about the specific symptoms associated with this homeopathic remedy check out the drosera page on ABC Homeopathy.

Now I think I need a few of these crazy carnivores for the home- for catching flies and in case I need to make drosera tea again any time in the near future!

I hope you enjoyed reading about this fascinating plant and remedy!

*The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health care practitioner.* 

♥ Andrea ♥

My First Aid Bag

I have a little first aid bag that I throw in my purse and carry around with me. It only has a few remedies and such in it but I've found that it's come in handy a few times. There are many more remedies that I have on hand at home for first aid. This is just the stuff I always have with me. I change it up now and again depending on what's going on in our life at the time. I noticed when I dumped it out for the photo that I am missing a couple of things that are normally in there but I forgot to restock. I'll give you a quick rundown of what each remedy is for. It's a good idea for you to purchase a nice little homeopathic first aid book to go with your first aid bag. There are several little booklets available from Minimum Price Books some for as little as $4.

In The Bag

Bandages

A dropper bottle with Calendula Tincture and water in case of any minor cuts or scrapes.  I usually keep this in a plastic bag to avoid it leaking or breaking but so far so good. In this plastic bag I also keep some cotton balls. 

Tissue Salts:

Mag. Phos. (not pictured above- I'm all out!)

For cramping, shooting and spasmodic pains. This has come in handy if I get a tummy ache after eating something that disagrees, cramping gas pains, muscular twitches, hiccups, and has assisted many a friend who needed something for menstrual cramps (if these friends are not already taking a constitutional remedy and enjoying a pain free period, this is their go-to for period cramps)

Kali Phos.

This is a great tissue salt for calming nerves. It is a nerve nutrient. I give it to my kids all the time to encourage a contented disposition. I take it if I start to get anxious about something too. Symptoms can include nervous  bellyaches, nervous headaches, sleeplessness and the like. Kali phos can even be given in the event of an asthma attack brought on by nervousness.

Ferr. Phos. 

The first aid tissue salt. At the first sign of any sort of illness, a soar throat, runny nose, headache, fever, congestion, anything really, I take it. This is also a great tissue salt to have in liquid form. I have a Ferr. Phos. spray from Martin and Pleasance. Spraying ferr. phos. on a cut will encourage your wound to heal faster. I'm going to switch the ferr. phos. that I have in my bag to the spray bottle.

Arnica Montana

This remedy can be given for any bruises, breaks, sprains, strains, concussions, etc. It encourages your body to heal faster so it's the #1 homeopathic remedy for your first aid bag.

Aconite

Aconite can be used at the first stage of illness when symptoms come on suddenly and may have been caused by exposure to cold. Anxiety, restlessness and a great thirst.may also accompany symptoms. Chicken Pox, colds, cough, croup, diarrhea, ear infection, fever, headache, influenza, insomnia, measles, mumps, throat pain and vomiting are some of the symptoms aconite can be used to treat.

Belladonna

This remedy is for inflammation and congestion. Headaches, fevers and wounds that are dry, hot burning and  throbbing and come on suddenly, even violently, can all be aided by belladonna. Abscesses, chicken pox, colds, coughs, ear infections, fever, headache, mumps, sunstroke, throat inflammation, toothache are just some of the symptoms that this useful remedy can treat.

Arsenicum Album

I carry this one in case of food poisoning or any case of nausea and vomiting with diarrhea.

Characteristic symptoms calling for this remedy include; burning pains better from heat, restlessness and anxiety, weakness, worse from cold and at night, great thirst but only wants sips of water. Arsenicum can be used to treat abscesses, asthma, colds, coughs, fever, food poisoning, hay fever, headache, influenza, insomnia, stomach upsets and traveler's diarrhea.

Nux Vomica

This is also a remedy for nausea and vomiting. It's good for indigestion from eating too much rich food and is a great hang-over remedy although it's been a long time since I've required that! (I should probably get out more). Someone needing nux vomica will usually be irritable, impatient and generally cold. Symptoms may be worse in the morning. The nux vomica symptoms are likely to be brought on by too much food, drink, drugs (prescription or recreational) or overwork. A short list of acute issues that can be treated by nux vomica are asthma, colds, constipation, cough, diarrhea, hay fever, headache, influenza, nervousness and stomach troubles.

Hypericum

Hypericum can be used to prevent tetanus. It is often given in alternation with ledum after a puncture wound. It is a great remedy for injuries to the nerves, especially of the fingers, toes and nails. When nerves are involved in an injury and the pains are intolerable, shooting, and last a long time, hypericum can be of great use. Injuries to the spine and brain can be aided with this remedy, so give hypericum in the case of concussion. Also use hypericum for deep cuts, bruising, shock, tooth pain, animal bites, gunshot wounds, injuries at nerve-rich sites, to the spine and that involve crushed bones. Hypericum can also be used for pnumonia and whooping cough. A patient needing this remedy may be worse in a closed room, from motion, touch, pressure, change of weather, cold and damp weather, at night and before a storm. The patient will be ameliorated by lying face down, bending backward and rubbing.

Ledum

Ledum can be used to prevent tetanus after a puncture wound. It can also be used for abscesses, bad affects from alcohol, bruising, insect stings, poison oak and septic conditions. Body parts affected are typically cold  to the touch though they do not feel cold to the patient. Someone in need of ledum will usually be cold but warmth may be intolerable to them due to a sensation of burning heat in their limbs, hands or feet. They are worse from heat and motion but better from cold bathing, applications, rest and at night.

Rhus Toxicodendron

I carry this remedy mainly for treating pains from over-straining and for poison ivy. Sprains or strains calling for this remedy will be worse at first movement (when first getting out of bed for example) and better from continued motion. This is a great remedy for repetitive strain injury. If it is indicated for poison ivy, the rash will be ameliorated by the application of heat. rhus tox. can also be indicated for infections, influenza and septicemia. Someone in need of rhus tox. will have symptoms that will be worse from exposure to cold and wet, they will want to be covered to avoid a chill. They will  also be worse from first motion, from rest, from overexertion, after midnight, in winter, lying on their back or on their right side and from any jar. The patient will be ameliorated from continued motion, heat, rubbing and stretching. Rhus tox. can also be used to treat abscesses, asthma, boils, rheumatism, sciatica, and like the other remedies, it can be used to treat so much more!

Apis

 In case of bee stings or allergic reactions that involve swelling, such as anaphylactic shock. Sudden swelling, puffing and stinging pains with intolerance to heat and touch call for apis. Symptoms improve with cold bathing, cold applications or from exposure to cool air.

Chamomilla 

This one I'm carrying right now because my daughter is still teething. It really is a miracle worker for painful teeth. A child needing chamomilla will be very angry and restless with pain. They may hit and throw things. The symptoms will improve in warm wet weather and be worse from heat, open air and at night. A quick list of treatable symptoms; diarrhea (green stools), ear pain, insomnia and tooth pain.

My Children's and My Own Constitutional Remedies

Just in case, I always carry them. We only take our remedies once a month or so depending on when we need them. But sometimes an illness or shock can be aided by your constitutional remedy.

It's best to leave it to your homeopath to prescribe your constitutional remedy.

I hope this inspires you to put together your own first aid bag.

♥ Andrea ♥

*The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health care practitioner.*

Homeopathy for the First Stage of Illness

  

Having homeopathic remedies and a good resource book in your home, such as Homeopathic Medicine At Homeby Maesimund B. Panos, can be a really empowering thing; especially when it comes to children and the first stage of illness. When a child becomes ill, a parent is filled with feelings of worry and in some cases, helplessness. Being able to give a tissue salt, a well chosen homeopathic remedy and knowing what foods to give and what foods to avoid at the first sign of illness can make all the difference.

A strong immune system can be challenged by illness and not be compromised or may be only slightly compromised. A weakened immune system will become compromised very easily and in this case, you may find a little person who is constantly developing more serious complications from any cold or flu that seems to be going around.

So, how does a parent do all that they can at the first stage so that they can try and prevent illness from developing further? My first suggestion if you have a child who seems to be continually getting ill, is to seek the advice of a qualified classical homeopath. A classical homeopath does not prescribe combination remedies. They will carefully assess your child's individual case and recommend a remedy to boost their particular immune system. A carefully chosen homeopathic remedy can strengthen the immune system and reduce one's sensitivity to sources of stress. To find a qualified practitioner in your area, try the Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine and NASH if you are located in Canada or the US.

In my post, Homeopathy at Home: Where to Start, I give detailed instructions for purchasing remedies and books. It is really important for me, as a parent, to have access to books and the remedies I need when my family becomes ill. The homeopathic book and remedies package I recommend in the previous post, is, in my opinion, the most cost effective way to arm yourself with a great book and all the remedies you may need for your family. I also recommend purchasing the twelve tissue salts (also called cell salts) available at most health food stores as well as picking up a copy of the Biochemic Handbook. Another little book I adore is Homeopathic Remedies for Children by Phyllis Speight. This book is simple and easy to use; a great resource for parents! Other books about homeopathy are listed on my books page so check them out too.

So, when my children, my husband or myself first become ill, I give Ferr. Phos. tissue salt straight away. I will give this tissue salt (two pellets for one dose) maybe five times throughout the day. Then, I also consider our constitutional remedies. If the illness fits the picture of our constitutional remedy, then I give that as well. My daughter often needs the remedy Pulsatilla Pratensis for example. I usually give her a 30C dose of this remedy. When she is ill, I may give her 1 or 2 doses a day only until she starts to get well, then I discontinue. If the symptoms of our illness do not match with those of our constitutional remedies, I look for a remedy that does match. If I can't find the correct remedy or I am unsure, I wait. I know what our constitutional remedies are because I am a homeopath. You do not need to know what your constitutional remedy is in order to treat for minor ailments. But, if you do happen to know what it is, or which remedies you have used with success in the past, it can be helpful.

It is really important that you make sure that the homeopathic remedy you give matches your child's symptoms. The books I have recommended here are easy for the beginner to use to identify the symptoms for each remedy. Consult with your homeopath if you are unsure which remedy to give or if there are signs of any chronic illness.

I am always aware of the power of food. Sugar suppresses the immune system so I am mindful not to take any food with refined sugar in it. Fresh fruits however, are a great cleanser. I give my family lots of fresh fruit and vegetables when they are ill (if they will take them). I juice fresh oranges, lemons and grapefruits. I also make a green shake like the green gloop recipe in my previous post with lots of dark leafy greens and Spirulina. I try to make my healthful drinks really delicious so that my children feel like it's a real treat to get their special shake.

I also totally avoid dairy products at this time. Diary will cause your body to produce mucous.  If your child likes milk, it is super easy to make your own almond milk. When you make it yourself, it is full of healing enzymes not available in the pre-made varieties. Finally, I offer lots of water.

Almond Milk

Soak one cup of raw almonds over night (or for at least four hours)

Dump the soaking water and rinse the almonds well

Place almonds in your blender with two cups of water

Blend well

Pour through a fine sieve or cheese cloth squeezing out the excess water

After this, if you like, add a ripe or frozen banana or a soaked date or two and blend again to sweeten

I keep the almond grounds for other raw food dishes or you can compost them 

I give my kids all the extra love that they are craving when they are ill. It really makes a difference. I tuck them into a cozy blanket and read them a story, rub their back, brush their hair, help them to relax and sleep so that their body can heal. Some children don't want to be touched when they're ill, so do give those little ones their space. But, for all the other sick wee ones, cuddle away!

There are a few other things that only my husband and I occasionally take when we feel a cold coming on; Vitamin C Crystals dissolved in water or freshly squeezed juice, this great herbal combination of astragalus, shiitake and olive leaf called Ki and we also sometimes take Oil of Oregano and a Probiotic.

If you have questions, please send me an e-mail.

♥ Andrea ♥

*The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health care practitioner.*

Rhus Toxicodendron and Repetitive Strain Injury

I was reminded again of the importance of this well-know polycrest just a few days ago when my husband came home with a very painful case of repetitive stain. 20 minutes after wrapping his wrist with a cloth bandage and a single dose of Rhus Tox. 6C, he was symptom free!

Originally proved by Dr. Hahnemann himself (the originator of homeopathy) and published in 1833, Rhus Tox. should be in the first aid kit of every person. It can be used to treat many ailments both acute and chronic.

Rhus Tox. is the most commonly indicated remedy for RSI and Carpal Tunnel. It's keynote symptom being pain on initial movement and amelioration (although it may be mild) on continued movement. Other modalities may include, aggravation in cold, wet weather, at night and during sleep. Amelioration may come with warm, dry weather, change of position, warm applications and stretching.

Of course, as with every case of disease it is imperative to select the correct remedy for the individual and Rhus Tox. is not the only homeopathic remedy indicated for RSI. But, in an acute case of RSI where symptoms match the above modalities, a single dose of Rhus Tox. 6C will bring brilliant results! The remedy can be repeated if symptoms return several times a day. 

Although Rhus Tox. 6C can be taken without prescription for minor ailments, if symptoms persist or you are suffering from long-standing chronic pain, please see your homeopath and always consult your family doctor.  

For more information on Rhus Tox. please visit:

A Day In the Life of Rhus Toxicodendron

ABC Homeopathy Rhus Toxicodendron

♥ Andrea ♥

*The information in this article is for educational purposes only. This is not intended to be medical advice.* 

Homeopathy at Home: Where to Start

I meet many people who are interested in Homeopathy but find it unapproachable. There are so many remedies and so many books, it can be hard to know where to start. When dealing with chronic health issues it is always important to consult a qualified health practitioner. But you can treat yourself and your family for minor issues safely, naturally and effectively at home. So let's get started!

My recommendation is to first go to the home page of the National Center for Homeopathy. There you will find a brief overview of homeopathy, it's history and practice. Many other questions are answered on this page as well.

If you are just starting with homeopathy and you are interested in purchasing some remedies for your family and some literature, I recommend that you buy the book, Homeopathic Medicine At Home. On the Homeopathy World website, you can find a great starter homeopathy kit for home or the deluxe homeopathy kit looks great too.They have other useful products and information on their site too.

The other item that I feel is important for a family to have is a set of tissue salts. These are 12 mineral salts that make up all of the tissues in our bodies. These can be used to fortify the body and treat all kinds of minor issues from abrasions to worms. The bible for using tissue salts is called The Biochemic Handbook and the set of 12 tissue salts can be purchased at most health food stores. I will post about tissue salts at a later date.

Check out the links listed here on my blog for sites that have great information and resources for both beginners and advanced students of homeopathy.

Questions? Send me an e-mail or leave a comment below.

♥ Andrea ♥
*This blog post contains affiliate links*