Accidents
17/10/2005
Arnica is the number one remedy for trauma. It addresses the shock and the physical damage. It is useful to keep one in your rucksack or handbag. Arnica can be repeated frequently straight after the incident, until pain subsides. It can be slipped under the tongue of concussed patients although the usual first aid precautions should be taken such as no drinks if the patient may need surgery and pressure dressing where there is bleeding. Arnica cream is soothing to use topically on bruises but not where the skin is broken.

Calendula has an antiseptic and soothing action and the tincture can be dropped into the water when bathing wounds or can be applied directly to wounds. [It will sting as it is alcohol based] So for a child who has a fall and is badly grazed you would give Arnica orally for the trauma and Calendula to clean and dress the wound. Calendula cream is useful for grazes and wounds as they are healing.

Ledum is the remedy for stab or puncture wounds, such as tools, rusty nails, scalpels, animal bites, insect stings, septic wounds, whitlows caused by needle pricks, splinters under nails etc. It takes the pricking and shooting pains out of these wounds. It prevents sepsis and if given early enough can prevent tetanus, however it is wise to advise the patient to have a tetanus injection if they are not already covered. Ledum can be given ½ hourly, 2 hourly or 4 hourly according to the severity of the pain. Ledum can also be used in cases of severe black eyes and other haematomas where Arnica is not sufficiently potent to absorb the bruising. The indication for Ledum is injuries where the affected part feels cold to touch, yet is relieved by cold applications.

Hypericum follows Ledum well where pain from a wound is spreading up the limb or where the wound is healing well but there is implication of nerve damage and continued pain around the site of the injury. Hypericum is a good remedy for any area which is ‘nerve rich’ such as finger ends, toes and spine.

This is first aid advice. Where an injury is serious also seek professional treatment.

To help you prescribe for yourself for minor ailments. You can buy remedies from your local health shop and some pharmacies.