 Tis the Season for… Burns?! Yes. You catch that holiday spirit and suddenly you’re a baking fool and… that’s the way that went. Are you frantically baking these days? I’m not. I want to be, but traveling was on the front burner this week. (Sorry, couldn’t resist the bad joke.) And, since we have no big at-home festivities planned, I decided to be honest with myself and acknowledge that if I were to start baking now, I would only just eat them all myself. Alas. All my cookie recipes will have to wait til next year. OK, maybe I’ll have to make just one*. Baking. Cooking. Roasting. Heck, even a quick little zap from some old Christmas lights or stomping on an ember that shot out of the fireplace. Hazards of the festive season, I guess. If you are interested in a good fire glove, these have been a really impressive addition to our fireplace.** Juggling all the pots on the stove while fishing the baked goods out of the oven and, boom, there it is… A nasty burn, generally on the hands or wrists in my experience. I’m talking about little burns today. If you get a big, deep burn, be sure to pay a visit to your nearest emergency room. For previous blogs on burns, see: Kitchen Quickie: Burns and Summer Fun 1. According to The Survival Medicine Handbook (Alton and Alton 2016), first degree burns will appear red, warm and dry and be painful to the touch. The conventional treatment is to simply relieve the discomfort. (Second degree burns are moist with blisters and will cause swelling.) So, in addition to the conventional application of a cool cloth, here are a few homeopathic remedies which may help, especially if the remedy is incorporated into the cool cloth. Homeopathic remedies that come to mind for 1st degree burns… For all of these suggestions, repeat the remedy whenever the pain returns. Urtica urens for stinging, burning pains. Burns with itching. Calendula for burns that hurt more than they "should." Richard Hughes, a homeopath from the late 1800s, refers to Calendula as a remedy for "breaches of surface" -- an apt description for a superficial burn. Calendula cream can be applied directly on the minor burn, or, around the edges of the burn if it's too tender. For an interesting study on Calendula and burns, click here. Causticum for burns with a sensation of rawness. Causticum is a good one to turn to if the other well chosen remedies aren’t quite doing the job, or, the burn is slow to heal. It is also useful to help heal up old burn wounds and scars. Hypericum would be especially useful in cases of burns to nerve rich areas like the fingertips. May have a tingling or numb feeling. Cantharis is an excellent choice for really painful burns -- a cutting, smarting pain. Cantharis is said to help prevent blistering from burns. All of these remedies can also be applied topically, as well as taken internally. First Aid with Homeopathy (Ratera 2016) says to dissolve a couple pellets (whatever your tube recommends as a dose) in some saline (e.g. 2 pellets in 200 ml of saline) and to always keep the dressing moist. Another option is to put a few pellets of your chosen remedy into a fresh bottle of clean water. As the pain returns, take a spoonful of the water in your mouth as well as applying some gauze soaked in that remedy water directly to the affected area. How about when you just can’t wait another moment for one of those cookies and you pop it into your mouth before it’s cooled? A dose of Cantharis, Calendula or Causticum would be where I would start. If you decide to try your hand at a figgy pudding and suffer a burn from hot steam, in addition to the remedies listed above, Apis or Kali bich might be useful. If the hot toddy spills on you (or, more likely, the boiling water for the potatoes spills on you) resulting in a superficial burn, Dr. Ratera recommends Causticum. Wishing you and yours a very Merry (and burn free!) Christmas! Julia Coyte, CHom Classically Practical homeopath #wellnessawaits * The cookies I have just now decided to make this year are Brown Sugar and Nutmeg Snaps, a recipe I found in Bon Appetit way back in 1994. (Note: the dough needs to chill for 1 hour.) 1-1/4 cups packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 large egg 1-3/4 cups all purpose flour (Jules gluten free flour** is a terrific substitute) 1 tsp ground nutmeg 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt Sugar -- Using an electric mixer, beat brown sugar and butter in bowl until fluffy. Mix in egg. Add flour, nutmeg, baking soda and salt; beat until well blended. Chill for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350. Butter 3 heavy large baking sheets. Roll dough into 1” balls. Roll ball in sugar, coating completely. Arrange on prepared baking sheets, spacing balls 2” apart. Using the bottom of a glass, flatten the cookies to 1-3/4” rounds. Bake until cookies are golden, about 13 minutes. Be careful getting them out of the oven! Cool on baking sheets. (Can be made 1 week ahead. Store in airtight containers.) ** I have no affiliation with this company, I just like their products. Reference list
Alton, J. and Alton, A., 2016. The survival medicine handbook : the essential guide for when help is not on the way. United States: Doom And Bloom. K. Chandran, P. and Kuttan, R., 2008. Effect of Calendula officinalis Flower Extract on Acute Phase Proteins, Antioxidant Defense Mechanism and Granuloma Formation During Thermal Burns. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition [online], 43 (2), 58–64. Ratera, Dr. M. M., 2016. First Aid with Homeopathy. Germany: Narayana Verlag.
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 Kitchen Quickies… Burns As the name implies, Kitchen Quickies are short and to the point remedy suggestions to get you on your way if you have suffered any mishaps in the kitchen. I open my oven door and pull the rack out to tend to whatever lovely thing is cooking all the time. The other day, however, I managed to singe my forearm on the rack. What did I do? I immediately sprayed it with something I keep in my kitchen for precisely such occasions: Similasan Burn Recovery.* (Note: Mine was a minor burn. If you have anything more serious than a superficial burn, seek medical assistance.) This Burn Recovery bottle has pride of place in my cupboard and is standing ready and available for quick access following silly cooking errors as well as sunburned shoulders. Next to this spray is a little tube of Cantharis, which I also took shortly after using the spray. At bedtime that night, I put a little Boiron Calendula ointment* on the burn and that was that. I didn’t think about it again until my husband saw it and commented a few days later, saying, “that was a nasty burn.” I had pretty much forgotten about it because I didn’t feel it again after the first day. This Similasan burn combination contains homeopathic Calendula, Cantharis, Echinacea, and Urtica urens. All of these homeopathic remedies would likely be just as affective if taken orally when chosen individually, based on the presenting symptoms. But, this spray feels so good! (Additionally, homeopathic pellets can be put in some fresh water and applied to the skin for a similar effect to the commercially available spray.) Homeopathic Calendula is the first remedy I think about for any skin ouchies — big and little. According to K. Chandran (and Kuttan 2008), it’s with good reason. They found “the administration of Calendula officinalis extract significantly decreased the serum level of marker enzymes of tissue damage….” (Note: This research was conducted using an extract of Calendula.) Why these homeopathic remedies?
Keep on cooking, but mind the oven racks! Julia Coyte, CHom Classically Practical homeopath #wellnessawaits * I have no affiliation with this company, I just like their products. K. Chandran, P. and Kuttan, R., 2008. Effect of Calendula officinalis Flower Extract on Acute Phase Proteins, Antioxidant Defense Mechanism and Granuloma Formation During Thermal Burns. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition [online], 43 (2), 58–64.
 I’ve heard jokes made about homeopathic first aid kits. You know the sort of thing. “How is this sugar pill going to help you when you’re bleeding out?” Point taken. Your gushing finger will eventually need to be bandaged up, once you have the bleeding and shock under control. That’s where the homeopathy comes in and that’s why I keep both a homeopathic first aid kit & a good conventional first aid kit handy.* Homeopathic Phosphorus is indicated when there is “bright red and abundant blood” (Ratera, 2016). I have witnessed the blood stop flowing, whether it be from my son’s profuse bloody nose or my gushing finger. “Maybe the blood was stopping on its own, anyway!” Maybe. But, when you see the blood stop flowing on multiple occasions and situations… I’m going with the Phosphorus is working… and very quickly! Cantharis is one of the best remedies for burns (Ratera, 2016, p. 386). Not only can this remedy be taken by mouth to relieve the pain and to start the healing, homeopathic Cantharis can be diluted in water and applied topically after soaking some gauze in the solution. Calendula is another remedy which works well when diluted and applied topically, especially if there are lacerations (deep cuts). Homeopathic Calendula is highly indicated “to promote healthy granulation (Taber’s Medical Dictionary: “granulations bring a rich blood supply to the healing surface”) and prevent excessive suppuration (Taber: “the formation of pus”) and disfiguring scars” (Allen, 2017, p. 76). Plus, it helps the pain… a lot! ** I have included a few links to research papers on Calendula in this article. For more links to further research on the benefits of homeopathic remedies, visit my research page. And, let’s not forget the first rule of dealing with an emergency … staying calm. Arnica should be one of the first remedies administered in an emergency. Homeopathic Arnica is highly indicated in the patient who says there is nothing wrong with them (especially when they are clearly in need of medical attention). Arnica, too, can be applied topically for bruises, strains and muscular injuries, but NEVER on an open wound. English physician Dorothy Shepard (1885-1952) writes about her patients who believed they were being given morphine when in fact they had been given homeopathic Arnica (Shephard, 1989, p. 145). I am not suggesting that homeopathy can fix everything all by itself, (though, it can go an awfully long way!) Homeopathy is also excellent to use ON THE WAY TO THE HOSPITAL! If you are dealing with someone who is suffering hives or an allergic reaction and it looks like it is turning into an anaphylactic situation, administer homeopathic Apis mellifica immediately (Ratera, 2016, p. 322) and frequently while on the way to the hospital or when you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive. If you are faced with someone having a stroke or heart attack, administer Arnica or Aconite immediately (Banerji and Banerji, 2013, p. 56; Pareek and Pareek, 2012, p. 17; Pareek and Pareek, 2012, p. 47) and frequently while you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive. In addition to all the horrible scenarios that are possible, a homeopathic kit can also help address everyday issues that arise: ear aches, fever, too many sweets, diarrhea & vomiting, bumps and bruises and coughs, colds & allergies. I have written a few times about when my homeopathic remedy kit has come in handy… here and here. Below, please find some links to a wide range of homeopathic remedy kits. Once you have a kit in your possession, you are on your way to protecting yourself and your family both in everyday and emergency situations. The more you use it, the more you will want to use it because you will be amazed at how quickly bad situations can be averted and made right. * I have no affiliation with any of the companies listed in this article. Julia Coyte, CHom classicallypractical.com #wellnessawaits #homeopathycanhelp Homeopathic Remedy Kits These prices and links are accurate at the time of writing this article in September 2021. 1/2 dram vials are excellent for travel. 2 dram vials are much easier to dispense the remedies and are excellent for home use. A 30c kit is a very good place to start, regardless of who makes it or how many remedies are included. Americans For Homeopathy Choice An Altoid sized tin with twelve 1/2 dram glass bottles to which you can add your own remedies, $20. Or, you can purchase a full kit which includes twelve 1/2 dram OHM Pharma remedies, $60. A truly easy to carry choice. BONUS! All profits from this kit are donated to Americans for Homeopathy Choice. Boiron Remedies included: HomeoFamily Kit: this is a nice drawer-like kit, holding 32 full size Boiron remedies in both 6c and 30c as well as 12 individual Oscillococcinum tubes, includes the “Easy Guide” with room to hold 16 additional full size tubes: $199.99. Remedies included. HomeoTravel Kit: Room to hold 16 remedies, 6c & 30c combined, $109.99. Remedies included. Boiron storage containers only (no remedies included), but a good way to organize your loose Boiron tubes! My Home Kit: is an empty drawer-like container with room to hold 48 Boiron tubes plus 18 doses of Oscilloccinum: $49.99. My Pocket Kit is an empty container which holds 5 Boiron tubes: $1.99. My Travel Kit is an empty container which holds 16 Boiron tubes: $29.99. Hahnemann Labs: 2020 kit: 12 remedies, 30c: $70 — 2 dram First Aid: 15 remedies, 30c: $61.95 — 2 dram Home Remedy Kit: 35 remedies, 30c: $154.95 — 2 dram Expanded Home Remedy Kit: 50 remedies, 30c: $203.95 — 2 dram Helios Childbirth kit, 18 remedies, 200c £29.95 Traveller kit, 36 remedies, 30c, £42.95 Pet kit, 24 remedies, 30c, £36.25* *Homeopathic remedies are the same whether for pets or for people. A pet kit could be used for people and a people kit can be used for pets. Accident & emergency, 18 remedies, 200c, £29.95 Basic 18 kit, 30c, £29.95 Basic 36 kit, 30c, £42.95 Lotus Health (Robin Murphy, N.D.) First aid kit, 1/2 dram, 50 remedies, in either 30c or 200c: $150 Robin Murphy, N.D. also offers a number of CDs or Downloads to learn all about homeopathy and homeopathic remedies. I highly recommend all of his lectures, but in this instance, I suggest his “Emergencies and First Aid” lecture. Natural Health Supply First aid: 50 remedies, 1/2 dram: 6c: $149 30c: $149 200c: $179 Emergency kit upgrade, Part B, 1/2 dram: 30c: $169 200c: $189 Household kit, 25 remedies, 2 dram: 30c: $159 200c: $189 Tissue salts kit, 12 remedie, 2 dram:$ 59.95 Ollois First aid kit, 4 remedies in a little case, 12c and 30c: $29.99 Washington Homeopathy 50 remedy kit 30c, 1/2 dram: $124.99 (out of stock til 10/21) 50 remedy kit 200c, 1/2 dram: $174.99 (out of stock til 10/21) Top 100 kit: $224.99 (out of stock, no date given) Empty storage kits: 1/2 dram, 50 count: $7.59 1/2 dram, 100 count: $8.19 Resources for this article:
Allen, H.C. (2017). Keynotes : rearranged and classified with leading remedies of the materia medica and bowel nosodes including repertorial index. Noida, U.P., India: B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd. Banerji, P. and Banerji, P. (2013). The Banerji protocols : a new method of treatment with homeopathic medicines. India: Pratip Banerji. **Givol, O., Kornhaber, R., Visentin, D., Cleary, M., Haik, J. and Harats, M. (2019). A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 27(5), pp.548–561. **Hostanska, K., Rostock, M., Melzer, J., Baumgartner, S. and Saller, R. (2012). A homeopathic remedy from arnica, marigold, St. John’s wort and comfrey accelerates in vitro wound scratch closure of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12(1). **Nicolaus, C., Junghanns, S., Hartmann, A., Murillo, R., Ganzera, M. and Merfort, I. (2017). In vitro studies to evaluate the wound healing properties of Calendula officinalis extracts. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 196, pp.94–103. Pareek, R.S. and Pareek, A. (2012). Homeopathy for Acutes and Emergencies. Kandern, Germany: Narayana Publishers. Ratera, Dr.M.M. (2016). First Aid with Homeopathy. Dr. Ratera specialized in Internal Medicine and also studied Traumatology and Emergency Medicine in Spain. Shephard, D. (1989). The magic of the minimum dose : experiences and cases. Saffron Walden: Health Science Press. A highly readable book, loaded with good information. Venes, D. and Clarence Wilbur Taber (2013). Taber’s cyclopedic medical dictionary. [22nd ed., ISBN: 9780803629776]. Philadelphia, Pa.: F.A. Davis. |
Julia Coyte, CHomI am passionate about homeopathy and I love sharing this passion. Having a working knowledge of homeopathy shouldn't be kept a secret. If people have the ability to help themselves, their children and their friends when they have minor ailments, life just gets better for everyone. That is the purpose behind Ruminating on Remedies. Archives
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