Nature's Remedies: Fractures, Sprains & Strains

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A couple times a month I like to post a blog titled Nature's Remedies. In the past I have published alternative and natural medicines for such ailments as; Firbomyalgia, Headaches, Feet issues and a few others including Common Colds & Ailments.

I've had my fair share of bone issues this week. First the our big dog accidentally bit down on my left hand when roughly playing with his toy. He simply caught my hand and not the toy, resulting in a bruised bone and tendon. No big deal as some of the remedies below have eased it and it no longer needs attention. Secondly, upon leaving the home the other day to do our twice a month trip to the Whole Foods Market, I smacked me knee quite hard on the door frame. I was trying to grab the door behind me as Tom was getting the other porch door open for me. When I suddenly turned to catch the door and pull it shut I banged my knee. Immediately it began to throb, burn and ache with a groaning and grinding feeling. Tom had to come back in the porch and give me a lift to and into the truck. Two days later and the kneecap is black and blue, swollen and for sure fractured. The darkly humorous part is that my left ankle as the bone marrow bleeding and bone issues so I tend to wear a brace for support and use my right as much as possible and it was my right kneecap. So now that I have been using my left leg and ankle for more support, it's causing the ankle to turn black and blue and swell with a roll. Maybe... just maybe the universe is trying to tell me to stay off my feet for a while? (chuckles) I figured this would be the perfect time to post what I am doing to heal myself in an alternative way to western medicine.

Arnica Montana: Taken sub-lingually this homeopathy medicine aids in reducing even the worst cases of inflammation for broken, strained or sprained bones. Arnica is so beneficial it has even been used to prevent and stop premature labor and birth in pregnant women. As with all homeopathic medicines you should take the highest dose possible at the first onset and continue till the symptoms begin to subside. When symptoms begin to subside you can lessen the dose amount or simply take them less often. Arnica comes both in sub-lingual tabs and in a cream, gel or oil to place directly on your body as needed. If you take the sub-lingual tabs use a high dose of 6C or 6X. A dose marked 12C or 30C contains a lesser amount of the actual arnica. You should take 5 tabs of the 6C strength every 5 to 15 minutes until the pain begins to subside. Once you begin to feel relief cut back on your dosage to every 1 to 2 hours. Continue this until you can lessen your amount from 6C to 12C or 30C every 3 to 4 hours.

Belladonna: yet another homeopathic medicine that works wonders for your body! Belladonna is commonly used to treat scarlet fever. However the benefits go far beyond reducing a high fever. Belladonna has many purposes. It aids as a relaxer for your overall body. Taking a high strength (6c) every 15 to 30 minutes is only recommended in the most severe cases of bone trauma. If your symptoms are minimal take 5 tabs sub-lingually every 1 to 2 hours until pain subsides. Combine them with the Arnica for a quicker and longer lasting effect. You can take Belladonna on a regular bases to aid in these symptoms but if you do, you will want to choose a lesser dosage like a 12C or 30C. Take note that Belladonna will make you sleepy if used in a high dose multiple times. It can be used at night as a sleeping aid to help your body relax and fall asleep with ease. Belladonna is safe for children in small doses and is known to be a wonderful aid in teething relief. Belladonna also helps a nauseous stomach.

Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale): Used for healing wounds and injuries of all kinds, in particular the mending of broken bones. From a pharmacological perspective comfrey contains the substance allantoin which is known to stimulate cell production in the repair of connective tissue, bone and cartilage, thereby speeding up the healing process. It is also noteworthy that the plant contains significant amounts of calcium and phosphorus, the very minerals needed in the composition of bone. Comfrey is best used fresh and simmered or purchased in a powder form. Use the sticky paste (distilled or spring water and the herb) to make a compress and attach it with an elastic bandage. Use every night. This will speed the healing of the fracture dramatically.

Chamomile Tea: The chamomile herbs will aid in your hypersensitivity to pain. The flowers of this plant produce a calming experience for your overall body. I do not recommend using a store bought brand that comes in individual tea bags. You should strickly use certified organic when it comes to consuming any flowers, teas or beneficial herbs. Those that are not certified organic are subject to harsh chemicals and pesticides that will poison your body. The oldest method of making chamomile is tea is the most effective. Place 2 tablespoons of the fresh or dried flower in a sachet or infuser. Pour 1 cup boiling water over the 2 tablespoons of chamomile tea. I suggest using double the amount of the chamomile flower for higher potency. Cover your mug with a plastic baggie or some sort of saucer so the steam from the tea doesn't evaporate. You want to keep all the properties of the chamomile in the cup. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes minimal with the tea covered. If you must have it sweetened use only honey. Take Care: If you have severe hay-fever reactions you should avoid the chamomile flower as you may become more active verses relaxed.

Chamomile & Lavender bath: Nothing will help relax your body and mind like a nice calm and cozy warm bath. Place a sachet or cloth baggy full of organic lavender and chamomile flowers/leaves. Let the herbs steep into the warm bath water and relax for at least 15 to 20 minutes. The benefits of the herbs absorbing into your body and the aromatic smells will help ease your symptoms in no time.

Rest & Relaxation: One of the best things you can do is to simply rest & relax. I know, easier said than done right? That always seems to be my battle. :-) Keep what ever part of your body is injured above your heart for at least 20 minutes, 6 times a day. If your leg or knee is injured like mine than lay on a couch or bed with your leg elevated as high as it will go. Make sure you still use that part of your body but do so with care. In my case my kneecap is fractured. When my leg is straight (this is how it is comfortable) I still stretch my ankle, rotate it, wiggle my toes and so on to allow proper circulation to the injured area. Keeping the entire limb or area immobile will slow the blood flow and the healing process.

**note: I am nor have I ever been a licensed heath care provider. Because of state law and regulations I must tell you that these remedies may have no curing abilities as the FDA wants to control everything. ;-)