In recent decades, the system of medicine known as homeopathy has been experiencing a tremendous resurgence around the world, as the levels of chronic disease have grown extensively in younger children and animals. There are hundreds of homeopathically “proven” remedies available to choose from for these chronic conditions, and for chronic disease treatment it can be challenging to determine which remedy best matches the patient’s clinical disease state.
There are two remedies, however, that even those who are not true believers — or who are new to homeopathic study — should consider essential to have in their medicine chest and even in their car’s glove compartment. Those two remedies are Arnica and Nux Vomica.
Boiron Arnica Montana 30C: The Trauma Remedy
Boiron Arnica Montana 30C is probably the most common remedy from which homeopaths have seen tremendous healing potential in certain acute situations, and it is probably the leading remedy that encourages people to study and learn more about homeopathy and how powerful this system of energy medicine truly can be.
The number one word to think of when this remedy will likely serve your pet well is trauma. This most commonly includes acute physical trauma or injuries to any body part from head to toe, such as:
- “Hit by car” injuries in dogs and cats
- Trauma associated with surgery or falls
- Bite wounds
- Sports injuries
In my strong opinion, if Arnica were given to football players in high potency immediately following an impact on the field, many players would be spared not only the acute cascade of events leading to concussion, but also the more chronic effects of blunt trauma to the head in the months or years ahead.
Arnica potentially reduces feelings of soreness, bruising, and pain quickly. If given early enough, Arnica used in high potency can often prevent further swelling, edema, and secondary infections. I use Arnica in high potency in all of my post-operative dental and other routine surgical procedures, which offers a safer alternative to other commonly prescribed medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) or narcotics.
I will often use a high potency of 10M depending on the life force strength of the patient, and if needed, repeat acutely every several minutes or several hours for the first 24 to 48 hours if the traumatic situation is more intense or painful.
Boiron Nux Vomica 30C: The Overindulgence Remedy
Boiron Nux Vomica 30C is the other key remedy to have in every pet owner’s medicine chest or car. If there is one phrase that captures the essence of Nux Vomica, it is overindulgence or over-reactivity.
In animal patients, this state can often present when a pet has gotten into the trash or other indigestible items, resulting in digestive upset that most commonly consists of:
- Acute vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Irritability or sensitivity
- Seeking warmth or a warm place when not feeling well
- A desire to be left alone
The Nux Vomica state is often brought on in today’s overmedicated patient — one dealing with various over-the-counter and prescription medications. Sometimes homeopaths will start a chronic disease case with this remedy because patients are frequently ill from too many prescribed medications, and that overmedicated state itself causes symptoms and side effects.
Nux Vomica is probably the number one remedy people reach for in states of insomnia from an overactive mind, and it is also considered the top homeopathic hangover remedy following overindulgence. Interestingly, in my clinical practice, I have seen this remedy used in high potency to effectively treat an acutely paralyzed Basset Hound who had no deep feeling or pain in his paws — with relief observed within minutes.
Depending on the intensity of the situation and/or the strength of the patient’s life force, I will prescribe homeopathic potencies from 30C up to 10M, which may provide rapid relief in the above clinical situations.
Dr. Michael Dym, VMD is a holistic veterinarian and contributing expert for 1-800-PetMeds. Browse our full selection of holistic and homeopathic remedies for pets to find options that may support your pet’s health.
