Boo boos, bumps, and bruises. Who hasn’t experienced pain, swelling, and bleeding from a hard hit or a fall that scrapes the skin and results in a nasty wound? Blunt trauma is an all too common experience. Sometimes we are on a collision course with our environment, and accidents happen. Contusions, abrasions, and lacerations can happen from a simple misstep and are common in sports injuries. They can occur in bike and car accidents, falls, and physical assaults or altercations. A contusion is an area under the skin where small veins and capillaries have ruptured. The resulting bluish discoloration is known as a bruise. Abrasions, or scrapes, are when layers of the skin have been scraped away by a rough surface. Lacerations, or cuts, are when the skin is torn, resulting in a jagged or irregular wound. Ouch.
So what happens in the body after blunt trauma occurs? A predictable autonomic immune response is activated as a protective response to the injury. Inflammation with redness, heat, swelling and pain are the first step towards healing. The widening of local blood vessels allows fluid and immune cells into the injured tissue. Swelling is the result of this increased movement of fluid and white blood cells into the injured area. Pain is caused by the release of chemicals and the compression of nerves in the area of injury. Redness and heat are caused by increased blood flow. This process protects the injured area and signals other cells to the site to begin repairing and healing the injury. The pain and swelling can keep the person from using the injured part, which helps protect it from further injury.
Instead of reaching for Ibuprofen and Neosporin, which thwart the body’s healing response, consider using a homeopathic remedy to soothe the pain and aid recovery after an injury. When choosing an appropriate homeopathic remedy, match the symptoms as closely as possible. If there is no improvement after taking a few doses of one remedy, try another. Usually a 30C potency 2 -3 times a day is sufficient, but sometimes a 200C or higher potency is needed.
Remedies for blunt trauma:
- Aconite – Accidents are sudden and unexpected. This triggers the sympathetic response of “fight or flight,” as the body reacts to the trauma and injury. Aconite is often the first homeopathic remedy given when there is shock, fear, or panic. The injured person is very restless and thinks death is imminent. There may be pain with numbness and tingling. Frequently, another homeopathic remedy is given after the initial shock of the accident has faded.
- Arnica – is the premier remedy for blunt trauma, injuries, and bruises. Often, the injured person cries, “Don’t touch me! I’m fine,” even while feeling sore, bruised, and aching. There may be internal bleeding. Arnica is helpful for soft tissue damage, overexertion and sore muscles. Do not use for external bleeding.
- Bellis perennis – is for deep tissue trauma, internal organ damage, and contusions. This remedy often follows well after Arnica. When there is an injury to the abdomen, spine, or low back, Bellis perennis will help the body repair damaged muscle fibers and blood vessels.
- Calendula – Along with another remedy taken internally, Calendula can be used externally as a wash for abrasions, lacerations, and open wounds. It will help stop bleeding, soothe pain, prevent infection and promote healing by sealing the edges of a laceration. Calendula cream or gel is a wonderful addition to include in a first aid kit.
- Hypericum – is indicated when there is a laceration or an injury to the nerves, especially to the fingers or toes. Pain will be shooting upward, burning, or tingling. This remedy will help remove the pain from cuts, smashed fingertips, and stubbed toes.
- Ledum – Sometimes a wounded part feels cold instead of red and hot. The injured skin is pale, or purple and puffy instead of red or black and blue. Ledum is especially useful for a puffy black eye that feels cold to touch. This remedy is also helpful for puncture wounds, for example after stepping on a nail.
Information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any information provided is not intended to replace medical advice offered by a physician. If you desire or need such advice, you should consult a professional healthcare provider.