Tooth extraction and dental surgery

Arnica is indicated in a toothache after an operation or a filling in a tooth, especially if there is profuse bleeding. It will stop bleeding and accelerate healing of the gums, also after insertion of an artificial tooth or the removal of wisdom teeth. Given before and after tooth extraction, it is extremely effective in controlling pain, swelling, hemorrhage and preventing inflammation and sepsis. Pain is usually pressing, throbbing, pulsating or as if the teeth were ‘wiggling’. It has a sensation of pulling in the teeth while eating and the pain is worse from chewing. The patient usually complains about the typical bruised, sore feeling which is worse from being touched.

Calendula has a remarkable power to stop bleeding, to prevent inflammation, suppuration, sepsis and gangrene. Also, wounds from dental operations that do not heal readily and continue to hemorrhage, will benefit from Calendula. Think of it when gums are cut incidentally.

Chamomilla will do wonders to quiet children and adults and make the tolerance for drilling and grinding easier. It is an excellent remedy for patients who are oversensitive to pain. The pain is exasperating, accompanied by thirst, heat and redness of one cheek and perspiration on the head. Symptoms are worse by warmth and at night, better by cold and cold drinks in the mouth. The patient is usually irritable, impatient, screaming and frantic.

Gunpowder is useful when an abscessed tooth was extracted. It will enable the body to throw off the poison absorbed by lacerated gums and aids in healing them. Think of it in cases of septic suppuration and blood poisoning.

Hecla lava is useful for an abscess at the root of the tooth, abscesses and enlargement of bones after tooth extraction and to stop or reform changes of bones.

In case of suppuration and an abscess of the root of the tooth with violent pain, throbbing, burning or stitching like splinters and worse at night, think of Hepar sulphuris. The patient is oversensitive to pain and may even faint from pain. He is thirsty, irritable and chilly.

Hypericum may be superior to Arnica before and after tooth extraction when the nerves of the tooth are affected, for deep fillings that are close to the pulp and when pain results from treatment of root channels or from abscesses. Think of it after tooth extraction, in a traumatized tooth, injury to the front teeth, when nerves are damaged by injections, in tongue wounds and fractured jaws for the sensory nerve pain. Pain is stitching, burning, shooting, lancinating, intermittent and radiating upward along the path of the nerve. The nerve feels as if it is exposed and wounds are sensitive to the touch. Symptoms are worse from cold, movement, around 3-4 a.m. and better when lying on the painful side and keeping still. MT can be used locally on affected gums and teeth.

Mercurius solubilis et. vivus will be of help when there is bad healing after a tooth extraction with suppuration of the tooth and in abscesses or ulcers when accompanied by offensive breath, increased salivation and an indented tongue. There is a tearing, lancinating or pulsating pain which is worse at night and may occur immediately after filling the tooth. If pain occurs immediately or some time after filling the tooth, with a sensation as if the fillings are too tight, better by pressure, then Merc- i -f will be of help.

Nux vomica will be indicated for a toothache after a tooth has been filled and for pain of gums after a tooth extraction when the patient is nervous, irritable, impatient, aggressive, oversensitive to all impressions, chilly and constipated.

Phosphorus is very useful for hemorrhages of intermittent, bright red blood after tooth extraction. It is a valuable remedy for pre-operative anticipation including dental operations. Especially useful in children, in patients who tend to be easy bleeders and when constitutional Phosphorus symptoms are present.

Pyrogenium will be of value when there is a history of septicemia, in abscesses of the root of the tooth, for severe after effects of dental extraction and in any infection, suppuration or sepsis when the conditions began from acute infections.

Ruta graveolens will be of help in bone and periostal pain and after surgery, including oral/dental operations. When orthodontic patients get their braces tightened or their spacers put in, resulting soreness from spreading of the teeth usually responds to Arnica, but when Arnica does not work, Ruta will come to the rescue. It is also a good remedy following endodontic therapy after a dislodged tooth is re-implanted or where the file is overextended through the periodontal ligament into the alveolar bone. Ruta is the first remedy to think of for dry sockets (a dry socket may initially call for Belladonna if it has that acute, throbbing type of pain). Think of Ruta before and after a tooth extraction, for pain of a broken jaw when the bones are severely contused, for pain from an intra-alveolar injection, at the onset of an infected tooth socket and for a tooth loosened in the socket or dislocated due to trauma.

Trillium pendulum stops profuse bleeding after tooth extraction, especially when cold limbs and a rapid, weak pulse accompany bleeding. The blood is bright red and profuse and bleeding is worse on motion. Blood loss may lead to faintness. The face is pale.

Childbirth

Every woman who has just delivered a child should be given Arnica montana or Bellis perennis to counteract the soft tissue trauma, soreness and tendency to bleed. It can be given to the newborn as well to mitigate the trauma of passing through the birth channel and for bruising (for example in shoulder dystocia).

Aconitum will be of help when there is FEAR, especially of death, during pregnancy or parturition. It will help in violent contractions, rapidly occurring one after another and with unbearable pain, also, when there is retention of urine after childbirth, in painful aftermath and the followings of a slowly progressing and painful birth. It can also be indicated for colds or peritonitis after parturition or in childbed fever (puerperal fever). Children with difficulty breathing after a forceps delivery or protracted labor, who are panicky after birth (umbilical cord around their neck), who suffered from asphyxia, apoplectic symptoms, retention of urine, whose breath is feeble and heart does not get under way, will benefit from Aconitum. It is the first remedy to think of for the shock of birth and should be given to all newborns. Given in time, it will often prevent physiological jaundice caused by shock – when the skin is yellow from fright.

In case of real jaundice the symptom picture needs to be studied in detail, here think of: Ars, Bry, Calc-c, Cham, Chin, Merc, Nat-s, Nit-ac, Nux-v, Puls, Sulph. If jaundice is due to rhesus incompatibility or appears after a blood transfusion, Crotalus horridus is often indicated.

For apparent death, think of Antimonium tartaricum when there is (white) asphyxia and the newborn is breathless, pale, cyanotic and wheezing. There is great exhaustion, no pulse, marble coldness of the body, cold sweat and anxiety.

Arnica promotes healing of birth wounds and prevents complications. It is a valuable remedy for mother and child during and after a difficult birth, when forceps were involved, and for sore and injured parts when there is strong bleeding (bright red with large lumps). Arnica will come to the rescue when the body feels sore, the pit of the stomach miserable, when pain remains for a long time and the child and/or mother only recover slowly. It will also come to the rescue when there is retention of urine or constant dribbling after parturition, in childbed fever or a very painful and long aftermath. Think of it when there is danger of abortion due to injury, falls, blows or jars, especially when the woman is nervous, agitated and feels bruised. It may also be indicated in vomiting during pregnancy, for long, weak and unsuccessful contractions and in asphyxia of newborns with cyanosis and the impression that the infant won’t survive.

Bellis perennis is useful for shock and trauma to deep tissues and organs, especially of the pelvis. It will be indicated when the abdominal wall is sore during pregnancy or childbirth, or when the pregnant woman is unable to walk during pregnancy due to venous stasis, especially when there is the sore and bruised feeling in the pelvic area. Think of Bell-p in all cases where Arnica seems to be indicated but does not provide relief, it is sometimes called the “internal Arnica”.

Calendula is of help after birth when there is a rupture of the cervix uteri and perineum and also for the lacerated womb and injured uterus after a caesarian section. Think of Calendula in all wounds.

Carbo vegetabilis can be indicated in newborns with a low Apgar score or when born hypoxic (Ant-t). It may be indicated for the woman after childbirth when there is hair loss, sluggishness, slowness, exhaustion, weakness, retention of milk, enlarged veins, vomiting, distended abdomen and offensive flatulence.

Chelidonium is an excellent remedy for neonatal jaundice and will save the newborn from the treatment with light therapy in the hospital, especially if no other remedy seems to be indicated.

Hamamelis is of help for hemorrhages during and after parturition when there is venous flow, dark and possibly bright red in-between and when the patient is exhausted, has no sensation in the abdomen and is not agitated or nervous about the hemorrhage, i.e. has a quiet mind. Think of it also when there is recurrent bleeding during pregnancy or in threatening abortion.

Hypericum is especially indicated for injuries of coccyx during birth, violent pain in sacral region and hips, and severe headaches. It is of special value after instrumental delivery with forceps. Think of Hypericum when the newborn suffers from shock, cramps and twitching due to injury of the head, after precipitate delivery or too strong pressure during birth. It will be of value in nerve pain from surgical incisions, e.g., cesarean delivery and episiotomy and also for labor pains that are very violent.

Pyrogenium is a valuable remedy for puerperal sepsis and has a reputation for expelling a retained placenta.

Think of Rhus toxicodendron for injuries caused by sprains, strains or dislocations.

Ruta may be helpful for injuries of the skull, cervical spine, nerve cords or dislocation of the shoulder joint.

Think of Trillium pendulum when the uterus is bleeding after parturition, especially when accompanied by cold limbs and a rapid, weak pulse.

Case studies

Just recently, (very recently) I had my wisdom tooth removed. The ordeal took a lengthy three hours because of the long roots extending downwards into my gums. Normally, pain pills and antibiotics would be prescribed – I refused the prescription pills and refused to take antibiotics. I had nothing but Arnica, one dose a few minutes after my ‘surgery’ was over. They said it would bleed a lot and they gave me all this packing gauze and detailed instructions for healing. I drove (I live approximately a 30 min drive from this dentist) home myself. Within 5-8 min the pain/bleeding stopped from the Arnica. I used no packing gauze, nothing! There was no bruising, no pain, no bleeding. Neither pain pills nor antibiotics were used. I ate that evening. The dentist called later that night asking how I was, as they always do with these extreme surgery extractions. I said that I took my homeopathic remedy, Arnica 30c, one #10 Globule, and I am approximately 90% better. He was in shock, not expecting me to reply in this way.

Gina Tyler, DHOM (www.ginatyler.com)

Patient: Female mid-40s, name; (left out for privacy reasons).

Surgery: Cosmetic Breast Implants

Day prior: Arnica 12c

Day one of surgery, Immediately after surgery: loads of pain – all wet dosing Arnica 30c, 200c, 1m, 10m, 50m as days progressed day one, day two, day three……….and so on. (one #10 poppy size globule in water)

Day 2 after surgery: 40% better, less pain.

Day3 after surgery: 60% better, less pain, no bleeding, no more bruising

Day 4 after surgery: No pain at all, 80% better

Day 5 after surgery: No pain, no bruising, went out to do gardening outside(no more arnica).

Day 6 after surgery: 90% better, grocery shopping/out to a movie. Had very stiff feeling. Gave Rhus Tox. Better by motion, better by slow stretch/limbering up. This helped greatly………..One dose, no more.

Second week after surgery: Some stiffness remains but no pain healing. No remedies.

Vitamins given for general healing; vit c, bromelain enzyme, zinc, multi vitamin.

A note: took allopathic prescription pain pills for only three days after the surgery, one pill every 12 hrs………………………………………….

Full recovery, no lingering complications, a quick and hasty recovery in my estimation. Patients recover in two-thirds of the time using homeopathic remedies after surgery.

Gina Tyler DHOM (www.ginatyler.com)

I have used Arnica pre-operatively for both a teeth cleaning and surgery for two of my Pomeranians. According to the vet, it went beautifully. I could tell she was surprised by the lack of bleeding and mentioned it to me. She had no idea that I had given the Arnica to the dogs. I gave a 30C to both, prior to being dropped off at the vet, and then a 200C after they came home. They both did well with no problems.

Carole Catsos, DiHom

“A ten-year-old boy is hospitalized after a serious head injury. He had been in a coma for more than ten days when he received a dose of Arnica 15 CH. The next day, he came out of the coma.”

Didier Grandgeorge, The spirit of homeopathic medicines, p. 34

“Edward, 12 days old, with a head measurement of 15.5 inches, presents with a fracture of the collarbone from birth. Bloody exudation at the navel, and conjunctivitis provoked by stricture of the left tear duct (in fact, the duct is blocked by calcium deposits). He heals well with Calcarea carbonica given to the mother (she is nursing, and homeopathic remedies pass to the child through the mother’s milk).”

Didier Grandgeorge, The spirit of homeopathic medicines, p. 51

“Barbara is about to bring twins into the world. I arrive at the maternity ward around 8 p.m. to find her full of intense anxiety. The cervix is not dilating; she is trembling, and gets up constantly to urinate. The midwife predicts that the birth will not happen until midnight. Before I go, I leave her a dose of Gelsemium 15 CH. One half-hour later, the future father calls me to tell me that the cervix is fully dilated; at 9 p.m. the young woman gives birth to two beautiful babies.”

Didier Grandgeorge, The spirit of homeopathic medicines, p. 88

“A ten-year-old boy had an operation several month ago for a facial sarcoma (cancer) of the right temporal region. After intense post-operative chemotherapy, his defenses drop to the point where blood tests show less than 500 white blood cells per cubic milliliter. He begins to develop a type of malignant staphylococci infection of the face, originating at his surgical scar. Of course, the child is under specialized hospital care, and the necessary procedures are done: perfusion of strong doses of three of the latest antibiotics. In spite of these efforts, however, the illness evolves slowly; his fever reaches 104°. On the third day, the child is in a semi-comatose state, on morphine, his fever holding steady at 104° and half his face red and inflamed with erysipelas. The doctors at the hospital meet with the parents to tell them that the prognosis is not a good one; they do not know if he will make it. His father calls me that evening, desperate. I go to the hospital to give them some moral support, though I do not have much hope of being able to help them in any way. It is a distressing sight: this child is literally rotting away before our very eyes, which makes me think of Pyrogenium. I advised his mother to put three globules of 7 CH in his mouth every hour. The next day, Saturday morning, a miracle occurs! The fever has dropped to 101.6° for the first time in three days. That evening, the swelling on his face goes down, and the pain disappears; the child smiles. Then the fever is gone. And, just on time: Sunday is his birthday!”

Didier Grandgeorge, The spirit of homeopathic medicines, p. 162

“Staphysagria has a great reputation. For clean cuts as in operations: for stretched sphincters, with agonizing pain that ensues, as was a hospital patient, after operation on the anus. He was in such pain and distress that a male nurse had to be arranged for to keep him in bed. Luckily, the R.M.O knew his work, and fetched a dose of Staphysagria. He came back an hour later to find the patient and watcher both asleep. These things, once realized, are never forgotten. They are more rapid, and more satisfactory than morphia, since they are curative.”

M.L. Tyler Homoeopathic Drug pictures, p. 761

I have used Ledum for the effects of an Epidural given during birth, which caused a headache!! One of my patients was the only woman in a hospital ward of six who did not get an infection after her Cesarean operation. I prescribed Calendula 6 alternated with Bellis Perennis 6 three times a day. I also have had success with Phosphorus when a tonsillectomy caused a hemorrhage five days later. A friend of mind had just had an operation for a Potts fracture and was pressing the morphine drip every five minutes. The nurse told me that they thought she had a low pain threshold. I gave 1 dose Coffea 30 and five minutes later she was asleep. When I went to see her the following day, I found she had told the nurses that she didn’t need the morphine drip any longer and it had been removed.

Rochelle Marsden (www.southporthomeopathy.co.uk)

Mrs. A.M, 29 years old, suffers from nausea and constipation after the birth of her first child which was born by cesarean section with general anesthesia. She complains about constant urging for stool but is unable to pass it or only passes scanty stool. Nausea is worse in the morning and she wishes she could vomit to alleviate the nausea. Ailments vanished after two doses of Nux vomica 30c (one #10 globule in a watery solution, 4 oz. of water, one teaspoon, split dose with preceding succussions).

Katja Schütt, DiHom

Mrs. M.L., 42 years old, had all of her amalgam fillings (16) removed to be replaced by a better alternative. Dental work was done on four different days under special protective measures. Each time she was given Arnica 200c prior to surgery to prevent pain, hemorrhage, swelling and inflammation. Arnica in a watery solution and split dose (one #10 globule in 4 oz. of water, 1 teaspoon after prior succussion) was repeated afterwards each time when the pain in teeth or jaws (from over-exertion due to keeping the mouth open for an extended period of time) came back until it vanished completely. She did not need any allopathic pain killers and the dentist was impressed by her ‚bravery’ (the thanks goes to Arnica!).

After one session, the gums of one tooth on the left side became inflamed and discharged great amounts of pus, accompanied by burning on the vertex and itching of the scalp and legs. Submandibular lymph nodes were swollen. After Sulphur 200c (watery solution and split dose with prior succussion) 4 doses the first day and 2 doses the second day, the gums were completely restored.

Katja Schütt, DiHom

This is the case of a woman in her late forties undergoing knee replacement surgery. She was given Arnica 200c, 1 dose per day for five days prior to surgery. The morning of her surgery and then every two hours post surgery, 200c was also given. On day two, Arnica 1M was given, one dose, every three to four hours for three to five days. After that, she took it as needed. This woman took almost no allopathic pain medications and was up walking out of the house, without a walker, within one week.

Laura L. Harr, CCH, DiHom

A woman in her early forties broke her ankle in a number of places. Initially, Arnica 1M was given for the severe pain. After this one dose, her pain was alleviated tremendously within minutes. It was determined that surgery was needed as the ankle was broken in a number of places. Arnica 200c was given 1x/day for five days prior to surgery. The morning of her surgery and then every two hours post surgery, 200c was also given. On day two, Arnica 1M was given, one dose, every three to four hours for three to five days. After that, she took it as needed. No allopathic medications were taken. She recovered rapidly, much to the amazement of her physician.

Laura L. Harr, CCH, DiHom

“At her second confinement, the wife of one of my colleagues delivered a healthy child in a fairly natural way. No complication interfered: contraction was satisfactory; mother and child were cared for; an hour and a half later I went home. Fifteen minutes afterwards, an urgent summons reached me. Suspicion of the cause of it gave speed to my return. Pallor, drawn features and quiet apathy told the story at a glance. In a few minutes I removed a large amount of clotted blood from the uterus and stimulated new contractions. Meanwhile, by my direction, the nurse lowered the head and elevated the hips and legs and applied hot blankets. At the same time the doctor put a few pellets of potentized Cinchona upon the patient’s tongue. Circulation and respiration soon responded. Deglutition became possible. Then, a solution of the medicine was prepared and a teaspoon of it given every three minutes. The patient became able to see and count the fingers held before her and to tell of ringing ears. As improvement advanced, the doses were placed farther apart. No alcohol or other stimulant was given. Health was soon restored. No reason for the inertia of the womb, which had been the beginning of the trouble, could be found. It would have been good surgery to infuse a saline solution. I might do that in addition to what was done if called to a similar case today. But Cinchona triumphed without the aid of other medicine or of salt solution.”

E.Carleton, Homoeopathy in medicine and surgery, p.211

“The dentist had worked rapidly on my teeth, and incidentally cut the gums quite a number of times. He stopped, saying, “There! Doctor, I can’t do any more today, because the gum is so swollen. Let me put on some iodine, and you call tomorrow.” “Hold on, doctor,” I replied. “We want to finish the task today. Let me show you a new trick.” “I wish you would.” We sent to the nearest homoeopathic pharmacy for tincture of Calendula, to which we added an equal quantity of very hot water and I proceeded to swish it about in my mouth. In ten minutes the gum was so reduced in size that the dentist very readily finished his work. Hot water would have reduced the swelling, but in about thrice the length of time required by Calendula and hot water. That has been proven by repeated tests. Brine beats plain water, and Calendula beats brine, by virtue of its homoeopathicity to clean cuts.”

E.Carleton, Homoeopathy in medicine and surgery, p.222

“Every surgeon occasionally sees profuse hemorrhages from circumcision, even though the subject could not properly be called a “bleeder.” Such has been my experience a number of times and lately it was brought to mind by a boy six months old who presented a long, tight foreskin. It was retrenched, the inner skin (often called mucous membrane) divided and detached from the glands and its whole length and corners trimmed. Sponging made no impression upon the flow of blood, and four customary stitches and two unusual ligatures did not avail much. A small stream of clear Succus Calendulae was directed against the member for a minute. The hemorrhage ceased. Union was primary.”

E.Carleton, Homoeopathy in medicine and surgery, p.222

“In a recent case of inguinal hernia operated upon by Dr. Maynard at the Hahnemann Hospital, in which I assisted him, the most troublesome condition necessitating a remedy was a sense of burning and drawing in the site of the incision, with a great deal of gas and abdominal fullness. I recalled the statement once made to me by the late Dr. George P. Dunham in respect to Lycopodium in post-operative gas pains; and as there seemed to be no contraindications (and more especially as the hernia had been right-sided, and the patient liked warm food and drink) a dose of Lycopodium was given in the 200^th potency, dry, on the tongue. The relief was satisfactory and no other remedy was needed. A suggestion of Dr. Maynard’s for the use of a tablespoon of old-fashioned molasses once or twice a day put the bowels to rights, and made unnecessary the every other day plain water enema I had prescribed.”

Dr.Woodburg, in: R.P.Patel/P.Elias, A treatise on homoeopathic surgery, p.54

MAGNA EST VERITAS ET PRAEVALEBIT !

Summary of indications for the mainly indicated remedies

Aceticum acidum

• antidotes the effects of all anesthetic vapors
• trauma, surgery
• hemorrhages
• post-operative or partum collapse/shock
• weakness, prostration after injuries (Arn, Calen, Camph, Carb-v, Sul ac, Hyper, Verat)
• it follows China after hemorrhage

Aconitum napellus

• the first remedy for any sudden and violent onset of shock or trauma
• disorders from fright, pre-operative medication before surgery to allay anxiety, especially fear of death, fear of the dentist; anxiety before or during delivery (especially C-section or forceps delivery); chronic phobias and fright remaining
• shock after injury, surgery or childbirth
• septic shock
• ailments after surgery in general
• useful after eye operations
• post-operative chill and fever
• shivering after catheterization
• unbearable pains
• post amputation pain
• retention of urine from shock, after parturition or in newborns
• hemorrhages with bright red blood
• acute inflammations
• ileus
• newborns: shock, urine retention, jaundice (physiological, caused by fright), asphyxia neonatorum

Aethusa cynapium

• fears of any operation (Calc) and not to awaken from anesthesia

Allium cepa

• neuralgic pains (like a long thread)
• post amputation pain

Apis mellifica

• puncture wounds and painful injections
• thrombosis
• urine retention
• erysipelas or lymphangitis

Argentum nitricum

• great apprehension before any engagement, liable to start weeks in advance

Arnica montana

• a traumatic remedy par excellence and indicated for traumas in all its varieties: mental, emotional or physical and their effects recent or remote
• hemorrhages, black and blue marks
• shock from injuries, stupor, coma, unconsciousness
• the first remedy to consider before and after surgery
• wounds
• any bruised and sore condition of body or psyche
• pain
• post amputation neuralgia
• pain after tooth extraction and dental work (fillings)
• convulsions after medicines
• weakness, prostration after injuries
• decubitus
• suppurating phenomena and septic conditions
• traumatic fever
• urine retention
• ileus
• childbirth: to start labor pains and relieve the sore and bruised feeling after delivery; to prevent post-partum hemorrhage and puerperal complications; retention of urine or constant dribbling of urine after labor; birth trauma from forceps or breech delivery, injury of perineum, cervix, uterus from childbirth, asphyxia in newborn, childbed fever; exhaustion after prolonged and difficult labor; when premature labor is threatened and associated with injury or trauma

Arsenicum album

• anxiety
• shock after injuries
• gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• weakness
• septic infections/conditions and low vitality
• urine retention
• thrombosis
• traumatic fever
• Ars is a proved specific to counteract the effects of penicillin (penicillin allergy: Sulph, Tub, Clem)
• no remedy brings more relief to the dying patient (provided symptoms agree)

Belladonna – Atropa Belladonna

• fevers
• hemorrhage
• wounds
• post-operative bronchitis due to anesthesia
• inflammatory conditions

Bellis perennis

• for all kind of traumas, especially of deeper organs and where Arnica does not heal completely
• deep tissue ache and bruising after organ removal
• childbirth, episiotomy, C-section
• pain

Bryonia alba

• constipation
• traumatic fever
• respiratory disorders (bronchitis, pneumonia)

Calendula officinalis

• homeopathic “antiseptic” and an excellent healing agent in all traumatic and painful wounds
• hemorrhages and the effects of loss of blood
• ailments after operations
• weakness, prostration after injuries
• bedsores and decubitus
• septic conditions
• tooth extraction or dental work
• post amputation pain
• childbirth: for lacerations of pelvic organs, perineum, cervix, uterus

Camphora officinarum

• collapse, sudden unconsciousness, fainting, shock
• sepsis
• weakness, prostration after injuries
• asphyxia neonatorum
• specific remedy for removing the too violent action of very many drugs whether unsuitably employed or given in too large of doses (universal antidote to all vegetable drugs).

Carbo vegetabilis

• shock after operation or trauma, electric shock
• collapse, coma, fainting, congestive heart failure, cyanosis – “the great corpse reviver”
• external or internal hemorrhages
• lack of reaction
• digestive disorders: distension, flatulence, retained flatus
• weakness, prostration after injuries
• low vitality due to loss of blood (Chin) or after illness
• for patients who have never fully recovered from the effects of previous (chronic) illness
• ileus
• postpartum bleeding following abortions
• ailments after long-lasting anesthetics and abuse of medicines
• when the patient is a barbiturate addict Carb-v is an almost sure antidote

Carcinosinum

• prolonged or lifelong fear
• lack of reaction
• keloid scars
• ailments after blood transfusion
• NWS since vaccinations
• (tendency to collapse, from shock)

Chamomilla vulgaris

• acute pain syndromes
• dental work
• ailments after narcotics, long-standing abuse of morphine, opium

China officinalis

• ailments from excessive loss of vital fluids, especially weakness
• hemorrhages
• neuralgias and pains
• weakness
• distension, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea
• faintness, collapse
• decubitus
• traumatic fever
• ulcers, moist gangrene
• useful after the removal of the gall bladder
• asphyxia neonatorum, icterus neonatorum

Coffea cruda

• sleeplessness, nervousness
• neuralgias, severe pain syndromes
• toothache
• post amputation neuralgia
• ailments from narcotic medicines

Echinacea angustifolia

• septic conditions and fever, septicemia, puerperal infections, blood poisoning, ulcers, gangrene
• antiseptic wash for wounds

Ferrum metallicum

• hemorrhages
• weakness
• post operative vomiting (especially after tonsillectomy)

Ferrum phosphoricum

• fever and early stages of inflammatory affections
• hemorrhages
• weakness

Gelsemium sempervirens

• nervous fear before an operation, especially fear of the dentist (Acon)
• for the bad after effect of “hearing bad news” (Ign)
• fevers
• childbirth

Gunpowder

• sepsis, septic conditions, blood poisoning
• when an abscessed tooth was extracted

Hamamelis virginica

• venous hemorrhages
• wounds
• traumatic inflammations
• ailments after operations
• chronic effects of mechanical injuries (Arn, Bellis, Con, Nat-s)
• to relive the discomfort after surgery on varicose veins and hemorrhoids

Hepar sulphuris calcareum

• any condition and wound where there is inflammation with a tendency to suppuration
• hectic fever

Hypericum perforatum

• first-aid remedy for nerve pain, damage and traumatized sensory nerves and especially for wounds which have a rich nerve supply – exquisitely painful injuries/wounds and when shock is due to pain
• painful injections
• pain and ailments after lumbar puncture
• acute reactions after a vaccinations and injections when the needle has damaged the nerve trunk
• to prevent or treat tetanus (to be given in high potency)
• severe nervous depression following the emotional and physical results of physical shock
• phantom limb pain (post amputation pain)
• ascending neuritis after fractures, traumatic neuritis
• weakness, prostration after injuries
• urinary troubles due to nerve involvement
• decubitus
• in paresis of arm or hand when the patient has been inadvertently placed on an operating table with upper extremity under the body, producing postural paresis: paresis caused by entanglement of the nerves in scars;
• extreme pain after/during delivery, afterpain from instrumental delivery, e.g. forceps/venous; facial paralysis resulting from forceps delivery (when Arnica fails)
• dental work and surgery: root canal pain, dry socket pain, injury to dental nerves, traumatized tooth, injury to front teeth and fractured jaw for the sensory nerve pain; tooth extraction or fillings; toothache due to involvement of nerves
• pain following surgery of detached retina; to relieve abdominal pain after laparotomy or hernia repair surgery; for surgery that involves the spine

Ignatia amara

• apprehension; in very young children when admission to the ward is emotionally equivalent to a loss of a loved one (Puls)
• ailments from hearing bad news
• convulsions or spasms after fright

Ipecacuanha

• hemorrhages
• gastric ailments: nausea and vomiting
• all disorders causing severe nausea
• ailments from over-medication or strong medications, narcotics/anesthesia, injuries
• bronchial irritation after narcosis

Lachesis muta

• hemorrhages
• decubitus
• septic states and fevers
• wounds: tendency to ulceration, destruction, gangrene, suppuration, decomposition, post-mortem room wounds
• cardiac shock
• thrombosis

Ledum palustre

• specific action on hematomas after traumas, especially in cases with long remaining discoloration after injuries (black or blue); it works deeper than Arnica and will finish what Arnica has started
• puncture wounds, painful injections and dental instruments
• bad after effects of vaccinations and injections
• jaw stiffness after dental injection of local anesthesia
• prevents tetanus (Arn, Hyper)
• bedsores and decubitus
• after surgery on eyes or varicose veins
• often complements Arnica

Magnesium phosphoricum

• the homeopathic “aspirin”: for neuralgic pains relieved by warmth
• urinary trouble after catheterization
• flatulent colic, colicky pain in abdomen
  

Millefolium – Achillea millefolium

• hemorrhages
• post surgical disturbances
• often useful after stone removal
• prevents post-partum hemorrhages

Nux vomica

• gastric ailments: nausea, vomiting, constipation
• pain, labor pains, pain after tooth extraction
• ailments after narcotics
• paralytic ileus
• fever
• a good remedy to commence treatment of patients who have had an excess of allopathic medicines, provided symptoms agree

Opium -Papaver somniferum

• post surgical ailments
• ailments from fear or fright remaining
• retained urine or involuntary urination
• severe constipation, distension, flatulence
• sopor, stupor, coma after injury
• post surgical ileus (Raph)
• childbirth: retention of urine following parturition, complaints in children from the fright of the mother during pregnancy or from morphine intake; constipation, retention of urine or vomiting of meconium in newborns; one of the chief remedies for fetal movements when they become excessive
• ailments from the intake of opium derivates, narcotics or hypnotics

Phosphorus

• hemorrhages
• wounds
• gastric ailments: nausea, vomiting
• respiratory disorders (especially lungs)
• ailments after anesthesia
• reduces apprehension before operation (especially in children)
• one of the best antidotes to Radium, x-ray or atomic radiation
• ailments from loss of vital fluids
• weakness
• post amputation pain
  

Phosphoricum acidum

• weakness
• ailments from loss of vital fluids
• lack of reaction
• post amputation pain

Pulsatilla nigricans

• in very young children when admission to the ward is emotionally equivalent to a loss of a loved one (Ign)
• thirstless fever
• urine retention

Pyrogenium

• septic fevers and conditions, septicemia, pyrexia, puerperal or surgical infections, especially when selected remedies fail to alleviate
• post partum wounds (Ars, Lach)
• decubitus
• lymphangitis, typhoid states, necrosis, gangrene
• dead fetus for days with black, horrible, offensive discharge and retained placenta

Rhus toxicodendron

• pain: sensation of stiffness, soreness and restlessness after surgery or injuries
• often helpful after operations on tonsils and adenoids, appendectomy and dental surgery
• inflammation of the eyes following cataract extraction
• septicemia and typhoid conditions
• fevers
• erysipelas following wounds
• traumatic paralysis without destruction of nervous tissues
• to prevent sepsis in abdominal surgery
• post-operative complications: besides Arnica one of the most often used remedies after surgery!

Ruta graveolens

• bone and periostal pain in and after surgery (including oral/dental surgery)
• it will ease discomfort and promote recovery after orthopedic surgery when involving tendons, cartilage, connective tissue, coverings of the bones and especially joints such as knees, wrists, shoulders, elbows, ankles or hips
• before and after a tooth extraction, for pain of a broken jaw, when the bones are severely contused; after braces are tightened or orthodontic spacers are placed between the teeth, after a dislodged tooth is re-implanted; for pain from an intra-alveolar injection; toothache, especially dry socket, at the onset of an infected tooth socket; for a tooth loosened in the socket or dislocated due to trauma
• follows Arnica well

Silicea terra

• fear of injection
• suppurations

Spigelia anthelmia

• fear of injection
• pain after amputation

Staphysagria

• for deep, painful and profusely bleeding wounds
• post surgical (neuralgic) pain
• specific for clean cuts from surgical incisions
• to prevent peritonitis following abdominal surgery
• after surgeries involving the abdomen, stomach, rectum, reproductive organs; C-section, episiotomy, hysterectomy, prostrate surgery, cystoscopy, endoscopy, lithotomy, bladder or kidney stone removal, circumcision
• for procedures that involve the stretching of a sphincter muscle
• ailments after catheterization
• post surgical colic, colic and nausea after abdominal surgery
• pain and nervousness after tooth extraction
• ailments after loss of vital fluids and blood loss
• chronic effects of injuries, surgery and wounds
• organ removal
• laparotomy
• post amputation pain, especially after amputation of fingers
• post-operative ileus
• childbirth: constant urging to urinate after difficult labor, retention of urine after parturition
  

Strontium carbonicum

• ailments after surgery
• shock/collapse stage after surgery (specific)
• weakness after surgery
• for the chronic sequelae of hemorrhages or injuries
• photopsia after an eye operation, especially when the objects appear as if tinged with blood

Sulphur lotum

• lack of reaction
• suppurations of all kinds
• fever (septic), puerperal fever
• decubitus
• diarrhea
• ailments after suppression, abuse of medicines and vaccinations
• septicemia

Sulphuricum acidum

• weakness, prostration after injuries
• ailments from mechanical injuries, operations and surgical injuries
• collapse
• hemorrhages and ecchymosis
• wounds with extensive hematoma and long-standing black or blue spots
• for wounds that do not heal and stitches breaking open
• decubitus
• traumatic gangrene: Sulphuric acid is the most wonderful remedy following operations in which gangrene sets in

Symphytum officinale

• traumatic injuries of bones (fractures), cartilage, periosteum and orbita
• phantom limb pain (post amputation pain)

Veratrum album

• collapse or shock from injuries/surgery
• weakness, prostration after injuries
• deficient vital reaction
• acute gastroenteritis , vomiting and diarrhea
• when there is icy coldness of the body after fright

References

Luc de.Schepper, Classical Homeopathy for the Professional, New Dehli, 2006

Luc de Schepper, The people’s repertory, Santa Fe, 1998

Alan V. Schmukler Homeopathy An A to Z Home Handbook, Woodbury, Minnesota, 2007

J.T. Kent, The art and science of homeopathic medicine, Mineola, New York, 2002

R.v. Zaandvort, Repertorium Universale, Ruppichteroth

R. Murphy, Homeopathic Medical Repertory, New Dehli, 2006

M.D.Borland, Some emergencies of general practice, New Dehli, 2005

Ravi Roy, Homoeopathischer Ratgeber bei Notfällen, Murnau, 2001

S. Hahnemenn, Organon,New York, 1999

G.Vithoulkas, Materia Medica viva, www.vithoulkas.com

Y.A. Agrawal, Homoeopathy in surgery, Dehli, 1982

F.L.Compton, Homoeopathic preventative medicine, New Dehli, 1996

G.Charette, Homoeopathische Arzneimittellehre für die Praxis, Stuttgart, 1991

M.Seideneder, Mitteldetails der homoeopathischen Arzneimittel, Ruppichteroth, 2000

D.M.Foubister, Therapeutic hints for student of homoeopathy,New Dehli,

Rabe/Bhattacharjee, The homeopathic recorder, Place of surgery in homoeopathy (Hompath library)

E.Carleton, Homoeopathy in medicine and surgery, New Dehli, 2001

R.P.Patel/P.Elis, A treatise on homoeopathic surgery, Kottayam

G.Koehler, Lehrbuch der Homoeopathie, Stuttgart, 2001

S.R.Phatak, Materia Medica of homoeopathic medicines New Dehli, 2000

W.Boericke, Homoeopathische Mittel und ihre Wirkungen, Leer, 2000

W.A.Dewey, Homoeopathie in der täglichen Praxis, New York, 1992

D.Gibson, Studies of homoeopathic remedies, Beaconsfield, Bucks, 1987

E.B.Nash, Eexpanded works of NASH, New Dehli, 2004

H.R.Arndt, First lessons in the symptomatology of leading homoeopathic remedies, New Dehli,

Frans Vermeulen, Prisma, Haarlem, 2004

M.S.Jus, Bad effects of narcosis, www.shi.ch

E.Das Solved Model Questions (Oral) on Surgery, New Dehli, 1992

D.Grandgeorge, The spirit of homeopathic medicines, Berkeley, 1998

K.N.Mathur, Systematic Materia Medica, New Dehli, 2001

Pulford, Key to the homoeopathic Materia Medica, Wazirpur, dehli, 2000

Dana Ullman, The Consumer’s Guide to Homeopathy, Tarcher/Putnam, 1996

E.W. Hubbard, Homoeopathy as art and science, Beaconsfield, Bucks, 1990

S.Hahnemann, Organon of medicine, translated by J.Künzli/A.Naude/P.Pendleton, London, 1982

S.Hahnemann, Organon of the medical art, edited by W.B.O’Reilly, Palo Alto, 2001

[1]  www.bihusa.com and hpathy.com

[2] S.Hahnemann, Organon 6^th edition, paragraph 189

[3] S.Hahnemann, Organon 6th edition, vide paragraph 187

[4] S.Hahnemann, Organon 6^th edition, vide paragraph 17

[5] J.T.Kent, The art and science of homeopathic medicine, p. 29

[6]< S.Hahnemann, Organon 6^th edition, paragraph 67

[7] S.Hahnemann, Organon 6^th edition, vide paragraph 186

[8] S.Hahnemann, Organon 6^th edition, vide paragraph 26

[9] Y.R.Agrawal, Homoeopathy in surgery, p.9

[10] according to Y.R.Agrawal, Homoeopathy in Surgery, p.10

[11] Y.R.Agrawal, Homoeopathy in surgery, p.6

[12] M.S.Jus, Bad effects of narcosis, www.shi.ch

[13] G.Charette, Homoeopathische Arzneimittellehre für die Praxis, p.264