How to keep active longer and get into better shape faster?

Arnica and other Homeopathic Remedies for Sports Injuries

The expression “No pain, no gain” is an over-rated and often health-threatening motto for athletes and weekend warriors alike. Many people feel the need to push themselves to improve, but too often ignore or suppress pain with anti-inflammatories or pain killers. The continued use of these can turn a simple sprain into tendonitis or a shin splint into a stress fracture.

More and more athletes are embracing homeopathy as not only the most ethical way to treat and prevent injuries, but the most effective. “Homeopathy can be effective in treating almost anything short of what needs surgery,” says Kate Schmidt, a two-time Olympic medalist in javelin throwing.

What does an individual gain from suffering with pain? Whether they are young, old or in-between, athletic, out-of-shape, passive or aggressive, the body wants to heal, and with the right stimulus, it can. Homeopathy works with the immune system toward physical, mental and emotional freedom and balance.

So, what can athletes (or the rest of the population suffering from similar complaints) expect from homeopathy? Efficient safe healing and often prevention from bruises, muscle aches, muscle spasms, leg cramps, sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, and a lot more “itis-es”.

And it doesn’t stop there. Sports injuries are not only caused by accidents, training errors or equipment. Sometimes mental attitudes can push one beyond what the body is prepared to do. Sometimes a performance anxiety single, like gelsemium, before a game or competition, will help keep the mind better tuned to what the body needs to prevent injury, heighten performance, and maintain the mental balance to know when to stop.
After the game, everyone should be going for the Arnica. It will minimize any bruising, muscle strain or trauma. It is also recommended to take Arnica before a big workout to minimize muscle aches and bruising.

Sports Medicine: Doctors Extol Arnica Montana and the Virtues of Homeopathy

On homeopathy in general for sports, A. Dwight Smith, MD, claims it can “Cut healing time by 50-85%.”  In his article “Homeopathy and Sports Medicine,” he also states: “With a minimum amount of homeopathic instruction, most trainers, coaches, and athletes themselves, can successfully treat and cure many of the most common athletic injuries. Their willingness to do so will have two results: quicker and more comfortable healing for the athlete; and thousands of dollars saved for the athletic club.” (American Homeopathy: vol.1, No. 6, June 1984)

In his book, Homeopathic Treatment of Sports Injuries, Dr. Lyle Morgan states: “Arnica should be considered first in all cases of physical injury.” He lists Arnica montana's benefits throughout the book, including: “Arnica works quickly to repair damaged blood vessels, to reduce swelling at the site of the injury, and to eliminate pain….

In his book, Musculoskeletal Healing, homeopath Asa Hershoff states: “Arnica is the most renowned trauma remedy, and is without equal as the primary remedy for injury of any kind whatsoever.”…

For past injuries, he states: “Homeopathy is the first choice when a person has ‘never been well’ since a specific traumatic incidence. Arnica and Hypericum are the main remedies, prescribed in high potency for several doses, for erasing the imprints of trauma within the nervous system and tissues.”
The list could go on and on, but suffice it to say, that those who have worked with Arnica in sports medicine concur that it should be in the gym bag of every athlete, ‘weekend warrior’, coach and trainer.

Buy Arnica montana - Homeopathic Single Remedy:

On Track with Arnica Montana

Arnica Montana and other Homeopathic Remedies for Sports Injuries Homeopathy comes through with flying colors in the sports arena. The relief of tired, achy, overused and injured muscles and joints overrides the complexity of how this 200-year-old form of medicine works. It is effective in treating everyone from the noblest weekend warriors to professional athletes. The mechanism of action in homeopathy seems wildly opposite to conventional medicine; however. As a complementary treatment it succeeds in preventing and treating a myriad of sports conditions naturally.

Overexertion, Sprains & Strains

Arnica Montana: is the number one remedy to consider with any type of injury. It helps to reduce swelling, promote healing and ease pain. Take it immediately for the shock which results from injury and when there is bruising and swelling. Arnica may be used to prevent sore muscles from intense training or competition by taking a couple of pellets before the event.

Rhus tox: Used in homeopathic form, Rhus tox is nicknamed the ‘rusty gate’ remedy. It is effective for joints that are stiff from injury or overexertion such as from golf, running or baseball. It is particularly useful when muscles or joints are worse first thing in the morning, with cold, damp weather, but feel better after gentle motion and with warm applications.

Bryonia: earned the name ‘The Grumpy Bear’ remedy because it helps people who do not want to be bothered or move in any way. It has a keynote symptom of pain that worsens with the slightest movement. This remedy, derived from wild hops, relieves pain that is ameliorated by pressure, or by lying on the painful side. When someone is exhibiting these particular symptoms, and this type of pain pattern, Bryonia is very effective in reducing the discomfort.

Calc phos 6x: As a cellular building block, Calc phos aids many conditions involving structural stress and growth. Derived from a mineral containing phosphorous and calcium, primary constituents in bone, it plays an important role in bone repair after fractures (non-union) and during grown periods.

Treating Body Aches from
Sports Training and Injuries

by Dr. Trevor Holly Cates, ND

Summer is here and it’s time to enjoy the good weather with outdoor sports. Whether you’re an athlete training for an upcoming event or just having some fun in the sun, be prepared with some all-natural therapies for a speedy recovery. Homeopathy offers safe, natural remedies that can put your mind and your body at ease this summer. Homeopathically prepared remedies are safe and easy to use.

Arnica is the single most important remedy for trauma when there is soreness and tenderness especially to touch or pressure. It is useful for any kind of trauma including sprains, strains, bruises, and sore muscles. Arnica can be taken internally as a homeopathic and used externally as ointments, salves or sprays.

Other homeopathic remedies can also provide significant relief and recovery. Ruta graveolens is another important homeopathic medicine for strains and sprains. Hypericum is excellent for injuries to areas rich in nerves such as fingers, toes, and genitals. Bellis perennis can help reduce swelling and soreness of deep bruises.

Individual remedies work wonders, but sometimes a combination remedy is easiest to use and keep on hand. Hyland’s Arnicaid is a combination homeopathic remedy containing some of the remedies above and is designed to help relieve bruising, swelling and muscle soreness due to falls, blows or other injuries. With this combination of remedies, many injuries are covered from minor bruises to more severe injuries.

Another combination homeopathic, Hyland's ArniSport™ is formulated for the athlete or weekend warrior to help relieve muscle pain and soreness from injury or overexertion. It contains many of the same remedies as Arnicaid™ but also contains a combination of biochemic tissue salts that aid in restoring the body's cellular balance. ArniSport works best if it is taken just after an injury or finishing a strenuous workout.

Rest and ice are also generally good additions to treating injuries. Of course, it is always a good idea to consult with a physician for assessment and treatment if the injury is more severe or if it affects your ability to function. For chronic or acute conditions continuing for more than a few days with no improvement, be sure to consult a professional homeopath.

Whatever outdoor sports and activities you have planned this summer, be prepared with homeopathic medicines that can relieve aches and pains. In addition to band-aids and other basics, consider some or all of the homeopathic remedies mentioned in this article for your first aid kit. Get the most out of your exercise and training and recover quickly with all natural homeopathic remedies.

Dr. Trevor Holly Cates received her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from the National College of Natural Medicine. The first woman licensed as a naturopathic doctor in California, Dr. Cates practices at the Santa Barbara Center for Natural Medicine with a specialty in women’s and children’s health. She successfully treats a variety of acute and chronic health concerns with a holistic approach using homeopathy, herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, environmental medicine, and other natural therapies. In addition to private practice, Dr. Cates is co-founder of Green This Life, a premier eco-lifestyle site. She also lectures and writes articles on natural medicine for various local and national publications. Dr. Cates has twice been appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to California’s Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine Advisory Council. She lives with her husband and three children in Santa Barbara, California.

Top Homeopathic Remedies for Muscleaches & Pain resulting from Sports Training

MuscleAches #44

Extensive First Aid treats muscle strains, cramps, bruises, soreness and sprains.

Ideal for exercise and everyday pains or injuries. Along with Arnica’s many benefits for sore muscles, bruising, etc., #44 contains the classic ingredients for treating muscle strains, cramps and spasms, plus joint pains and sprains. Whether symptoms result from injuries, exercise, or everyday stresses, #44 can be a relaxing, comforting companion at home and at the gym.

Homeopathic Ingredients: Arnica, Bryonia, Cimicifuga, Mag phos, Rhus tox, Ruta grav

Hyland's ArniSport®

Hyland’s ArniSport® tablets are a specially formulated for the athlete or weekend warrior. Hyland’s ArniSport® provides 100% natural relief for muscle aches and pains due to strain or injury from overexertion. Best administered immediately after workout, Hyland’s ArniSport® contains no aspirin, sucrose, dextrose, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or fillers.

Homeopathic Ingredients:

Arnica Mont - for bruising and muscle soreness
Hypericum Perf - for nerve injuries due to blows
Ruta Grav - for the connective tissues of the body; sprains, twists and shin splints
Ledum Pal - for stitching pains and red, hot inflammations.
Bellis Per - for sprains, swellings and muscular soreness
Hyland’s Bioplasma™ - a combination of biochemic tissue salts that help restore the body’s cellular balance after depletion.

Arnica Ointment

Topical relief for sore muscles, joints and bruises.

Vital for every first aid kit, this clear, Arnica-rich ointment relieves bumps, bruises, soreness, chapped lips and skin externally. You can smooth on relief for bumps and bruises and massage in relief for sore muscles and achiness.

Expert Pain Relievers

Backache/Sciatica #199

By combining first aid for injuries with general relief for backs, nerves and muscles, this classic homeopathic remedy is designed to minimize pain while stimulating the body’s natural healing.
♦ Applications include back and nerve pains due to exertion, minor injury, fevers, pregnancy, arthritis or rheumatism.
♦ Its range of back and neck symptoms include: aching, bruised pain; numb, stiff, or tingling soreness; spasms and cramping muscles; stiffness and inflammation.   

Aconite, Arnica, Bellis per, Bryonia, Magnesium phos, Rhus tox


Mag phos
The simplest, most natural way to ease and prevent leg cramps and other cramps, spasms and radiating pains is to encourage the connection between nerves and muscles with the cell salt they depend on.
♦ Mag phos benefits symptoms as diverse as leg cramps, muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, spasmodic coughs, colic and hiccups, as well as backache, right sided sciatica, facial neuralgia, tics, toothache, stabbing headaches and weary nerves.
♦ Anytime symptoms improve with heat and worsen with cold, look up this popular favorite. Sipping hot water with a dose can speed its action.






Muscleaches / Cramps #44

A homeopathic remedy that quickly soothes stiffness, cramps, bruises, sprains and even rheumatic pains without contra indica-tions. No reported side effects or conflicts with sports testing.
Arnica, Bryonia, Cimicifuga, Magnesium phos, Rhus tox, Ruta grav