Prevention

Our introduction to this series reviewed some myths about the effects of biological and chemical terrorism, as well as effects of other severe emergencies. We pointed out that contrary to belief, exposure to toxic substances does not necessarily lead to death. We presented information about homeopathy because it has been shown to be effective in healing symptoms that arise from these disasters.

We suggested it is wise to prepare a kit of 12 or more of the basic homeopathic remedies, which may be obtained at most health food stores. If a basic kit is not on hand, but some remedies are available, then either match a remedy to the symptom as closely as possible, or use a remedy which has worked for you in the past.

Homeopathy emphasizes prevention. The following remedies may be taken to avoid the onset of some of the typical symptoms associated with the types of emergencies we have been discussing or may perhaps lessen the severity of the disease. The remedies may be taken one dose a week during possible exposure or one dose a day during exposure. Continue to take all suggested public health precautions as announced for your area.

Prophylaxis:

Arsenicum - viral or bacterial (e.g., anthrax, yellow fever); Nux-vomica - chemicals (e.g., sarin, cyanide); Hypericum - tetanus; Baptisia - Typhoid or Typhus; Cuprum or Camphor or Veratrum-album - cholera. Variolinum (smallpox) and Anthracinum (anthrax) are available by special order.

The 12 Basic Remedies we recommend are: Aconite, Arnica, Arsenicum, Bryonia, Carbo-veg, Gelsemium, Hepar-sulph-cal, Hypericum, Ledum, Nux-vomica, Rhus-tox, and Sulphur.

In any situation always give immediately: Aconite or Arnica. Give Carbo-veg or Sulphur if the symptom is total physical collapse. Then try to match a more specific remedy with the symptom. One dose of 3 pellets in an emergency is usually enough to feel a little better in a few minutes. If no effect, try another remedy. If we choose a "wrong" remedy for what ails us, it won't help, yet it will not harm us, so keep trying different remedies until improvement is seen.

The list below identifies the remedy and describes symptoms for which it is used. The symptoms include those that occur as a result of epidemic diseases and exposure to toxic chemical agents.

• Aconite - for fright or terrors; cold; sudden & intense fevers; cough; for bright red hemorrhages; nervousness; first stages of infectious diseases
• Arnica - the "accident remedy"; for injury, head trauma, bruising as well as muscle aches, surgery, and shock; "it's never too late for arnica"
• Arsenicum - for food poisoning; exhaustion that is out of proportion to the illness, or physical & mental restlessness
• Bryonia - for irritability, wanting to cool body temperature, reduce stimulation and remain isolated; symptoms become worse after any motion and/or become worse after eating
• Carbo-veg - after sudden collapse with limbs cold, bluish, sweat cold, and clammy; for that condition we describe as having "never fully recovered"
• Gelsemium - for "butterflies" in stomach; general weakness and trembling; and all viral symptoms
• Hepar-sulph-cal - for any infection especially abscesses, bacteria in the blood, pus, sore throats; very irritable and impatient
• Hypericum - for nerves; sharp pains; seizures; nervous depression; headache; for superficial puncture wounds after Aconite & Arnica
• Ledum - for deep puncture wounds after Aconite & Arnica; deep bruising; dark red hemorrhages; joint pains; itching; wounds cold to the touch
• Nux-vomica - for "too much of anything bad"; feeling overly sensitive; abdominal complaints; working to the point of exhaustion; irritable type of anger associated with stress
• Rhus-tox - itchy, burning rashes; complaints of arthritis; anxious restlessness; stiffness after resting; paralysis; fever with cough and diarrhea
• Sulphur - taken after other remedies, it helps them work; diarrhea; skin eruptions; restless; relapsing symptoms; always burning

Care of the Remedies: The remedies, which come in the form of white pellets, should be touched only by the person who is taking them. Use the cap to measure the dose. If your supply is limited, a dose may be taken by inhalation, being sure to not breathe into the vial. Recap the vial quickly. Keep remedies away from strong odors, dampness and direct sunlight so that the energy of the pellets is not lost.

A REMINDER: Do not consider Homeopathy to be a substitute for regular medical emergency and preventative practices. Homeopathic remedies and regular emergency medicine and preventative practices work TOGETHER.

Emergency Applications: Our previous articles reviewed the myth of inescapable fatality due to terrorist acts when chemical or biological agents are used. Exposure to toxic substances does not necessarily lead to death. We named the Basic 12 homeopathic remedies that have been shown to be effective in these emergency situations. Finally, we described these remedies and the symptoms they treat.

This article explains how to prepare ahead with homeopathic remedies for emergency situations such as those arising from biochemical exposures. Next, we present what to do when there is a community alert. Then, we list symptoms and the corresponding remedies from the Basic 12 that should help alleviate these symptoms. Finally, to illustrate how to use the symptom list and the Basic 12 homeopathic remedies, we present an emergency scenario.

The Basic 12 Remedies we recommend are: Aconite, Arnica, Arsenicum, Bryonia, Carbo-veg, Gelsemium, Hepar-sulph-cal, Hypericum, Ledum, Nux-vomica, Rhus-tox, and Sulphur all offer great support to the body and are helpful and available.