Patients | Web Exclusive
August 21, 2008

Relieve pain—naturally

The buzz around homeopathic treatment.

by Jennifer Ioppolo

Homeopathic medicine is gaining interest from medical and dental professionals as a safe and effective option for patients. “Homeopathic medicines are more popular than ever in the medical and dental fields,” Deborah Kelly, spokesperson for Boiron USA, a world leader in homeopathy, shares. “Its natural healing properties can benefit children, seniors, and even those taking other medications.”

When taken appropriately, these medicines have no known side effects—such as drowsiness or hyperactivity—and are not contraindicated with existing conditions, making them safe for even high-risk patients such as those with heart disease or liver problems.  Best of all, they do not interact with conventional medications or herbal remedies. 

Arnica?

Homeopathy History Homeopathy comes from the Greek words homeo meaning “similar” and pathos meaning “suffering.” First used by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in late 1700s, the homeopathy is a therapeutic method that uses natural substances in micro-doses to treat symptoms of many acute and chronic health conditions. Regulated as drugs by the FDA since 19381, homeopathic medicines have a long history of safety and are manufactured in strict accordance with the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) and Drug Good Manufacturing Practices. Resources 1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, CPG 7132.15. Conditions under Which a Homeopathic Drug May Be Marketed

One of the most popular homeopathic medicines to treat bruising, swelling and pain is Arnica montana. Latin names are the international scientific denomination for source materials, and in this case, Arnica montana is known as a mountain daisy, a perennial plant found in the Northwestern parts of the U.S. and Central Europe. Centuries ago, European mountain climbers used the fresh leaves to relieve sore, aching muscles and bruises from falls.

Homeopathic Arnica is commonly administered in pellet form, which is easy to take—simply place under the tongue and allowed to melt for sub-lingual absorption. Liquid forms also are available. Arnica montana as well as other homeopathic medicines and topicals can be obtained without a prescription through healthcare practitioners, pharmacies, health food stores or selected web merchandisers.

dental options

“Administered to a patient before and/or after dental procedures, Arnica can help reduce pain, swelling, and bruising from trauma and surgery - helping patients get back to normal quickly,” Christophe Merville, pharmacist and pharmaceutical development manager at Boiron explains.

“Arnica is often used effectively in the pre- and post-treatment of periapical curettage, tooth extractions, gingivitis, and bleeding.”  

Arnica also benefits the dental hygienist as homeopathic options can be found in topical formulas as a cream or gel which can then be massaged into sore or stiff neck and back muscles. These topicals can also help provide relief when applied to aching back, feet, and legs after a long day of standing or sitting.

doses and dilutions

There can be some confusion with homeopathic doses and dilutions. Merville explains that the same doses can be prescribed to patients of all ages because homeopathic medicines act qualitatively, depending on the degree of dilution of the active ingredient, not on body size.

Contrary to what we might think, the level of dilution in homeopathy does not correspond to strength.  For instance, Arnica 30C is not stronger than Arnica 6C. The “30” indicates that the source material, mountain daisy, has been homeopathically diluted 30 times. The C stands for Centesimal and indicates that each of the 30 dilutions was made at the rate of 1/100.

The main difference between dilutions is in their level of action. While a 6C or 12C is suitable for local symptoms, a 30C or higher is more appropriate for more general conditions throughout the body.

Frequency of the dosage depends on the individual and condition being treated.  Taking five pellets of Arnica 12C, three times a day until healing occurs is usually recommended.  However, it is safe to take the dosage more frequently until symptoms such as pain or swelling subside. 

Jennifer Ioppollo is a certified aromatherapist and clinical herbalist, as well as the founder of The Aromatic Office, a company dedicated to helping other industries enhance their business through aromatherapy. She has been utilizing aromatherapy for individuals and businesses for over 11 years. She has a passion for aroma and its positive effects on mood, behavior, and well-being. Jennifer is an author for both the dental industry and the natural products industry. She is thrilled to be working with dental and medical offices in using aromatherapy for their team members, clients, guests, and patients. Visit thearomaticoffice.com for more details.