Remedy of the week - Ruta

As Congleton Harriers completed the Cloud 9 Hill Race on Sunday I was reminded of one of the first homeopathic remedies I ever prescribed.   A neighbour had turned over one of her ankles and ended up in plaster for several weeks in order to heal her sprained ankle ligaments.  She was expecting to have full mobility once the plaster came off, yet she returned home with a limp.  Several days later I noticed she was still walking with some difficulty.  She complained the bone along the side of her foot felt sore and bruised and she could not put her foot fully to the floor.  As a keen student of homeopathy at the time, I suggested she try some Ruta 30c.  Within 24 hours, after 3 doses, the lameness had gone and she was walking normally again.

Ruta is an excellent first aid remedy for problems with the connective tissue due to sprains, overuse of muscles or injury of the joints and ligaments.  There is typically stiffness and pain in the surrounding muscles and tendons.  The person is usually quite restless and wants to keep moving the joint.  The area will be better for keeping it warm and rubbing it.  The discomfort will feel worse for sitting, or being cold and damp.  

For an acute sports injury always apply the appropriate first aid and make sure a doctor assesses the injury if the joint cannot be straightened, bent or bear weight.  Arnica will help overcome the initial shock and pain.  Once the injury is assessed Rhus Tox and Ruta are two of main remedies that will give relief to a sprain or strain.  Ruta is always the remedy of choice where there is bruising to the bone.  Consider it too for injuries that have mostly healed but nodules or thickening on the bone can be felt and remain sore.  I trust all the runners on Sunday remained sure footed, but for any sprains or strains, then do remember Ruta.  It is handily available to buy over the counter at Bare Health in tablet or homeopathic ointment when needed.

For any enquiries about using remedies in first aid situations I am available for a free session on the 2^nd Saturday of each month at Bare Health.  I will be at the shop next on Saturday March 9^th 2013.  Though please note at the different time of 9.30am to 12 noon.  To be sure of a slot you can book a place by calling Bare Health on 01260 408413.

Jane Bowdenleigh, LNWCH. Tel 07740 798595 www.jbhomeopathy.co.uk