How to Reduce Operation Swelling With Homeopathic Medicine

Post-operative swelling is common and to be expected after you have had invasive surgery. Though your doctor is sure to give you anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers, you may want to use homeopathic medicine to reduce swelling. Homeopathic medicine concentrates on using diluted, naturally-occurring substances to treat physical and emotional symptoms of illness. Arnica is one of the most well-known and commonly used homeopathic herbs to reduce post-operative swelling.

Things You'll Need

• Arnica montana Staphysagria Ledum palustre

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Instructions

• 1

  Make sure your doctor has a list of all medications you are taking, both before your operation as well as those you are prescribed directly after surgery. Homeopathic remedies may interact with prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and other supplements you may use.

• 2

  Use arnica montana, an herb whose flower looks like a daisy, to reduce operation swelling. Arnica is available orally as a tea, a drinkable tincture or a tablet. Topical preparations include creams, ointments and poultice. The type of arnica you choose may depend on the type of surgery you have had and where your swelling is located. Poultices may be applied to swelling in your limbs, or as a general anti-inflammatory if you are unable to keep food down post-surgery. Swelling caused from trauma can be treated with a single dose of 200C formulation (a high dose). 200C means there is one part arnica to 100^200 parts of water. Follow up with a 30C dose of arnica three times a day until the swelling has subsided.

• 3

  Take staphysagria, an herb often associated with calming people who are nervous or have sexual problems, to reduce swelling of the face, throat and glands in your neck. Staphysagria can be purchased at natural food stores and is available in tablets and liquids. Begin with a low dosage of about 3C or 6C, up to three times daily, and increase to larger doses if warranted by your doctor.

• 4

  Reduce swelling around your eyes or if you have had varicose veins removed, with ledum palustre. Ledum palustre is also called marsh tea or Labrador tea and can be taken orally in tablets or through an infusion (tea). Limit your intake of marsh tea to three 4-ounce glasses daily to avoid headaches. Ledum palustre used in combination with arnica can be more effective than ledum alone.