1^st aid stockpile
Supplement the Bandaids and ointment with natural remedies too

Published March 23, 2002 in the North Island Weekender

So far in your pediatric first aid kit you have: Reckeweg #1, pulsatilla, colubrina, belladonna, ginger, peppermint tea, chamomile, colocynthis, and Lifestart acidophilus.
Now we will add remedies that are important for adults: glyconda, dolicoccil, thymulin, influenzinum, cocculus, ginger, Echinacea, Vitamin C, esberitox, cold FX and Arnica.
Bill has a long history of gastric reflux, heartburn, gas and bloating associated with abdominal pain. The number one remedy he should have in his kit is glyconda. This is a peppermint cordial with which I have great success getting people off their antacids. I often find that people only need it when their diet is poor. Making diet changes provides the longest relief however.
Doliccocil is a homeopathic remedy for the flu. It must be taken within the first 24 hours of symptoms beginning to be the most effective. So if you are not sure what your are experiencing when you awaken tired, achy, dizzy and headachy take it anyway. It can save you a week or two of flu symptoms! It is safe for all ages and is easily administered under the tongue.
Our flu vaccine program that starts October of every year works well as does our homeopathic immune program that is taken once per month by the whole family all year long. These remedies are called Thymulin and Influenzinum.
Cocculus is a good remedy for motion sickness and so is ginger. Frozen ginger is the best way to keep it for months. Just place it in a baggy as a fresh root and slice it as needed to make a tea. Remember that you have to boil ginger for 20 minutes to get the active ingredients. Ginger tea is an excellent digestive aid, a demulcent which breaks up mucous in the chest, as well as an excellent remedy for motion and morning sickness.
Vitamin C and Echinacea are two general immune tonics. Vitamin C can be used as a laxative as well as to drive off an infection of any type. The trick is to take enough of it. Doses up to 10,000 mg per day may be required in an adult to treat bronchitis. The same with Echinacea. Did you know that a 50 cc bottle of Echinacea tincture can be taken in one day for an adult with no toxicity? When people tell me that Vitamin C and Echinacea don’t work most of the time the dosages they are taking are way too low. Chewables may work better for children. Esberitox is a chewable Echinacea great for toddlers too.  Keep in mind that chewable Vitamin C is hard on the enamel of the teeth, so rinse the mouth out afterwards or drink water. If abdominal bloating and gas develop then slow the dose of Vitamin C down. A good Echinacea will numb your tongue when dropped directly onto it.
As I said last time, the viruses and bacteria that are out there are stronger than even 10 years ago, so often these basic approaches may not work. Seek out a naturopathic physician soon, if you are not getting results and if you want to avoid antibiotics. If you wait too long, then antibiotics may be your only resort. Cold FX a ginseng remedy, is great for sore throats and colds. Again take within the first 24 hours and you will be impressed!
Colubrina can be good for headaches and hangovers.
Arnica should not only be in your first aid kit but in your purse, car or wallet. It is the number one remedy for trauma, physical and emotional. Your dentist and surgeon will notice that you do not bruise or bleed as much after surgery and you will require less pain medication. Dosages range from 30ch up to 1-10M. Routinely 200ch works well. From seniors and children who fall to the neighbors’ pet that is injured this remedy will prove to you the magic of homeopathy! For any sports injury or overuse injury that is recent, try arnica first. Arnica cream or traumeel cream or gel when applied topically to injured muscles and tendons acts as a topical anti-inflammatory.
So now you have cost efficient tools to assist you in your time of need and make you less dependent on the overworked health care system! Be well.

Dr. Pincott has been practicing naturopathic medicine since 1985 and is currently practicing in Campbell River. She can be reached at (250) 286-3655 or www.DrPincott.com