Sprains can happen during athletic activities, but they can also happen just by stepping off a curb and landing with your foot in the wrong direction. Sprains result when a ligament (the tissues connected to the bones near a joint) is stretched beyond its normal range of motion. There is likely to be pain, swelling, and discoloration. What’s most important is to take action right away.
NATURAL CURES FOR SPRAINS
In addition to the arnica tincture compress mentioned in the ″Good to Know″ sidebar on page 79, other topical poultices or compresses can be made of apple cider vinegar, tofu, comfrey, plantain, clay, cabbage, onion, grated raw potato, tea tree essential oil, turmeric, burdock leaf, or ginger tea. You can also mix apple cider vinegar with sea salt and gently apply it to the area. Cool any teas well before applying. Use enough to cover the area well. (For directions on how to make a poultice or compress, see page 18 and 19.)
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
Get medical attention if the splinter is large, deep, made of broken glass, if the object is embedded near an artery or the eye, or if the area becomes swollen, red, and bleeds.
BEST FOODS AND SUPPLEMENTS FOR SPRAINS
Eat foods rich in the photochemical anthocyanadin, such as blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and raspberries, to strengthen blood vessels and muscles.
Take a daily supplement of calcium (1,000 mg)/magnesium (500 mg) supplement to keep muscles supple. Vitamin E (400 IU) and potassium (99 mg) supplements can also be taken. Taking bromelain in 100 milligram doses 3 times daily can help reduce pain and swelling.
Turmeric is another herbal ally to reduce inflammation. Take one or two capsules three times daily. Take 1,000 mg of vitamin C with bioflavonoids every 2 hours to reduce inflammation.
HOMEOPATHIC HELP FOR SPRAINS
Homeopathic Arnica and arnica oil can be applied topically. Homeopathic Byronia is used when the injury is hot, red, and swollen, when pain is worse from movement, and when the injury needs to be held tightly.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
If pain and swelling do not diminish after 2 or 3 days, consult a medical professional to be sure the bone is not broken. If you are in doubt as to whether you have a sprain or a fracture, treat the injury as a broken bone and seek medical attention.
Homeopathic Ledum is for sprains that are purple and puffy, when the injury feels cold, yet when cold compresses bring relief. Homeopathic Rhus tox is for sprains that feel better with movement, especially when the ligament is damaged, worse when initially moved, but better after repeated motion. Homeopathic Ruta graveolens is for old sprains that are worse from being still and better with movement.
This Soothing and Healing Sprains article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
