Useful Suggestions from Your Friends at Wesley Enhanced Living

To those who are unfamiliar, homeopathy may seem like a buzzword. It is also commonly misunderstood as another name for “home remedies.” It is, however, a medical system revived in the 18th century by a German physician and botanist named Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann.

The premise behind the system is the belief that the body can heal itself. By using a “like cures like” approach, tiny amounts of natural substances like plants, herbs, and flowers are used to trigger your body’s natural defenses and stimulate the healing process. Many people use homeopathic options for common ailments like colds, coughs, headaches, and nausea.

You may be surprised at how quickly you can start feeling better when you give your body what it needs. Before using common homeopathic remedies, a discussion with your general practitioner is the first step to ensure there are no interactions with any prescription medications, and that it will be an appropriate tactic for your condition.

Common Conditions Where a Homeopathic Remedy May Help

As they say, age is just a number. You can embrace all that life has to offer when you have so much more time to enjoy it! As a senior, it’s important to take charge of your health and talk to your doctor about alternative options in healing. Here are some of the most common ailments that a homeopathic remedy may help cure:

Urinary Tract Infections

UTIs are common among the elderly. Maintaining adequate hydration can be difficult, and sometimes medications can cause these infections. However, you may get some relief from your symptoms with cantharis, ginger tea, uva ursi, or parsley water. Cantharis is perhaps one of the best homeopathic remedies for UTIs that cause intense burning before, during, and after urination. It’s also a good option when you constantly have the desire to urinate often.

Constipation

Another issue many seniors face is constipation and the discomfort it brings. You can do something as simple as adding powdered flaxseed to your orange juice to reduce your discomfort and get things moving. Other common homeopathic remedies for constipation include nux vomica and castor oil to ease the pain and stimulate your intestines. You can also eat whole figs a few times a day or brew fig leaves to make a tea that will act as a laxative.

Nausea

You may experience an upset stomach from being ill or as a side-effect of prescription drugs. When you feel queasy, you may choose to take peppermint, mint, or nux vomica.

Peppermint contains menthol, which relaxes gastrointestinal tissue. Menthol’s effect on the body is the reason peppermint is one of the most common homeopathic remedies for nausea. It can be taken as a tea or incorporated into your favorite foods and smoothies. Another effective remedy includes ginger. You can drink it as a tea (make sure you choose a medicinal brand) or eat candied ginger while you’re out and about.

Sore Throat

Sore throats are often a symptom of the common cold and can cause pain and dryness in the throat. Sometimes, it can become so uncomfortable that it’s all you think about. If your throat is sore from a virus, bacterial infection, or allergy, try one of these homeopathic remedies:

  • Honey: Honey coats the throat, offering soothing relief. You can swallow a spoonful or stir it into your tea.
  • Echinacea: This herb reduces the symptoms of the common cold and is often available as pills, drops, or tea.
  • Elderberry Syrup: This remedy is ideal for colds and influenza because it has antiviral properties.
  • Pelargonium: Like echinacea, this plant reduces the duration and discomfort of colds.

Irritated or Itchy Skin

As seniors age, their skin becomes thinner and more fragile. They may notice that they bruise more easily and scratches and cuts take longer to heal. While it’s always important to have problem areas examined by a licensed physician, there are a few things you can do at home to speed up the healing process. Some common homeopathic remedies for skin irritation include arnica (for muscle aches and pains and bruising), calendula (for skin conditions like eczema and diaper rashes), and oatmeal (for itchy skin).

Migraines

Nothing may feel worse than enduring a migraine. A couple of options to consider include butterbur and belladonna. You should consult a homeopath for a recommended dosage. Another popular remedy is magnesium glycinate, which reduces the frequency and severity of migraines.

Wounds

As we mentioned earlier, elderly people’s skin becomes more fragile the older they get. A simple bump on the back of the hand can cause the skin to break open. To prevent infection, it may be helpful to have a few home remedies at your disposal. Honey is one such remedy.

Honey has amazing wound-healing capabilities. Its antibacterial properties and pH balance ensure the wound receives appropriate amounts of oxygen and prevents proteases from slowing the healing process. Make sure you use medical-grade honey, which has been sterilized, and not the honey from your cabinet.

Joint Aches and Pain

Seniors are often plagued by body aches and joint pain as they age. While it may seem like the pain or discomfort will never end, there are a few home remedies you can use in addition to your normal treatment that may provide relief. Some of the best homeopathic remedies for joint pain include curcumin (from turmeric) and green tea.

Curcumin stops joint pain by inhibiting the body’s inflammatory response mediators. You can get the benefits of this phytochemical by adding turmeric to your dishes or drinking golden milk. Green tea has polyphenols, which are antioxidants that reduce inflammation and slow cartilage degeneration.

Anxiety and Depression

As we age, we may find that we enter a season of anxiety and depression. The sudden death of a loved one can bring on many emotions. Loneliness can play a factor, too. Ignatia, kali phosphoricum, arsenicum album, and lavender oil may help you deal with emotional challenges.

Empower Your Body to Heal Itself — The Staff at Wesley Enhanced Living Can Help

Keep your immune system on track with healthy eating and regular exercise. When common illnesses come in the way, consider homeopathic remedies. It’s important to remember that you must also see a doctor and get timely medical advice.

Making the most of your life couldn’t be better than residing in a Wesley Enhanced Living community. Our team believes in a well-rounded approach to health and living. Along with nutrient-rich meals, social activities, and physical exercise, we aim to keep our residents and their families informed and educated on many ways to stay healthy and active, whether this includes common homeopathic remedies or others.
We have a variety of facility options designed to meet your specific needs. These options include independent living or personal care in Philadelphia. Besides encouraging a healthy lifestyle, we offer many opportunities for socialization and companionship. You can check out the many benefits of living in a community to see what life would be like at our facility and then reach out to our team for more information.

Wesley Enhanced Living provides high-quality senior retirement communities for you or your loved ones.  Contact one of our Philadelphia area locations and find out why our seniors love where they live. Our staff is happy to discuss your elder’s needs or your own, give you a tour and inform you of our range of services.