Homeopathy for surgery
Updated: Sep 21
Surgery can be a significant experience for both the body and mind. Whether you are preparing for a tooth extraction, a medical procedure, or a larger operation, you may experience anxiety beforehand or a range of physical and emotional responses afterwards.
In this blog, I explore how homeopathy may be approached around surgery, including some commonly used remedies and ways of considering individual symptoms and experiences before and after an operation.
In my experience working in a homeopathic pharmacy, people sometimes seek homeopathic remedies around the time of surgery, particularly when they are looking for support before or after an operation.
Regardless of the size of the surgery, from tooth extraction to endoscopic surgery to open surgery, it is useful to know the remedies that can be used.
In this blog, we will introduce remedies that can be used after surgery.
#1 - Before surgery
Preparing for surgery can bring up different feelings and physical responses. Homeopathy is sometimes used as an individualised approach to these experiences, rather than simply according to the type of surgery.
Before surgery, you may feel anxious, restless, or unable to sleep due to anxiety. Below are some remedies that can be used at such times.
Aconite
This is a great shock remedy. When you feel like you're about to panic due to anxiety, or when you're surprised by a little thing.
Arg nit
When you feel anxious and worried, and you feel restless. When your stomach feels loose or your gas increases due to anxiety.
Arsenicum Album
When you are restless and anxious, and become picky or nervous about trivial things.
Coffea Cruda
When you can't sleep because your mind is too active due to anxiety
Kali Phos
Especially when you're overthinking and feeling tired even before the surgery.
You can also use these flower essences for anxiety.
Crowea (Bush Flower Essences)
This essence is suitable for individuals experiencing severe anxiety, as well as those with stomach issues resulting from worry or stress.
Emergency Essence (Bush Flower Essence)
This combination essence is for shock, anxiety, or worry. It can be useful before an exam, a work presentation, or a sudden shock caused by an accident or injury.
Rescue Remedy or Five Flower Essence (Bach Flower Essence)
Bach Flower version of the above Emergency Flower Essence. This is also made from a combination of Bach Flowers and is used in the same way, when you have severe anxiety or worry. It can be used before an exam, before a work presentation, or for a sudden shock.
There is another blog about "Homeopathy for anxiety and worry" if you are interested.
#2 - After Surgery
After surgery, people can experience different physical and emotional responses depending on the procedure and their individual circumstances.
In homeopathy, remedies are traditionally considered according to the person’s particular symptoms and overall experience.
The remedies below are examples traditionally considered in homeopathy in relation to different symptoms and responses that may occur after surgery.
Arnica
Arnica is traditionally used in relation to injury, bruising and the effects of physical shock.
If you are taking anticoagulant medication, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using any remedy or complementary product.
Acetic Acid
When you are sensitive to post-anesthesia reactions.
Bellis Perennis
Deep soft-tissue trauma, particularly when there has been significant physical impact. It is also traditionally considered in relation to the breasts, gums and other soft tissues, including following surgery.
It may also be considered when there is muscle soreness following strenuous physical activity or physical labour.
Calendula
Calendula is traditionally used In relation to wounds and skin healing.
Emerald
Experiences involving the removal of a part of the body, and may also be considered around childbirth or tooth extraction. It is also associated with themes of accepting change and letting go.
Hypericum
When the lips, fingertips, toes, or other areas with dense nerves are injured due to cuts, scrapes, or puncture wounds. Also when you hit your coccyx or lower back hard.
For sharp, throbbing nervic pain.
Ledum
A common remedy for stings. It can also be used to heal wounds after punctures such as injections. When the area around the wound has a blackish or bluish color and the symptoms improve with cooling.
Opium
When recovery after anesthesia is delayed. When you feel distracted or slow.
Phosphorus
For people who are sensitive to drugs such as anesthesia.
Rhus Tox.
If the pain worsens when you start moving, but then subsides once you start moving.
If your symptoms worsen by staying still. Soothe by rubbing, massaging, warming, and stretching. It is traditionally associated in homeopathy with muscle and ligament symptoms.
Ruta Grav.
Ruta is traditionally used in relation to the bones, periosteum and tendons, and may be considered alongside Rhus Tox. when the symptom picture corresponds.
Staphysagria
When you feel insulted, hurt, or violated by the defenseless state of surgery.
Sulphur
When you are concerned about the side effects of the medicine after the surgery.
Symphytum
Symphytum is traditionally used in relation to bone injuries and recovery, particularly after a fractured bone has been properly repositioned. The plant is also commonly known as knitbone or comfrey. Before using it, please ensure that the fracture has been correctly set by a qualified healthcare professional.
Thiosinamine
Thiosinamine is traditionally used in relation to wounds and scar formation
If you would like to learn more about potency and dosage in homeopathy, you can read my guide here.
Conclusion...
Some of the remedies traditionally considered in homeopathy around surgery have been introduced above.
Every person’s experience of surgery is different, and the same remedy may not be appropriate for everyone. If you are unsure which remedy may be suitable for your individual symptoms, or if you would like to talk through your experience before or after surgery, an individual homeopathic consultation can provide an opportunity to explore this in more detail.
If you would like to learn more about how homeopathy may be approached for your own situation, you are welcome to book a consultation with me.
Happy using homeopathy!
Love and gratitude
Hiroko
