Arnica in Homeopathy

I’ve been growing up on Arnica at home. We always had all sorts of arnica remedies at home, most of them came from WELEDA. In Austria you can only get it at the pharmacy and for many arnica remedies you need a doctors prescription o it’s not something you can buy over the counter like here. We realise that the NHS is kind of behind in everything, there is lots of scientific evidence that Arnica has healing remedies. Arnica is used topically for a wide range of conditions, including bruises, sprains, muscle aches, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, joint pain, inflammation from insect bites, and swelling from broken bones. More recent studies suggest it may also be helpful in the treatment of burns. Is arnica as strong as ibuprofen? Arnica gel appeared to work nearly as well as Advil (ibuprofen). Benefits included reduced and improved joint function in people with hand osteoarthritis. More research is needed. How does arnica work so fast? The reason arnica works is because, like many plants, it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, says Anderson. When arnica cream or arnica gel is applied, it stimulates circulation, helping the body’s own healing system react—which encourages some speedy relief. Medicinal Uses and Indications Available Forms Arnica is available in topical creams and ointments. It is most commonly found as a tincture, which can also be used as the base for compresses and poultices. Arnica oil may also be used in topical preparations. A number of homeopathic remedies are available in pill, topical, or injectable forms. How to Take It You should not take arnica by mouth without direct medical supervision, except in an extremely diluted form as a homeopathic remedy, because side effects may be severe (see “Precautions”). Use homeopathic products according to directions on the label or the advice of your homeopathic practitioner. Health care providers may give homeopathic preparations by injection. When using arnica topically, never apply it to an open wound without a doctor’s supervision. Pediatric You may also use homeopathic preparations to treat bruising, swelling, and trauma to soft tissues. Follow the dosage instructions on the product label or consult a licensed homeopath. Use only in homeopathic formulations. DO NOT use the herb itself. Adult Commercial preparations of creams, ointments, and lotions are available through some specialty stores and natural health providers. Homeopathic preparations are widely available at health food stores and many pharmacies. Precautions Arnica is generally safe when used on the skin. However, using it for a long time may irritate the skin, causing eczema, peeling, blisters, or other skin conditions. Arnica should not be used on broken skin, such as leg ulcers. In one study, researchers found that arnica used topically increased leg pain 24 hours after participants performed calf exercises. Also, people who are hypersensitive or allergic to the herb should avoid it. Arnica is rarely used as an internal herbal remedy because it can cause dizziness, tremors, and heart irregularities. It may also irritate mucous membranes and cause vomiting. Large doses can even be fatal. DO NOT take arnica by mouth except under close supervision of your doctor. You can generally take homeopathic remedies, which use extremely small amounts of arnica, safely. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid taking arnica, and ask your doctor before using it on your skin. Talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including herbs. Possible Interactions When used topically or in a homeopathic remedy, there are no known interactions with arnica and conventional medications. Supporting Research The world renowned Mount Sinai Hospital in New York is conducting clinically research in Arnica for over a decade and below is some of their supporting documents. Adkison JD. The effect of topical arnica on muscle pain. Ann Pharmacother. 2010;44(10):1579-84. Auerbach. Wilderness Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2011. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000. Bolognia. Dermatology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. Brinkhaus B, Wilkens JM, Ludtke R, Hunger J, Witt CM, Willich SN. Homeopathic arnica therapy in patients receiving knee surgery: Results of three randomised double-blind trials. Complement Ther Med. 2006 Dec;14(4):237-46. Huber R. Bross F, Schempp C, Grundermann C. Arnica and stinging nettle for treating burns – a self-experiment. Complement Ther Med. 2011;19(5):276-80. Kotlus BS, Heringer DM, Dryden RM. Evaluation of Homeopathic Arnica montana for Ecchymosis After Upper Blepharoplasty: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind Study. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010 Jul 29. [Epub ahead of print] Seeley BM, Denton AB, Ahn MS, Maas CS. Effect of homeopathic Arnica montana on bruising in face-lifts: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2006 Jan-Feb;8(1):54-9. Sutovska M, Capek P, Kocmalova M, et al. Characterization and pharmacodynamic properties of Arnica montana complex. Int J Biol Macromol. 2014;69:214-21.

Why Celebrities LOVE Weleda’s Skin Food Moisturiser

Celebrities can’t get enough of THIS £12.50 moisturiser. But what makes Weleda’s Skin Food so special? Weleda first introduced their totally natural, replenishing Skin Food cream in 1926. And it’s still going strong today!  An enriching balm to soothe and comfort skin that’s battered by daily stresses – from poor diet to pollution – Skin Food is your best defence against windier, colder weather, and is great for dry or rough skin that needs a treat. Elbows, we’re looking at you… Weleda Skin Food has become a travel essential for many jet setters. Ideal to protect and replenish skin that’s been blasted by air conditioning or on the ski slope in biting winds, it also helps restore radiance to lacklustre skin. A firm celebrity favourite For years Skin Food was somewhat of an industry beauty secret, but in the past decade has become a firm favourite with many high-profile celebrities. Skin Food’s enthusiastic fan club includes singers Anne-Marie, Adele, Birdy, Joss Stone and Rihanna; television presenters Laura Whitmore, Fearne Cotton, Amanda Holden, Claudia Winkleman and Anthea Turner; plus actresses Julia Roberts, Brooke Shields, Kerry Washington, Winona Ryder, Priyanka Chopra and Lili Taylor. For Anne-Marie’s make-up artist Emma Osborne it’s a staple in her kit: Weleda Skin Food is my go-to product for a fresh glow. I love to add a touch to the high points of the face i.e. cheekbones/brow bones for that dewy glossy finish. For my clients it’s a must-have beauty essential”. Top models and fashionistas Alexa Chung, Suki Waterhouse, Victoria Beckham, Helena Christensen, Carolyn Murphy, Chandra North, Doutzen Kroes, Jacquelyn Jablonski, Angela Lindvall, Jessica Stam, Claudia Barila, Behati Prinsloo, Lyndsey Wixson, Dree Hemingway, Karen Ferrari, David Gandy and Andrew Cooper are all fans too. My absolute MUST is Weleda Skin Food which I apply all over my body! It smells so fresh and uplifting too and I never leave the house without it” – Model Erin O’Connor All of skin Food’s ingredients are NATRUE certified: all natural and include extracts of organic chamomile, calendula and wild pansy to soothe rough skin, plus rosemary to revitalise dull complexions. This deep-penetrating cream also contains natural plant oils and waxes known for their richness and gentleness. The refreshing fragrance is from pure essential oils including sweet orange and lavandulae, so artificial preservatives or parabens are not needed. It’s just what your skin has been waiting for. Shop WELEDA products here

Karl König Founder of Camphill

Karl König 1902-1966: Biography Dr Karl König (1902-66) was an Austrian physician, author and lecturer. In 1938, König fled the Nazi invasion of Austria and settled near Aberdeen, Scotland. It was here that he founded what became the Camphill movement in 1940. Based on the educational ideas of Rudolf Steiner, this network of special education schools for children and villages for adults with developmental needs are now established throughout Britain, Europe, North and South America, and southern Africa. He was also working very closely with Dr Ita Wegmann, the founder of the Anthroposophical Medical and cosmetic company WELEDA.  Karl König’s Early Life Karl König was born on September 25th 1902 in Vienna, Austria, the only son of a Jewish family who owned a shoeshop. He studied zoology, biology and medicine at the University of Vienna, graduating in 1927. During König’s studies on embryology, he encountered the works of Rudolf Steiner through Goethe’s scientific writings. König immediately identified with Steiner and was soon acquainted with a number of his followers, including Ita Wegman. Upon graduation, König was offered several high-profile positions in Vienna but instead accepted an invitation from Ita Wegman to join her clinic in Arlesheim, Switzerland. König’s time at the Clinic would shape the Camphill movement. It was here that he met his wife and co-founder, Tilla Maasberg, and it was here that he first witnessed the Advent Garden. During this festival, where children with learning disabilities circle a spiral of moss, lighting a candle from a large central beacon, he promised to ‘dedicate my life to the care and education of these children’. Following his time at Arlesheim, König moved to Germany and was involved in founding the Pilgramshain Institute – one of the early curative educational centres based on anthroposophy. However, due to political pressure König was forced to leave Germany in 1936. He returned to Vienna where he ran a successful medical practice and led anthroposophical study groups until 1938. Karl König and the Camphill Movement Fleeing Austria after Nazi annexation in 1938, König was part of a small group of doctors, teachers and artists to be granted political asylum in the United Kingdom during 1939. König moved to Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where this group founded a home for children with learning disabilities that became the beginning of the Camphill movement. After the Second World War, more schools were founded as well as curative education villages for adults with disabilities, based on the ideal of working together as a community. In the following decades, König’s Aberdeenshire community grew and expanded into Britain, Europe and America, becoming the Camphill movement we recognise today. During this period, König worked tirelessly to help children and adults with special needs through publications, talks and seminars – and by founding communities the world over. Karl König returned to Germany in 1964, founding another community near Überlingen. He died there in 1966. Today, the Camphill movement he established includes more than 100 communities in over 20 different countries.

WELEDA natural Beauty and Health

Weleda is the world’s largest certified natural skincare and medicines company, founded in 1921 by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. Its anthroposophical values cause it to operate in harmony with nature and the human being making products organic, biodynamic, fair trade, cruelty free, responsibly packaged, without micro-plastics and priced at the smallest amount possible so all can access them. Since all ingredients are natural, there are none of the skin-irritating, hormone disrupting, carcinogenic chemicals so often found in our body care products. You will find an excellent, award winning  and comprehensive range of baby and child products together with first aid remedies, hair care, sunscreen, dental care, skincare, homeopathic remedies and food supplements.  ​Loving the products and want to save some money? Here is… ​ Weleda Subscribe and Save:  By popular demand from my regular customers, I have designed this scheme to save you money while you have all the fun of a monthly wellbeing box – tailored to your individual needs and preferences – delivered to your door!  • Save a minimum of 20% on all your Weleda shopping • Set your own budget (free p&p over £30)  • Choose from facial skincare, body care & toiletries or some of each • You can specify preferences for certain products or ranges you like or want to avoid (e.g. in case of allergy) • Totally flexible – you pay by standing order on a date you choose and can cancel any time. ​ To join in, simply set up a standing order to SMS Brooled Ltd, 04-29-57 a/c 10561220. Then drop me a line to using the contact form to let me know your postal address, whether you would like facial skin care, body care products or some of each and any preferences or allergies you may have.  Or feel free to give me a call on 07935 145 849 to discuss your requirements.  Your first monthly delivery will be posted as soon as the first standing order payment is received.

Dr Ita Wegmann

Dr Ita Wegmann Today I want to share about Mrs Ita Wegman. When I was in school she was one of my heroes when we learned about her and Weleda. She was the founding member of Weleda company in Switzerland and together with her mentor Rudolf Steiner developed homeopathic medicines, a way of massage called Rhythmic massage and she set in stone what today is known as the Ita Wegman Hospital in Bern Switzerland and what today is the modern Weleda company. Ita Wegmamn was born in February 1876, and in 1921 she co-founded anthroprosophic medicine together with Rudolf Steiner the founder of Anthroposophy. Alongside Rhythmic Massage Mrs Wegman also founded other anthroprosophic treatments. Ita Wegman, as she was known throughout her life, was born as Maria Ita Wegman in 1876 in Karawang, West Java, the first child of a Dutch colonial family. Around the turn of the century, she returned to Europe (she had visited before) and studied therapeutic gymnastics and massage. In 1902, when she was 26, she met Rudolf Steiner for the first time. Five years later, she began medical school at the University of Zurich, where women were not discriminated to study medicine. She was granted a diploma as a medical doctor in 1911 with a specialization in women’s medicine and joined an existing medical practice. In 1917, having opened an independent practice, she developed a cancer treatment using an extract of mistletoe following indications from Steiner. This first remedy, which she called Iscar, was later developed into Iscador and has become an complementary cancer treatment in Germany and a number of other countries, and is undergoing clinical trials in the U.S.A. There is no evidence that Iscador heals cancer or improves the quality of life of cancer patients. By 1919 she had a joint practice together with two other doctors, also women. In 1920 she purchased land in Arlesheim, where she opened her own clinic, the Klinisch-Therapeutisches Institut, or Clinical-Therapeutic Institute, the next year. A number of other doctors joined the institute, which grew steadily over the next years as a first center for anthroposophical medicine. In 1922 she founded a therapeutic home for mentally disabled children, Haus Sonnenhof, also in Arlesheim, and co-founded a pharmaceutical laboratory, Weleda, that has since grown into a significant producer of medicines and health-care products. In the following year, Rudolf Steiner asked Wegman to join the Executive Council of the newly reformed Anthroposophical Society at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland. She also directed the Medical Section of the research center at the Goetheanum. Together, Wegman and Steiner wrote what was to be Steiner’s last book, Extending Practical Medicine (earlier editions were published as Fundamentals of Therapy), which gave a theoretical basis to the new medicine they were developing. The book was partly written while Wegman cared for Steiner, who was already terminally ill. Wegman founded a new medical journal, Natura, the following year. By 1919 she had a joint practice together with two other doctors, also women. In 1920 she purchased land in Arlesheim, where she opened her own clinic, the Klinisch-Therapeutisches Institut, or Clinical-Therapeutic Institute, the next year. A number of other doctors joined the institute, which grew steadily over the next years as a first center for anthroposophical medicine. In 1922 she founded a therapeutic home for mentally disabled children, Haus Sonnenhof, also in Arlesheim, and co-founded a pharmaceutical laboratory, Weleda, that has since grown into a significant producer of medicines and health-care products. In the following year, Rudolf Steiner asked Wegman to join the Executive Council of the newly reformed Anthroposophical Society at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland. She also directed the Medical Section of the research center at the Goetheanum. Together, Wegman and Steiner wrote what was to be Steiner’s last book, Extending Practical Medicine (earlier editions were published as Fundamentals of Therapy), which gave a theoretical basis to the new medicine they were developing. The book was partly written while Wegman cared for Steiner, who was already terminally ill. Wegman founded a new medical journal, Natura, the following year. In 1936, the clinic opened a second home in Ascona, Switzerland. Shortly thereafter, difficulties between Wegman and the rest of the Executive Council flared up, and Wegman was asked to leave the council; in addition, she and a number of supporters had their membership in the Anthroposophical Society itself withdrawn. The medical work flourished, however, and Wegman travelled extensively in support of the rapidly growing movement to extend medicine’s limits; she was especially active in the Netherlands and England during this time. Wegman died in Arlesheim in 1943, at the age of 67.

WELEDA Wellbeing Advisor

Recently I have made the decision to join the Weleda Wellbeing Advisor group. So what does a Weleda Wellbeing Advisor do? It is a holistic position advising customers on Weleda skin care products and homeopathic medicines. Those products are all produced and marketed by Weleda that has been founded in Switzerland by Dr. Ita Wegman and Rudolf Steiner in 1921. Rudolf Steiner is the founder of Anthroprosophy and Bio Dynamic Gardening. Weleda uses 98.9% organically grown products to produce their products, it is cruelty free and based on latest research. The UK office of Weleda was founded in 1925. Today Weleda has a Garden you can visit and creates new products based on scientific research and development. Weleda products are sold world wide. I will in due course write more about Weleda and my experience with the company. My training has just started and the main induction is going to be on Monday. My new business cards have arrived too. So yes I have created those nice looking cards myself and I am really happy with the outcome. I have printed them myself at my office and used my card cutter to cut them. So everything is home made. I have also ordered the Weleda Starter Pack and topped it up with the missing items from the starter pack to complete the product lines that there were.