Ledum palustre
Bites and stings but also arthritis
Ledum has a reputation for treating puncture wounds and people like to keep it on hand to treat insect bites and stings. The skin of the affected part maybe look purplish – red (if bright red think of Apis), look puffy or swollen and be cold to touch. The pains shoot upwards and feel better with ice cold applications. It is also of use with any other type of penetrating injury, that could be stepping on a nail, falling on broken glass, etc.
It helps to guard against infection in the wound. So it has recorded use as a preventative for tetanus which can be caused when there is infection in a deep wound. Once symptoms of tetanus are observed it is best to use a different remedy such as Hypericum or Arsenicum. I’ve heard of the remedy having the ability to push venom out and some use it to help with snake bites. In the case of poisoning, I think it best to not rely on this remedy alone and seek professional help as well.
It may be of use in safe guarding against the effects of tick bites although I have not found it to be helpful for this in my area. The remedy has some paralysis in its symptom picture, however if this is present, I prefer to use the remedy Conium matriculatum, which I have found to be exceptional at treating tick paralysis.
The main affinity of Ledum is on fibrous tissues of the joints. It helps to clear uric acid build up in joints and is of notable use for arthritis or gout. The throbbing, swollen, reddened big toe is the classic symptom of gout and Ledum will effectively treat this painful symptom. Along with cleaning up the diet, gout may be sent on its way without requiring chemical drugs. The arthritic pains will shoot up the limbs. The first joints affected are in the lower limbs – feet, ankles, then knees. Again, the painful joint will feel better with an ice cold application, even putting the feet in a bucket of ice and water.
Sports injuries that are really ameliorated by ice applications may also benefit from the use of Ledum as it acts on tendons. Compare to Arnica, Bryonia and Rhus tox. Ledum may be helpful if the ankles repeatedly sprain and has some effect on left shoulder issues.
Keynotes
Purplish red
Swollen
Part is cold to touch
Ameliorated by ice
Pain shoots upwards
Arthritis begins in lower joints first
Concomitant feeling of tightness or constriction in the part affected.
Disclaimer: This information is supplied for educational purposes only. Sources include published literature and anecdotal experiences of myself and other men, women and animals. The information is not intended for the treatment of any particular individual person or disease. If you are suffering any particular complaint please consult professional help.