It’s that time of year again… concussions are rampant. There is more to do than just resting to recover from concussions.
In my practice, I see a lot of people who benefit from post-concussive care even years later. There can be residual symptoms from a brain injury.
My boys have also had their share of concussions, and I’m glad I have more to do than just “let them rest.”
Here is what I do for my kids and clients.
OTHER THERAPY:
- REST: of course! Get plenty of sleep!
- Reduce bright lights and quickly moving screens such as videos, video games, TV, phones, etc.
- Chiropractic and/or acupuncture care with someone who can treat concussions can be helpful.
- For more traumatic injuries, Barometric Pressure Therapy is beneficial. Locally, you can see Synergy Integrative Health.
Diet:
- Nutrient-dense foods are used to feed their bodies and aid in recovery.
- More green veggies give more oxygen to the brain to help it recover.
- Cold Freshwater fish such as Salmon, Mackerel, Anchovies, Sardines, and Herring are high in omega-3 fats, which the brain needs, and they are also anti-inflammatory.
- Antioxidant-rich fruits and Veggies (think red and purple berries and veggies) can help lower inflammation.
- Bone broth for its glutathione
- AVOID: Sugars, Inflammatory foods such as bad oils, corn, canola, vegetables, Gluten, Dairy, and Alcohol
Supplements:
- Omega 3’s 6000mg a day. Or Cod Liver Oil.
- Magnesium 500mg/day
- Zinc 25mg/day
- Vitamin D 5,000IU daily
- Glutathione if not drinking bone broth.
Here are my favorite herbs to use.
- Rhodiola: promotes extra oxygen to the brain and can help with any cognitive symptoms.
- Yarrow: if bleeding is suspected
- Turmeric: or Curcumin supplements – anti-inflammatory.
- Skullcap: specific to the brain, also a nervine which can help with the anxiety of injury
- Wood Betony: Stachys off. specific to whiplash injuries or anything neck-related, also a nervine which can help with the anxiety of injury
- Rosemary: anti-inflammatory, promotes circulation to the brain, and steers herbs to the brain
- Arnica: Homeopathic is acceptable for home use, although if you see a qualified herbalist, they can give you real Arnica. It can be applied topically where hit to promote circulation and reduce swelling/bruising.
- Here is a blend I use with my kids and clients that works well.
- Skullcap 40%
- Wood Betony (Stachys off) 40%
- Yarrow 15%
- Rosemary 5%
- 2-3 dropperfuls for 150# adult. 6-8x/day. The 1st day after symptoms start to abide, they can start to taper off.
Protocols should be followed for at least a month aftercare. It usually takes 1-2 weeks to recover from a concussion, so 6 weeks is a reasonable amount of time.
An interesting tidbit of information my husband told me the other day is that you are less likely to get a concussion if your neck muscles are strong. I didn’t have time to check into that, but it tracks!
Here are two great podcasts on Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). I suggest checking them out!
Podcast | Laurel Tree Wellness (laureltreewellnessllc.com)
Here is a resource from Dr. Dan, the author of the Concussion Repair Manual (one of the podcasters). You can read his 1st chapter and get his bonus PDF on support for TBIs.
Main – The Concussion Repair Manual
If you’d like to learn more about Arnica beyond its homeopathic uses. Check out my class on Arnica, Lobelia and Poke at this Free Summit on Oct 8-10 2024! My class is on Wednesday.
https://mindy_herbaremedium–joybilee.thrivecart.com/2024-herbal-solutions-summit-aap-early
