I recently endured my first broken bone in a way that I least expected it! I was wearing slippers when I went to take a 5-pound frozen whole chicken out of the freezer. The plastic bag it was in ripped, and the chicken fell on my foot! Initially, I thought at least three toes were injured, but miraculously only one was. As an ND student, I decided to put my money where my mouth is and use all the natural healing methods that I’ve been learning about.

Within two minutes of the accident, I took my first dose of homeopathic Arnica (the go-to remedy for any bruising and trauma). I took a dose every 10 minutes for the first hour, elevated my foot, and put ice packs on it. The rest of the day I continued taking arnica every 15 minutes, and for another week, 2 doses daily. The bruising and swelling were minimal, and I didn’t have to take any painkillers.

On day 2, I spoke with one of my professors who suggested I do hydrotherapy on it. For 4 days, I was persistent with my immersion hydrotherapy treatments doing them three times daily (3 minutes hot water, 1-minute ice cold, for three cycles). I ended the treatments by massaging the toe with comfrey cream to help with the lymphatic return and bruising respectively. The discoloration peaked on day 3, and completely subsided by day 5.

On day 7, I was still limping and I told my chiropractic intern at the clinic what had happened and she suggested we take an X-ray. All students at NUHS, no matter what program they’re in, are able to receive free chiropractic, naturopathic, and acupuncture care at the Whole Health Center. Sure enough, the X-ray showed a fracture just under the nail bed. Everyone involved in my care was surprised that my nail didn’t fall off. Although there’s no way to prove it, I bet it’s because of all the natural treatments I was doing!

Upon learning of the fracture, I started taking homeopathic comfrey, known as Symphytum, which is the key remedy for bone repair. I haven’t had a follow-up X-ray yet, but I’m able to walk normally without pain. Additionally, I was drinking a cup of traditional bone broth, which is full of collagen, glycine, proline, and minerals necessary for bone repair. Three times weekly for two weeks, I received cold laser therapy to enhance fracture repair.

Although slightly embarrassing, I couldn’t keep this story to myself because natural medicine is powerful and never ceases to amaze!