Homeopathic remedies for rheumatoid arthritis
Homeopathic remedies for rheumatoid arthritis are based on the principle of using highly diluted substances to trigger the body’s natural healing processes. This approach is often considered by individuals seeking alternative treatments for this autoimmune condition, which primarily attacks joint tissues and cartilage. Commonly studied homeopathic remedies include Apis mellifica, Calcarea carbonica, and Causticum, as well as a combination remedy containing Rhus toxicodendron, Bryonia cretica, Strychnos nux vomica, Berberis vulgaris, and Ledum palustre.
Research into the effectiveness of these remedies has yielded mixed results. Some studies have reported significant improvements in pain and stiffness among participants receiving individualized homeopathic treatment compared to a placebo. For instance, a notable trial involving a combination remedy showed that participants experienced less pain and required fewer analgesics. Conversely, other studies did not find individualized treatments to be more effective than placebo, emphasizing the need for further research to validate these findings.
Traditional homeopathic treatments are personalized based on specific symptoms, such as fatigue, sensitivity to cold, or discomfort from touch. Remedies like arnica are popularly used for their anti-inflammatory effects and may offer an alternative to conventional pain relief methods like ibuprofen. While homeopathic approaches can be appealing, individuals should consider their personal health circumstances and potential allergies, such as to bee venom in the case of Apis mellifica.
Homeopathic remedies for rheumatoid arthritis
DEFINITION: The use of highly diluted remedies to treat disease in which the immune system attacks tissues in the body, especially cartilage in the joints.
STUDIED HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES: Apis mellifica; Calcarea carbonica; Causticum; classical homeopathic remedy; combination homeopathic remedy containing Rhus toxicodendron, Bryonia cretica, Strychnos nux vomica, Berberis vulgaris, and Ledum palustre
Scientific Evaluations of Homeopathic Remedies
Studies performed to evaluate the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies for rheumatoid arthritis have returned mixed results. A three-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of forty-six people evaluated the effectiveness of individualized homeopathic remedies for rheumatoid arthritis. At the beginning of the study, two homeopathic practitioners evaluated all participants and wrote prescriptions. Participants were then randomly assigned to receive either the prescribed treatment or placebo; neither the researchers nor the participants knew who would receive treatment or placebo. The results showed significant improvement compared to the placebo among the participants receiving active treatment, most notably in pain and stiffness.
Another positive, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 111 people with rheumatoid arthritis evaluated the effectiveness of a fixed remedy containing Rhus toxicodendron, Bryonia cretica, Strychnos nux vomica, Berberis vulgaris, and Ledum palustre. The results showed that people in the treatment group experienced a significant decrease in the amount of analgesics required and in their perception of pain compared with those in the placebo group.
In a six-month double-blind study of 112 people with rheumatoid arthritis, treatment with individualized homeopathic remedies failed to prove more effective than placebo. Because of a high rate of dropouts, however, these results carry little weight. A high dropout rate also compromised the meaningfulness of an apparently negative six-month double-blind study enrolling forty-four people.
Traditional Homeopathic Treatments
Classical homeopathy offers some possible homeopathic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. These therapies are chosen based on various specific details of the person seeking treatment.
The anti-inflammatory, called arnica, is commonly used on bruises to control swelling and limit pain. It is usually produced as a cream but sometimes as a gel. One study found that arnica cream and ibuprofen gel produced equally positive results for arthritis pain. Because ibuprofen has a higher potential for drug interactions and liver damage, using arnica instead of ibuprofen gel may be advisable for some patients.
The symptom picture for Calcarea carbonica includes feeling extremely fatigued and depleted, having cold limbs and swelling in the joints, and having difficulty climbing stairs or even walking. These symptoms worsen with exposure to cold or dampness, are worse in the morning, and are worse with exertion.
For those with arthritic symptoms who are extremely sensitive to cold, the homeopathic remedy Causticum might be recommended. Other features of the symptom picture include feeling restless while noticing that moving around does not make one feel better, preferring damp weather over dry conditions, and experiencing a dislike of wind.
If, however, one tends to feel better rather than worse in cool air, that person might fit the symptom picture of Apis mellifica, which is made from the venom of the honeybee. In one study using Apis in acupuncture, participants saw benefits with few side effects. However, this treatment can be dangerous for anyone with an allergy to bees, and further study is required to fully understand the nuances of successful treatment with Apis. Other symptoms traditionally associated with this remedy include feeling restless and fidgety overall and noticing increased discomfort when exposed to heat from any source, when touch or pressure is applied to the joints, and when lying down.
Bibliography
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Brien, S., et al. “Homeopathy Has Clinical Benefits in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients That Are Attributable to the Consultation Process but Not the Homeopathic Remedy.” Rheumatology, 13 Nov. 2010. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/keq234.
Burch, Kelly. "Homeopathy Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis." Verywell Health, 4 May 2024, www.verywellhealth.com/homeopathy-for-rheumatoid-arthritis-herbs-uses-safety-5201269. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
Garone, Sarah. "Homeopathy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Does It Work?" Healthline, 13 June 2023, www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis-homeopathy. Accessed 15 Aug. 2023.
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Rajasimhan, Suraj, et al. “Report of a Homeopathic Medication Regimen Containing Artemether/Lumefantrine in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Journal of Clinical Rheumatology: Practical Reports on Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, vol. 27, no. 8, 2021, pp. 447-8. doi:10.1097/RHU.0000000000001252.