Homeopathic remedies for strokes
Homeopathic remedies for strokes involve the use of highly diluted substances to address the effects of cell death in the brain due to a sudden loss of blood supply. Commonly studied homeopathic treatments include Arnica, belladonna, and Gelsemium, which have been traditionally used to aid recovery after strokes. Arnica is often administered as an emergency treatment right after a stroke, while belladonna may be used in cases where symptoms include a flushed face and sensitivity to light. Gelsemium is typically indicated for patients experiencing a loss of speech, along with other neurological symptoms.
Despite the historical use of these remedies, scientific evaluations have shown mixed results. Notably, two double-blind studies on Arnica revealed no significant benefits compared to placebo in stroke recovery. A recent clinical trial involving Causticum, Lachesis mutus, and Nux vomica also reported minimal advantages for post-stroke motor impairment. While some homeopathic remedies are considered safe, their effectiveness remains largely unproven, prompting a need for further research. Additionally, lifestyle factors like diet, including the consumption of coffee, tea, and certain fruits, are also being explored for their potential roles in stroke prevention and recovery.
Homeopathic remedies for strokes
DEFINITION: The use of highly diluted remedies to treat cell death in the brain caused by a sudden loss of blood supply.
STUDIED HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES: Arnica, belladonna, Gelsemium
Scientific Evaluations of Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic treatment has been proposed as a cost-effective method of aiding recovery from stroke. However, two reported double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of homeopathic Arnica did not yield promising results.
The first study enrolled forty people who had suffered a significant stroke within the prior seven days. Participants were given either Arnica 30c (centesimal) ora placebo in a dosage of one tablet every two hours for six doses. Participants were then followed for three months to see if the Arnica group would recover more fully. The results showed no significant difference between the participants receiving Arnica and those who received a placebo.
In the second trial, researchers administered Arnica 1m (an extreme dilution of one part in 102,000) to forty people. Again, no statistically significant improvements were seen in the treatment group compared with the placebo group.
In a 2023 clinical trial, stroke sufferers were given Causticum, Lachess mutus, and Nux vomica to combat post-stroke motor impairment. While no harm came from supplementation with these homeopathic remedies, little benefit was determined.
Traditional Homeopathic Treatments
Classical homeopathy offers possible homeopathic treatments for stroke. These therapies are chosen based on various specific details of the person seeking treatment. Arnica was chosen for the foregoing studies because of its traditional use for the treatment of acute traumatic conditions. It is typically given as an emergency treatment right after a stroke and for weeks or months into the recovery period.
Belladonna is also sometimes used for stroke “first aid,” especially when the victim’s face is flushed, the eyes are fixed wide open, and they have a headache, nosebleed, and fever and are sensitive to sound and light. The loss of ability to speak after a stroke is a traditional indication for Gelsemium. Other aspects of this remedy’s symptom picture include a sensation of mental dullness, weakness, pain along the spine, dizziness, and headache in the forehead and at the base of the skull. Other homeopathic remedies for stroke include Laurocerasus for when the patient has entered a comatose state and Baryta Carbonica, which is recommended for patients who suffer cerebral hemorrhage along with stroke.
In a longitudinal study of over 350,000 individuals, drinking coffee, tea, or a combination of the two was associated with fewer incidences of stroke. Another study found similar positive results in individuals who drink three cups of green tea or coffee daily. These results may be because of the flavonoids contained in these beverages, but further research is needed to confirm the relationship. Other foods recommended following a stroke include blueberries for their source of anti-oxidants, salmon for their source of omega-3 fatty acids, and red wine for the reservatol.
Bibliography
Bell, I. R. “Adjunctive Care with Nutritional, Herbal, and Homeopathic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Modalities in Stroke Treatment and Rehabilitation.” Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation vol. 14, 2007, 30-39.
Dutta, Abhijit, et al. “Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in Treatment of Post-Stroke Hemiparesis: A Randomized Trial.” Explore, vol. 19, no. 2, 2023, pp. 243-50. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2022.08.017.
Hobbs, Heather. "Can Natural Remedies for Stroke Support Prevention and Recovery?" Healthline, 16 Apr. 2024, www.healthline.com/health/stroke/alternative-treatments. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
Kraft, K. “Complementary/Alternative Medicine in the Context of Prevention of Disease and Maintenance of Health.” Preventive Medicine vol. 49, 2009, 88-92.
Savage, R. H., and P. F. Roe. “A Double Blind Trial to Assess the Benefit of Arnica montana in Acute Stroke Illness.” British Homeopathic Journal vol. 66, 1977, 207-20.
‗‗‗‗‗‗‗. “A Further Double Blind Trial to Access the Benefit of Arnica montana in Acute Stroke Illness.” British Homeopathic Journal vol. 67, 1978, 210-22.