Homeopathic remedies in surgery support
Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted substances used to support recovery during and after surgical procedures, primarily targeting surgical wound pain and side effects from anesthesia. These remedies, including acetic acid, arnica, and aconite, have been studied for their potential benefits in alleviating discomfort and promoting healing in the postoperative context. While some preliminary studies suggest that homeopathic treatments may aid in faster recovery of digestive function following major surgery, results regarding their effectiveness for managing pain and postoperative symptoms are mixed and not conclusively proven.
Research has indicated that remedies such as arnica may offer slight benefits in reducing surgical pain, though other studies have shown no significant advantages over placebos. Homeopathic treatments like aconite have been evaluated for their potential to reduce anxiety and agitation caused by anesthesia. Despite the inconclusive evidence regarding their efficacy, homeopathic remedies are considered safe for use around the time of surgery, unlike certain herbal treatments that may pose risks.
Homeopathy operates on principles that individualize treatment based on specific symptoms, allowing practitioners to select remedies tailored to the patient's unique emotional and physical responses to surgery. While the current body of research presents a cautious view of the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies in surgical support, further investigation is necessary to clarify their potential role in enhancing recovery.
Homeopathic remedies in surgery support
DEFINITION: The use of highly diluted remedies to treat surgical wound pain and to treat side effects from anesthesia.
- STUDIED HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES: Acetic acid, aconite, aconitum napellus, arnica, bellis perennis, calendula, carbo vegetabilis
- HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES GIVEN IN SUCCESSION: Opium, Arnica, and Raphanus; homeopathic remedy containing China regia, Raphanus sativus niger, and Arnica; Hypericum; Ledum; phosphorus; Plantago; staphysagria
Introduction
Surgery is an unpleasant process that leads to surgical wound pain and side effects from anesthesia. Homeopathic treatments have been studied for possible benefits in the period around surgery, with some promising results. Even though these treatments have not been proven effective, one thing can be offered in their favor—unlike herbs, which may be dangerous during or after surgery, homeopathic tablets should be entirely safe under all circumstances.
Scientific Evaluations of Homeopathic Remedies
Preliminary double-blind trials suggest that homeopathic remedies may help the digestive tract recover after surgery. Weaker evidence suggests benefits for surgical pain, anxiety, bruising, recovery time, and more.
Recovery of digestive function. After major surgery, especially to the abdomen, the digestive tract will shut down for several days. Until it starts working again, the affected person cannot eat or drink and must remain hospitalized. Passing gas is the first sign of recovery, and once it occurs, the return of digestive function is imminent.
The results of several double-blind studies suggest that homeopathic remedies may reduce the time it takes for the digestive tract to recover. For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of two hundred people who had undergone abdominal or chest surgery evaluated the effectiveness of the three homeopathic remedies opium, Arnica, and Raphanus given in succession every two hours. Bowel function returned more rapidly in the active treatment group than in the placebo group.
Another double-blind, placebo-controlled study of eighty people undergoing abdominal surgery evaluated the effects on bowel function of a homeopathic remedy containing China regia, Raphanus sativus niger, and Arnica. Again, benefits were seen in the homeopathy group compared with the placebo group. Similar results were seen in several other studies.
A meta-analysis mathematically combined the results of six published trials on homeopathy for speeding the return of bowel function. About 750 people were enrolled in these trials. The combined results indicate that the time to first signs of bowel recovery among those taking the homeopathic treatment was, on average, 7.4 hours less than their placebo counterparts. This difference was statistically significant.
Reducing pain. Pain following surgery is a common, if not nearly universal, experience. The homeopathic remedy Arnica is traditionally used as a treatment for trauma and, therefore, has been proposed for reducing surgical pain. The results from preliminary studies have been somewhat promising but far from definitive.
A study of 190 people undergoing tonsillectomy compared with a placebo used Arnica 30c (centesimal) at two tablets six times daily the first day after surgery, then two tablets twice a day for the next seven days. The results showed a mathematically significant but clinically slight benefit in favor of Arnica.
Another double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved fifty-nine participants undergoing oral surgery. The group that received homeopathic Arnica at 30c potency experienced significantly less pain than the control group.
In another double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the use of homeopathic Arnica D6 tablets for two weeks following surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome led to decreased pain compared with the placebo treatment.
However, other double-blind studies failed to find benefit. In a study comparing Arnica D4 and fifty milligrams of diclofenac sodium, a common analgesic medication, Arnica was less effective for postoperative pain following bunion surgery among eighty-eight participants. Nevertheless, Arnica was equivalent to diclofenac for postoperative irritation, toe mobility, and the use of other analgesics. Because no control group was included in the study, it is unknown whether any treatment was better than the placebo.
In a placebo-controlled trial, researchers tested Arnica 30c in the postoperative recovery of ninety-three women who had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy. No statistical difference was observed between the two groups in terms of pain and its relief, infection, and medication use.
Another double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study also failed to find benefit. In this trial, homeopathic practitioners selected one of six remedies to be administered to each participant, according to classical homeopathic principles. The remedies were Arnica, Hypericum, Ledum, phosphorus, Plantago, or staphysagria, all at D30 potency. No significant benefits were seen.
In another controlled trial, persons recovering from knee surgery who were given a homeopathic complex (Arnica montana 5 CH, Bryonia alba 5 CH, Hypericum perforatum 5 CH, and Ruta graveolens 3 DH) were no more or less likely to adjust their morphine dose one to three days postoperatively compared with persons given the placebo. A later review of twenty-nine studies found Arnica had a minimal effect on limiting excessive hematoma in post-operative patients, but the observed effect was not large enough to support widespread use.
Restlessness and agitation. In addition to pain, many people experience restlessness and agitation after surgery, perhaps caused, in part, by the effects of general anesthesia. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the potential benefits of homeopathic aconite for children who had undergone various surgeries. Fifty children who had recently undergone surgery were included in the study. Either aconite (potency not described) or a placebo was administered to the children in the recovery room. The homeopathic treatment was reported to provide a statistically significant benefit compared with the placebo.
Bruising. Because homeopathic Arnica is a popular home remedy for bruising, investigators have studied it as a possible treatment for reducing bruising after surgery. However, overall, the evidence for the benefit of Arnica is inconclusive.
In a double-blind trial of 130 people undergoing surgery for varicose veins, researchers found no benefit with homeopathic Arnica at five times (decimal-scale) potency compared to the placebo. A second study of Arnica for varicose vein surgery also failed to find statistically significant benefits. Another double-blind trial, this one with sixty-four participants, failed to find Arnica helpful for reducing pain and bruising after hand surgery. A later study involving face-lift surgery found equivocal benefits. Further research is needed to confirm the effect of other natural treatments such as vitamin K creams and bromelain.
Traditional Homeopathic Treatments
Classical homeopathy offers many possible homeopathic treatments for surgery support. These therapies are chosen based on various specific details of the person seeking treatment.
A person who experiences fear and a feeling of panic before surgery might fit the symptom picture of homeopathic Aconitum napellus. This remedy is said to be especially indicated for people who are afraid that they will die and for those who are easily startled by light and noise. Other aspects of the classic symptom picture include dry mouth and excessive thirst. Persons who experience bruising, swelling, or soreness after surgery may fit the classical symptom picture for Arnica. To promote bone and connective tissue healing after surgery, comfrey, also called Symphytum officinale (Symph.), is commonly proposed by homeopaths. Phosphorus is used to limit bleeding, and Hypericum perforatum may aid in nerve damage.
Depending on the type of surgery, the homeopath might recommend other remedies believed to have particular affinities for different organs or circumstances, such as Bellis perennis for breast and abdominal surgeries; Calendula, Hypericum, Arnica, or staphysagria for dental surgeries; and Carbo vegetabilis when there is great weakness and loss of fluids. Homeopathic acetic acid might be used to help effect a quick recovery from the aftereffects (such as nausea and wooziness) of general anesthesia.
Bibliography
"Arnica." Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/arnica. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.
Gaertner, Katharina, et al. “Is Homeopathic Arnica Effective for Postoperative Recovery? A Meta-analysis of Placebo-Controlled and Active Comparator Trials.” Frontiers in Surgery, vol. 8, Dec. 2021, p. 680930. doi:10.3389/fsurg.2021.680930. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.
Rask, Dawn M. G., et al. “Multivitamin Use in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols: A Cost Analysis.” Military Medicine, vol. 186, no. 9-10, 2021, p. e1024-e1028. doi:10.1093/milmed/usaa505.
Karow, J. H., et al. “Efficacy of Arnica montana D4 for Healing of Wounds After Hallux Valgus Surgery Compared to Diclofenac.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol. 14, 2008, pp. 17-25.
Paris, A., et al. “Effect of Homeopathy on Analgesic Intake Following Knee Ligament Reconstruction.” British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, vol. 65, 2008, pp. 180-187.