Homeopathy & Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (or RA) is a chronic (i.e. lifetime or long-lasting) inflammatory disease that primarily attacks the joints (though it can affect other tissues and organs as well). The name is based on the term "rheumatic fever", an illness which includes joint pain and is derived from the Greek word "rheumatos" ("flowing").
RA affects about 1% of the world's population, and women are about three times as likely to be afflicted with it as men. Onset of RA is most common between the ages of 40-50, but has been known to afflict teenagers and even small children. In extreme cases it can lead to a significant decrease in functioning and mobility. Although its cause is unknown, autoimmunity is believed to play a major role in both its severity and progression.
Homeopathy has often proved to be helpful for relieving pain and stiffness associated with RA. Below are just a small selection of the homeopathic treatments that have been shown to provide arthritis relief:
Arnica is derived from arnica montana, a European flowering plant common to the Iberian peninsula, southern Scandinavian countries and the Carpathians. It works best for arthritis that is accompanied by bruising. Herbal Arnica -based ointments and gels are also very effective in soothing arthritic pain when applied to inflamed areas.
Byronia, also known as will hops or black bryony, is a creeping vine that is commonly found along hedgerows and forests across southern Europe. It used to ease stiffness made worse by the slightest motion and aggravated by cold weather.
Causticum is a potassium compound first developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the early 19th century. The use of causticum for RA sufferers may be indicated when deformities have developed in the joints and/or there is tendon problems and muscle weakness.
Kali bichromicum is made from Potassium dichromate, a common inorganic (i.e. mineral) chemical reagent. It is used when the arthritis pain tends to be worse first thing in the morning as well when the weather is cold and/or damp.
Ledum palustre, or wild rosemary (also known as Marsh Labrador tea and north Labrador tea) works best on arthritis that starts in the lower joints and then extends upward. The pain and/or inflammation may begin in the toes before spreading to the ankles and knees. The joints may also make cracking noises and become extremely swollen.
Pulsatilla is made from the Pasque flower found in short clumps in the meadows and prairies of North America and Eurasia. It is best utilized in instances where the arthritis pain tends to move from place to place.
Rhus toxicodendron is derived from poison ivy. Arthritis pain that is worse in the morning and on first motion but improves with continued movement tends to respond well to this particular remedy.
Ruta graveolens, also known as Herb-of-Grace is a small evergreen shrub grown as a medicinal herb, among other things. Arthritis with a feeling of great stiffness and lameness, worse from cold and damp as well as exertion, may be helped with this remedy.
Related topics about homeopathy
Homeopathy & the Common Cold
A cold is essentially a viral infection that attacks the body when resistance is low due to fatigue, stress, or nutritional deficiencies. Typical cold symptoms include stuffy/runny nose, coughing, sneezing, sore throat fever, "achiness", and a feeling of general, all-around lethargy.
Medical effectiveness of homeopathy
Homeopathy, or homeopathic medicine, is a type of alternative medicine that is deemed "holistic" because it focuses on the patient as an individual and takes into consideration many aspects, including mental and emotional well-being. Visits with practitioners in the field, who are known as "homeopaths" and develop and administer "homeopathic remedies," tend to be lengthy as they require in-depth assessments of the patient's overall lifestyle and frame of mind.
Holistic Isopathy
Isopathy is a derivative of homeopathy that was invented by Johann Lux in the 1830s. Lux was in a sense both a disciple and a colleague of Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of modern homeopathy. Like Hahnemann, he was a member of the Economic Society of Leipzig.
What Is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a very effective and safe system of natural healing that has been tested and verified experimentally and clinically. It has been introduced into the lives of millions of people worldwide for over 200 years. It's based on the principle of 'fight fire, with fire', or 'like cures the like'.
Homeopathy and acupuncture
Both homeopathy and acupuncture aim to restore a person's natural state of homeostasis, or vital energy. As such, these practices are often used in combination to treat a wide range of medical conditions.
Homeopathic Treatments for Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a condition that occurs when the mucous membranes that line the upper breathing tubes become inflamed. It is often the result of a viral illness such as cold or flu an can last for several weeks. Other factors contributing to the developement of bronchitis include heavy smoking, allergies, and prolonged exposure to polluted air.
Homeopathic Hospital
You've been searching medical facilities to find the best care for a loved one, and aren't satisfied with the treatments that are being offered at conventional hospitals. If you know a little about naturopathy, or think that homeopathic medicine may be a realistic option, you may want to find a homeopathic hospital in your area that will serve your family well. The treatments that you will receive will most likely be much more customized than in a 'regular' hospital, and this could help in disease prevention as well.