Homeopathy is an alternative medical system that treats diseases and disorders with preparations made out of natural substances given in minute doses to the patient, which if given in larger potencies/doses to a healthy person could cause the same disease symptoms. It is a tested system of medication and has been around since the 18th century, having successfully treated many challenging diseases and disorders.
Homeopathic medicines are made out of plant material. They are prepared by serial dilutions and succussions whereby after severe and repeated dilutions in water or alcohol base they are vigorously shaken/vibrated, such that no toxic property of the chemical remains except for its vital energy. This is called potentisation. Thus, the more diluted a medicine, the more potent it is and a single dose of such a medicine could affect us for months.
One must consult a certified/licensed homeopathic doctor before embarking on any program. Registered homeopathic practitioners select treatments according to patient consultation which explores the physical and psychological state of the patient, both of which are considered important while selecting the remedy. Therefore, what works for one lupus patient may not work for another. Besides going through your medical records, performing a physical examination, inquiring about diet preferences, and summarizing your temperament and symptoms, the doctor will determine your body constitution (Vata, Pita or Kafa) to be able to prescribe a homeopathic drug that is right for you.
I have provided a list that shows some of the medicines used for the management of lupus conditions. However, the list is only indicative and not a replacement for professional consultation:
1. Calcarea carb: This is prescribed if the lupus patient suffers from bone loss/osteoporosis, and/or inflammation and soreness of joints, especially of the hands and knees. A potency of 30C is recommended. It is also prescribed when the lupus patient experiences neck stiffness, chills, fever. Acute cases may be given this drug every three to four hours. (Source: University of Maryland, Medical Center; Report Title: Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ; Author: ; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; Article name and Last reviewed: Systemic lupus erythematosus, 28th June, 2010; URL: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/systemic-lupus-000161.htm)
2. Arsenicum album: This is given to lupus patients suffering from swelling of the eyes, headaches, fever and itching. (Source: Interantional Academy of Classical Homeopathy; Article Title: Report Title: Arsenicum Album from Homeopathic Materia Medica by Dunham; Author: George Vithoulkas; URL: http://www.vithoulkas.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=239&Itemid=118). Potency of 30C or lower is considered effective for gastric, intestinal, and kidney diseases. Lower potency of 2x or 3x can be repeated to yield results in a very short span of time and are to be taken hourly. Doses more potent than 3x up to a potency of 30C can be had every four hours.
3. Rhus toxicodendron: Rhus tox for short, this is recommended when the lupus patient experiences lower back pain, stiffness in and around the tail bone and pelvic girdle. The pain and tightness in this area could be accompanied by bruising. Rhus tox is also used for thsoe experiencing swollen and painful joints as it may help restore movement and warmth in joints. (Source: The Lupus Site – A Guide for Lupus Patients and their Families; Report Title: Homeopathy - Aches & Pains; Author Name: Dr. Joanne Bargman; URL: http://www.uklupus.co.uk/hompain.html)
4. Thuja occidentalis: Thuja can prove helpful for those with joint inflammation and skin conditions such as itching that present themselves in lupus patients. It will also benefit lupus patients with bone pain, joint pain, nausea and arthritis. An acute dose will be of three to five pellets of 12X to 30C every one to four hours until symptoms are relieved. (Source: University of Maryland, Medical Center; Report Title: Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ; Author: ; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; Article name and Last reviewed: Systemic lupus erythematosus, 28th June, 2010; URL: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/systemic-lupus-000161.htm)
5. Ruta graveolens: This is prescribed for lupus patients with arthritis with a feeling of great stiffness. Tendons and capsules of the joints can be deeply affected or damaged by lupus. (Source: Elixirs.com; Report Title: Ruta Graveolens, Ruta Grav; Author: Kathryn Jones DiHom, M. Ed, Homeopathic Health Counselor; URL: http://www.elixirs.com/ruta.cfm)
NOTE: Homeopathy treats the person as a whole and focuses on the root cause. It does not aim at mere suppression of symptoms. The symptoms may disappear once the cause is taken care of. Homeopathy comes with certain diet restrictions during the treatment phase and though the medicines per se are not very expensive, consultation charges are comparable to those of allopathic doctors.
INFORMATION IN THIS ARTICLE IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.
Reviewed May 25, 2011
Edited by Alison Stanton
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co. URL: http://www.amazon.com/Migraines-Informed-Woman-Tips-Sufferer/dp/8129115174/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1298990756&sr=1-2), the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India) and Mentor Your Mind (Publisher: Sterling Publishers). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Please visit www.mamtasingh.com