Homeopathic approach for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Since free radicals play a huge role in the damage done to tissues around the joints, potent antioxidants such as the vitamins C and E can be supplemented with great effect to prevent cellular damage in the tissues. A deficiency of the levels of the mineral zinc is often observed that in patients afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis, this mineral also has an effective antioxidant role and can promote cellular restoration. Because of the fact that the high absorption of zinc diminishes the absorption of copper, supplements of copper must be used concurrent with supplementation with zinc, copper also has very effective anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the other symptoms of the disorder such as stiffness in the joints can be controlled through the use of fish oils. The inflammation in the tissues can be combated with supplements using the oil of the evening primrose. Restoration of cartilaginous tissues can be achieved through the use of glucosamine, because of its ability to increase blood glucose levels in the use of glucosamine must be carefully monitored. Inflammation in the tissues can also be relieved through the use of supplemental herbs like the ginger and the cat's claw with great effect. The incidences of arthritic pain can be effectively dealt with the use of a topical cayenne cream on the painful and affected areas of the body.

Use can also be made of the Indian herb boswellia, taken in doses of 150 mg of boswellic acid thrice every day to reduce the inflammation in the affected parts of the body. Another substance that can be tried is bromelain (found in pineapple), used in doses of 500 mg thrice everyday; the use of this substance is anecdotal in scope as far as relieving the inflammation is concerned. Drinking some homemade cartilage-rich chicken soup on a daily basis may also have some positive effects on health.

Homeopathy
The stiffness and the pain induced by the condition can be relieved through the use of these homeopathic medications given below.

Arnica
Arnica is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of individuals afflicted with chronic arthritis. As far as the inflammation and soreness in the external parts of the body are concerned, the topical application of herbal Arnica gels and ointments can greatly aid in soothing the arthritic pain. The presence of one or more of these symptoms calls for the immediate use of Arnica as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the rheumatoid arthritis in the patient.

Aurum met.
Aurum met. is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of patients afflicted with the condition of rheumatoid arthritis in which the symptoms can include the presence of pain in the muscles and the joints of the body, which can worsen during the night in intensity and improve when moving them about or on keeping them warm through hot compresses, blankets and other devices. The discomfort due to the symptoms can often awaken an affected individual; the limbs of the individual are also sometimes afflicted with a very deep pain may be felt in the limbs when an attempt to sleep is made by the patient. Psychological symptoms include a tendency to feeling depressed; the individuals are also serious and focused on work and career and do not give importance to other matters. The presence of one or more of these symptoms calls for the use of Aurum met. as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the condition.

Bryonia
Bryonia is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of individuals afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis in which the symptoms of the disorder can include inflamed and stiff tissues in the joints accompanied by throbbing and tearing painful sensations, which are aggravated or intensified by any movements or motion. In general the symptoms of the condition worsen greatly in cold and dry weather. The condition is itself very gradual and slow in developing. Any movements or being touched or bumped roughly can cause an aggravation of the discomfort felt by the patient. Rest and relaxation in a quiet place improves the condition and some measure of relief from the pain is also gained through the application of pressure on the affected part of the body. Psychologically the person avoids people and prefers to stay alone completely still and in a quiet place. The presence of one or more of these symptoms calls for the immediate use of Bryonia in the homeopathic treatment of the rheumatoid arthritis in the patient.

Calcarea carb.
Calcarea carb. is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of individuals afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis in which the symptoms can include the formation of nodes around the joints and a persistent and deeply aching arthritis. The regions of the hands and the knees are the areas most affected, and dampness and cold weather can greatly aggravate the soreness and inflammation in the tissues. Chills and sluggishness are common symptoms in patients, and a weakness of the muscles, which manifest itself as fatigue from even the slightest of physical exertion is also seen. When the symptoms hit home including during times of illness or being overworked, the patients can become frustrated and anxiety may set in, with feelings of being overwhelmed, even if such people are normally responsible and solid individuals. The presence of one or more of these symptoms calls for the immediate use of Calcarea carb. as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the condition.

Calcarea fluor.
Calcarea fluor. is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of individuals afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis in which the symptoms of the disorder can include the development of arthritic pains, that can show some improvement or abate when the person moves about or on application of heat. Physical symptoms include the enlargement of the joints, which can also harden at the same time; deformities develop in the joints because of the formation of joints. A chronic injury to the joints is also the cause of this form of injury and Calcarea fluorica may be utilized in such cases. The presence of one or more of these symptoms calls for the immediate use of Calcarea flour. as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the condition.

Causticum
Causticum is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in which the symptoms of the disorder can include the development of deformities in the joints, problems with the tendon in the joints, contractures and weakness in the muscles of the body in general. While the other joints in the body can be affected greatly, the most affected parts of the body are the fingers and the hands of the patient. The symptoms of the condition in the patient can be relieved through the use of warm applications and cold weather or conditions can lead to the worsening of the pain and the stiffness. The condition of the patient is generally better on rainy and cold weather days, while worsening appreciably on clear, bright and dry days of the year. The presence of one or more of these symptoms calls for the immediate use of Causticum as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the condition.

Dulcamara
Dulcamara is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in which the symptoms of the disorder can include an aggravation in the symptoms of the arthritis on days with cold and damp weather . This form of the disorder also leads to the aggravation of the symptoms if the person gets wet or cold accidentally. Physically other symptoms include a tendency to develop back pain, and muscles affected with chronic stiffness, patients also tend to be stoutly built and are afflicted with other disorders like allergies. The presence of one or more of these symptoms calls for the immediate use of Dulcamara as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the disorder.

Kali bich.
Kali bich. is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in which the symptoms of the disorder can include problems with the stomach and the development of arthritic pains alternating in affect with both the stomach disorders and conditions like asthma. The arrival of the symptoms is episodic in some cases, and can come and go all of a sudden without warning. The condition of the patient greatly worsens during warm weather and the inflammation and the discomfort is also aggravated with heat or in hot weather. The presence of one or more of these symptoms calls for the immediate use of homeopathic remedies in the treatment of the rheumatoid arthritis in the patient.

Kali carb.
Kali carb. is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in which the symptoms of the disorder can include stitching pains and stiffness which are aggravated in scope during damp and cold weather and in the early mornings. The joints of the patients also tend to develop deformities and can become greatly thickened in this regard. Psychologically such patients are idealist and have unchangeable moral codes and expected behavior, during the worst periods of the condition they may also be afflicted by anxiety in the pit of the stomach. The presence of one or more of these symptoms calls for the immediate use of Kali carb. as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the rheumatoid arthritis afflicted individual.

Ledum
Ledum is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of individuals afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis in which the symptoms of the disorder is the development of arthritic pain beginning in the joints of the lower body and radiate upward to gradually affect the joints of the upper body. The toes of the feet are first affected with the inflammation and the pain and this symptom radiates into the knees and the ankles. Cracking sounds are produced in the joints of the body as another physical symptom. Where the swelling due to the inflammation is particularly severe, and if the applications of cold compresses can bring relief, then the use of Ledum as a homeopathic is strongly suggested. The presence of one or more of these symptoms calls for the immediate use of Ledum as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the disorder.

Pulsatilla
Pulsatilla is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of patients afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis in which the symptoms of the disorder can include the presence of arthritic pain that can very greatly in intensity is changeable in quality, occurring in sporadic instances up and down the body in different parts. The condition of the individual is improved on being exposed to fresh air in the outdoors and on the application of cold compresses; the condition of the patient can deteriorate under warm weather or environments. Psychological profiles of such patients include frequent and tear filled outbursts and sad mood swings, in general such patients are often very emotional and affectionate individuals. The presence of one or more of these symptoms calls for the immediate use of Pulsatilla as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the rheumatoid arthritis in the affected individual.

Rhododendron
Rhododendron is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of individuals afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis in which the symptoms of the disorder can include swelling and sore tissue that can be greatly aggravated during the approach of stormy weather and which clears off when the weather returns to normal. The symptoms of the disorder are aggravated to a great degree by damp and cold weather. The symptoms of the condition are also aggravated if the patient stays in one position for two long and the discomfort increases in the early mornings. The condition of the patient including the appearance of the symptoms improves when the person has eaten and if the person keeps warm and maintains gentle motions. The presence of one or more of these symptoms calls for the immediate use of Rhododendron as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the rheumatoid arthritis afflicted patient.

Rhus tox.
Rhus tox. is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of individuals afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis the symptoms of which can include the presence of stiffness and pain in the body that is aggravated in the mornings and worsens to a great extent during the passing of the early morning stool. The symptoms of the condition abate a little if the person moves about in a continuous manner. The pain of the disorder and the stiffness can be relieved through the application of warm compresses, and the condition can also be improved through the use of hot showers and baths. The symptoms of the disorder are aggravated during wet and cold weather. The person may feel a need to keep moving constantly and is unable to find a comfortable position to stay put in, the individual also suffers from extremes of restlessness. The anxiety felt by the individual can be alleviated by continued motion. The presence of one or more of these symptoms calls for the immediate use of Rhus tox. as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the rheumatoid arthritis in the patient.

Ruta
Ruta is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of individuals afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis in which the symptoms include lameness and stiffness in the joints and the legs, these symptoms are aggravated by damp and cold weather and can greatly worsen if the person undergoes any sort of physical exertion. Severe damage is also caused to the capsules of the joints and the tendons and these are further physical symptoms of the disorder. This form of arthritis can result from the repeated wear and tear of the tissues in the body and the joints, and from the overuse of those parts. The presence of one or more of these symptoms calls for the immediate use of Ruta as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the affected individual

Additional things you may do
Physical exercises and simple weight-bearing exercises like swimming are the best way to maintain the health and the tone of the body while avoiding putting too much strain on the joints and the affected parts of the body. Relaxation techniques like a body massage, the application of hot or cold packs aid in the alleviation of the symptoms, give physical therapy a shot. If you find it necessary to do so, a lot of rest and relaxation periods scattered throughout the day is an excellent way to alleviate the symptoms of the disorder, sleep for at least ten to twelve hours every night and even more if you want to.

Usual dosage
Cat's claw, 250 mg standardized extract two times daily. Should be taken between food. If you are pregnant, do not use it.
Evening primrose oil, 1,000 mg thrice daily. Can be replaced with 1,000 mg of borage oil daily.
Ginger , 100 mg thrice daily or four cups of ginger tea a day.
Cayenne cream, apply topically to affected joints three or four times daily.
Vitamin E, 400 IU two times daily. If you take anticoagulant medications, check with the doctor.
Vitamin C, 1,000 mg thrice daily. If diarrhea develops, reduce the dose.
Glucosamine, 500 mg glucosamine sulfate thrice daily with food. Not recommended for diabetics.
Fish oils, 2,000 mg thrice daily. If you take anticoagulant medications, consult with the doctor.
Copper / Zinc, 2 mg copper and 30 mg zinc two times daily. Use zinc for at least one month before adding copper.