Esophageal varices are enlarged, swollen veins in the esophagus or the food pipe. The esophagus is a tube through which the food passes from the throat into the stomach. Severe liver diseases tend to cause esophageal varices. These develop when normal blood flow to the liver gets obstructed due to scar tissue in the liver or a clot. Homeopathic medicines for esophageal varices help in mild to moderate cases. Hamamelis, Chelidonium, and Cardus Marianus are the top homeopathic remedies used to treat esophageal varices.

Homeopathic medicines for esophageal varices.

Obstruction of normal blood flow results in portal hypertension, i.e., an increase in the pressure in the portal vein (the vein that carries blood to the liver from the stomach, spleen, pancreas, and intestines). The increase in blood pressure pushes blood into surrounding blood vessels, including vessels in the esophagus (thus resulting in esophageal varices). These blood vessels in the esophagus are smaller, fragile and have thin walls. When the pressure in portal vein shoots too high, then these esophageal varices can rupture and bleed. This bleeding may be life-threatening and need urgent conventional treatment. For diagnosis, esophageal varices are visible through an endoscopy.

Homeopathic Management of Esophageal Varices

Homeopathic medicines help manage mild to moderate cases of esophageal varices. Homeopathic medicines aim to treat and halt further progress of the underlying liver pathologies to bring about good results. These remedies play a supportive role in cases of mild bleeding from esophageal varices along with other conventional help. However, in severe cases of esophageal varices with intense bleeding, homeopathy does not seem to play an important role, and conventional treatment should be sought immediately.

Homeopathic Medicines for Esophageal Varices

Hamamelis – Top Grade Homeopathic Medicine for Esophageal Varices

Homeopathic medicine Hamamelis is prepared from the fresh bark of twigs and root of a plant commonly called Witch-hazel. The natural order of this plant is Hamamelidaceae. Hamamelis is highly effective to treat cases of esophageal varices. People needing Hamamelis have hemorrhage from portal congestion. They tend to vomit blood and also suffer from anal bleeding. These hemorrhages are attended with great prostration. In non-bleeding esophageal varices, this medicine can be taken independently to reduce enlargement, swelling, and engorgement of vessels. However, in cases of bleeding esophageal varices, this medicine can be taken as a supportive help along with conventional treatment.

Chelidonium Majus – For Severe Liver Diseases with Esophageal Varices

Homeopathic medicine Chelidonium is prepared from a plant named Chelidonium Majus or greater Celandine. This plant belongs to the natural order Papaveraceae. Chelidonium is indicated in cases of severe liver diseases with esophageal varices. The liver diseases like fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis of the liver are present in cases needing Chelidonium. There may be jaundice and ascites in such cases. The skin seems yellow, the urine is yellow, and the stools are white-colored. Pain in the liver and under the right shoulder blade is present along with the symptoms of jaundice. The pain may be shooting or stitching in nature and extend to the back. Fullness and pressure are also felt in the liver region. Chelidonium helps in treating liver diseases (that are the main reasons for esophageal varices.)

Cardus Marianus – For Liver Disease causing Esophageal Varices

Cardus Marianus is a natural medicine for esophageal varices arising as a result of liver disease. It is prepared from the seeds of a plant named Silybum belonging to the natural order Compositae. People needing this medicine also have jaundice and marked fluid accumulation in the abdomen. The liver area is painful and sensitive. There may be a history of abuse of alcoholic drinks. Blood in vomiting and stool may also be present. Marked fatigue is present along with the above symptoms.

Phosphorus – For Esophageal Varices with Bright Blood in Vomit

Phosphorus is a natural remedy for esophageal varices where there is blood present in the vomit. The blood is bright red. This remedy can be used along with conventional help to control the symptom of blood in vomiting in cases of bleeding esophageal varices.

Crotalus Horridus – For Esophageal Varices with Dark Blood in Vomit

Crotalus Horridus offers a natural treatment for esophageal varices where there is blood in vomiting. The blood in the vomit, in this case, is dark-colored. Dark blood may also be passed in the stool. This medicine can also be used for supportive help along with the conventional mode of treatment.

Leptandra – For Black Stool in cases of Esophageal Varices

Homeopathic medicine Leptandra is prepared from the root of a plant named Leptandra Virginica, or Black Root. The natural order of this plant is Scrophulariaceae. The key indication to use Leptandra in esophageal varices is a black tarry stool. The stool may have a fetid smell, and vomiting and shooting pain in the liver may be present along with extreme prostration. Leptandra is also a very important homeopathic remedy for liver diseases.

Causes of Esophageal Varices

Liver cirrhosis or the development of scar tissue in the liver is the main cause of esophageal varices. The blood flow to the liver slows down as a result of the formation of scar tissue. Cirrhosis usually develops as a result of alcoholic or fatty liver disease and hepatitis. Another reason is the formation of a blood clot in the portal vein. Some rare causes of esophageal varices include Budd-Chiari syndrome and schistosomiasis.
It should be noted that not every case of esophageal varices leads to bleeding of the varices. There are some factors that increase the risk of bleeding, like larger varices, very high portal vein pressure, alcohol intake (if the condition is alcohol-related) and severe liver cirrhosis or liver failure.

Signs and Symptoms of Esophageal Varices

Usually, no signs or symptoms are present in the cases of esophageal varices until they rupture. The main sign noted in cases of esophageal varices is blood in vomiting if the varices rupture and bleed. Another sign is the presence of black, tarry, and bloody stool. If the bleeding is severe or uncontrolled, the body may go into shock along with lightheadedness, pale, clammy skin, irregular breathing and loss of consciousness. A person already having liver disease carries a high chance of developing esophageal varices if symptoms like jaundice, spider nevi, easy bruising and ascites are present.

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that arises when the peripheral nerves malfunction or get damaged. The peripheral neuropathy can be a mononeuropathy (damage to a single peripheral nerve) or a polyneuropathy (malfunctioning of multiple peripheral nerves at the same time).  One of the leading causes of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes mellitus, but there can be many other reasons. Other reasons for peripheral neuropathy include an injury to nerves, low levels of vitamin B12, infections like shingles (an infection of the nerves caused by varicella zoster virus leading to fluid-filled tiny painful bumps on the skin) and Epstein-Barr. Other causes are Hepatitis C and autoimmune diseases like Guillain-Barre syndrome (an autoimmune disorder which causes weakness, tingling, numbness in feet and legs and eventually spreading upwards), lupus (an autoimmune disease that causes butterfly-shaped rash on the face, joint pains, headache, fever, tiredness, chest pain, dry eyes and memory loss) and necrotizing vasculitis (disorder causing inflammation of blood vessels). Excessive alcohol intake, tumors pressing on the nerves, chronic liver/kidney disease, thyroid disorders, certain medications including phenytoin, thalidomide, toxins like arsenic, mercury, inherited disorders like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease causing damage to peripheral nerves are some other causes of peripheral neuropathy. In some cases, there may be no identifiable cause.

Homeopathic mode of treatment remains quite effective in managing cases of peripheral neuropathy. The approach to homeopathic treatment for peripheral neuropathy is entirely symptomatic management. It gives wonderful results in managing symptoms like numbness, tingling, pin needle sensation, and weakness in limbs. Though homeopathy might not offer help in severe cases and cases with serious causes of peripheral neuropathy but it can definitely have good scope in providing treatment to many mild to moderate cases.

Concept of individualised medication is highly emphasised in homeopathy to offer best results. As per this concept, the symptoms of the patient in a given case of peripheral neuropathy serve as the basis of homeopathic prescription. Hence, every individual case requires a detailed case analysis to find the presenting symptoms unique to them. Every case of peripheral neuropathy also needs to be thoroughly investigated to rule out the cause behind it and for proper prescription from a huge number of homeopathic medicines for peripheral neuropathy. A person should take homeopathic medicines for peripheral neuropathy under the supervision of a homeopathic physician and avoid self-medication.

Homeopathic medicines for peripheral neuropathy address the root cause behind it. In this way, rather than temporary relief, it provides a long-term help in symptom management. The results vary as per the intensity of the symptoms, the cause of the problem and individual response of the person to the medicines. Homeopathic treatment is recommended for cases of peripheral neuropathy having mild to moderate causes but in serious causes like Guillain-Barre syndrome, conventional mode of treatment is advised as homeopathy cannot help in such cases.

The homeopathic medicines for treating peripheral neuropathy are very safe to use among people of all age groups. This is due to the fact that homeopathic medicines are derived from natural substances, hence have no side effects at all and also never make a person dependent on them.

Homeopathic medicines for Peripheral Neuropathy.

Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines for Peripheral Neuropathy

Some of the majorly indicated homeopathic medicines for symptomatic treatment of peripheral neuropathy include Kali Phos, Arsenic Album, Picric Acid, Oxalic Acid, Hypericum, Causticum and Plumbum Met.

1. Kali Phos – For Numbness in Hands and Feet

Kali Phos is an effective, natural homeopathic medicine for managing numbness in hands and feet in cases of peripheral neuropathy. Kali Phos also helps in treating prickling sensation in hands and feet. Along with this, a general fatigue or weakness is also present. A person needing Kali Phos tends to have a nervous, sensitive and irritable nature. Kali Phos is also indicated for cases of muscle weakness.

When to use Kali Phos?

Kali Phos is a top-recommended medicine to manage numbness of hands and feet resulting from peripheral neuropathy.

How to use Kali Phos?

This medicine is usually preferred in 6X potency that can be used three to four times a day as per symptom intensity.

2. Arsenic Album – For Burning Sensation in Hands/ Feet in Peripheral Neuropathy

Homeopathic medicine Arsenic Album is useful for treating burning sensation in the hands and feet in cases of peripheral neuropathy. The burning sensation may extend to arms and legs. Arsenic Album is also helpful for weakness and heaviness in the limbs in cases of peripheral neuropathy. Apart from the above, a tingling sensation in the fingers is also an indicating feature to use Arsenic Album.

When to use Arsenic Album?

Arsenic Album offers best help to manage burning sensation occurring in hands or feet due to peripheral neuropathy.

How to use Arsenic Album?

Arsenic Album 30C can be used once a day. Higher potencies should not be taken without the advice of a homeopathic doctor.

3. Picric Acid – For Pin-needle Sensation in Hand/Feet

Picric Acid is a beneficial homeopathic remedy used to treat a pin-needle like sensation in the hands or feet in cases of peripheral neuropathy. This sensation may be present in legs and arms. A weak, tired feeling in the limbs is also present. Exertion tends to make the complaint worse, and the limbs may become cold.

When to use Picric Acid?

This medicine should be considered to manage pin-needle sensation in cases of peripheral neuropathy.

How to use Picric Acid?

Picric Acid 30C can be utilized once a day.

4. Oxalic Acid – To manage Numbness and Tingling in Limbs

Use of medicine Oxalic Acid is indicated in cases of peripheral neuropathy where there is numbness and tingling in the limbs. Sharp and excruciating pains in the limbs also point towards the use of this medicine.

When to use Oxalic Acid?

This medicine is prominently indicated to deal with peripheral neuropathy with marked numbness and tingling in limbs.

How to use Oxalic Acid?

This medicine can be used one to two times in a week in 30C power.

5. Hypericum – For Peripheral Neuropathy Due to Nerve Injury

Hypericum is a natural medicine to manage cases of peripheral neuropathy arising from a nerve injury. The main indicating features to use Hypericum are numbness, tingling in hands or feet attended with burning pains. A crawling sensation may also be present in the hands and feet in some cases.

When to use Hypericum?

Hypericum is an effective homeopathic medicine for treating numbness, tingling, burning pains of peripheral neuropathy resulting from nerve injury.

How to use Hypericum?

Initially this medicine in 30C potency can be used twice or thrice a day.

6. Causticum – For Muscle Weakness in Peripheral Neuropathy

Causticum is a leading homeopathic medicine for treating muscle weakness in cases of peripheral neuropathy. There is marked muscle weakness in the limbs along with a sensation of formication (like ants crawling) in the limbs.

When to use Causticum?

This medicine should be highly preferred when it comes to manage cases of muscle weakness in cases of peripheral neuropathy.

How to use Causticum?

This medicine can be taken once a day in 30C potency.

7. Plumbum Met – For Thinning of Muscles in Peripheral Neuropathy

Plumbum Met is an important medicine for peripheral neuropathy in which the patient experiences wasting or thinning of the muscles of the limbs. Lightening like pains in limbs can attend. These pains get better from pressure. Numbness and tingling in limbs may also be felt.

When to use Plumbum Met?

This medicine is highly valuable to extend help for cases of peripheral neuropathy where thinning or wasting of muscles of limbs is present.

How to use Plumbum Met?

Plumbum Met 30C can be taken once or twice in a week. Higher potencies should not be taken without a physician’s advice.

What is peripheral nervous system?

The nervous system in our body is divided into two major divisions – the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system includes the spinal cord and the brain. The peripheral nervous system consists of a network of nerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system connects the nerves from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body (organs, limbs, and skin). Peripheral nerves are of three types – sensory, motor and autonomic. The primary functions of these nerves are as follow:
Sensory nerves are responsible for transmission of signals like pain, touch, temperature and other sensations to the brain.
Motor nerves are held responsible for control of muscles.
Autonomic nerves are responsible for regulating autonomic functions of the body such as bladder function, digestion, body temperature, and blood pressure.

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

 The symptoms of this disorder depend on the type of peripheral neuropathy.

Sensory neuropathy: The symptoms of sensory neuropathy are numbness, tingling, pricking, pin/needle sensation, hypersensitivity and burning sensation in the hands and feet. The symptoms can spread up the arm and leg.
Motor neuropathy: The symptoms of motor neuropathy include muscle weakness, paralysis, twitching/cramping of muscles, wasting/thinning of muscles, impaired balance, and coordination.
Autonomic neuropathy: The symptoms of autonomic neuropathy include rapid heart rate, bowel/bladder symptoms, diarrhea/constipation, blood pressure changes, increased/decreased sweating and erectile dysfunction in men.

SLE or systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect many different parts of the body like the lungs, heart, joints, kidneys, skin and the brain. SLE is an autoimmune disease that can affect many systems of the body, and so the signs and symptoms that appear depend upon the body system that is affected. No two people with SLE will present the same symptom picture. Homeopathic medicines for SLE play a supportive role in the treatment of the condition and should be taken along with conventional medicines for best results. Rhus Tox, Arsenic, and Natrum Mur are the top homeopathic remedies used as supportive remedies for SLE.

Homeopathic treatment of SLE.

Although the signs and symptoms of SLE are highly variable, the most common ones include a butterfly shape rash/malar rash on the face covering the cheeks and bridge of the nose, joints pains, fever, and fatigue.

Role of Homeopathy in Treating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

It is advisable to take homeopathic medicines for SLE in conjunction with the conventional means of treatment to manage the disease in the best way possible. Homeopathic medicines help in managing SLE symptomatically. Homeopathic medicines for SLE are safe to use among people of all age groups. A person should consider the use of homeopathic medicine for SLE strictly under the supervision of a homeopathic physician, and avoid self-medication.

Homeopathic Medicines for Symptomatic Management of SLE

Rhus Tox – Natural Medicine for Joint Pains in SLE

Rhus Tox is an effective homeopathic medicine for treating joint pains in SLE. Along with pain, Rhus Tox also helps reduce stiffness and swelling of the joints. The joint pains worsen during rest and get better by motion. Warm applications over the joint and massaging the joints tend to make the joint pains and stiffness better.

Arsenic Album – Natural Remedy for Fatigue in SLE

Homeopathic medicine Arsenic Album helps manage fatigue that arises in cases of SLE. People needing this medicine feel exhausted, and the slightest bit of exertion causes fatigue. A desire to lie down all the time is present. Anxiety and restlessness are the major features that are present with fatigue.

Natrum Mur – Homeopathic Medicine for Skin Lesion from Sun Exposure in SLE

Natrum Mur is a natural medicine that is used to treat a skin lesion that develops or worsens due to exposure to the sun. The person needing Natrum Mur suffers from skin lesions like skin rash or vesicular eruption from sun exposure. The skin rash is attended with an itching and stinging sensation. In some cases, a crawling sensation on the skin arises from sun exposure.

Belladonna – Homeopathic Remedy for Headache in SLE

Belladonna is a natural medicine prepared from a plant named Deadly Nightshade. It belongs to the natural order Solanaceae. Belladonna is an effective homeopathic medicine used to manage headaches that arise as a result of SLE. Most people needing Belladonna experience a congestive and throbbing type of headache. Extreme fullness is felt in the head, and the headache gets worse by noise and light. Applying pressure on the head helps ease the headache.

Aconite – Effective Homeopathic Medicine for Dry Eyes in SLE

Aconite is prepared from plant Aconitum Napellus commonly known by the name of Monkshood. It belongs to the natural order Ranunculaceae. Aconite as a natural treatment for SLE helps manage dry eyes. Along with dryness, heat is felt in the eyes, along with a sensation of sand. Sensitivity to light (especially of the sun) is present in most cases.
Some other accompanying symptoms that may be present include itching, lachrymation and burning in the eyes.

Ignatia – Effective Homeopathic Remedy for Depression in SLE

Ignatia is a well indicated homeopathic medicine for treating depression in SLE. The key features to use Ignatia here is extreme sadness with excessive weeping. A desire to be alone is present with the above features. People needing Ignatia may also experience sudden mood swings. Other symptoms include dullness of mind, indifferent behavior, and intense mental and physical fatigue.

Colocynthis – Natural Homeopathic Treatment for Abdominal Pain in SLE

Colocynthis is a prepared from the pulp of the fruit of plant named Citrullus Colocynthis or Bitter Apple. It belongs to the natural order Cucurbitaceae. Colocynthis helps treat abdominal pain in people suffering from SLE. Colocynthis is indicated in cases where the abdominal pain is strong, colicky, cramping or cutting in nature. The pains tend to get worse on consumption of the slightest food or drinks. Bending over double or pressing the abdomen helps relieve the abdominal pain.

Phosphorus – Natural Homeopathic Remedy for Hair Loss in SLE

Phosphorus is an effective natural remedy used to manage hair loss in cases of SLE. People who need Phosphorus experience excessive hair fall where the hair comes out in bunches. In some cases, hair fall occurs in circumscribed spots. In addition to hair fall, copious dandruff may be present.

Symptoms of SLE

The most common symptoms of SLE include chest pain, skin lesion worsening from sun exposure, shortness of breath, pain in the head, dry eyes, abdomen pain, hair loss, depression, confusion, loss of memory, and swollen lymph glands. Swelling in the legs, seizures and Raynaud’s phenomenon (blueness/whitening of fingers and toes on exposure to cold or from stressful conditions) are other symptoms of SLE. The intensity of symptoms also varies from mild to a severe degree. The disease also shows a relapsing and remitting course. Even if mild, SLE needs to be taken seriously; it needs to be regularly monitored and treated appropriately because it carries a risk of various complications that at times can be life-threatening.

Complications of SLE

SLE can lead to various complications that sometimes can be profoundly serious and life-threatening. The complications in SLE include kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, vasculitis, pleurisy, avascular necrosis, stroke, brain and CNS disorders.

Diagnosing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Diagnosing SLE can be a difficult task. It may take months to even years to diagnose a case of SLE, the reason being that SLE presents signs and symptoms that mimic many other ailments. To reach a diagnosis, the clinical picture and various investigations need to be done. The investigations include ESR, ANA test (antinuclear antibody test), and Anti-DNA test. Further to these tests, in order to check the damage to internal organs, other tests are X-ray, USG, MRI, CT scan, ECG, LFT, and RFT.

Our body has an immune system that comes into play whenever any virus, bacteria or other microorganism invades our body. Here, the immune system fights the infection and exudes it out of the body. Autoimmune diseases are those diseases that arise when the immune system out of a misdirected response starts to destroy healthy body tissues in the absence of any actual infection in the body. So in autoimmune diseases, our immune system in spite of serving protective purpose starts an inimical destructive process. In SLE, the same autoimmunity process is present. The risk factors for SLE include a genetic predisposition towards SLE, being a woman (chances of SLE in women are ten times higher than in males) and certain environmental factors. Certain factors that are thought to trigger SLE include infections like Epstein-Barr virus, excessive sunlight exposure, smoking, medications like anti-seizure medications, blood pressure medicines and hormonal changes in women during puberty or pregnancy. The diagnosis of SLE majorly appears in the age group of 15 to 40 years.

Lyme disease, also known as ‘Lyme borreliosis’ is a tick-borne, infectious disease which is caused by a bacteria. It spreads from the bite from ticks infected by the bacterium. It is caused by the bacteria (of the type borrelia) known as Borrelia burgdoferi. The bacteria travel through the infected site to the central bloodstream and settle into various body tissues, causing different symptoms within the body. A person can also experience autoimmune activity triggered by this bacterium if Lyme disease is not treated correctly, and it can lead to chronic lifelong symptoms. Homeopathic treatment for Lyme disease helps moderate the immune system and helps reduce the severity of the symptoms caused by the bacteria.

Lyme Disease: Symptoms

Medically, Lyme disease in a person develops in three phases:

First Stage

Early Localized Infection – It occurs within three to 30 days after the bite of an infected tick that transmits the infection. In this stage the, the infection is limited to the area of tick bite on the skin, and it does not spread in the body.

Erythema Chronicum Migrans (EM): It refers to outwardly expanding rash which occurs at the site of the bite of a tick. The rash is red and painless. The rash appears like a bull’s eye which is characterized as the innermost portion which remains dark red and indurated (firmer and thicker), the outer portion remains red, and the area in between both portions is clear. 70 – 80 % of the infected people represent with EM in early infection. 20 – 30 % of people can have Lyme disease without the EM rash.
EM is the hallmark of Lyme disease.

Flu-like Symptoms: The rash is often accompanied by fever, malaise, headache, muscular soreness and swollen lymph nodes.

Second Stage

Early Disseminated Infection – After the onset of local infection, within a span of days to weeks, the bacteria (Borrelia) begin to travel through the bloodstream.
EM rash may start to develop at various other sites of the body (apart from the original tick bite site).

Borrelia lymphocytoma: It is a purple colored lump that develops on the earlobe, nipple or scrotum. This skin condition is found in Lyme disease sufferers of Europe but is absent in North American patients.

Neuroborreliosis: It refers to acute neurological issues that appear in approximately 10-15 % of untreated people. The symptoms include facial palsy (loss of muscle tone of one or both sides of the face), meningitis which can cause severe headaches, a stiffness of neck and sensitivity to light, inflammation of nerve roots of the spinal cord, mild encephalitis which can lead to disturbance in sleep, mood changes or memory loss.

The adverse impact of this disease is the disturbance of the electrical conduction system of the heart leading to an abnormality of heart rhythms such as Atrioventricular block (AV block).

Third Stage

Late disseminated infection – Also termed as chronic Lyme disease or post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), t includes symptoms of Lyme disease as a result of the immune response of the affected tissues of the body towards borrelia bacteria. In this stage, the infection spreads entirely throughout the body.
Untreated or inadequately treated Lyme disease patients can develop chronic or severe symptoms after several months of onset of this disease. These symptoms involve many parts of the body including the brain, joints, eyes, nerves, and heart.

Late disseminated infection includes:

Fatigue: The hallmark of chronic Lyme disease is a feeling of tiredness. Muscle aches and constant severe headache often accompany the fatigue. The fatigue can linger for many years. The symptoms can mimic chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia. (1)

Polyneuropathy: Patients experience shooting pains, numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and feet.

Lyme Encephalopathy: This includes neurologic symptoms. 5 % of untreated patients experience neurologic symptoms that involve insomnia (lack of sleep), cognitive difficulties, personality changes and a general feeling of being unwell, chronic fatigue and lethargy.

Chronic encephalomyelitis: It can be a progressive issue and affected person deal with:

• Cognitive difficulties
• Migraines
• Brain fog
• Issues in balancing
• Weakness of legs
• Bladder issues
• Vertigo
• Pain in back

Psychosis: A rare occurrence in untreated Lyme disease cases, it refers to an abnormal condition of mind in which a person has false beliefs and sees or hears things that others do not see.
The patient can also experience anxiety and panic attacks along with delusional behavior accompanied by derealisation or depersonalization syndrome (the person feels being detached from oneself or reality).

Acrodermatitis Chronic Atrophicans (ACA): ACA is a chronic skin condition and has been noticed in elderly people in Europe. ACA starts as a reddish-blue patch of discolored skin, mainly on the back of feet or hands. The lesion starts becoming thin and wrinkled over several weeks or months. If not treated properly, it can become hairless and dry.

Lyme Arthritis: Arthritis in Lyme disease mainly affects the knees. In some people, it can involve other joints like elbows, wrists, hips, ankles, and shoulders. There is swelling of the affected joint with pain which is mild to moderate in intensity. There are chances of formation of Baker’s cyst (fluid-filled cyst behind the knee) which can rupture. Joint erosions are also seen in some cases.

Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme Disease

Homeopathic medicines for Lyme disease are selected according to the most prominent symptoms of the disease. These medicines help moderate the immune system and offer a natural treatment for Lyme Disease. There are no side effects of homeopathic treatment and it is safe for use in people of all ages.
The most commonly indicated medicines for Lyme disease in the conventional system of treatment are antibiotics- oral or intravenous, which are often prescribed for several weeks. Side effects related to intravenous antibiotics include lowering of white blood cells and mild to severe diarrhea.
Although some patients may require corticosteroids, painkillers, NSAIDs, and muscle relaxants in acute cases, these medications do not work long-term.
In cases of chronic Lyme disease, continued use of these medicines can give rise to side effects like loss of appetite and digestion issues, lowering of blood pressure, mental symptoms such as poor memory and mental fogginess, body pain and numbness.

Homeopathic Medicines for Lyme Disease

Arsenicum Album – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme Disease with Chronic Fatigue

The homeopathic medicine Arsenicum album is a metal-based remedy which is prepared from Arsenic. Arsenicum album is prepared by isolating arsenic from various metals, such as cobalt, nickel, and iron. Highly diluted arsenic preparations are used to make of Arsenicum album. It is a well-indicated remedy for weakness and body fatigue in Lyme disease. Characteristic of this remedy includes a marked weakness and extreme restlessness. It is also indicated in cases of Lyme disease when there are tearing pains in the limbs, which gets worse during the night and while the person is at rest after exertion. There is a sudden decrease in strength during the second stage of Lyme disease, which is well indicative of this remedy.

Key indications for using Arsenicum Album for Lyme Disease:

– Fatigue
– Extreme Restlessness
– Tearing Pains

Ledum Palustre – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme Disease with Skin Rash

The homeopathic medicine Ledum palustre is prepared from Ledum, also known as marsh tea. Ledum or wild rosemary is a herb which is found in the marshlands all over the United States, Canada, and northern Europe. The fresh herb is dried and then powdered to prepare this remedy. Ledum belongs to the family Ericaceae.
Ledum is known for its antiseptic properties and is useful in preventing infections. Ledum palustre is a well-indicated remedy for insect stings, including tick bites. It is also indicated for a twitching sensation around skin rash. The area of the tick bite is cold to the touch.

Key indications for using Ledum Palustre for Lyme Disease:

– Tick Bite
-Twitching Sensation around the rash

Rhus Toxicodendron – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme disease with Arthritis

The homeopathic medicine Rhus tox is prepared from poison ivy- a vine-like shrub. This shrub is found naturally all over North America and belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. The leaves and stalks of this shrub are collected at night to prepare Rhus Toxicodendron. Rhus tox has given tremendous results in arthritis, especially of knee joints in Lyme disease patients. There is stiffness and painful swelling of the knee joint which becomes better by warmth. It is also indicated for joint problems in the elbows and ankles in some instances of Lyme disease. A tingling sensation in feet and other places of the body is also treated with this remedy.

Key Indications for using Rhus Tox for Lyme Disease

– Knee Joint Arthritis
– Tingling Sensation

Belladonna – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme disease with Constant Headache

The homeopathic medicine Belladonna is prepared from the Belladonna plant. Belladonna plant is also known by other names such as nightshade, devil’s cherry, and Atropa belladonna. It is a herbaceous plant, and it belongs to the Solanaceae family. Belladonna is a perennial plant and is found in Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The entire belladonna plant is used to prepare the belladonna medicine. Belladonna is a top graded medicine for migraine in patients of chronic Lyme disease. The headache is pulsating and throbbing in character. There is a feeling of extreme fullness in the head. Noise and light seem to worsen the headache of Lyme disease patients. Cold air, head bath with cold water acts as aggravating (increasing) factor for the migraine. Applying hard pressure on the head helps relieve the pain.

Kali Phosphoricum – Homeopathic medicine for Brain fog in chronic Lyme Disease

Kali phosphoricum is a well-indicated remedy for patients of Lyme disease where there is mental fatigue from overwork. There is dullness of mind, loss of memory, a lack of interest in talking and the person suffers from forgetfulness. The characteristic symptom of using this remedy is a low, nervous condition with sensitivity. The person is easily fatigued.

Aconitum Napellus – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme Disease with Anxiety and Palpitations

The homeopathic medicine Aconitum napellus is prepared from the herb called aconite, also known as Monkshood. The aconite herb belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. The whole plant, leaving the root. is used to prepare Aconitum. This herb is indigenous to the region from the Himalayas to Europe. As a remedy, Aconite is recommended for Lyme disease patients when they suffer from anxiety as a result of chronic effects of this disease. Patients go into a state of mental and emotional shock and experience a fear of death. Panic attacks and shock, restlessness and inconsolable anxiety, tachycardia (heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate) with palpitations, fainting palpitations with tingling in fingers and palpitations from motion and pulse are other symptoms that call for this remedy.

Conium – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme Disease with Vertigo

The homeopathic medicine Conium is prepared from the hemlock plant. This plant is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant and belongs to the Apiaceae family. The plant originally belongs to Europe, particularly Britain, Africa and different regions of Asia. The leaves, roots and flowering stems of the hemlock plant are used to prepare Conium. The curative effects of Conium are seen in cases of Vertigo especially in Lyme disease (in the later stages of the disease).
Vertigo appears as a sensation where the person looking steadily at an object feels like the object is spinning.
Vertigo upon rising, or going down the stairs may be present, along with weakness and an inclination to sleep. There is numb feeling in the brain as if stupefied, which gets worse upon turning over in bed.

Thuja – Homeopathic Treatment for Delusions as a result of Lyme Disease

The homeopathic medicine Thuja is prepared by using the leaves and twigs of the thuja plant. Thuja tree belongs to the Cupressaceae family. Out of five, two species of Thuja trees are found in North America and the remaining three species are found growing in eastern regions of Asia. Thuja is a well-indicated remedy for delusions and has given good results in Lyme disease patients who have fixed ideas and delusions in later part of the disease. Delusions as if a strange person is by the side and delusions as if the body were fragile are present. There is dullness of mind with sadness. The person feels depressed, isolated and alone.

How to Distinguish Lyme Disease from Fibromyalgia?

Both fibromyalgia and Lyme disease can cause fatigue and pain, but there are many differences between them
The cause for fibromyalgia is not clear, but it is related to genetic factors, often triggered by stress (physical or emotional stress), and associated conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Ankylosing spondylitis. Fibromyalgia gives rise to widespread pain and tender points, body fatigue, depression, headache, pain, and cramping in the lower abdominal region.

Lyme disease, on the other hand, is an infectious tick-borne disease caused by the bacteria of borrelia type. After the bite of the tick, the bacteria penetrate into the bloodstream and trigger symptoms inside the body. Symptoms of Lyme disease include a headache, chill, fever, swelling of lymph nodes and a rash called Erythema migrans. As the condition takes the chronic form, there are chances of developing arthritis, nerve involvement leading to numbness or tingling sensation, depression, anxiety, palpitations and short-term memory loss.

Although symptoms overlap between Fibromyalgia and Lyme disease, these diseases are distinguished by the presence of a rash which is a hallmark of Lyme disease (called Erythema Migrans). There is no such rash in fibromyalgia.

Chronic Lyme Disease: Causes and Transmission

The causative agent of Lyme disease is bacteria. The main type of bacteria causing Lyme disease in the United States are Borrelia burgdoferi and Borrelia mayonii. In Europe and Asia, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii are the causative bacteria. The primary vector for transmitting the bacteria to humans in Lyme disease is an infected black-legged or deer tick. Ticks which are frequently found on deer carry the bacterium in their stomach and transmit it to humans when they bite. People working in grassy and heavily wooded areas are more prone to get Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is not contagious.

Ticks crawl over your clothes or body for many hours before they get attached to your skin. Ticks are usually found in the scalp, groin or armpits, but they can attach to any part of your body. It takes at least 36 to 48 hours for an infected tick to pass bacteria to the body once it is attached to the skin. Most ticks cause infection in the nymphal stage (immature form of ticks, before larval stage) since they are very small in this stage and feed for a longer duration of time before they are detected.

Lyme Disease: Risk Factors

Exposure to wooded or grassy areas: Deer ticks thrive in wooded areas of Midwest and the northeastern region of the United States. Children and Adults with outdoor occupation working in these areas are at a high risk of contracting Lyme disease.

Not removing ticks properly after exposure: For transmission of bacteria from an infected tick to the human body, the tick needs to be attached to the body for at least 36 to 48 hours. The chances of developing Lyme disease grow low if the tick is removed within two days of exposure.

Lyme Disease: Complications

Lyme disease can cause permanent damage to the joints, brain, nervous system and heart. Significant complications of Lyme disease include increased risk of developing an autoimmune form of arthritis, as a result of chronic Lyme disease (even after the treatment) which includes:
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Peripheral spondyloarthritis

Lyme Disease: Management

Prevention is the most important step when it comes to Lyme Disease. Some preventive measures include:

• Use insect repellent and bug sprays.
• Use tweezers to remove ticks even if your body is exposed to ticks.

Dealing with Lyme Disease:

Since in the later stages Lyme disease takes the autoimmune form, the best way to manage chronic Lyme disease is by boosting your immune system.

Sleep and Management of Emotional Stress:

Stress triggers inflammation and disturbs the hormonal balance of the body. One should get enough sleep (at least 6 to 8 hours per day) and avoid stress to improve body functioning.

Foods to Eat

Consume anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and antioxidant-rich foods like green leafy vegetables and berries.
Foods rich in probiotics (like yogurt) help to reduce the progression of Lyme disease.

Supplements
Supplements to improve cell functioning include:

Vitamin D3 – It helps to boost the immunity, and so supplements rich in vitamin D3 should be a part of the daily diet.

Omega -3 Fatty Acids – These fatty acids play an anti-inflammatory role and improve cognitive functions. Fish-oil supplements should be taken daily.