The main benefit of homeopathy for osteoarthritis is the control of and relief from chronic pain and the debilitating effects of the condition. Homeopathic remedies generally have few or no side effects, and although the long-term use of homeopathy can lead to healing, the symptoms that are associated with osteoarthritis typically respond better to herbal medications than the illness itself does. When used early in the development of osteoarthritis, homeopathy can slow the process of degeneration and provide significant relief from pain.
Osteoarthritis is a disease of the joints and is caused by the deterioration of cartilage. Symptoms include joint swelling and stiffness, pain that worsens with movement, reduced range of motion and muscle weakness, as well as the growth of protruding, bony knobs near joints such as the fingers. The primary cause of osteoarthritis is aging, although secondary causes such as obesity, bone disorders and joint injuries can make a person more likely to develop the disease.
Homeopathic principles suggest that if a substance can mimic the behavior of the illness, it can provide a cure — or at least relief — if it is administered in small doses. Different types of homeopathy for arthritis include the use of substances derived from plants, minerals and, in some cases, animals. Homeopathy practitioners develop the substances by crushing and mixing them with liquid. After they dissolve, the product is diluted several times and shaken vigorously each time to potentize it.
The common uses of homeopathy for osteoarthritis include the daily ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids and an enzyme found in pineapple, called bromelain, both of which help to reduce inflammation. Ingesting an extract of avocado soybean has shown indications of a possible ability to slow the disease. Other herbal substances recommended for use in homeopathy for osteoarthritis include cat’s claw or devil’s claw to relieve pain and ginger to reduce inflammation. Capsaicin cream, a derivative of chili peppers, is recommended by homeopaths as a topical joint application.
As of 2011, studies of the effectiveness of homeopathy for osteoarthritis had not been extensive, so much remained to learn about the field. Commonly accepted wisdom among professional homeopaths, however, holds that some homeopathic combinations might be at least as effective as conventional medicines. These combinations include the use of a topical gel made from comfrey, poison ivy and marsh-tea; a liquid prepared from poison ivy, potassium hydrate and cow’s milk; or a preparation of poison ivy, arnica, climbing nightshade, bloodroot and sulfur. As with all medicines, patients should use homeopathic preparations only under the supervision of a professional homeopath or a medical doctor.
The safety of homeopathy medications is uncertain, because many herbal remedies are unregulated, and some, such as turmeric and willow bark, have a blood-thinning effect that is similar to that of aspirin. This can cause problems in patients who take blood-thinning medications. Other remedies might not interact well with conventional medicine. For example, devil’s claw can cause problems in patients who are taking medicine for diabetes. The benefits of homeopathy for osteoarthritis, however, can outweigh the potential risks for many sufferers.
