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Homeopathic Remedy for Chronic Joint Pain

Joint pain can be caused by many conditions, including osteoarthritis, bursitis, immune system disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and diseases such as hepatitis, Lyme disease and rheumatic fever. Injury--whether from a fracture, sprain, or repetitive overuse--can also cause joint pain, as can obesity. If pain is severe, unexplained, or lasts more than three days, you should see a medical doctor first to rule out serious conditions. However, many people report real relief from homeopathic remedies for chronic joint pain, especially pain from aging or overuse.

  1. How Homeopathy Works

    • Homeopathy, which was founded by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in the 19th century, is based on the principle that "like cures like." Miniscule amounts of natural substances are administered in an attempt to stimulate the body's defenses and resolve symptoms; usually the substances are those that, in higher doses, would cause the exact symptoms in a healthy person. Another important tenet of homeopathy is the "Law of Infinitesimals"--the belief that the lower the dose, the more curative the effect. Homeopathic substances are dissolved in water or alcohol many times in succession, which is why homeopathic practitioners can administer substances that in higher doses would be toxic.

    Remedies

    • Although all homeopathic remedies for joint pain are intended to relieve discomfort, reduce inflammation, and heal tissue, different remedies are used for different types of pain. Arnica, made from mountain daisies, is most often used for pain following bruising injuries and pain from arthritis and overuse; mountain climbers in the 16th century reportedly chewed the plants to relieve pain from falls. For best results, arnica needs to be taken at the first onset of symptoms. For pain that follows movement, homeopathic practitioners may recommend bryonia, made from wild hops. For burning, stinging joint pain coupled with swelling and inflammation, apis--made from bee venom--is prescribed. For joint pain with stiffness, rhus toxicodendron--extracted from poison ivy leaves--is the treatment of choice. Ruta--made from rue bitterwort--is also used for stiffness and for repetitive motion injuries. Less commonly, pulsatilla, extracted from meadow anemone, and causticum--potassium hydrate--may be used.

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