Homeopathic Treatments for Parkinson's Disease

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, a degenerative disorder of the nervous system. Treatments focus on controlling the symptoms, side effects and progression of the disease. Homeopathic treatments can also help. Because Parkinson's disease is a complex condition, work with a trained homeopathic practitioner for best results; your homeopath will recommend remedies and provide dosage instructions. Always discuss any complementary or alternative medicines you are considering or using with your physician.

Mercurius

• Mercurius is one of three homeopathic remedies most commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. If you experience tremors all over your body, with trembling and weakness especially in the limbs and hands, then choose the remedy Mercurius. Your skin feels moist and you perspire frequently; your discomfort is worse when you are sweating. The least exertion may make you weak and cause you to tremble. Your symptoms tend to be worse at night, or during cold, rainy weather. Mentally, you may find yourself slow to answer questions. You may suffer from cutting pain in your joints. When you try to rest at night, your overall symptoms, including itching, may be worse.

Zincum Metallicum

• Zincum Metallicum is the remedy of choice for violent trembling that affects the entire body, particularly if trembling is more pronounced when you are feeling emotional. Your hands and feet may suffer from paralysis. You may have trouble being still, and your feet may continuously move. Writing may be difficult for you because your hands tremble. You generally feel worse in the early evening or when touched. You tend to feel better after eating.

Rhus Toxicodendron

• If your joints are hot and painful, and your tremors begin as pain that is improved when you move, choose the remedy Rhus Toxicodendron (Rhus tox). You may experience a sensation of tingling or crawling in your fingertips. After exertion, you may begin to tremble or feel numb. Your limbs may feel stiff. You feel better in dry, warm weather or when you are moving around, walking, and stretching.

Other Remedies

• Depending on your symptoms, a homeopath may choose different remedies for you. Gelsemium is often used for tremors that cause a loss of muscle control. Argentum Nitricum is given when there is memory impairment and abdominal symptoms including diarrhea. If you cannot bear to be touched, and find your trembling stops during sleep, the remedy Agaricus Muscarius may be needed. Cocculus is used in cases of painful drawing caused by paralysis. If you have problems with numbness, cramps in your hands and legs and prefer to be left alone, the remedy Ambra Grisea may be needed. If soaking your feet in cold water makes you feel better, you may benefit from the remedy Bufo Rana. If you can't stop moving even though it causes you pain, choose the remedy Tarentula. Conium is used in cases of ascending paralysis.