Can Homeopathy Be of Use in Surgery?

Homeopathy has an important role to play before, after and in many countries around the world, during surgery. Despite the fact that here in Australia the surgical facilities are generally quite good, we’re still confronted with a small but nonetheless consistent number of patients who require assistance with concerns that arise prior to the surgical event and the complications that can arise after the process has been completed. The fast results and lack of drug interactions and contra-indications that homeopathy offers, makes it well suited to meet pre and post-surgical demands. What follows is a short list of homeopathic remedies that been found by a number of authors ^2-12 to be of use in these situations.

Aconite

In a double-blind placebo-controlled trial conducted in France in 1990¹, aconite was found to be highly effective in the treatment of post-surgical agitation in children. Aconite is commonly used for both pre and post-surgical anxiety and of the fear of dying.

Allium cepa

Neuralgia of the stump following amputation.

Argentum nit

Anxiety and panic in anticipation of the surgical procedure before the event.

Arnica

The master remedy for tissue damage from all causes, particularly where the damage is associated with bruised pain. It aids recovery from tissue damage of surgical origin, reduces post-surgical bruising and swelling and is very effective at reducing post-surgical pain. Arnica also has a significant role to play in reducing the risk of post surgical haemorrhage as well as surgical shock, a condition that results in capillaries and arterioles all filling with blood at the same time, leading to insufficient arterial pressure. Arnica can also be useful with people on long-term intravenous therapy where they run the risk of developing phlebitis and haematomas. Arnica can help to reduce this risk.

Bellis perennis

Bellis is particularly useful where surgery has been carried out on abdominal, thoracic or pelvic areas and this has resulted in pain that’s felt deep in these areas. As a means of differentiating this from Ledum, those people requiring Bellis will have the pain aggravated by cold.

China

Useful where fluid loss during or after surgery has lead to fatigue and other health problems.

Ferrum phos

This is often used for a few days prior to surgery to reduce the risk of surgical infection or haemorrhage.

Gunpowder

Gunpowder can provide relief from post-surgical infections and sepsis.

Hamamelis

Indicated for engorgement or congestion of the veins following surgery as well as slow haemorrhaging of dark blood from the site of the surgery.

Hypericum

Recovery from post-surgical damage to nerves and also where there is excessive post-surgical pain, particularly where arnica appears to be ineffective and where the pain is shooting in character. Hypericum has a long history of use for pain felt in a limb stump after amputation and phantom limb pain that may occur after amputation.

Ipecac

For nausea or vomiting following surgery as well as haemorrhages of bright red blood.

Ledum

Post surgical pain where the wound feels cold but the pain is relieved by cold.

Naja

For hypotension that may result from shock and some medications used for surgery.

Nux vomica

This is a general remedy for the effects of anaesthesia following surgery.

Phosphorus

One of the main remedies for haemorrhage during or after surgery and also useful for the effects of anaesthesia.

Raphanus

Can be handy in cases of constipation that follows surgical procedures as well flatus that is difficult to expel (otherwise known as incarceration of flatus), particularly where this occurs after abdominal surgery.

Ruta graveleons

Ruta is useful where surgery has affected the periosteum, cartilage or tendons leading to damage in these areas, pain or delayed recovery.

Staphisagria

Pain at the site of the incisional wounds that occur in surgerical procedures.

Symphytum

For injuries to bones that may occur during surgery.

Thiosinamum

This remedy provides an effective solution to post-surgical scarring.

References

1. Alibeu JP, Jobert J. Aconite in Post-Operative Pain and Agitation in Children. Pediatrie, 1990, 45, 7-8, 465-6.
2. Das RBB, Select Your Remedy, 14^th ed, B Jain, New Delhi, India, 1992.
3. Clarke Dr JH, A Clinical Repertory to the Dictionary of the Materia Medica, Health Sciences Press, England, 1979. ISBN 0-85032-061-5.
4. Dewey Dr WA, Practical Homoeopathic Therapeutics, 2^nd Edition, B Jain, New Delhi, 1991. Book code B-2189.
5. Bouko Levy MD Dr Michael M. Homeopathic and Drainage Repertory, Editions Similia, France, 1992, ISBN-2-904928-70-7.
6. Raue CG, Special Pathology and Diagnostics with Therapeutic Hints, 4^th Edition, 1896 (B Jain, New Delhi).
7. Knerr KB, Repertory of Hering’s Guiding Symptoms of our Materia Medica. (1997, B Jain, New Delhi). ISBN 81-7021-241-3.
8. Lilienthal S, Homoeopathic Therapeutics, 3^rd edition, 1890, Indian Books and Periodicals.
9. Morrison R, Desktop Guide, Hahnemann Clinic Publishing, California, USA, 1983 ISBN 0-9635-368-0-X.
10. Vermeulen F, Concordant Materia Medica, Emryss bv, The Netherlands, 1997 ISBN 90 76189-02-1.
11. Murphy R, Homeopathic Remedy Guide, 2^nd Edition, H.A.N.A. Press, Virginia, USA, 2000. ISBN 0-9635764-0-2.
12. Von Lippe A, Key Notes and Red Line Symptoms of the Materia Medica, IBP, New Delhi, 2001, Book Code No IB0579.