Arsenicum album (arsenic trioxide, white oxide of arsenic). In its crude form, arsenic is a deadly poison: when applied topically, it can literally corrode skin tissue; when ingested, it damages blood vessels and ultimately leads to organ damage throughout the body. However, in the right form and amount, arsenic is known to be a treatment for several different illnesses—and has been known as such since physicians in ancient Greece and Rome started using it. Samuel Hahnemann introduced arsenic to homeopathy in 1828, and it has been used as a remedy ever since.
Homeopaths generally prescribe arsenicum album to those people whose symptoms tend to be worse at night than in the morning, improve with heat and warm drinks, and include anxiety and fear.
Aurum metallicum (metallic gold). Similar to the gold compounds used to treat arthritis in mainstream medicine, aurum metallicum is a remedy for a variety of disturbances. Homeopathic gold comes in a fine brown powder which is prepared by a process called trituration. Trituration, which involves grinding down the powder and diluting it with milk sugars, is necessary because gold is not soluble in water or alcohol.
Typically, homeopaths prescribe aurum metallicum to arthritis patients who complain that the pain in their fingers or limbs feels worse from sunset to sunrise, is least problematic in the morning, and gets better during the day.
Bryonia alba (wild bryony, wild hops). Bryonia, which is derived from a climbing vine known as Cucurbitaceae, is one of the most effective homeopathic remedies for rheumatic conditions. It acts especially on fibrous tissues, including ligaments and tendons, as well as nerves. The illnesses usually associated with bryonia are more likely to occur in warm, damp climates.
A homeopath is most likely to suggest bryonia to an individual who seems sluggish and dull of mind, whose symptoms improve with exposure to cool, fresh air and worsen with movement and touch. Rest and a diet consisting mostly of cold foods may also be recommended.
Calcarea carbonica (Calcarea ostrearum, oystershell). Derived from the pure white portion of oyster shells, this homeopathic remedy has as its primary component the mineral calcium. The fifth most abundant element in the body, calcium is essential to the body's formation and repair of bone tissue. Calcarea carbonica, therefore, is especially useful for those people suffering from osteoarthritis.
A person for whom this remedy would be most helpful would have symptoms that improved in a dry, warm climate and worsened in the cold and with any type of exertion. Generally speaking, the calcarea patient tends to have pale skin and a plump figure, among other qualities.
Pulsatilla (windflower, meadow anemone). This remedy derives from the perennial herb known as Pulsatilla nigricans; it is prepared from the whole fresh plant when it is in flower. In addition to its use as a remedy for arthritis, it is also known to help in eye disease, uterine disorders, and menstrual cramping.
For those with arthritis symptoms, a homeopath is most likely to prescribe pulsatilla to someone who, like Marjorie, is warm and compassionate, complains about the heat, and (if female) has associated menstrual problems. Symptoms tend to worsen with heat and rich food, and improve with open air and cold applications.
Rhus toxicodendron (poison ivy). Derived from a plant with which campers, hikers, and adventurous children are all too familiar, this homeopathic remedy was first used by a French physician in 1798. It affects the skin, mucous membranes, and, of special importance to those with arthritis, fibrous tissue including joints, tendons, and sheaths.
People who do best with Rhus tox., as it is known, tend to be anxious and despondent and have symptoms that improve with warmth and warm, dry weather. Other common traits of Rhus tox. include frequent rashes, dryness of the mouth and throat, and a dry cough.
