Homeopathic medicine, treatment and remedies for Anemia

• Pulsatilla Pratensis
  Common Name: Wind flower
  Symptoms: Pulsatilla Pratensis is primarily used to treat irritability, chilliness and symptoms of the mucous membranes (inner lining of organs) like ulcers that occur in anaemia. The other symptoms it treats are as follows:
  • Headache
  • Chilliness in the evening
  • Stomach pain due to ulceration
  • Abdominal and back pain
  • Iron deficiency
  • Cracked lips, especially the middle of the lower lip
  • Dryness of the mouth without thirst
  • Presence of mucus and blood in stool
  • Nerve pains
  • Fatigue

Symptoms worsen from heat, fatty foods and on lying on the left side. They may also aggravate in the evening and after meals. Symptoms get better in open air, from cold, and consumption of cold food and drinks.

• Ferrum Metallicum
  Common Name: Iron
  Symptoms: It is best suited for individuals with weakness, iron-deficiency anaemia, and pale skin. Other symptoms that can be treated using this remedy are:
  • Irritation with the slightest noise in the surrounding
  • Headache
  • Irregular menses
  • Certain areas on the face turn white, puffy and bloodless
  • Paleness of the skin of the nose
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rapid and irregular heartbeats
  • Pain in the hip joint, heel and lower part of the leg
  • Long and profuse menses
  • General coldness of the extremities
  • Exhaustion
  • Iron deficiency

Symptoms get aggravated at midnight, with sweating, cold applications and on standing still. The person feels better with slow walks.

• Calotropis Gigantea
  Common Name: Madar bark
  Symptoms: Madar bark is an effective remedy for treating anaemia caused due to syphilis. It increases blood circulation and treats a few other symptoms like:
  • Ulcers on the skin
  • Stomach heat
  • Tuberculosis
  • Obesity

• Picricum Acidum
  Common Name: Picric acid
  Symptoms: Picric acid is useful in the management of iron-deficiency anaemia and pernicious anaemia (caused when the body cannot absorb vitamin B12). It can help treat the following symptoms:
  • Muscular weakness and back pain
  • Fatigue
  • A feeling of Heaviness all over the body
  • Headache
  • Burning sensation along the spine

Symptoms worsen due to wet weather and after sleep. Symptoms get better in cold air and by drinking cold water.

• Cyclamen Europaeum
  Common Name: Sow-bread
  Symptoms: Sow-bread is mainly used to manage iron-deficiency anaemia. It treats anaemia caused by various conditions of the uterus. This remedy can also help manage symptoms like:
  • Blood loss after giving birth
  • Burning and sore pain in heels
  • Irregular menses
  • Pain in arms and legs

Symptoms worsen in the evening, going out in open air, sitting or standing for a long time, and drinking cold water. Symptoms improve on drinking lemonade and by moving around.

• Natrium Muriaticum
  Common Name: Chloride of sodium
  Symptoms: Chloride of sodium can help treat anaemia, weakness, and deficiency of iron. Other symptoms that can be effectively treated using this remedy are:
  • Irregular and profuse menstruation
  • Numbness and tingling in lower extremities
  • Sense of dryness of the tongue
  • Back pain
  • Severe headache
  • Weight loss especially around the neck
  • Rapid and irregular heartbeats (Read more: Tachycardia causes)

Symptoms worsen while lying down, due to loud music, and mental exertion. Symptoms improve on bathing with cold water, in open air, by wearing tight clothing and on lying on the right side.

• Phosphorus
  Common Name: Phosphorus
  Symptoms: Phosphorus is one of the most suitable remedies to treat tall, narrow chested persons of a fair complexion. It works well in people who are affected by tertiary syphilis, those who have sudden shooting pains, inflammation of the mucous membranes, and weakness. This remedy is also given in case of blood loss that accompanies anaemia. Other symptoms that can be managed by phosphorus are:
  • Burning pain and chronic congestion of the head
  • Pain and sickly complexion of the face
  • Weak and empty sensation in the abdomen
  • Light period that lasts for a long time
  • Deficiency of iron
  • Burning pain in the back
  • A sensation of heat between the shoulder blades
  • Excessive bleeding of wounds even from a small cut
  • Fatigue

Symptoms get worse with changing weather, exertion (both physical and mental), consuming warm foods and drinks, and on lying on the painful side. The person feels better after sleeping, by going out in open air, and after eating cold food.

• Calcarea Phosphorica
  Common Name: Phosphate of lime
  Symptoms: Calcarea Phosphorica is given to anaemic children who are flabby and peevish and have cold limbs. Following are some other symptoms that can be treated using calcarea phosphorica:
  • Bleeding after hard stools
  • A feeling of stiffness in the head and neck
  • Coldness and numbness in arms and legs
  • Pain in bones and joints (Read more: Bone pain signs)
  • Headache
  • Early menses with severe backache

Symptoms worsen in cold weather and humidity. Symptoms get better in warm and dry temperatures of Summer.

• Arsenicum Album
  Common Name: Arsenious acid
  Symptoms: Arsenious acid is used in the management of iron-deficiency anaemia, pernicious anaemia, anaemia due to excessive blood loss, menstrual irregularities and malaria. Some of the symptoms of anaemia that can be managed using this medicine are: 
  • Exhaustion after slight exertion
  • Restlessness
  • Burning in the chest and suffocation
  • Irritability and weakness
  • Rapid pulse in the morning
  • Syncope
  • Irregular and strong heartbeats
  • Neck pain
  • Stiffness in limbs
  • Severe backache

Symptoms worsen after midnight and in wet climatic conditions. Consuming cold foods and drinks also exacerbate the condition. The person feels better from heat, warm beverages and keeping their head in an elevated position.

Homeopathic remedies are prepared in highly diluted doses, therefore, certain foods, drinks and lifestyle habits may interfere with the action of these medicines. If you are taking homeopathic medicines, your doctor may ask you to keep the following things in mind:

Do’s:

• Include nutritious and healthy food in your regular diet.
• Maintain good personal hygiene and stay in a clean environment.
• Stay active in all types of weather

Don’ts:

• Do not drink caffeine-containing beverages such as tea and coffee.
• Do not drink any liquid with strong odours.
• Avoid medicinal herbs and foods that contain such herbs.
• Try to avoid emotions like anger and grief that may cause overexertion of the mind.
• Avoid overeating
• Do not take excessive sugar and salt.

Several studies have found the efficiency of homeopathic remedies in the treatment of the underlying causes of anaemia.

According to the British Homeopathic Association, pulsatilla pratensis is useful in treating anaemia and its associated symptoms like cramping pain and suppressed and delayed menses. It is also useful in treating the detrimental effects of long-term use of iron tonic to manage anaemia.

In a clinical study, 30 children with iron deficiency anaemia (both boys and girls aged 5-10 years) were given 2 tablets of ferrum metallicum thrice a day for three months along with iron-rich diet. These children had haemoglobin levels of less than 10.5 gm%. At the end of the designated period, it was found that a significant number of participants experienced an improvement in their condition, indicating the efficacy of ferrum metallicum in the management of iron-deficiency anaemia.

Conventional medicines that are used to treat anemia show side effects with long-term use. However, a significant benefit of homeopathic remedies is that they are made from natural substances. When taken in the right dose, under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, homeopathic medicines don't have any side effects and can also be used as an add on treatment with traditional medicines.

Homeopathic medicines are made from herbs, minerals or animal products, which are diluted extensively to make them non-toxic. The dilution also makes these medicines free of side effects but retains their therapeutic actions. These medicines are known to be effective and safe in pregnant women, children and elderly individuals.

However, it is mandatory to consult an experienced homeopathic physician before initiating homeopathic treatment. A homeopathic physician is well aware of the composition of each remedy and will prescribe the best-suited medicine, in the right potency, for your mental and physical makeup and your clinical status.

Anaemia is marked by reduction in RBCs and insufficient supply of oxygen to body tissues. The condition has numerous causative factors and can lead to symptoms like difficulty in focusing and breathing, weakness and pain. The conventional medicines used for treating anaemia have side effects in the long term. Homeopathic remedies are prepared from natural substances and have no risk or side effects when taken under the guidance of a doctor. These remedies are prescribed on the basis of an individual's modalities (their tendency to suffer from certain conditions) apart from the clinical presentation. Therefore, they can act as a safe additive or alternative therapy in the effective management of anaemia and its associated symptoms.