Homeopathic medicine, treatment and remedies for Gangrene

Homeopathic remedies are holistic medicines that contain diluted natural substances and are free of adverse effects. They can be safely used in individuals of all age groups. The medicines are prescribed after a detailed evaluation of the individual’s traits, and thus it is important to consult a qualified homeopathic physician before initiating therapy.

There are many remedies in homeopathy which can be used in the management of gangrene. These medicines stimulate the body’s immune mechanisms and help to restore blood circulation to the affected area. Medicines are carefully selected based on the totality of the patient’s symptoms and not just the diseased part. These medicines not only focus on the pathology of the gangrene but also on the person’s immune system, thereby promoting a natural healing process. It also saves the patient from surgery and the psychological consequences of amputation. 

Anthracinum
Common Name: Anthrax poison

Symptoms: This remedy acts on the tissue level in the treatment of conditions such as gangrene, abscesses, boils and ulcers. Other symptoms treated by this remedy include -

• Gangrene with septic states
• Swelling of glands and tissues
• Thick, black, tar-like bleeding from any orifice
• Boils appearing one after the other
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Carbuncles
• Malignant ulcers

Arsenicum Album

Common Name: Arsenious acid

Symptoms: It acts on every organ and tissue of the body and relieves gangrenous affections associated with burning pains, irritable weakness and restlessness. Some of the other symptoms treated by this remedy are -

• Swellings with burning sensation
• Stubborn eruptions
• Ulcers with foul secretions
• Urticaria with burning and restlessness
• Weakness, heaviness and uneasiness in the limbs
• Gangrene and inflammation of the affected parts

The symptoms worsen in wet weather, after midnight, at the seashore and from cold drinks and food. The symptoms get better from heat and warm drinks.

Asafoetida

Common Name: Gum of the stinkasand

Symptoms: This remedy is well suited for gangrene associated with extreme sensitiveness and throbbing of the affected parts. Other symptoms include -

• Ulcers that are painful on the edges
• Suppressed skin symptoms producing nervous disorders
• Pain, ulcers and caries in the bones
• Flatulence and reflux of liquids
• Excessive gas in the abdomen

The symptoms become worse at night, on the left side, at rest and with warm applications. They get better in open air, from motion and pressure.

Cantharis Vesicatoria

Common Name: Spanish fly
Symptoms: This is an excellent remedy for the treatment of gangrene and inflammatory conditions. Other symptoms treated by this remedy are -

• Dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) 
• Vesicular eruptions (fluid-filled)
• Redness and swelling (erysipelas)
• Burning in soles of feet
• Intolerable burning while passing urine
• Blood in stools

The symptoms are worsened by touch, approach, urination and drinking cold water or coffee. They get better by rubbing.

Carbo Vegetabilis

Common Name: Vegetable charcoal

Symptoms: This remedy is useful in cases where the blood circulation is poor, leading to stagnation, blueness and coldness of the affected parts. In these conditions, the bacteria can grow and multiply, causing gangrene. Other symptoms include -

• Skin that is blue and cold
• Gangrene in old people
• Ulcers with burning pain
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Varicose ulcers
• Carbuncles
• Red, swollen toes

The symptoms are worse in the evening, at night, in open air, in the cold and in warm damp weather. They get better from fanning and cold.

Causticum

Common Name: Hahnemann's tinctura acris sine kali
Symptoms: This remedy is useful in cases of gangrene and tissue affections. Other symptoms treated by this remedy are -

• Pain of burns
• Soreness behind ears and between thighs
• Old burns that do not heal
• Left-sided sciatic pain
• Contracted tendons
• Restless legs at night
• Hoarseness of voice
• Pimples and warts

The complaints are worse in clear fine weather, dry and cold winds and in cold air. They get better in damp, wet weather and heat of the bed.

Crotalus Horridus

Common Name: Rattlesnake

Symptoms: This is an excellent remedy for affections of the blood and skin (gangrene), septic states and bleeding disorders. Other symptoms treated with this remedy include -

• Dark, thin blood which does not clot
• Skin that looks multicoloured
• Small bleeding spots under the skin
• Bleeding from every part of the body
• Pus-filled eruptions
• Eruptions surrounded by bluish skin
• Increased sensitivity of right side of body

The symptoms are worsened on the right side, in open air, evening, morning, spring season, warm weather and damp, wet weather.

Hamamelis Virginiana

Common Name: Witch-hazel

Symptoms: This remedy is best suited for complaints of the venous system, gangrene, piles and blood disorders. Other symptoms that can be treated include -

• Varicose veins and varicose ulcers
• Bluish black appearance of the skin
• Inflammation of the veins
• Coldness in back and hips extending to legs
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Bleeding piles with soreness

The symptoms are worse in warm and moist air.

Kreosote

Common Name: Beechwood kreosote
Symptoms: This remedy is useful for treating severe burning and acrid discharges. It is helpful in treating cases of gangrene, bleeding and cancerous affections. Other symptoms treated by this remedy include -

• Gangrene in old people
• Small wounds that bleed a lot
• Blue-purple skin on the fingers and hands
• Burning in soles
• Painful and sore shoulder bone
• Pain in hip and knee joints
• Offensive urine 
• Caries of teeth as soon as they erupt

The symptoms are worse in open air, with rest, on lying down and after periods. They get better with warmth, motion and a warm diet.

Lachesis Mutus

Common Name: Bushmaster/surucucu snake

Symptoms: This remedy helps in treating cases where the blood gets decomposed, resulting in an increased tendency to haemorrhage (heavy bleeding). It is useful in gangrene with a bluish purple appearance of the skin. Other symptoms treated with this remedy are -

• Ulcers with bluish black edges
• Blue-black swellings
• Septic conditions
• Cellulitis
• Varicose ulcers
• Hot sweat 
• Pain in shinbone

The symptoms are worsened after sleep, during sleep, on the left side, during spring season, with warm baths, pressure, constriction and hot drinks. They are relieved by appearance of discharges and warm applications.

Plumbum Metallicum

Common Name: Lead

Symptoms: This remedy mainly acts on the blood, digestive and nervous systems. Other symptoms treated by this remedy are -

• Weakness in walking and movement
• Paralysis and convulsions
• Paralysis of single muscles
• Swelling of feet with dilated veins
• Yellow and dry skin with dark-brown spots
• Rapid atrophy of muscles
• Blue lines on the margins of the gums
• Hard, lumpy stools which are black in colour

The symptoms are worse at night and by motion. They are relieved by hard pressure and physical exertion.

Secale Cornutum

Common Name: Ergot, claviceps purpurea

Symptoms: This is an excellent remedy for gangrene. Other symptoms treated by this remedy include -

• Haemorrhage with continuous oozing of blood
• Thin, black, watery blood with a foul smell
• Shrivelled, numb skin with a bluish tinge
• Dry gangrene which develops slowly
• Skin that feels cold to touch
• Violent cramps 
• Icy coldness of limbs
• Cold hands and feet
• Fever with cold skin and cold, clammy sweat

The symptoms are worsened by warmth and covering, and better by cold, uncovering, rubbing and stretching the limbs.

Stramonium

Common Name: Thorn apple, datura

Symptoms: This remedy acts on the brain and skin. It is useful in the treatment of gangrene. Other symptoms include -

• Violent pains in left hip
• Convulsions of upper extremities and isolated groups of muscles
• Severe fever which is not relieved by sweating
• Suppression of urine
• No pain or movements in muscles

The symptoms are worse after sleep and in a dark room, and better with warmth.

Homeopathic remedies are useful in the management of gangrene. The homeopathic physician advises lifestyle and diet modifications along with the medicines for best results. The doctor also recommends avoiding foods that may interfere with the medicinal properties of the homeopathic remedies.

Do’s: 

• Eat nutritious and healthy foods that are compatible with the treatment.
• Stay in a clean and hygienic environment.
• Include physical exercise in your daily routine.
• Maintain personal hygiene.[19] 

Don’ts: 

• Do not consume foods and drinks which possess medicinal properties.
• Do not drink beverages containing caffeine and drinks with strong odours.
• Do not use perfumes with a strong odour.
• Avoid extreme emotions like anger and grief that may lead to overexertion of mind.
• Avoid staying in wet and unclean rooms.
• Avoid all excesses in foods, including excess of salt, sugar and spices.

Homeopathic remedies are diluted natural products. The dilution renders them free of side effects but does not affect their medicinal properties. Although safe and effective in a vast population, these remedies should be taken only after consulting a registered homeopathic practitioner. An experienced homeopathic doctor has the best knowledge about the composition of these remedies and will prescribe the most suitable medication based on the symptoms and modalities.

Gangrene is a serious condition characterised by tissue death due to lack of circulation following an injury, underlying illness or infection. When the blood circulation is cut off, the tissue does not receive adequate oxygen for living and eventually dies. Many conditions such as diabetes, smoking, infections, diseases of the blood vessels and severe injuries can predispose a person to gangrene. Gangrene is classified as dry or wet gangrene depending on the aetiological factors. Early stages of gangrene are conventionally treated with antibiotics, oxygen therapy and surgery to remove damaged tissue and reconstruct blood vessels. However, severe cases of gangrene require amputation. Homeopathy offers a great alternative in the treatment of gangrene wherein the selected remedy will help in re-establishing blood flow and healing of the affected tissue.