High ESR Treatment In Homeopathy
What is ESR?
ESR is a short form for the term erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is a non-specific, yet the most cost-effective screening test done to detect the presence of inflammation in the body due to infections, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory diseases.
| Reference range for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) | |
| Infants/ Children | 1 – 2 mm/hr |
| Adult Female | 3 – 10 mm/hr |
| Adult Male | 2 – 6 mm/hr |
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is the rate at which erythrocytes (red blood cells) settle down due to their own weight in the first hour when a given sample of blood is held in a straight column. Test for erythrocyte sedimentation rate is never done singly. It is often done along with other blood tests relevant to the presenting signs and symptoms. Yet, it is the most commonly ordered test in clinical practice.
Causes For High ESR
Causes for high ESR can be differentiated into two groups – physiologically (high ESR occurring under normal conditions) and pathological (high ESR occurring under abnormal conditions).
| Physiological causes for high ESR | Pathological causes for high ESR |
After hot water baths After meals During menstruation After exercise or heavy physical activity Tends to increase with age | Infections Anemia Acute and chronic diseases of the liver Connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus Invasive tumors or cancerous growths |
Physiological causes for high ESR do not require any treatment as it is the body’s natural response towards various conditions which causes a slight rise in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. ESR levels under physiological conditions increase slightly and only temporarily.
- Infectious diseases are the commonest pathological cause for high ESR levels.
- ESR and C-reactive protein (CRP) is used to assess disease severity in cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
- High ESR is linked to poor prognosis of cancers such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, renal cell carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and cancer of prostate.
- ESR is known to be a strong marker of atherosclerosis as well as a potential predictor of mortality in cases of coronary artery disease (CAD).
High ESR Treatment In Homeopathy
Unlike other systems of medicine, homeopathy provides an individualistic and a more tailor-made approach to every case, although having the same kind of disease. Therefore, it believes in a holistic approach towards each case rather than treating specific organs or parts of the body.
The homeopathic system of medicine works on the concept of “like cures likeâ€, which is the disease-producing powers of a remedy are its disease curing powers. Know the list of various types of homeopathic medicines for high ESR levels. and high ESR treatment in homeopathy.
Since a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a marker of inflammation as well as autoimmune disorders and malignancy, homeopathy medicine for high ESR will be prescribed solely on the basis of presenting symptoms along with high ESR.
The table below enlists commonly used homeopathic medicines for excess ESR along with indications of relevant signs and symptoms.
| Sr. No. | Homeopathic Remedy | Indications |
| 1. | Aconitum Napellus(Monkshood) | This is the first indicated remedy for acute inflammations, inflammatory fevers, and influenza. Inflammatory conditions which have an acute, sudden, and violent onset with fever. Used for acute inflammatory conditions of serious and mucous membranes only in stages of congestion. Fear, anxiety, and great physical and mental restlessness are hallmarks of this remedy. |
| 2. | Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) | This remedy has an effect on the nervous system producing congestion, nervous excitement, twitching, convulsions, and pain. Heat, redness, throbbing, and burning of affected parts are characteristic of this remedy. Useful for treatment and also preventive against scarlet fever. Belladonna is used when the onset of complaints is violent and sudden associated with hot red skin, flushed face, throbbing carotids, convulsive movements, dryness of mouth and throat with aversion to water. |
| 3. | Bryonia (Wild Hops) | This remedy acts on serous membranes and the organs enclosed within. The general character of pain associated with this remedy is stitching and tearing, worse from motion, and better by absolute rest. This remedy is mostly used for rheumatic pain and swellings; effusions into synovial and serous tissues. All complaints develop gradually. |
| 4. | Ferrum Phosphoricum (Phosphate of iron) | This remedy is indicated for the early stages of febrile conditions in persons who are sensitive and anemic with local congestion. Useful in the first stages of febrile conditions before pathological changes set in. Especially suited to catarrhal affections of the respiratory tract. This homeopathic can be used for ESR control in cases of chest affections and bronchitis. |
| 5. | Iodum (Iodine) | This remedy is used for affections of glandular structures, circulatory, and respiratory systems. Useful for acute exacerbations of chronic inflammation with a prominent action on connective tissues. Frequently indicated for:
|
| 6. | Arsenicum album (Arsenic trioxide) | This homeopathic medicine can be used for affections of every organ or tissue in the body. Characteristic features of this remedy include restlessness, complaints aggravated at night, burning pain, and extreme exhaustion after slight exertion. Indicated for septic infections and malignancy, regardless of location; patients who gradually lose weight due to improper nutrition. |
| 7. | Natrum Nitricum (Nitrate of sodium) | It is a specific remedy for inflammations and other conditions including:
|
| 8. | Colchicum (Meadow saffron) | This medicine has a marked action on muscular tissues, periosteum of bones, and synovial membrane of joints. It is used for chronic affections of bones and joints which may be causing high ESR. The parts affected are red, hot, and swollen with tearing pains worse in the evening and at night. Inflammation of the great toe; gout in heel worse from movement or touch. Pain as of pins and needles in hands and wrists. |
The above table gives only a brief idea about how Homoeopathic remedies for high ESR control are prescribed on the basis of symptom similarity. The homeopathic literature has over 100 remedies that can be used for effective management of high ESR levels.
However, these medicines can only be differentiated by a qualified homeopathic doctor. Therefore, you need to ask your doctor for a homeopathic medicine that suits your individual case.
Author:
Dr. Himanshi Purohit
Dr. Himanshi is a Homeopathic consultant currently working as a lecturer in Post-graduate faculty of Homeopathy, Parul University, Vadodara.
