Edema, also known as dropsy and fluid retention, refers to fluid retention in the tissues of the body. It usually affects legs, feet and ankles, but other parts of the body can also be affected, such as hands, face, eyelids, etc.
Edema can be of the pitting type (when a swollen part of the body becomes dimpled after pressing on it) or the non-pitting type. In the case of pitting edema when pressure is applied to the affected swollen area, the indentation remains for some time after the pressure is released. In non-pitting edema, the notching disappears immediately after pressure is released. Edema causes swelling and puffiness in the affected part. The skin above looks shiny and stretched. Heaviness and pain in the affected area may also occur, as well as decreased urination.
Edema is given different names depending on the body part affected. When edema affects the feet, legs and hands, it is called peripheral edema. When it affects the area around the eyes, it is called periorbital edema. Edema that affects the brain is cerebral edema. Edema that occurs in the lungs is known as pulmonary edema. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space is pleural effusion. Another form of it is lymphedema which occurs due to improper functioning of the lymphatic system that hinders the normal drainage of interstitial fluid. Swelling of the macula (part of the eye) refers to macular edema. It occurs as a complication of diabetic retinopathy.
Edema can simply result from excessive salt intake, sitting or standing in one place for a long time, before menstruation occurs as part of PMS (premenstrual syndrome which refers to a set of symptoms felt several days before the onset of menstruation), lack of protein in the diet for a long time and obesity. It can also occur during pregnancy. Taking some medications can also lead to edema, such as high blood pressure medications, steroid medications, estrogen, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Insect bites can be another cause. In other cases, edema is usually the result of underlying medical conditions, some of which can be serious. The first condition is some kind of obstruction in the normal functioning of the lymphatic system that normally helps drain extra fluid from the tissues. Damage to the lymph nodes can lead to this. The next condition is varicose veins which occur due to damage to the valves of veins in the legs, causing blood to pool in the legs and leading to swelling. Another cause may be dermatitis (skin inflammation with redness, dryness, itching and in some cases fluid-filled eruptions, such as blisters). In addition, some serious causes include DVT (deep vein thrombosis which refers to a blood clot in deep veins/veins of the body, usually in the legs, which can cause swelling and pain in the leg), severe allergic reaction, kidney damage, congestive heart failure . liver damage and some cancers.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy is very useful in treating cases of edema. It helps to manage this complaint naturally with the use of natural medicines so that you do not have to worry about the side effects. The most appropriate homeopathic medicine is prescribed symptomatically for each individual case individually after a detailed case evaluation. It is advisable to have each case assessed by a homeopath and use medications under the supervision of a doctor. Self-medication should not be practiced at all. In some cases, edema can be the result of serious health problems such as heart problems, liver/kidney damage and DVT. One should therefore always consult a doctor to rule out the cause and follow appropriate treatment. Homeopathy is only recommended in mild cases without any serious cause. In case edema is related to serious causes, immediate relief through the conventional mode of treatment should be followed as homeopathy has its limits in helping recover severe cases.
Homeopathic medicines for edema
1. Apis Mellifica – Top medicine
Apis Mellifica is one of the best homeopathic medicines to treat edema. The most characteristic feature of using this medicine is puffiness in various parts of the body, accompanied by redness and stabbing pain. The affected parts are also painful to the touch. Unbearable heat is felt on the affected part. It provides great help in controlling edema of the legs, feet and ankles. The legs and feet look waxy and pale.
It is very effective to treat bags around the eyes. This also makes the skin of the eyelids feel tight. Stiffness is also felt in the eyelids. An accompanying feature is a burning sensation. Apis Mellifica is also useful in treating facial bags, which can appear pale and waxy. Another sign for its use is swelling of the hands. There is also warmth and redness on the hands. When pressure is applied to the hands, white spots appear and gradually disappear. It is also the best medicine to control the swelling that occurs after insect bites and stings.
2. Rhus Tox – For edema of the eyelids
This medicine is suitable for the treatment of edema of the eyelids. Those who need it show symptoms of red eyelids and hot tears flowing from the eyes. Sometimes yellow mucous discharge from the eyes may occur. Subsequently, there may be burning pain in the eye and in some cases also problems opening the eyelids. Redness of the face may be a presenting factor. In addition to the above, this medicine is administered when there is redness on the skin with blisters (small fluid-filled eruptions) with edema.
3. Arsenic album – for swollen face, eyelids, feet and legs
Arsenic Album is a very useful drug for the treatment of edema of the face and eyelids. Those who need it have swollen eyelids. Initially, swelling occurs on the upper eyelid, followed by the lower eyelid. Subsequently, it is useful for edema of the feet and legs. In addition to swelling, a burning sensation is felt on the feet. The feet look shiny with reddish spots. Excessive weakness is also visible.
4. Acetic Acid – For edema associated with excessive thirst
Acetic acid is a well indicated drug for the treatment of edema with excessive thirst for water. This medicine is especially indicated for controlling swelling of the legs. The skin looks pale and waxy with swelling. This medicine is also indicated for edema of the legs, feet or arms associated with anemia. There is excessive weakness when this medicine is needed. This medicine is also very effective in controlling the swelling associated with varicose veins.
5. Lycopodium – For edema of the legs with oozing watery fluid
This medicine is administered for edema of the legs accompanied by oozing of watery fluid from the same places. There are ulcers on the legs. These are accompanied by itching and burning sensations. This gets worse at night. Tearing pain in the legs is also an accompanying factor. Edema of the feet may also be present. In addition, there is a burning sensation on the soles. There is excessive sweating with a foul odor on the feet. The feet may be painful.
6. Pulsatilla – To control swelling of the legs in varicose/inflamed veins
This medicine is very valuable in the treatment of swelling of the legs due to varicose veins and inflamed veins. Those who require this show swelling in the legs and thighs. There is difficulty moving the legs. In addition, there is also dull pain in the legs. The feet are also swollen. There is also redness of the feet. The feet feel heavy. A burning kind of pain and pulling sensation is felt on the feet. There is an urge to stretch your feet while sitting. A tingling sensation while standing may also be felt. This may improve as one begins to walk.