Blog

One of the main causes of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease around the world is the progressive accumulation of material inside the walls of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Traditional drugs used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia are statins, blood thinners and surgery, but there is also the possibility of complementary treatment; many patients are trying these methods. Of these, the treatment of atherosclerosis with homeopathy has been receiving growing attention for its holistic, individualized and side-effect-minimizing mode of action.

Yet can these little pills of sugar and plant-based dilutions really reverse arterial plaque? Here we’ll examine what homeopathy offers, some of the most frequent remedies used, their suggested modes of action and what you may expect to get from this natural way.

What Is Atherosclerosis? A Quick Overview

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder in which fatty deposits (plaque) build up in the lining of the inner layer of the artery walls, which consist of cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and white blood cells. These deposits will, over time:

• Constrict and harden the arteries of the body.
• Reduce blood supply to vital organs
• Increase the risk of blood clots
• Causes heart attacks, strokes and angina.

High LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, lack of exercise and chronic stress are risk factors. These risk factors are treated with conventional treatments using a combination of pharmaceuticals and lifestyle modifications, but many patients are looking for more gentle, whole body treatments.

The best Homeopathic medicines for atherosclerosis are listed below:

Below are the most commonly indicated remedies in classical & clinical homeopathic practice of atherosclerosis. Such remedies should only be administered by a properly-trained homeopathic doctor.

1. Aurum Metallicum (Gold)

• Most appropriate for patients who have depression, hardening of arteries, and high blood pressure.
• Used for the indications when a strong feeling of chest pressure is present and a tendency toward cardiovascular disease is present
• Prescribed for older patients who are likely to be melancholic and have arterial rigidity. 

2. Baryta Muriatica

• A major treatment for the hardening of the artery walls - called arteriosclerosis. 
• Particularly beneficial for the elderly who suffer from elevated systolic blood pressure.
• Helpful in cases of mental fatigue, poor memory, and headaches caused by the aging of blood vessels.

3. Crataegus Oxyacantha (Hawthorn)

• Homeopathic cardiac tonic; one of the most popular homeopathic medicines.
• Strengthens the heart muscles, increases the flow of blood to the heart, and normalizes blood pressure
• Pleasant to use as a supporting remedy with constitutional treatment.

4. Calcarea Fluorica (Calcium Fluoride)

• Used to harden arteries and connective tissue and reduce their elasticity.
• This is helpful when there is a risk of bone spurs and varicose veins, as well as plaque buildup.
• It is a 'tissue salt' (Schüssler salt), often used in lower potencies to provide structural support.

5. Plumbum Metallicum (Lead)

• Indicated in advanced atherosclerosis accompanied with arterial spasm, constrictive pain and progressive weakness
• Useful when there is a considerable narrowing of vessels and a lack of peripheral circulation.

6. Secale vulgare (Rye)

• Recommended for patients with cold extremities, burning sensations and poor arterial supply of limbs.
• Aperitis used in the treatment of peripheral artery disease, which is associated with atherosclerosis 

7. Strophanthus hispidus

• It is used as a cardiac tonic and is beneficial for weakened heart muscles associated with atherosclerosis.
• Supports myocardial efficiency and is helpful in decreasing arterial tension 

8. Phosphorus

• Recommended for patients with fatty vessel degeneration, easy bruising and increased sensitivity
• Helpful in the presence of atherosclerosis and anemia or liver dysfunction

9. Cholesterinum

• A nosode made with cholesterol itself
• Specifically mentioned if high cholesterol is a major cause of the arterial plaques
• Used as an intercurrent remedy for lipid balance, so often,

10. Adrenalinum (Adrenaline)

• Applicable in the event of chronic stress and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) surges as important factors in vascular damage
• Supports to manage hypertension due to stress, palpitations and arterial constriction. 

Homeopathic treatment for atherosclerosis – what the evidence says.

One must be honest: there are very few large-scale clinical trials of using homeopathy to treat atherosclerosis in particular. Most of the evidence comes from:

• Observational case studies and reports from homeopathic professionals.
• The experimental results of animal and in-vitro experiments on some homeopathic dilutions.
• The proven safe history of homeopathic medications
• Important traditional use (200 years) in cardiac care.

There are some clinical studies of single remedies, such as Crataegus (hawthorn) and Ginkgo biloba (homeopathic formulations) that demonstrate cardiovascular effects. Rigorous, double blind RCTs, however, specifically on homeopathy for atherosclerosis, are still areas where research is needed. In conclusion, homeopathy should be considered as a complementary therapy and not a replacement for proven cardiology treatments. It is never recommended for patients to stop any medication without first talking to their physician.

The following lifestyle steps are recommended in addition to homeopathy.Below are some lifestyle recommendations to accompany homeopathy. 

• Diet: Adopt a heart-healthy diet — rich in leafy greens, whole grains, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Limit saturated fats, trans fats, added sugar and too much salt.
• Exercise: Moderate aerobic activity (e.g. brisk walking, swimming, cycling) is beneficial to circulation and lowers LDL levels when done regularly.
• Stress Management: Arterial inflammation is caused by chronic stress. Homeopathic treatment is complemented by breathing exercises, meditation and yoga.
• Stop Smoking: Smoking is one of the most harsh promoters of arterial plaque buildup – it's a no-brainer; stop smoking.
• Sleep: Good sleep helps your heart repair and regulate hormones.
• Regular Monitoring: Regularly track cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, body weight.

To find the right remedy for you:

Homeopathy is very personalised. Two patients with atherosclerosis can be given different treatments because:

• Their special pattern of symptoms
• Emotional and psychological make-up
• Family history and predispositions
• Other conditions (diabetes, thyroid problems, etc.)
• Factors that make the condition worse and better are called aggravating and ameliorating factors.

When it comes to the constitutional assessment, always seek the advice of a registered homeopathic physician (RHM or BHMS/MD Homeopathy) for a proper constitutional assessment. Self-prescribing of medication can be dangerous for cardiovascular disease.

Homeopathy for Atherosclerosis - Pros & Cons.

Pros	Cons
Minimal to no side effects	Limited large-scale clinical evidence
Holistic, individualized approach	Slow-acting; not suitable for acute crises
Addresses root causes	Requires skilled practitioner
Can be used alongside conventional care	Results vary by individual
Affordable and accessible	Not a replacement for emergency cardiac care

Q1. Is it possible to actually decrease arterial plaque with homeopathy treatment for atherosclerosis?

Homeopathy does not have a proven effect on actually removing the atherosclerotic plaque from the artery such as surgery does. It might possibly contribute to a slower growth of plaque, better vascular health, control of cholesterol and blood pressure levels and aid overall circulatory health with individual constitutional treatment, however.

Q2. What are the time frame for the results of homeopathic therapy for atherosclerosis?

Homeopathy is a slow and deep acting system. Symptoms also include fatigue, breathlessness and chest heaviness, which are usually improved within 3-6 months of regular treatment. The changes in cholesterol or blood pressure can take 6-12 months. It is important to be patient and to follow-up regularly with your homeopath.

Q3. Is it safe to take homeopathic medicines along with statins or blood pressure medications?

Yes, in most cases homeopathic medicines can be used concurrently with conventional medicines as they are energetically active and will not produce pharmacological drug interactions. Always notify your cardiologist and homeopath of all medications that you are taking, however.

Q4. What's the best homeopathic medicine for high cholesterol that leads to atherosclerosis?

Cholesterinum is a drug which is particularly recommended for arterial disease caused by the high level of cholesterol. Other minerals that are frequently used include Aurum Metallicum, Baryta Muriatica and Calcarea Fluorica. Diagnosing the appropriate remedy will depend on your full symptom profile and is only possible by a trained practitioner of homeopathy.

Q5. Does homeopathy treat chest pain, shortness of breath due to atherosclerosis?

Yes, remedies are classically used for cardiac symptoms such as those of the chest tightness, palpitations and breathlessness include remedies such as Crataegus, Strophanthus and Cactus Grandiflorus. They are only suitable for use in a professional setting, and must not be used in any way as a substitute for emergency medical treatment.

Q6. Does the use of homeopathy help the elderly patient with atherosclerosis?

Absolutely. Other remedies such as Baryta Muriatica and Baryta Carbonica are very appropriate for elderly patients with vascular changes associated with old age. Homeopathy is very gentle and non-toxic and is especially suitable for older adults, who can sometimes be sensitive to the side effects of conventional drugs.

Q7. Is homeopathy suitable for kids and young people with familial hypercholesterolemia?

Yes. Constitutional homeopathy can be extremely beneficial in the presence of familial hyperlipidaemia and early arterial disease. Depending on the constitutional type, remedies are indicated in younger patients such as Sulphur, Lycopodium and Natrum Muriaticum.

Q8. In homeopathy does diet play any role when the treatment is given for atherosclerosis?

No matter what approach is used for treating atherosclerosis, diet is an important factor in its management. A healthy diet will complement the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies. Some homeopaths advise that the treatment period should be free of coffee, menthol and camphor as they are thought to be antidotes to the remedies.

Q9. In which place can I get an expert homeopathic doctor to treat atherosclerosis in India?

Look for BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) or MD (Homeopathy) degree holders who are registered with the Central Council of Homeopathy (CCH) or State Homeopathic Councils in India. It's also better to pick a reputed homeopathic hospital and government homeopathic dispensaries.

Q10. Are the effects of homeopathy treatment for atherosclerosis scientifically proven?

Homeopathy is clinically used for a long time and there are several RCTs for individual homeopathic remedies, such as hawthorn, but no large-scale RCTs exist specifically with regard to homeopathy for atherosclerosis. It should be used as an adjunctive therapy to — not a replacement for cardiovascular evidence-based treatment.