Homeopathic treatment for Insomnia (sleeplessness)
Homeopathy is considered as an alternative medicine practice compared to modern (allopathy) practice. The concept of homeopathy relates to pseudoscience wherein the treatment of an illness is not part of a scientific rationale but the normal recovery of the person. Homeopathy was first introduced by Samuel Hahnemann in 1796 and has been used since then as an alternative treatment for many acute and chronic illnesses. Some researchers suggest that homeopathic medications or agents act like placebo in terms of modern medicine, wherein the recovery or cure of the illness is not due to the medication itself but part of the normal recovery process of the human body (Haresnape, 2013). Homeopathy has been well-known and recognized for 200 years and based on 3 core principles: (a) Similarity law: There are many edible substances derived from plants and animals that could cause specific symptoms in a healthy individual. However, it these substances are administered in sub-molecular levels (homeopathic doses) to a diseased individual, they could have a curative effect (b) Individualized treatment: The physician should recognize the symptoms of the patient keeping in mind the personality of the individual and that the symptoms are unique and (c) Minimal dose-law: Most of the derived substances are used in diluted form. Non-diluted substances can be toxic to the body providing minimal efficacy but higher risk. Thus, lower the dose administered better is the outcome (Calina, et al. 2014). Although many healthcare professionals have supported homeopathy for its curative effect, many researchers have stated that homeopathy could be harmful and life-threatening effects for certain acute and chronic diseases (Posadzki & Ernst 2013). In a recent systematic review, a team of researchers stated that homeopathy may be considered as an alternative treatment for insomnia. However, more scientific research needs to validate its clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness (Cooper & Relton 2010). This paper provides an overview of Arsenicum Album and Aconitum Napellus for the treatment of insomnia.
Arsenicum Album for insomnia
Homeopathy is considered as an alternative treatment for insomnia. Arsenicum Album in the field of homeopathy is a solution that is made up of aqueous arsenic trioxide (dilution). The solution is diluted until there is little or no arsenic left. The solution is used by many homeopaths around the globe to treat symptoms of various acute and chronic illnesses. The solution of Arsenicum Album is prepared under the homeopathic principle, i.e. the law of similars, wherein it had been applied to treat arsenic poisoning (Khuda-Bukhsh, et al. 2011). Arsenicum Album is one of the 15th most common agents used in Homeopathy and that is has been used to treat many acute conditions, wherein the symptoms are common in the same body shape/personality type. It is mainly used to treat anxiety, digestive disorders, symptomatic burning pain, and mucosal inflammation. Since most patients with insomnia may have symptoms of anxiety, Arsenicum Album is not used to treat insomnia but manage anxiety in such patients thus have a curative effect (Oberbaum Schreiber, Rosenthal, & Itzchaki. 2003).
There is limited literature on the use of Arsenicum Album for the management of sleeplessness. However, based on a review of literature, a few researchers and healthcare organizations have supported the use of Arsenicum Album for treatment of Insomia. In Patients with insomnia at night due to anxiety and fear, Arsenicum Album can be used as an alternative treatment (University of Maryland. 2016). Other options include Aconitum, Argentum nitricum, and Kali phosphoricum. In patients who have insomnia but experience restlessness, thirst, and chills, the use of Arsenicum Album is recommended (University of Maryland. 2016). In patients who find it difficult to sleep due to their anxiety problem and the psychological need for the brain to organize everything before sleep, the use of Arsenicum Album is highly recommended. The use of Arsenicum Album is common among insomnia patients who have co-existing conditions such as anxiety, restlessness, and chills (British Homeopathic Association. 2016).
Aconitum Napellus for insomnia
Aconitum napellus is also referred to as aconite or monk’s hood. It is a plant species with distinct flowers and falls under the genus Aconitum (Family Ranunculaceae,). The plant species is most common in Europe, and is native to both central and western Europe. It is a perennial plant which grows to about 3foot or 1 metre in height with distinct leaves and hairless stems. The leaves have an average diameter of 5 to 10 cm and are separated into 5 or 7 lobed segments palmately. The flowers have a dark distinct bluish-purple colour and have a helmet or oblong shape. They are often 1 to 2 cm in diameter. There is a separate species of the plan that are native to North America and Asia and are known as A. napellus. The plant has a well-known history for its use in homeopathy medicine. Aconite has been used for the treatment and management of acute winter illnesses and allergies such as cough, cold, sore throat, flu, fever, and chills. It has been primarily used by homeopaths as the first-line treatment for acute health issues due to weather changes.
In terms of insomnia or sleeplessness, some researchers have used Aconitum napellus to treat the symptoms such as anxiety, distress, and fear for curative effect. It has medicinal properties to control these symptoms which may have a long-term beneficial effect on patients with insomnia (British Homeopathic Association. 2016). There is key evidence for the use of Aconitum napellus for mental and physical restlessness. It has primary use in controlling mind and soul symptoms such as anxiety and fright that may in turn help patients with sleep disorders such as insomnia (Boericke. 1999). Aconitum napellus is useful for people with sleep ailments such as restless sleep, nightmare, night ravings, sleeplessness, anxiety, and insomnia among the aged (Webhomeopath. 2016). A researcher has also stated that Aconitum napellus should be used for people with insomnia accompanied with restless sleep and/or anxious dream (MacLennan. 2012).
Scope for further research
Many researchers and healthcare professionals believe in homeopathy since it not only has a curative effect for most acute and chronic illnesses but the limited side-effects and potency to have clinical benefits makes it an ideal alternative medicine. The US FDA does not approve most of the homeopathic ingredients due to poor clinical studies, research, and scientific rationale. There is limited clinical data or scientific evidence to prove that most of the homeopathic medicines are clinical safe and efficacious. In a recent study, a team of researchers have provided key insights on how the US FDA has developed stringent regulations for the development of homeopathic drugs due to large number of safety risks reported by patients and healthcare professional (Barlas 2015). In terms of Arsenicum Album and Aconitum Napellus, both are well-known drugs in homeopathy and have been used for many acute and chronic ailments such as anxiety, stress, and sleeplessness. There is little evidence on the safety and efficacy of these two agents in treatment and management of insomnia. Some researchers and homeopaths believe in the principle of similarity law, wherein minimal doses of these drugs may have curative effects for certain symptoms. However, there is need to prove the effects through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) or a large-scale cohort study.
Conclusion
In a recent systematic review to assess the safety and efficacy of homeopathy for insomnia, researchers state that there is limited evidence. There is a need for evidence from RCTs to prove or depict how homeopathy can be a promising alternative treatment for insomnia (Ernst 2011).
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