An oedema, which can be acute or chronic, is an abnormal accumulation of fluid beneath the skin or in one or more cavities of the body and that affects skin tissues and mucous membranes. An acute oedema can result from an allergy caused by an insect bite, while a chronic oedema is due to a dysfunction of the body. Certain conditions such as ankle oedema come in the form of painful swelling and, in most cases, a trace left by finger pressure does not immediately disappear. This type of oedema may be of circulatory, cardiac or metabolic origin. Furthermore, it should be noted that varicose veins and phlebitis may also cause swelling in the ankles.
An oedema manifests itself by a swelling beneath the skin that is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the cells. In some cases it may also reach internal organs like the brain or lungs, while in other cases it can affect external organs such as the eyelids. There are several types of oedemas, including medication-induced oedema, a disorder caused by the prolonged use of arsenic-based drugs, and lung oedema, a disorder due to the infiltration of fluid in lung tissue.
Accompanied by itching, pain, pus, and visual disorders, an ocular oedema may be treated with three granules of Conium Maculatum 5 CH, to be taken three times a day. If it is accompanied by an ocular dryness, itching, headaches and dizziness, it is then recommended to administer three granules of Cyclamen Europaeum 5 CH to the patient three times a day. In case of allergic oedema caused by an insect bite or inflammatory oedema caused by a fall or a blow, it is preferable to opt for Apis mellifica 15 CH, of which 5 granules need to be taken as often as necessary. The same remedy can also be used in case of acute oedema or inflammatory joint oedema, in which case 5 granules of the remedy need to be taken every 10 to 15 minutes. For better efficiency, it is possible to use remedies like Urtica urens 4 CH or Kalium iodatum 4 CH in combination with the above-cited treatment. Regarding the case of chronic oedema, it is recommended not to exceed 4 intakes per day.
Some oedemas, notably those occurring at the ankles, may indicate serious diseases such as kidney failure or liver cirrhosis. In such cases, a medical consultation is required. Furthermore, it is imperative to consult a doctor without delay in case of pulmonary oedema combined to a state of respiratory distress.
• Apis Mellifica
• Congestive heart failure
• Chronic kidney failure
Good to know: Squilla maritima is a homoeopathic remedy that can be used to treat upper eyelid oedemas. It helps to alleviate irritant flow and cold sensations that affect the eyes.