Aphasia impacts adults and children and is a language disorder.   It is common in adults who have had strokes, clots or other brain injuries. In children, it can be caused by a severe blow to the head or brain infections.

People with aphasia often have trouble finding the right word to use, speaking more than one word or phrase at a time or they may not be able to speak at all. Speech therapy is the most commonly used therapy to help people with aphasia and we wanted to share some other complementary approaches that can be helpful in treating aphasia.

Homeopathic Remedies Can Help

A pilot study indicates that homeopathic remedies - and in particular those made from snake venom were helpful with aphasia and other stroke symptoms. The remedies most often prescribed by homeopaths in this study that had the most impact on patients include: Lachesis, Arnica, Crotalus horridus, Nicotiana tabacum, Phosphorus, Ledum, Gelsemium, Digitalis, or Lathyrus sativus[i].

Homeopaths use the above remedies and explore other remedies not noted in the study to help their patients with aphasia. Some that we have seen used in practice include:

Arnica is noted by homeopaths to help when the aphasia follows immediately after a stroke and is helpful in the early stages.

Gelsemium helps when the tongue feels thick, words come out wrong and responses are slow or there is not an impulse to speak.

Anacardium is helpful when the patient feels as if there is a plug blocking the mouth and the tongue cannot function properly.

Nux vomica – The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that this remedy may be helpful for expressive aphasia.

Other Supplements to Consider

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are known to improve brain health. Increasing omega 3 through diet or supplements is something that should be strongly considered.

Primrose oil also improves brain function. It helps the brain to work efficiently and improves alertness.

Avoid Copper as studies show that many aphasic patients have a higher blood copper level and this may be a contributing factor in slowed recovery. It’s a good idea to have your blood copper levels checked and supplement with zinc if levels are high.