Asthma - Homeopathic cure

The recurrence of asthmatic attacks forms a major disability for the patients. Homeopathic constitutional treatment comes as a proverbial “breath of a fresh air”, resulting in permanent cure. Constitutional treatment is aimed at understanding and prescribing medicines, for the psycho-physiological profile of the patient. Arsenic Album, Natrum Sulph, Bacillinum and Kali Carb are few of the lot used to treat the chronicity of asthma.

Natrum Sulph is one of the most important medicines for treating chronic asthma. It is often asked for treating asthma in children. Dr Kent (a 19th century homeopathic pioneer), in an essay on Natrum Sulph says:”If a child has asthma, give Natrum Sulph as the first remedy”. It is very useful when asthma is hereditary. Often, asthma that gets aggravated in humid weather and dampness, requires Natrum Sulph.

Arsenic Album is beneficial both in the acute phase and the chronic state. It is often indicated when attacks are frequent during night (midnight and after), accompanied with great restlessness and fear of suffocation on lying down.

According to J.H. Clarke (a major homeopath also of the 19th century) an inter-current course of Bacillinum will often make a wonderful change in patients who have a personal or family history of chest infections. Bacillinum, a deep-acting medicine, is required for those patients who are very sensitive to cold, having a personal or family history of tuberculosis.

Many asthmatics can relate the origin to an attack of pneumonia. A few doses of Kali Carb can work wonders for them. Kali Carb is also indicated in asthma attacks that occur early in the morning.

A word of caution: The above-mentioned medicines are deep-acting and should not be used without consulting an experienced homoeopath.

SAMBUCCUS, Nux Vomica, Kali Bichrome and Carbo Veg are a few of the important homeopathic medicines useful in treating chronic asthma.

Sambuccus, according to its prover, Samuel Hahnemann, is one of the remedies for asthma in children when the attacks come on suddenly in the night. The afflicted child turns blue, gasps for breath and seems as if he or she is almost dying. Then the little one goes to sleep and wakes up with another attack. Many such attacks can occur in one night. Another characteristic of this medicine is that the skin becomes entirely dry and there is a burning sensation when he or she falls asleep. The patient breaks into profuse sweat immediately on waking.

Farrington calls Kali Bichrome a “certain remedy” if attacks are after-midnight (from 3 a.m to 4 a.m). Relief is obtained from sitting up and bending forward, and from the expectoration of stringy mucus. It is indicated for attacks that are liable to return in winter. It is also useful in bronchial asthmatic breathing.

Nux Vomica is for difficult breathing associated with a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the stomach, particularly manifested after a major meal. The symptoms are aggravated after the meal, in the morning, and are increased by cold air. Belching provides relief. It is sometimes useful also in difficult breathing arising from gastric disturbance.

Where there is much abdominal irritation present with much flatulence (gas), Carbo Veg should be thought of. Carbo Veg also corresponds to asthma in the aged who are much debilitated and are in search of breath. The problem gets less trouble some after belching wind.

Nux Vomica and Carbo Veg are invaluable in controlling acute asthmatic attacks. Self-medication should be avoided in such chronic disorders. There is no substitute for an expert homoeopath’s advice. .