Dr. Vikas Sharma MD, Author at Homeopathy at DrHomeo.com

Relieving Heat Headache With Homeopathy

Headaches can get triggered from a number of reasons, heat being one of them. Heat tends to be a common trigger for migraine in many cases. Hot weather, too much sun exposure, overheated body from physical exertion, doing exercise in heat can bring a headache episode. Heat headache usually occurs on both sides of the head. In case of migraine from heat, one-sided headache occurs along with nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound.

The exact reason why heat triggers headache is not clear yet but it is thought that heat exposure for extended time periods tends to activate neurons involved in regulation of temperature in hypothalamus of the brain. It tends to trigger a headache. The headache from heat may in real be arising due to dehydration (condition arising when more fluid is lost from body than what is taken in). Dehydration narrows blood vessels that could trigger headache. Heat headache may also be a part of heat exhaustion or heat stroke from being overheated. Symptoms other than headache in case of heat exhaustion are excessive sweating, dizziness, pale skin, nausea, vomiting, fast/weak pulse, muscle cramps, weakness. Heat exhaustion is an emergency and should be treated immediately. If not treated, it may lead to heat stroke which can turn fatal (its symptoms are throbbing headache, body temperature above 103 degrees, confusion, fast heartbeat, fits, loss of consciousness).

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathy carries great scope in treating headache caused by different reasons including that of heat. Homeopathic medicines help in relieving acute episodes of heat headache quite effectively. They work magnificently in overcoming heat headache, migraine from heat and headache that occurs regularly in hot weather or summer in people sensitive to heat. Homeopathic medicines help in gradually reducing the intensity and frequency of such headaches. The most suitable homeopathic medicine for treating headache due to heat is selected after detailed analysis of individual case. The best part of opting homeopathy is that homeopathic medicines work in the most natural way and there are no side effects of these medicines.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Headache Due To Heat

There is a long list of homeopathic medicines for treating headache due to heat. Among them, Natrum Mur, Glonoine, Natrum Carb, Belladonna and Lachesis are the top-recommended medicines.

1. Natrum Mur – Top Grade Medicine

Natrum Mur tops the list of homeopathic medicines for heat headache. It works best when headache gets triggered from exposure to the heat of sun. It is a leading medicine for headache from sunrise to sunset. It means the headache starts with the rising sun in morning, gradually keeps increasing as day goes by, reaches peak (worst) at noon and after that gradually starts decreasing and finally goes after sunset in evening. Those needing it have headache in forehead, over the eyes and on the top of head (vertex). They feel as if thousands of hammers are knocking on the head. Along with headache, disturbance in vision may be felt. Sensitivity to bright light may also occur.

2. Glonoine – From Heat Of Sun

Like Natrum Mur, Glonoine is also well indicated for managing headache that triggers from heat of sun. It works well for throbbing (to beat or pulsate with force and rapidity) of pain in the head. The head feels congested as if excessive blood has rushed to the head and it feels as if the head would burst. Head feels very large. Eyes appear as if protruding out from eye sockets. Nausea and vomiting may accompany headache. Flushes of heat are felt in the head and face. A weight sensation is also felt at top of the head. The pain gets worse from shaking head and walking. Relief in headache occurs after sleeping. In cases where headache remains throughout the summer, Glonoine is the best choice of medicine to overcome this tendency.

3. Natrum Carb – For Headache In Hot Weather And From Heat Of Sun

This medicine works well for headache that occurs in hot weather and from exposure to sun’s heat. In cases needing it, the pain is felt in the forehead, sides of head and top of head. At times, pain starts in the back of head and extends there from to the top of the head. The pain can be tearing or stitching type. Turning the head suddenly worsens pain. Headache is attended with dimness of sight. Nausea can also occur. Head feels too large and excessive weakness may be felt.

4. Belladonna – For Throbbing Pulsating Pain

Belladona is the most important medicine to help cases of throbbing, pulsating (to beat or pulsate with force and rapidity) type of pain in head. There is marked heat and redness of face. The pain is felt in forehead, sides of head, back of head but is most intense on the sides of the head. The pain worsens from light, noise, eye movement and stooping. There is relief by pressing the head with hands or binding tightly with a cloth. A feeling of fullness and pressure is felt in the head.

5. Lachesis – For Left-Sided Headache

Lachesis is prominently indicated for left-sided headache. Pain is felt in the entire left side of the head. There is dim vision or flickering (shining with fluctuating light) in front of the eyes. It is attended with nausea. In cases needing Lachesis, head feels heavy and feels as if it would burst. A burning sensation on top of head (vertex) is a characteristic feature. Lachesis can also be used for pain on the sides of head especially that worsens from applying pressure on the head and from movement.

6. Lycopodium – For Right-Sided Headache

This medicine is suitable for right-sided headache. The pain is usually tearing or stitching type. The pain extends down the neck from the right side of the head. It gets worse from movement and is relieved by lying down. This medicine is also indicated for headache from getting warm in bed or getting warm while walking. There may be relief in cold air.

7. Gelsemium – For Pain In Back Of Head To Forehead

This medicine is recommended when pain begins from the back of head and extends to forehead. A bursting sensation occurs in forehead and eyeballs. A sensation of a band around the head is also prominent. Along with headache, there may occur dimness of vision or double vision. There is relief in pain by pressing the head or lying down with the level of head kept high with pillows underneath the head. This medicine is also useful for pain in the forehead above the eyes. Headache can be accompanied with neck pain and dizziness.

8. Carbo Veg – From Being Overheated

Carbo Veg is a good choice of medicine when headache follows after head is overheated. Headache and pressure is felt usually in forehead above the eyes. Watering from eyes may occur. Along with pain, vertigo may also be present. The head feels empty along with burning sensation. At times, an electric shock type sensation is also felt in the head. Head feels constricted. Nausea sometimes appears along with pain. Carbo Veg is also well indicated when headache occurs from being in an overheated room.

9. Veratrum Album – With Nausea And Vomiting

This medicine is helpful for headache attended with nausea and vomiting. A feeling of ice block on top of head is felt. A unique attending symptom is cold sweat on forehead. Pressure is felt over the top of head. Excessive weakness may occur along with headache.

10. Bryonia – When Headache Worsens From Movement

This medicine is beneficial when headache gets worse from movement. Even movement of eyes worsens the pain. There is relief by closing the eyes and pressing the head with hands. Pain is mostly felt in the forehead and the back of the head. Pain from the back of the head may radiate to shoulders. The scalp is sensitive to touch.

Homeopathic medicines to deal with hard stool

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1 Comment

Hard stool is a very common problem. It mainly tends to arise when stool moves very slowly through the large intestine (colon). In the colon, the water is normally absorbed from the stool and when the stool passes slowly in the colon, it results in more water being absorbed from the stool. It leads to dry, hard stool that can be painful to pass. Certain lifestyle factors like the diet of a person (low fiber content diet), lack of physical activity, decreased fluid intake and ignoring the urge to pass stool also contribute to it. It may also arise from the use of certain medicines like iron supplements, calcium channel blockers and some medicines used for the treatment of depression.

In some cases, hard stools may arise from medical conditions. First, among them is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) that refers to a functional disorder of the large intestine characterized by altered bowel movements (diarrhoea or constipation or alternation between these two), stomach cramps and bloating. Second is hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Others include celiac disease (disease in which eating gluten – a protein found in wheat, rye, barley – damages the small intestine of the persons suffering from this disease due to an autoimmune response), intestinal obstruction and diabetes. Hard stool may cause pain when passing stool, pain in the abdomen, bloating, straining to expel stool and bleeding with stool. Hard stool can lead to some complications like anal fissures (cuts/crack in the lining of anus), piles (swollen, dilated, inflamed veins around the anus and in the lower rectum), intestinal blockage and rectal prolapse (pushing out of rectum out of the anus respectively).

Homeopathic treatment to help soften hard stool

Homeopathic remedies can be really helpful to soften stool and aid its easy passage from the anus. Homeopathic medicines work naturally to regularise bowel movements and make stool soft. They also help to manage any pain, bleeding or burning sensation if it is due to passing of hard stool. These also play a great role in managing complaints of anal fissure and piles that can occur from hard stool in many cases. Homeopathic medicines are suitable to persons of all age groups without any side effects.

Top Homeopathic medicines for relieving hard stool

1. Bryonia – Top Grade Medicine

Bryonia is the top recommended medicine to help soften stool making it easier to pass. It is indicated for cases where stool is very hard, dry and large. The stool appears as if burnt. Stool is passed with much straining efforts. There may occur prolapse of the rectum with the passage of stool in some cases. Pain may be felt in the abdomen. Burning sensation at the anus appears while passing stool.

2. Nux Vomica – With Ineffectual Urge To Pass Stool

This medicine is the best choice when stool is hard along with an ineffectual urge to pass stool. Those needing it have a constant urge to pass stool. They pass little stool at a time unsatisfactorily. There is always a sensation as if some stool has remained behind even after passing hard stool multiple times. The stool is often blood streaked in many cases. Sharp pain in the rectum can attend passage of stool. Nux Vomica is a leading medicine to manage piles along with hard constipated stool. Nux Vomica will help to make stool soft, manage pain and also heal piles if present.

3. Alumen – For Dry Hard Stool

Alumen works effectively in softening the stool. This medicine is used when the stool is very dry and hard. It may be a large lump or passed in the form of small pieces. Blood can pass along with stool in many cases. Pain in the rectum occurs with passing stool. The pain may even continue after passing stool.

4. Opium – When Stool Pass In Form Of Dry, Hard, Round Balls

Opium is the best medicine for cases where stool passes in the form of dry, hard and round balls. The desire to pass stool may be absent for many days together. The person may have a feeling as if the anus is closed. The stool passes with much difficulty. The stool may protrude from anal opening but recede back. At times even gas is passed with great difficulty from the anus.

5. Alumina – When Stool Does Not Pass Daily

Alumina is highly useful when stool does not pass daily and becomes dry and hard as a result. Persons needing it lack the urge to pass stool for many days together until large amount of stool gets accumulated in the intestines. When stool is ultimately passed, it is hard and dry that requires great straining. Stool may be covered with mucus sometimes. Blood may pass after stool. After passing stool, pressure is felt in the rectum along with cutting pain. Though this medicine can be given to persons of any age group, it is most frequently recommended for babies and elderly people. Alumina will help to regularize bowel movements so that stool is passed daily and becomes soft.

6. Nitric Acid – Hard Stool With Pain

Nitric Acid is the most helpful when there is pain along with hard stool. Great amount of straining is involved but only a little stool passes at a time. There is always a sensation as if some stool remained in the rectum that could not be expelled. Intense pain is felt in the anus during and also after passing stool. The pain is splinter-like or cutting in nature. It is one of the best medicines when there is hard stool along with anal fissure.

7. Natrum Mur – Hard Stool With Bleeding

This medicine is recommended for hard stool accompanied with anal bleeding. It is suitable when stool is dry, hard, crumbling and is followed by anal bleeding. Burning and stitching pain also occurs in the rectum. Itching may be felt, the stool may pass on alternate days in those needing this remedy.

8. Ratanhia – Hard Stool With Cuts / Cracks In Lining Of Anus

Ratanhia is highly effective for treating hard stool and cuts in the anus (anal fissure). In cases needing it, the stool is hard that is passed with straining. Intense pain and burning in anus is felt while passing stool. It may remain for several hours after passing stool. Besides, there may occur anal pain as from pieces of broken glass in the anus. Ratanhia will make stool soft and also heal the cracks in the anus wonderfully.

9. Aesculus – With Piles

This medicine works magnificently in cases where piles occur with dry, hard stool. In cases requiring it the stool is hard, dry, knotted which is evacuated with much difficulty. After passing stool, severe pain is felt in the anus. This pain can last for long hours after passing stool. The pain can be cutting or burning type. Pain is felt in the lower abdomen, along with a sense of fullness in the rectum. There is also a typical sensation as if rectum is full of small sticks.

10. Lycopodium – With Bloated Abdomen

This medicine is well indicated for hard stool with bloated abdomen. The burning in anus is felt during and after passing stool. There is marked bloating of abdomen which worsens after eating. There may occur noisy gas passage from anus.

11. Calcarea Carb – When First Part Of Stool Is Hard Followed By Soft

This medicine suits well when the first part of the stool is hard followed by a soft one. During passing of stool, burning and tearing pain is felt in the rectum which feels constricted. A feeling of heaviness is also present in the rectum.

12. Sulphur – With Burning, Itching After Stool

Sulphur is recommended when there is burning and itching sensation after passing stool. The stool is hard, dry and knotty. Stinging pain and soreness is felt at the anus. In some cases, the prolapse of rectum may occur after passage of constipated stool. Bad smelling gas may pass from anus.

Blocked Nose troubling you at Night? Simple Homeopathic remedies will bring relief

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 10 Comments

Blocked nose at night can be quite uncomfortable and disturb a good night’s sleep. It can be caused by different reasons like flu, cold, allergies, polyps, etc. It is not that these conditions do not block the nose during the day, but while we lie down on the bed at night, the blockage of nose can worsen due to some reasons. Firstly, on lying down blood flow to the head increases which can lead to swollen blood vessels in nostrils that worsens stuffy nose. Secondly, lying flat on the bed at night in a person already having a stuffy nose might worsen the complaint. In the day, when standing or sitting, the mucus keeps draining out from natural gravity pull.

But when lying flat in bed the body has to work against gravity and it becomes difficult for the sinus fluids to drain from nose. As a result fluid builds up in the nose that increases stuffiness. Another reason for blocked nose can be dry air in the room at night. To combat the dryness, nostrils may produce extra mucus to moisten nostrils which further add to the blockage. Blocked nose can be attended with symptoms like sneezing, nasal discharge, nasal irritation, post nasal discharge (PND), snoring, headache, sleep apnea (a sleep disorder in which momentary pauses in breathing occurs several times during sleep) depending on the cause behind it.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can be of great help to relieve blocked nose at night. Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that help in clearing stuffy nose by treating the root cause behind it. Once the root cause is targeted, long term relief in blocked nose follows. The most suitable medicine is selected after taking into consideration the individual symptoms and the cause behind the blockage.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Blocked Nose At Night

1. Ammonium Carb – Top Grade Medicine

It is one of the best medicines for managing nasal blockage at night. It is very suitable for those who have to breathe through the mouth due to blocked nose at night. They may wake up several times from sleep due to nasal stuffiness and difficult breathing. Other symptoms that they may exhibit include profuse watery discharge from nose and a constant urge to sneeze. A very characteristic feature that can occur is nasal bleeding when washing face and hands in the morning.

2. Lemna Minor – With Nasal Polyps Or Turbinate Hypertrophy

Turbinate Hypertrophy

It is a highly recommended medicine for blocked nose from nasal polyps or turbinate hypertrophy. In cases needing it, nostrils feel stuffed causing difficulty in breathing through the nose. A foul smell from nose may emanate. There may also occur nasal discharge which is thick, yellow or white and sticky in nature.

3. Teucrium – From Nasal Polyps

This medicine is suitable to relieve blocked nose from polyps. In cases needing it, the side on which the sufferer lies down gets blocked means lying on right side causes blockage of right nostril and lying on left side results in blockage of left nostril. There may be loss of smell. Lastly, crawling sensation in the nostrils along with sneezing, nasal discharge and watering from eyes may be present.

4. Sambucus – Blocked Nose In Children

Sambucus is the top-listed medicine to help cases of blocked nose in children. It works well both in cases of blockage due to nasal dryness as well as blockage from nasal discharge. In case of discharge from nose, the secretions are mostly thick and sticky. Children needing it have trouble breathing through the nose. They wake up several times at night from a feeling of suffocation.

5. Calcarea carb – For Stuffed Nose With Yellow Discharge

This medicine is beneficial when nasal stuffiness occurs along with yellow nasal discharge. The person needing it can hardly breathe through the nose at night. Besides, there is an offensive smell in the nose. A tendency to suffer from frequent cold from exposure to cold air may be present in those needing it.

6. Hepar Sulph – Stuffy Nose In Case Of Cold

This medicine is very effective to relieve stuffy nose from cold. Those needing it have watery nasal discharge or sometimes yellow sticky matter discharge from nose. In some cases, the nasal discharge may be blood stained. There is a desire to blow the nose continuously. Itching is felt in the nostrils along with sneezing. The nostrils feel painful with marked pain at the root of the nose. Burning sensation is felt in the nose. The nose is also sensitive to touch and also cold air.

7. Natrum Mur – In Case Of Allergies

This medicine can be used in case of blocked nose linked with nasal allergies. In cases needing it, nasal blockage and fluent nasal discharge occur alternately. The discharge is of clear white fluid. There is excessive sneezing, besides soreness inside the nose along with burning sensation. There may be loss of smell and taste.

8. Kali Bichrome – In Sinusitis Cases

This medicine works well in case of nasal blockage linked to sinusitis. Persons needing it have a constant sensation as if the nose is blocked. There is thick, sticky, ropy yellow or greenish discharge from nose. Mucus plugs or hard crusts in the nostrils may get formed in the nose. When these crusts are blown out by force, blood is seen at the edges of crusts. Post nasal discharge also occurs prominently. A pressure or tightness is felt at the root of the nose. A fetid smell is present in the nose. Pain in forehead is quite marked along with above symptoms.

9. Sticta – With Nasal Dryness

Sticta is well indicated when there is marked nasal dryness with blocked nose. Persons needing it feels like blowing the nose constantly but no discharge flows. The stuffed nose causes sleeplessness. There is relief in nasal blockage in the morning and in open air. The nostrils are painful along with dryness. The nasal secretions dry up quickly and form scabs which are difficult to expel. There is excessive sneezing, and frontal headache along with stuffiness in the nose.

10. Agraphis Nutans – From Enlarged Adenoids

It is the most prominent medicine to help cases of nasal blockage due to enlarged adenoids. In cases needing it, there is difficulty in sleeping from blocked nose. Tonsils may get enlarged. There is a tendency to catch cold easily from exposure to cold winds.

11. Lycopodium – For Blocked Nose With Mouth Breathing

This medicine is valuable to manage cases in which nasal blockage is accompanied with mouth breathing. It is highly useful for nasal blockage in children. The child needing it wakes up suddenly from sleep rubbing the nose. There may occur nasal discharge, along with red, watery eyes. The nasal discharge is thick yellow along with frontal headache.

12. Nux Vomica – For Blocked Nose At Night And Nasal Discharge In Daytime

This medicine is suitable when the nose is blocked at night but in daytime, nasal discharge flows. There is blockage of the nose on alternate sides. A crawling sensation is felt in the nose, besides sneezing. There is oversensitivity to smell. Snoring along with nasal blockage is also there.

What Are The Causes Of Blocked Nose At Night?

1. Cold, flu: It is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, sinuses, larynx)

2. Nasal polyps: These are soft non-cancerous growths arising from the mucous membrane of the nose or paranasal sinuses.

3. Turbinate hypertrophy: Swelling or enlargement of small sausage shaped structures (made up of bone and covered with soft tissue called mucosa) located within the nose.

4. Deviated nasal septum (DNS): Condition where thin wall separating right and left nasal passage is displaced to one side.

5. Enlarged adenoids: Enlargement of lymphoid tissue present at the back of nose (nasopharynx).

6. Sinusitis: Inflammation of any of the paranasal sinuses i.e. air-filled cavities in skull bone.

7. Nasal allergy/Allergic Rhinitis: It refers to an allergic reaction to allergens like dust, pollen resulting in nasal inflammation causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy/watery eyes.

8. Dryness of nose (rhinitis sicca)

Piles during Pregnancy or after Child Delivery? Check out Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1 Comment

Piles refers to swollen, dilated, inflamed veins around the anus and/or in the lower rectum. In many women, piles tend to appear for the very first time during pregnancy or after delivery. It is quite a common problem and it has been estimated that around 40 per cent of pregnant women, and women after childbirth tend to develop piles. When piles develop after delivery, it is known as postpartum hemorrhoids. Its signs and symptoms include swelling or lump around the anus, pain with passing of stool and/or after stool, anal burning, rectal bleeding and anal itching. Having piles during pregnancy increases risk of postpartum (period after delivery) hemorrhoids.

Why Homeopathic Treatment Of Piles?

Homeopathy offers a natural and effective treatment of piles after delivery. Homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural substances so have zero side-effects. They help in reducing swelling and inflammation of veins and improve blood flow. Besides, they also bring relief in symptoms like pain, burning, itching and bleeding of piles. Constipation (which is the main predisposing factor for piles) is also treated well with these medicines. Though it is safe to use homeopathic medicines, it is advised to consult a homeopathic physician prior to taking any homeopathic medicine for treating piles after delivery. Homeopathic medicines for treating piles after delivery are recommended based on individual symptoms in each and every case.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Piles In Women

1. Sepia – Top Grade Medicine

Sepia is the leading medicine to manage numerous health concerns in females and one among them is piles after delivery. It is helpful almost in treating every case of piles after delivery. It can be used when there is swelling at anus along with marked pain. Pain is worse when passing stool. A stitching pain from the anus to rectum is felt. Anus is sore to touch. Secondly, it can be given for managing burning sensation at the anus. Next, it can be used for piles that protrude out while passing stool. It can also handle cases with marked itching in anus and rectum. It can also treat marked constipation with large and hard stool. There is lack of urge to pass stool for many days together in cases that would require this medicine.

2. Nux Vomica – With Constipation And Ineffectual Urge To Pass Stool

Nux Vomica is the most important medicine for piles in which a person has constipation with an ineffectual urge to pass stool. It is recommended for women who have a constant urge to pass stool. Each time they go to pass stool, only little is evacuated at a time and there is a feeling of dissatisfaction and it feels as if some more feces will be passed. They suffer from piles attended with marked pain and burning sensation. They also complain of itching at the anus.

3. Aesculus – For Painful Piles

Aesculus is the most beneficial medicine to relieve pain from piles. It is used when piles pain is felt during or after stool. Pain is sharp shooting in nature. The pain can even be felt for many hours after passing stool. A sensation of multiple small pricking sticks in the rectum is present which is a characteristic feature for recommending Aesculus.

4. Kali Carb – With Intense Burning

This medicine is recommended when there is intense burning sensation due to piles. It may feel as if the piles are burning like fire. Cold water application temporarily gives relief. It is also helpful in managing inflamed piles that are very sensitive to touch. In cases needing it, the piles are large and are attended with stinging, tearing, pinching, or needle-like stitching pain. Itching is felt in the anus. Kali Carb is also useful for treating bleeding piles.

5. Hamamelis – To manage bleeding

Hamamelis is very effective in controlling bleeding from piles. The bleeding may be slight or profuse in cases needing it. The bleeding is attended with weakness. Burning sensation and soreness around anus is felt.

6. Pulsatilla – For Non-Bleeding Piles

Pulsatilla works magnificently in cases of non – bleeding piles (means blind piles). In cases needing it, there is burning or cutting pain in the rectum when passing stool. Stitching pain may be felt at times. Protrusion of internal piles may be noted. Itching is felt, especially on lying down and in the evening.

7. Aloe – For Piles That Bulge Out Of Anus (Protruding Piles)

Aloe is highly suitable to treat protruding piles. In cases needing Aloe, the piles at anus look like a bunch of bluish-colored grapes. The piles are painful, sore and tender. Cold water application over piles gives relief.

8. Ignatia – With Sharp Stitching Pain

Ignatia works wonderfully in cases where sharp stitching pain in anus and rectum is felt. Pain occurs even if the stool is soft, pain gets worse while standing or sitting. Sometimes slight anal bleeding can occur.

9. Lilium Tigrinum – For Painful Sore Piles

Lilium Tigrinum is indicated for painful, sore piles. Piles are highly sore to touch. These are itchy too. Besides, there is severe constipation. When bearing down while passing stool, it feels as if all the pelvic organs would protrude through the vagina.

10. Muriatic Acid – When Piles Are Painful To Touch

Like the above medicines, this medicine also suits a person well when piles are highly sensitive and painful to touch. Even the slightest touch of the hemorrhoids is not bearable. The piles look bluish or dark purple. Stitching pain is felt along with sensitivity. Heat application offers relief.

11. Sulphur – For Burning And Pain In Piles

Sulphur is well-indicated for piles with marked burning and pain at the anus. In cases needing Sulphur, the piles are very large. Stitching or shooting type of pain occurs in piles. During and after passing stool, burning occurs in the piles. Bleeding from piles may also arise. A pressing sensation in rectum can also be felt.

12. Collinsonia – With Constipation With Dry, Hard Stool

Use of Collinsonia is considered when there are piles along with constipation with dry and hard stool. It can be given for bleeding or non-bleeding piles, external piles (located on the skin around the anus that can be seen or felt from the outside) or protruding piles (internal piles that protrude out of anus). The piles are painful. The sensation of sand or sticks in rectum can be quite prominent.

13. Podophyllum – For Piles With Rectal Prolapse

This medicine is valuable to handle cases where piles are accompanied by prolapse of rectum (slipping out of the lower part of rectum out from anus). The piles can be bleeding or non-bleeding. The anus is swollen, sore and sensitive to touch. Prolapse of rectum occurs while passing stool.

What Causes Piles During Pregnancy And After Childbirth?

If we talk of piles during pregnancy, usually piles occur during the third trimester (last three months of pregnancy). During pregnancy, extra pressure is exerted on the abdomen and the pelvic area from the growing baby. As a result, circulation of blood to the pelvic area is affected resulting in pooling of blood in the veins. Secondly, increased progesterone levels cause relaxation of walls of the veins predisposing them to get swollen. Additionally, constipation (which is one of the major reason behind piles) is a common problem faced by many women during pregnancy due to hormonal changes (which slows down movement of food through the gastric tract), pressure put by the growing baby on the intestines of the mother, intake of iron and calcium supplements that can also contribute to piles during pregnancy. Intense straining and prolonged pushing during labor pains also contribute to piles after childbirth. Piles are common especially after vaginal delivery, however it can still arise after a C-section. An instrumental delivery (like forceps delivery in which a doctor uses a tool to grasp the head of the baby to get the baby out of the birth canal) also increases risk of piles.

Get rid of Headache due to Gas with simple Homeopathic medicines

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 4 Comments

Headache is a very common health issue experienced by almost everyone sometime or the other. It can happen from multiple reasons, one of the reasons being gas. Certain symptoms attending gas like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, abdomen pain and acid reflux can trigger headache.

Why Homeopathic Treatment?

There is great scope of treating headache due to gas in homeopathy. Homeopathic medicines target gas-causing reasons to bring relief in headache. These medicines also work in managing associated gastric issues like nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdomen pain, acid reflux that could be triggering a headache. Homeopathy manages these gastric issues and headache in a natural manner without any side effects.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Treating Headache Caused By Gas

Among various homeopathic medicines for managing headache due to gas, the top recommended ones are Carbo Veg, Lycopodium, China, Nux Vomica and Iris Versicolor.

1. Carbo Veg – Top Grade Medicine

Carbo Veg is a leading medicine to manage headache due to gas. In cases needing it, there is excessive gas in the abdomen along with heaviness and bloating especially in the upper abdomen. The pain in the head may be felt in the forehead over the eyes or in the entire head. A pressure is felt across the forehead, sides and top of the head. Head feels heavy as well. Nausea is present along with headache. Burning in the stomach and sour burps can occur as well. Burping occurs especially after eating or drinking.

2. Lycopodium – With Gas In Lower Abdomen Soon After Eating

Lycopodium is an effective medicine for gas in the abdomen soon after eating, attended with headache. Even eating little food causes gas formation and abdomen fullness. Gas gets accumulated in the lower abdomen and there is much passage of gas from the anus. The gastric issue and headache, though may arise anytime but is usually worse from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Headache occurs especially on the right side. It may go from one side of the head to another as well. Headache is triggered when not eating at regular intervals. Lying down worsens the pain. There is relief in pain from eating.

3. China – With Gas And Bloating Of Whole Abdomen

This medicine works well for headache with gas and bloating of the whole abdomen. Headache is throbbing, bursting type. Pain gets worse from head movement. There is relief by applying hard pressure over the head. Gas in the abdomen is felt till long after eating. Due to gas in the abdomen, pain can be present as well. Bitter burps also occur. There may also arise vomiting of undigested food in some cases.

4. Nux Vomica – With Gas And Constipation

This medicine works magnificently when headache occurs along with gas and constipation. Pain may be felt in the forehead, the back of head or top of the head. There is pain in the stomach even with the least food, nausea may accompany. Constipation with an ineffectual urge to pass stool may be felt. Nux Vomica helps to relieve gas issues as well as constipation to relieve the gastric headache. Nux Vomica is also highly suitable for those who live a sedentary life (lifestyle with sitting for prolonged time periods with little to no physical activity or exercise) and consequent to it, suffer many gastric issues which further can lead to headache.

5. Iris Versicolor – With Gas, Heartburn, Acid Reflux

Iris Versicolor is a wonderful medicine to manage cases where headache occurs along with gas, heartburn (burning behind chest bone i.e. sternum in middle of chest), acid reflux (backflow of stomach acid into food pipe). In cases needing this medicine, headache is experienced in the forehead over eyes and sides of the head. A sensation of a band around the head is also felt. Nausea and vomiting are also well marked. Vomiting is of bitter, sour watery matter. Headache with loose stool is also treated well with this medicine.

6. Pulsatilla – Headache From Gas And Indigestion From Fatty Food

This medicine is prominently indicated when there is a headache from gas and also from indigestion from eating fatty food (like ghee, cream). Mostly one sided headache is felt in cases needing it. The pain is pulsating, bursting type. Headache may be better by walking in open air. With headache the abdomen may be painful and distended. There is rumbling of wind in the upper abdomen. Burps that taste of food eaten are prominent.

7. Ipecac – With Gas, Nausea, Vomiting

Ipecac is one of the best medicines when headache occurs from gas along with nausea and vomiting. Aching, throbbing and pressure are felt in the forehead. Nausea is constant. Vomiting of watery fluid occurs, but vomiting does not relieve nausea.

8. Bryonia – With Gas And Constipation With Dry, Hard Stool

This medicine is well indicated when a person suffers from gas and constipation with dry hard stool along with headache. Headache is worse from movement. Pain is bursting, splitting type. Abdomen is distended and there is loud rumbling, gurgling in abdomen. Stomach is sensitive to touch. Pressure is felt in the stomach after eating.

9. Robinia – With Gas, Vomiting Of Sour Fluid

Use of Robinia is highly suggested to manage headache with gas and acidic vomiting. There is vomiting of intensely sour fluid. Heartburn at night while lying down may also appear. Continuous sharp pain in abdomen during day and at night may present sometimes.

10. Sanguinaria Can – For Headache With Gas, Gets Better By Vomiting

This medicine may be considered when headache occurs from gas. There is relief from a headache after vomiting. Pain begins in the back of the head that extends upwards to the top of head and thereafter settles over the right eye. Abdomen is distended with gas. Burning may also occur in the stomach along with headache. Vomiting can occur of bitter, sour fluid or food that has been eaten.

11. Sulphur – For Pain In Back Of Head With Gas, Nausea, Vomiting

Sulphur is prominently indicated for pain in the back of head with gas, nausea and vomiting. Headache is preceded by gas in the abdomen. The nature of pain in the head is tearing or throbbing type. Its use is also considered when headache worsens from eating warm food.

Gastric issues that can lead to headache

Gastrointestinal reflux disorder (GERD)

1.GERD (Gastrointestinal reflux disorder): It refers to the backflow of stomach acid into the food pipe. It arises when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes abnormally allowing stomach acid to back flow in the food pipe. It causes symptoms like heartburn, burning in throat, sour/bitter burping, chest pain and sour taste in mouth.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): It is a functional disorder of the large intestine causing altered bowel movements (diarrhoea or constipation), stomach cramps, bloating.

H. pylori bacteria

3. H. pylori infection: It is an infection of the stomach caused by helicobacter pylori bacteria. It causes gastritis or peptic ulcers (ulcers in lining of stomach or the first part of small intestine i.e. duodenum)

4. Constipation

5. IBD (Inflammatory bowel disease): It is a term to describe two inflammatory disorders of gastric tract. One is ulcerative colitis and the second is Crohn’s disease. In ulcerative colitis, there is inflammation and ulcers appear in the lining of the large intestine and rectum. In Crohn’s disease, there is inflammation of the lining in any part of the gastrointestinal tract and involves deeper layers of gastric tract.

6. Gastroparesis: It is also known as delayed gastric emptying. In this disorder, the muscle contractions of stomach get weak as a result of which the food remains in the stomach for an extended period of time. The contents of stomach thereby get into the duodenum very slowly. The symptoms mainly include abdomen pain, feeling full soon after one starts to eat, bloating, nausea, vomiting.

7. Celiac disease: In this disease, eating gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley) causes damage to small intestine in the persons suffering from this disease out of an autoimmune response. The symptoms that it causes include diarrhoea, abdomen cramps, bloating and fatigue.

Is mucus in your chest troubling you? Try out these Homeopathic remedies

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1 Comment

Mucus is normally made in our body daily in certain amounts. Mucus produced by the respiratory system is called phlegm/sputum that keeps the respiratory tract moist and functions to save us from bacterial and viral infections by trapping infectious agents (like virus, bacteria). In case excessive mucus is produced in lungs, it causes chest congestion that could be indicative of a medical issue which needs to be addressed and treated. Some of the reasons for excessive mucus in the chest are bacterial and viral infections, common cold, flu, asthma, acid reflux, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), allergies, smoking and cystic fibrosis. It can be attended with cough (wet productive cough) and expectoration (spitting out mucus) produced in the respiratory tract. The color of the mucus varies from case to case depending on the cause behind it —breathing difficulty, wheezing, chest congestion, chest pain, fever, stuffy nose, sneezing, fatigue, body aches.

The phlegm expectorated may also vary in colour. Mostly clear phlegm indicates allergies, yellow or green mucus indicates a viral or bacterial infection and red mucus may arise from bronchitis, pneumonia, lung cancer.

Homeopathic medicines are highly effective to help clear mucus from the chest. These medicines act as natural expectorants which help to thin out and loosen the mucus from the chest making it easier to be coughed out. The homeopathic medicine for mucus in chest is selected individually for every case depending on case presentation.

Homeopathic Medicines For Mucus In Chest

1. Antimonium Tart – Top Grade Medicine

Antimonium Tart is the leading medicine to deal with cases of mucus in the chest. The key indication to use it is cough with excessive rattling of mucus in chest. Rattling gets worse when lying down and better when sitting in an upright position. There appears to be large accumulation of phlegm in chest. Cough occurs day and night but no or very little sputa gets expectorated. A suffocative sensation occurs with cough. Here, use of this medicine aids expulsion of thick and yellow phlegm from the airways. In cases needing it, cough may be attended with belching and even vomiting of watery slimy matter. Along with cough, pain in the chest of dull nature may accompany. Headache may be felt along with excessive exhaustion with cough. It is a great medicine for bronchitis cases.

2. Arsenic Album – With Wheezing Or Whistling From Chest

This medicine is very suitable when wheezing or whistling sounds occur from chest along with mucus in chest. There occurs cough and expectoration of frothy mucus or sometimes thick yellow, green or grey mucus. Cough is preceded by anxiety and restlessness. Cough mainly occurs after eating or drinking. It gets worse at night more specifically after midnight forcing the sufferer to sit as soon as the cough starts. Cough is attended with soreness in chest and breathing difficulty. A weight is felt in the upper part of the lungs. Chest feels constricted. A burning sensation may also be felt in the chest. Arsenic Album is very effective for cases of asthma and bronchitis.

3. Ipecac – When Cough With Vomiting Attends

Ipecac is an ideal medicine for mucus in chest when there occur cough with vomiting episodes. A fit of cough from tickling in the larynx occurs followed by vomiting. Vomiting may contain white mucus or food. At times in the morning, expectoration of mucus and blood or ropy mucus might occur. A rattling noise is heard in the chest while breathing. Difficulty in breathing may arise from the least exercise. Episodes of suffocation arise and one feels better in open air. There is constriction in throat and chest with wheezing noise.

4. Hepar Sulph – For Pus-Like Mucus In Chest

Hepar Sulph is a well-indicated medicine when pus-like mucus is expectorated. It is a most prominent medicine for cough and mucus arising from exposure to cold air. Expectoration occurs only in the morning time of pus-like mucus that tastes sour or sweet. It has foul smell. There is difficulty in breathing which prevents sleep at night and the sufferer has to get up for relief. Also, one feels relief during the day. While coughing, burning is felt in the throat and chest. Fever may occur along with chills.

5. Pulsatilla – When There Is Yellow Or Green Mucus

It is a great choice of medicine when yellow or green-colored mucus is expectorated. This medicine speeds up drainage of mucus and affects speedy recovery. In the morning, there is loose cough while in the evening and night, the cough is dry. Shortness of breath may attend. Complaints are worse in a warm room. A desire for fresh air in the open is marked which relieves complaints.

6. Kali Bichrome – For Stringy (Thread-Like), Sticky Mucus

Kali Bichrome is one of the best medicines for stringy, sticky mucus in the chest. In such cases, Kali Bichrome loosens the yellow-colored mucus making it easier to cough it out. In cases needing it, there is coughing which gets better by expectoration. Wheezing is noted at night.

7. Phosphorus – For Blood-Stained Mucus

Phosphorus is an excellent medicine for blood-stained mucus. In cases requiring it, cough arises from tickling in the throat. Talking and cold air worsens it. Cough may also be triggered by strong odors. There is breathing trouble arising from even the slightest motion.

8. Silicea – For Thick, Yellow Lumpy Mucus

Silicea acts as a great expectorant for cases where thick yellow lumpy mucus is present. It has a foul smell. Silicea makes the mucus thin and easier to cough out. In cases needing it, loose cough occurs day and night. Cough worsens on lying down. Shortness of breath occurs on running, coughing and lying on the back.

9. Causticum – When Mucus From Airways Rises Up But Slips Down Again

This medicine is of immense use to increase expulsive power of airways to get rid of mucus. In cases needing it, the mucus from airways comes up to the throat and then slips back and swallowed. The cough is worse in the morning and at night. It gets better by drinking cold water.

10. Natrum Sulph – For Thick, Ropy, Greenish Pus Like Phlegm

This medicine is indicated for cases having thick, ropy, greenish pus-like phlegm. Cough is attended with soreness in chest. It is loose, arising from tickling in the throat. Pressure is felt in the chest like a heavy weight pressing against the chest. Stitching pain is felt on the left side of the chest which gets worse while breathing.

Causes of Mucus in Chest

1. Infections

Viral or bacterial infection can lead to mucus in the chest. Infections such as cold, flu could be the main reasons. It arises when infection from the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, sinuses) reaches lower respiratory tract (bronchial tubes, lungs). COVID -19 though does not lead to mucus in the chest but can cause pneumonia that causes chest congestion.

2. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

It refers to a group of lung diseases, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that make breathing difficult for a person. Inflammation of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs is called bronchitis. It can lead to excessive mucus production in the chest. In emphysema, air sacs in lungs are damaged causing shortness of breath

3. Pneumonia

Infection that causes inflammation of air sacs of lungs.

4. Asthma

A respiratory condition resulting from narrowing of airways and its swelling and excessive production of mucus giving rise to breathing difficulty, cough and wheezing from chest.

5. Allergies

Allergies can cause a range of symptoms from sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes to cough, chest mucus and chest tightness. Some common allergens include dust mites and pollen that can trigger the symptoms.

6. Acid reflux

It refers to the back flow of stomach acid into the food pipe and throat. It may cause irritation of the throat, cough, and chest congestion.

7. Smoking

8. Cystic fibrosis

It is an inherited condition that leads to thick mucus production mainly in lungs and but may affect other organs as well like pancreas, kidneys, liver and intestine.

Top 10 Homeopathic Remedies For Cough Along With Vomiting

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 2 Comments

Cough is the body’s protective mechanism to clear the airway of any dust, smoke, mucus and any microbes (like virus, bacteria). In some cases, coughing is so marked in intensity that it results in vomiting. A continuous high intensity cough which results in vomiting is termed as spasmodic cough. The muscles that are involved in coughing also work while vomiting which is one of the reasons why cough can lead to vomiting in some cases. Vomiting with cough may happen frequently in younger kids. Older kids and adults know how to spit out mucus but younger kids don’t. So vomiting is a way the body is trying to get rid of the mucus that has been coughed up. In case excessive mucus gets into the stomach and causes nausea, even then vomiting may occur. Homeopathic medicines prove very useful in cases of cough with vomiting. These medicines bring natural recovery by treating the root cause behind it.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Cough Along With vomiting

1. Ipecac – Top grade medicine

Ipecac is a leading medicine when a fit of coughing is followed by vomiting of whitish mucus or of food. In cases needing it, cough is loose, rattling type. The chest feels full of mucus. Vomiting seems to relieve cough. There occur frequent attacks of cough that shake the entire body. Cough is attended with difficult breathing and suffocation. It is a very exhausting cough and is mostly triggered after a meal. Cool air also worsens cough. This medicine is helpful when cough occurs at night along with vomiting.

2. Cina – For Cough In Children

This medicine is well indicated to manage cough that ends in vomiting in children. In children requiring it, there occur fits of constant cough especially at night. Sleeplessness may also occur from coughing episodes. Cough is very violent that brings tears in eyes and at the end vomiting. Any kind of movement as well as talking, tend to trigger an episode of cough where this medicine is required, so the child needing it fears to speak or move. Some of the attending symptoms are sneezing, loss of appetite and throat pain.

3. Coccus Cacti – When Complaint Gets Worse In Morning

Coccus Cacti is the most important medicine when cough gets worse in the morning. It is worst when the person walks for the first time in the morning. An attack of cough is followed by vomiting of thick and sticky mucus. Sometimes violent cough is followed by vomiting of ropy mucus. If cough occurs at six or seven specifically, then Coccus Cacti is the best indicated medicine. Another very characteristic feature to use this medicine is cough arising from brushing teeth. Besides these, an indicating feature is cough getting better by consuming cold drinks or inhaling cold air.

4. Drosera – When Complaint Gets Worse Lying Down At Night

When cough increases while lying down at night, Drosera is the best medicine. The cough is dry, irritative type that occurs in fits at very short intervals. It forces the sufferer to sit up. Vomiting follows coughing. The vomiting may be of mucus, water or food varying from case to case. Vomiting finishes the coughing fit after which excessive weakness is felt. Stitching pain in chest may occur along with cough. This medicine is very suitable for children who have night cough as soon as they hit the bed.

5. Bryonia – For Dry Cough

Bryonia is a wonderful medicine to deal with cases of dry cough along with vomiting of food. Cough gets worse after eating or drinking and also on taking deep breath. After coughing, the vomit consists of food that had just been eaten. During coughing, pain in the head and chest may occur. In cases requiring Bryonia, cough may also increase from movement and talking.

6. Antimonium Tart – For Loose Rattling Cough

Antimonium Tart is a leading medicine when it comes to manage loose rattling cough. It feels as if the lungs are full of mucus. Vomiting sets in after coughing. In cases needing it, cough gets worse by eating. Chest pain may attend it. Thera may be difficulty in breathing. A characteristic feature is relief in cough from lying on the right side.

7. Pertussin – For Repeated Fits Of Coughing

This medicine is well indicated when there are repeated fits of coughing. Each fit of cough is followed by vomiting. Mostly cough is dry. Due to persistent cough, the face appears flushed (red). Cough is excited by a tickling sensation in throat and fauces. Difficulty in breathing may attend coughing.

8. Ferrum Met – When Cough Worsens After Eating Food

Ferrum Met is a useful medicine when cough worsens after eating food. Vomiting occurs after eating and all the food eaten is thrown up. Cough can be attended with soreness and stitching pain in chest. Vomiting eases the cough. Besides, this medicine is also indicated for cough with blood stained sputum.

9. Conium – For Cough At Night

This medicine is helpful when cough along with vomiting occurs frequently at night. Coughing occurs continuously until vomiting arises. Vomiting is of frothy mucus with yellow center. Mostly cough begins with a tickling sensation in the throat and triggered when talking or lying down. Cough leads to exhaustion. In children needing it, pain in abdomen also occurs while coughing.

10. Nux Vomica – For Cough With Headache, Abdomen Pain And Vomiting

This medicine is of great value in managing cases in which a person complains of cough with headache, abdomen pain and vomiting. Cough is violent with vomiting and exhaustion. Cough gets worse at night, especially when lying on the back and disappears when lying on the side. It leads to sleeplessness. Yellow or grey mucus may be expectorated along with cough. The mucus may be sour or sweet to taste. Nux Vomica is well indicated for cough occurring from exertion and from tobacco use. Warm drinks may relieve the cough.

11. Mephitis – For Cough Episodes Every Few Minutes At Night

Mephitis is prominently indicated when cough episodes happen every few minutes (about 10 minutes) at night. There is rattling of mucus along with cough. Vomiting occurs after cough. It is also indicated for cough with runny nose and suffocative feeling.

What Are The Causes Of Cough that Can Result in Vomiting?

1. Post nasal drip – Dripping of nasal secretions from the back of nose into the throat. It may happen from various reasons like allergies, sinusitis, common cold etc.

2. Cigarette smoking – Cigarette smoking can cause cough. In this condition, cough arises as a part of the defence mechanism of the body to clear out the chemicals of cigarette that have entered airways and lungs.

3. GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) – GERD refers to back flow of stomach acid into the food pipe. The acid may reach the throat as well giving rise to cough. Cough related to GERD mostly occurs at night or after a meal and worsens on lying down.

3. Asthma (a respiratory condition arising when airways get narrow, swell and produce excessive mucus giving rise to breathing difficulty, cough and wheezing from chest) and cough variant asthma (a type of asthma presenting only with symptom of cough which is dry, non – productive type)

4. Bronchitis (inflammation of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from lungs) and pneumonia (infection that causes inflammation of air sacs of lungs)

5. Certain medicines like ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) used to treat high blood pressure

6. In children, some other causes include Pertussis (whooping cough – a contagious respiratory tract infection characterized by fits of severe hacking cough followed by high-pitched whoop sound as the person breathes in) and RSV infection (Respiratory Syncytial Virus causes a viral infection of lungs with symptoms like cough, sneezing, runny nose, wheezing and fever) that frequently causes bronchitis and pneumonia in babies.

Note: Vomiting that accompanies cough is not something of major concern and is not a medical emergency. But in case bloody expectoration, difficulty breathing, blue coloration of face/lips/tongue, fever with chills, dehydration or loss of consciousness occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

Cough at night? Top 9 Homeopathic medicines for relief

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 8 Comments

Cough is the body’s protective mechanism to clear the airway of any dust, smoke, mucus and any microbes (like virus, bacteria). Though cough can trouble a person regardless of time, certain kinds of cough get worse at night. Cough at night (also called nocturnal cough) is distressing that keeps a person awake and restless that can be very exhausting and it impacts the day’s activities. At night, while lying down flat, the mucus, acid and other irritants find it easier to rise to the throat which is one of the factors that can make cough worse. Besides, the quality of air in the bedroom at night also affects cough; basically dry indoor air can irritate nose and throat and worsen it. Depending on the cause, cough may be accompanied by sputum, expectoration (clear, yellow, green, brown or blood stained), wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing, heartburn, burping, night sweat, fever. PND (post nasal drip), GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), asthma, allergies, cough from cold or flu are some of the main reasons for its worsening symptoms at night.

Homeopathy offers excellent results in cases of incessant coughing at night. The homeopathic medicines target the root cause of the problem to bring about long-term improvement. These medicines boost the body’s own healing mechanism to fight back the disease and helps in self-recovery in the natural way. Along with cough these medicine also help in managing its accompanying symptoms. Homeopathic medicines are of natural origin with zero side-effects and thus are safe for use among people of all age groups.

Personalised medication

In homeopathy, there are numerous medicines that help manage cases of cough at night. In each separate case, the best suited medicines are selected depending upon the presenting symptoms. A detailed case is taken followed by its analysis by a homeopathic expert. This helps in the choice of the medicine which is followed by the decision about its potency and dosage in each case separately. Such medicines chosen on a case to case basis offer relief from cough during the night. For best results, it is advised to take a complete course after consulting a homeopath.

Homeopathy fixes the root cause

Homeopathy aims to treat cases of cough at night by targeting its underlying cause. This helps achieve wonderful long-term results rather than temporary relief. Homeopathy strengthens the self-healing mechanism of the body to overcome this problem naturally. Homeopathy can help cases of cough at night occurring from mild to moderate causes. But in serious causes like lung infection and lung cancer, homeopathic medicines have their own limitations. It is advised to take immediate help from conventional mode of treatment in such cases.

Safe natural medicines

There are several advantages of using homeopathic medicines for cases of cough at night. First among these is homeopathic medicines are very safe to use as these are prepared from naturally occurring substances. They have zero side effects. The next advantage is they never suppress cough, rather they treat it by addressing the problem at the roots to provide long-term benefits. Another plus point is these medicines are non-habit forming, thus they can be easily stopped once substantial relief is noted in cases of cough at night.

Top 9 Homeopathic Medicines For Cough At Night

The top grade homeopathic medicines for managing cases of cough at night are Drosera, Arsenic Album, Cina, Belladonna, Rumex, Conium, Antimonium Tart, Corallium Rubrum and Carbo Veg.

1. Drosera –Top Grade Medicine

Drosera is a top-listed medicine to manage cases of cough at night. Its use is highly recommended for persons having cough that starts immediately after lying down at night. Cough forces them to sit up in bed. There is no cough during daytime. In cases requiring it, the cough is usually dry irritative type. There are fits of coughing. One attack of cough is immediately followed by another. At the end of the cough, vomiting may occur. This medicine is of great help to manage night time cough in children who start coughing as soon as they lie down in the bed.

When to use Drosera?

This medicine offers best help to manage dry cough at night that begins soon after lying down on bed.

How to use Drosera?

This medicine gives excellent results in 30C potency that can be taken two to three times a day.

2. Arsenic Album – For Cough After Midnight

For cough that troubles a person after midnight (after 12 in the night), Arsenic Album is the top-grade homeopathic medicine. Though this medicine can be given for any sort of cough, it is especially helpful in cases of asthmatic cough. Those needing it have to sit up as soon as cough begins at night. Cough is mainly dry in nature. It is accompanied by shortness of breath, oppression of chest and whistling/wheezing sound from the chest. Inclining the chest forward brings relief. Before coughing, anxiety and restlessness may occur. Cough is followed by excessive sweating and marked weakness.

When to use Arsenic Album?

Arsenic Album is a very effective medicine to manage cough mainly asthmatic cough that is most troublesome after midnight.

How to use Arsenic Album?

One may take this medicine in 30C potency once or twice daily.

3. Cina – For Cough At Night Ending In Vomiting In Children

Cina is an excellent medicine for managing violent cough occurring in children at night when cough ends in vomiting (means spasmodic cough). The children needing this medicine cough incessantly which ultimately leads to vomiting. Tears appear in eyes along with difficult breathing. The cough is dry and occurs in fits in between intervals.

When to use Cina?

This medicine is of great help for managing cough in children at night when cough ends in vomiting i.e. spasmodic cough.

How to use Cina?

This medicine can be used once daily in 30C power.

4. Belladonna – When Cough Is Short, Dry, Tickling

Belladonna is a very effective medicine for managing short, dry, tickling cough that occurs at night. The cough wakes the sufferer from sleep. A very characteristic feature is renewal of cough even from the slightest movement in bed. Cough is attended with pain in head, along with tearing pain in chest. A feeling of inhalation of dust prevails in most cases. This medicine is of great use in case of cough related to sore throat and enlarged tonsils. Belladonna proves highly beneficial for managing cough in children. In children needing it, dry cough tends to wake up the child and child tends to cry before coughing. Cough may be attended by grinding of teeth.

When to use Belladonna?

Belladonna is highly useful for cases of short, dry, tickling cough at night waking the sufferer from sleep.

How to use Belladonna?

Belladonna can be used in different potencies from low to high, but initially it is advised to use it in 30C potency once in the evening and once at night.

5. Rumex – For Dry, Tickling Cough Preventing Sleep

Rumex is an important medicine to manage dry, tickling cough that seems to trigger from irritation in the throat. Cough gets worse while lying on the left side. Cough prevents a sound sleep at night. For cough occurring around 11 pm, Rumex is a specific remedy. Cough also worsens from inhaling cold air and talking.

When to use Rumex?

Rumex is helpful to treat cough which is dry, tickling type triggered by irritation in the throat.

How to use Rumex?

Rumex can be taken in 30C power one to two times a day.

6. Conium – For Continuous Dry Cough At Night

Conium is very suitable for cases of dry cough occurring almost continuously during night. It wakes up the sufferer frequently disturbing sleep. The sufferer gets exhausted. Cough occurs from a dry spot in the larynx or from irritation in the throat pit/chest. It is accompanied with intense headache in most cases. Watery nasal discharge is also commonly present. Stitching type of pain is also felt in the sides of the chest. Conium is a prominent medicine for cough, following influenza. In such cases, the cough may occur continuously until vomiting occurs.

When to use Conium?

Conium is a beneficial medicine to manage constant dry cough at night with exhaustion.

How to use Conium?

In the beginning, it is advised to start with 30C power once daily in the evening.

7. Antimonium Tart – When Cough Is Loose Rattling Type At Night

Antimonium Tart works wonderfully in cases of loose rattling cough at night. It seems as if the chest is full of mucus but relatively less is expectorated. It is accompanied with suffocation. Persons who require this medicine have to sit up to cough or breathe. At times, vomiting occurs along with cough. A very unique feature is relief in cough by lying on the right side. The cough is violent that shakes the entire chest. Headache and marked exhaustion occurs. This medicine is very helpful in bronchitis cases. There is thick, white expectoration in cases needing it.

When to use Antimonium Tart?

Antimonium Tart is an excellent medicine to manage loose rattling cough occurring at night.

How to use Antimonium Tart?

It is recommended to take this medicine twice a day in 30C power.

8. Corallium Rubrum – For Nocturnal Cough With Marked Post Nasal Drip (PND)

PND is one of the main causes of night time coughing. To deal with it, Corallium Rubrum is a prime medicine for fits of dry, short, rapid, suffocative cough with Post Nasal Drip. There occur almost continuous fits of coughing. One coughing fit is soon followed by another quite rapidly. There is profuse dripping of mucus from posterior nares into the throat.

When to use Corallium Rubrum?

This medicine works well for cough at night due to PND i.e. post nasal drip.

How to use Corallium Rubrum?

It gives wonderful results in 30C power that can be taken one to two times daily.

9. Carbo Veg – To Manage Cough At Night With Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is another important cause behind coughing at night. For managing this issue, Carbo Veg is the leading medicine. It basically helps to treat the root cause i.e, acid reflux to relieve cough. In cases needing Carbo Veg, there occurs short, dry, hard cough especially before midnight. Mucus is felt in the throat at night that cause a choked feeling while coughing. It gets better by moving or sitting up. In addition, acid reflux symptoms like heartburn, sour burps are present.

When to use Carbo Veg?

This medicine should be considered for managing cough at night with complaint of acid reflux with heartburn and sour burps.

How to use Carbo Veg?

It is suggested to take Carbo Veg once or twice a day in 30C power.

Conditions that cause worsening of cough at night or when lying down are:

It can occur from disease of airway (upper or lower), GIT or cardiovascular system. Various causes are enumerated below:

1. Post nasal drip (PND) – It refers to dripping of mucus from the back of the nose into the throat. This mucus irritates nerve endings in the throat, exciting cough. PND can be an attending symptom in cases of cold, nasal allergy, sinusitis.

2. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

It refers to the back flow of stomach acid into food pipe. The stomach acid can rise up on lying down at night causing cough as soon as one lies down in bed.

3. Cough related to Cold and Flu (viral infection of upper respiratory tract – URTI) and allergies

4. Bronchitis (inflamed bronchial tubes that carry air to and from lungs), asthma (respiratory disease characterized by difficult breathing, wheezing and coughing), cough variant asthma (asthma presenting with only cough usually a dry, non-productive and constant cough), bronchiectasis (permanent enlargement of parts of airway of lungs leading to mucus build up), tuberculosis of lung (infection caused by bacteria mycobacterium tuberculosis)

5. Chronic tonsil enlargement

6. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID -19)

7. Nerve problem – neurogenic cough arising by irritation of nerves supplying larynx

8. ACE inhibitors (medicine to treat high blood pressure)

9. In some cases, the reason could be more serious needing urgent medical help such as:

a). Heart failure

b). Lung cancer

c). Severe lung infection (Pneumonia)

Best 5 Homeopathic Medicines for Heel Pain

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 151 Comments

Our feet can handle heavy stress but overstressing them can irritate the tissues of the feet that may lead to pain in the heel. Pain may be felt under the heel, behind it, on the inner or the outer side of the heel varying from case to case. The reasons for heel pain are variable. Heel pain can be attended with swelling, stiffness and tenderness of heel, bony growth on heel and discoloration over heel.

Homeopathic medicines are highly effective in treating heel pain. Homeopathic medicines for heel pain are very safe and carry no risk of adverse side-effects. They are helpful in both acute and chronic heel pain. They act on the root of the problem to stop recurrence of the disease process. In mainstream medicine, pain killers are mainly recommended for heel pain. But these offer short term help and lead to side effects with prolonged usage. While homeopathic medicines give long-term relief and cure with well selected medication.

Homeopathic medicines work by treating the root cause behind heel pain. They stimulate the disease fighting mechanism of the body to address the underlying reason. As the root cause is treated, pain gets eradicated completely. Heel pain from inflammation of joints/tendons/fascia, high uric acid, bone spurs are curable with natural homeopathic medicines. It may take varying time period to completely cure pain in the heel from its root depending on the chronicity and intensity of the pain.

Homeopathic remedies for heel pain are prescribed according to the peculiar characteristic symptoms experienced by each patient along with the cause behind it. After medicine selection, the potency and dose are finalised for each case separately. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine for heel pain after consulting a homeopathic doctor. A proper course of homeopathic treatment results in a complete cure in these cases.

Homeopathic medicines are prepared from naturally occurring substances that do not contain any harmful chemicals in it. Thereby rendering them safe to use with zero side effects. Homeopathic medicines can be used safely by persons of all age groups to treat heel pain.

Top 5 Homeopathic Medicines for Heel Pain

The top recommended Homeopathic medicines for heel pain are Rhus Tox, Aranea Diadema, Ruta, Ledum Pal and Colchicum.

1. Rhus Tox – Top Remedy For Heel Pain

Rhus Tox is a leading homeopathic medicine for heel pain. It is indicated when the pain in the heel gets worse with every step as one starts walking, but gradually decreases as the person continues to walk. It gets worse when the person stands up in the morning, after sleep. A stitching type of pain is most marked in heels. The pain is felt as if one is stepping on pins or iron nails. Rhus Tox works well when the heels are over-stressed and strained leading to heel pain. Over-stretched, over-strained Achilles’ tendon or plantar fascia leading to inflammation and heel pain can also be treated effectively with Rhus Tox. In case of heel pain arising from arthritis (joint inflammation), it is a wonderful remedy.
When to use Rhus Tox?
Rhus Tox is the best choice of medicine to manage heel pain when it gets worse on taking the initial few steps when beginning to walk and gets better by continuous walking. It works magnificently in heel pain cases occurring from over-strained tendons and inflamed joints.
How to use Rhus Tox?
Rhus Tox can be used in both low and high potencies. However, it is suggested to start with low potency like 30C that can be taken two to three times a day.

2. Aranea Diadema – For Heel Pain From Spurs

Aranea Diadema is very effective for heel pain from calcaneal spurs. It is indicated for boring, digging type of pain in the heel from bony outgrowths. Numbness in the heel may be alternated with pain in a few cases.
When to use Aranea Diadema?
It is a useful medicine to deal with cases of heel pain occurring due to calcaneal spurs.
How to use Aranea Diadema?
It is advised to use this medicine one or two times a day in 30C power.

3. Ruta – For Heel Pain From Stress / Strain Over Heel And Tendinitis

Ruta is a wonderful homeopathic medicine for heel pain occurring from stress or strain on the heel or from tendinitis (tendon inflammation). The pain from the heel may extend to toes in cases needing it. Ruta is also indicated for heel pain from joint inflammation. Mostly, Ruta is helpful for relieving shooting pain especially in the left heel.

When to use Ruta?
Ruta is an excellent medicine for heel pain due to stress and overstraining of heel and also results from inflamed tendon.

How to use Ruta?
Among its various potencies, it is best to begin with 30C potency once or twice a day.

4. Ledum Pal – For Heel Pain Worse From Walking

Ledum Pal is a suitable medicine for cases where heel pain worsens from walking. A tensed feeling in the heel also accompanies. In most cases, the pain may also be felt in the soles of feet. This medicine also acts well on Achilles tendon to reduce its inflammation.
When to use Ledum Pal?
This medicine works well in cases of heel pain when it gets worse when walking.
How to use Ledum Pal?
This medicine can be taken in 30C potency once or twice a day.

5. Colchicum – For Heel Pain From Gout

Colchicum is a highly valuable medicine for heel pain from gout (joint inflammation from high uric acid). In cases requiring it, the heel pain gets worse with movement and touch. Tearing type of pain is felt in the heel. Along with pain, swelling is also present. The heel feels contracted besides the above complaints.
When to use Colchicum?
This medicine is recommended to manage heel pain resulting from gout i.e. inflamed joints due to high uric acid.
How to use Colchicum?
Usually, it is utilised in 30C potency two to three times a day.

Causes of Heel pain

Heel pain can arise from various causes as follows:

1. Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of plantar fascia that is present at the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is a tissue band that connects heel bone to the toes at the bottom of the feet. Repeated stress and strain on this fascia can lead to its inflammation. The pain in heel from plantar fasciitis is most marked when getting out of bed in morning on taking the first few steps.
2. Heel spur: it is an abnormal bony growth at the bottom of the heel from a build-up of calcium deposit. It develops from repeated stress over the heel. Pain from a heel spur gets worse on walking and standing.
3. Achilles tendinitis: Achilles tendinitis is the inflammation of the Achilles’ tendon – a band of tissue that connects the calf muscle in the back of leg to the heel bone.

4. Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease affecting the small joints of the body, it leads to inflammation, pain, stiffness and deformity (in very chronic cases) in affected joints.
5. Gout: It is a joint disease arising from high uric acid levels. When uric acid gets deposited in various body joints, it leads to marked pain, tenderness and swelling.
6. Sprains and strains: Thy result from excessive physical activity.
7. Fracture: Break in the bone is referred to as fracture.
8. Heel Bursitis: Bursa is a fluid-filled sac surrounding a joint that functions to reduce friction in the different structures of the joint when it moves. The pain may occur in the back of the heel or deep in the heel.
9. Reactive arthritis: This is a type of arthritis (joint inflammation) that triggers from an infection.
10. Ankylosing spondylitis: An autoimmune joint inflammation disorder majorly affecting sacroiliac joint (joint at the base of spine and pelvis). In some cases, it can affect the back of the heel as well.
11. Tarsal tunnel syndrome: In this syndrome, compression of a nerve in the back of the foot leads to heel pain.

12. Haglund’s deformity: There is bony enlargement at the back of the heel occurring from rubbing of footwear or pressure on the back of the heel.
13. Osetomyelitis: Bone infection
14. Sever’s disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis): It occurs in children between age of 8 yrs to 14yrs from repeated trauma to growth plate of heel pain.

Risk factors

Though anyone can get heel pain but certain factors increase the risk as follows:

1. Activities that put excessive strain and pressure on feet like excessive running, jumping or excessive standing

2. Being overweight

3. Wearing ill-fitted shoes

4. Having a flat foot

5. Having arthritis of feet

6. Having tight calf muscles

5 Homeopathic Medicines for Post Herpetic Neuralgia

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 101 Comments

Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN) is a complication of Herpes Zoster also known as Shingles. Herpes Zoster is a viral infection caused by reactivation of Varicella Zoster virus (it is the same virus that causes chicken pox). Herpes Zoster is characterised by painful rash or blisters (fluid-filled bumps) on skin. The rash will only be on one side of the body, either right or left, in a particular area in a band-like pattern. If the pain of Herpes Zoster continues for more than three months in the affected skin areas after the skin rash has healed, then it is known as Post Herpetic Neuralgia. In one out of five people who get infected by Herpes Zoster, the person will have nerve pain following the healing of the rash. The stabbing type of pain may vary from discomfort to severe. Along with pain, burning, increased sensitivity, weakness of the affected skin area may also arise. The pain may continue for weeks, months or even a year after the rash has healed.

Homeopathy is highly effective in treating neuralgic complaints i.e. nerve pain. Homeopathic medicines for post herpetic neuralgia are deep acting remedies that can help resolve the problem. As a first step, homeopathy controls the intensity and frequency of the pain. Then the medicines work to remove the chronic and recurrent pain. In mainstream medicine, painkillers, steroids, pain-relieving skin patches, anti-convulsants and anti-depressants are given to manage pain in cases of post herpetic neuralgia. These give temporary pain relief but the pain does not get cured completely. In homeopathy, the medicines are given to resolve the pain from its root and give a complete cure.

With the use of homeopathic medicines, the burning sensation, hypersensitivity, itchy feeling associated with this condition also gets healed. This is because the medicines are given keeping in mind the totality of the symptoms that work on every aspect of the disease. The symptoms though, get better gradually, may take some time but once relief sets in, the complaint gets better till it goes away completely in a few months’ time.

Homeopathy aims to fight the viral infection in PHN cases by boosting the self-healing mechanism of the body. This way it does not just work superficially; rather it works deeply to eradicate the root cause behind it. Therefore, it ensures that the condition gets treated from its origin and that too in the most harmless and natural way.

Homeopathic medicines used to treat post herpetic neuralgia are 100% safe with zero side effects as these are sourced from natural substances. These medicines are used in highly diluted doses that ensure safe recovery.

5 Top Homeopathic Medicines For Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN)

The top most recommended homeopathic medicines to treat PHN are Mezereum, Ranunculus Bulbosus, Arsenic Album, Dolichos and Rhus Tox.

1. Mezereum – For Postherpetic Neuralgia With Intense Burning

Mezereum is rated among the best medicines for post herpetic neuralgia. It is the best-suited prescription when PHN pains are violent and are attended with marked burning sensation. Mezereum also helps during active Herpes Zoster when eruptions arise on the skin. The key symptoms to look out for before prescribing Mezereum during Herpes Zoster infection are violently itching vesicles with shining red areola and intense burning.

When to use Mezereum?

Mezereum is a highly suitable medicine to manage post herpetic neuralgia with severe burning pains.

How to use Mezereum?

This medicine can be used once a day in 30C potency.

2. Ranunculus Bulbosus – For Sharp, Stitching Pains Coming In Paroxysms (Sudden Attack)

Ranunculus Bulbosus is indicated for sharp, stitching PHN pains that come in paroxysms. It is also one of the top listed medicines for intercostal neuralgia following herpetic infection. Ranunculus Bulbosus is well indicated for Herpes Zoster when the vesicle eruptions are bluish in color. The eruptions are attended with itching and burning symptoms which worsen on contact.

When to use Ranunculus Bulbosus?

It is an excellent medicine for PHN when pains are sharp, stitching type occurring in sudden attacks

How to use Ranunculus Bulbosus?

It is advised to use this medicine in 30C power once or twice a day.

3. Arsenic Album – To Manage Burning Sort of Nerve Pains Worse At Night

Another prominently indicated medicine for PHN with burning pains besides Mezereum is Arsenic Album. In cases needing this medicine, the burning pain is very severe at night. Arsenic Album is also given to manage itching on the skin. Restlessness can attend these symptoms. It is also indicated to manage active Herpes Zoster outbreak when marked burning pain is felt in the eruptions. These eruptions might be covered with scales like fish in most of the cases.

When to use Arsenic Album?

This medicine is well indicated to manage burning type of pains in PHN cases when pains are worse at night.

How to use Arsenic Album?

Arsenic Album 30C should be taken once a day only.

4. Dolichos – To Manage pain and Skin Itching Without Any Rash Or Eruptions

Dolichos is yet another natural remedy to relieve post-herpetic nerve pains. Along with pains there is skin itching occurring without any rash or eruptions. For Herpes Zoster, this medicine is mostly indicated when eruptions begin in the armpit, especially on the left side that spreads to the sternum (bone in middle of chest) and to the spine. It is accompanied by smarting and burning sort of pain.

When to use Dolichos?

Dolichos is of great use when there are pains attended with skin itching in cases of post herpetic neuralgia.

How to use Dolichos?

One may take this medicine in 30C power two to three times a day as per the intensity of the complaint.

5. Rhus Tox – For Pain With Restlessness And Sensitivity Of Skin To Cold Air

It is one of the best medicines for PHN where the pains are attended with marked restlessness. The skin is sensitive to cold air in such cases. In Herpes Zoster, Rhus Tox is the most preferred among medicines when the vesicles are yellowish with itching and stinging.

When to use Rhus Tox?

This medicine can be considered in PHN cases when pain occurs along with restlessness and sensitivity of skin to cold air.

How to use Rhus Tox?

Though it can be used in different potencies but in the beginning, it is best to take it in 30C potency twice a day.

What are the Symptoms of PHN?

The symptoms appear on the skin area affected with Herpes Zoster eruptions and are usually one-sided.

1. Pain after rash of Herpes Zoster has healed – Pain remains for 3 months or more. In some cases, it may last for one year or more. Pain can be aching, sharp, stabbing, throbbing, electric shock like, or burning on nature. The pain can be continuous or intermittent. Pain may get worse at night or from cold or hot temperature.

2. Even the slightest touch on the affected area is painful, this area may also be sensitive to cold air.

3. Numbness, tingling or itching on the affected skin region, though it is not very common

4. Very rarely, muscle weakness and tremors occur, if the affected nerve involved controls muscle movement too

5. Scarring on skin on affected area may be seen

What are the Causes behind Post Herpetic Neuralgia?

Post Herpetic Neuralgia, as mentioned in the beginning, is a complication of Herpes Zoster. Herpes Zoster is a viral disease leading to painful skin eruptions caused by varicella zoster virus. Varicella zoster virus is the virus that causes chicken pox when a person gets infected with this virus initially for the first time. Though the person recovers from chicken pox within weeks, the virus remains in the nerve cells in an inactive state. This virus can reactivate any time it finds a suitable environment like low immunity, some sort of medicines, etc. When the dormant virus gets reactivated, it leads to Herpes Zoster or Shingles with painful skin eruptions. The Herpes Zoster rash resolves within two to four weeks’ time. In some cases, even after the skin eruptions completely resolve, the pain continues for months or years together. This nerve pain persists for more than three months. The PHN results from damage to nerve fibres caused by Herpes Zoster virus. As a result of damaged nerve fibers, the message of transmission from the skin to the brain cannot be passed normally. This nerve gets muddled, transmitting random pain signals to the brain when pain is burning, excruciating.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the risk of PHN as follows:

1. Old age: The risk of PHN increases with age. Those above 50 yrs of age are at risk, PHN is rare under 40 yrs of age.

2. Herpes Zoster on the face or trunk (body part except head, neck and limbs)

3. Weak immune system: The immune system may be compromised due to certain medical conditions, such as cancer or HIV, or certain medications, such as steroids, chemotherapy, and immunosuppressant medicines.

4. Intensity of the skin rash due to Herpes Zoster is highly intense

5. Women are more at risk than men

6. Diabetes