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

Sanguinarium Nitricum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

Homeopathic medicine Sanguinarium Nitricum is derived from nitrate of sanguinarin. The nitrate of sanguinarin undergoes potentization (a process in which medicinal properties from a crude substance are extracted). As a result, we get homeopathic medicine Sanguinarium Nitricum which is of great clinical significance. It is a prominently indicated homeopathic medicine to treat various nasal complaints especially nasal polyps and turbinate hypertrophy.

Turbinate hypertrophy

Drug Action

It is a great remedy and helps cure the mucus membrane of the nose. It also acts well on the throat, respiratory system, the eyes and the head.

Clinical Indications

Nasal polyps, cold, allergies, hay fever, post nasal drip, cough, bronchitis, asthma, sore throat, quinsy, pharyngitis, laryngitis and headache.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Nasal Complaints (Polyps, Turbinate Hypertrophy, Cold, Post Nasal Discharge, Hay Fever)

Sanguinarium Nitricum acts well on the mucus membrane of the nose and proves effective in resolving various nasal-related issues. The first and foremost complaint where it is used is nasal polyps. It gives magnificent results in cases of nasal polyps (soft, painless, non-cancerous growths that may develop on the lining of nasal passage or the paranasal sinuses). Sanguinarium helps to dissolve the polyp’s growth in the nose as well as helps relieve nasal blockage. Secondly, it can be administered in case of cold with copious watery discharge from the nose accompanied by pain in the nostrils, burning in nature. Also, an accompanying factor is ‘pressure-feeling’ at the base of the nose. Sneezing also occurs along with this. Profuse eye-watering (lachrymation) accompanies too. Soreness and rawness is felt in the nostrils. It can be used in cases of hay fever (nasal allergy / allergic rhinitis). It refers to a condition characterized by symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, nasal stuffiness and itchy, watery and red eyes arising from an allergic response to allergens for eg, dust mites, pollen.

Another prominent indication for its use is hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates (nasal turbinates are tiny structures inside the nose formed of bone covered with spongy mucus membrane). It offers help in the beginning of turbinate hypertrophy. Another important complaint in which it proves beneficial is stuffing of nose with mucus that is thick, yellow, and blood-stained. There may be little crust formation in the nostrils as well. Upon removing the crusts, bleeding follows. This medicine can prove to be extremely useful in cases of post-nasal discharge (mucus dripping from the back of nose into the throat). Those needing it in this complaint have excessive difficulty in dislodging the mucus that seems to be stuck behind the nose.

Key Indicating Features

Nasal polyps with nasal blockage

Cold with copious watery nasal discharge with burning pain and sneezing

Hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates in the beginning

Nasal stuffiness with thick, yellow, blood-stained mucus

Post nasal discharge with difficulty in dislodging the mucus

2. Throat Complaints (Sore Throat, Tonsillitis, Quinsy, Laryngitis)

Sanguinarium Nitricum acts well on the throat. Here it is mainly indicated to manage sore throat and tonsillitis. The throat feels rough, dry, constricted. Burning in the throat is also felt alongside. There is redness, roughness, soreness, rawness on the right tonsil. It is accompanied by pain. Swallowing becomes difficult. Excessive mucus is accumulated in throat. There is expectoration of thick, yellow mucus which tastes close to being sweet. Its use in managing quinsy (also called peritonsillar abscess refers to accumulation of pus behind the tonsil) is also recommended. It can be administered in cases of laryngitis. In such cases, there is deep, hoarse, changed voice.

Key Indicating Features

Rough, dry, constricted sensation in throat along with burning sensation

Redness, roughness, soreness, rawness on the right tonsil

Laryngitis with deep, hoarse, altered voice

3. Respiratory issues (cough, asthma, bronchitis)

Its action on respiratory system is also indicated. It is mainly helpful for managing cough. It is given when there is short, tickling cough with expectoration of thick yellow mucus having sweet taste. It is well indicated for asthma and bronchitis (inflammation of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs) cases. Persons who need this medicine feel as if thick mucus lines the air passages. Sense of suffocation also occurs. Tightness and burning sensation in chest is another symptom that is present. Pressure and mucus accumulation behind sternum (T-shaped bone that forms the front portion of the chest wall) is also present.

Key Indicating Feature

Short, tickling cough with expectoration of thick yellow sweetish mucus

4. Eyes (Watering, Pain, Redness)

Sanguinarium Nitricum helps manage eye redness, excessive eye watering and eye pain. It is useful for sore, aching and pressing pain in the eyes. Burning in the eyes is also present. The eyelids and conjunctiva is red. Excessive eye watering (lachrymation) is accompanied. Lastly, eye dimness as if a mucus film is spread oversight is an indication for its use.

Key Indicating Features

Sore, aching, burning, pressing pain in eyes

Eeye dimness with sensation as if a mucus film is spread over sight

5. Head (Headache)

By acting on head, Sanguinarium Nitricum works wonderfully for managing headache. Main indication for its use is burning pain in forehead and root of nose. It is attended with aching in eyeballs. It can also be used when there is pain above eyes (supraorbital region) that extends to forehead. A characteristic indication guiding its use is feeling of fullness in head that gets better when there is expectoration of thick, yellow sweetish mucus. A very unique feature that can be there is heat in forehead relieved by bathing in warm water. Soreness and aching all over the head can also be present.

Key Indicating Features

Burning pain in forehead and root of nose

Pain above eyes (supraorbital region) extending to forehead

Fullness in head better from expectoration of thick, yellow sweetish mucus

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse at night and touch, eye soreness is worse from pressure.

Relieving factors: There is relief in headache by expelling mucus from the nose.

Dosage

The dose and potency of this medicine varies from low to high as per the case details. In low potency, it can be used often but in high potency frequent repetition is not advised.

Relationship with Other Remedies

It can be compared with some other remedies including Arum Triphyllum, Kali Bichrome and Psorinum

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines for Ringworm

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 190 Comments

Ringworm also called dermatophytosis or Tinea refers to ring-shaped red patchy lesions on the skin caused by a fungal infection. Ringworm infection is quite common and is very contagious (spreads via direct skin-to-skin contact with a person suffering from this infection).

Homeopathy for ringworm provides effective treatment and a complete cure for ringworm infection. Homeopathic medicines for ringworm help clear the infection completely. These are natural medicines that help in healing the rash and providing relief from the symptoms of itching and burning. Generally, antifungal ointments/lotions or creams are being used in mainstream medicine to treat ringworm. Though they clear the skin lesions quite rapidly, they do not offer cure as the fungal infection is not rooted out, so there are chances that the ringworm lesion may come again and again. But on the other hand, the homeopathic remedies for ringworm not only help in providing relief from acute ringworm symptoms but also help in eradicating the disease in its entirety by fighting the infection and eliminating it from the body.

Homeopathic medicines help to cure ringworm in the most gentle and efficient way. The best results are incurred through properly selected homeopathic remedies that stimulate the natural healing mechanism of the body to fight the infection. There is no chance of suppression of ringworm infection in homeopathy.

Homeopathic medicines also play an important role in reducing recurrent ringworm infection by strengthening the immune system. To achieve this, a proper course of homeopathic treatment must be taken for a few months as prescribed by a homeopathic physician.

Homeopathic medicines to treat ringworm are 100% safe to use in persons of all age groups as they have zero side effects. Homeopathic medicines are used in highly diluted doses that can never cause any toxic effects.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines For Ringworm

Sepia, Tellurium, Sulphur, Antimonium Crudum, Silicea and Mezereum are the top remedies for ringworm treatment.

1. Sepia – Top Most Remedy

Sepia tops the chart of homeopathic medicines to treat ringworm infection. The most characteristic feature to use it is ring-shaped patches on the skin appearing in isolated spots (two different ring lesions have no contact with each other). This medicine can be given for ringworm appearing on any body part. The common places where ringworm appears are the bends of the knee and elbow. The eruptions are accompanied by itching and scratching, though scratching does not provide any relief. There may be increased sweating with or without bad smell in persons requiring sepia. Another peculiar symptom for using sepia is the recurrence of ringworm infection every spring season.

The eruptions are accompanied by itching and scratching, though scratching does not provide any relief. Increased sweating with or without bad smell may be noticed in persons requiring Sepia. Another peculiar symptom for using Sepia is the recurrence of ringworm infection every spring season. Sepia can help in eradicating the tendency to contract a ringworm infection every time the spring season approaches.

When to use Sepia?

This medicine can be used as the first remedy for ringworm cases with isolated ring-shaped lesions with itching and burning sensation.

How to use Sepia?

It can be used in 30C potency once or twice a day.

2. Tellurium – For Multiple Ringworm Lesions Joined Together

Tellurium has shown great clinical improvement in cases presenting multiple ringworm lesions joined together to form rings that crowd over each other. The lesions tend to cover a large part of the body and sometimes the entire body.

The lesions may be elevated and covered with mild scales. The eruptions are marked by excessive itching and stinging sensation. Itching may occur day and night. Cold air seems to worsen itching. Sometimes vesicles (tiny fluid-filled bumps) may be present on the affected ring-shaped lesions.

When to use Tellurium?

Tellurium should be the first choice of medicine in ringworm cases where multiple ring lesions connected to each other form on the skin.

How to use Tellurium?

It can be taken in 30 C potency once or twice a day as per the severity of the complaint.

3. Sulphur – To Manage Intense Itching and Burning

Sulphur is a highly effective medicine to manage intense itching and burning in ringworm rash. The person requiring this medicine goes on scratching the lesions but it does not seem to provide any relief. Intense burning sensation follows scratching. Itching gets worse at night. Sulphur helps to soothe itching and burning, followed by the disappearance of eruptions.

When to use Sulphur?

Sulphur is recommended to control itching and burning in ringworm lesions especially when itching is worse at night.

How to use Sulphur?

Sulphur 30C can be used once a day or in cases of less severity once/twice a week. Do not use its high potencies without the physician’s advice.

4. Antimonium Crudum – To Treat Nail Fungus

Antimonium Crudum is the best choice of medicine to help cases of nail fungus. It can be given in cases where nails have become discolored. Additionally, the nails become brittle and chip off easily. The skin under the nails may be sore to touch. Deformed nails from fungal infection is yet another indication to use this medicine.

When to use Antimonium Crudum?

Antimonium Crudum should be used primarily for thick, discolored or brittle crumbling distorted nails from ringworm infection.

How to use Antimonium Crudum?

The usually recommended dose is Antimonium Crudum 30C twice or thrice a day.

5. Silicea – For Ringworm Infection On Feet

Silicea is a leading medicine to manage cases of ringworm of feet. The key feature to use this medicine here is soreness and cracks in between toes. There is intense itching, the skin may peel off as well. There is excessive sweating on feet with a foul smell.

When to use Silicea?

Silicea should be taken in cases of ringworm of feet with cracks between toes with itching and excessive sweating.

How to use Silicea?

The most commonly used potency of Silicea is 6X. Silicea 6X can be taken three to four times a day, four tablets at a time.

6. Mezereum – For Ringworm Scalp (Tinea Capitis)

Mezereum is a beneficial medicine that helps cases of scalp ringworm. This medicine is used when eruptions that are covered with thick crusts appear on the scalp. Pus is present under these crusts. It is attended by glueing (sticking) of hair together.

When to use Mezereum?

Mezereum is best recommended for scalp ringworm with crusty eruptions having pus beneath.

How to use Mezereum?

Mezereum can be taken once a day in 30C potency.

What Is The Cause And Mode Of Spread Of Ringworm?

Ringworm is caused by a fungus named dermatophytes. It can spread via following routes:

1. Ringworm can spread by coming in direct skin-to-skin contactwith a person having this infection

2. Secondly, it may spread by sharing personal objects liketowels, socks, shaving razor of a person having ringworm

3. The third mode of spread is via contact withsome surface carrying ringworm infectionlike bed, floor of bathroom,etc.

4. Lastly, it may spread from touching an infected animalor from direct contact with fungus-infected soil.

What Are The Risk Factors For Ringworm?

No doubt ringworm can affect anyone but some factors put a person at more risk, like

– Sharing personal items like towels, combs with someone having ringworm infection

– Using public shower barefoot

– Living in warm, humid environment

– Sweating heavily

– Wearing tight clothes or shoes

– Having weak immune system

– Being overweight

– Having diabetes

What Are Its Signs And Symptoms?

Ringworm or Tinea infection has been given many names in medical terminology according to the part of the body involved:

1. Tinea Capitis: Ringworm infection on the scalp

2. Tinea Corporis: Ringworm on trunk

3. Tinea Pedis/ Athlete’s foot: Ringworm on feet

4. Tinea Cruris/ Jock itch: Ringworm infection on the groin

5. Tinea Barbae: Ringworm of beard area

6. Tinea Unguium: Ringworm of nail bed

Following are its signs and symptoms

1. Ring-shaped patchy lesions withraised edges and a clear center. It may be covered with scales. The rings may overlap each other.

2. Itching, burning and pain accompany the lesions.

3. In Tinea Capitis, eruptions may also form that ooze pus. Hair loss may occur in the affected area.

4. In case of Tenia Pedis, small itchy blisters (fluid-filled bumps) may form between toes, cracks may also develop.

5. In case of fungal infection of nails, they become thick and discolored, nails start to crumble and consequently may detach completely from the nail bed.

Phosphoric Acid: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 13 Comments

Phosphoric Acid is a very important medicine in homeopathy to treat multiple health-related issues. This medicine is prepared through the process of potentization which stirs up medicinal properties of a crude substance. Its first solution is prepared from glacial phosphoric acid and after that further potencies are prepared.

The ‘Phosphoric Acid’ Constitution

It is firstly recommended to people who have been weakened after suffering from some acute attack due to a disease, sexual excesses or owing to long-term mental trauma. It suits children and young people with tendency to grow tall rapidly and thus suffer from backaches or pain in the limbs.

Drug Action

This medicine has a marked action on mind, hair, urinary organs, male genitals, gastric system, eyes and back. It is well indicated to manage complaints that are attended with marked weakness.

Clinical Indications

Brain fog, homesickness, hair fall, premature graying of hair, frequent urination, bedwetting, weak erections, premature ejaculation, nightfall, weakness, eye pain, stomach pain, diarrhea, back pain, neck pain, bone pains, typhoid fever.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Mind (Brain Fog, Depression, Homesickness)

It is a brilliant medicine to manage various concerns related to mind. The first and most important complaint where it works wonders is brain fog — a term basically used to describe confusion of mind, memory problems and difficulty to focus and concentrate. Those needing it feel that the mind is working slowly and there is difficulty to focus, concentrate and in comprehending things. They have problems in collecting thoughts and finding the right words. Additionally, weakness of mind is followed by physical weakness. Another complaint for which this medicine is indicated is homesickness. It means a feeling of stress, anxiety when away from home. It can be also given in cases of depression — a person feels indifferent to everything. There is also loss of interest in things which one was fond of once. One has a desire to be alone. One does not wish to speak to anyone. This medicine also helps in complaints arising as a result of mental shock, and grief.

Key Indicating Features

Brain fog

Depression with marked indifference to everything

Homesickness

Weakness of mind followed by physical weakness

2. For Hair Complaints (Hair Fall, Premature Graying Of Hair)

Phosphoric Acid is a wonderful medicine for managing hair complaints. Firstly, it is very helpful in managing hair thinning and hairfall. More specifically it is very suitable in cases of hair loss that happens after grief. Those with hair loss lose hair from the scalp, and specifically among males, hair loss is noted from the beard too. Hair loss after fever also indicates the use of this medicine. Its action in managing complaint of premature graying of hair is also remarkable.

Key Indicating Features

Hair thinning, hair fall, especially after grief and fever

Hair fall from scalp or beard

Premature graying of hair

3. Urinary Problems (Frequent Urine, Urgent Urination, Diabetes, Bedwetting, Involuntary Urination)

This medicine acts well on urinary system and helps in treating frequent urination, urgent urination, involuntary urination, bedwetting. In such cases frequent urination occurs mostly during the night and a patient has to wake up several times to pass urine. Profuse quantity of urine is passed. It also works well among diabetics, especially, if there is copious urination, constant urge to pass it, accompanied with weakness, and weight loss. There may also occur sudden, irresistible urge to urinate. Phosphoric Acid helps when involuntary urination occurs while sneezing, and coughing. At times, it may happen while passing stool. In such cases, it strengthens the bladder muscles to provide relief. In cases of bedwetting, it benefits if bedwetting occurs during first part of the sleep. Urine passing is again quite copious. It also covers complaint of phosphaturia (passing excess phosphates in urine).

Key Indicating Features

Frequent urination at night

Diabetes with frequent urine, constant urge to pass urine, weakness and weight loss

Involuntary urination during sneezing, coughing, motion

Bedwetting in first part of sleep

4. Male (Weak Erections, Premature Ejaculation, Nightfall)

It has a major action on male genitals. Phosphoric Acid can be given to males with weak erections and reduced desire for sex. It can also be used to manage premature ejaculation complaints where semen discharges shortly after an erection. It works well in cases of involuntary seminal emissions at night (nightfall). It may happen multiple times at night and is accompanied by dreams pertaining to sex. It may also occur while passing urine or stool. Excessive weakness is usually felt along with involuntary seminal emissions. It can be also given for impotency in males with a history of too much indulgence in sexual activity or masturbation in the past. Its use is also suggested to manage erection problems in males with diabetes. Besides this, it is well indicated to manage eczema of scrotum, warts on prepuce, swollen tender testicle with pain on touch.

Key Indicating Features

Weak erections and premature ejaculation

Weak erections in diabetics

Involuntary seminal emissions during sleep, urine or stool

5. For General Weakness

It is one of the best homeopathic medicines for managing complaints of weakness which could be present on both mental and physical planes. It may arise owing to various causes for example from flu, fever, a long-term health illness, acute health problems associated with grief, from profuse urination, excessive involuntary seminal emissions in males. It is also a very important medicine in managing chronic fatigue syndrome. Weight loss, accompanied by weakness, is an apt scenario for the use of this medicine. The face looks sunken along with dark circles around the eyes.

Key Indicating Features

Weakness after flu, acute/long-term health problems

Weakness, tiredness due to a grief

Weakness from profuse urination

Weakness from involuntary seminal discharges in male

6. Head (Headache) & Vertigo

This medicine is capable to treat headache occurring due to multiple reasons. It is helpful in treating headache due to strain in the eye. It is also useful in cases of headache which arise following sexual activity. Another indicating symptom is headache associated with grief. Headache mostly progresses from the back of the head slowly towards the forehead. In some cases, there is pain in forehead and temples or sides of the head, especially in the morning. There may occur temporal headache (pain on the sides of the head) as if crushed . Dull headache with tingling sensation in head may occur at times. Headache may compel a person to lie down. There can be worsening of headache from noise or from shaking the head. This medicine can be given for vertigo that occurs especially while standing or walking.

Key Indicating Features

Headache from eye strain

Headache associated with grief

Headache after sex

Vertigo while standing or walking

7. Eyes (Eye Pain, Sensitivity To Light, Inflamed Eyelids And Its Margins, Blue Rings Around Eyes)

With its action on eyes, Phosphoric Acid can settle many concerns including eye pain, photophobia (sensitivity to light), inflammation of eyelids and its margins, blue rings around eyes. Among these, eye pain is pressive and accompanied by sensation as if eyeballs are too large. As regards photophobia, a patient experiences sensitivity to light, especially, to sunlight. It is accompanied by watery eyes. In case of inflamed eyelids and its margins, burning pain in the eyelids is marked, there is redness, swelling, itching and burning on margins of eyelids. Pus on eyelashes may be there and falling out of lashes can occur. Lastly, it is beneficial in case of amblyopia also known as lazy eye in which there is reduced vision in one eye.

Key Indicating Features

Pressive eye pain with sensation as if eyeballs are very large

Blue rings around eyes

Inflamed eyelids and red, swollen, itchy eyelid margins with burning sensation

8. Abdomen Complaints (Stomach Pain, Dyspepsia, Diarrhoea, Spleenomegaly)

Phosphoric Acid has a wonderful action on different body systems that includes gastric system . The gastric complaints addressed by this medicine include stomach pain, pain in navel area, dyspepsia, and diarrhea. It manages pressive pain in stomach very well. It worsens after eating and also when the stomach is touched. It also manages well the pain in the navel area accompanied by rumbling and gurgling. Further, it helps in cases of dyspepsia with acidic belching after eating and cramping in stomach. One may feel drowsy and sleepy after eating. In cases of diarrhea, it is administered if the stool is watery, painless with excessive gas. Stool may escape involuntarily while passing gas. Gastric issues that occur from having sour food and drinks can be well managed with this remedy. Not to forget its action in treating splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) cases.

Key Indicating Features

Stomach pain from eating or touching stomach

Navel pain with rumbling and gurgling

Diarrhea with painless watery stool with gas

Splenomegaly

9. Back (Back Pain, Neck Pain, Burning And Formication In Spine)

This medicine helps relieve back pain. Those who require it feel severe pain in the back and also an unaccompanied burning sensation, and also formication (sensation of insects crawling under the skin) on the back. It is an important medicine to manage cases of cervical spondylitis (condition arising from degenerative changes in cervical spine). There is cramping, drawing and tensed feeling in neck mainly on head movement. Lastly, its use is indicated in cases of stitching pain in tail bone (coccyx).

Key Indicating Features

Back pain along with burning and formication in spine

Cervical spondylitis

Stitching pain in tail bone

10. Limbs (Bone Pains, Formication)

It can be administered in case of bone pains in limbs that get usually worse during night hours. Tearing pain in bones is felt. There is a sensation as if bones are scraped. This medicine also gives good results in cases of formication in limbs. Besides these, it works well in cases where limb weakness is distinctly present. Patients tend to stumble easily and miss their steps.

Key Indicating Features

Limb pain at night

Formication in limbs

Weakness of limbs

11. Fever (Low Grade Fever, Typhoid Fever)

It is a highly recommended medicine to manage cases of low grade fever, and typhoid. There is an occurrence of excessive sweating with fever during night and early morning. In cases of typhoid, it is administered if a person shows indifferent behaviour, excessive talkativeness along with fever. It is also administered when there is marked dullness or insensibility and the person takes no notice of surroundings and lies like a log. Excessive weakness is prominent visible.

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from exertion and sexual excesses and in such cases, the medicine is recommended.

Relieving factors: Complaints get better by keeping warm.

Dosage

This medicine works well in both low and high potency. If taken in low potency it can be repeated frequently. But in high potency frequent repetition should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor, Coffea Cruda and Staphisagria

Followed well by Arsenic Album, Belladonna, Causticum, Fluoric Acid, Lycopodium, Nux Vomica, Selenium and Sulphur.

Top 5 Homeopathic Medicines for Tennis Elbow

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 92 Comments

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a musculoskeletal condition with pain around the outer part of the elbow. Tennis elbow is mainly caused due to repetitive overuse of muscles and tendons of the forearm near the elbow joint. Contrary to its name, it is not limited to just tennis players and can occur in anyone who puts repetitive stress on the elbow joint, for example carpenters, violin players and painters. Pain and weakness due to tennis elbow can hamper daily activities such as shaking hands, holding a cup, turning a door knob, etc.

Homeopathy extends great help in treating cases of tennis elbow. It can effectively manage pain, stiffness and swelling of elbow. It uses natural and safe homeopathic medicines that act deep and have no side effects. Unlike the conventional mode of medicine, homeopathic medicines do not suppress the disease and its symptoms. In fact, they attack the disorder at the root and set off the body’s own restorative processes, making it strong enough to completely eradicate the disease. Suppressing the disease does not really help, so homeopathic medicines are a natural, healing alternative. Use of homeopathic medicines also reduces the dependency on pain killers remarkably.

Homeopathy reduces tendon inflammation

Homeopathic medicines work by reducing inflammation of tendons to give long-term relief in tennis elbow cases. They also help in healing damaged/injured tendons. As the root cause is treated, cure automatically sets in.

Homeopathy has no side effects

The best advantage of using homeopathic medicines is that they do not cause side effects in any case. These medicines work in a very safe, gentle and harmless manner to boost body’s self-healing mechanism to overcome this complaint naturally with zero side effects. These medicines also do not cause any dependency. Once the problem has been resolved, one can gradually stop the medication.

Individualized medication

Homeopathic medicines for tennis elbow are selected by taking into consideration the peculiar characteristic symptoms in every individual case. After a detailed case study is done, the homeopathic medicine is finalized. So, the homeopathic prescription varies from case to case. Therefore, it is advised to take homeopathic medicines for tennis elbow after consulting a homeopath. Self – medication should be avoided.

Top 5 Homeopathic Medicines For Tennis Elbow

Among the homeopathic medicines for tennis elbow the top-grade ones are Rhus Tox, Ruta, Bryonia, Bellis Perennis and Calcarea Carb.

Elbow joint

1. Rhus Tox – Top Grade Medicine

Rhus Tox is the most frequently prescribed medicine for managing cases of tennis elbow. It is the best medicine to start treatment of conditions that arise from overstraining, overuse of muscles and tendons. It helps to effectively manage inflammation and damaged tendons. It has shown remarkable results in tennis elbow cases with tearing pain in tendons and muscles. Soreness in the condyles of the joints is also present. In cases needing it, the pain in elbow is worse when at rest and gets better with movement. Stiffness at the elbow is also marked along with pain.
When to use Rhus Tox?
Rhus Tox should be given in cases of tennis elbow when pain in elbow is worse at rest and gets better from movement.
How to use Rhus Tox?
It can be used in both low and high potencies among which the most preferred is 30 C potency. Initially, one may use Rhus Tox 30 C three to four times a day depending on the severity. Reduce the dose when improvement in symptoms begins.

Condyle of joint in fingers

2. Ruta – For Sore Pain And Stiffness Of Elbow

It is a herbal medicine prepared from plant ‘garden rue’. Ruta is pretty similar in its action to Rhus Tox in treating cases of tendon inflammation and injury from overuse and overstraining. It is well indicated when there occurs sore pain and stiffness in the elbow. Sore pain means pain from touching the affected area. Weakness of the arm may attend it.
When and How to use Ruta?
Ruta should be considered in tennis elbow cases with sore pain and stiffness of elbow. It helps to relieve these complaints by reducing tendon inflammation and healing damaged tendons.
How to use Ruta?
Ruta is most frequently used in 30C potency that can be taken three to four times a day.

3. Bryonia – For Pain And Swelling Around Elbow

This natural medicine is prepared from root of plant ‘wild hops’. Bryonia is a wonderful medicine to manage tennis elbow with marked pain and swelling around the elbow. The characteristic feature to use it is worsening of pain in the elbow from movement and relief from rest. At times, pain may radiate down from the elbow to the wrist.
When to use Bryonia?
This medicine should be used when pain in elbow is accompanied by swelling, with pain getting worse from every movement and relief from rest.
How to use Bryonia?
Its 30C potency is the right choice to start with that can be used two to three times a day.

4. Bellis Perennis – For Healing Tendon Injury, Inflammation

Bellis Perennis is another medicine of natural origin to treat tennis elbow cases. It is prepared from the flowering plant ‘english daisy’. Repetitive stress injury and inflammation of tendon of elbow due to exertion or overuse of muscles is treated best with this medicine. The action of this medicine is similar to that of Rhus Tox and Ruta. This medicine is also indicated to help cases of direct injury to elbow. It helps to heal injured tendons and reduce its inflammation and reduce elbow pain.
When to use Bellis Perennis?
This medicine can be used to heal injured tendons and control tendon inflammation of elbow and provide pain relief.
How to use Bellis Perennis?
This medicine can be used in 30C potency twice a day.

5. Calcarea Carb – For Pain Extending From Elbow To Wrist

Calcarea Carb is very effective on pain arising on the outer side of the elbow and radiating down to the wrist. This pain occurs mostly when the sufferer tries to hold an object. The nature of pain is mostly tearing type. Besides, stiffness in elbow may be present.
When to use Calcarea Carb?
It is a highly effective medicine for managing pain on the outer side of elbow extending down to wrist.
How to use Calcarea Carb?
It can be taken in 30C potency. Dose should be limited to once a day.

Symptoms Of Tennis Elbow

1. Pain: The main symptom of tennis elbow is pain on the outer side of elbow where tendons (tissue band connecting muscle to bone) of muscles of forearm connect to the bony bump of the elbow. In some cases, pain may extend down to the forearm and the wrist. The pain may get worse from bending the arm, twisting the forearm, turning a door knob, writing, lifting things, griping objects. Sometimes the sufferer may experience burning in the outer side of the elbow.

2. Stiffness in elbow while extending the arm

3. Swelling of elbow and tenderness (pain on touching) of elbow

4. Weak grip on holding objects

Causes Behind Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow arises from the overuse of muscles of the forearm. This happens from the repetitive use of forearm muscles in some activities that put stress on tendons that unite forearm muscles to the bony projection of elbow. As a result, tendons get inflamed, damaged and in some cases tear as well. Tennis elbow is common in tennis players. However, it is often seen in people performing other activities involving repetitive use of wrist and arm muscles like painters, plumbers, bowlers, gardeners, carpenters, swimmers. In some cases, a direct injury to elbow may result in this condition. Though tennis elbow may affect people of any age group but people between age of 30 yrs to 50 yrs are commonly affected. In some cases, tennis elbow occurs without any reason which is called idiopathic tennis elbow.

Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines for painful Menses

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 28 Comments

Painful periods are medically known as dysmenorrhea. Slight pain or discomfort is normal during menses but it is not normal to have intense pain that interferes with daily routine activities. In the latter cases, the cause needs to be ruled out followed by its proper treatment.

Homeopathic remedies are highly successful in managing various gynecological complaints in women including pain during periods. Along with managing pain, these also manage attending complaints like nausea, vomiting, and heavy periods. Conventional mode mainly prescribes pain killers and hormonal birth control pills to relieve menstrual cramps. These medicines help to manage the pain during periods, but they offer temporary care as these do not address the underlying cause behind it, so the complaint can recur again and again. On the other hand, homeopathic treatment works in two phases. In the first phase, it helps to give initial relief in pain. In the next phase, it works to treat the root cause of the pain during periods which results in a gradual decrease in intensity of the pain each month till the time it goes away completely.

Homeopathic medicine for every case of painful periods is decided individually for every case. Many factors are considered before finalizing the prescription. These include the type of pain, any radiation of pain to the back, thigh or legs, modalities (worsening and relieving factors of pain), any associated complaints like nausea, vomiting, heavy bleeding, headache etc. and the cause behind it. Taking homeopathic treatment under a homeopathic doctor’s guidance leads to wonderful results in these cases.

Homeopathic medicines are completely safe to use. These are made of natural substances. They work gently to overcome this complaint with zero side effects.

Top 7 Homeopathic Remedies For Menstrual Pain

The most important homeopathic medicines to manage menstrual pain are Magnesium Phosphorica, Colocynth, Belladonna, Sabina, Sepia, Ipecacuanha and Kali Carbonicum.

1. Magnesium Phosphorica: Top-Grade Medicine

Magnesium Phosphorica is the best homeopathic pain relief medicine during periods. This medicine can be used to manage any type of pain in the lower abdomen during menses like, cramping, shooting or cutting pain. There may occur relief in pain from warm applications as from a heating pad, hot water bottle over lower abdomen. Pressing the abdomen also relieves pain.

When to use Magnesia Phosphorica?

It is a highly effective medicine for managing painful menses when pressure and warm applications like heating pad/hot water bottle over lower abdomen give relief.

How to use Magnesia Phosphorica?

Its use is mostly preferred in 6X potency that comes in tablet form. Four tablets of Magnesia Phosphorica 6X can be repeated every three to four hours to afford relief in menstrual cramps. As the intensity of pain comes down, it should be taken just once or twice a day during the rest of the periods.

2. Colocynth: For Menstrual Cramps Better Bending Double

Colocynth is a natural medicine prepared from the pulp of fruit of plant ‘bitter cucumber’. This medicine is highly recommended to manage menstrual cramps that are relieved from bending double (means forward over abdomen). The pain gets worse from eating or drinking anything. There may be a tendency to heavy periods and frequent periods in cases needing it.

When to use Colocynth?

This medicine should be given in cases of painful menses where pain increases from eating / drinking, while bending forward reduces the intensity of pain.

How to use Colocynth?

30C is the most frequently used potency of this medicine. It can be taken two to three times a day during periods as per the intensity of the pain.

3. Belladonna: For Pain In Lower Abdomen, Back And Legs During Periods

Belladonna is a herbal medicine for treating pain during periods. It is a very suitable medicine for managing pain occurring in the lower abdomen, lower back and legs during periods. Cramps occur in the uterus and also intense bearing down sensation is felt in the uterus. Bearing down gets worse on lying down. Bleeding during periods is bright red, profuse and hot. Headache and a heated sensation in the head usually accompanies bleeding.

When to use Belladonna?

This medicine should be considered in cases where there is marked pain in lower abdomen during meses, lower back and legs along with bearing down sensation in the uterus that gets worse on lying down.

How to use Belladonna?

It can be taken once or twice a day in 30C potency during menses.

4. Sabina: For Pain From Lower Back To Pubes (Lower Part Of Abdomen At Front Of Pelvis)

It is a highly beneficial medicine to manage painful periods when pain goes from the lower back to the pubes. The pain gets worse while walking. There is relief from lying flat on the back with extended legs. Besides pain, periods are heavy. The menstrual blood is bright red and contains clots. Headche, nausea and vomiting may occur in some cases. It is a very effective medicine to treat cases of uterine fibroids and endometriosis.

When to use Sabina?

Sabina should be used when pain specifically occurs in the lower back and goes to the pubes during menses usually attended with heavy periods having clots.

How to use Sabina?

Though it can be used in different potencies, it is advised to start with 30C potency. It can be taken two or three times in 30C potency as per the severity of pain during periods. This medicine can also be used to dissolve fibroids and treat endometriosis for which this medicine needs to be taken for a few months. For using it to treat these medical conditions, kindly consult a homeopath for the right potency and dosage.

5. Sepia: For Painful Menses With Scanty Menstrual Bleeding

Sepia is very useful to help treat cases of pain during menses when attended with scanty blood flow. The main characteristic of pain to use this medicine is bearing down in the pelvis area as if the pelvic organs will come out of the vagina. Some women needing it may experience a half-sided headache during menses. Sepia is an important medicine to deal with cases of uterine fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease.

When to use Sepia?

Sepia can be used in case of painful periods along with scanty menstrual flow with prominent bearing down sensation in the pelvic area.

How to use Sepia?

In 30C potency, it can be taken once or twice daily to relieve pain and improve blood flow during periods. Its use can also be done to treat cases of uterine fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease, for this the potency and repetition vary, so it is advised to consult a homeopathic doctor before starting this medicine to treat these conditions.

6. Ipecacuanha: For Painful Periods With Nausea, Vomiting

Ipecacuanha is the top-ranked natural remedy for painful periods with nausea and vomiting. There is persistent nausea during periods with pain in the lower abdomen. Cutting type of pain is felt in the uterus, pain going from left to right side. The bleeding is heavy and bright red during periods.

When to use Ipecacuanha?

Its use should be done particularly when painful periods are attended with nausea and vomiting.

How to use Ipecacuanha?

Ipecac 30C can be taken once or twice a day during periods.

7. Kali Carbonicum: For Pain In Lower Abdomen, Lower Back And Hips During Menses

Kali Carbonicum is another medicine of great help for dealing with pain during menses. This medicine is prescribed for cutting pains in the lower abdomen, back and hips. Backache becomes severe and worsens by walking. The patient gets relief from backache by sitting or applying pressure on the back. Weakness, and sleepiness may also appear.

When to use Kali Carbonicum?

It is an ideal prescription for managing pain in the lower abdomen, lower back and hips during menses.

How to use Kali Carbonicum?
One may use it in 30 C potency once or twice a day during menses.

Types And Causes Of Dysmenorrhoea

Dysmenorrhea is of two types i.e. primary and secondary.

1. Primary dysmenorrhea: In this type, pain does not arise from any medical condition. It is caused from excessive prostaglandins(chemicals released from the uterus that cause contraction and relaxation of muscles of the uterus leading to cramps). This pain affects females who are younger, soon after they start having periods. This type of pain tends to decrease as the age of female increases.

2. Secondarydysmenorrhoea: It arises secondary tosome medical condition affecting the uterus. This type begins later in life. Some of the medical conditions that could lead to this type of dysmenorrhea are as follows:

a) Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas): Non-cancerous (benign) growths in the uterus that may grow in the wall of the uterus, inside the uterine cavity or outside the wall of the uterus.

b) Endometriosis: A medical condition in which the cells that line the uterus start to grow at places other than the uterus, like in fallopian tubes, ovaries, rectum, urinary bladder, etc.

c) Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): It refers to an infection in the reproductive organs of females. It may occur in the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. It is mainly caused by sexually transmitted bacterial infection.

d) Adenomyosis: A condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus begins to grow into the muscle layer of the uterus.

e) Cervical stenosis: Narrowing of the opening of cervix that hinders menstrual blood flow that increases pressure in the uterus leading to pain

Who Is At Risk Of Painful Menses?

1. Females less than 20 yrs age

2. Females who hit puberty early before 11 yrs of age

3. Females having family history of painful menses

4. Heavy periods and irregular menses

5. Females who smoke

Symptoms Attending Painful Menses

Cramping type of pain in lower abdomen that varies in intensity from mild to severe. In some cases, it can be throbbing or dull type. The pain can start a few days (1 to four days) before periods, increase during the beginning of the menses and recede in two to three days. The pain can extend down the thighs and lower back in some cases. The pain can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, headache, loose motion and dizziness. Depending on the cause behind it, painful periods can be accompanied by other complaints like heavy periods, abdominal bloating, painful bowel movements, painful urination, foul smelling vaginal discharge, fever, etc.

Selenium: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 24 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Selenium is derived from an element selenium. When this element undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines by arousing the medicinal properties of a crude substance), it gets converted into a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Selenium. It is a top most medicine to deal with various male problems that mainly include erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and spermatorrhea.

Drug Action

This remedy’s action is most marked on male genitals. It also acts well on urinary organs, gastric system and skin. Lastly, its action is noted on the head and hair.

Clinical Indications

Impotency, spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, constipation, liver disorders, comedones, skin disorders, hair loss, headache

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Male Problems (Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation, Spermatorrhea)

Selenium is considered a great remedy to treat various health problems in males. It is a leading medicine to deal with cases of erectile dysfunction (impotency) which is an inability to achieve or maintain erections firm enough to have sexual intercourse. Males needing it have sexual weakness, they have increased sexual desire but lack ability to have sexual intercourse. Penis relaxes on attempting coition. They have lascivious (relating to sexual matter) fancies but lack sexual power. Secondly, it is a well-indicated medicine to treat cases of premature ejaculation. There are feeble, insufficient erections and easy loss of semen. After sexual intercourse, irritability is felt. Semen is watery and odorless. Selenium is a prominent medicine to manage cases of spermatorrhea (involuntary seminal discharges). It works well in cases having dribbling of semen during sleep. Sexual dreams with seminal emissions occur that awaken the patient. It is followed by lameness and weakness in the lower back. It is also a good medicine when seminal discharge occurs while passing stool, sitting or walking. Lastly, it is a useful medicine to manage genital itching especially of the scrotum.

Key Indicating Features

Erectile dysfunction with increased sexual desire but lacks of ability to have sexual intercourse

Premature ejaculation

Involuntary seminal discharge during sleep with sexual dreams

Involuntary seminal discharge while passing stool, sitting or walking

2. Urinary Issues (Frequent Urine, Urgent Urine, Pain In Urethra)

It is of great clinical significance in managing various urinary issues. Its use is recommended to manage complaints of frequent and urgent urination. It is also well indicated to deal with cases of dribbling of urine after urination, after passing stool and while walking. The urine is dark, thick, scanty with red, sandy coarse sediments in it. Other than these, it is indicated to manage twinging pain along urethra from behind forward. A sensation in the tip of urethra as if a biting drop is forcing its way out is another characteristic indication to use it.

Key Indicating Features

Frequent and urgent urination

Dribbling of urine after urination, after passing stool and while walking

3. Gastric Concerns (Cramps, Constipation, Liver Problems)

This medicine is also recommended to manage certain gastric issues. It can be firstly given for cases of stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting. Its action on rectum is well marked. Here, it is suitable for cases of constipation. In cases needing it, stool is large and hard that passes with a great effort. In some cases, stool is so hard that it needs to be removed mechanically. Sometimes, hard stool is followed by expulsion of mucus or blood from anus. Anal itching can be felt usually in the evening. It acts wonderfully on liver also. It can be given for cases of liver pain that mainly occurs when one breathes in. Another indication to use it is enlarged liver with rash over the area around the liver. Along with this there is loss of appetite, and sharp stitching pain around the liver. The pain gets worse from motion and by applying pressure.

Key Indicating Features

Constipation when stool is large, hard and passes with a great effort

Hard stool that gets impacted and needs to be removed mechanically

Liver pain occurs on taking inspiration

Enlarged liver with rash over the liver region

Sharp stitching pain in liver region worse from motion and pressure

4. Skin Ailments (Comedones, Eruptions, Itching) And Hair Problems

Selenium is useful for cases of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) with an oily skin. It is also helpful for dry, scaly eruptions on palms of hands. It is accompanied with itching. It also provides relief in vesicles (fluid-filled eruptions) in between the fingers.

comedones

It is suitable to manage itching that occurs in skin folds and around the ankles. It is also well indicated to manage hair problems, especially hair fall. It can be used to manage hair loss that occurs from scalp and eyebrows. Additionally, it offers help when hair loss is arising from armpits, whiskers and pubic area as well.

Key Indicating Features

Comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) with an oily skin

Dry, scaly eruptions on palms of hands

Vesicles (fluid filled eruptions) in between the fingers

Hair loss from scalp, eyebrows, armpits, whiskers and pubic area

2. Head (Headache)

Selenium proves to be an effective medicine for managing headache. It is effective especially to manage pain that is felt over left eye. It increases from strong odors and from walking in sun. It is a prominent medicine to tackle headache experienced by alcoholics. Headache that follows intake of wine, lemonade or tea can be magnificently managed with this medicine. Lastly, its use is suggested to deal with headache that occurs after intellectual labor.

Key Indicating Features

Pain over left eye which gets worse from strong odors and walking in sun

Headache in alcoholics

Headache after taking wine, lemonade or tea

Headache following intellectual labor

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse in open air, from loss of sleep, in hot weather, from mental exertion, touch, pressure, motion, after seminal loss and from wine.

Relieving factors: Complaints get better after sunset, from inhaling cool air, taking cold water in mouth

Dosage

This medicine works well in both low and high potencies. The potency is selected individually for every case. The low potencies can be frequently repeated but high potencies should not be consumed very often.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Ignatia, Pulsatilla and Muriatic Acid

Followed well by: Calcarea Carb, Merc Sol, Nux Vomica and Sepia

Arundo Mauritanica: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 2 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Arundo Mauritanica is derived from ‘Italian grass’ that belongs to family Gramineae. When this grass is potentised as per homeopathic formula that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties, it becomes a very significant homeopathic medicine Arundo Mauritanica. It is a brilliant medicine to treat cases of nasal allergy (hay fever).

Drug Action

The sphere of action of this medicine is very limited and not widespread. The first and major action of this remedy is on the nose, which is the most prominent one. Rest of its action is noted on skin, respiratory system, female genitals, head and rectum.

Clinical Indications

Hay fever, allergies, sneezing, cold, nasal discharge, hair loss, pustules, cough, dyspnoea, dentition, diarrhea.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Nasal Complaints (Allergy, Itching In Nostrils, Sneezing)

Arundo Mauritanica has its most important action on the nose. It gives brilliant results in cases of allergic rhinitis (nasal allergy). It is also known as hay fever. It refers to an allergic condition that occurs due to an allergic response to allergens like dust mites, pollen resulting in symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose and itchy, watery and red eyes. The foremost symptom indicating use of Arundo in hay fever is itching in the nostrils with sneezing. It promises effective cure in such cases. Other than this, it is an equally important medicine when there is itching on the roof of the mouth (palate) and in the eyes. For cases of allergic rhinitis that begin with itching and burning of the eyes and palate, it proves to be the best medicine. The palate feels raw and sore as well. Along with these symptoms, there occurs nasal discharge. Initially, the discharge is watery. Later, it becomes thick white slimy or green mucus. The mucus may have putrid smell. There may be pain at the root of the nose. Loss of smell may be present too.

Key Indicating Features

Itching in nostrils with sneezing

Itching on roof of mouth (palate) and in eyes

Allergic rhinitis beginning with itching and burning of eyes and palate

2. Skin Concerns (Crawling, Pustules, Cracks)

Arundo Mauritanica acts on skin too but to a lesser extent. The main indication to use it is crawling sensation on the body. It may be on the whole body or particularly on upper limbs, shoulders, chest and kidney region. It can be given for pustular (pus-filled) eruptions with intense itching. These are mostly present on the chest and arms. It can be used for healing cracks on heels or on fingers.

Key Indicating Features

Crawling sensation like that of an insect on body

Pustules on chest and arms

3. Respiratory Issues (Cough)

For respiratory issues, its use is usually considered when there is cough. Bluish sputum may be expectorated followed by white sputum. Rattling occurs during cough. After expectoration, bruised sensation may be felt in the pit of the throat. There may also occur vomiting of frothy, sticky matter after cough. Pricking sensation may be felt in the chest. On breathing, whistling occurs in the chest. There may occur short difficult breathing as well. It gets worse while walking.

Key Indicating Features

Cough with bluish expectoration initially followed by white

Vomiting of frothy, sticky matter after cough

4. Female Problems (Heavy Periods, Itching, Pain In Nipples)

This medicine can help in managing certain health concerns in females. The first complaint where it is useful is heavy menses that last for a long time. The menses also come early. The bleeding is of dark, black, clotted blood. Secondly, it can help to manage sexual desire along with itching in vagina. Pricking pain may occur in vulva. A very unique feature indicating its use is pain in the left side of jaw going to shoulders, kidney area that finally locates in pubis along with burning sensation. Lastly, it is beneficial to manage pain and burning in nipples.

Key Indicating Features

Heavy menses with dark, black, clotted blood

Sexual desire along with vaginal itching

Pain and burning in nipples

5. Head (Hair Fall, Headache, Formication)

It acts wonderfully on head to manage cases of hair fall. The scalp may be itchy. The roots of hair are painful. There is extreme or entire hair loss in children. Another prominent indication is headache when there is deep-seated pain in front of head and sides. Heat is felt in forehead. Sometimes pain appears in the back of head that extends to right side eye. Another indication is pricking sensation and formication (sensation of insects crawling under the skin) in forehead area. It can prove effective to treat pustules (pus-filled bumps) with red areola followed by crust formation in children.

Key Indicating Features

Extreme or entire hair loss in children

Deep-seated pain in front of head and sides

Pricking sensation and formication in forehead

Pustules with red areola followed by crust formation in children

6. Rectal Complaints (Diarrhea, Piles)

Its action is also noted on the rectum. It is mainly indicated for diarrhea in children during teething. The stool is green, in some cases blood may pass in stool. It is also indicated to manage cases of piles (swollen, enlarged veins in or around anus or in lower rectum). The piles protrude before passing stool, burning is felt at anus after passing stool. Piles may be attended with prolapse of rectum.

Key Indicating Features

Diarrhea during teething with greenish stool

Protrusion of piles before stool

Piles with prolapse of rectum

Dosage

Its use can be done in both low and high potency. In low potency, its frequent repetition can be done but in high potency, it should not be taken often.

Relationship with Other Remedies

It can be compared with other remedies including Allium Cepa, Sabadilla, Lycopodium, Calcarea Carb, Silicea and Sulphur.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines for Shoulder Pain

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 123 Comments

Any pain arising in the shoulder joint or the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons is called shoulder pain. It can be attended with stiffness, swelling and restricted movement of the shoulder depending on the cause behind it. The human shoulder is made up of a shoulder joint and different muscles, tendons and ligaments. The bones that constitute a shoulder joint are humerus, clavicle and scapula. It is one of the largest joints of the body that accommodates a wide range of movements. This complex joint is highly movable but is also one of the most unstable joints in the body.

Homeopathy offers a wonderful and side effect- free treatment for cases of shoulder pain. Homeopathic medicines help to magnificently relieve shoulder pain along with managing other associated signs and symptoms like swelling, stiffness, tenderness, redness and heat in the shoulder. As shoulder pain can arise from various causes, homeopathy gives excellent relief by treating the root cause behind it. In conventional treatment, pain killers, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti – inflammatory drugs) and steroids are recommended. These medicines are known to cause side effects from prolonged use, they also carry chances of creating dependency. Therefore, homeopathic medicines can be a great alternative to manage pain.

Homeopathy treats the root cause

For long-term relief in shoulder pain, the cause needs to be treated and homeopathic medicines follow this rule. For example, homeopathy helps in decreasing any inflammation and helps heal the muscles, tendons, and ligaments as the case may be, by encouraging natural healing within the body. Once the cause is addressed, the pain reduces and also any swelling or stiffness (if present) gets better.

Effective cure for Acute / Chronic cases

Homeopathy gives remarkable results in both acute and chronic cases. The acute cases get well quite quickly with homeopathic medicines. While chronic cases might take some more time to resolve completely, relief is noticeable in the very early phase of treatment. A gradual decrease in the frequency of symptoms occurs in chronic cases. With the regular course of homeopathic treatment as prescribed by a homeopathic physician, most of the chronic cases having mild to moderate intensity recover completely.

Safe, Natural medicines

Homeopathy uses natural medicines for shoulder pain. These medicines are made from natural substances and do not cause any side effects. These are safe to use among persons of all age groups.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines For Shoulder Pain

The most commonly indicated medicines for shoulder pain – Rhus Tox, Sanguinaria Canadensis, Ferrum Met, Ruta Graveolens, Bryonia Alba and Arnica.

1. Rhus Tox – Top Grade Medicine

When it comes to treat shoulder pain, Rhus Tox is a leading medicine. The most characteristic feature to use it is shoulder pain which gets worse at rest and better by movement. Rhus Tox is also one of the best medicines to manage shoulder pain arising from injury / overstraining / overstressing of muscles or tendons, inflamed tendons and joint inflammation. In cases needing it, the pain may vary that can be tearing, shooting, stitching or burning type. Along with pain and stiffness, swelling and cracking in the shoulder joint is also present.

When to use Rhus Tox?

It is a well-indicated medicine for shoulder pain arising from injury or over-straining of muscles or tendons, tendinitis and inflamed joints, especially when pain is worse at rest and better by movement.

How to use Rhus Tox?

Both low and high potencies of this medicine work well, however, it is advised to begin with 30C potency. Rhus Tox 30C can be taken twice or thrice a day as per intensity of complaint.

2. Sanguinaria Canadensis – For Shoulder Pain On Right Side

Sanguinaria Canadensis is the most frequently prescribed medicine for shoulder pain on the right side. In cases needing it, there occurs difficulty in raising the arm due to excessive shoulder pain. This pain extends to the right upper arm. The pain usually worsens during night and while turning in bed.

When to use Sanguinaria Canadensis?

Its use is suggested for right-sided shoulder pain which gets worse at night and when turning in bed along with difficulty in raising the arm.

How to use Sanguinaria Canadensis?

It can be used once or twice a day in 30 C potency but for high potency, kindly consult a homeopathic doctor.

3. Ferrum Met – For Left-Sided Shoulder Pain

Ferrum Met is most suitable for treating shoulder pain on the left side. The nature of shoulder pain is tearing, drawing, or boring. This pain may extend to the upper arm or even below. Persons who need it have worsening of pain on movement and they are unable to raise their arm. Cracking sound may occur in shoulder joint on movement. There may occur relief in pain from warm compress over the shoulder.

When to use Ferrum Met?

This medicine should be specifically selected for left-sided shoulder pain when there is pain with shoulder movement and there is inability to raise the arm.

How to use Ferrum Met?

The most commonly used potency of Ferrum Met is 30C that can be taken twice a day.

4. Ruta Graveolens – For Shoulder Pain Due To Injured Or Inflamed Tendons

Ruta Graveolens is a natural medicine obtained from the plant ‘garden rue’. It is an infallible medicine to manage shoulder pain due to injured or inflamed tendons. Shoulder pain that occurs due to overstretching of the shoulder tendons is also treatable with this medicine. It is used in cases where the shoulder is sore, bruised, and hanging the arms down worsens the pain. Ruta Graveolens helps reduce shoulder pain as well as the inflammation of tendons.

When to use Ruta Graveolens?

If an injured / inflamed tendon or overstretched tendon is giving rise to shoulder pain, Ruta should be given right away.

How to use Ruta Graveolens?

It is advised to take Ruta 30C twice or thrice a day.

5. Bryonia Alba – For Shoulder Pain Worse From Movement

It is a natural medicine to treat shoulder pain that gets worse with the slightest movement. Resting helps ease the pain. The shoulder can also appear shiny-red and swollen. There may occur a tightness sensation in the shoulder. The pain from the shoulder extends down the arm. Bryonia is an important medicine when shoulder pain occurs from inflamed joint.

When to use Bryonia Alba?

A person who experiences an increase in shoulder pain by movement and relief by resting will find this medicine highly effective.

How to use Bryonia Alba?

It can be taken in 30C potency two to three times a day for good results.

6. Arnica – For Shoulder Pain Post Injury

Arnica is a great herbal medicine to manage cases of shoulder pain that occurs after a shoulder injury. It works well when injury occurs from a blow; fall; or overuse of shoulder muscles, tendons; or straining of muscles. This medicine helps in healing injured area. Alongside it relieves pain and soreness of the shoulder.

When to use Arnica?

Arnica should be used as a first remedy to manage shoulder pain arising from an injury, strain or overuse of muscles and tendons.

How to use Arnica?

Arnica acts most wonderfully in 30C potency. Arnica 30C can be taken three to four times a day. When relief appears, one may reduce its dose.

Causes Of Shoulder Pain

1. Frozen Shoulder (also known as adhesive capsulitis): It refers to pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint from the thickening and tightening of the capsule that encloses shoulder joint. Keeping the shoulder still for a prolonged period (like in case of a fracture in the arm, when recovering from surgery) is a major risk factor for a frozen shoulder.

2. Rotator cuff injury: Rotator cuff refers to collection of muscles and tendons which offer stability to shoulder and also help in its movement. Its injury includes inflammation of its tendons (rotator cuff tendinitis), strains (these occur from overuse and wear and tear of muscles) and tear of tendons (either partial or complete)

3. Tendinitis and Tendon tear: Tendinitis means inflamed tendons (tissue bands that connect muscle to a bone). An injury or degeneration in tendons of shoulders (rotator cuff tendons are commonly injured tendons) can lead to tendon tear. The tear may be partial or complete.

4. Impingement syndrome: Pinching of tendons of rotator cuff in shoulder bones

5. Sprain in shoulder: Twisting of ligaments (tissue bands that connect one bone to another bone) of shoulders

6. Shoulder Bursitis (subacromial bursitis): Bursa refers to a fluid-filled sac in the joint that reduces friction in joint structures to allow smooth joint movement. Shoulder bursitis results when this bursa gets inflamed. It may happen from an injury or joint inflammation.

7. Shoulder Arthritis: It refers to an inflamed shoulder joint. It may occur from osteoarthritis (degenerative changes in joints usually from age-related wear and tear or sometimes from an injury). It may also result from rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disorder characterized by swollen, inflamed, painful, stiff joints) and septic arthritis (serious joint infection caused by bacteria or virus).

8. Overuse or repetitive use of shoulder leading to an injury

9. Bone spurs: Extra bony growths projecting along the edge of the bone

10. Bone Fracture in the shoulder or dislocated shoulder

11. Nerve pinching in the neck or shoulder

12. Referred pain: In some cases, shoulder pain occurs from a problem in a body part other than the shoulder itself, for example, a problem in the liver, or gallbladder. It is known as referred pain.

Guaiacum Officinale: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 10 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Guaiacum Officinale, also known as Guajacum Officinale, is derived from gum resin of a tree known as Lignum sanctum or Lignum Vite. It is a large tree growing in West Indies. It belongs to family Zygophyllaceae. The gum resin of this plant undergoes potentization to get converted into a very beneficial homeopathic medicine Guaiacum Officinale. Potentization refers to a process by which homeopathic medicines are prepared by arousing the medicinal properties of a crude substance. Guaiacum Officinale is a very effective medicine for managing pain and stiffness in neck, backache and joint pains.

The ‘Guaiacum Officinale’ Constitution

This medicine suits people who are predisposed to joint inflammation or suffer from it.

Drug Action

It prominently acts well on the joints, bones, muscles, neck, back, mucus membranes and fibrous tissue. Besides, its action is noted on head, lungs, throat and gastric system.

Clinical Indications

Neck pain, neck stiffness, joint inflammation, gout, growing pains, bone pain, cough, pleurisy, throat disorders, tonsillitis, stomach disorders, diarrhea, constipation, inguinal hernia

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Neck And Back (Pain And Stiffness)

The main sphere of action of this medicine is noted on neck and back. It acts wonderfully on neck and back and gives magnificent results in various complaints related to it. First of all, it proves to be highly effective in cases of pain and stiffness in the neck. The shoulders are sore. If stiffness of neck occurs from exposure to cold, then this medicine can be of great help. A characteristic feature that can be present is stiffness on one side of the neck especially the left side radiating to the lower back, it gets worse from movement, and better from rest. Another peculiar indication for its use is pain of contractive type or stitching type between the scapulae (triangular bone in the upper back one on either side). This medicine also works well when there is pain and stiffness on one side of the back. Pain is tearing or shooting in nature. Lastly, it is indicated when there is pain from head to the neck.

Key Indicating Features

Pain and stiffness in the neck

Stiffness of neck from exposure to cold

Stiffness in one side of the neck usually left side, radiating to the lower back

Contractive type or stitching type of pain between the scapulae

2. Limbs (Joint Pain, Muscle Pain, Bone Pain, Growing Pains)

If we talk of limbs, this medicine is mainly used to treat joint complaints. It is mostly helpful when there is pain and swelling in the joints and when joints cannot bear heat. Intense stiffness is also there in the joints. Pain can be felt in the wrist, shoulders, elbow, ankles, arms and hands. In case of wrist, pain mostly occurs on the left side. Pain is felt in the shoulder or elbow that extends to the wrist. The ankle pain may radiate up to the leg. In some cases, joint deformity may be present. Its use is also suggested for gout (joint inflammation from increased uric acid level) cases with tearing and stitching pain in the limbs along with contracted sensation. Mainly knee joint is inflamed from gout attended with intense pain. Other than joints, it is well-indicated for managing muscle pain. Guaiacum is recommended when there occurs tearing or pricking pain in the muscles of limbs accompanied by heat. It can effectively handle thigh pain, especially pain in the middle of the thigh that radiates to the knees. The thigh muscles feel tense as if they are shortened. This medicine can be given to manage bone pain as well that occurs in the legs accompanied by swollen sensation. Other than the above, it is also a preferred medicine for growing pains (cramping or aching pain in child’s leg, front of thigh, calf muscle or back of knee that occur in evening or at night).

Key Indicating Features

Painful, stiff, swollen joints that cannot bear heat

Gout with tearing and stitching pain in limbs and contracted sensation

Growing pains in children

3. Head (Headache)

With its action on head, it can help to relieve headache. The most important symptom guiding its use is pain in the head and face extending to neck. It is also given for pulsating, throbbing pain in the head. Persons needing it feel headache while sitting and standing. They feel better by walking and applying pressure. Some persons needing it complain of one-sided pain in the head which is particularly tearing type.

Key Indicating Features

Pain in the head and face extending to neck

Headache worse when sitting and standing

Headache better by walking and pressure

4. Lungs (Pleurisy, Cough)

In case of lungs, Guaiacum shows its main action to manage cases of pleurisy. Pleurisy refers to inflammation of the pleura which is a tissue that lines the lungs and the chest wall. It is mainly effective to manage stitching pain in the chest due to pleurisy. The pain gets worse from deep breathing. Its use is further done in cases of cough when it is dry, tight cough. After coughing, there is offensive breath. Cough can be attended with difficulty in breathing. Lastly, it can be used when there is expectoration of fetid pus with cough.

Key Indicating Features

Stitching type of chest pain worse from deep breathing in pleurisy

Cough with expectoration of fetid pus

5. Throat Complaints (Tonsillitis)

By acting on throat, it shows good results in tonsillitis cases. The right-sided tonsil is mainly inflamed, swollen, and dark red. There is swelling, dryness and burning sensation in the throat. The throat is painful to touch. Stitching pain is felt in the throat radiating to ears on swallowing.

Key Indicating Features

Tonsillitis when right-sided tonsil is inflamed, swollen, dark red

Swollen, dry throat with burning sensation

Stitching pain in throat radiating to ears on swallowing

6. Gastric Issues (Gas, Pain, Diarrhea, Constipation, Inguinal Hernia)

This medicine lastly acts well on the gastric system and rectifies certain gastric issues effectively. It can help in cases of gas and distension of abdomen. Pinching pain is felt in abdomen from obstruction of gas. The stomach feels constricted and can be attended with cough and problem in breathing. Burning sensation in the stomach can occur. Sometimes cramping pain is felt in stomach. In some cases needing it, watery mucus is vomited. It is followed by weakness. It can also treat cases of diarrhea as well as constipation. In case of diarrhea, loose stool occurs in the morning attended by chill. It can be given when there is thin stool with mucus passage. For constipation, it is effective when stool is hard, crumbling and has a very offensive smell. Besides, it is also well indicated for cases of inguinal hernia (bulging of abdomen contents like intestine through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near groin area).

Key Indicating Features

Gas, distension of abdomen with pinching pain from obstructed gas

Vomiting of watery mucus

Constipation with hard, crumbling stool having a very offensive smell

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from heat, touch, motion, exertion and in cold, wet weather

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from external pressure and cold applications

Dosage

This medicine gives good results in both low and high potency. If used in low potency, one can repeat it frequently. But in high potencies it should not be repeated often.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Nux Vomica

It antidotes: Causticum and Rhus Tox

Followed well by: Calcarea Carb and Merc Sol

Vertigo and Dizziness making Life Unlivable ? Homeopathy has a treatment for it !

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 441 Comments

Vertigo is a sensation in which a person feels that he or she is moving or the things in the surrounding are in motion which is not so in reality. The person with vertigo may have difficulty maintaining balance while walking and standing. Improper imbalance can also result in falling. Nausea and vomiting may also accompany vertigo.

Homeopathy offers excellent treatment in cases of vertigo. With zero side effects and a natural composition, homeopathic remedies for vertigo give wonderful results. Homeopathic medicines provide cure in vertigo cases by working at a deep level to root out the cause. Besides relieving vertigo, these medicines also help to manage attending symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headache, noises in ears (tinnitus), a sensation of fullness in the ears that may occur in some cases depending on the cause behind it. Unlike medicines used in the conventional mode that work temporarily and can have side effects, homeopathic medicines give long term relief with zero side effects.

Initially, homeopathy aims to give relief in acute vertigo episodes. Afterwards, it works to reduce the intensity and frequency of vertigo attacks in future. Its main motive is to help to cure it entirely with proper treatment. As vertigo can arise from varying causes, homeopathy focuses to fight back this cause to give excellent cures.

Homeopathy is a highly reliable healing science based on fixed principles to prescribe medicines. It does not follow a hit and trial approach to address health issues. Rather the medicine prescription, potency selection, dosage and repetition — all are done according to fixed laws of homeopathy. It makes it a very safe and reliable treatment option for vertigo cases. Homeopathic treatment as guided by a homeopathic physician results in cure in most of the vertigo cases having mild to moderate intensity.

Every person has an inbuilt self-healing mechanism in the body that can help to overcome health issues naturally. Some type of stimulus is needed for this mechanism to self-heal. Homeopathy uses medicines for vertigo in a highly diluted form that works to stimulate this self-healing mechanism for natural recovery.

7 Best Homeopathic Remedies For Vertigo

Homeopathy provides several remedies to treat Vertigo. The topmost among these are Conium, Gelsemium, Cocculus Indicus, Chininum Sulph, Belladonna, Bryonia and China.

1. Conium – Top-Grade Medicine

Conium leads the chart of homeopathic medicines for managing vertigo. The persons needing it feels as if he/she is moving around in a circle. Worsening of vertigo from head movement is the key indication to use this medicine. It is one of the best medicines to deal with cases of BPPV (a condition in which vertigo occurs from head movement). It is also well indicated when vertigo worsens from turning in bed. It works well when vertigo gets worse while rising from a seat or bed. Besides, its use is suggested when vertigo occurs while walking. There may be a tendency to fall sideways. Lastly, for elderly people who experience vertigo, Conium is very beneficial.

When to use Conium?

This medicine should be used as a first remedy in cases of vertigo especially one that worsens from head movement, walking and turning in bed.

How to use Conium?

It can be used in varying potencies like 30C, 200C, 1M. Most commonly it is used in 30C potency once or twice a day. To use high potencies, kindly consult a homeopathic physician.

2. Gelsemium – For Vertigo With Loss Of Balance

Gelsemium is a natural medicine prepared from the plant ‘yellow jasmine’. It is a very effective medicine when vertigo is accompanied by loss of balance. It poses difficulty in walking which causes a staggering gait (unsteady walk as if drunk). Other than this, it is indicated when vertigo is attended with dim vision, double vision and heaviness of eyelids. In cases needing gelsenium, vertigo gets worse from walking mostly.

When to use Gelsemium?

Consider its use in cases where vertigo is accompanied by loss of balance while walking or dim vision / double vision or heaviness of eyelids.

How to use Gelsemium?

It is usually given in 30C potency two to three times a day. Its higher potencies can be used only on the advice of a homeopathic doctor.

3. Cocculus Indicus – For Vertigo With Nausea, Vomiting

Cocculus Indicus is a highly suitable medicine for vertigo accompanied by nausea and vomiting. In cases needing it, vertigo worsens while sitting up or standing. It is also a top-listed medicine for vertigo with nausea and vomiting during travelling. Besides, cocculus is an important medicine to manage vertigo worsening from loss of sleep. Besides, there is a feeling as if one will faint.

When to use Cocculus Indicus?

This medicine should be preferred in all cases where nausea and vomiting occurs along with vertigo.

How to use Cocculus Indicus?

It is mainly recommended in 30C potency. It can be taken once or twice a day as per the severity of the complaint.

4. Chininum Sulph – For Vertigo In Cases Of Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s Disease refers to a condition in which hearing loss, noises in ear (tinnitus) and vertigo occur. Chininum Sulph is of great help when there is vertigo with noises in the ear. The noises can be buzzing, ringing or roaring in nature varying from case to case. The person needing it has difficulty in standing and frequently falls down. Vertigo mainly worsens on stooping. In some cases, vertigo is accompanied by headache.

When to use Chininum Sulph?

This medicine should be the first choice to manage vertigo in case of Meniere’s disease with buzzing, ringing or roaring noises in ears and hearing difficulty.

How to use Chininum Sulph?

From low to high potency it works well in all potencies. Initially, it is best to use 30C potency once a day or twice a day. In case no changes occur, one may use high potencies under the supervision of a homeopathic expert.

5. Belladonna – For Vertigo During Headache

Belladonna is a leading medicine for treating vertigo that occurs along with headache due to cervical spondylosis. In cases needing it, vertigo worsens from movement, when turning in bed. It may also increase while stooping and from rising from stooped position. A tendency to fall to the left side or backward may be present. Headache attends vertigo. Headache gets better by applying pressure or binding the head.

When to use Belladonna?

This medicine is best for vertigo that gets worse while stooping or when rising from stooping attended by headache.

How to use Belladonna?

This medicine can be used in 30C potency twice or thrice a day as per the intensity of complaint.

6. Bryonia – For Vertigo In Case Of BPPV

BPVV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) refers to a condition in which vertigo appears on the head’s movement or changing the head’s position. Bryonia is an excellent medicine for BPVV other than Conium. It works well when vertigo appears from sudden motion of the head in any direction. It seems as if all objects are moving in a circle. The condition improves when the head is in an absolute rest position without even the slightest motion.

When to use Bryonia?

Bryonia can be used in cases in which vertigo triggers from the sudden movement of head and gets better with complete rest with no head movement.

How to use Bryonia?

Bryonia is mostly used in 30C potency. One may take it twice or thrice a day depending on the severity of the problem.

7. China Officinalis – For Vertigo Worse On Movement And Walking

China is an important medicine when vertigo worsens with movement and walking. The person is unable to walk straight and staggers while walking. The problem gets relieved by lying down. With vertigo, fainting spells may occur. A tendency to fall backward is mainly present.

When to use China Officinalis?

The use of this medicine is highly applicable for cases of vertigo which worsens on movement and while walking and relief is noted by lying down.

How to use China Officinalis?

China Officinalis 30C twice a day is an ideal dose to start with.

Causes Behind Vertigo

1. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): It is the most common cause behind vertigo. In this case, vertigo occurs from a sudden change in head position. For example, it may trigger from moving head up or down or turning in bed. BPPV happens when calcium particles that are present in utricle move into semi-circular canal of inner ear that control balance. On head movement, these particles touch and stimulate the cilia (sensory hair cells via which the body’s balance and position information is signalled to brain) of these canals. Due to this, wrong information is processed about body’s position resulting in vertigo.

2. Labyrinthitis: Inflammation or infection of labyrinth which is part of inner ear

3. Vestibular neuritis: Inflammation of vestibular nerve that processes signal to brain about balance

4. Meniere’s disease: An inner ear disorder that causes triad of complaints including vertigo, tinnitus (noises in ear) and hearing loss.

5. Cholesteatoma: A cyst growing in middle ear behind the eardrum

6. Migraine headache: One-sided severe throbbing headache attended with nausea vomiting. Sensitivity to noise, light, odors can be there. Vertigo can also attend these symptoms.

7. Otosclerosis: Condition arising from abnormal bone growth in the middle ear

8. Ear surgery, head/neck injury, low blood pressure, certain medicines which damage ear for example diuretics, salicylates, aminoglycoside antibiotics and stroke (damage to brain from interrupted blood supply to brain)

What are the symptoms of Vertigo?

Persons who have vertigo feel as if they are spinning or objects around them are moving or they are swaying or feeling unbalanced. They may have some other symptoms as well depending on the cause behind vertigo. These include nausea, vomiting, balance issues, headache, noises in ears (tinnitus), fullness sensation in ears, sweating and nystagmus (rapid, repetitive, involuntary eye movement).