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

Homeopathic Treatment for Bruxism

Bruxism or grinding of teeth is a common oral habit. It refers to the non-functional grinding of teeth or clenching of the jaw. It is a condition that usually occurs in children but not uncommon in adults. This condition mostly occurs at night, but children tend to exhibit the habit during the day as well. In many cases, bruxism is mild and causes no harm. But if it occurs on a regular basis, it can lead to various complications like a headache, earache, jaw pain, and dental damage. Homeopathic treatment for bruxism is very effective. Homeopathy medicines are constitutional medicines that treat a problem in a very gentle way. They help with symptoms like a headache, ear pain and jaw pain that arise due to the grinding of teeth and assist in reducing the risk of permanent dental damage caused by teeth grinding. Homeopathic medicines for bruxism are prepared from natural substances which have no side effects and are hence safe to use for all age groups. A detailed case taking should be done in instances of bruxism. This helps in finding the underlying cause leading to the grinding of teeth, which in turn, helps in identifying individual symptoms that will contribute to deciding which medicine to use.

Types of Bruxism

1. Awake bruxism: In this condition, the patient unconsciously clenches the teeth while awake. The clenching is more prominent than grinding.
2. Sleep bruxism: In this type of bruxism, the clenching or grinding occurs during sleep.

Causes for Bruxism

The factors leading to bruxism are not known. A combination of genetic, psychological and physical factors may be responsible for bruxism.
1. Awake bruxism – Causes for awake bruxism include stressful situations and an automatic reflex to deep concentration or emotions like anxiety, anger, tension, and frustration.
2. Sleep Bruxism – Stress or anxiety adversely affect sleep which may lead to sleep bruxism. Sleep bruxism is associated with other sleep disorders like snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea.

Grinding of Teeth in Children

There are two phases of teeth grinding in children
1. When their teeth emerge
2. When their permanent teeth set in
Most children lose the teeth grinding habit after that period. Other conditions in children that lead to teeth grinding include nutritional deficiencies, worm infestations, psychological factors like anxiety and stress, endocrine disorders, and incorrectly aligned teeth.

Risk Factors for Bruxism

1. Genetics. Sleep bruxism runs in members of the same family.
2. Aggressive or competitive persons are more at risk of developing bruxism.
3. Young children are at a higher risk than adults.
4. Constant stress or anxiety.
5. Side effect of antidepressants.
6. Caffeine-rich diet.
7. Excessive alcohol intake.
8. Tobacco smoking.
9. Disorders like epilepsy, ADHD, sleep-related disorders like sleep apnea, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.

Associated Symptoms

Persons who grind teeth while asleep are not even aware of this condition until the parents or spouse notice it. Symptoms of teeth grinding include dull headaches, especially in the temples, pain in the ear, facial pain, stiffness and pain in the jaw, difficulty in opening of the mouth, and disturbed sleep. Dental damage is another symptom and includes damage to the enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, tooth pain, flattening or chipping of teeth, loose teeth, fractured teeth, and injury to the inside of the cheek.

Homeopathic Medicines for Bruxism

1. Cina – For Grinding of Teeth in Children

Cina is useful a medicine for bruxism in children. In most cases, the grinding of teeth occurs during sleep at night. The child may also scream at night. In some cases, there is foul breath and frothy saliva. Sometimes, the child is highly irritable, ill-humored, and may tend to bite and strike others. Cina also works well in cases of teeth grinding because of worm infestation.

2. Santoninum – For Grinding of Teeth with Worm Infestation

Santoninum is an effective treatment for bruxism caused by worm infestation. It works well both for grinding as well as clenching of teeth during sleep. Restlessness during sleep may also be a symptom, along with an itchy nose and abdominal pains.

3. Chamomilla – For Bruxism in Angry Personalities

Chamomilla works well for patients prone to getting frequent fits of violent anger. Such individuals may be very obstinate and quarrelsome. They may also be sensitive to noise and pain. Chamomilla is a good treatment for bruxism in children during dentition.

4. Belladonna – For Bruxism with a Headache

Belladonna is very useful treatment for bruxism which is accompanied by a throbbing pain in the head. The patient’s face may turn red along with the headache, he may have mood swings, be forgetful, and suffer from mental confusion. The patient may also be restless and delirious.

5. Arsenic Album – For Bruxism with Anxiety

Arsenic Album is a highly effective medicine for bruxism in persons suffering from intense anxiety and restlessness. Such patients suffer from fears, cannot find rest in one place, and are prone to shifting places. These patients grind their teeth while asleep. Their teeth may seem longer and are very sensitive to pressure.

7. Plantago – For Bruxism with a Toothache and Tooth Sensitivity

Plantago is an effective treatment for bruxism in cases where teeth grinding occurs along with severe tooth pain and sensitivity. Grinding of teeth takes place at night. There may be a feeling of soreness in the teeth along with increased salivation. Sometimes, a pain in the ears may accompany the grinding of teeth.

Top Grade Homeopathic Medicines for Gaining Weight

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 147 Comments

A person having a weight below the range that is considered normal as per his/her height and age is believed to be underweight. Many persons may be underweight simply because of their genetic makeup. Others may be underweight because of other factors such as eating less or taking a diet insufficient in nutrients. There are a few medical conditions that make a person lose weight and fall in the underweight category. These medical conditions include IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), tuberculosis, Crohn’s disease, and liver problems. A person who is stressed or depressed may also lose weight. Homeopathic medicines for gaining weight help put on weight naturally.

Being underweight makes a person prone to lowered immunity. A weak immune system increases the risk of recurrent infections. Anaemia, tiredness, hair loss, weak bones, osteoporosis are other negative outcomes of being underweight. In women, being underweight puts you at a greater risk of amenorrhea, difficulty in getting pregnant and complications during pregnancy.

Homeopathic Medicines for Gaining Weight

Homeopathy medicines are extremely helpful for persons looking to gain weight. Homeopathy offers a wide range of medicines that can help underweight persons gain weight in a healthy way. The selection of medicines for gaining weight is based on individual case presentation. The medicines help gain weight while at the same time building immunity. In fact, Homeopathy medicines work by correcting the underlying medical condition that has caused the weight loss in the first place, thereby improving the overall health condition of the person concerned. Iodum, Natrum Mur, China, Cal. Phos and Ferrum Met are the top remedies.

1. Iodum – For Gaining Weight

Iodum rates among the most suitable medicines for gaining weight. Iodum is most useful in cases where a person continues to lose weight even while having a balanced diet. Such persons have a good appetite and eat well, yet go on losing flesh. They look thin and emaciated. Great debility, nervousness, heated sensation are other complaints. Iodum is also considered a great prescription for underweight persons who have an overactive thyroid gland. It is considered one of the exceptionally effective Homeopathic medicines for gaining weight again in such cases.

2. Natrum Mur – For People Losing Weight due to Long-standing Grief, Depression

Natrum Mur is one of the most preferred medicines for gaining weight in persons who lose weight and start to look emaciated due to grief or depression. Persons who need Natrum Mur have severe depression. They constantly dwell on the past and shut off from society. Weeping and lack of self-care are key symptoms. Such persons avoid meals and look extremely thin. Natrum Mur helps overcome depression and restores good health in such cases.

3. China – For Weight Loss due to Chronic Diarrhea

China is one of the top listed medicines for gaining weight in people with long-standing diarrhea. Such persons have low weight, marked weakness and fainting spells. Excessive flatulence and bloated abdomen are other complaints. Homeopathic medicine China helps to regain the healthy state that has been ruined because of chronic diarrhea. It is rated among the best medicines for gaining weight and restoring good health in this category.

4. Calcarea Phos – For Underweight People with Weak Bones

Calcarea Phos is another of the wonderful medicines for gaining weight in persons who suffer weak bones in addition to weight loss. The bones are thin, brittle and prone to fractures. Calcarea Phos helps to gain weight and strengthen bones at the same time. Calcarea Phos is also helpful in persons having a weak spine disposed to curvatures. It is also an extraordinary medicine to promote weight gain in underweight children who are emaciated, thin and show weak and tardy development. This child also shows slow development of speech, late dentition and is slow in learning how to walk.

5. Ferrum Met – For Underweight People with Anaemia

In underweight persons who are also anemic, Ferrum Met is one of the most beneficial medicines for gaining weight. Such persons also complain of weakness, lack of stamina, debility, pallor of the face, blue circles around the eyes and palpitations on exertion. Bleeding tendencies may also prevail. Ferrum Met is the ideal prescription among medicines for gaining weight in such cases.

5 Best Homeopathic Medicine for Vitiligo

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 132 Comments

Vitiligo (often called leucoderma) is a disorder where the skin loses its color in patches of irregular shapes and sizes. This is a pigmentation disorder which means that melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells) in the skin get destroyed. This results in the development of white patches on the skin. Homeopathic medicine for vitiligo like Arsenic Sulph Falvus, Arsenic Album, Baryta Mur and Baryta Carb can treat the problem effectively.

The hairs which are growing in that area may lose their color and turn gray. This disorder also leads to psychological issues relating to appearances and at times in certain individuals (mainly the adolescents and the young) this stress can take enormous proportions particularly if Vitiligo develops on visible areas of the body, such as the face, hands, arms, feet, or on the genitals. They develop very strong emotions of being embarrassed, depressed, or worried about how others will react.

What causes Vitiligo?

The cause for Vitiligo is not very clear but doctors and researchers are beginning to believe that Vitiligo resembles an autoimmune disorder. Which means that the pigment (the matter that gives colour to our skin) producing cells of the skin are destroyed by the body’s own antibodies (defense cells).

In some cases it has been observed that the onset of Vitiligo is related to a psychologically stressful event in the patient’s life. People with a family history of Vitiligo are more prone to develop these white patches. Ninety five percent of all those who develop Vitiligo, start developing symptoms before their 40th year of their life.

Other factors that have been found to be more common with those suffering from Vitiligo are presence of other autoimmune disorders, history of sunburns, rashes and other skin disorders and hair turning grey before the age of thirty five.

Symptoms of Vitiligo

People with Vitiligo develop white patches on their skin of irregular shapes and sizes. Vitiligo is more common on the exposed areas for example hands face, neck and arms. It also occurs on covered areas too: – like genitals, breast and legs. In some patients the hair may also turn grey early and in the inside of the mouth, white discoloration may also occur.

The spread of Vitiligo cannot be determined. It may stop completely after the first patch but often these patches do spread. For some patients further development may takes years and for others the large areas can be covered in months. In some patients mental stress has been seen to increase the growth of these white patches.

Homeopathic Medicine for Vitiligo

Homeopathy is able to give wonderful and miraculous cures in many cases of Vitiligo. This is due to the fact that the treatment enhances the natural production of pigments. According to philosophy Vitiligo not a disease in itself but an expression of an inner disturbed state of the body. Thus, the cure should occur at a level where things have gone wrong. In order to archive this, the patient is analyzed on various aspects of mental and physical and familial attributes and also a complete study is done on the psychological-environment that the patient has gone through in his life. The prescription is then based at the deepest level of understanding of the patient?s disturbed inner force. Although many homoeopathic medicines Arsenic Sulph Falvus, Arsenic Album , Baryta Mur and Baryta Carb are known to give good results in Vitiligo; I would again reiterate the fact that real cure of Vitiligo occurs when the prescription is made according to the true principles of homoeopathic philosophy i.e. treating that deep causative factor which caused this inner disturbance. Also remember that Vitiligo is a chronic disorder and can take considerable time even with the best of the homoeopathic treatment, for it to be completely cured.

1. Calcarea Carb – For Milky White Spots on the Skin

Calcarea Carb is a top grade constitutional medicine for Vitiligo. It is prescribed to patients of Vitiligo with milky white spots on skin. These white spots can appear anywhere on the body. In Homeopathy constitutional symptoms are given extreme importance in while selecting medicine in any given case. These ar unique constitutional symptoms that guide in the selection of Calcarea Carb . The first among these is tendency to free perspiration over the head, neck and chest. Next is intolerance to cold weather. Certain peculiar cravings may be present are – eggs, lime, pencils. Person needing Calcarea Carb may show tendency to catch cold easily. Weakness of bone may also be found. Easily fatigued by exertion. The tendency to chronic constipation and obesity also guides the selection of Calcarea Carb in vitiligo. On the mental sphere, the person may show a number of fears. The prominent fears among them are fear of misfortune, of contagious disease, of losing reason and of insanity.

2. Arsenic Album – For Vitiligo in Anxious Personalities

Arsenic Album is yet another useful remedy for vitiligo in persons prone to dry, rough skin. The skin shows whitish spots and skin is dry, dirty and rough. The skin complaint alternating with respiratory complaints like asthma is a strong pointer for using Arsenic Album. In general sphere warmth is a relieving factor for persons needing Arsenic album. Warm applications over skin and warm drinks are highly desirable. Burning sensations in varying body parts may also be noticed. Extreme exhaustion may also be present. There are peculiar constitutional symptoms that allow us to select Arsenic Album in vitiligo treatment. The most prominent out of these are fears and anxieties. This remedy is often indicated in persons who have fears including that of death, disease, germs and of catching infection. Patients requiring Arsenic Album are highly anxious personalities. They may show anxieties about health, trifles and anxiety about others. Marked restlessness is often seen on both mental and physical planes in persons needing Arsenic Album. Next distinctive feature for selecting Arsenic Album in vitiligo is fastidiousness. Person demanding extreme neatness and order in everything are yet another suitable subjects requiring Arsenic Album.

3. Sepia – For Vitiligo in People with Indifferent Attitude

Sepia is another important remedy in the list that is selected constitutionally in vitiligo treatment. If the constitutional picture of Sepia matches with that of a person suffering with vitiligo, it possess a great ability to completely eradicate the disease. constitutional symptoms that indicate the use of sepia are – having an indifferent approach towards life and family. They show aversion towards family members and friends who were once loved with great affection. They lack interest in doing any work. Tendency to avoid both Physical or mental labor is present . They are constantly depressed with marked irritability, weeping tendency, desire to be alone and an aversion to consolation or sympathy. The use of Sepia must also be thought in women with menstrual irregularities or those around menopausal age with tendency to hot flushes.

4. Silicea – Constitutional Medicine for Vitiligo

Silicea carries a good scope to treat vitiligo when selected as per the constitutional makeup of the person. The set of symptoms that indicate the use of Silicea are – pale and waxy skin; tendency to excessive perspiration on hands and feet; tendency to eruptions with pus formation in various body parts; tendency to catch cold on frequent basis; lean, thin physical makeup . There are few characteristic mind symptoms that need attention when selecting Silicea. The main mind symptom are timidity and an under-confident nature. Silicea may be thought of in people who seem under-confident, fear public speaking, are timid and bashful. Obstinate behavior and stubbornness may also indicate its use .

5. Sulphur – One of the best Medicines for Vitiligo

Although Sulphur is mentioned quite low down in the list for treating vitiligo but its worth is equivalent to above narrated medicines. . Sulphur is a deep acting medicine used frequently in treatment of varying skin diseases including vitiligo. It goes deep inside the basic root cause to annihilate the disease in its complete extent. The persons requiring Sulphur usually show a philosophical mindset. They are popularly referred as ‘ragged philosophers’. Their mind is constantly occupied with various theories and plans. As a result they suffer from mental fatigue and absent mindedness. They take little or no care for their physical appearance and even show aversion to bathing. Persons who have suffered a lot from skin troubles, itchy skin with long term use of ointments are also likely to be benefited from use of Sulphur. Apart from all above said symptoms burning sensations in various body parts may be present along with white spots on skin. An extra ordinary craving for sweets may also be shown as a constitutional symptom.

Homeopathic Treatment for Viral Infections

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 33 Comments

Infections caused by the presence of a virus in the body are known as viral infections. One or more viruses cause these infections, and they are common in clinical practice. Although these infections can affect anyone, children and aged people are more susceptible due to weaker immune systems. Homeopathic treatment for viral infections helps resolve the condition by naturally strengthening the immune system, thereby enabling the body to fight infection.
Some viral infections are self-limiting while others can lead to severe complications. These infections produce debilitating symptoms and affect the day-to-day life of the infected person.
The symptoms vary depending on the organs or systems affected by the virus. The most prominent symptoms include high fever and severe body pain with marked weakness. In addition to this, specific symptoms also occur.

How do Viral Infections Spread?

Viral infections are highly contagious and get transferred very quickly by direct or indirect contact. Viral infections of the skin like herpes and chickenpox spread by direct or indirect contact through infectious discharge. This discharge oozes from skin eruptions that are a common symptom of these diseases.

Viral infections of the respiratory system spread through exposure to nasal or respiratory discharges. Discharge is spread while coughing or sneezing, or by direct contact with items like contaminated handkerchief or utensils.

Viral infections can lead to gastroenteritis or hepatitis. Here the spread occurs by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Few viral infections spread by the bite of insects like mosquitoes or ticks. They include hemorrhagic fevers e.g. dengue, chikungunya, etc. There are the sexually transmitted viral infections like AIDS, Hepatitis B, etc. They spread by unprotected intercourse with infected partners. The spread can also occur via blood transfusion.

Symptoms of Viral Infections

The symptoms of a viral infection depend on the nature of the virus, age and health status of the patient, and the organ affected.
However, there are general symptoms present in all viral infections. These include high fever and rising and ebbing temperature accompanied by chilliness. The patient may complain of extreme weakness and fatigue. Marked pain in the head, body-ache, muscle-pain, and joint-pain is also noted.
Nausea and vomiting are some other symptoms associated with viral infections.

Fever is the most common symptom that is present in almost all viral infections. It is the reaction of body’s immune system against foreign bodies, like viruses. It is a worrisome symptom in children and quick-relief is often sought through drugs to lower fever.
Fever-lowering drugs suppress the fever temporarily, but infection inside the body persists.

Homeopathic Treatment for Viral Infections

Conventional drugs do not offer comprehensive treatments for viral infections. Certain viruses like Influenza, HIV, etc. have tendencies to mutate (change) very rapidly, thereby lowering the effectiveness of such medicines. Additionally, viruses quickly develop resistance to these drugs, making the development of preventive medicine somewhat challenging. Conventional medications therefore only provide supportive management and suppression of the symptoms.
Homeopathic treatment for viral infections helps ease the symptoms and also enables the body to heal naturally.

Homeopathy treatment for viral infections is steadily gaining popularity as a natural way to deal with viral infections. These medicines help reduce the frequency and intensity of acute symptoms like weakness, fever, body pain, etc. These help with quick recovery. In some cases, they reduce the chances of further complications. Homeopathy treatment for viral infections treats the symptoms not by suppressing them, but by strengthening the immune system. It activates the body’s natural restorative properties by producing symptoms similar to the ones experienced by the patients. This method helps settle underlying internal disturbances in the body. Homeopathy treatment for viral infections also minimizes the weakness and fatigue commonly encountered as an aftermath of the infection.

Viral infections are highly communicable and spread rapidly from one person to another. Homeopathy treatment for viral infections is also preventative and helps reduce the chances of contracting the infection.

1. Viral Infections that Affect the Skin

The most common viral infections of skin include Herpes simplex infection, warts and eruptive fevers like chickenpox, measles, rubella, etc.

Herpes Simplex

Herpes simplex is a viral infection that can occur in any part of the body. Most common sites include the mouth, face, genitals and anal region. It is of two types – Type 1 and Type 2.
Type-1 is oral herpes that mainly affects mouth and face. It spreads by direct contact with an infected person.
Type-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that affects the genital and anal region. Sores develop in the mouth, face, genital and anal area. General symptoms of fever, body pain are also present. In some cases, the infection may spread to eyes and lead to eye pain, discharge, and grittiness in the eyes.
Homeopathy treatment for viral infections like herpes simplex includes the use of medicines like Natrum Mur, Rhus Tox, and Petroleum.
Natrum Mur is indicated where eruptions develop on the skin during fever. They are filled with fluid and burst eventually, leaving behind a thin crust. They may present around the mouth, or on arms and thighs.
In cases where intolerable itching and burning accompany the herpes simplex infection, medicine Rhus Tox is used. The patient has an urge to scratch, but scratching provides no relief. Eruptions may contain a yellow-watery fluid.
Petroleum is a medicine for herpes simplex accompanied by itching sores. The eruptions may change into ulcers and be present on the chest, neck, and knee.

Eruptive Fevers

Eruptive fevers, as the name indicates, are viral fevers in which general symptoms are present with characteristic rashes. Chickenpox, measles, and rubella are all eruptive fevers.

Chickenpox

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox. It is a highly infectious disease that mostly affects children, but can also affect adults. It spreads through contact with an infected person via sneezing, coughing, saliva, and discharges from rashes.
The symptoms are mild in children and more pronounced in adults.
The symptoms of chickenpox include general symptoms of viral infections along with a typical rash. The rash erupts first on the trunk and face, where it is dense. It then spreads to the limbs.
These rashes are red-colored, itchy blisters filled with fluid with a crust on top.
Every new rash eruption comes with a rise in temperature. Homeopathy treatment for chickenpox includes medicines like Antim Crud and Antim Tart.
Antim crud is used when there is a formation of pustules accompanied by itching. There is soreness upon scratching. The eruptions may ooze out yellowish-green fluid. Eventually, thick crusts may develop and the patient may feel weak.
Antim Tart is another treatment for chickenpox with itching and red rashes. Painful vesicular eruptions may present on the whole body. They may fill up with pus and dry up, forming a brown crust. Fever often occurs with these eruptions.

Shingles

Herpes zoster (shingles) is a common skin disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. In some cases, the virus is present in the nerves of the body in an inactive form. The virus becomes active and affects the nerves in case the immunity weakens. It leads to painful skin eruptions and is common in adults and old people. General symptoms accompany the development of rash over the length of the nerve. The rash develops in a small band or strip area. As the disease progresses, rashes change into fluid-filled blisters. Pain and itching are present, followed by the formation of a crust. Healing takes between 15-30 days, but the pain may persist for longer.
Treatment for viral infections like herpes zoster includes medicines like Ranunculus bulb, Mezereum, and Clematis. Ranunculus bulb is indicated when the blisters are of bluish –black color. They may fill with fluid and cause extreme burning and itching. Upon bursting, hard crust forms in place of the blister.
Mezereum is used in treatment for shingles with severe neuralgic pains accompanied by itching. It may get worse by touch in most cases. The blisters may burn and form brown scabs that heal slowly.
Clematis is a well-known treatment for long-standing cases of herpes zoster. The eruptions (in cases where this medicine is required) are red, coupled with intense itching that may get worse after washing.

Measles

Measles is another highly infectious disease caused by the rubeola virus. It affects children the most and spreads through contact with an infected person. Symptoms include general symptoms of viral infections and a typical reddish-brown rash. Sneezing, watery eyes, and cough may also be present. A characteristic feature is the presence of bluish –white spots in the oral mucosa (koplik spot).
Homeopathy treatment for measles includes medicines like Pulsatilla, Euphrasia, and Morbillinum. Pulsatilla and Euphrasia are given mostly in the catarrhal stage of measles. Severe coryza with redness of eyes and profuse lachrymation (flow of tears) may also be present.
Morbillinum is chiefly a preventive medicine for measles.

Warts

Viral warts occur due to infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These are harmless growths of the skin that commonly spread through direct contact with an infected person. Warts can occur at any age but are more common among school children. Warts are of various types; like plane warts (with a flat surface) as seen on face and hands, plantar warts on foot soles, filiform warts (with stalk) on the face, and mucosal warts in the mouth or around lips.
Homeopathy treatment for viral infections like warts includes medicines like Thuja, Nitric Acid and Causticum. Thuja is used to treat all types of warts. They are large and mostly appear on the back of their hands.
Warts accompanied by soreness and burning are treated with Causticum. Nitric acid helps in cases where there is pricking pain, bleeding after washing, and warts that are painful to touch. These usually appear on the upper lip.

2. Viral Infections that Affect the Respiratory System

Viral infections of the respiratory system include the common cold, sore throat, sinusitis, influenza, etc.

Common Cold

The common cold and sore throat are the most common viral infections, and every person usually experiences these at least once in a lifetime. These are highly contagious and spread from person to person through sneezing or coughing. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, stuffy nose, pain in throat, body aches, and fever.
Homeopathy treatment for the common cold includes the use of medicines Allium cepa and Euphrasia. Allium cepa is used in cases where there are profuse acrid nasal discharges accompanied by sneezing. A headache may also be present, along with discharges from eyes. The cold usually appears after exposure to damp winds. Euphrasia is also used to treat the common cold where sneezing accompanies profuse nasal discharges. Irritating eye discharges may also be present.

Influenza

Influenza is another viral infection of the respiratory system, also known as the flu. The causative virus is influenza virus A and B. Influenza virus is a constantly-changing strain and new strains appear every year. It usually affects young children and old people. People with low immunity, chronic heart or lung disease are more at risk of contracting this virus. It is self-limiting in a few cases while causing severe complications in others. Symptoms of influenza initially resemble the common cold. Fever with a chill, head pain, body pain, congestion of nose and throat, pain in the throat, weakness, running nose, sneezing, watery eyes, etc. are the typical symptoms. These develop suddenly and tend to last longer than the common cold. These symptoms are severe for 3-4 days, but the patient recovers after 7-10 days.
Homeopathy treatment for viral infections like the flu includes medicines like Aconite, Gelsemium, Oscillococcinum, and Influenzinum.
Aconite is indicated in cases where there has been an exposure to drafts of cold, dry winds. The symptoms appear suddenly and with high intensity. The nose becomes stuffy with scanty, watery nasal discharges. Fever may occur, along with restlessness.
Gelsemium treats influenza where dullness and drowsiness accompany typical symptoms, and the patient is prone to contract the virus with the change of weather. The after-effects of influenza remain for a long time. Weakness, along with thin, acrid, watery discharges from the nose, is present. Redness of eyes with watery discharges is also a common symptom.
Influenzinum is a medicine that reduces the intensity of these symptoms. It also prevents the spread of infections. Oscillococcinum is also used to treat and it helps in reducing the duration and severity of symptoms like fever, body pains, headache, etc.

3. Viral Infections that Affect the Gastrointestinal Tract

Gastroenteritis

Rotavirus and Norovirus are the common causes of gastroenteritis (inflammation of stomach and intestines) in infants and young children. These are highly contagious and spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Symptoms of infection include fever, nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, pain in abdomen, weakness, body pain, etc. In some case, it is self-limiting, and the patient recovers within a few days. However, in other cases, it can cause severe dehydration. Arsenic Album and Nux vomica are the medicines used to treat viral infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Arsenic album is used in cases where diarrhea and vomiting are present with severe burning and restlessness. In most cases, the symptoms get worse after eating and drinking.
Nux vomica treats cases where constant nausea and vomiting are present, and the patient usually feels better after vomiting. Diarrhea, with a constant urge to pass stools is present, but only a small amount excretes at a given time.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is another highly infectious disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It leads to inflammation of the liver. The virus spreads through contaminated food and water. Symptoms of hepatitis include nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen (usually on the right side), loss of appetite, yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice), dark-colored urine and clay-colored stool.
Treatment for viral infections like hepatitis includes medicines Chelidonium and Phosphorous.
Both medicines cover all the symptoms of hepatitis. In cases where Chelidonium is used, most patients feel better after eating hot food. Phosphorous is used when all the other symptoms accompany a burning and a desire to eat cold food.

4. Sexually Transmitted Viral Infections

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) refers to the fatal, final stage of the HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) infection.
The immune system weakens as a result of this syndrome. HIV destroys CD 4 T- cells which are essential for a person’s immunity, thus making the patient more prone to common infections.
HIV is sexually transmitted by an infected person to healthy person through unprotected intercourse. It can also spread through sharing of contaminated needles or blood.
The virus also gets transmitted to a growing baby in the womb if the mother is infected. It can spread from an infected mother to her child during delivery or breastfeeding. Initial symptoms occur a few weeks after exposure and resemble a flu-like fever. Lymph glands swell up, but the patient may remain asymptomatic for months, or years before the symptoms become severe.
Treatment for AIDS can currently only delay the associated complications, but complete recovery is not yet possible. The virus is prone to rapid changes, which is why there is a lack of vaccines in the conventional system to prevent infection. These medicines help the body restore its natural healing properties. Homeopathy treatment for viral infections strengthens the body’s immune system. Some medicines used to manage the complications associated with AIDS include Crotalus horridus, Medorrhinum, and Merc Sol.

5. Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

The most common viral hemorrhagic fever include Dengue and Chikungunya fever. The virus in both infections gets transmitted to a healthy person by the bite of an infectious mosquito. The symptoms of dengue include high temperature and severe body, joint, and muscle pain. Pain in the head and eyes is common, along with nausea, vomiting, and weakness. Rashes also appear on the skin. People with weak immunity or those experiencing a second attack by dengue virus are more likely to have hemorrhages, called dengue hemorrhagic fever. In some cases these are mild, but in other instances, massive hemorrhages may lead to shock. If not managed properly, death may occur.
In Chikungunya fever, all symptoms resemble a common viral illness, but with severe joint pains. Most patients make a full recovery, but joint pains may persist for a few weeks to months.
Homeopathy treatments for viral infections like dengue and chikungunya work on restoring the body’s natural healing systems. Medicines for hemorrhagic fevers include Eupatorium perfoliatum and Gelsemium.
Eupatorium perfoliatum is used to treat severe body and muscular pain.
Gelsemium treats cases of hemorrhagic fever where there is a severe headache. The patient may complain of weakness and dullness, and muscular pains accompany the illness.

Mumps

Mumps is a highly infectious viral disease caused by the mump virus. It is mainly an infection of salivary glands (most commonly the parotid glands). Mumps spread through direct contact with an infected person via saliva and nasal discharges. Symptoms include painful swelling of the glands, in addition to general symptoms of a viral infection.
Belladonna and parotidinum are the medicines used to treat mumps. Belladonna is used in case the parotid gland is swollen and painful. The glands are very hot and sensitive to touch and may be accompanied by ear pain. Parotidinum is a prophylactic against mumps infection.

Effective Homeopathic Medicines for Worms

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 147 Comments

Worm infestation is a very common disorder among children. The common worm infestations include pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis), roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), tapeworm and hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale). Homeopathic medicines for worms help treat the problem naturally and are safe for use in children.

Symptoms of Worm Infestation

The main symptoms of worm infestation include anal itching, vaginal itching, irritability, sleeplessness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive hunger, teeth grinding, anemia, weight loss, seizures, cough, wheezing and difficulty in breathing.

Homeopathic Medicines for Worms

Homeopathy is a safe and reliable mode of treatment of worm infestations. These medicines strengthen the infection fighting mechanism of the body to eradicate the disease. Homeopathic medicines for worms not only eradicate the worms, but also help improve the overall health condition of the individual. Homeopathic medicines are natural and non-toxic remedies with zero side effects and therefore, most suitable for children.

The top three recommended Homeopathic medicines for worms are Cina, Teucrium and Spigelia. Among these, Cina is the best choice for worms where the condition is accompanied by excessive hunger, irritable mind, teeth grinding, picking at the nose and bed clothes. Teucrium is a top grade Homeopathic medicine to manage anal itching from worms while Spigelia is one of the best Homeopathic medicines for worms that cause pain around the umbilical region.

1. Teucrium and Cina – For Worms causing Anal or Vaginal Itching

Anal or vaginal itching is mainly the symptom of pinworm infection. Top grade medicines for worm infections of this type are Teucrium and Cina. Teucrium is the best-suited remedy for anal itching from worms where a crawling sensation and anal itching get worse during the evening or when in bed. Cina is useful where anal itching is accompanied by teeth grinding. Caladium is one of the best medicines for worms with vaginal itching.

2. Cina, Santoninum and Merc Sol – For Worms Leading to Teeth Grinding

The best medicines for worms where the person grinds his teeth are Cina, Santoninum and Merc Sol. Cina and Santoninum are mostly selected in cases where the teeth grinding is marked at night. A child prescribed these medicines grates the teeth constantly while sleeping. Merc Sol is a good choice among medicines for worms where teeth grinding is attended with copious salivation from the mouth.

3. Cina and Spigelia – For Worms causing Abdominal Pain

Highly effective medicines for worms causing abdomen pain are Cina and Spigelia. Cina is chosen when cramping, pinching, cutting colic in the abdomen is experienced from worms. The pain gets better by applying pressure. Spigelia is an excellent choice among medicines for worms where colicky, pinching pains are centered around the umbilical region. Nausea may accompany navel pain.

4. Cina and Natrum Mur – For Worms causing Excessive Hunger

Cina and Natrum Mur feature among the best medicines for worms leading to excessive hunger. Persons prescribed Cina and Natrum Mur experience ravenous, canine hunger which is renewed soon after eating. The person feels the need to eat constantly yet will not gain weight.

5. Cina and Abrotanum – For Worms causing Irritability in Children

Wonderful medicines for worms leading to irritability in children are Cina and Abrotanum. Cina is the most effective among medicines for worms indicated in children where extreme irritability is present. The child is ill-humored, very cross with a tendency to strike and bite. Teeth grinding accompanies these symptoms. Abrotanum is also prescribed when the child is ill-humored and irritable. Marked emaciation is also seen among children needing Abrotanum.

Management:

Maintain personal hygiene
Wash undergarments and bed linen in hot water
Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating
Get children into the habit of washing hands after using the washroom and before eating
Restrict the child from playing in the soil
Boil drinking water or use water purifiers to prevent worm infections

Natural Homeopathic Medicines for Treating Bedwetting in Children

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 170 Comments

No matter when or how often it happens, bedwetting causes great distress and embarrassment. It is important to understand that occasional bedwetting is a normal happening in the growing up process, and that medical treatment is available for children who have it too often. Though nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) tends to work itself out over a period of time (15 per cent a year do grow out of it), the modern consensus among physicians is that leaving chronic bedwetting untreated chips away at a child’s self-esteem and negatively affects social development. Homeopathic medicines for bedwetting help treat the condition naturally and are completely safe for use in children.

What Causes Bedwetting?

Experts do not know what causes bedwetting. Most cases probably result from a mix of factors, including slower physical development, an overproduction of urine at night, a lack of ability to recognise bladder filling when asleep, and, in some cases, anxiety. For many, there is a strong family history of bedwetting, suggesting an inherited factor. Certain inherited genes appear to contribute to incontinence. Danish researchers have found a site on human chromosome 13 that is responsible, at least in part, for night-time wetting. If both parents were bedwetters, a child has an 80 per cent chance of being a bedwetter.

There are a variety of emotional reasons for bedwetting. For example, when a young child begins bedwetting after several months or years of dryness during the night, this may reflect new fears of insecurity. This may follow changes or events, which make the child feel insecure: moving to a new environment, losing a family member or loved one, or especially the arrival of a new baby or child in the home. Sometimes bedwetting occurs after a period of dryness because the child?s original toilet training was too stressful.

Homeopathic Medicines for Bedwetting

Bedwetting can be treated to a large extent with the help of natural homeopathic medicines. Homeopathy medicines for bedwetting work by targeting the underlying cause behind the problem. These medicines for bedwetting are highly individualised and are prescribed according to the symptoms. The top medicines for bedwetting include Equisetum, Causticum, Kreosote, Cina and Benzoic Acid.

1. Equisetum – For Bedwetting In Children Without Any Cause

Equisetum is a medicine used to treat bedwetting where the child has developed a habit of wetting the bed at night during sleep. There is usually no cause behind it. This medicine is also recommended in cases where the child has nightmares and frightful dreams with bedwetting. I use this as my first line of treatment for bedwetting and have found great success with it.

2. Causticum and Sepia – For Bedwetting During First Part of Sleep

Causticum and Sepia are medicines used to treat bedwetting in children who urinate in the first part of sleep, or as soon as they fall asleep.

3. Kreosote – For Bedwetting during Deep Sleep

Kreosote is a medicine used to treat bedwetting where the child passes urine while in a deep sleep, and it is tough to waken the child. High frequency of urination during the day and presence of red or white sediments in the urine are other symptoms.

4. Benzoic Acid – For Bedwetting when Urine Smells Foul

Benzoic Acid is a medicine used to treat bedwetting in cases where the urine has a foul, offensive smell. The urine also tends to leave brown stains on the bed sheet.

5. Cina – For Bedwetting Related to Worms

Cina is a medicine used to treat bedwetting related to worms. Grinding of teeth during sleep, shrieking, crying or being scared during sleep, an irritable or obstinate behavior, rubbing of nostrils are some other symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine.

Managing Bedwetting in Children

In most cases, children outgrow problems of bedwetting with age. If it is a recurring problem in an older child, a physician can help diagnose the underlying cause and discuss the treatment options. If the child is not particularly bothered by the problem of bedwetting, small lifestyle changes like limiting the amount of fluid intake after evening, avoiding caffeine, practicing better toilet habits, etc. can go a long way in managing the problem.

Causes and Risk Factors of Bedwetting

Although a majority of times there is no major detectable cause behind bedwetting, Certain medical conditions can lead to the development of nocturnal enuresis

Hormonal Imbalance: A hormonal imbalance during childhood means that some children are unable to produce enough anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), which helps slow down the production of urine.
Small bladder: In some children, the urinary bladder is not developed enough, so the child is unable to hold urine at night.3
Not recognizing a full bladder: In some children, the nerves that control the urinary bladder mature at a slower rate. This means that the child is not able to recognize that the bladder is full, especially in the case of deep-sleepers.
Urinary tract infection: A urinary tract infection makes it difficult for a child to control urination, and bedwetting, frequent urination, pain during urination and reddish-pink urine are symptoms of a UTI.
Sleep Apnea: In some cases, bedwetting is a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. The latter is a condition in which a person’s breathing gets interrupted during sleep. This happens due to inflamed or enlarged adenoids or tonsils. Snoring and daytime drowsiness are other symptoms of sleep apnea.
Diabetes: Bedwetting can be the first sign of diabetes in a child who is not a regular bedwetter. Other signs of diabetes can include passing large amounts of urine at once, increased thirst, fatigue, and weight loss in spite of a good appetite.
Constipation: It is a similar set of muscles that control the elimination of both urination and stools. In case of chronic constipation, these muscles can become dysfunctional and lead to bedwetting.

In some rare cases, a child may have a structural abnormality in the urinary tract system or the nervous system. This abnormality can be a cause behind bedwetting.

Risk Factors

Bedwetting is twice as common in males as compared to females, although it can affect anyone. Some risk factors associated with bedwetting include:
Anxiety and Stress: Bedwetting can sometimes be triggered due to a stressful event like a new sibling, moving places, starting a new school, being away from home, being away from parents, etc.
Heredity: Genetics also play a role in passing on this condition from parent to child. If one or both the parents had problems with bedwetting as children, chances of their offspring having the same problem are high.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Children who are diagnosed with ADHD are more likely to be afflicted with bedwetting.

Diagnosing Bedwetting

A physician can recommend certain tests (depending on the symptoms) to identify any underlying medical causes of bedwetting, such as:

Urine Tests: A urine test can help look for signs of a urinary tract infection, diabetes or other issues.
Physical exam: The physician may inquire about regular habits like diet and fluid intake, family history of the disease, bladder habits, bowel movements and other symptoms associated with bedwetting.
X-rays or other Imaging Tests: These tests help take a look at the kidneys and the bladder to analyze any problems with the urinary tract.

Thuja – Homeopathic Medicine: Its Uses, Indications, and Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 74 Comments

Thuja is a plant remedy prepared from fresh green twigs of a plant Thuja Occidentalis commonly known by the name of Arbor Vitae. The natural order of this plant is Coniferae. Arbor Vitae is an evergreen plant that attains a height of ranging from 20 to 50 feet. This plant exists in large number in the upper zones of North America, from Pennsylvania northwards. It blossoms from May until June and matures its fruit in autumn.
As a homeopathic remedy, it is primarily used for ailments related to the skin, reproductive organs, and anorectal disorders.

The Thuja Constitution

Individuals requiring Thuja have a hydrogenoid (excessive water in the body) constitution. Rain and damp, cold weather that increases the number of molecules of water in the system worsens the symptoms in them. It suits strumous and sycotic persons, those with lax muscles and light hair. It is also suitable for persons with lymphatic temperament who are fleshy with a dark complexion, black hair, and unhealthy-looking skin.

Drug Action

This remedy majorly acts on the mucus membrane of the genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, on the skin, glands, blood, mind, and brain. Its use is also indicated for wart-like growths upon mucous membranes and the skin. This remedy has an antibacterial action and is widely used to treat gonorrhea. It is considered to be a medicine that works particularly well on left-sided ailments of the body.

Clinical Uses

Thuja is used to treat conditions like warts, moles, skin pigmentation (chloasma), freckles, fungal infections like ringworms, ill-effects of vaccination, hair and scalp infections, nail problems, gonorrhea, balanitis, prostate issues, urethral stricture, piles, anal fissures, anal fistula, constipation, tooth complaints, ovarian cysts, ovaritis, uterine fibroids, hirsutism, recto-vaginal fistula, lumps and tumors, fatty tumors, ganglion, eye tumors, styes, polyps, depression, delusions, and fears.

The Scope of Thuja as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. Skin Problems

Thuja is of great service in treating many complaints of the skin.

WARTS: It is highly effective to treat warts appearing anywhere on the skin, on male / female genitals, and on the anal area. Warts may be small or large, jagged, cauliflower-like, flat or horny. They may ooze moisture and also bleed. The color of warts may be brown, dark or red, and they may be hard or soft. They may have burning, itching, and pain too including sore, sticking, stinging type of pain. They may appear singly, isolated or in multiple crops/groups. They may also be inflamed and sensitive to touch.

FRECKLES: It is also a highly beneficial remedy to treat moles and freckles, particularly light-brown freckles. The facial skin seems greasy/oily in cases requiring this remedy.

PIGMENTATION: It is an effective remedy to treat skin pigmentation with dirty brownish discoloration on the face or any part of the body. It also treats fungal infections of the skin and ringworms very effectively.

2. Ailments in Males

GONORRHEA: It works well in cases of gonorrhea in males where there is swelling of the urethra with scalding on urination. Along with this watery discharge of yellow/green color from the urethra is present.

WARTS ON GENITALS: This remedy can also be used to treat warts on prepuce, penis, scrotum. They may be small or pedunculated, and dry.

BALANITIS: The third indication for using Thuja in cases of male afflictions is balanitis. Here the glans is covered with red sores which are highly sensitive. Burning between the prepuce and glans penis may also be present.

PROSTATE ISSUES: It is also prominently indicated to treat prostate issues where there is a complaint of frequent urination. Sudden urgency to urinate is marked, and the stream of urine may be small and forked in some cases.

3. Ailments in Women

Thuja is a highly recommended medicine to treat a number of ailments in females. Uterine fibroids, warts, ovarian cysts and painful periods are some of the ailments where this remedy works very well.

OVARIAN PAIN: Left-sided ovarian pains that are cutting or shooting in nature, pain in the left ovary indicate its use. Pain from the left ovary may also radiate to the groin and left leg. Left ovary is inflamed. Burning pain in the left ovary, especially during periods, is marked. The burning pain tends to get worse while walking with a desire to lie down.
It is also an important remedy to treat warts on the female genitalia – vulva, vagina, and cervix. Stinging pain may be present in warts, and they may also bleed.

UTERINE POLYPS: In cases of uterine polyps, this medicine is indicated where excessive menstrual bleeding and intermenstrual bleeding is present. Vaginal discharge, back pain and tiredness of legs accompany.
In addition to the above, it also treats the complaint of unwanted facial hair (hirsutism) in females.
It is also a prominently used medicine to treat cases of rectovaginal fistula in females.

4. Ano-Rectal Disorders

Thuja is a significant medicine to treat many anorectal complaints, like constipation, piles, fissures, and fistulas.

CONSTIPATION: It is useful to treat constipation where there is obstinate constipation and the stool comes in the form of hard balls. The anus feels constricted, hard stool is followed by soft stool, and in some cases, the stool is covered with blood. Pain in the rectum may appear while passing stool. There is soreness and burning at the anus throughout the day. Burning or sticking in the anus, painful stitches in the anus (as from a needle), smarting pain in the anus are some other attending features.

PILES: It used to treat piles in cases where pain while passing stool is present. Burning at anus especially while walking is marked.

FISSURES: It is used to treat fissures of the anus. In such cases, the anus is highly sensitive and painful to touch. Burning and itching at the anus are also present.
Apart from the above, Thuja is widely used to treat anal fistula and warts around the anus. Highly offensive sweat around the anus may be present with the above complaints.

5. Urinary Complaints

Thuja is helpful to rectify many urinary complaints associated with inflammation/infection of the urinary tract, stricture of urethra and prostate issue. The urinary symptoms managed with this medicine are cutting pains after urination, burning pain in the bladder and urethra. Its use is also considered when the stream of urine is forked and small, where there is frequent urination (especially at night), and where there is a sudden urgency to pass urine.

6. Complaints of the Mind

This remedy is useful to treat depression, fears, and delusions. There is depression with sadness, aversion to company, attended with irritability, loathing of life and self-contempt. Many of the fears may be present when this remedy is indicated, including fear of getting an infection, fear of germs, fear of strangers, fear of death, fear of getting a venereal disease.

7. Ill-effects of Vaccination

Many troubles arising from vaccination including skin rash, stomach ailments, neuralgia, conjunctivitis, growths at the site of vaccination can be treated with this medicine.

8. Lumps and Tumours

Thuja is an effective anti-sycotic medicine. Fatty tumors, ganglion, eye tumors (styes, tarsal tumors), breast tumors, uterine tumors, polyps (of ears, vocal cords, uterus) all are within the range of treatment.

9. Problems of Hair and Scalp

It is a very helpful remedy to manage hair fall. It also helps to treat dry and split hair, thin, lustreless, brittle hair, premature greying of hair and white scaly dandruff.

10. Conditions Affecting the Nails

Thuja is useful to treat fungal infections of nails, particularly in cases where the nails are discolored and soft, out of shape and distorted. The nails may get dry or brittle, and crumble or break. It is also used to treat ingrown toenails.

11. Dental Complaints

Use of Thuja is also suggested to treat tooth complaints like decay/caries especially when the root decays but the crown remains sound. It also helps in cases of crumbling and yellowing of teeth. Toothache better by pressure and a toothache that worsens before and after menses also indicate the need for this medicine.

Dosage

As a remedy, Thuja can be used from 30 C to 1M potency. The repetition and potency vary from case to case.

Relation to Other Remedies

Complementary medicines – Arsenic album, Natrum Sulph, Sabina, Silicea, and Medorrhinum.
Medicines that follow Thuja well are – Nitric Acid, Calcarea Carb, Lycopodium, Pulsatilla, Sabina, Silicea, and Sulphur.
Antidotes – Camphor, Chamomilla, Pulsatilla, and Sulphur

Nux Vomica – Homeopathic Medicine: Its Uses, Indications, and Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 51 Comments

Nux Vomica is a plant commonly known by name Poison Nut of the family Loganiaceae. The seeds of the plant are used to extract the medicine. This plant grows in China, East India, Burma, and Australia. It has small flowers and orange colored fruits. The fruits contain numerous ash gray colored seeds that are coated with fine, silky downy hairs. As a homeopathic remedy, it is majorly used for treating gastric ailments, rectal ailments, anger management, urinary troubles, liver complaints, migraine, sexual complaints in males, sleep issues, and respiratory complaints.

Preparation

Nux Vomica as medicine is prepared from seeds of a plant poison nut. Trituration of the seeds is done to extract the medicine for use in homeopathy.

The Nux Vomica Constitution

In homeopathy, it is believed that every person has a particular constitution. This is the composition, structure, physical makeup and nature of a person.
Nux Vomica is suited to thin, active, energetic, ardent, careful, impatient, zealous persons with dark hair and disposed to get offended and irritable often and are spiteful and malicious. They are impatient, nervous, disposed to be quarrelsome and getting angry easily. Next, it suits literary, studious persons doing much mental work having a sedentary life, with gastric, abdominal complaints. It is also suited in drunkards prone to gastric ailments, indigestion. An oversensitivity to external impressions is frequently noticed. A tendency to chronic indigestion, gastric ailments and piles are usually seen.

Clinical Indications

Piles, constipation, indigestion, acidity, heartburn, migraine, sleeplessness (insomnia), asthma, colds, liver complaints, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, kidney stones, alcoholism, hangover headaches, umbilical hernia, inguinal hernia, drug abuse, tobacco addiction, anger management.

The Scope of Nux Vomica as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. Rectal Complaints

Nux Vomica is a very effective medicine to treat rectal complaints. In the case of rectal complaints it is indicated to treat constipation, diarrhea, piles, dysentery, and prolapse of rectum. The key indication for using Nux Vomica in constipation is frequent ineffectual urging for a stool but passing little quantity at a time. A constant uneasiness is felt in the rectum with frequent small evacuations. The stool is always insufficient and unsatisfactory with a feeling as if some part still remained in the rectum. A sensation as if the stool is not finished prevails. The stool is very hard, dry and knotty. Nux Vomica is highly preferred for treating constipation in infants, adults, elderly people, in women during pregnancy and person living a sedentary lifestyle. It is considered in diarrhea that arises in the morning, after rising, from indigestion, from taking alcoholic drinks, after drastic medicines and from prolonged drugging. Here stool is thin, brown, dark watery and offensive. Before and during stool, a cutting pain around the umbilicus is felt. The pains get better after passing stool.
It also helps rectify diarrhea in infants. Its use is also made in cases of alternating diarrhea and constipation. Nux Vomica helps to regularise the bowel movements. In cases of piles, it is useful for blind piles and itchy piles. There is burning, cutting, sticking, smarting at the anus. Slightest touch worsens the pain. Itching at the anus is worse at night keeping the person awake. Application of cold water at the anus offers relief in piles complaint. Piles during pregnancy or after parturition (delivery) are also indicative to use Nux Vomica. Apart from all these Nux Vomica is also given for dysentery. There is a discharge of blood with the slimy, watery, putrid, painful stool. Small quantities of jelly-like mucus pass with stool. Stool may be greenish in color. There is marked tenesmus, (a feeling of constantly needing to pass stools). Next indication for Nux Vomica is prolapse of rectum. Prolapse of rectum due to constipation majorly guides towards its use.

2. Gastric Troubles

Nux Vomica is an excellent digestive remedy for treating indigestion and acidity. The major symptoms for using it include – heartburn, sour bitter belching, water brash, nausea and vomiting with much retching. Pain in the stomach is also present. Vomiting gives relief in the pain for a while. Tension and fullness in the stomach gets worsen after eating. Burning in the stomach also attends. The stomach area is sensitive to pressure and person cannot bear tight clothing due to this. Excessive gas is present in the abdomen that is incarcerated or obstructed. Abdominal fullness, distension, rumbling is marked. Distension is worse after eating or drinking. Belchings gives relief. Abdominal colic arises. Pain in the abdomen is violent, drawing tearing in nature most times about the navel. Pain is worse from eating anything. Colicy, cutting pain in the abdomen with nausea is marked. Gastric ailments from taking alcohol, coffee, tobacco, highly spiced food are wonderfully treated with Nux Vomica. Dyspepsia from worry, anxiety and mental stress is also corrected with Nux Vomica. Nux Vomica is also a great anti-inflammatory medicine for the stomach. Its use is highly considered in gastritis with burning pain in the stomach and vomiting of everything taken, even in the smallest quantity soon after taking it. Motion sickness from traveling in the car also indicates its use. Nux Vomica is also a significant remedy for hernia – inguinal and umbilical. It is also prominently indicated for an umbilical hernia in infants.

3. Sleep Issues

Nux Vomica is an excellent medicine for insomnia (sleeplessness), mainly where maintaining sleep is the major trouble for the person. There is a rush of thoughts in mind causing insomnia. In daytime drowsiness is present. Tiredness and weakness are also present. Sleeplessness arising from abuse of coffee or tobacco or alcoholic drinks is indicative to use Nux Vomica. Mental strain leading to sleeplessness is also helped with Nux Vomica. Another feature for using Nux Vomica is talking during sleep. Complaint of loud snoring during sleep is also addressed wonderfully with this medicine. Nux Vomica also helps in cases of nightmares frightful dreams, anxious dreams, dreams about accidents.

4. Mental Complaints

Nux Vomica is frequently used for anger management. The person needing Nux Vomica gets offended very easily and explode with anger. They also have a spiteful and malicious disposition. They tend to be quarrelsome. They often scold and insult other people. They are highly irritable, headstrong, ill-humored and anxious and wishes to be alone. Along with anxiety, they have suicidal thoughts and tend to be jealous. They can’t bear criticism or minor contradiction is intolerable. They tend to criticize others, find faults in others and demands perfection. They reproach others for their faults. Usually, they are very careful, nervous, ambitious, workaholic zealous with fiery excited temperament. They are oversensitive to all external impressions including noise, smell, and light. It also helps in dealing with ailments arising after continued mental exertion and from disappointed ambitions. It is also useful in obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are extremely fastidious in nature.

5. Sexual Complaints in Males

Nux Vomica is also beneficial for treating a number of sexual complaints in males. It is frequently used for treating erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. Next, it is suitable for the complaint of orchitis. The testicles are swollen and very sensitive to touch. Sharp, drawing or constricting pain is felt in the testes. Heated sensation in testicles attend. Pain gets worse from pressure and motion. Pain also worsens at night time causing restless sleep or sleeplessness at night on account of pain. Nux Vomica is also suggested to treat hydrocele. Next complaint where Nux Vomica offers help is spermatorrhea with weakness, backache, and irritability. Emissions during sleep with sensual dreams and exhaustion is also treated well with this remedy. Apart from this, it is helpful for treating chronic prostatitis and gonorrhea. In the case of gonorrhea thin discharge with burning on urinating are present.

6. Liver Ailments

Nux Vomica helps to rectify many of the liver ailments. Here, Nux Vomica is prominently indicated for an enlarged liver, fatty liver, jaundice, and hepatitis. The liver is swollen, sore and tender to pressure. Sticking, shooting, stinging, stitching, sharp or throbbing pain in the liver is felt. Motion worsens the pain. Tightness and constriction in the liver area is also present. Diarrhea and vomiting appear from liver complaints. Loss of appetite and aversion to food appears. Liver weakened from excessive alcohol intake, drug abuse also points towards the use of this remedy. Apart from above, Nux Vomica is preferable medicine for gall stones.

7. Headache

Nux Vomica is a highly suitable medicine for treating headache. Firstly it is recommended for migraine. Migraine from gastric troubles attended with nausea and acid vomiting indicates its use. Nux Vomica is also recommended for a headache that worsens from mental exertion or from anger. Headache from abuse of coffee, from light and noise, and from eating highly spiced food is also attended well with this medicine. Next, its use is suggested for headache from constipation. Hangover headaches also indicate its use.

8. Nasal and Respiratory Complaints

In the case of nasal complaints, Nux Vomica is given for coryza. There is stuffy nose or discharge of acrid nature from the nose. This majorly arises from cold air exposure. Nose blockage worsens at night time. Violent sneezing attends. This is most noted in the morning. Fluent coryza after rising is another key feature for its use. Intolerable itching in nose arises. Nose and frontal sinus may be inflamed. Headache attends nasal catarrh. Oversensitivity to strong odors is most times present. Its use is also made in cases of asthma. There is a suffocative sensation, oppressed breathing. Marked chest constriction and heavy load at the chest is felt. To it attends loud, whistling respiration with a severe cough. Very severe asthmatic attack after midnight appears. Asthma worsening from cold air also suggests its use. Apart from this, cough from gastric troubles and tobacco abuse are also treated wonderfully with Nux Vomica.

9. Urinary Troubles

Nux Vomica is indicated for treating kidney stones. There appears pain in kidney area. Pain may radiate to thighs. Walking worsens the pain. Relief by lying on the back appears. There appears constant urging to urinate. Burning and tearing pain while passing urine appears. Blood in the urine may be noted. Nausea, vomiting and ineffectual urging for stool is a major attending feature

Dosage

Nux Vomica can be used from 30 C to 1M potency. It is a short-acting remedy and its action lasts from 1 to 7 days approximately. The repetition and potency vary from case to case.

Relationship with Other Homeopathic Medicines

Sepia, Kali Carb, and Sulphur are complementary medicines to Nux Vomica.
Ignatia Amara and Zincum Met are inimical (interrupt the action of) to Nux Vomica
Its antidotes are Aconite, Arsenic Album, Chamomilla, Coffea Cruda, Opium, Pulsatilla and Thuja Occidentalis

Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Body Pains and Aches

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 182 Comments

Homeopathy Remedies are very effective in treating general body pains and aches. These body pains can be general body pains caused by exertion etc or caused by more specific reason like fevers or joint inflammation. As homeopathy is a more symptom-based system of medicine ( this means that symptoms are given more preference over pathological condition while choosing the right remedy ) the medicine set remains quite same for general as well as specific reasons for causing body pains. Homeopathic medicines for body pains are a natural substitute for painkillers. The best feature while using medicine for treating body pains is that they are totally side effect free and are made from naturally occurring plants and substances.

Homeopathic Medicines for Body Pains and Aches

Rhus Toxicodendron, Arnica Montana, Bryonia Alba, Magnesium Phosphorica, Ruta Graveolens, Gelsemium Sempervirens, Causticum, and Colchicum Autumnale are the top medicines for body pains and aches.

1. Rhus Toxicodendron

Rhus Toxicodendron is a natural medicine that occupies the highest rank in treating general body pains and aches. This medicine is prescribed for patients in whom the body aches are worse in resting position and are better by walking. The body pains are accompanied by anxiety and restlessness. The patient feels a need to constantly move to get relief. The body aches are worse on starting to walk after rest but as the patient walks by the aching goes on decreasing gradually. Marked stiffness always accompanies the body aches. This medicine is almost specific if the body pains start after getting wet in rain. Its use is highly recommended in those body pains that are a result of overstraining or overstretching of muscles.

2. Arnica Montana

Arnica Montana is also an excellent medicine for body aches. This medicine is used where excessive sore bruised aching of body is present. The whole body feels sore as if beaten. The patient requiring arnica finds it difficult to lie down calmly in bed. The bed feels hard on which he lies, which makes him constantly changes. The whole body feels lame. Arnica can very effectively treat the soreness and body aches due to overexertion. This medicine has the great ability to reduce body aches which occur due to injuries either recent or old. Even the joint pains that result out of injury can be treated with this remedy.

3. Bryonia Alba

Bryonia Alba is yet another natural medicine used in homeopathy for treating the general body aches and pains. This medicine gives marvellous results when body pains result from either muscular or joint involvement. The prominent symptom guiding the use of this medicine is – worsening of the body Pains on the slight motion. The body pains are better on absolute rest. Every part of the body is painful to touch. An increased thirst for large quantity of water is always present in patients requiring this medicine.

4. Magnesium Phosphorica

Magnesium Phosphorica is used for a wide range of body pains and aches. Main Indications for its use are – severe body pains that are shooting, cutting or stitching in nature.; The severity of pains are almost unbearable making the person mad. The pains are worse by cold air exposure. Warm application gives relief in body aches. Patient feels better by applying pressure to the parts of body.

5. Ruta Graveolens

This medicine is used for body aches where the whole body feels painful and bruised. The main indications for its use are – All those parts of body on which patient lies are tender. Extreme weakness is always present with body pains. Patient has a great difficulty on rising from a chair. The lower limbs lack strength. Back pain is more prominent. Patient feels relief in backache by pressure.

6. Gelsemium Sempervirens

Gelsemium Sempervirens is a wonderful natural medicine for treating body aches that are accompanied by dullness and drowsiness.Other main indications for its use are – The whole body feels tired with excessive muscle weakness. Mostly used where pain is present in neck, back and lower limbs. The body pains are attended with weakness from slight exertion. This medicine can also help in relieving the neck and shoulder pain with headache.

7. Eupatorium Perfoliatum, Arnica Montana, Chamomilla and Rhus Toxicodendron – Natural Remedies for Body Pains and Aches during Fever

Eupatorium Perfoliatum is the best natural medicine for treating body pains that occur during fever. This is mainly given where the severe and general bone pains predominate. This medicine gives quick relief in the body aches during fever like malaria or influenza. The patient feels as if the whole body is broken down. Arnica Montana is used for sore and bruised type of body aches in fever. Whole body feels lame. Patient feels worse on lying down. The bed feels hard on which the patient lies. Body aches are worse from touch. Chamomilla is an important medicine used for unbearable body aches in fever. Patients requiring Chamomilla are very sensitive to cold air. Such patient turns irritable or violent due to pains. Rhus Toxicodendron is used for body aches in fever that are better by walking and worse at rest.

8. Arnica Montana, Rhus Toxicodendron and Bryonia Alba for Treating Body Aches due to Exertion

The first medicine Arnica Montana is used where the person feels excessive soreness over whole body due to exertion. The body is very sensitive to touch. The bed on which person lies feels hard. Body aches are felt as if someone has beaten the body. The next two medicines Rhus Toxicodendron and Bryonia Alba are both natural remedies for the treatment of body aches due to exertion. The main indicating feature for selecting the medicine out of these two for body aches – Rhus Toxicodendron is prescribed when the body aches are better by walking and worse at rest whereas Bryonia Alba is given when the body aches are worse by walking and are better by absolute rest.

9. Remedies for Painful Joints

The medicines Causticum, Bryonia Alba and Colchicum Autumnale are natural joint pain remedies for the treatment of body aches due to acute inflammation of joints as in Rheumatoid arthritis. Causticum is mainly used where the joints are inflammed and very stiff leading to body aches. The aches are worse by slight exposure to cold air. Warm applications give relief to the patient. The second medicine Bryonia Alba is prescribed when the body aches occur due to swelling and intense pain in joints. The worsening of aches by slightest motion and relief by rest are strong indicating features for using this medicine. The last mentioned medicine Colchicum Autumnale is mainly given when the body aches are a result of intensely swollen, stiffened and painful joints. Here the body aches are worse by slightest touch and at night time.

10. For Body Aches due to Muscle Soreness

The natural medicines for body pains due to excessive muscle pains are Rhus Toxicodendron and Magnesium Phosphorica. Rhus Toxicodendron is the best medicine for body aches due to muscle soreness. The muscle soreness can be the result from over-exertion, over-stretching, over-straining. The patient requiring Rhus Toxicodendron will complain of relief in the body aches by motion and worsening by rest. The second medicine Magnesium Phoshorica is well suited to persons who have body aches that are better by warm applications and by pressure

11. For Nerve Pain

Nerve pains can also lead to severe pain in the parts of the body eg sciatica, trigeminal neuralgia, peripheral neuropathy in feet etc. Hypericum, Mag Phos are natural pain remedies for conditions arising out of afflictions to Nerve.

12. For Joint Pains with Ulcerative Colitis

Joint pains can occur secondary to other disorders such as Ulcerative colitis. Rhus Tox is wonderful medicine for treating joint pains in ulcerative colitis. Read the detailed feature on medicines for ulcerative colitis.

Top Homeopathic Remedies for Muscle Weakness

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 159 Comments

Reduced power or strength in one or more muscles is known as muscle weakness. Muscles are a bundle of fibrous, contractile tissues that possess the ability to contract to produce movement. The exchange of signals between the muscle and nervous system takes place at the neuromuscular junction. The muscles are unable to contract normally if the connection between the nervous system and muscles get injured or damaged. This, in turn, leads to muscle weakness. Homeopathic medicines for muscle weakness works very effectively to restore the strength back into the muscles.

Homeopathic Medicines for Muscle Weakness

Picric Acid, Causticum, and Gelsemium are the top remedies used to treat muscle weakness.

1. Picric Acid – For Muscle Weakness in Legs

Picric Acid is a well-indicated remedy for muscle weakness in the legs. The person needing Picric Acid experiences great weakness in the legs along with a feeling of heaviness. The legs feel weak from a short walk and feel heavy all the time. There may be trembling in the legs, numbness, crawling, and a pricking sensation. The person may feel tired by the least amount of exertion. Both mental and physical weakness may be present.

2. Causticum – For Muscle Weakness in Arms

Causticum is a natural medicine for muscle weakness that has great action on muscles and nerves. It works particularly well for muscle weakness in the arms. There is a progressive loss of muscular strength in the arms, which feel weak and lame. Weakness in arms usually is seen to get worse in the night time. A tearing, dull pain in the arms may be present. Causticum is also indicated for muscle weakness in the hands and fingers. There appears fullness in hands when the person tries to grasp anything. Fingers may also feel icy cold. The person needing Causticum may have a high sensitivity towards cold air. Apart from muscle weakness, Causticum is a top ranking medicine for paralysis (loss of muscle function).

3. Gelsemium Sempervirens – For Muscle Weakness with Deep Muscle Pains

Gelsemium Sempervirens is a natural treatment for muscle weakness. It is prepared from the plant Yellow Jasmine of the Loganiaceae family. Muscle weakness attended with deep-seated muscle pains is indicative of its use. The person needing this medicine has weakness in the arm and leg muscles. The muscles lose their power to contract effectively. Arms feel powerless and numb. Trembling of hands and legs (that feel fatigued and tired from little exercise) are other symptoms. There appears difficulty in walking, with an unsteady gait from a weakness of the leg muscles. Drawing, contractive, cramping, and deep-seated muscular pains in the legs are also present. The calf muscles feel bruised, and there is a numbness in the limbs. General fatigue and weakness are also well-noted along with these symptoms.

4. Arnica Montana – For Muscle Weakness with Sore, Bruised Muscle Pain

Arnica Montana is a natural medicine prepared from the plant Leopard’s Bane of the family Composite. Arnica Montana is a useful natural medicine for muscle weakness attended with sore, and bruised muscle pains. There is a loss of strength in the body. The arms feel weary, and the wrist feels powerless. The person is unable to use the arm. The hand muscles also lack strength. Legs also appear weak, and the feet feel tired. The limbs feel heavy and ache with a sore, bruised sensation. The muscles may twitch, and the person feels sluggish, with a strong desire to lie down. Tiredness, weakness, and exhaustion are other symptoms. Muscle weakness arising from overstraining the muscles also indicates the use of Arnica Montana.

5. Kali Phos – For Muscle Weakness with Marked Fatigue

Kali Phos is a natural cure for muscle weakness attended with marked general fatigue. There is muscle weakness with lameness throughout the body. The limbs feel weak and tired, and there is debility and weakness. Use of Kali Phos is also considered in cases of muscle weakness present in chronic fatigue syndrome.

6. Arsenic Album – Natural Remedies for Muscle Weakness from Least Exertion

Arsenic Album is an excellent medicine for muscle weakness that arises from the least amount of exertion. The entire body feels weary, with an aversion towards any effort. Limbs feel excessively weak and exhausted. Exhaustion confines the person to the bed. Other symptoms include sleeplessness, anxiety, and restlessness. The person may experience debility and exhaustion from the slightest amount of over-work.

7. Stannum Met – For Muscle Weakness in Limbs with Heaviness

Stannum Met is a natural medicine for muscle weakness in limbs attended with heaviness. There appears to be a loss of power in the limbs. Arms feel weak and heavy. Motion worsens it. Weakness and fatigue of arms arise from lifting a small weight, or from the slightest exercise. The person may be unable to hold an object due to weakness. There may be twitching of muscles of the forearm and hand. The thighs also feel weak and heavy. Walking worsens it, making the person want to sit down. Excessive weariness and fatigue with a desire to lie down may be present.

8. Conium Maculatum – For Muscle Weakness in Legs with Trembling

Conium Maculatum is a suitable medicine for muscle weakness in the legs attended with their trembling. Loss of muscle power in legs and extreme weakness from walking short distance is present. The person is unable to walk and has a staggering gait. Shooting pain in the legs may arise. Legs feel heavy and weary. Knees also feel weak. Conium Maculatum is also an indicated medicine for paralytic weakness in lower limbs that ascends upwards.

9. Plumbum Met – For Progressive Muscle Weakness

Plumbum Met is a natural cure for severe muscle weakness that progresses rapidly. There appears marked debility, weakness, and lameness of the arms. Muscles of the arm lack the power to move. Muscle weakness is severe and progressive. Cramping in the calf muscles may also be present. Plumbum Met is also a prominently indicated medicine for paralysis of limbs along with atrophy (wasting) of the muscles.

10. Sarcolacticum Acidum – Natural Medicine for Muscle Weakness with General Tiredness

Sarcolacticum Acidum is a remedy for muscle weakness along with general tiredness. Exertion aggravates the complaint, and the body feels sore. The person remains restless at night. There is tiredness felt in the neck, back, shoulders and wrist. Arms also feel tired and weak as if they lack strength.

Causes of Muscle Weakness

Muscle weakness can arise for various reasons, which include prolonged bed rest, immobilization, lack of exercise, a sedentary lifestyle (if a person doesn’t use muscles, then muscle fibers are replaced by fat and muscles can’t contract effectively), aging. Increased calcium levels in the blood, low sodium levels, pinching of nerves in the spine, and Myasthenia gravis (an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness and fatigue of the muscles.) are some other causes.