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

7 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Psoriasis

Homeopathy is a safe and reliable method of treatment for Psoriasis. It uses natural medicine, which is free from side-effects, and a majority of cases can be treated with these remedies. They can be used by people of all age groups. They work by moderating the over-active immune system. The initial aim is to manage the itching and burning sensation in the eruptions. In addition, healing of the current eruptions takes place along with the prevention of further spread of eruptions. Homeopathic medicines also are very beneficial for treating joint pains that are linked with Psoriasis (psoriatic arthritis).

Homeopathic Medicines for Psoriasis

The main remedies for Psoriasis are Arsenic Album, Graphites Naturalis, and Arsenic Iodatum. The main indicating features for these homeopathic medicines are as follows:

1. Arsenic Album –For Silver Scales

The chief indicator for using Arsenic Album is the presence of dry, rough, red papular eruptions with scales on it. The scales are silver colored. The eruptions cover most parts of the body, except face and hands.

The eruptions spread rapidly and are accompanied by itching. Cold worsens the itching in most cases, while warmth seems to relieve it. Pain on the affected skin arises after scratching the eruptions. Bleeding spots also appear on the skin following scratching.

Restlessness is another symptom that may be present. Yet another symptom is marked anxiety that accompanies itchy eruptions.

Arsenic Album also works well in cases of guttate Psoriasis. In guttate Psoriasis, small rose coloured spots with scales appear.

2. Graphites Naturalis – For Cracked Skin

Cases where Graphites Naturalis works well tend to have patches of sore, dry, rough skin with scales. An inclination to develop cracks on the surface may also be there. Following scratching, stickiness on the skin may appear.

Graphites Naturalis is also useful for cases of scalp Psoriasis. In such cases, eruptions with scales appear on the scalp. The scalp may be sore to touch, with distressing itching. One may also feel a burning sensation on the top of the head. Eruptions on the scalp can also spread behind the ears. In cases of nail Psoriasis, the characteristic features are rough, thick and deformed nails.

3. Arsenic Iodatum – For Shedding of Large Scales

Arsenic Iodatum is used when there is shedding of large scales from the skin eruptions. The skin is covered with inflamed patches with scales on them. There is persistent itching in the patches and the shedding of the scales leaves raw skin behind.

4. Sulphur – For Intense Itching and Burning

Sulphur helps in cases with severe itching and burning in the psoriatic skin lesions. A violent itching attends, and the person goes on scratching the skin until it bleeds. A burning sensation follows scratching. The itching is wandering, and changes place frequently. The skin is rough, scaly and gets painful after rubbing as if denuded. The symptoms tend to get worse in the evening and at night, when in bed. Sleep is disturbed because of the itching and burning sensation. Other accompanying symptoms are pricking, biting and sticking sensation in the eruptions. Sulphur is also a remedy for skin ailments with a history of excessive use of ointments in the past.

5. Petroleum Oleum – For Deep Cracks

Petroleum Oleum is a very suitable remedy for Psoriasis where deep cracks appear on the skin. There is a burning sensation and intolerable itching on the affected skin. Bleeding may also be present in the cracks. The skin is intensely sore, painful, hard, fissured and slow to heal. A crawling sensation on the skin may also attend over and above the given symptoms.

6. Sepia Succus – For Large Oval Lesions

Sepia Succus is a beneficial medicine for Psoriasis characterised by the presence of big oval lesions on the skin. The lesions are reddish papules and are isolated. There are shiny, whitish and adhesive scales present on the papules. Itching arises in the eruptions. On scratching, a burning sensation on the skin follows. The eruptions are present over the face, chest, back, arms and legs. In the case of limbs, the extensor surfaces are mostly involved.

7. Merc Sol – For Scalp Psoriasis

Merc Sol is a medicine for Psoriasis of the scalp. In typical cases, the scalp is covered with abundant white scales. The base underneath the scales is raw. The scales, which shed rapidly, re-form again and again. An intense itching, which is worse at night, accompanies. The skin of the scalp is also sensitive to touch. An excessive sweat (which may be sour smelling) may also be present on the scalp. Hairfall may also appear in few cases along with above symptoms.

Other Significant Remedies for Psoriasis

Apart from the above three medicines, some of the other prominent homeopathic remedies that are helpful for treating Psoriasis are as below:

1. Psorinum – For Condition that Worsens in Cold Weather

For Psoriasis that worsens in winters, Psorinum proves very helpful. The indicators for using Psorinum are fine, red eruptions covered with white scales, which worsen in cold weather. Itching appears, and scratching brings temporary relief. At the same time, a stinging sensation appears. The skin looks dirty and greasy due to the above symptoms.

2. Kali Ars – For Discoloration on the Skin

Kali Ars is indicated where eruptions leave a discoloration on the skin. In individuals needing Kali Ars abundant scales fall off from the skin and leave behind a discolored red skin. The psoriatic patches are numerous and mainly located on the back, arms, and legs. Intolerable itching is also present. Itching tends to get worse on undressing. The person scratches the skin until an ichorous fluid oozes out.

3. Thuja Occidentalis – For Psoriasis Universalis

Thuja Occidentalis is highly recommended in cases where psoriatic lesions cover almost the entire skin surface. The key indicator for using Thuja Occidentalis is dry patches on the skin, covered with white scales. The skin surface gives a dirty look. Itching and burning arise in the patches. Cold water application tends to worsen the burning sensation in the lesions. Some patients may have a needle-pricking sensation and/or a biting sensation in the eruptions.

4. Antimonium Crudum – For Psoriasis of the Nails

Antimonium Crudum is an important remedy where the characteristic features are distorted and out of shape nails with discoloration, pitting or ridges on the nails. The nails are brittle and tend to break often. The skin underneath the nails is also painful and very sensitive.

5. Phosphorus – For Knees and Elbows

Phosphorus works wonders in cases of Psoriasis that affects knees and elbows. The skin of elbows and knees is covered with dry, scaly eruptions. Itching appears in the eruptions. In the majority of cases, the itching is worse in heat. Other accompanying features are a burning and stinging sensation in the eruptions. In a few cases a formication on the area affected is present.

6. Lycopodium Clavatum – For the Hands

Lycopodium Clavatum works well for Psoriasis that affects the hands (including fingers). The eruptions are reddish with furfuraceous looks. Bleeding often arises in eruptions, usually accompanied by a sensation of heat in the hands. Palms are excessively dry and fissures may appear on the hands. Burning in the lesions is well marked.

7. Rhus Tox – For Joint Pain

Rhus Tox works well where joints are involved. Any of the joints may be affected. The affected joints are very painful and stiff. The pain is worse when at rest and after periods of inactivity, and better after movement. The pain and stiffness are, therefore, worse in the morning. Exposure to cold air also makes the pain worse. Some patients get relief from warm fomentation. Massaging the affected joint also soothes the pain in some cases.

Psoriasis and its Causes

Psoriasis is among the common skin ailments seen in clinical practice. Red, inflamed patches on the skin, covered by silvery white scales, are the characteristic features of Psoriasis. The reason behind Psoriasis is yet not clear. However, it is thought to be an autoimmune disease.

Autoimmune disease refers to a group of diseases where the immune system of a person starts to destroy its healthy body tissues out of a misdirected immune response.

In Psoriasis, the body’s immune cells target the skin leading to scaly eruptions. A positive family history of Psoriasis puts a person at high risk of developing the same condition. A few of the well-known triggers for Psoriasis are stress, obesity, smoking and infection including strep throat. These triggering factors also worsen the symptoms of existing Psoriasis.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

The major symptom of Psoriasis is patches of red, inflamed papular eruptions on the skin surface with adhesive silvery white scales covering them. The spots have well-defined borders. In some cases cracks that bleed often, appear on the skin. An itching and burning sensation accompanies the eruptions, the intensity of which varies from case to case. Psoriasis often runs a relapsing and remitting course. A few of the complications of Psoriasis are Psoriatic Arthritis, Uveitis, Conjunctivitis, Type-II Diabetes and kidney problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which medicine for psoriasis would you rate as the best?

Among the majorly indicated medicines for psoriasis, Arsenic Album and Graphites are an excellent choice. Graphites works wonders for treating skin as well as nail psoriasis.

2. I have psoriasis with excessive itching, which medicine should I take?

Sulphur remains highly successful in treating psoriasis attended with intense itching. Extreme
burning may also arise in such cases. Do consult a Homeopath before you take any medicine.

3. Please advise a remedy for psoriasis with abundant scale exfoliation.

Homeopathy offers a vast range of medicines for treating psoriasis with excessive scale exfoliation. However, in my clinical practice, Arsenic Iodatum has shown the most wonderful recoveries in such cases. The exfoliation leaves behind a raw, red surface on the skin.

4. For psoriasis of the scalp, which medicine should I take?

The list is long, but I have found Graphites Naturalis to be extremely useful in treating psoriasis of the scalp. A scalp covered in excessive scales, with itching and in some cases burning, will respond well to Graphites Naturalis.

5. What is the remedy for psoriasis of Nails ?

Graphites Naturalis and Antimonium Crudum are well recognised medicines for nail psoriasis. A person with this condition has discoloured, crumbling, brittle, painful nails.

6. In psoriasis that worsens in winters, which medicine would help?

Topmost on the list of most effective remedies for treating psoriasis cases that worsen during the winter is Petroleum. It has amazing properties and will calm a flare-up and provide relief to the patient.

7. I have had psoriasis for a long time and now, my joints are inflamed and in pain. Please suggest a medicine.

Inflamed and painful joints in a person suffering from psoriasis refer to a condition called psoriatic arthritis. Homeopathy can definitely treat this condition. In my clinical practice, Rhus Tox has shown great results in cases of psoriatic arthritis. Highly inflamed, painful, swollen and stiff joints in psoriasis are all guiding symptoms for use of this medicine.

8. What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease characterised by well defined red patches covered in silvery white scales. Skin cells normally grow and are shed every 28 to 30 days. In psoriasis, the skin cells start to grow more rapidly, every 3 to 5 days. The skin cannot shed the excessive cells as quickly as they appear on its surface. The result is a build-up of cells on the skin referred to as plaque. The skin lesions in psoriasis may be attended with itching and burning, the intensity varying from case to case. Pain may be present along with itching and burning in psoriatic eruptions. Psoriasis is a disease that runs a remitting and relapsing course, that is to say that there is a phase when the psoriasis gets better, termed as the remitting phase, followed by an active phase, when the psoriasis flares up,
termed as the relapsing phase.

9. How do I know I have psoriasis?

Psoriatic lesions have characteristic in appearance and are easily diagnosed. The presence of dry, red skin lesions with sharply defined borders covered in silvery white scales are well indicative of psoriasis. In case of nail psoriasis, the nails get discolored, deformed, brittle, crippled and may fall out. In a few cases of psoriasis, the joints may get inflamed and become painful. A few skin conditions like ringworm and eczema may look like psoriasis. However, the site of skin lesions, the presence of possible triggers and positive family history of psoriasis support diagnosis. In rare cases, a skin biopsy is required.

10. Why does psoriasis occur?

The clear cause of psoriasis is not yet known. However, psoriasis is thought to be a disorder of autoimmune origin. Persons with psoriasis suffer an overactive immune system. The overactive immune cells, majorly T cells, cause skin inflammation and trigger the rapid skin cell growth. Psoriasis has a strong hereditary component. A person having a positive family history of psoriasis is at a high risk of suffering the condition.

11. How is psoriasis diagnosed?

Psoriasis can be easily diagnosed based on the presentation of the skin lesions. In rare cases, a skin biopsy is needed to rule out the type of psoriasis.

12. Is there only one kind of psoriasis?

No, psoriasis has various types. These are – plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, nail psoriasis and pustular psoriasis. In plaque psoriasis, the skin gets covered in dry spots with a large number of silvery white scales. The major sites for plaque psoriasis are scalp, back, knees and elbows. Guttate psoriasis is characterised by the appearance of small, water droplet-like skin lesions covered in fine scales. Guttate psoriasis is often triggered after a bacterial infection, mainly strep throat infection. The lesions are mainly found on the legs, arms and trunk. Psoriasis lesions that appear in folds of skin – under the breasts, in groin area, armpits for example – are referred to as inverse psoriasis. The skin lesions in inverse psoriasis are in the form of smooth, red inflamed patches. In scalp psoriasis, red, inflamed, itchy lesions covered in thick white scales appear on the scalp. In nail psoriasis, psoriatic lesions arise in the nails, of the fingers or toes. The nail may get discolored, thickening of skin under the nail may arise, pitting on nails may be present and in extreme cases, the nail may crumble and fall out. In pustular psoriasis, pus-filled eruptions arise on the skin that is surrounded by redness and tenderness.

13. What are the factors that trigger psoriasis?

The various factors that can trigger psoriasis are stress, smoking, alcohol, caffeine, skin trauma and cold weather.

14. Apart from skin, what are the other sites for psoriasis lesions?

In addition to skin lesions, psoriasis may affect the nails and can lead to inflamed joints. Cases where joints get inflamed are referred to as psoriatic arthritis.

15. Is psoriasis contagious, can it spread from by touch or other means?

No, psoriasis is not a contagious disease and hence, does not spread from person-to-person contact.

16. Can stress cause psoriasis?

Stress and psoriasis are interlinked, but stress does not cause psoriasis. Stress plays an important role in triggering a flare-up of psoriasis.

17. I have had psoriasis for a long time. Now, my joints have started to hurt, why?

If you have had psoriasis for a long time and now your joints are in pain, then there is a good chance you have developed psoriatic arthritis. In approximately 30% of the psoriasis patients, joints may get inflamed and become painful. In psoriatic arthritis, the immune cells start to destroy and inflame the joints due to a misdirected immune response besides the usual rapid cell growth symptoms of the disease. Genetic and environmental factors play an important role in causing psoriatic arthritis.

18. Can ointments alone treat psoriasis?

Applying ointments may control symptoms like itching and burning in psoriatic lesions, but ointments merely suppress the skin complaint. They will not treat the condition. A curative approach in psoriasis will need to follow proper treatment that aims at moderating the immune system.

19. Is there a link between psoriasis and vitamin D?

Yes, there is a link between psoriasis and vitamin D. Improving vitamin D levels in psoriasis seems to decrease the severity of psoriasis condition. Vitamin D plays a role in decreasing excessive cell production, and therefore helps treat psoriasis.

20. Will exposure to sunlight be of help to psoriasis patients?

Yes, evidence suggests that sun exposure helps to heal psoriasis, though to a mild degree.

Lifestyle Changes to help Manage Psoriasis

Small changes in lifestyle can help manage psoriasis to a large extent. These measures include:

Use mild soap while bathing
Avoid bathing with warm water
For excessively dry skin, apply coconut oil
Quit smoking and alcohol
Some sun exposure may help psoriasis while excessive exposure will worsen symptoms
Stress management will reduce psoriasis flare-ups

Top 7 Natural Homeopathic remedies for Treating Chilblains

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 31 Comments

Homeopathic Medicines for Chilblains

As the name suggests, chilblains are small, itchy swellings that appear on the skin due to exposure to cold or humid conditions over a period. The tissue gets inflammed, and the symptoms of damaged capillary beds in the skin are usually visible. This condition affects the extreme parts of the body that are more susceptible to cold, like the fingertips, toes, nose, ears, and heels. Chilblains rarely cause any permanent damage and tend to heal within weeks with proper precautions. A homeopathic remedy for chilblains like Agaricus works to reduce the swelling and inflammation, and also provide relief from painful symptoms.
Chilblains are also known as Perniosis or Chilburns.

Homeopathic Remedy for Chilblains

The best treatment for chilblains is a natural science. Homeopathy takes into consideration the fact that the symptoms of disease occur as a result of the body’s inability to combat an infection. Homeopathy helps in boosting an individual’s immune response to fight the infections and restore the body to its healthy state. Homeopathic remedy for chilblains is a completely natural, non-intrusive, and safe treatment method. Made of natural substances, homeopathic medicines are used to get rid of chilblains quickly.

Homeopathic Medicines for Chilblains

Agaricus: Best Homeopathic Remedy for Chilblains

Agaricus for chilblains is the top grade homeopathic remedy for chilblains. It is used to treat common symptoms of chilblains, like a burning sensation and intense itching on both the hands. The affected person may feel as if their hands were frozen. The hands appear blue and cold, and painful swellings of the hands and toes may be present. A sharp, prickling pain may also be present.

Petroleum: For Painful Chilblains

Petroleum is a homeopathic remedy used to treat chilblains where there is a lot of pain. The parts affected by chilblains itch terribly and feel like they burn (like fire). Inflammation usually appears with the cold weather.

Lachesis: For Chilblains with Pus

Laches is a homeopathic remedy for chilblains that can help in treating the cases of old chilblains that become inflamed and suppurating. This medicine is used in cases where the circulation in the capillary is affected. It helps to renew the circulation without sloughing off the skin. Dark blue swelling of the cellular tissue on the hands gives a mottled appearance, and a purple discoloration may be seen on the feet. This is an excellent homeopathic medicine for blood circulation.

Abrotanum: For Chilblains that are Itchy

Abrotanum is a homeopathic remedy for chilblains where the condition causes itching. There can be associated coldness of the fingertips with a presence of prickling pain in the fingers.

Rhustox: For Chilblains with Formication

Rhustox is a homeopathic remedy for chilblains that helps treat inflammation of the fingertips with formication (sensation of insects crawling over the skin). There is visibly red, smooth and shining swelling of the hands and feet. Rubbing the affected parts increases the eruptions. This medicine is used to treat vesicular eruptions.

Sulfur: For Burning Soles of Feet due to Chilblains

Sulfur is a homeopathic remedy for chilblains that helps reduce swelling of the toes, especially those that tend to suppurate. There is purple discoloration of the feet, along with thick, red chilblains on the fingers. There is intense itching in the toes that were frozen, and it usually gets worse by the warmth of the bed.

Pulsatilla: Effective Natural Remedy for Chilblains

Pulsatilla is a homeopathic remedy for chilblains which are hot, have bluish-red swelling, and itching. Purple discoloration of the feet along with an inflammation of the toes is also there.

Causes of Chilblains

Chilblains are usually considered to be an idiopathic condition which means that there is no particular cause behind it. The most common reasons that are thought to cause this condition are as follows:

It can be related to body’s abnormal reaction when an individual is exposed to a cold or humid environment, followed by sudden rewarming. The superficial blood vessels become narrow when exposed to extremes of temperature. These usually expand to their usual size with slow, gradual and steady warmth. But if sudden rewarming of the affected part occurs, the blood vessels expand quickly. This leads to an increased blood flow which the superficial blood vessels cannot handle. The blood then leaks out into the surrounding tissues, resulting in itchiness and swelling.

Chilblains can be hereditary too; a positive family history can be a risk factor.

A long-standing history of chronic chilblains indicates a disorder of the connective tissue.

Chilblains: Risk Factors

There can be many risk factors involved in the occurrence of chilblains, like:

Environmental factors, which are usually noticed in people living in extremely cold or humid areas.

Seasonal changes, moving from warm weather to cold, like during the months from November to April.

Poor circulation in an individual makes them susceptible to chilblains, as it may lead to an increased sensitivity to the changes in temperature.

Autoimmune diseases like Lupus cause swelling in the body’s tissues and affected people become more prone to develop chilblains.

Raynaud’s disease is a condition in which the small arteries that supply blood to skin becomes narrow, resulting in decreased blood flow to the affected area. It usually affects the blood supply to fingers and toes. People who suffer from Raynaud’s disease are more susceptible to develop chilblains.

Gender: Women are more likely to get chilblains as compared to males.

Body weight is another risk factor; people with low body weight are more prone to developing chilblains.

Clothing or shoes that are too tight, worn in cold, damp weather can hinder the blood circulation and predispose a person to develop chilblains. Also, not wearing sufficient warm clothes in extremes of weather can increase one’s susceptibility to chilblains, especially on the parts exposed to the cold or dampness.

Chilblains: Symptoms

The most common symptoms of chilblains include:

Color Changes of the affected area of the skin:
The condition can lead to general redness or blueness of the affected areas of the skin, or it can cause patchy discoloration. Changes in the color are usually visible through naked eyes. These color changes occur as a result of the body’s abnormal reaction towards repeated exposure to extremes of temperatures. Erythema, with blanchable redness of the area, may also occur.

Swelling:
Swelling may occur as a result of an accumulation of leaked blood in the surrounding tissues. The blood gets leaked from the capillaries when sudden rewarming happens after exposure to cold or humid conditions.

Pain:
Pain is a common symptom experienced by people suffering from chilblains. Pain due to chilblains can range from mild, moderate to severe. It may be a sharp, tearing, prickling, throbbing or dull, aching pain in the affected parts.

Itching:
An individual can experience an irritating or uncontrollable itching sensation in the affected part, as a result of chilblains. Usually, this itching occurs when the affected area becomes warm.

Burning:
A burning sensation usually occurs as a result of underlying nerve damage in the area affected by chilblains. Nerve damage also leads to tingling and numbness in the affected part, which feels like a burning sensation.

Complications from Chilblains

Chilblains do not usually result in permanent injury, but if not treated well within time, it can cause severe damage. Recurrent and non-healing chilblains should be reported to a doctor to rule out more serious medical conditions.

Complications include:

permanent discoloration of the skin.
scarring of the skin.
formation of the painful blisters, which can further lead to ulcers and infections.

Preventing Chilblains

Preventive measures can be taken to avoid the occurrence of the chilblains, which include:

reduction in exposure to cold or humid climates.
keeping the hands and feet warm.
avoiding tight clothes and shoes that restrict circulation of blood to the feet, toes, and extremities.
keeping a check on the condition of the feet in case one is diabetic. People with diabetes may get infected by chilblains without realizing it.

Tips to Manage Chilblains with Homeopathy

Apart from using the best homeopathic remedy for chilblains, there are a few management tips that can help manage, and eventually reverse the condition:

maintain a regular exercise routine so that the circulation is not compromised.
soak the affected parts in warm (never hot) water.
keep the affected area dry.
keep a regular check on associated health issues like blood pressure or diabetes, as they affect healing.
rewarm the affected parts gradually to avoid any sudden rewarming and its side effects.

Top 5 Homeopathic Remedies for Healing Fractures Fast

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 46 Comments

Broken bones are more common than they seem. An average person is expected to have at least two fractures in a lifetime. A fracture is any crack or breaks in the bone that disrupts the continuity of the bone. Human bones are by nature strong and rigid and do not break easily due to external pressure. A fracture happens when a physical force (that is greater than the bone itself) is exerted on the bone. It can lead to a complete or partial breaking of the bone. The most common fractures are fractures of the clavicle (collarbone), ankle, hip, ulna, and radius. Homeopathic remedies for fractures boosts the proliferation (rapid increase) of osteoblast cells (bone forming cells) and helps speed up the bone-healing process.

Heal Broken Bones Fast with Homeopathy

Homeopathy helps in the formation of healthy callus, and they also boost the activity of proliferation of the osteoblast cells (bone forming cells). Certain medicines also help speed up the process of laying a new bone. These medicines are made of natural substances and can treat fractures effectively, without any side effects. These are usually used once the broken bone has been set in proper alignment. They then work to optimize the natural healing process of the body for a quicker, stronger bone healing.
Some of the best medicines for fractures include Symphytum Officinale, Arnica Montana, Calcarea Phos, Silicea, and Calendula Officinalis. These are natural remedies for the pain of broken bones.
Homeopathy for fracture help in reducing the pain and swelling at the site of the fracture. In fractures where there is slow bone healing, remedies like a dosage of Symphytum works well.

Homeopathic Remedies for Fractures

1. Symphytum Officinale – Top Remedy for Bone Healing

One of the best medicines for fractures is Symphytum Officinale. Also known as knit-bone, it is widely recommended as the first line of treatment of fractures. Symphytum Officinale is a natural and highly effective medicine that boosts the activity of fibroblasts cells and helps in healing the fractured bone. It also helps with the production of callous and treats irritability and pricking pains at the point of the fracture site. It is also a suitable medicine for hairline fractures.
Symphytum is a healing herb that is used in different potencies to help accelerate the healing of a broken bone. As a natural substance, it causes no side-effects and is used to treat fractures that cause immense pain.

2. For Fractures where there is Excessive Pain

Arnica Montana is a medicine for fractures which cause immense swelling and pain at the site of the fracture. The affected site is sore to touch and bruised. Fractures that occur from a fall or those caused as a result of an injury by a blunt instrument are treated with Arnica. This medicine is also used to treat old bone injuries.

3. For Fractures that Heal Slowly

Calcarea Phos is a medicine for fractures that are slow to heal. It is used to treat remote fractures and helps hasten the bone repair process in cases where the bone has not joined for a long time. Calcarea Phos provides calcium and phosphate, two elements required for quick union of the bone. It also promotes the formation of callus.

4. For Bone Fractures and Brittle Bones

Silicea is a medicine for fractures of brittle bones that get fractured often. Silicea strengthens weak bones and prevents them from getting fractured frequently. It is commonly used to treat and manage osteoporosis and other bone problems such as caries, necrosis, and exostosis.

5. For Compound and Suppurating Fractures

Calendula Officinalis is a medicine for fractures where the skin covering the fractured site becomes raw, red and inflamed. There may be a copious discharge of pus along with stinging pains. This medicine is used to treat compound fractures (where the broken bone pierces the skin) and also to prevent gangrene.

Causes of Fractures

Most of the fractures result from trauma, falls and accidents. In the case of athletes, fractures are caused by repeated stress and strains on the bones. These are known as stress factors. Children and older adults are also prone to fractures due to their age. There are growth plates (epiphyseal plates) present in a child’s bones located at the ends of long bones. These help with the length-wise growth of bones. Furthermore, a child’s bones are surrounded by the periosteum (thick fibrous sheath) which helps increase the thickness of the bones. These components make a child’s bones more ‘bendable,’ meaning that a bone bends a lot before breaking.
In adults, the periosteum is much thinner, and so the bones don’t bend under pressure and tend to break.
Older adults get fractures more often than young people because, with age, their bones become weak and brittle. Joint problems also lead to a high risk of falling and breaking bones. Apart from this, some medical conditions predispose a person to recurrent fractures. Certain types of cancers, osteoporosis, endocrine disorders, osteogenesis imperfecta (a genetic disorder where the bones are brittle, fragile and break easily).

Fractures: Risk Factors

Lifestyle factors like consuming excessive alcohol, smoking, and taking steroids also tend to make the bones brittle and are prominent risk factors that predispose a person towards fractures.

Link between Smoking and Fractures

Due to the impact it has on the hormonal levels, smoking is a risk factor for fractures. Research conducted decades ago still stands; smoking is a risk factor for bone loss.

Link between Alcohol and Fractures

Consuming excessive alcohol is known to influence the bone mass and bone structure and mass. Research indicates that chronic drinking can increase the risk of bone loss and fractures, even after the person quits drinking. Excessive alcohol also affects the metabolism of vitamin D in the body.

Link between Steroids and Fractures

Chronic disorders like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis are linked to bone loss since they need frequent doses of steroids for management. People with chronic inflammatory bowel disease also have low bone density, since such issues reduce the ability of the GIT to absorb calcium.

Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to treat chronic inflammatory conditions like IBS (inflammatory bowel disease), rheumatoid arthritis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Frequent doses of these steroids lead to side effects like hindering the absorption of calcium in the GIT (gastrointestinal tract) and increasing the loss of calcium through urine. It is a research-based fact that corticosteroids induce accelerated bone loss.

Recurring Fractures

Low-impact fractures in the past can double the risk of another fracture. Vertebral fractures in the spine can accurately predict future fractures and need to be monitored carefully.

Chronic Conditions and Fractures

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the cells and tissues around the joints, causing severe bone loss and damage to the joints. Certain steroids used for pain relief again trigger bone loss, and reduced physical activity as a consequence of the disease can further accelerate the risk of fractures.

Diabetes is another risk factor for fractures, although the exact causes behind this are not known. It is thought that high blood sugar levels can adversely affect bone quality due to metabolic changes.

Types of Fractures

Fractures are of different types. They are classified according to the severity, and whether the bone fragments are separated or joined together.

1. Open or Compound Fracture – A compound fracture is the one in which the bone breaks apart entirely and the ends of the fractured bones tear the skin, creating a wound. Open fractures are serious because they carry a risk of infection.

2. Closed or Simple Fracture – A simple fracture is a fracture in which the overlying skin remains intact and the broken bone does not tear through the skin.

3. Pathological Fracture – A pathological fracture arises from a weak bone, and there is an underlying disease or medical condition that causes the bones to be weak.

4. Complete Fracture – A fracture where the fragments of the broken bone separate completely is known as a compound fracture.

5. Incomplete fracture – A fracture where bone fragments remain partially joined is an incomplete fracture.

6. Hairline Fracture – A hairline fracture is the one where a thin crack appears on the bone, but it is not broken into fragments. The pain of a hairline fracture tends to intensify when the injured bone is strained. This restricts the amount of weight a person can put on the area around the hairline fracture.
Some common symptoms of a hairline fracture are tenderness, swelling and bruising.

7. Greenstick Fracture – A greenstick fracture is a fracture where the bone gets cracked and bent, but it does not break into separate pieces.

8. Single Fracture – A fracture where the bone breaks into two pieces at one place is known as a single fracture

9. Comminuted fracture – A fracture where the bone breaks into three or more pieces is known as a comminuted fracture.

10. Compression or Crush fracture – A fracture that occurs in the bones of the spine, often caused by osteoporosis, is known as a compression fracture.

11. Stress fracture – A stress fracture is common in athletes, and the bone breaks due to repeated stress and strains. Stress fractures are essentially tiny cracks in a bone caused by a repetitive force. Conditions like osteoporosis also can also cause stress fractures due to the weakening of the bones.

12. Transverse Fracture – When the line of the fracture line is perpendicular to the shaft of bone, it is known as a transverse fracture.

13. Longitudinal Fracture – A fracture where the bone breaks along its length is known as a longitudinal fracture

14. Oblique Fracture – An oblique fracture is a slanted break that occurs diagonally along the long axis of the bone.

Symptoms of a Fracture

Fractures are painful, and they usually come with swelling around the site where the bone is broken.
The main symptoms of a fracture include:

intense pain and swelling at the site of the fractured bone.
worsening of pain upon touching and moving the injured area.
redness and bruising at the injured site.
inability to move the affected area.
inability to put weight on the affected area.
bleeding in a case of an open fracture.
dizziness, nausea, paleness in case of a long bone fracture.

How do fractures heal?

A broken bone starts repairing soon after a fracture. Immediately after a fracture, a blood clot (hematoma) forms around the broken bone. It acts as a temporary plug that fills the gap between the broken ends of the bone. Inside this clot, phagocytes (cells that protect the body) begin to clean the bone fragments and kill any germs that may have entered from the point of the bone breakage. This is followed by a proliferation of the chondroblast and fibroblast cells that transform the hematoma into a fibrocartilaginous tissue known as a soft callus. The soft-callus stage of the healing tissue lasts from the fourth day of the fracture to approximately three weeks. In the next step of the healing process, osteoblast cells begin to increase and create new bone cells that convert the soft callus into a hard bone callus. This stage of hard callus formation starts around weeks after the fracture and lasts for 6 – 12 weeks.
Following this, the process of bone remodeling begins, and the osteoclast cells break and absorb the extra bone. The bone remodeling process is long and can vary from 3 years to 9 years duration.

Tips to Manage a Healing Fracture

Broken bones tend to take a long time to heal, and treatment for fracture can help speed up the healing process. Some precautions that should be taken to help heal a fracture quickly include:

Avoiding direct heat on the site of the fracture for pain relief till the cast has been set properly.
Managing everyday movements carefully to prevent further injury. For example, crutches should be used carefully.
The broken limb should not be moved too much, and adequate rest should be taken.
Lifting heavy objects or driving should be avoided till the fracture has healed completely.
Usually, the skin under a cast gets itchy, and it is a very common tendency to poke blunt objects inside it for relief. This should be prevented, as it can accidentally cause damage.
The cast should not be allowed to get wet, as a damp cast tends to soften and does not provide adequate support. Damp plaster can also irritate the skin. While bathing or showering, the area can be kept watertight by wrapping the limb in a plastic bag.
In case of swelling, loss of movement in toes or fingers, blueness, feeling of pins and needles, or increased pain, a doctor should be consulted.

5 Natural Homeopathic Teething Remedies for Baby (That Really Help!)

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 24 Comments

Most parents get alarmed when their sweet, charming baby suddenly can’t stop crying and needs to be carried around all the time. This usually happens when the toddler is about 6 months old and can be a classic symptom of teething. Teething refers to the process of eruption of a baby’s milk teeth through the gums. The time of teething varies from child to child, but it usually starts from 6 months to 12 months of age. In some children, the teething process can begin as early as three months of age. Once teething begins, the first teeth to appear are two middle teeth in the lower jaw, followed by two middle teeth in the upper jaw and finally, teeth on the sides and back. Some teeth cause more discomfort as compared to the others when they erupt. For example, molars take up more surface area and do not erupt as easily as smaller teeth, causing prolonged discomfort. In most children, all twenty milk teeth appear by the age of two to three years. Teething for most toddlers is a painful experience and is a good explanation for a baby’s changed behavior and minor illness. A homeopathic teething remedy includes medicines that ease the symptoms like irritability and swelling in teething toddlers.

Problems while Teething

In some children, the teething process is smooth, with no pain, discomfort or complaint. For some children, however, teething can be difficult and cause symptoms like:

excessive drooling of saliva (it may cause a mild rash around the mouth)
excessive chewing of things
putting fingers in the mouth
irritability, crying, fretfulness, cranky behavior, restlessness
sleeplessness at night
swollen, sore, red, tender gums
formation of fluid-filled blister around the erupting tooth
decreased intake of feed
fever and diarrhea

Diarrhea and Teething

It is a common misconception that teething causes diarrhea. Teething does not cause diarrhea, it is in fact caused due to an infection of the gastrointestinal tract. This is because children during teething tend to chew on different objects to ease the discomfort, and can easily catch an infection from an unclean object. Teething also occurs around the time when a child is being weaned off the mother’s milk. An introduction of new food can also cause a change in the gut bacteria in the child’s system and cause diarrhea. Teething does not cause diarrhea, rather, it is the introduction of a pathogen in the child’s gut that leads to disturbed bowel movements. Children pick up bacteria from different sources as they look for things to chew on to relieve the symptoms of teething (like sore, painful gums). Mild fever during teething is normal, but high fevers are not. A very high fever or diarrhea during teething are completely unrelated to the process of the child’s teeth erupting. Frequent diarrhea during teething can cause dehydration, so care must be taken to ensure that the baby gets enough clear fluids, milk and water to stay hydrated.

Homeopathic Teething Remedy

Homeopathic medicines are a safe and effective method to manage pediatric complaints like teething. Homeopathic medicines are prepared from naturally occurring substances and are very safe to use, even on toddlers. They have no side effects and help treat the symptoms of teething very gently and effectively. Homeopathic medicines for teething are selected according to the individual symptoms shown by the child. For example, some children become cranky, irritable and stubborn while they are teething, while others may become clingy and keep weeping. Some children are particularly irritable at night. Keeping in mind the various symptoms, homeopathic medicines are selected on a case-to-case basis. The top homeopathic medicines to ease the discomfort during teething include Chamomilla, Cina, Merc Sol, Podophyllum Peltatum and Calcarea Phos.

Homeopathic Medicines for Teething

Chamomilla – The Real Tooth fairy

Chamomilla (chamomile) has probably introduced more parents to homeopathy than any other Homoeopathic medicine. Though it is not the only medicine that homeopaths prescribe to treat teething, it is so commonly used that it is generally recommended unless the infant’s symptoms clearly indicate the need for a different medicine.

The most common symptoms of infants who need Chamomilla are inflamed gums, drooling (excessive saliva oozing from the mouth), and a desire to keep fingers in the mouth. Commonly, one cheek is hot and red while the other is pale and dentition diarrhea which is often green.

The infants are hyper-irritable and may scream and hit. The only relief they experience comes when they are being carried about or gently rocked. Chamomilla 30 c given three times a day during the acute phase should work as someone has described it as “a real tooth fairy”.

Cina – For Teething to manage Irritability

Cina is a homeopathic teething remedy used to manage irritability in children who are teething. The child may also weep, scream, bite and strike others, or ask to be carried all the time. Extreme crankiness and stubbornness along with restlessness during sleep are some other symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine.

Merc Sol – For Teething with Swollen Gums

Merc Sol is a homeopathic teething remedy that is used in cases where the gums become swollen and tender, and there is excessive drooling during teething. The gums appear red, swollen and are painful to touch. Excessive drooling, while sleeping and a foul-smell from the child’s mouth is also present. This medicine is effective in soothing a teething baby at night when the child is restlessness and cranky.

Podophyllum Peltatum – For Teething with Diarrhea

Podophyllum Peltatum is a homeopathic teething remedy where the teething baby has a watery, gushing stool that is yellowish–greenish and foul-smelling. Mucus may also be present in the stool along with fetid flatus.

Does Calcarea Phos ease out teething? Should it be given during dentition?

We have raised two daughters and have never given them Calcarea Phos. Yet, both of them never had any problem during dentition. Please Note that this is the most abused medicine in Homeopathy. It’s wide use in ‘easing dentition’ is one of the biggest abuse of homeopathy.It should be used judiciously and is mainly indicated where the teething process is delayed.

Tips to Soothe a Teething Baby

Teething children tend to be irritable and clingy, and there are some home remedies for teething toddlers that can help soothe the swollen gums:

Rubbing the baby’s gums – With a clean finger, or a slightly wet piece of gauze, gently rub the baby’s gums. Use a gentle pressure to ease discomfort.
Use a cold compress: A cold compress in the form of a cold, wet cloth, a chilled spoon or a teething ring can help ease the swelling and soreness in teething gums.
Chewing upon hard foods: If the teething baby is old enough to handle solid foods, a solid food item like peeled carrot or cucumber can help provide relief. The child can gnaw on the food. Care must be taken to ensure that the child does not choke on any small bits that get chewed off.

Homeopathic Medicine Arnica – Its use in Treating Injuries

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 53 Comments

Homeopathic Medicine Arnica

Arnica Montana, commonly known as Arnica is a well known homeopathic medicine used mainly for its great efficacy in treating nearly all kinds of injuries. One can judge the efficacy of Arnica in healing injured tissues from the fact that many general surgeons as well as plastic surgeons around the world have started to use this homeopathic medicine to promote healing and minimising the post operative infections. An Eye Surgeon that I know , gives a dose of Arnica to the patient after he operates him .According to him the eye heals up much faster and also its use eliminates the chances of a post operative infection in the eye. In the field of sports medicine it is being used extensively to treat injured athletes. It has a special role in treating severe head injuries and conditions that result out of an injury to the brain and spinal cord.

Arnica as a Homeopathic Medicine

In homoeopathy Arnica is used mainly for treating injuries. The best part of arnica is that it is very effective in treating injuries ranging from mild falls and contusions to severe traumas like head and spine injuries.Arnica is indicated for use in following mild to moderate injuries- Injuries from bumps, falls and other accidents, sudden forceful contact with a blunt instrument resulting in bruising and swelling to skin and muscles; bleeding and inflammation deep in the muscle fibers. Arnica is a prime medicine for sprains and strains. It is of great help in reducing pain in fractures and also in pains of old fractures.

Arnica’s Role in Treating Head Injuries

The role of arnica in treating serious injuries like head injuries and spinal injuries requires a special recommendation here. It can minimize the post injury effects and can be a great boon for those who go into coma after the injury. Its special role in helping the patient to come out of coma after the injury is what puts Arnica in the special category of treating head injuries.

Also conditions that arise after a head injury whether recent or remote. For Example epilepsy after an injury to the head; loss of memory; speech problems after an injury etc are effectively cured with Arnica.

Arnica Role in Absorption Of Blood In Internal Injuries

Another condition where arnica does great wonders is in re-absorption of blood. Whether it is brain hemorrhage or bleed in the retina, Arnica accelerates the absorption of clot.

Arnica (Arnica Montana) is an Alpine herb native to the mountains of Siberia and central Europe .It works by improving blood flow to the areas of tissue damage, thereby assisting in the healing processes. It also has antibiotic properties too.

Arnica can be used at home for minor falls and injuries and usually in injuries where upper surface of the skin is not broken, but please remember that in injuries where bleeding has taken place, Arnica should only be used only when the bleeding has stopped either by suturing or the wound has gone thru the stage of initial clot formation. 30 C potency of Arnica can be used to treat minor falls and injuries at home. For injuries of severe nature, professional help must be sought.

Clinical Indications For the use of Arnica

Injury/Trauma, Epistaxis, Black eye, Bruises, Body aches, Typhoid fever, Gout, Skin affections.

Clinical Details:

1.Injury/Trauma: Injury from blows, falls; contusions, concussions, echymosis, bruises when of traumatic origin.

2.Epistaxis: Nose bleeding from injury.

3.Black eye: Black eye form a blow.

4.Bruises: Bruises following trauma.

5.Body aches: Body aches with excessive sore, bruised feeling as if beaten.

6.Typhoid fever: Typhoid fever with sore, bruised bodyaches and low muttering delirium.

7.Gout: Gouty pains with fear of being touched.

Skin affections: Bruises, Ecchymosis, Bed sores.

What what be the correct dosage for Arnica to be used ?

Homeopathic medicine Arnica is recommended in 30C potency. In recent injuries it can be repeated frequently but while dealing with effects of remote injuries it can be used in high potencies but infrequent repetitions

Caution: Although homeopathic medicine Arnica is a safe remedy to use but an advise from homeopathic physician must be taken prior its use.

Homeopathy for Fears and Phobias

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 122 Comments

Fear is an emotion arising from a threat, which may be real or imaginary. It is a body’s uncontrollable reaction to a particular situation or an event. A person tends to avoid and run away from a given circumstance, which in turn becomes fear. Fear can be associated with any person, situation or things. In most cases, it is a result of some past experiences or future anticipations. The most common fears experienced by a human include fear of death, of closed places, failure, and fear of the unknown. Fear of heights and water, fear of sex (intimacy), and fear of disease are some other prevalent conditions. Anxiety and restlessness mostly accompany fear, and if not treated well, it can further develop into panic attacks. Homeopathic medicines for fear help decrease the severity of symptoms associated with fear and also help prevent further progression of the condition into panic attacks.

Homeopathy as a Natural and Alternative Treatment for Fear

Homeopathy is an effective alternative treatment for fear. Internal homeopathic medicine often proves to be the best natural option to help treat such conditions. These medicines work by treating the whole patient, and not just the symptoms since the human body functions as one unit, and a disorder in one part can affect another. Homeopathic medicines do not cause drug-dependency or any side-effects.

Homeopathic Medicines for Fear

Homeopathic Medicines for Fear of death (Thanatophobia)

Aconite – Homeopathic Medicine for Fear of Death with Anxiety.
Aconite is a homeopathic medicine that is used to treat the fear of death coupled with anxiety. The person may fear death and believe that he or she may die soon, going so far as to predict the day of demise.

Arsenicum Album – Homeopathic Medicine for Fear of Death with Restlessness.
Arsenicum Album is a homeopathic medicine used to treat the fear of death accompanied by restlessness. The affected person does not feel the need to take any medication and may change places continuously.

Homeopathic Medicine for Fear of Heights (Acrophobia)

Argentum Nitricum – Homeopathic Medicine for Fear of Height.
Argentum Nitricum is a homeopathic medicine used to treat the fear of height and of flying in airplanes. The person fears the projecting corners of buildings; the sight of high buildings makes the person giddy and may cause him or her to stagger. A feeling of having the buildings on both sides of the street closing in and crushing upon the person is prevalent.

Homeopathic Medicines for Fear of Closed Places (Claustrophobia)

Stramonium – Homeopathic medicine for Fear with Desire to Escape.
Stramonium is a homeopathic medicine used to treat the fear of closed places with a desire to escape. The affected person may get anxiety when going through a tunnel or similar closed space.

Pulsatilla – Homeopathic Medicine for Fear with Desire for Open Spaces.
Pulsatilla is a homeopathic medicine used to treat a fear of closed spaces coupled with the desire to seek open air.

Homeopathic Medicines for Fear of Open Places (Agoraphobia)

Gelsemium – Homeopathic Medicine for Stage Fright.
Gelsemium is a homeopathic medicine used to treat the fear of open places, especially stage fright. The affected person has a nervous dread of appearing in public.

Phosphorus – Homeopathic Medicine for Fear of Mishappening.
Phosphorus is a homeopathic medicine used to treat the fear of open places wherein the person fears that something terrible will happen.

Homeopathic Medicines for Fear of Water (Hydrophobia)

Lyssinum – Homeopathic Medicine for Fear of Water with Anxiety.
Lyssinum is a homeopathic medicine used to treat fear of water coupled with anxiety, where a person wants to drink water but is unable to do so. Irritability on hearing the sound of water or looking at it is present, and the person gets convulsions on thinking of water or fluids.

Hyoscyamus – Homeopathic Medicine for Fear with Delirium.
Hyoscyamus is a homeopathic medicine used to treat the fear of eating or drinking coupled with delirium. The person develops anxiety on hearing the sound of running water.

Homeopathic Medicines for Fear of failure (Atychiphobia)

Lycopodium – Homeopathic Medicine for Fear and Weak Memory.
Lycopodium is a homeopathic medicine used to treat the fear of failure with weak memory. The person has a strong aversion to undertaking new challenges and may feel unable to reach a destination.

Aurum Metallicum – Homeopathic Medicine for Fear with Hopelessness.
Aurum Metallicum is a homeopathic medicine used to treat the fear of failure with marked hopelessness. The person experiences acute mental depression, the future looks bleak, and a feeling of being unfit or undeserving may prevail.

Homeopathic Medicines for Fear of Sex (Intimacy)

Kreosote – Homeopathic Medicine for Fear of Intimacy.
Kreosote is a homeopathic medicine used to treat the fear of sex and intimacy in women.

Staphysagria – Homeopathic Medicine for Fear with Suppressed Desire.
Staphysagria is a homeopathic medicine used to treat the fear of sex with suppressed sexual desire. The tendency to fear sex may sprout from a feeling of being out of control, or with a history of rape or sexual abuse.

Homeopathic Medicines for Fear of Disease

Kali Arsenicum – Homeopathic Medicine for Fear of Life-threatening Disease.
Kali Arsenicum is a homeopathic medicine used to treat the fear of contracting a life-threatening disease or anxiety about health, especially on going to bed.
This medicine is indicated in cases where there is a fear of having a stroke, heart disease or high blood pressure.

Agaricus – Homeopathic Medicine for Fear of Cancer.
Agaricus is a homeopathic medicine used to treat the fear of disease, especially cancer. The affected person may be pre-occupied with thoughts of death, dying and graveyards.

How Homeopathy can Help in Treating Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 47 Comments

Known as the most common cause of hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease (also known as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis) is an autoimmune disorder in which the cells of the immune system damage the thyroid gland due to a misdirected response. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and produces thyroid hormones, which control body’s metabolism. In case of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough hormones, giving rise to the symptoms of an under-active thyroid. This condition slows down many functions in the body. Homeopathic medicine for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis helps moderate the immune system and treats the symptoms to help manage the hormonal fluctuations.
Hashimoto’s disease in some people may cause the thyroid gland to become so inflamed that it results in goiter (abnormal enlargement of thyroid gland).

Difference between Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism are two different labels although both involve thyroid becoming underactive.
In Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, malfunctioning immune cells attack the thyroid gland. This results in the impairment of the ability of the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
This is how Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis becomes the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

Homeopathic Remedies for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

1. Sepia Officinalis – For Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis with Irritability

Sepia Officinalis is a medicine for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis when the condition is accompanied by lack of vital heat in the body, hair fall, irregular bowel movement and menstrual complaints. The mental symptoms associated are extreme irritability and indifferent behavior, unusually excessive craving for acidic things and pickles.

2. Calcarea Carbonica – For Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in Obese People

Calcarea Carbonica is a medicine for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in obese people who are always chilly and cannot tolerate cold air. It is also used to treat hypothyroidism with depression, nervousness, and fatigue especially in patients with sluggish dispositions.
People needing this medicine also show peculiarities in eating habits like craving for boiled eggs, desire for indigestible things like chalk, pencils, lime, and aversion to fats. It has been proved efficacious in women with hypothyroidism who suffer from very profuse menses that continue for long durations that occur earlier than the expected. The feet may be cold during the menstrual period.

3. Graphites – For Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis with Constipation

Graphites is a medicine for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and hypothyroidism in people who suffer from chronic constipation where the stool is hard and passes with great difficulty in lumps. Associated mental symptoms include depression, sadness, timidity, and an inability to make decisions.

4. Natrum Mur – For Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in Anemic Females

Natrum Mur is a medicine used to treat Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in anemic females who undergo great physical weakness, dry skin, dry mouth, and obstinate constipation.

Homeopathy – The Best Treatment for Hashimoto’s Disease

Conventional treatment for Hashimoto’s disease tends to involve hormone therapy that is designed to replace the low thyroid hormone levels. This therapy is also known as thyroid replacement therapy wherein a synthetic hormone is used on a daily basis. This hormone is similar to the naturally occurring thyroxine hormone.
However, seventy-percent of the people taking thyroid replacement therapy continue to complain of symptoms. This is because this treatment does not solve the underlying problems that are causing the autoimmune reactions. Thus the treatment with the hormone medication becomes a lifelong requirement.
Homeopathy for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis offers supportive therapy in the symptomatic management of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and can also help reduce the intensity and frequency of the symptoms.
The main advantage of opting for a homeopathic remedy for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is that the medicines used for its treatment are made of natural substances and do not cause any side-effects.

Natural Remedies

As an ancient 200-year-old medical science, homeopathy uses cures found in nature that help restore the natural healing processes of the body. Homeopathic treatment for Hashimoto’s disease works with a comprehensive treatment plan that works to harmonize the system.
In conventional treatment, use of synthetic hormones can cause side effects that range from mild-to-moderate in intensity.

A Holistic Approach

Homeopathy aims to treat the hormonal problem internally, by understanding the cause of different symptoms instead of suppressing them. Synthetic hormones and other drugs only relieve the symptoms and do not fix the cause of the problem. Homeopathic treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis involves moderating the over-active immune system to prevent further progression of the disease.

Individual Treatment

Homeopathic remedy for Hashimoto’s disease works by analyzing the individual symptoms of the disorder in a person. Since every individual is treated according to their specific symptoms, there is no blanket treatment provided for a particular illness.
For example, for an anemic female with signs of this problem, homeopathic medicine Natrum Mur is recommended, while a homeopathic medicine for thyroid during pregnancy can only be prescribed by analyzing other body functions.

These Medicines are Safe

Homeopathic medicines for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis are taken in small doses over a continuous period, which helps improve the efficacy of the natural substances in the medication. This slow-healing action helps treat the problem on a long-term basis while also reducing the symptoms.

Causes of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

“When Immune system attacks the thyroid.”
The exact reason behind Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is not apparent, and it is considered to be an autoimmune disease. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the body’s immune cells start destroying the cells of the thyroid gland that results in the development of symptoms of an underactive thyroid.
The development of autoimmune disorders is multifactorial, wherein genetics, diet, stress, hormone levels, environmental influences and immunological factors play a significant role.
The cause of Hashimoto’s disease may also include a reaction from an autoimmune disease or common allergens including inflammatory foods like gluten or dairy. In some people, nutritional deficiencies like those of glutamine, zinc and Vitamin D can also cause the problem.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Treatment Guidelines

1. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Treatment Diet

An important measure to manage Hashimoto’s disease is to remove foods that trigger immune reactions, like gluten, grains, nuts, artificial sugars, dairy products and fast food.
Additionally, adding foods like vegetables and fruits, coconut oil, seaweed, probiotic-rich foods, sprouted seeds, and beans can help moderate the system and restore it to a healthy state. Homeopathic medicine for thyroid diseases works particularly well with correct diet choices.

2. Supplements for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Certain nutrients and supplements help lower the autoimmune reactions and also help the body handle stress better. These supplements and nutrients include probiotics, Vitamin D, and more traditional foods like Aswagandha.

3. Stress Management

It is essential to manage and reduce stress when suffering from Hashimoto’s disease as stress can trigger alterations in the production of neuroendocrine hormones which contribute to immune dysfunction.

Risk Factors for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Various risk factors predispose a person towards Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, like:

Women are 8-10 times more at risk as compared to men to develop Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
A family history of autoimmune disorders or thyroid disorders.
Stress may lead to imbalances in the hormonal levels.
Pregnancy and postpartum are two situations which affect the thyroid hormones. The pregnant female may develop antibodies to the thyroid hormones during and after pregnancy, resulting in postpartum thyroiditis.
Smoking cigarettes and sedentary lifestyle are the most common contributory factors in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

Signs and Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Initially, the signs and symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis are very mild and may go unnoticed. In the very beginning, a swelling in the front of the neck due to the enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter) occurs in most cases. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis progresses gradually over years and damages the thyroid gland, resulting in a reduction of thyroid hormones that leads to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). By the time the symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are noticeable, the thyroid gland may already be damaged.
The symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis include:

weight gain tiredness/weakness
low energy levels
intolerance to cold
swollen/puffy face
sleepiness
muscle aches
joint pains
constipation
thinning/falling of hair
low libido
slowed brain function
weak memory and depression

In females, irregular periods or prolonged/heavy periods, and difficulty in getting pregnant may be noted. There are also high chances of babies born to women with untreated Hashimoto’s thyroiditis to develop congenital disabilities. There is an increased risk of rising cholesterol and heart problems. Myxedema coma is a severe, life-threatening complication of this condition that requires urgent management.

Complications from Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis can cause some complications, including putting you at a higher risk for developing other autoimmune disorders.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis increases your risk of developing other related autoimmune disorders. Some examples include Grave’s disease, Addison’s disease, Pernicious Anemia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Vitiligo.

Diagnosing Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is diagnosed through its classic signs and symptoms and by analyzing the result of a blood test that measures levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone. The test may include:
Hormone Test: A blood test can determine the amount of hormones produced by thyroid and pituitary gland. If the thyroid gland is underactive, the level of thyroid hormone will be low, but TSH will be elevated because the pituitary gland tries to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone.
Antibody Test: As Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder, it involves the abnormal production of antibodies. A blood test may confirm the presence of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPO antibodies), an enzyme that is typically found in the thyroid gland and plays a vital role in the production of thyroid hormones.

Natural Homeopathic Solutions for Flatulence

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 22 Comments

Flatulence is a term used for excessive accumulation of gas in the abdomen. Flatulence is mainly caused due to the breakdown of digested food and its malabsorption in the intestine. Flatulence can be passed from the mouth in the form of belching or from the anus in the form of flatus (gas). Flatus may be noisy and may or may not have an odor. A bloated abdomen often accompanies flatulence. Obstructed flatulence may lead to a colicky pain in the abdomen. A headache often accompanies flatulence. It affects people of all age groups but is more prominent in older adults. It can develop as a result of consuming farinaceous (starchy) food like beans, cabbage, etc. The various gastric disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, and food allergies can lead to excessive flatulence, and post-operative flatulence is also a common condition. Homeopathic medicines for flatulence are made of natural substances and help inhibit the recurring tendency of this condition.

Homeopathic Medicines for Flatulence

Homeopathy offers an excellent alternative treatment for Flatulence. These medicines for flatulence are made of natural substances, and therefore do not cause any side effects. Homeopathic medicine provides symptomatic relief from the condition and helps treat the root cause of the disease.

1. For Flatulence with Belching

Asafoetida – For Flatulence with Vomiting.

Asafoetida is a medicine used to treat flatulence with regurgitations of liquids. Explosive belching that smells of garlic and has a rancid taste and forcible belching of gas are also indicative of this medicine.

Carbo Vegetabilis – For Flatulence with Putrid Belching.

Carbo Vegatabilis is a medicine used to treat flatulence coupled with sour and putrid belching that occur after eating or drinking. Belching provides temporary relief.

2. For Flatulence with Bloated Abdomen

Magnesia Phosphorica – For Flatulence with Bloating.

Magnesia Phosporica is a medicine used to treat flatulence coupled with a bloated abdomen and a sensation of fullness. Flatulent colic that forces the patient to bend double, loosen clothing, walk, and constantly pass flatus are indicative of this medicine.

Raphanus – For Flatulence with Distended Abdomen.

Raphanus is a medicine used to treat flatulence with a distended abdomen. Flatulence may be retained and not get passed up or down. This medicine also works well for post-operative gas.

3. For Flatulence after Eating

Argentum Nitricum – For Flatulence after Eating.

Argentum Nitricum is a medicine used to treat flatulence that causes distention of the abdomen after eating. There also may be a desire to consume sweets, which worsen the problem.

China – For Flatulence by Liquids.

China is a medicine used to treat flatulence caused by consuming tea, beer, wine, impure water, fruits or milk. Flatulence in the stomach that stays for a long time after a meal is indicative of this medicine.

Lycopodium – For Flatulence with Bloating.

Lycopodium is a medicine used to treat flatulence that is noisy and is accompanied by a bloated abdomen. The affected person may experience a feeling of fullness immediately after a light meal. A constant sense of fermentation in the gut, like yeast working continuously, is present.

4. For Flatulence that is Offensive

Aloes – For Accumulated Flatus.

Aloes is a medicine used to treat flatulence with abdominal pains that get better after passing burning, offensive-smelling flatus. The flatus gets accumulated and causes twisting pains in the abdomen.

Carbo Vegetabilis – For Flatus with Excretion.

Carbo Vegetabilis is a medicine used to treat the condition where the flatus is hot, moist and offensive, and it is released with the feces. Heaviness and fullness in the abdomen along with sour, putrid belching are also indicative of this medicine.

5. For Flatulence with Abdominal Pain

Lycopodium – For Flatulence with Shooting Pain.

Lycopodium is a medicine used to treat flatulence that is accompanied by shooting pains across the lower abdomen from right to left side. The pain gets better by rubbing the belly and drinking hot water.

Colocynthis – For Flatulent Colic.

Colocynthis is a medicine used to treat flatulent colic (pain in the abdomen due to flatus) that comes in waves and gets better upon doubling up and applying hard pressure. A sensation of cutting, twisting, contracting and bruised pains in the gut is also present.

6. For Flatulence with Headache

Robinia – For Flatulence with Dull Headache.

Robinia is a medicine used to treat flatulent colic accompanied by dull, frontal headache. A sour-feeling stomach as a result of consuming foods like pastry, ice-cream, warm bread, cabbage or other flatulence-causing foods may be present.

Nux Vomica – For Flatulence with Throbbing Headache.

Nux Vomica is a medicine used to treat flatulent distention with a severe, throbbing headache. Incarcerated flatus with loud rumbling and gurgling in the abdomen, especially in morning is present.

7. For Flatulence in Seniors

Lycopodium – For Noisy Flatulence.

Lycopodium is a medicine used to treat noisy flatulence that develops immediately after eating in elderly people.

Natrum Carbonicum – For Flatulence with Bloating.

Natrum Carbonicum is a medicine used to treat flatulence along with indigestion, gas and bloating of the abdomen in older adults. The flatus may move within the stomach.

8. For Flatulence (Post Operative)

Arnica – For Flatulent Colic.

Arnica is a medicine used to treat flatulent colic that may occur after surgery or trauma. The stomach is distended with flatus passing upwards and downwards.

China – For Post Operative Flatus Pain.

China is a medicine used to treat postoperative gas pains. The affected person gets no relief by passing gas. Weak digestion, fermentation and bloating of the stomach are also present.

Homeopathic Medicines for Fatigue

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 19 Comments

Fatigue is a widespread condition experienced by many people. It is the condition where a person feels tired and weak after any exertion or being overworked. Debility and weakness are the primary symptoms of fatigue, while its causes include lack of restful sleep, improper rest, anemia, grief, depression or excessive physical work. Fatigue is usually accompanied by headaches, muscle aches, and drowsiness. The fatigued person is unable to work properly and lacks energy. Weak memory and lack of concentration are also associated with fatigue. Homeopathic medicines for fatigue help provide relief from the symptoms of fatigue and also help treat the condition on a long-term basis.

Homeopathy as a Natural and Alternative Treatment for Fatigue

Homeopathy is an effective alternative treatment for fatigue. Internal homeopathic medicine often proves to be the best natural option to help treat such conditions. These medicines work by treating the whole patient, and not just the symptoms since the human body is one unit, and a disorder in one part can affect another. Homeopathic medicines do not cause drug-dependency or any side-effects.

Homeopathic Medicines for Fatigue

Homeopathic medicines for Fatigue Due to Exertion

Kali Phosphoricum – For Fatigue by Exertion.
Kali Phosporicum is a homeopathic medicine used to treat fatigue caused by the slightest physical labor or mental exertion.

Sarcolacticum Acidum – For Fatigue with Muscle Weakness.
Sarcolacticum Acidum is a homeopathic medicine used to treat fatigue where there is muscular prostration (extreme weakness), and the slightest exertion leads to muscular weakness with shortness of breath.

Arsenic Album – For Fatigue with Restlessness.
Arsenic Album is a homeopathic medicine used to treat fatigue with a lot of weakness and restlessness caused by the slightest exertion.

Homeopathic Medicines for Fatigue Due to Depression or Grief

Ignatia – For Fatigue due to Grief.
Ignatia is a homeopathic medicine used to treat fatigue due to long-lasting grief or depression. Sad, changeable mood along with fatigue is a typical symptom indicative of this medicine.

Phosphoricum Acidum – For Fatigue with Mental Debility.
Phosphoricum Acidum is a homeopathic medicine used to treat conditions of fatigue marked with mental incapacity. The person is apathetic and indifferent due to the adverse effects of grief and depression.

Homeopathic medicines for Fatigue with Muscle Ache

Gelsemium – For Fatigue on Slight Exertion.
Gelsemium is a homeopathic medicine used to treat fatigue and muscular weakness caused by the slightest exertion. Lack of muscular coordination with trembling and excessive weakness of all limbs, and general drowsiness and dullness are indicative of this medicine.

Arnica – For Fatigue with Soreness.
Arnica is a homeopathic medicine used to treat soreness caused by over-exertion. A sore, lame and bruised feeling in the limbs is present along with an inability to perform continuous active work.

Homeopathic Medicines for Fatigue with Dizziness and Drowsiness

Opium – For Fatigue with Sleepiness.
Opium is a homeopathic medicine used to treat fatigue where there is a condition of drowsiness and stupor.

Gelsemium – For Fatigue with Dullness.
Gelsemium is a homeopathic medicine used to treat dizziness, drowsiness, and dullness along with weakness in all limbs and a desire to be quiet and isolated.

Homeopathic Medicines for Fatigue in Anemic People

China – For Fatigue with Flushed Face.
China is a homeopathic medicine used to treat fatigue in an anemic person who suffers physical weakness and has a flushed face due to loss of fluids.

Ferrum Metallicum – For Fatigue with Sensitivity.
Ferrum metallicum is a homeopathic medicine used to treat fatigue in anemic people who experience oversensitivity to cold and have cold extremities. Weakness may occur from the slightest walking or talking.

Homeopathic medicines for Fatigue due to Lack of Sleep

Aurum Metallicum – For Fatigue with Morning Weakness.
Aurum metallicum is a homeopathic medicine used to treat fatigue along with weakness in the morning. The person feels weary, but cannot rest or sleep properly.

Cocculus Indicus – For Fatigue with Constant Drowsiness.
Cocculus Indicus is a homeopathic medicine used to treat constant drowsiness and fatigue caused by lack of sleep, being awake at night and nursing.

Homeopathic Medicine for Fatigue with Weak Memory and Concentration

Picricum Acidum – For Mental Weakness.
Picricum Acidum is a homeopathic medicine used to treat mental weakness that occurs as a result of light reading or writing. This medicine is helpful in handling cases where the person is unable to exert the mind by talking, thinking, collecting thoughts or studying.

Homeopathic Medicines for Fatigue with Severe Headache

China – For Fatigue with Inability to Think.
China is a homeopathic medicine used to treat extreme physical weakness and congestive headache. Dullness and confusion with an inability to think are indicative of China.

Natrum Muriaticum – For Fatigue with Bursting Headache.
Natrum Muriaticum is a homeopathic medicine used to treat fatigue with bursting headache caused due to eyestrain. Nervous, discouraged people experiencing such problems are suitable candidates for this medicine.

Top Homeopathic Medicines for Dysentery

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 29 Comments

Dysentery is an infection of the intestine that causes severe diarrhea with mucus and blood. Tenesmus (constant urge to pass stool) is a characteristic symptom of this infection. An infected person may experience mild to severe abdominal pain. It can affect people of any age group but is more common in children. Top homeopathic medicines for dysentery are effective in treating both acute and chronic cases of dysentery. They also eliminate the recurring tendency of the infection.
There are two main types of Dysentery – Amoebic and Bacillary Dysentery. The symptoms of the infection may last from a few days to weeks. The typical symptoms of dysentery include tenesmus, diarrhea with mucus and blood, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weakness. It usually spreads from eating or drinking contaminated food or water or by coming in contact with an infected person.

Top Homeopathic Medicines for Dysentery

Homeopathy treatment of dysentery includes a comprehensive treatment plan that works to treat both chronic and acute cases of the infection. These medicines for dysentery work according to the symptoms that manifest due to the infection.

For Dysentery with Tenesmus

The medicines used to treat dysentery with a constant feeling to pass stool (tenesmus) are Mercurialis Corrosivus, Asclepias Tuberosa, and Mercurius Solublis.

1. Mercurialis Corrosivus – For scanty mucus and blood

Mercurialis Corrosivus is a medicine used to treat dysentery with little mucus and blood, but with extreme tenesmus.

2. Asclepias Tuberosa – For ‘stream of fire’ sensation

Asclepias Tuberosa is a medicine used to treat dysentery where the stools are soft and fetid, and tenesmus is constant. There is a sensation of a stream of fire passing through the abdomen when stools are relieved.

3. Mercurius Solublis – For Tenesmus in the Bladder

Mercurius Solublis is a medicine used to treat dysentery where there is tenesmus in the bladder and rectum.

For Dysentery with Mucus

4. Aloes – For dysentery with Jelly-like Stools

Aloes is a medicine used to treat dysentery with jelly-like stools with excess mucus. The rectum feels sore after passing stools. The texture of the stools is small, brownish, half-fluid, and they move easily.

5. Capsicum – For Dysentery with Bloody Stools

Capsicum is a medicine used to treat dysentery with bloody stools that have a lot of mucus. There is also excess burning and tenesmus.

For Dysentery with Bloody Stools

Cantharis and Senecio Aureus are the medicines used to treat dysentery with bloody stools.

6. Cantharis – For Scrapings-like Dysentery.

Cantharis is a medicine used to treat dysentery where stools feel like scrapings of the intestine and burn on passing. Tenesmus of rectum and bladder is also present.

7. Senecio Aureus – For Dysentery with Thin, Bloody stools.

Senecio Aureus is a medicine used to treat dysentery with thin, bloody stools, coupled with tenesmus. There is strain while passing stools which are intermingled with hard lumps of feces.

For Dysentery with Abdominal Pain

Colchicum and Erigeron are the medicines used to treat dysentery with abdominal pain.

8. Colchicum – For Dysentery in Damp Weather

Colchicum is a medicine used to treat dysentery coupled with agonizing pain that remains long after passing stools. This medicine is used to treat dysentery that occurs during the autumn season and in damp weather.

9. Erigeron – For Dysentery with burning in Bladder

Erigeron is a medicine used to treat dysentery coupled with frequent, severe pain in the umbilical region. Stools are small and streaked with blood.

For Dysentery with Nausea and Vomiting

Ipecac and Arsenic Album are the medicines used to treat dysentery with symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

10. Ipecac – For Dysentery with Constant Nausea

Ipecac is a medicine used to treat dysentery coupled with constant nausea that does not get relieved even after vomiting. The stools are fetid and contain mucus.

11. Arsenic Album – For Dysentery with Extreme Weakness.

Arsenic Album is a medicine used to treat dysentery wherein there is extreme prostration (state of being very weak and exhausted). The affected person cannot bear the smell and sight of food. There is food poisoning along with nausea and vomiting.

For Dysentery in Children

Aloes, Magnesia Carbonica, and Baryta Carbonica are the medicines used to treat dysentery in children.

Aloes is a medicine that works well to treat dysentery in children who have jelly-like stools and a rumbling pain in the abdomen.

Magnesia Carbonica is a medicine to treat dysentery in children who have frothy, greenish, watery stools along with tenesmus. Sour smell from the child’s body and vomiting is present.

Baryta Carbonica is a medicine used to treat dysentery where there is a pain in the abdomen immediately after a meal, and bloody stools.