Homeopathic medicine Causticum is prepared from Potassium Hydrate by the potentization process, by which homeopathic medicines are prepared. By potentization the medicinal properties of potassium Hydrate are extracted. Causticum is widely used to treat urinary complaints, muscle weakness, skin warts, joint pains and paralysis.  

The ‘Causticum’ Constitution

It is mainly suited to dark-haired people with sensitive skin. Next it is suitable to people suffering from joint pains, weak muscles, and urinary complaints.

Drug Action

This medicine has a marked action on the urinary system. In cases of urinary complaints, it helps to strengthen the bladder muscle and the urethral sphincter to treat involuntary urination and also retention of urine. Next, it acts on joints to reduce its inflammation and pain. Thirdly, it acts on muscles and manages complaint of muscle weakness and even loss of muscle function. Lastly its action on skin is wonderful where it is very beneficial to treat skin warts.

Role as a Homeopathic Medicine

1. Eye Complaints

It is a very helpful medicine to treat eye complaints. Here, Firstly, it is indicated to treat ptosis, which is the drooping of upper eyelid over the eye. It strengthens the eyelid muscle to improve ptosis.

Other indication to use it is eye floaters ( spots that move or float before eyes). In such cases it helps when a person sees black points, sparks or flickering before eyes. The spots may be small or large. Sometimes they are round and other times they have uneven shape.

Lastly, in eye complaints, it is beneficial to treat twitching of eyelids.

2. Facial Paralysis, Bell’s Palsy

This is a top listed medicine to treat cases of Bell’s palsy. It is a condition in which facial muscles get weak or paralysed (loss of muscle function).  The mouth is drawn to one side along with drooling of saliva, and muscle twitches in the face may also be present. It works well especially in right sided facial paralysis cases. Here, whole side of right sided face from forehead to chin is affected.

3. Urinary Problems

This is a very beneficial medicine when it comes to treat urinary problems.

Here, it’s use is considered in cases of urinary incontinence (involuntary passage of urine). It offers relief in such cases by improving the weakness of bladder muscle and strengthening the urethral sphincter. It is known to give major help in cases of stress incontinence i.e. leaking of urine when pressure is exerted on the urinary bladder as while coughing, sneezing, laughing.

Secondly, it is valuable medicine to manage cases of retention of urine. It is primarily useful for treating this complaint  in elderly people and in females after childbirth.  Urinary retention from constriction of bladder neck and from bladder paralysis is manageable with this medicine.

Lastly, it is given in cases of bed wetting ( involuntary passage of urine during sleep)

4. Laryngitis, Hoarseness of Voice

This is a leading homeopathic medicine to treat cases of laryngitis (inflammation of larynx-the voice box). Persons who need it complain of hoarseness of voice. It is most worse in the morning and evening time. They also are unable to speak loud words. Along with this  dry, tickling cough may be present in them. They feel dryness and pain in the larynx. Apart from the above, it is well-indicated to treat hoarseness of voice in public speakers from over straining of voice.

5. Cough

It is of great help in cases of cough. Cough from tickling in the throat pit is mainly indicative to use it. Persons requiring have difficulty in expectorating phlegm. They may find relief in cough from drinking cold water. Along with cough, they may  also complain involuntary urine leakage upon coughing.

6. Rectal Complaints

When it comes to rectal complaints, it is indicated to treat piles,  (swollen veins in the anus or lower part of rectum), constipation and anal fistula.

In case of piles it works well to manage stitching, stinging, burning pain in the anus. Persons who need it mainly complain of pain on touching the anus or while walking, sitting. It also helps to ease itching felt at the anus from piles.

In constipation, it is used when the first part  of stool is hard followed by soft. Few times the stool is covered with mucus. There is frequent urge to pass stool and stool is passed with great difficulty. Sometimes it is followed by  pain and burning in rectum.

Lastly, it is used in anal fistula cases when there is pain and pulsations in the perineum

7. Skin Issues

This is a renowned homeopathic medicine to treat a number of skin complaints.

Here, it is a highly effective medicine to treat skin warts (hard, rough, thick growths on skin arising from infection by human papilloma virus.) It is considered in cases of warts which are large, jagged and have peduncles. They may also bleed easily. For using it the warts are mostly present on face, eyelids, fingertips.

Next, it is  of great service to treat cases of old burns. In such cases, it aids healing of old burns that are slow to heal. It also is indicated to treat cases where  already healed burns on skin reopen and become sore again.

Other than this, it is also a significant remedy to treat skin ulcers that are very sensitive with burning sensation. They also ooze pus that may be blood stained sometimes.

Apart from above indications, it is used to treat skin rash that arises between the skin folds (intertrigo). The skin folds include those behind ears, between thighs, under breast, between buttocks.

8. Upper Limb Complaints

In case of upper limb complaints, it works wonderfully to treat writer’s cramp. It refers to cramps in the muscles of the hand while writing or playing an instrument.

Next, it is a top listed medicine to treat cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that arise from  pinched or compressed median nerve in the carpal tunnel passage located in the wrist. In such cases, it helps to relieve symptoms of tingling sensation or numbness in the fingers of the hand. It also helps in cases where sometimes weakness in the hand and atrophy of muscles of thumb are present.

9. Lower Limb Complaints

If we talk about complaints of lower limbs, then it is recommended for treating sciatica of left side attended with numbness. Sciatica is referred to as pain that radiates from lower back through the hips  down the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve.

It is also used in cased of cramps in the feet, toes and calf muscles of leg.

Next, one can also benefit from this medicine in cases of restless leg syndrome at night. Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which a person has an uncontrollable urge to move the legs to relieve discomforting sensations in the lower limbs.

10. Joint Pains

This is a wonderful medicine to treat joint pains and arthritis (joint inflammation.) It can be taken to relieve joint pain including those of shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankles. It also helps to manage joint stiffness. Additionally, it also offers excellent management of pain and stiffness in extreme cases of joint inflammation where deformity of joint has set in.

11. Muscle weakness and Paralysis

It is one of the most effective medicines to treat muscle weakness and even loss of muscle weakness (paralysis). It is well-indicated to treat weakness or loss of muscle function of face, urinary vocal cords, eyelids, tongue and limbs.

12. Ataxia

This is an excellent medicine to manage complaint of ataxia. Ataxia is a condition characterised by lack of muscle coordination that helps in voluntary movements. It results in problems with gait (manner of walking) like inability to maintain balance while walking, tendency to fall while walking. Additionally, there may be difficulty with speech (like slow speech, tremor while speaking), involuntary eye movement (nystagmus) and problem with swallowing. Here, this medicine can take care of gait  problems. It helps in treating complaint of unsteady walking and easy falling in persons with ataxia. Apart from it, this medicine helps manage speech and swallowing difficulties in ataxia.

Dosage

It can be used from 30 C potency to 1 M potency. In acute complaints it can be taken once or twice a day in 30 C potency. In case of chronic complaints high potencies are recommended once or twice a week.

Relationship to Other Remedies

Complementary medicines are Petroselinum, Colocynth and Carbo Veg. These medicines can be used after Causticum to complete its action when it is no longer acting.

Inimical medicine is Phosphorus, and should not be used with Causticum.

Antidotes are Asafoetida, Dulcamara and Nux Vomica. These antidote medicines can be used to neutralize its action.

Homeopathic medicine Carbo Veg is prepared from vegetable charcoal. Charcoal is a form of carbon and it is known for its medicinal properties since ages. Its use to treat digestive problems mainly gas and acidity, and skin ulcers is considered since ancient times. Its also known for its antiseptic effect. To prepare homeopathic medicine Carbo Veg, trituration of vegetable charcoal is done. Trituration is a process by which homeopathic medicines are prepared.  Carbo Veg is very helpful to treat gastric complaints, asthma, varicose veins, and weakness.

The ‘Carbo Veg’ Constitution

It is especially suited to people having weak gastric system hence suffers easily from many gastric issues such as gas, acidity, heartburn, loose stool etc. Next it is suitable to thin people who suffer from weakness and lack of strength.

Drug Action

Carbo Veg acts on the gastro-intestinal system and helps to manage complaints including excessive gas, burping, loose stool, bloating in abdomen and colic. Next, it has great power to treat condition arising from poor venous circulation like haemorrhoids and varicose veins. Its action is also marked on blood vessels where it helps to control bleeding.

Role as a Homeopathic Medicine

1. Nose Complaints

This medicine is very beneficial to treat nasal complaints including cold and nasal bleeding. In cases of cold it is used when there is watery discharge from nose with much sneezing. Along with this irritation, crawling sensation and tingling in the nose is felt. Sometimes nose also feels stopped up.

In cases of nose bleeding it is given when a person gets frequent episodes of copious bleeding from nose. They get bleeding almost everyday. Mostly they have nasal bleeding at night. The blood here is thin and blackish. Their face turns pale after the bleeding from blood loss.

2. Mouth (Oral Cavity) Complaints

One can also consider use of this medicine in complaints of the mouth. Among them it is first indicated to treat bleeding from gums. Person needing it suffers from gums infection along with bleeding. They mainly have bleeding form gums on cleaning teeth. Gums may also be painful in them. Apart from above one can use this medicine to treat bad breath from mouth (halitosis)

3. Hair fall

It is an excellent medicine to check complaint of hair fall. It is mainly given in persons who gets hair fall after some severe illness. They have intense hair fall with hair falling out in handfuls. Its use is also recommended to treat hair loss in females after childbirth. Persons needing it may have itchy scalp along with hair fall. They may also have sensitivity of scalp to pressure.

4. Laryngitis (Inflammation of Larynx)

It is a well-indicated medicine to treat laryngitis. Persons who need it mainly complain of hoarseness of voice. This is most felt in early morning or evening time. They also are unable to speak a loud word. Additionally they feel pain, tickling roughness and irritation in the larynx.

5. Gastrointestinal (GIT) Complaints

When it comes to gastrointestinal tract, this remedy remains one of the most effective remedies to treat many of the gastric issues. Firstly it is very beneficial for people who complain of excessive gas (flatulence) in stomach. They usually complain that even eating simplest kind of food causes gastric trouble in them. Along with gas the abdomen feels tense and bloated with sensation as if it would burst. They mostly find relief by burping. Some needing it may also suffer from burning in the stomach. It also helps to ease pain in stomach due to obstruction of gas.

Secondly, it effectively manages complaint of heartburn, Heartburn refers to the burning sensation in chest behind the sternum (i.e. breast bone) due to the back flow of stomach acid into the food pipe. The back flow of stomach acid in the food pipe is known as acid reflux or GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease), where Carbo Veg shows remarkable results.

Next comes the complaint of belchings (burping) where Carbo Veg offers great help. Here it is suited when the belchings are almost constant. They may be bitter or sour sometimes have offensive smell. Sometimes nausea and vomiting attends to it.

Apart from above mentioned problems it can also help treat diarrhoea (loose motion). 

Persons who need it in diarrhoea complain of watery stool sometimes with yellow mucus or blood. It also has highly offensive smell, and excessive flatus also passes with the stool. They also complain of burning in rectum after stool. Additionally they feel weak from loose stool. It is also recommended to treat cholera (an illness caused by a bacteria, Vibrio cholerae causing diarrhea, vomiting and leg cramps). It is indicated in cholera when the person having cholera is having excessive loose stool with dehydration and almost a stage of collapse. In such conditions it is a renowned medicine to bring recovery.

Other than this it is a valuable medicine to treat piles (swollen and inflamed veins around the anus or lower rectum). Here it is considered for treating protruding bluish piles. In such cases it also aids relief in burning, itching and stitching pain at anus.

6. Respiratory complaints

It is beneficial to treat respiratory complaints including cough, asthma and bronchitis.

If we talk about cough then it is used when cough is spasmodic i.e. which ends in vomiting. The person who require this usually have worsening of cough from eating or from talking. They may also feel increase in cough in open air. Along with cough rattling of mucus and burning in the chest is felt by them.  Apart from above one may also benefit from this medicine in case of cough that arise from reflux of stomach acid.

Next, its use is also considered in treatment of bronchitis and asthma in elderly people. Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes (the passage through which the air is carried to the lungs from trachea). Cough with thick, yellow, sticky phlegm are the symptoms indicating it use in bronchitis cases. Asthma is a condition in which the airways become narrow with swelling and extra production of mucus. It leads to cough, wheezing and difficulty in breathing. Carbo Veg works well to manage all these asthma symptoms in elderly people. It also take care of the asthma attacks that occurs during sleep.

7. Skin

If we talk about skin complaints, it is a very good medicine to treat chilblains ( painful, itchy skin condition mainly on toes and fingers, arising as a reaction to cold temperature).

Next, it can be given for ulcers on skin. Here offensive discharge and frequent bleeding from ulcers along with burning pains is characteristic to use it.

One can also find this medicine useful in purpura (purple-colored spots on the skin that arise from bursting of small blood vessels under skin)

Lastly, bedsores and gangrene of toes (death of body tissue from lack of blood supply and infection) are treated well with this medicine

8. Varicose Veins and Ulcers

It is a well-known medicine to improve the venous blood circulation and help treating varicose veins and varicose ulcers. Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted or engorged veins that arise from improper functioning of valves in the veins of the legs. While  varicose ulcers are the sores that develop on the leg most times on the inner side of leg just above the ankle from poor blood circulation. In varicose ulcers it is indicated when there is offensive pus discharge with bleeding from it.

9. To Control Bleeding

It is a very helpful anti-hemorrhagic medicine, i.e, that helps to control bleeding. The use of Carbo veg is recommended by the practitioner to control excessive bleeding from nose, from gums, from skin ulcers, during menstrual cycle in women and following surgical operations. Blood is usually dark where it is indicated. Along with helping with blood control, it also aids in recovering from weakness that appears from blood loss.

10. For Weakness

It is a top listed medicine to treat cases of weakness and lack of strength. Weakness from blood loss is also treated well with this medicine. Its use is also recommended for fainting spells and in case of collapse with cold body, cold breath and quickened respiration.

Dosage

Carbo Veg can be used from potency 30 C to higher potencies including 200 C, 1M and 10 M. It can be taken two to three times a day in 30 potency. Use of high potencies should only be done under a physician’s advice.

Relationship to Other Remedies

Complementary medicines are kali Carb and Phosphorus. These medicines can be used to complete its action when it is no longer acting.

Inimical medicines are Carbo Animalis and Kreosote, and should not be used after Carbo Veg. 

Antidotes are Camphor, Coffea and Arsenic Album. These antidotes medicine can be used to neutralise the action of Carbo Veg.

Homeopathic medicine Alumina is prepared from Oxide of Aluminium, pure clay by trituration process. This is a process by which homeopathic medicines are prepared. By trituration the medicinal properties of pure clay are extracted leaving behind any of its poisonous, toxic effect. As a result we get the medicine Alumina, which used in treating a number of disease conditions. It is mainly used to treat constipation, weakness of memory, vaginal discharges, and dry eczema.  

The ‘Alumina’ Constitution

It is mainly suited to people who are thin and have sedentary ( means spend much time seated) lifestyle. In addition to this they feel chilly most of the time. Next, it suits elderly people who suffer from chronic cold, constipation and weakness. Apart from the above, it is very useful for children with big bellies who have tendency to suffer from constipation.

Drug Action

This remedy acts on the mind and mainly helps to treat weakness of memory. Next, it has marked action on intestines where it improve its sluggish motility and helps to relieve constipation. Other than this, it acts on the nasal mucous membrane and help to reduce its inflammation and offers relief in cases of cold. Apart from the above, it shows action on  the nervous system and gives most help in cases of ataxia. Lastly, it has marked action on skin where it heals eczema and aid relief in skin itching.

Role as a Homeopathic Medicine

1. Memory Weakness

This is one of the very effective medicines to improve memory weakness. Persons needing it faces complaint of weak memory with forgetfulness. They make frequent mistakes while speaking and writing. They are unable to follow a chain of thought. Along with this they do everything hurriedly. They also feel sad and depressed along with memory weakness. Elderly people having weak memory can be highly benefited from this medicine. It is also a top listed medicine to treat Alzheimer’s disease (progressive brain disorder presenting with memory loss).

2. Chronic Cold

This medicine is well-indicated to treat cases of chronic cold. Here it is given when there is scanty thick, yellow discharge from the nose. Nasal blockage is felt by the person along with above. It also offers help to treat chronic inflammation in the nose with crust formation in the nose. These crusts have offensive smell. Along with above person also complains of diminished sense of smell. Pain at the root of the nose is other symptom that attend above.

3. Throat Complaints

If we talk about throat complaints, this remedy is given for complaint of sore throat. Persons needing it here mainly complain of dryness of throat or thick mucus dropping from back of nose into the throat (post nasal discharge). it is attended with frequent clearing of the throat.

In throat issues, it is also useful for treating difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). In such cases it is used when swallowing of solids is difficult and painful. Here the food passes with difficulty from constricted sensation in the food pipe. Person has to eat food by breaking it into very small pieces.

4. Rectal Complaints

This is a very beneficial remedy to treat constipation. It helps in cases of constipation by improving the motility of intestines. Persons who need it have to strain a lot to pass stool. The stool may either be hard or soft but it passes with much difficulty and straining efforts. They feel constriction in the rectum while passing stool. They also experience cutting pains in anus during passing stool. Sometimes blood passes with stool. They doesn’t pass stool daily. They doesn’t have desire to pass stool until there is large accumulation in the intestines. Children (especially nursing children and bottle fed babies) and elderly people having constipation can be highly benefited from this medicine.

Next, it is also useful to treat complaint of piles. In such cases itching, burning at the anus and also sensitivity to touch anus are the key symptoms to use it.

5. Skin Complaints

This is an excellent medicine to treat skin itching. It is given in persons who complain of intolerable itching over whole body. They scratch the skin harshly until it bleeds. The skin becomes painful after scratching. They mainly complain of increase in itching on getting warm. Sometimes they also feel formication (sensation of insects crawling on the skin). It is also indicated for treating itchy eruptions that are worse in the winter season.

Other than this, it is very beneficial to treat eczema. Eczema is a skin condition where skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked. Sometimes it is dry with rough skin while at other times there appear eruptions on inflamed skin that discharges fluid. Use of Alumina is mainly considered in eczema which is dry in nature. Persons needing it for eczema usually complains of dry, rough skin sometimes with cracks.

6. Female disorders

When it comes to female disorders, it is mainly used to treat vaginal discharges (leucorrhea). To use it in such cases the main features are profuse, acrid, transparent discharges from vagina. Sometimes the discharges are ropy. This cause burning in the genitals. Most females needing it complain of worsening of discharge during daytime. Washing with cold water often decrease the discharge. They also feel weakness due to discharges. Vaginal discharge before and after periods is also treated wonderfully with this medicine.

In addition to this it, this medicine is of great service to females who suffer from excessive weakness after periods. The periods in them may either be scanty or profuse but always followed by intense weakness. They may have complaint of headache and colic before and during menses.

 7. Ataxia

Ataxia refers to lack of muscle coordination that helps in voluntary movements. It results in gait (manner of walking) problem like inability to maintain balance while walking, tendency to stumble and falling while walking. In addition to it there may be difficulty with speech (like slow speech, slurred speech, tremor while speaking), involuntary eye movement in back and forth direction and problem with swallowing.

It is a very suitable medicine to treat cases of ataxia. Among the various symptoms of ataxia it offers help in improving gait problems like difficulty to maintain balance in walking, uncoordinated walking, clumsy walking. The person needing it may also have heaviness of the lower limbs along with staggering gait. Their legs also feels bandaged. At night they have complete inability to walk.

Dosage

Alumina can be used from 30 C to 1M potency. It can be taken once or twice when used in 30C potency. The higher potencies including 200 C and 1M should not be repeated frequently.

Relationship to Other Remedies

Complementary medicines are Bryonia and Ferrum Met. These medicines can be used after Alumina to complete its action when it is no longer acting.

Antidotes are Camphor, Chamomilla, and Ipecac which neutralise the action of this medicine. 

Graphites is prepared from black lead by trituration (process of making a homeopathic remedy). By trituration process the medicinal properties of black lead are extracted. Graphites is highly recommended to treat skin complaints (mainly eczema, psoriasis), constipation, piles, anal fissures and suppressed / late periods in females.  

The ‘Graphites’ Constitution

This remedy is suited to people who have tendency of weight gain. Next, it is suitable to people who have tendency to skin complaints and also constipation. Other than this it is indicated for females who have are obese and have tendency of late, suppressed periods.

Drug Action

It has a marked action on skin where it helps to treat a number of complaints including eczema, psoriasis, skin rash, fungal infection, cracked skin. Next, its action is prominent on rectum where it offers help in cases of constipation, fissures and piles. Other than this it acts on the female genitalia and offers benefit to treat vaginal discharges and suppressed / late periods.

Role as a Homeopathic Medicine

1. Eye Complaints

It offers a great help in treating many eye complaints.

Among them, it is a highly effective medicine to treat eczema of eyelids. The persons needing it have inflamed eyelid with moist eruptions on it. Sometimes cracks and bleeding is present on eyelids.

Secondly, it is very beneficial to treat blepharitis ( inflammation of the eyelid margins where eyelashes grow). The key feature to use it in blepharitis is inflamed, red eyelid margins with presence of crust or flakes. The margins of eyelid are also dry along with above feature. Sometimes patient also get profuse watering from eyes. The eyelid may stick together. They may also have burning and biting sensation in eyelids. Intense itching in eyelid margin is also complained of.

Next, it is well indicated to treat photophobia ( light sensitivity – discomfort or pain in the eyes upon exposure to bright light). it may be used in this complaint when there is sensitivity of eyes to light especially sun light. It is attended with profuse watering from the eyes. Along with this redness of eye is marked. Persons also experience pain, burning and itching in eyes with above symptoms.

Other than this, it is a major medicine to treat styes (red, swollen lump on the on eyelid margin due to bacterial infection). It mainly helps to treat styes present on the lower lids. It works well in treating recent styes in any of the stages as well as also aids in removing the tendency of recurrent styes.

2. Ear Complaints

When it comes to ear complaints, this medicine is mainly used to treat complaint of tinnitus i.e hearing noises in the ear without the presence of any external sound. It is helpful to people who hear humming, roaring, ringing or hissing noises in ears. They may also feel cracking sounds in ear while eating or on moving jaw. In addition to it they may also have complaint of deafness. A unique feature that they may have is hearing getting better in noisy atmosphere.

Next, it is of great service to treat ear discharges (otorrhea). It is given in cases when there is thin, watery, and sticky discharge from the ears. In some cases the discharge may be blood stained. It also have an offensive smell.

It is also a highly recommended medicine to treat eczema behind the ears. Persons requiring it have crusty eruptions behind ears that ooze a sticky fluid. The eruptions may spread from behind ears to the cheeks and neck also. Severe itching is present in the eruptions. It is also given to heal cracks on skin behind ears. 

Lastly, it is a very useful medicine to treat dryness of ears.

3. Skin Issues

It is a top-listed medicine to treat a number of skin complaints. Among them its use is majorly noted in cases of eczema (inflamed, red, itchy skin with or without eruptions). It works well in both cases of dry eczema without any discharge as well as wet eczema with discharge. In cases needing it for dry eczema the skin is rough, dry and is inclined to crack. While in wet eczema eruptions on the skin with discharge of transparent, sticky fluid is the characteristic feature calling its use. 

Graphites works well in eczema appearing on any body part but especially behind the ears, on the eyelids, between fingers and toes, scalp. In cases of eczema on scalp there is presence of eruptions with thick crusts on it. There is oozing of sticky fluid from the eruptions. There is matting of hair from sticky, gluey discharges. The scalp is also sore and painful to touch.

Next, it is a renowned medicine to treat psoriasis (red, inflamed patches on the skin that are covered with silvery white scales). It is indicated when there are inflamed dry, rough areas on skin with excessive scales or flakes, along with much itching. It is also beneficial to heal cracks appearing on skin in psoriasis cases. It can be taken for psoriasis on any of the body part, particularly psoriasis of the scalp. In these cases the scalp is dry covered with copious scales sometimes extending behind the ears. Itching and burning appears on the scalp. It is also helpful for cases of nail psoriasis. Here thick, rough, discoloured and deformed nails is indicative of its use.

In addition to the above, it can take care of cracked skin very well. It helps to heal cracked skin at the ends of finger, between fingers or toes and cracked nipples. It also is indicated to treat cracks in fold of skin and bends of joints.

Lastly, it is an excellent medicine to treat fungal infection on scalp (tinea capitis) and fungal infection of nails (onychomycosis). In Tinea capitis scabby eruption are present on scalp. In many cases hair loss may be there in cases of ringworm of scalp.

In cases of nail fungus, it is recommended when the nails are brittle, discoloured, deformed and may break easily. The nails are also sore and painful.

4. Rectal Complaints

If we talk about about the rectum, then this remedy is first indicated to treat constipation. One can use it in constipation when the stool is hard, large and passed with much difficulty. Sometimes the stool may be covered with mucus. It helps to improve bowel motility to relief constipation.

Next, its use is considered in cases of anal fissures (a small tear in the mucosa that lines the anus mainly from passing hard stool). It aids to heal the tear in mucosa of anus and also helps to ease the pain attending it. It helps to improve pain in anus that may be sharp, cutting, stitching in nature. Burning in the anus also improve with its use. It also helps to stop bleeding that comes during stool in anal fissure cases.

Other than this, this medicine is used in cases of piles (swollen veins in the anus or lower part of rectum). In such cases it is given when piles are large with much bleeding. Cutting, stitching, smarting and pain is present in piles. The piles are also sore to touch. Along with it burning also appears in piles. Sometimes itching is also felt at the anus.

5. Female Complaints

In females, it is useful to treat complaint of suppressed or late periods. The females who need it also have scanty periods and that last for a short time. When menses appear they get violent abdominal pain,  headache and nausea.

Next, it offers help in cases of vaginal discharge. Females requiring it have vaginal discharge that occurs in gushes day and night. It is mostly yellowish or white in colour. The discharge is copious. It causes biting, smarting sensation in vagina. Along with it, weakness in the back is felt.

It is also used to treat sore, cracked, and painful nipples.

Dosage

Graphites can be used from low to high potencies. In low potencies it can be taken once or twice a day. Higher potencies should not be repeated frequently.

Relationship to Other Remedies

Complementary medicines to are Argentum Nitricum, Causticum, Hepar Sulph, and Lycopodium. These medicines can be used after Graphites as per symptom similarity to complete its action when it is no longer acting.

Antidotes are Nux Vomica, Aconite and Arsenic Album. 

Homeopathic medicine Hepar Sulph is prepared by trituration of sulphide of calcium obtained by burning the white interior of oyster shells with pure flowers of sulphur. As a homeopathic medicine, it is majorly used to treat cold, ear infections, sore throat, tonsillitis, cough, asthma and skin complaints with pus discharges.    

The ‘Hepar Sulph’ Constitution

It is suited to people who have low immunity with tendency to recurrent cold and throat infections. It is also suitable for people having unhealthy, sensitive skin prone to skin infections with pus discharges.

Drug Action

It has a marked action on eyes and nasal membranes where it helps to reduce its inflammation. Next, it has great action on throat where it helps to reduce its inflammation and relieve pain associated with it. When it comes to the respiratory system, it has strong affinity to treat cough, asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. Lastly, it has deep effect on skin where it aids in healing eruptions and lumps with pus discharges.

Role as a Homeopathic Medicine

1. Eye Complaints

It is a very beneficial medicine to treat many of the eye complaints. Firstly, it is indicated to treat blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins where eyelashes grow.) The persons needing it for blepharitis have red, inflamed, and swollen eyelids. The eyelids are also painful to touch. Throbbing and stinging pain is felt in the eyes. Along with this , the eyelids stick together especially during the morning. Photophobia (sensitivity to light), gritty sensation as from sand and burning in eyes are some other symptoms that can be experienced by them.

Secondly, its use is indicated for conjunctivitis (an inflammation of the conjunctiva i.e. the membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelid and covering the white of eye). Red, inflamed eyes along with purulent (pus) discharge are the classic symptoms that indicates its use here.

Lastly, it is a well indicated medicine to manage cases of corneal ulcer (ulcer on cornea I.e the transparent layer in front of the eye that covers the pupil and iris). Person needing it usually have red elevated ulcer at the margin of the cornea. Along with this, there is peculiar discharge of purulent (pus) matter from the ulcer. Few other symptoms that may be experienced by them includes pain in eyes, burning in the eyes and sensitivity to bright light. Here the pain is severe of a throbbing or stinging nature.

2. Nasal Complaints

When it comes to treating nasal complaints, Hepar Sulph is mainly used in cases of cold. It can be given in cold when there is thick yellow mucus discharge from the nose. Its use is also considered here when the nasal discharge is pus like sometimes tinged with blood. This discharge may also have a bad smell. Next, it works well to treat crusts and scabs in the nose. Pain in  the nostrils is also there along with the discharge or crust formation. At the same time blockage is felt in nose on going in the cold air. Sneezing is also present along with above symptoms. It is also given to treat loss of smell from chronic coryza.

Other than this, it is a top-listed medicine to treat sinusitis (inflammation of the lining membrane of any of the hollow areas I.e. sinuses present in the skull). In such cases, it helps reduce the inflammation in the sinus as well as the symptoms of it felt by the patient. Here it aids relief in the thick nasal discharge, nasal blockage and post nasal drip (i.e. dripping of mucus from back of the nose into the throat). Additionally, it also gives relief in the headache arising from sinusitis.

3. Ear Complaints

If we talk about ear complaints then this is an effective medicine to treat ear infections, ear discharges, noises in ears, eruptions in ear and itching in the ears.

For using it in cases of ear infection and discharges, the main features is discharge of blood-stained pus from the ears. The pus has a very offensive smell. The discharge is most times green coloured here. Along with this pain is felt in the ears.

Next, it can be of much help in cases of noises in ears (tinnitus). It mainly helps to manage cases where roaring noises are experienced by the person. Along with this, hardness of hearing may be complained of by the patient. 

Apart from the above, it can take care of pus filled eruptions (pustules) in the ears and itching in the ears.

4. Throat Complaints

This is a renowned medicine to treat a number of throat complaints. Here it is given for treating sore throat, throat infections and tonsillitis. In these cases it helps to reduce the inflammation of throat and tonsils. Persons who need it experience pain in throat especially on swallowing. The pain may extend to ears from throat in many cases. Most of the times the pain is stitching in nature. Another peculiar symptom felt by them is a sensation of plug of mucus in the throat.  Throat also feels rough and dry along with above symptoms. If we look at the throat then throat and tonsils appear red, swollen plus the tonsils are enlarged sometimes with pus points.

It works wonderfully in case of acute throat infection and tonsillitis as well as treating once tendency to have recurrent throat infections and tonsillitis. It is also one of the most effective medicines to treat cases of quinsy (collection of pus behind the tonsil).

5. Respiratory Problems

This medicine shows remarkable results in cases of respiratory troubles.

In respiratory troubles it is very valuable medicine to treat loose rattling cough. Along with cough, abundant yellow thick sputum is expectorated. Sometimes pus like blood stained bad smelling phlegm is expectorated. Person mainly feels that the cough gets worse from cold air exposure or from taking cold water.

It is also a very significant medicine to treat bronchitis especially in elderly people. Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes i.e. the passage through which the air is carried to the lungs from trachea.

Other than this, this medicine is also highly recommended to treat asthma. One can take it in asthma when cough with thick expectoration and wheezing in the chest is present. Apart from this person who require it also complain of difficulty in breathing, tightness and pain in chest.

Another indication to use it is pneumonia i.e. inflammation of the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs due to infection. One can be benefited from it when cough with purulent (pus) expectoration is present along with cough. Fever is present with these symptoms.

6. Skin Issues

This medicine effectively manages a number of skin complaints. Among them it is very effective to treat pimples. It mainly helps in pimples that have pus in it that may be sometime blood tinged. It also helps to ease pain in the pimples.

Next, it is a significant medicine to treat boils, abscess and carbuncles (skin infections with pus filled lumps on skin. A person needing it complain of pus discharge from these lumps. The pus may also have a bad smell. In these conditions it helps to clear the pus discharges, heal the lumps and bring excellent recovery. It also help to treat one’s tendency to get pus filled lumps on body frequently.

Further, it can be used in case of skin ulcers. In these cases it is a choice of medicine when there is stinging pain in the ulcers. Burning sensation also accompany. Additionally, there are pus discharge from the ulcers. The ulcers are also sensitive to touch.

it also gives excellent results in cases of fever blisters  (tiny  blisters that appear on the lips or around the mouth due to a viral infection). It is given in fever blisters when fever blisters around corners of mouth appear that are highly painful and sensitive to touch.

Lastly, it is very beneficial to treat cases of excessive sweating on skin. People who need it have sour fetid smelling sweat on body. It is attended with much weakness.

Dosage

Hepar Sulph can be used from 30 to 1M. In low potencies it can be taken one to three times a day depending upon the severity of the condition. Higher potencies should not be repeated frequently.

Relationship to Other Remedies

Complementary medicine is Calendula. This medicine can be used after Hepar Sulph to complete its action when it is no longer acting.

Antidotes are Acetic Acid, Arsenic Album and Chamomilla. These antidotes medicine can be used to neutralize its action.

Homeopathic medicine Cina is prepared from the unexpanded flower-heads of plant Cina maritima also known as Artemisia maritima. This plant belongs to a large family of flowering plants known as Compositae. The flower-heads of this plant are potentized (a process by which homeopathic remedies are prepared) to get the homeopathic medicine. Cina is a source of santonin which was widely used as a drug in past to expel worms from the body. But in the homeopathic system of medicine, use of this remedy is done for many more complaints apart from worms. It is majorly used in children to treat irritability in children, difficult teething, bedwetting and worms.  

The ‘Cina’ Constitution

Cina is mainly a children’s remedy. It is well suited to children who remain irritable, cross all the time. Along with this they wish to be carried always. It is top listed medicine to help treat complaints during teething, bedwetting, colic, anal itching, grinding of teeth and sleep troubles in children.

Drug Action

This medicine has a marked action on mind where it helps to treat irritability in children. Next it acts wonderfully on  the gastrointestinal tract and helps to relieve colic, diarrhoea and worms infestation. Other than this, it has marked action on urinary bladder where it helps to treat complaint of bedwetting effectively

Role as a Homeopathic Medicine

1. Mind Complaints

It is a renowned medicine in homeopathy to treat many of the complaints related to mind in children. Firstly, it is a highly recommended medicine to calm children who are excessively irritable, cranky and fussy.  Along with this they scream and cry a lot. They also tend to strike and bite the attendants. They are always complaining, restless and get offended very easily. A major characteristic shown by them is desire to be carried all the time. Irritability seen among most children during dentition period is wonderfully checked with this medicine. 

Next, it is used in children who are very obstinate and wants their wishes to be fulfilled at once. They show excessive temper tantrums. They are not satisfied with anything and throws things away.

2. Nasal Complaints

In case of nasal complaints it is given in children when they have excessive itching in nose. They rub the nose or bores in nostrils due to itching. They also have attending sneezing and runny nose. Nose may feel stopped up in the evening time. Along with this they are restless and also cry too much.

3. Teething Troubles

This is a renowned medicine to treat teething difficulties in children. It is indicated when the child is very irritable during teething. Along with this they may be very cranky, with screaming and even biting and striking attendants. They also become very obstinate, stubborn. Further they wish to be carried all the time.

4. Gastrointestinal (GIT) Complaints

If we talk about gastric complaints then firstly, it is of great help in cases of abdominal colic in children.  It is given for cutting, pinching pain in the abdomen. Apart from this, it is also indicated for twisting pain felt around the navel. The abdomen also feels hard and bloated with pain. The child may find relief by applying pressure on the abdomen. It is a top-listed medicine to treat abdominal pain arising from worms.

Next, it offers help in case of loose stool (diarrhoea). Here it can be used when stool is watery, greenish, slimy sometimes with white mucus. Sometimes it may also pass involuntarily.

Other than this, it is a top-listed medicine to treat cases of worms. Worm infestation including threadworms, roundworms, ascarides is treated magnificently with it. It works wonders to bring relief in abdominal colic and anal itching appearing from presence of worms. It also helps to gain weight in children having worms who don’t gain weight even if eating excessively.

5. Cough

This remedy works well for cough which is violent and spasmodic in nature (i.e. which ends in vomiting). The cough is violent and  is mainly worse at night.  Coughing also lead to sleeplessness. Along with cough there may be rattling of mucus in the chest. Expectoration of mucus is difficult. There is also attending complaint of difficulty in breathing.

6. Urinary Issues

Use of this medicine is highly recommended for treating bedwetting in children. The children needing it usually passes urine involuntarily at night.  In daytime they have frequent urination with passage of copious urine. They may also be suffering from worms along with bedwetting complaint.

7. Sleep Issues in Children

It is a very beneficial medicine to treat many sleep issues in children. Firstly, it helps children who are sleepless at night. They remain restless and toss around in the bed, and may also keep crying. Sometimes they may scream, and do not like to be covered. Rocking them i.e moving them backwards and forwards or from side to side may help them fall asleep.

Next, it is one of the most effective medicines to treat complaint of night terrors in children. Children needing it wake up frightened from sleep. They cry and scream loudly on waking from sleep. They are calmed with much difficulty.

Lastly, children having complaint of grinding of teeth during sleep can also be treated with Cina.

Dosage

Cina can be used in 30 C and 200 C potency. In case of children it can be taken in 30 C potency once or twice a day. If using 200 C potency then its frequent repetition should be avoided.

Relationship to Other Remedies

The homeopathic medicines that can be used after it are Calc Carb, Nux Vomica and Silicea

The homeopathic medicines that can be used to antidote/nullify its action are Arnica, camphor and Capsicum.

Homeopathic medicine Nitric Acid is prepared from Nitric Acid, HNO3 also known as ‘aqua fortis’ through the potentization process (a process by which homeopathic medicines are prepared). With this process the latent medicinal properties of Nitric Acid are extracted. It has been used since ages to treat warts and skin ulcers. In homeopathy, it very effectively manages complaint of anal fissures, piles, warts and mouth ulcers.    

The ‘Nitric Acid’ Constitution

This remedy suits lean persons having dark complexion, black hair and eyes. They have a tendency to take cold and disposition to diarrhoea (loose stool) finds this medicine highly suitable. Apart from this, people having rectal complaints and skin complaints are very much benefited from this medicine.

Drug Action

Firstly, this medicine acts on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and effectively helps to treat anal fissures, piles and ulcers in GIT. Next, its has a marked action on skin where it is very suitable to treat skin warts and heal skin ulcers magnificently. Apart from this its action on urinary system is excellent where it is helpful to treat urinary infection, urethral stricture and blood in urine.

Role as a Homeopathic Medicine

1. Throat Complaints

If we talk about throat complaints it is valuable to treat sore throat and tonsillitis.

It is given when person have pain in the throat and tonsils. The pain is stitching, splinter like and burning type. The pain may extend to ear. They also have difficulty in swallowing and feels as if food will not go down the throat while eating. Their throat also feels dry. The throat and tonsils are red, swollen and highly inflamed. Small ulcers also appear on tonsils and in the throat. The ulcers are usually deep with bluish margins and red centre. It is attended with offensive smell from mouth.

2. Oral (Mouth) Complaints

In case of oral complaints it is very effective to treat mouth ulcers.  For using it here the ulcers are present within cheeks, on the tongue and on the lips. Stinging, pricking and burning pains are felt in the ulcers. Along with this there is increased salivation. Foul smell from mouth is also present with above symptoms.

3. Rectal Issues

It is a highly recommended medicine to treat rectal complaints. Among these, it is very beneficial medicine to treat anal fissures  (small tear in the mucosa that lines the anus). Persons who need it complain of pain in the anus and bleeding along with stool. They usually have sharp, cutting or tearing pain in the anus while passing stool. The pain may also continue for many hours after passing stool. They also have burning in the anus.

Next, it is very helpful to treat piles. Piles are the swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus. Persons who require it have pain in the piles. The pain experienced by them is sharp, stitching, pricking and splinter like pain. The piles are also painful to touch. Burning is also felt in the anus. They may also have bleeding from the piles. Itching in the anus is another attending complaint. The piles in them tend to protrude with every stool.

Other than this, it is useful to treat constipation. Persons needing it have to strain a lot to pass stool. The stool may either be soft or hard but passes with difficulty and intense straining efforts. There is excessive desire to pass stool but person passes only small quantity of stool. There is a sensation as if the bowels didn’t emptied and some stool is remaining back in the rectum. Excessive pain is felt in the anus both during and after passing the stool.

Apart from the above, it gives excellent results in cases of ulcers in the intestines and dysentery. In such cases it is used when there is loose stool, bleeding from rectum, abdominal colic and excessive weakness.

4. Skin Issues

It is a highly effective medicine when it comes to treating skin issues. Firstly it is a renowned medicine to treat skin warts (hard, rough growths on skin caused by HPV – Human Papilloma Virus). It works well to treat warts that are large and pedunculated. They sometimes have pricking and sticking pain in them. Frequent bleeding from wart on washing is also noted.

Secondly it can take care of skin ulcers in an excellent manner. Here, it is useful to heal these ulcers. It also ease the stinging pains present in the ulcers. Further it helps to control bleeding if any from the ulcers.

5. Urinary Complaints

This medicine effectively manages many urinary problems. It can be of help in cases of urinary infection. It is applicable in such cases when there is burning, cutting or needle like stitching pain in urethra. Along with this there is frequent urination but with passage of scanty urine every time.

Next, it is recommended to treat urethral stricture. It can work well to treat the symptoms of urethral stricture including thin stream of urine, scanty urination, difficulty in urination, passage of urine with excessive straining.

Lastly, it is significant medicine to manage cases where pus, blood and albumin passes in urine. In all above complaints urine may have a very strong offensive smell.

6. Female Disorders

This remedy proves very beneficial to treat vaginal discharges. It is useful when vaginal discharges are greenish or brownish in colour. It is thin and flows like water. It also have an offensive smell. Itching, stitching pain and burning in vagina is felt due to discharges. Vaginal inflammation (vaginitis) with vaginal discharges as mentioned above is treated well with this medicine. Its use is also suggested to treat genital warts in females. It is also well indicated to treat hard knots / lumps in breast

7. Male Complaints

This medicine is of great service in treating gonorrhoea in males. Gonorrhoea refers to a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoea. It is used when there is a yellowish or greenish discharge from urethra. Along with this ,there is severe pain in urethra on urination.

Other than this, it is prominent medicine to treat ulcers on the male genitals. These ulcers are flat, with elevated edges, and are attended with a thin discharge which is sometimes mixed with blood. These ulcers are highly sensitive to touch.

Next, it is well-indicated to treat warts on male genitals. These warts are hard, brown and may bleed on touching.

Dosage

Nitric Acid can be used in 30 C and 200C potency. One can take its 30 C potency once a day, while its 200 C potency can be taken weekly.

Relationship to Other Remedies

Complementary medicines to Nitric Acid are Arsenic Album, Lac Caninum, Sepia and Caladium. The medicines among them can be used after as per symptom similarity to complete its action.

Inimical medicines are Lachesis and Calcarea Carb, and should not be used after it.

Antidotes are Aconite, Hepar Sulph, Merc Sol and Sulphur.