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

Homeopathic Treatment for Ozaena

What is Ozaena, and the reasons behind it?

Ozaena, also known as atrophic rhinitis, refers to the chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal cavity in which the nasal mucosa and the underlying bone gets atrophied i.e., waste away and shrinks. The exact reason behind ozaena is not apparent yet. But few risk factors predispose a person to develop ozaena. These risk factors include a family history of ozaena indicating a genetic basis, infections (mainly Klebsiella ozaena, proteus, and E.coli), nutritional deficiencies, endocrine conditions, and autoimmune conditions. In many cases, it can also occur after sinus surgery, nasal trauma, deviated nasal septum, and diseases, including T.B. (tuberculosis) and syphilis.

What are the Symptoms?

The main symptoms include nasal blockage, crusts inside the nose that are mostly green in color, bleeding on detaching these crusts, foul smell from these crusts, and also foul smell from the mouth. Apart from these, other symptoms are nasal discharge, loss of smell, or decrease of smell, headache, and sore throat.

Homeopathic Treatment for Ozaena

Homeopathic medicines offer great help to manage the symptoms of ozaena. Although the destruction that has already taken place in the nasal mucosa and underlying bone in these cases can’t be reversed with homeopathic medicines. But they definitely are very useful in managing the symptoms. The symptoms of this condition that are effectively managed with homeopathic medicines are nasal blockage, crusts inside the nose, bleeding from coats, foul smell from nose and mouth loss/decrease of smell, or decreased smell, headache, and sore throat. The top-grade homeopathic medicines for symptomatic treatment of ozaena are Kali Bichrome, Merc Sol, Pulsatilla, Lemna Minor, and Calcarea Carb.

Homeopathic Medicines for Ozaena

1. Kali Bichrome – Top grade medicine

Kali Bichrome is an effective medicine when there is chronic inflammation of nasal mucosa along with its destruction. Persons needing it have dry, hard crusts in the nostrils. These crusts are often green in color. They discharge blood when detached. The coatings have an offensive smell. A person also feels the stoppage of the nose from the crusts. Itching in nostrils is also contacted by them. Another attending complaint is swelling and burning sensation in the nostrils. Pain at the root of the nose, loss of smell, and headache are other symptoms that are often complained by the person with the above indications.

2. Merc Sol – To manage to bleed from nasal crusts

Merc Sol is a very beneficial medicine to control bleeding from nasal crusts. A person who requires it has coated in the nose. When these crusts are detached, there appears bleeding. Their nostrils are red, raw, and they feel pain in the nose on touching it. Itching in the nostrils is also felt by them. They also have a complaint of fetid smell in the nose. Offensive odor from the mouth and sore throat are also frequently present among them.

3. Pulsatilla – To manage the loss of smell

Homeopathic medicine Pulsatilla is prepared from a plant named Pulsatilla Nigricans, which is commonly known as windflower. This plant belongs to family Ranunculaceae. It is very helpful for cases where the loss of smell is a prominent symptom. People needed it present with a history of long-standing chronic nasal infections with thick, lumpy yellowish or greenish discharges. Presently they have a loss of smell. Another complaint they have is impressive pain at the root of the nose. They also feel swelling and soreness in the nostrils. Sometimes they have itching in the nose.

4. Lemna Minor – For extremely offensive discharge

Lemna Minor is prepared from a plant named as duckweed. This plant belongs to family Lemnaceae. It is given in cases where crusts and pus-like discharge from the nose with intensely offensive odor is present. Along with this is nose is blocked. Pain is also felt in the nose. Other than this, the nose feels dry, and in many cases, loss of smell is noted.

5. Calcarea Carb – To relieve stoppage of nostrils

Calcarea Carb is the next very useful medicine for cases with intense stoppage of the nose is present. Due to this, there appears difficulty in breathing. Along with this, there is thick yellow crusts in the nostrils. An offensive smell in the nose is also there. The nose is very sensitive to touch. Along with this, dryness is felt in the nose mostly at night time. In some cases, a headache is present. Swelling, prickling sensation and itching in the nose are other accompanying symptoms.

6. Hepar Sulph – For relieving pain in the nose on touching

Hepar Sulph is an excellent medicine relieve pain in the nose that appears on touching it. The nostrils are inflamed, swollen along with offensive scabs in the nose in such cases. Thick pus-like discharge from the nose, which is blood-tinged, appears in few cases. Another attending symptom is heat and burning sensation in the nostrils. Loss of smell is also present.

7. Silicea – For offensive nasal discharge

Silicea is also indicated for managing offensive nasal discharge. The discharge is like thick, tough mucus, or like pus. Persons who need it have also stoppage in nose and decrease of smell. Pain in nose most times extending to head is also prominent among them.

8. Aurum Met – For managing pain in nostrils

Aurum Met is yet another medicine to manage pain in nostrils. Fetid discharge from the nose, bleeding from the nose, and putrid smell in the nose are also there in cases needing it. Obstruction of the nose is also present. In addition to this, there is burning, smarting, and intense soreness in the nostrils.

9. Asafoetida – For halt further destruction of nasal bones

Asafoetida is well indicated for preventing further destruction of nasal bones. In cases needing it, there is offensive discharge from the nose. Pressure sensation in the nose is also there. Lastly, fullness in the head is felt with the above features.

Homeopathic Treatment for Vestibular Migraine

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 29 Comments

What is vestibular migraine and the reason behind it?

A vestibular migraine refers to vertigo episodes in persons having a history of migraine ( one-sided headache most times attended with nausea, vomiting). A person having it feels as if he is revolving or the surrounding objects are revolving. Head movement worsens vertigo. It is different from migraines because it doesn’t involve a headache. The exact cause behind vestibular migraine is not known yet. But it is thought to arise when a vestibular system in the ear (that controls the body’s balance) is affected in a person having a history of migraine. It is thought to run in families. There are certain risk factors that can trigger it. These factors include sleep loss, food like MSG (monosodium glutamate), coffee, chocolate, caffeine, stress, anxiety, and weather changes.

What are its symptoms?

Spontaneous episodes of vertigo, dizziness is the major symptom of it. Other symptoms that may attend include the feeling of imbalance, motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, pressure feeling in head, noises in the ear (tinnitus), neck pain, and visual complaints (likes blurred vision, spots or flashes of light before eyes ), sensitivity to light and noise are present. The duration of an episode of vestibular migraines varies from few seconds to minutes and rarely for a day or two.

Homeopathic treatment for Vestibular Migraine

Vestibular migraine can be treated in an effective and natural way with homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic medicines are highly useful to manage its symptoms, including vertigo, dizziness, visual complaints, noises in the ear (tinnitus), sensitivity to light and noise, nausea, vomiting, and fullness sensation in the head. The top-grade homeopathic medicine to treat this condition are Gelsemium, Conium, Belladonna, Natrum Mur, Cocculus Indicus, Bryonia, Cyclamen and Phosphorus

Homeopathic Medicines for Vestibular Migraine

1. Gelsemium – Top grade medicine

Homeopathic medicine Gelsemium is prepared from bark of the root of plant Gelsemium Sempervirens, commonly known as yellow jasmine. It belongs to family Loganiaceae.Persons needing this medicine complain of episodes of vertigo and dizziness. This complaint is worse by a sudden movement of the head. They also have a feeling of imbalance while walking. Another symptom frequently experienced by them is dimness or blurring of vision along with vertigo episodes.

2. Conium – For managing vertigo

Conium is effective in managing vertigo episodes. A person who needs it has vertigo with a feeling as if they are revolving in a circle. Their vertigo appears especially on turning the head, so they desire to keep their heads still. They also tend to fall sideways from vertigo. Along with vertigo, they feel black spots before eyes.

3. Belladonna – For cases with sensitivity to light and noise

Belladonna is prepared from a deadly plant nightshade. This plant belongs to family Solanaceae. Its use is indicated in cases that present with sensitivity to light and noise. Along with this vertigo, episodes are there with feeling as if all the surrounding objects are turning in a circle. A person requiring it also has pressure and heaviness sensation in the head. Noises in ear and dimness of vision are other symptoms frequently felt by them.

4. Natrum Mur – To manage vertigo and visual disturbance

Natrum Mur is considered in cases when a person has visual disturbance along with vertigo. Among the visual disturbance, the main is blurred vision. Next are black spots, streaks of light, or flickering before eyes. Vertigo appears among them with sensation as if they will fall down or faint.

5. Cocculus Indicus – To relieve nausea and vomiting.

Cocculus Indicus is prepared from powdered seeds of a plant named as Indian Cockle. This plant belongs to family Menispermaceae. It is useful to relieve nausea and vomiting in these cases. In such cases, vertigo is also there with sensation as if objects are moving up and down. It is mostly felt when rising from lying position. This is attended by a tendency to fall down. Along with this pressure is felt in the forehead. Sometimes ringing in ears is also felt. It is also considered in cases of vestibular migraine in persons who have a complaint of motion sickness (complaint of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness while travelling by car, train, boat, or airplane).

6. Bryonia – For relieving dizziness, vertigo

Homeopathic medicine Bryonia is prepared from the root of the plant named wild hops. This plant belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. Persons needing Bryonia mainly have dizziness in the morning on rising from bed. They also complain of dizziness when rising from a seat and on stooping. The slightest motion also brings on vertigo attacks in them. Along with vertigo, they have heaviness in the head.

7. Cyclamen – To treat vertigo and dimness of vision

Homeopathic medicine Cyclamen is prepared from the root of a plant Cyclamen Europaeum, commonly named as Sow – bread. The family of this plant is Primulaceae. Like Natrum Mur, Cyclamen is also a valuable medicine to treat vertigo attacks that are attended with dimness of vision or impaired sight. Most people needing it have vertigo while walking and better by sitting. They feel objects are turning in the circle during vertigo episodes. Along with this, they feel fullness, congestion, and heated sensation in the head.

8. Phosphorus – For flashes of light before eyes

Phosphorus is a significant medicine for managing flashes of light before eyes. Along with this vertigo, episodes arise many times a day. Most of the time, vertigo attacks are triggered by looking up or down, on moving head, and from drinking coffee in cases requiring Phosphorus. Imbalance while walking is also present. Roaring noises in the ear is another accompanying complaint with above.

Top 7 Homeopathic Remedies for Loose Cough

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 2 Comments

Cough is a natural reflex by which the body clears the throat and airways from irritants (like dust, smoke, allergens), mucus, or any fluid. Loose cough refers to a cough in which mucus (phlegm) is produced. Loose cough is also called wet cough or productive cough. It may cause rattling sound in the chest or throat. A person may also feel congestion in the chest. It can be attended with other symptoms like difficulty in breathing, wheezing, pain in the chest, and fever, depending upon the cause.

Loose cough can be treated effectively with natural homeopathic medicines. Both acute, as well as chronic, long-standing cases, are treatable with homeopathic medicines. These medicines treat the root cause behind it to bring excellent recovery. They help to bring relief in cough as well as its attending symptoms. In modern system of medicine, cough syrups, antibiotics, allergy medicines, steroids, and inhalers are recommended as per the case of cough. They offer temporary relief and the complaint may recur. Homeopathic remedies give long-term results by treating the root cause of cough.

Homeopathic medicines bring wonderful recoveries in cases of loose cough. These medicines act as effective expectorants. These help in thinning the mucus and facilitate its easy expectoration. This helps to clear the mucus from airways, thus it bring remarkable results in cough. A gradual relief in cough appears and with proper treatment, complete recovery occurs. They do not supress cough rather fixes the reason behind it. In homeopathy, the same medicine is not given to all cases of loose cough, rather homeopathic medicines are always prescribed according to the characteristic features in every individual case. Due to this reason, it is advised to take any homeopathic medicine after consulting a homeopathic doctor.

Homeopathic medicines address the underlying cause of loose cough in every case. Due to this fact, homeopathic medicines bring excellent results in these cases. It treats the root cause like fighting with the infection, reducing the inflammation in airways, and treating allergies as the case may be that brings magnificent results. It is to be noted that homeopathy is recommended to manage cases of loose cough that have mild to moderate intensity. But in severe cases or cases with serious causes, for example pneumonia, homeopathy has its own limitation to provide help, so in such cases, treatment from conventional mode is recommended.

Homeopathic medicines to treat cough do not contain any toxins or chemicals as these are sourced from natural substances. Hence these are very safe to use without any risk of side effects.

Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines for Loose Cough

The topmost homeopathic medicines for treating loose cough are Antimonium Tart, Hepar Sulph, Arsenic Album, Pulsatilla, Natrum Mur, Ipecac and Kali Bichrome.

1. Antimonium Tart – Top grade medicine

Antimonium Tart leads the chart of homeopathic medicine to treat cases of loose cough. It is useful for persons who have excessive rattling of mucus in the chest with loose cough. They feel the chest is congested and full of phlegm, but very little is expectorated. The expectoration is scanty, thick, white, or yellow in color. The sufferer coughs day and night. Coughing worsens on lying down and compels him/her to sit up. Along with this, one has difficulty in breathing. Sometimes, one also feels pain in the chest while coughing.

When to use Antimonium Tart?

Antimonium Tart is the best choice of medicine to manage loose cough with mucus rattling in the chest which is expectorated in very little quantity.

How to use Antimonium Tart?

This medicine can be taken once or twice a day in 30C potency.

2. Hepar Sulph – For Loose Cough With Yellow Expectoration

Hepar Sulph is well indicated for cases of loose cough with abundant thick, yellow expectoration. Cough is worse in the morning time. Whistling sounds can be heard in the chest. A characteristic feature is worsening of this condition from exposure to cold air. There is also increase in cough from eating anything cold. Hepar Sulph is effective for this complaint arising in bronchitis and asthma.

When to use Hepar Sulph?

This medicine is highly suitable to manage loose cough with yellow expectoration, which worsens from cold air exposure and eating cold things.

How to use Hepar Sulph?

Hepar Sulph 30C can be used two to three times a day.

3. Arsenic Album – To Manage Loose Cough Worse At Night

Arsenic Album is a very beneficial medicine to manage cases of loose cough that gets worse at night. It also gets worse when lying on the back. Along with this, expectoration of thick yellow or white frothy mucus is present. There is trouble in breathing along with cough. A person feels suffocated. There is a constricted sensation in the chest. Wheezing in the chest is prominent along with the above symptoms.

When to use Arsenic Album?

This medicine should be considered to manage loose cough that worsens at night. Mucus expectoration can be frothy white or thick yellow along with wheezing and breathing difficulty.

How to use Arsenic Album?

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

4. Pulsatilla – For Loose Cough With Greenish Expectoration

Pulsatilla is a natural medicine which is very helpful for loose cough when greenish mucus is expectorated. The expectoration is copious. It may have a salty or sweetish taste. Cough is mostly worse in the morning in cases needing Pulsatilla. In many cases needing it, the condition gets worse in a warm room and better in the open air. Oppression or constriction of the chest sometimes accompanies these symptoms.

When to use Pulsatilla?

This medicine is highly recommended for treating loose cough with expectoration of green mucus worse in warm room and relieved in open air.

How to use Pulsatilla?

It is advised to use Pulsatilla 30C once a day.

5. Natrum Mur – For Loose Cough With White Phlegm

Natrum Mur is a useful medicine when white phlegm is expectorated with loose cough. It has a salty taste. Besides, a person complains of pain in the throat and bursting pain in the head. One complains of cutting and tearing pain in the chest during coughing. The condition may worsen from exertion. There may be shortness of breath.

When to use Natrum Mur?

The use of Natrum Mur is suggested to manage cases of loose cough accompanied with whitish expectoration.

How to use Natrum Mur?

This medicine can be used in 6X potency twice or thrice daily. It can also be utilized in 30C potency once a day.

6. Ipecac – When vomiting appears with cough

Ipecac is well indicated for cases in which vomiting occurs along with cough. Persons who require Ipecac have excessive mucus collection in the chest. They have intense retching and vomit the mucus with difficulty. Expectoration of mucus gives temporary relief. Along with the above, they feel tightness in chest and suffocation. Weakness is another symptom that attends.

When to use Ipecac?

This medicine proves effective to treat cases of cough with mucus accumulation in chest along with vomiting of mucus.

How to use Ipecac?

Though it is available in both low and high potencies, it is most frequently used in 30C power that can be taken once or twice a day.

7. Kali Bichrome – For Loose Cough With Ropy, Stringy Mucus

Kali Bichrome is suitable for cases of loose cough when thick, viscid, ropy mucus is expectorated that can be drawn in long strings. It has an offensive smell. Besides, the cough is constant and very loud. There is excessive rattling of mucus in the chest with whistling sounds.

When to use Kali Bichrome?

This medicine is advised to help cases of loose cough with thick, sticky, ropy mucus expectoration.

How to use Kali Bichrome?

Kali Bichrome should be taken in 30C potency once a day.

What is the reason behind Loose Cough?

Loose cough mostly arises due to infections with viruses and bacteria. Mucus is produced by the lining of the whole respiratory tract usually that keeps airways moist and acts as a protective barrier for irritants. In the case of infection, this mucus production increases than usual. It helps to trap the infection-causing organism, and with a cough, this excessive mucus expels out from mouth as phlegm. Loose cough can arise from irritants in environment, cold, flu, post nasal drip, bronchitis (I.e., inflammation of the bronchial tubes), pneumonia (infection in air sacs of lungs), bronchiectasis (damage, thickening, and widening of the bronchi) and sometimes in asthma.

Homeopathic Treatment for Dry Eczema

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1 Comment

Eczema refers to a skin condition where the skin becomes inflamed, red, itchy with or without any discharge. In cases of dry eczema skin rash appears without any discharge. It is attended with itching. In some cases, scaliness on the skin appears. While in many cases skin gets thick sometimes with cracks. There are also chances of infection on affected skin after intense scratching. If infected there appear discharge from the infected areas which may be fluid or pus-like discharge. It is not a contagious condition and doesn’t spread from one person to another. The exact reason behind dry eczema is not known. However, it is thought to run in families. It is also linked to abnormal functions of the immune system. Environmental factors that are excessive exposure to the too hot or too cold environment is also considered a triggering factor for this condition.

Homeopathic Treatment for Dry Eczema

Homeopathic mode offers a very natural treatment for cases of dry eczema. Homeopathic medicines help to reduce the inflammation, redness, and thickness of the skin. They also aid in the healing of skin rash. They work effectively to heal cracks in the skin where present. Along with this, they help to manage skin itching. Persons who get an infection on the skin from excessive scratching are also benefited with these medicines. Homeopathic medicines to treat this condition are made from naturally occurring substances. Hence they treat it in a very safe manner without any side effects. The top-grade homeopathic medicines for treating it are Graphites, Apis Mellifica, Sulphur, Petroleum, Psorinum, Alumina, Arsenic Album, Natrum Mur and Fagopyrum.

Homeopathic Medicines for Dry Eczema

1. Graphites – Top listed medicine

Graphites are very effective in homeopathic medicine to treat cases of dry eczema. Persons needing it have red, inflamed spots on the skin which are very dry and sometimes it is attended with cracks. Excessive itching has also complained along with this. Few persons may develop open sores on the skin after scratching. After this, they may get infected. Graphites also help in such cases where a superadded infection has appeared after scratching the dry eczema patches. In such cases the key feature to use it is sticky, gluey discharges from the sores.

2. Apis Mellifica – For managing burning and stinging pain

Apis Mellifica is indicated to manage intense burning and stinging pain in the skin rashes. Cases requiring it has dry, red rashes on the skin. These rashes also itch violently. Itching feels like pricking on the skin. It is relieved by scratching. The skin area with rash also appears swollen. The rash is also sore, painful and sensitive to touch.

3. Sulphur – To relieve itching and burning

Sulphur offers great help to soothe the itching and burning sensation in the skin rash. The itching gets worse at night where Sulphur is indicated. After scratching there appears burning in the affected skin areas. Sometimes bleeding also arises from the dry skin areas after scratching. Few people also feel pain in the skin after scratching it. Other attending feature is formication (insect crawling) sensation on the skin. Rest of the features that may be present include prickling or stitching sensation on the skin.

4. Petroleum – To heal deep cracks on the skin

Petroleum is well indicated to heal deep cracks on the skin. The skin is also thickened and looks dirty along with cracks in cases needing it. Sometimes blood appears from the thick and cracked skin. The affected skin also feels sore and painful. It is also given where infection on skin has occurred with pus discharge. Next, it is considered in cases where thick scabs form on the affected skin after scratching and infection. Lastly, Petroleum is useful to treat dry, rough and cracked skin that gets worse in the winters.

5. Psorinum – For skin rash that worsens in cold weather

Psorinum is also a wonderful medicine when skin rash gets worse in cold weather. Persons needing it have dry, crusted eruptions mostly all over the body. Skin also appears cracked along with roughness in bends of the joints. There is severe itching in these eruptions. The person tends to scratch until the skin gets raw and bleed. Itching is worse at night that disturbs sleep.

6. Alumina – For managing intense itching

Alumina is another very beneficial medicine, like Sulphur to manage intense itching on skin. It is used when there are patches of dry, rough, cracked areas of skin with excessive itching. The itching gets worse when getting warm in bed. The itching is intolerable and the person scratches skin until it bleeds. Alumina helps to ease the itching and heal the eczema patches.

7. Arsenic Album – To relieve excessive burning

Arsenic Album offers great relief in excessive burning in a skin rash. In cases needing this medicine, there is dry, rough skin. The patches of skin affected with eczema feel like sand. Most times scales are present on dry skin areas. The peeling of the skin may also be there. The affected skin is also sensitive to touch. A person may feel intense anxiety and restlessness along with these skin symptoms.

8. Natrum Mur – For inflammation and dryness in bends of limbs

Natrum Mur is considered when there are inflammation and dryness in the bends of limbs. Itching and pricking are felt in these dry patches on the skin. The stinging sensation is also felt in some cases. Apart from above Natrum Mur is also well indicated to treat eczema that appears behind the ears and along the margins of the scalp.

9. Fagopyrum – For cases where itching relieves by cold bathing

Fagopyrum is prepared from a plant named Fagopyrum Esculentum commonly named as buckwheat. It belongs to family Polygonaceae. It proves beneficial when there are red, inflamed, dry areas on the skin along with itching and heat. Relief in itching is obtained by bathing in cold water. The itching gets worse from scratching. It also gets worse form touch in some of the cases.

Homeopathic Treatment for Oral Thrush

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 16 Comments

What is oral thrush and the reason behind it?

Oral thrush is also known as oral candidiasis refers to an infection in the mouth with fungus named Candida Albicans. Candida is normally present in the mouth but doesn’t harm. Sometimes it can overgrow and lead to infection with symptoms. Although anyone can get this infection, babies and elderly people are at risk of it. Other people who have a risk of it are those having weak immunity (as in cancer, AIDS), having diabetes, have poor oral hygiene, who wear dentures, who do heavy smoking and those taking certain medicines like prednisone. This infection is usually mild but in very rare conditions it can spread to other body parts and cause serious problems especially in the people who have weakened the immune system.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The main sign of oral thrush is white or creamy/yellow lesions in the mouth. They tend to appear on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, tonsils, and on the roof of the mouth. They may be raised in some cases. The lesions if rubbed sometimes can cause bleeding. In addition to this, there is redness, burning, and soreness in the mouth. The person may have difficulty in eating with the above symptoms. Other symptoms are cotton-like feeling in the mouth, a bad taste or loss of taste, redness, dryness in mouth and cracks at the corners of the mouth. In some people having a very weak immune system the infection may spread down into the food pipe (esophagus). In such cases, difficult/painful swallowing and sensation of food sticking in the throat or middle of the chest appear. Apart from above babies having it show difficulty with feeding and irritability.

Homeopathic Treatment for Oral Thrush

Homeopathic medicines are highly beneficial to treat this infection. Homeopathic medicines are of natural origin that boosts the self-healing mechanism of the body to fight with the fungal infection and eliminate it from the body. They help to heal the lesions and also offer help to relieve the associated symptoms. The top-grade homeopathic medicines to treat this are Borax, Merc Sol, Sulphuric Acid, Natrum Mur, Nitric Acid, Arum triphyllum, Nux Moschata, and Kali Mur.

Homeopathic Medicines for Oral Thrush

1. Borax – Top grade medicine

Borax leads the chart of homeopathic medicines to treat Oral thrush. Persons needing it have white fungal growths in the mouth. Along with this, they complain of heat and tenderness in the mouth. Their tongue also appears cracked. They feel a bitter taste in the mouth. Sometimes they complain of bleeding from the lesions on touching them. Borax is top listed medicine for a treat this fungal infection in children.

2. Merc Sol – For thick fur like coating in the mouth

Merc Sol is an effective medicine when there is thick fur like coating in the mouth, especially on the tongue. To this attend soreness, redness, and inflammation in the mouth. There is extreme difficulty in swallowing food too. Along with this, there is an intensely bad odor in the mouth. There is also a complaint of excessive salivation. The saliva is soapy and stringy. Another main attending symptom is a metallic taste in the mouth. The children needing this medicine have difficulty in nursing along with excessive crying.

3. Sulphuric Acid – for painful lesions

Sulphuric Acid is the next very beneficial homeopathic medicine when the lesions are painful. The lesions are present in the entire mouth for using Sulphuric Acid. They may either be white or yellow. It is accompanied by a sensation of dryness in the mouth. Bleeding from the fungal spots is also noted frequently in cases requiring Sulphuric Acid.

3. Natrum Mur – To manage burning sensation in the mouth

Natrum Mur is the next wonderful medicine to soothe intense burning sensation in the mouth. Persons needing it have lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, and gums. The burning in the lesions gets worse when it is touched with food. The lesions are very sensitive even to liquids. Along with this, they feel dryness in the mouth, lips, and tongue.

4. Nitric Acid – For white or yellow fungal spots

Nitric Acid is an excellent medicine when the mouth has either white or yellowish fungal spots. These spots are mainly present within cheeks and on the edges of the tongue. Along with this, there is an intense stinging and burning sensation in the mouth. Sometimes there is pricking or splinter – like pain too. Dryness in the mouth is also felt with above.

5. Arum Triphyllum – To heal cracks at the corners of the mouth

Arum Triphyllum is prepared from Indian turnip that belongs to natural order Araceae. It is given in these cases to heal cracks at the corners of the mouth. With this rawness, inflammation and bleeding are also there in areas of fungal infection in the mouth. The burning sensation is there in the mouth. The mouth and lips are very dry with the above symptoms.

6. Nux Moschata – For cotton-like feeling in the mouth

Nux Moschata is a natural medicine prepared from the seeds of a plant commonly named as nutmeg. This plant belongs to family Myristicaceae. Nux Moschata is an important medicine when the person feels a cotton-like sensation in the mouth. They also have intense dryness in the mouth and tongue. Mouth gets so dry in them that tongue sticks to the roof of the mouth. Extreme thirst for water is present. Bad smell from mouth is also felt.

7. Kali Mur – To relieve the stinging, burning sensation in the mouth

Kali Mur is highly useful to manage stinging, burning sensation in the mouth. In cases needing it, the mouth is covered with white fungal spots. Along with this, the mouth is dry. There is a fetid smell from the mouth. Sour taste is felt in the mouth.

Homeopathic Treatment for Perioral Dermatitis

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 10 Comments

What is perioral dermatitis and the reasons behind it?

Perioral dermatitis refers to a rash that appears on the skin around the mouth. In some cases, the rash may even spread to the nose or eyes. The exact reason behind perioral dermatitis is still unknown. However, it is suggested that it can arise when from the use of certain products that irritate the skin in persons who have sensitive skin. These products can be cosmetic creams, makeup products, toothpaste, topical steroid ointments, use of sunscreen and nasal sprays that contain steroids. This condition can also trigger excessive saliva drooling out of the mouth, infections that can be fungal/bacterial, from hormonal changes, from the use of birth control pills and due to allergic reaction.

What are the signs and symptoms?

In the case of perioral dermatitis, a skin rash with red bumps appears on the skin around the mouth and creases around the nose. Sometimes the rash can also appear under the eyes, on the chin and forehead. The bumps may be filled with fluid or pus varying from case to case. Sometimes the rash tends to be dry and scaly/flaky. Itching and burning of varying intensity may be experienced in the rash.

Homeopathic Treatment for Perioral Dermatitis

Homeopathic medicines are very helpful to treat cases of perioral dermatitis. Homeopathic medicines help to heal the rash and bumps (either with watery content or pus) on the skin in perioral dermatitis in a very effective manner. They also help to control the attending symptoms of burning and itching excellently. The top-grade homeopathic medicines used to treat perioral dermatitis are Natrum Mur, Apis Mellifica, Graphites, Rhus Tox, Hepar Sulph, Silicea, Arsenic Album and Sulphur.

Homeopathic Medicines for Perioral Dermatitis

1. Natrum Mur – Top grade medicine

Natrum Mur is a leading homeopathic medicine for treating perioral dermatitis. There appears rash with bumps around the mouth in cases needing Natrum Mur. Sometimes the bumps are also present on the chin. These bumps are filled with watery fluid. Pain and burning may be felt in the blisters. Pain is mostly smarting type. These fluid-filled bumps may burst and get covered with a scab. Apart from above in few cases needing Natrum Mur cracks at the corner of the mouth may be present.

2. Apis Mellifica – For Burning, stinging sensation

Apis Mellifica is an excellent homeopathic medicine to treat perioral dermatitis when there is marked burning and stinging sensation in the rash. Prickling sensation is also sometimes present in a rash where Apis Mellifica is indicated. In addition to this, the rash is very red and inflamed. Swelling is also present in the rash It is also highly sensitive to touch. The rash is also intensely itchy most of the time. Sometimes there are eruptions with yellow crusts in some of the cases needing this medicine.

3. Graphites – For sticky discharge from the eruptions

Graphites is the next beneficial homeopathic medicine for treating cases of perioral dermatitis. Its use is considered when with sticky discharge from eruptions is prominent in perioral dermatitis. The person needing it has inflamed rash around mouth along with bumps arise that ooze sticky, gluey fluid. The fluid is transparent and watery in nature. The bumps appear around the mouth and chin where Graphites is indicated. These bumps also tend to itch and sometimes attended with the burning sensation in them.

4. Rhus Tox – For fluid filled eruptions

Homeopathic medicine Rhus Tox is prepared from fresh leaves of a plant named Rhus Toxicodendron. This plant belongs to family Anacardiaceae. Rhus Tox is another helpful medicine for treating perioral dermatitis with the presence of fluid-filled eruptions around the mouth. These eruptions are mostly present in clusters in cases needing Rhus Tox. These eruptions are filled with a yellow-colored fluid which is watery in nature. Itching and biting sensation are present in these eruptions. Most of the times these eruptions are also very sore to touch.

5. Hepar Sulph – For pus filled eruptions

Hepar Sulph is a very useful homeopathic medicine for treating perioral dermatitis. Its use is suggested in cases of perioral dermatitis cases when pus-filled eruptions appear on the face around the mouth. These eruptions are also painful and very sensitive to touch. Sometimes the heated sensation is also there in the corners of the mouth along with the pus-filled eruptions.

6. Silicea – To treat pus filled eruptions

Silicea is another well indicated homeopathic medicine like Hepar Sulph to treat perioral dermatitis cases where pus-filled eruptions are present. Silicea is a great anti suppurative medicine to treat skin conditions where pus-filled eruptions are present. Cases needing it have marked itching and pricking in the eruptions. The eruptions may be covered with scabs too. There is also a tendency to sweat excessively in such cases.

7. Arsenic Album – For scaly / flaky rash

Homeopathic medicine Arsenic Album is very suitable for perioral dermatitis that presents with a rash around the mouth which is covered with scales/flakes. The affected skin is very dry, rough along scaliness. The peeling of this skin area may also be there. It is attended with burning sensation and itching. Scratching worsens the itching in cases needing it. People requiring it usually complain of worsening of burning sensation is at night time. The affected skin is also over sensitive along with the above symptoms.

8. Sulphur – To manage itching in rash of perioral dermatitis

Homeopathic medicine Sulphur is very effective to manage itching. Persons needing this medicine mostly have to worsen itching at the night time. Scratching the rash often leads to pain in the affected skin area. Along with itching they also complain of burning sensation in the rash. Sometimes they also have stitching pain or prickling sensation in the rash. A formication sensation like insects crawling on the skin in the rash may be complained by them along with the above symptoms. They may also have fluid or pus-filled bumps along with itchy rash.

Lachesis – Homeopathic Medicine: Its Uses, Indications and Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 62 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Lachesis was introduced in homeopathy by Dr. Hering. It is a leading medicine to treat schizophrenia, depression, sore throat, menopausal complaints, ovarian pain and haemorrhages (i.e bleeding).

The ‘Lachesis’ Constitution

It is suited to weak, thin people who have a melancholic (sadness) disposition. It is suitable for women during the menopause period. Other than this, it is suited to alcoholics.

Drug Action

This remedy has a prominent action on the mind where it acts oat a deep psychological level to manage the complaint of depression and schizophrenia. It also works on blood vessels where it helps control bleeding. Next, it helps to improve blood circulation and offers help in treating varicose veins and varicose ulcers.

Role as a Homeopathic Medicine

1. Mental Complaints

Among the various issues of the mind, this is a top listed medicine to treat schizophrenia (mental health illness that affects how a person thinks, feels and interpret reality). It mainly result in hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that don’t exist), delusions (false beliefs that are not based in reality), and disordered thinking. It is mainly indicated for persons having delusions of being poisoned or being followed by enemies who are trying to harm him. Another delusion they may have is being under the control of superhuman power. Along with delusions they may be excessively talkative, constantly jumping from one subject to another.

Next, it is a beneficial medicine to treat cases of depression. Persons who need it remain sad, unhappy, anxious. They feel forsaken. They become weary of life and doesn’t wish to do any work. They doesn’t wish to talk and want to remain alone. They loathe life and long for death.

2. Left-sided Headaches

This is a prominently indicated medicine for treating left sided headache. Persons who need it mainly have throbbing, tearing or drawing pain in left side of the head. They feel congestion and heat in head along with pain. Sometimes they also get nausea and vomiting during headache. Other people needing it may have dimness of vision or flickering before the eyes. People requiring it experience worsening of pain at night. They may also get headache from heat of sun. Apart from above its use is highly recommended in females who suffer from headache at or after menopause.

3. Inflamed throat and Tonsillitis

This medicine works effectively to reduce inflammation of the throat and tonsils. People needing it have pain in throat and tonsils. Most times the pain from throat extends to ears in them. They feel increase in pain from swallowing liquids. Pressure and touch on throat also worsens the pain. Other symptoms include dryness, constriction and a burning sensation in the throat. Sometimes a lump in throat is also experienced. In some cases stinging sensation is felt in the throat. If we look at the throat it is red, swollen with dark red/purplish colour of tonsils. In many cases ulcers may be seen on throat. Apart from the above, Lachesis is also indicated to treat quinsy (pus collection behind the tonsils).

4. Rectal Complaints

This is a prominent remedy to treat constipation and piles.

It helps to improve the sluggish bowel movements and gives relief in constipation. It is helpful when the stool is hard and passed with difficulty. The stool is scanty and insufficient. It also has an offensive odour. The persons needing it have ineffectual urge to evacuate stool. Along with it they feel pressure in bowels with gas. They also feels as if the anus is constricted.

Next, it is a very useful medicine to treat the complaint of piles. Protruding piles with stitching pain is a key feature to use it. Here piles protrude after each stool. After passing stool soreness and burning is felt at the anus. In addition to above throbbing, shooting pain and itching at the anus are also experienced by the person. It is also very beneficial for women having piles during their menopausal period.

5. Female Complaints

This is a highly suitable medicine to treat many female complaints.

First, its use is highly suggested to relieve troubles during menopause. Here the complaints like hot flashes, palpitations, headaches, heat in the head, inter menstrual bleeding (metrorrhagia) and fainting spells during menopause period are well managed with this medicine. Apart from this females suffering from depression during menopause are also benefited with this medicine.

Second, it is indicated in females having pain in the ovaries. Mostly they complain of pain in left side of the ovary. Nature of pain as narrated by them may be sharp, shooting, stitching, drawing or burning type. Pressure tend to worsen this pain. They also feel that the pain increase from exertion and walking. Menses may also be profuse and prolonged in them. It works good in ovarian pain from various reasons like ovarian cyst (fluid filled sac forming within the ovaries), ovarian tumour, ovarian inflammation (ovaritis).

Next, it is given to females to manage painful periods. Females requiring it have pain during periods especially during first day. They have labour like pains in pelvis. Ovarian pain on left side is also experienced.

Other than this, it is given for improving menstrual flow. Females who have scanty periods of short duration are greatly helped by this medicine. The menstrual flow is dark in colour and may have offensive odour.

6. Complaints of the Lower Limbs

If we talk about lower limbs, then firstly it is well-indicated to treat sciatica (pain that radiates from lower back through the hips down the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve). It is considered when the pain is violent, intolerable and shooting type. Person feels the pain worsen after sleeping. The pains come suddenly and disappear gradually.
Secondly, it is helpful to treat varicose veins on legs (enlarged, twisted or engorged veins due to improper functioning of valves in the veins of the legs)

Lastly, it is recommended to manage cases of varicose ulcers (sore developing on the leg mostly on the inner side of leg just above the ankle due to poor blood circulation).

7. To Control Bleeding

This is a great anti-hemorrhagic (that helps to stop bleeding) medicine. It is indicated to control bleeding from nose, blood in urine, blood in stool, blood in vomiting. Here dark, blackish bleeding is the characteristic feature to use Lachesis.

8. Skin Complaints

For matters of the skin, this medicine gives excellent results in case of carbuncles and boils (skin infections with pus filled lumps on skin). In these conditions bluish purple surroundings to the lumps is key feature to use it.

Next, it is useful to treat purpura that refers to purple coloured blood spots under skin that arise from bursting of small blood vessels.

Apart from the above, it is recommended in case of bed sores when they have black edges.

Dosage

Lachesis is recommended from 30 to 200 potency. It is a strong medicine so its frequent repetition should be avoided.

Always use this medicine under a physicians recommendation.

Relationship to Other Remedies

Complementary medicines are Lycopodium and Hepar Sulph. These medicines can be used after Lachesis to complete its action when it is no longer acting.

Inimical medicines are Acetic Acid, Nitric Acid and Carbolic Acid.

Antidote medicines are Arseniuc Album, Nux Vomica and Opium, which neutralise the effect of Lachesis.

Gelsemium – Homeopathic Medicine: Its Uses, Indications and Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 33 Comments

Gelsemium as a remedy is prepared from the bark of the root of plant Gelsemium Sempervirens, commonly known as Yellow Jasmine. It belongs to family of flowering plants known as Loganiaceae. To prepare homeopathic medicine Gelsemium, the bark of the root of this plant is potentized (a process by which homeopathic remedies are prepared). This process extractS the medicinal properties of the plant. Gelsemium is mostly used to treat complaints of anxiety, headache, vertigo, cold, nasal allergies and weakness.

The ‘Gelsemium’ Constitution

It is mainly suited to people who are irritable, sensitive, anxious and nervous type and those who suffer from weakness. Apart from above it is also suitable for people having dullness, drowsiness and dizziness along with other health conditions.

Drug Action

This remedy has a major action on the mind where it helps to treat anxieties and fears. Next, it acts on the muscles and offers relief in the muscle pain and muscle weakness. Other than this, it has marked action on the nose where it helps to manage cases of nasal allergies, cold and sneezing.

Role as a Homeopathic Medicine

1. Mind Complaints

It is one of the most effective medicines used to treat complaints of the mind.

Firstly, it is indicated for treating anxiety issues. Among anxieties, it stands prominent to treat cases of anticipatory anxiety (i.e. anxiety about something that is going to happen in near future like an examination, a meeting, travelling etc). In cases needing Gelsemium, such anticipatory anxiety is attended with loose motion. Apart from above the anxieties including anxiety about health and about future are also treated well with this medicine.

Secondly, people having fear of appearing in public are well-treated with this medicine. It is also very useful for people to overcome complaint of stage fright. Other than these, it is a top grade medicine to overcome bad effects of fright, some exciting news, bad news, emotional shock, grief.

2. Vertigo

This remedy can be of great help in vertigo (a sense of spinning) cases. It mostly helps people who complain of vertigo from sudden movement of head. Next, it is indicated for vertigo that arise when walking. Along with vertigo blurred vision is usually present. Other symptoms that a person may experience with above are heaviness of head and fullness feeling in head.

3. Headache

This is a renowned medicine to treat headache. Persons who need it usually have headache located in back part of the head (occiput). The pain from back of head may also extend to forehead and eye. The patient feels as if a band is tied around the head. The headache further worsens with mental exertion. The patient feels relief from headache when the pressure is applied over it. The patients who complain of dimness of vision and double vision can also benefit from this medicine as it had produced excellent results in treatment of both these ailments. One may also use this medicine to get relief from headache arising due to cold.

4. Eye Complaints

This remedy has shown remarkable results in various eye complaints. Here it is majorly used to treat ptosis that refers to drooping of the upper eyelid. Here person feels the upper eyelid is heavy, he can hardly open the affected eye.

Its another indication is blurred vision and double vision (diplopia). People needing it for blurred vision also have attending pain above eyes. Double vision when looking specifically sideways is the characteristic that calls for this remedy in cases of diplopia. In such cases headache also accompany double vision.

5. Cold and Sneezing

It is a natural medicine to treat cases of cold and sneezing. Most people needing it complain of sneezing early in the morning time. They also have tingling and fullness in the nose with sneezing. Along with it they have cold with watery running discharge from nose. The nasal discharge is excoriating that makes the nostrils red, sore and raw. Dull headache, weakness, fever and muscle ache along with cold is frequently experienced. It is a top listed medicine to treat tendency to take cold on every change of weather. Other than above it is one of the best medicine to treat cases of allergic rhinitis / hay fever.

6. Diarrhea

Stress and anxiety can effect the gastric system. When we are distressed, signals are carried from brain to the gut via chemical messengers. As a result, some people may suffer from diarrhea due to anxiety. In such cases, this medicine offers excellent results.

Anticipatory anxiety is the anxiety about something that is going to happen in near future. For example, some people experience diarrhoea before important meetings, events, or when going for an examination etc. The diarrhea that results majorly from such anticipatory anxiety is very effectively managed with this remedy. Apart from the above, diarrhea that arises from as grief, fright, or after listening to a bad news is also suggestive of this medicine.

7. Neck Pain

This medicine is of a great service in treating neck pain. Person who require this medicine suffer from severe pain in neck. They may complain that the pain extends from the neck to head and shoulder. Stiffness in the neck and dizziness along with neck pain may be present. This is a top listed medicine used to manage neck pain and stiffness in case of cervical spondylosis (degenerative changes in the spine of neck region).

8. Weakness

This is a very helpful medicine to manage cases of weakness. Along with weakness, pain and soreness in the muscle is present in people needing it. Other than this dizziness and drowsiness are marked with weakness and muscle ache. It is also highly recommended for cases of chronic fatigue syndrome.

9. Complaints of Upper Limbs

When it comes to upper limbs, this medicine is well-indicated to treat trembling of hands, muscular pain in arms and writer’s cramp (involuntary muscle contraction in fingers / hand while writing).

10. Fever

It is very beneficial for cases of fever. Here it is used when there is fever with chilly sensation, body aches and weakness. Great drowsiness appears with above symptoms. Drowsiness and restlessness are some other symptoms a person may have along with above during fever.

Dosage

Gelsemium can be taken in 30 potency two to three times a day, varying from case to case.

Relationship to Other Remedies

The medicines that follow well are Baptisia, Cactus and Ipecac.

Antidotes to Gelsemium are China, Coffea and Digitalis.

Phosphorus – Homeopathic Medicine: Its Uses, Indications and Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 66 Comments

Phosphorus was discovered by an alchemist Brandt in 1673 and soon after by Kunkel. Kramer claimed to treat epilepsy and diarrhoea with it. Other cures that were listed with it at that time includes intermittent fevers, pneumonia of left lung and periodic headaches. Afterwards it was introduced in homeopathy by Dr. Hahnemann. This homeopathic medicine is prepared by trituration of red amorphous phosphorus. The process of trituration helps to extract the medicinal properties of red amorphous phosphorus. It is used for treating a large variety of disease conditions without any side effects like anxiety, fears, hair fall, dandruff, cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, nose bleeding, gastritis, glaucoma, hoarse voice and excessive menstrual bleeding.

The ‘Phosphorus’ Constitution

Phosphorus is especially suited to tall, slender, narrow – chested persons They have mostly fair skin, blonde or red hair, and delicate eyelashes. Nervousness and sensitiveness in nature is marked among them. It is also adapted to young people, who grow too rapidly and tend to stoop. Apart from above it also suits persons who have a tendency to bleed.

Drug Action

It has a marked action on mind, spinal cord and nerves. Its second action is on mucous membranes where it helps to manage irritation, inflammation and degeneration. It also acts upon bones and aids slowing down of bone destruction, especially the lower jaw and tibia. Apart from above it has significant action on the blood and blood vessels and acts as a great anti-haemorrhagic medicine that helps stop bleeding. It helps to manage cases of bleeding from nose, gums. It is also useful to manage blood in urine, stool, vomiting, bloody sputa, blood spots on skin, and excessive menstrual bleeding in females.

Role as a Homeopathic Medicine

1. Anxiety and Fear

It is a prime constituent of nervous matter thus has a deep action on mind and sensation. It helps treat issues of anxiety and fears quite effectively. It mainly helps persons having anxiety about future, anxiety about others and anxiety as if they are about to die. Anxiety appears mainly when they are alone. It is attended with restlessness, palpitation with much sweat on the forehead. Along with above, the person may feel sad and fears that are mainly presented are fear of death especially in evening time, fear of being alone, fear of thunderstorms, fear of dark, of ghosts, fear as if something bad is about to happen.

2. Hair fall and Dandruff

It is known to be highly effective to treat cases of hair fall. People needing it have excessive hair fall in large bunches. Most times the hair fall is present on fore part of head, and above ears. It also works wonders to regrow hair in cases of hair loss that occurs in spots (alopecia areata). Apart from hair fall it is well indicated for treating premature greying of hair when roots of hair turns grey.

Next, it is very beneficial to treat dandruff. It is mainly used where dandruff is copious and white in colour. It is attended with much itching over the scalp.

3. Nasal problems

When it comes to nasal complaints, it helps treat cases of chronic cold, nasal bleeding (epistaxis) and bleeding polyps. In cases of cold it is used when there is alternations between fluent coryza and stopped nose. Along with this soreness of throat may attend. Loss of smell and taste may also be complained of. In case of nose bleeding it is indicated when episodes occur several times a day and are often quite profuse. Nasal polyps that bleed easily are also suggestive of its use.

4. Eye Complaints

It is a leading homeopathic medicine to treat many eye complaints.

First, it is useful in improving vision in glaucoma cases. Glaucoma is an eye disorder characterised by raised intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage. In this condition blurred vision, eye pain, severe headache, eye pain are experienced. If not treated in time it can eventually cause vision loss and blindness. In such cases, apart from improving vision it is also helpful to manage shooting, burning pain in eyes and sensitivity to light. Glaucoma after iridectomy (surgical removal of part of the iris) is also indicative of its use. Secondly Phosphorus is indicated for cataract cases. It is known to prevent further progression of cataract. In cases needing it there is presence of hard, white, convergent striae in lens with diffuse haziness. Apart from above, it is beneficial to treat floating spots before eyes (muscae volitantes). These spots mainly includes flashes of light, black points or sparks before eyes.

5. Gum Inflammation and Bleeding Gums

It is a very valuable medicine for treating oral (mouth) complaints. Mainly it is used when gums are inflamed (gingivitis) or bleeding appears from gums. Along with inflammation, ulcers may be present on the gums. In many cases gums may be weak along with looseness of teeth. It is also recommended for gums bleeding that appears after tooth extraction.

6. Gastro intestinal (GIT) Troubles

When it comes to treat GIT complaints, this remedy mainly helps cases of gastritis and stomach ulcers. It works effectively to reduce the inflammation of the stomach and heal the ulcers. The symptoms that guides its use in such cases include burning in the stomach that worsens after eating. In some cases gnawing pain is felt in the stomach. Relief in burning may be obtained by taking cold drinks. Stomach appear greatly distended and may be painful to least pressure with above symptoms. In many cases heartburn attends the pain. Nausea and vomiting also appear with the pain.

Next, it is an excellent medicine to treat diarrhoea (loose stool). The stool is watery and profuse and passes like a gush of water. It may be yellowish, greenish, greyish or blackish coloured. Sometimes lumps of white mucus and blood passes in the stool. Undigested food also passes with stool on few occasions. Urgency to pass stool is marked with above and it may pass involuntarily also. In some cases, burning in anus and rectum may follow passage of stool. Person feels intense weakness with above symptoms.

Lastly, it is considered highly useful for protrusion of piles even on passing flatus and for bleeding from piles. It also helps to relieve pain in piles and burning, itching in the anus.

7. Respiratory Complaints

It is a leading homeopathic remedy to treat a number of respiratory complaints mainly including cough, bronchitis, pneumonia.

Dry cough arising from tickling in throat and from laughing, talking is indicative to use this remedy. Cough appearing from strong odours also points towards its use. Person needing it also complains of pain in head and chest while coughing. They sometimes expectorate reddish – brown phlegm. Few persons needing it also expectorate bright red bloody sputum.

Other than this cases of bronchitis are very well manageable with this medicine. In such cases it is used when there is cough with tearing pain under the sternum (breastbone). Cough is severe, hard and very exhausting (causing weakness). Along with this burning pain in the chest is felt. Sputum of yellowish mucus sometimes streaked with blood also arises. Breathing is quickened and oppressed along with above symptoms.

In addition to above, it is a significant medicine for pneumonia cases. It is specifically indicated for pneumonia of left lower lung. Here it is given when person has frequent cough, with frothy, brown, rust coloured or purulent (pus like) expectoration. With this, breathing difficulty is present. Sharp stitches in the lungs also accompany. Weight and tightness along with heat in chest are rest of the attending symptoms.

8. Laryngitis and Hoarseness of Voice

It is a top grade medicine to reduce inflammation of larynx (voice box) and improve hoarseness of voice. Persons needing it mainly present with hoarseness of voice in morning hours. They have rough, husky voice with pain and rawness in larynx. They are also unable to speak a loud word. Hoarseness of voice arising in public speakers from prolonged speaking is also well managed by this remedy.

9. Females Troubles

It is a very important medicine to treat complaint of excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and inter menstrual bleeding (metrorrhagia) in females.

This medicine effectively manages the complaint of early and very profuse periods. The periods also last for a long time in females requiring it. The menstrual bleeding is bright red and there may be a shooting headache, pain in back, nausea, cold feet, hands and shivering during menses. There may be excessive weakness, blue circles around eyes, and anxiety after menses. Apart from above it is very beneficial medicine to treat metrorrhagia when bleeding appear very frequently in between periods and flow is very copious.

10. Liver Disorders

This is a well-indicated homeopathic remedy for managing liver disorders including hepatitis (inflammation of liver), enlargement of liver, fatty liver and cirrhosis (irreversible damage to the liver with death of liver cells). The symptoms to look for to use it here are aching or stitching pain in liver region, marked soreness and hardness over liver region.

11. Backache

It is useful to treat lower back pain when attended with intense heat in the back. Most cases needing it have worsening of pain when rising from stooping. There is also prominent dragging sensation and weakness in back with above features.

Dosage

Use of Phosphorus is recommended in both low and high potency. Dose and repetition varies as per the disease condition, so should be taken as per physician’s recommendation.

Relationship To Other Remedies

Complementary medicines are Arsenic Album, Allium Cepa and Carbo Veg. These medicines can be used to complete its action when it is no longer acting.

Inimical medicine is Causticum and should not be used before or after it.

Antidotes are Coffea Cruda, Mezereum, Nux Vomica and Terebinthina and can be used to neutralize the action of Phosphorus.

Apis Mellifica – Homeopathic Medicine: Its Uses, Indications and Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 42 Comments

Apis Mellifica is a homeopathic remedy prepared from honey-bees through the potentization process (a process by which homeopathic medicines are prepared). With this process, the latent medicinal properties of honey bee are extracted. It is known to be very effective to treat skin allergies, urticaria (raised itchy bumps on skin from an allergic reaction), bee sting, urinary infection and joint swelling.

The ‘Apis Mellifica’ Constitution

This medicine is suited to people who have sensitive skin and are prone to suffering from skin allergies and skin rash. Next, it is adapted to people who have tendency to get inflammation in various body parts like eyes, joints, urinary tract.

Drug Action

This is a first aid medicine for bee stings (without any anaphylactic shock symptoms). Next, it is a incomparable medicine to treat skin allergies and eye allergies. It is also used to manage inflammatory conditions of urinary tract, joints, with stinging, burning pains. Apart from the above, its action is marked to treat conditions with fluid retention in body parts like hydrocephalus (build up of excess cerebrospinal fluid in the cavities i.e. ventricle of the the brain), swollen ankles, oedema of legs, swollen joints, puffy swollen face.

Role as a Homeopathic Medicine

1. Meningitis and Hydrocephalus

This is an important medicine to manage meningitis i.e. inflammation of the meninges that refers to the protective membranes which covers the brain and spinal cord. It also is a very useful medicine to manage hydrocephalus cases. In both these cases it is used when the affected child is unable to hold the head erect and keeps boring the head into the pillow. The child also shows intense irritability with crying and loud screaming. Other attending symptoms shown by the child are drowsiness, mental confusion, dullness. Severe pain in the back of the head may also be experienced along with excessive sweating on the head.

2. Inflammation of Tongue (Glossitis)

This is a well-indicated medicine to treat inflammation of tongue where there is a prickling, burning, stinging sensation on the tongue. If we look on the tongue then it is fiery red, swollen. Sometimes cracks, ulcers or vesicles on tongue are seen. Person also feels the tongue is dry with inability to swallow. They may have bitter taste in mouth along with above symptoms.

3. Eye Complaints

When it comes to treat eye complaints, Apis is indicated for keratitis (inflammation of cornea), iritis (inflammation of iris i.e. the coloured ring around the eye’s pupil), swelling of the lower eyelids (bag under eyes) and eye allergies. The key features to use this medicine in above eye complaints are redness of conjunctiva with burning, stinging, shooting pain in the eyes. Along with it, swelling of eyelids and hot watery discharge from eyes is prominent.

4. Face Swelling

This is a valuable medicine to treat swollen, puffy face. Persons needing it have pale, sunken, waxy and puffy face. Puffiness of the eyelids mainly lower one is marked. They feel prominent stinging and prickling sensation in the face. They also complain of heat and burning sensation in the face. They wish to wash face with cold water to get relief in burning sensation.

5. Sore Throat, Enlarged/Inflamed Tonsils

This remedy acts on the throat, tonsils and helps in reducing its inflammation. It is given when the throat and tonsils are extremely red, swollen, inflamed, sometimes with ulcers. Along with this person feels stinging, burning, smarting, shooting pain in throat. They feel pain is worse on swallowing especially solids. Their throat is dry with heat along with constricted sensation. They also have thick stringy mucus in the throat.

6. Skin Issues

It is a beneficial remedy to treat various skin complaints. It is majorly used in homeopathy to treat cases of urticaria ( skin allergy where bumps / wheals appear on the skin). Here it is given when body is covered with large wheals that are red and inflamed or are white with red border. The wheals are painful, tender, hot and extremely sensitive to touch, and there are stinging pains. There is also violent itching and burning in the wheals. The itching gets worse from warmth of the bed and is better in open air.

Next, it is used as a first aid medicine in cases of bee sting. The results of bee sting including swelling, itching, burning, stinging on the skin are treated wonderfully with this medicine.

Other than this, this medicine is useful to relieve itching on the skin. It is used when itching is intolerable at night and it lead to sleeplessness. Along with itching, prickling over the whole body is present. The person feels better by scratching. Other symptoms that they usually have are roughness, dryness stinging, smarting and burning sensation on the skin.

Apart from above, it is highly considered in cases of skin allergies and skin rash. In such conditions it helps to heal the rash and ease the violent itch.

It also gives good results in case of large boils and carbuncles (skin infections with pus filled lumps on skin). Burning and stinging pains in them is characteristic feature to use this remedy here.

Next, it is given in cases of measles when there is intense weakness with eruptions. Its use is also thought for cases of imperfectly developing measles where eruptions did not come out properly. In such undeveloped eruptions cases fever, cough, diarrhoea and drowsiness are present.

Skin burns and prickly heat with stinging pains are the rest of the skin conditions which this homeopathic medication can very effectively manage.

7. Urinary Complaints

This is one of the top grade medicine to treat urinary tract infections (UTI), inflammation of urinary bladder and prostate gland.

In all such cases it majorly helps to relieve burning, smarting, scalding pain that is felt while urinating or after urinating. It also helps to manage attending complaint of weak urine flow, frequent urge to urinate and blood stained urine.

8. Joint Swelling and Inflammation

This medicine has a remarkable action on joints where it helps to reduce its inflammation and swelling. Among them it is majorly indicated for treating swelling of ankles and knee. In such cases along with swelling heat, sensitivity, soreness an stinging pains in the joints are marked.

9. Male Complaints

Males needing this medicine to treat cases of prostate enlargement have a frequent desire to urinate. The frequency is increased both day and night time. Another complaint faced by them where Apis seems to help is difficulty in passing urine with need to press hard to begin to urinate. It also helps to subside inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis) and relieve the burning, stinging pains while urinating.

Next, it is an excellent medicine to treat cases of hydrocele. This medicine helps to reduce swelling of the scrotum. It also helps to relieve its associated pain.

10. Female Disorders

This is a leading medicine to treat complaint of ovaries, mastitis (inflammation of breast) and premenstrual syndrome ( PMS) in females.

The ovarian complaints that are effectively managed with it includes ovarian cyst, ovarian tumours, ovarian inflammation (ovaritis), ovarian pain, ovarian swelling, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). The major symptom to use this remedy in ovarian complaints is burning, sharp, stinging pain in ovaries like sting of a bee. The pain may also be cutting, shooting type. The affected ovary is sore and tender to touch. Many women needing it complain that the pain from ovaries radiate down the thighs. They may also experience worsening of pain in ovary before or during menses. The pain may also get worse during coition. Irregular menses in case of ovarian tumours is also indicative of its use. In most cases, it is the right ovary that is affected when this medicine is required.

Next, it is used to treat mastitis (inflammation of breast tissue). Females needing it have swollen, hard, tender breasts sometimes with pus formation in it from infection. They feel extreme burning, stinging in breast along with swelling.

Females having premenstrual syndrome are also greatly helped with this medicine. To use it in PMS the symptoms to look for are irritability, sensitivity of mind, and water retention.

Dosage

Use of Apis Mellifica is indicated in a tincture of 30 potency. It can be taken two to three times a day in 30 potency in case of acute complaints.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Complementary medicine is Natrum Mur, which completes its action.

Rhus Tox is inimical and should not be used before or after Apis Mellifica.

Antidote medicines are Carbolic Acid, Cantharis, Lachesis, and Ledum Pal as they neutralize the action of Apis.