A squint, also known as strabismus, refers to a condition in which the coordination of the eyes is disturbed. In healthy persons, both the eyes point in the same direction and the focus of the eyes remains the same. But in case of a squint, the focus of one eye is correct while the other eye deviates. The affected eye can turn upward, downward, inward or outward. The extraocular muscles help in the movements of the eyeball. A squint develops due to the weakening of one or more extraocular muscles. It is a common condition in young children between the ages of 1 to 3 years, but it can affect adults too. Homeopathic treatment for squint is very effective for mild to moderate cases. They help in strengthening the eye muscles gently and naturally. Under this treatment, homeopathy medicines along with eye exercises provide the best assistance to the patient. But in severe cases of squint, homeopathic medicines provide supportive treatment in conjunction with the conventional mode. It helps in managing the symptoms related to vision. Homeopathy treatment for squint is natural and has no side effects. They are safe to use for all ages.

A detailed case taking is essential in every case. Case analysis helps in identifying the underlying cause as well as the characteristic symptoms of each case. These symptoms assist in the selection of the appropriate homeopathic medicine.

What are the Causes and Types of Squints?

A squint develops when the muscles of the eyes are not working properly. There are two types of causes leading to a squint. The first type of cause is congenital. In congenital cases, a squint is present from birth. Also, this condition may be present in other members of the family. The second type of cause is acquired, where a squint develops later in life. Acquired causes include an injury to the brain or nerves, hydrocephalus, viral infections like meningitis and measles, accidents, long untreated eye illnesses like hyper myopia or long-sightedness, myopia or short sightedness, or astigmatism, which is a defect in the shape of the cornea. It may also be present in premature babies or children with Down’s Syndrome and cerebral palsy.

Squints can be intermittent – where it appears only for some time or during certain activities. It can also be constant – where it is present continuously. There are different types of squints, depending on the direction of eye movement. The first is exotropic where the eye turns outward; the second is esotropic where the eye moves inward. These are also known as divergent and convergent squints respectively. The third type is hypotropia here the eye turns downward, and the last is hypertropia in which the eye rotates upward.

Signs and Symptoms of a Squint

Signs and symptoms vary from mild to severe depending on the underlying cause and duration of the squint. In newborns and infants, you may notice deviation of the eyes in the initial months of life. It may be temporary and arise due to tiring of the eye muscles. Generally, it goes away by itself. But if it persists, treatment is required. A squint is a very common cosmetic problem which when not treated properly may lead to permanent loss of vision. It may affect one or both eyes. As mentioned earlier, since the patient is unable to focus both eyes at one point, he may move his face or head in a particular direction to use the eyes together. Either the person may see with one eye or develop double vision, also known as lazy eye or amblyopia. There may also be a loss of deep perception.

Homeopathic Medicines for Squint

Top homeopathic medicines for squint are Physostigma, Jaborandi, Cyclamen, Gelsemium, Natrum Mur, Ruta, Alumina, Cicuta, and Stramonium. Physostigma is a top ranked homeopathic medicine for squint cases with short-sightedness. There may be profuse watery discharge the patient may complain of weakness in the eyes. Jaborandi is a highly recommended homeopathic medicine for squint with long-sightedness. In such cases, the eye turns upward and inward. Cyclamen is a useful homeopathic medicine for squint where the affected eye turns toward the nose. There may be a burning sensation in the eye. The vision is disturbed, and objects may appear double. The patient may also complain of cloudy vision. Gelsemium is another very effective homeopathic medicine for squint with disturbances in vision. The patient may complain of blurred or double vision. The eye turns outward when the person is looking sideways and disappears when looking straight. The patient may experience difficulty in opening the eyes. Natrum Mur is a suitable homeopathic treatment for squint caused by the weakening of eye muscles. The person may complain of pain in the eyes when looking downward. The eyes turn outward. Patients may face difficulty working in sunlight or bright light. The symptoms may get worse with fatigue. Ruta is beneficial homeopathic treatment for squint which occurs due to the over straining of eye muscles. Symptoms may get worse due to excessive reading or working in dim light. Alumina is an excellent homeopathic treatment for squint in children where both eyes are affected. The symptoms may get worse during dentition. The child may tend to look at one point constantly. Cicuta works well in cases where a squint appears after certain intervals. In such cases, the patient develops a squint following a fall or a blow. Stramonium is a very effective homeopathic medicine for squint due to brain disorders. The patient may have wide open eyes with marked staring, the vision may be affected, and objects may appear dark and large.

What is Housemaid’s Knee?

Housemaid’s knee is a condition where the pre-patellar bursa of the knee gets inflamed. It is also known as pre-patellar bursitis. The bursa is a small fluid-filled sac located around a joint. The bursa acts as a cushion between the bone, tendons and muscles, and reduces the friction when the tendons and muscles move over a bone during joint movement. Inflammation of the bursa is known as Bursitis. There are up to eleven bursae that surround the knee joint. The bursa present between the skin and the knee cap, or the patella, is pre-patellar bursa. Inflammation of this pre-patellar bursa is known as Housemaid’s knee. Homeopathic Treatment for Housemaid’s Knee offers excellent remedies for this problem. These medicines treat the problem of housemaid’s knee in a very safe, gentle, and efficient way. Homeopathic medicines for Housemaid’s knee help in reducing the inflammation of the bursa. They also assist in relieving symptoms like pain, swelling, and tenderness of the knee. Prominent medicines for the Homeopathic Treatment for Housemaid’s Knee include Apis Mellifica, Bryonia Alba, Sticta Pulmonaria, Silicea, Kali Iodatum, and Arnica Montana. The most suitable medicine for the Homeopathic Treatment for Housemaid’s Knee should be selected based on individual symptoms.

What are the Causes for Housemaid’s Knee?

The common causes for housemaid’s knee include a fall, blow or injury to the knee, an infection inside the pre-patellar bursa, and excessive kneeling; as in the case of carpet fitters, plumber, and gardeners. Gout and rheumatoid arthritis also raise the risk for developing housemaid’s knee.

What are the Symptoms of Housemaid’s Knee?

The symptoms of housemaid’s knee include pain and swelling in the affected side of the knee. There are tenderness, redness, and warmth over the knee as well.

Best Homeopathic Treatment for Housemaid’s Knee

1. Apis Mellifica – Homeopathic Medicine for Housemaid’s Knee when the Knee is Extremely Swollen

Apis Mellifica is highly suitable homeopathic medicine for housemaid’s knee. It is useful when the knee is very swollen, sore, and sensitive to touch. In some cases, the knee pain is stinging in nature and there is heat in the knee. Even a slight touch or pressure worsen the pain. Warmth also aggravates the pain over the knee.

2. Bryonia Alba – Homeopathic Medicine for Housemaid’s Knee when Slight Motion Worsens the Knee Pain

Bryonia Alba is an excellent homeopathic medicine for housemaid’s knee. This medicine is helpful when the pain in the knee gets worse due to a slight movement. Walking increases the knee pain. The knee is red, swollen and hot. Rest relieves the pain in the knee, and keeping it warm decreases the pain. In some cases, the pain in the knee is very violent and sharp.

3. Sticta Pulmonaria – Homeopathic Medicine for Housemaid’s Knee with Severe, Shooting Pain in the Knees

Sticta Pulmonaria is a beneficial homeopathic medicine for housemaid’s knee. The primary guiding symptom for using this medicine is a severe shooting pain in the affected knee. There is marked redness and heat, along with a lot of inflammation in the knee. In such cases, the pain increases while sitting and is relieved on moving.

4. Silicea – Homeopathic Medicine for Housemaid’s Knee with Tearing Knee Pains

Silicea is a useful homeopathic medicine for housemaid’s knee when there are tearing pains in the knee. Pressure and exercise worsen the pain. The knee shines and is also very swollen. In some cases, the knee feels as if it is tightly bound. Silicea also works well in cases where there are piercing pains in the knee.

5. Kali Iodatum and Arnica Montana – Excellent Homeopathic Treatment for Housemaid’s Knee

Kali Iodatum and Arnica Montana are other significant homeopathic medicines used for housemaid’s knee. The main feature to use Kali Iodatum is that the pain over the knee gets worse when lying down on the affected side. Other symptoms are that the swelling over the knee gets aggravated at night; there may be a gnawing pain in the knee that gets worse at night, and there is a need to change the position frequently. Arnica Montana is a very effective homeopathic medicine for housemaid’s knee caused due to an injury, a fall, or a blow to the knee. The affected knee is sore, painful, and there is a great fear to touch the knee because of the extreme pain.

What is Gangrene?

Necrosis or death of body tissue is known as Gangrene. Lack of blood supply and infection are the major causes for gangrene. Health conditions that affect blood circulation may predispose a person to gangrene. The primary causes for gangrene are smoking, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, severe injuries, frostbite, peripheral arterial disease, and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Gangrene usually develops in the legs and feet. The types of gangrene include dry gangrene, wet gangrene, and gas gangrene. In dry gangrene, the skin shrivels and dries, and becomes brown, blue or black. Persons having atherosclerosis and peripheral artery disease are predisposed to dry gangrene. In wet gangrene, the affected body tissue is swollen, soft, emits a foul odor, and has blisters. Severe burns, frostbite, and injuries are predisposing factors for wet gangrene. In gas gangrene, the bacterial infection forms gas within the affected tissue. The most common bacteria leading to gas gangrene is Clostridium Perfringens. Wet and gas gangrene have a poor prognosis as compared to dry gangrene. Homeopathy can treat gangrene. Though the body tissues that have died cannot be revived, homeopathic treatment for gangrene can stop its progression. In dealing with a case of gangrene with homeopathy, a detailed case taking is required along with a precise analysis of the case for the final prescription. A well qualified homeopathic physician should be consulted to decide the most effective homeopathic medicine for gangrene, and self-medication must be avoided.

Top Grade Homeopathic Medicines for Gangrene

1. Secale Cor – An Effective Homeopathic Medicine for Dry Gangrene

Secale Cor is a top ranked homeopathic medicine for gangrene which is dry. The main symptoms for selecting Secale Cor as a treatment is dry, shriveled skin with a bluish appearance. The affected area is usually numb. If touched, it feels icy cold. In spite of the feeling of coldness; warmth or external heat over the damaged part is unbearable. Covering the affected area is also intolerable. Uncovering the affected part and cold application makes it feel better. Although the skin is cold externally, internally a burning sensation is felt in the troubled area.

2. Arsenic Album – An Excellent Homeopathic Medicine for Dry Gangrene

Arsenic Album is another homeopathic treatment for gangrene that is dry. Arsenic Album works well when there is a burning feeling in the affected area. The skin appears to be dry, dirty, blackish blue and shriveled, as a result of occluded blood supply. A very peculiar symptom for selecting Arsenic Album is if the patient gets relief with warm application over the distressed area, even if there is burning. Patients requiring Arsenic Album may also show anxiety and restlessness.

3. Anthracinum – Highly Beneficial Homeopathic Medicine for Wet Gangrene

Anthracinum is a significant and highly beneficial homeopathic medicine for gangrene. For selecting Anthracinum, the symptoms to look out for are blackish blue blisters with foul secretions. These secretions are very offensive. Along with these symptoms, there is an extreme burning in the affected area. There is noticeable sloughing of the skin, also known as gangrene ulcers. In cases where Anthracinum is prescribed, the patient feels very weak. Anthracinum is a prominently indicated homeopathic treatment for gangrene that follows burns or scalds. If given on time, the use of Anthracinum can prevent surgery.

4. Calendula – Valuable Homeopathic Medicine to Prevent Gangrene After an Injury

Homeopathic medicine Calendula is an excellent homeopathic medicine for gangrene that may arise following an injury. Treatment with Calendula should be started as soon as possible after the injury to prevent gangrene. Calendula is a good healing agent and ensures healthy granulation of the wounded skin. Using Calendula at the right time prevents pus formation and further superadded skin infection over the injured area can be avoided, reducing the chances of putrification of the skin. Calendula works well in cases of old, neglected wounds that may get infected with gangrene.

5. Silicea – Homeopathic Medicine for Gangrene with Blisters and Pus Discharge

Silicea is a frequently used homeopathic medicine for gangrene with blisters and pus. Silicea works well for cases where pus discharge occurs. It should be employed early on because of its ability to control the suppurative process. It is a very effective homeopathic remedy for skin complaints with pus discharge and foul odor. In gangrene, Silicea gives promising results in cases where blisters and pus discharge dominate.

6. Carbo Veg – Helpful Homeopathic Medicine for Senile Gangrene in the Toes

Carbo Veg is an important homeopathic medicine for senile gangrene of the toes. It is helpful for gangrene in aged people appearing as a consequence of insufficient blood supply due to occlusion of arteries. The indicating feature for the use of Carbo Veg in the treatment of senile gangrene is cold, bluish skin. In some cases, a putrid odor from the gangrenous area arises. Along with this, the person feels weak and lethargic and feels better in cold air.

7. Lachesis – Useful Homeopathic Remedy for Gangrene with Bluish Purple or Black Appearance

Lachesis is a good homeopathic medicine for gangrene when it occurs in a malignant, septic and gangrenous state. It works well when the skin has a bluish, purple or blackish appearance. The affected area is extremely sensitive to touch. The skin may also have dark blisters or gangrenous ulcers. These ulcers are painful and have a burning sensation. Hot flushes in various body parts may accompany the skin complaints. Wearing tight bands, especially around the neck and waist, are intolerable for these patients.

Cantharis, Anthracinum, and Arsenic Album for Gangrene from Burns

Cantharis, Anthracinum, and Arsenic Album are a very effective homeopathic treatment for gangrene arising as a result of burns. Cantharis should be used as soon as possible since it is a preventive remedy for gangrene that occurs after burns. Its immediate use following a burn helps prevent blisters and further complications including gangrene. Anthracinum works well when black and blue blisters appear on the skin. In such cases, there is a lot of burning in the affected skin. The discharge is very offensive. Along with skin symptoms, there is extreme exhaustion and weakness. Arsenic Album is a helpful homeopathic treatment for gangrene when the affected skin appears blackish blue and has a lot of burning. Patients are very restless and feel better with warm applications over the affected area.

Agaricus for Gangrene from Frostbite

Agaricus is the best homeopathic treatment for gangrene caused by frostbite. In such cases, patients have red and swollen skin accompanied by intolerable pain. Along with this, there is a pins and needles sensation and numbness. Agaricus is a very effective homeopathic medicine for gangrene from frostbite and must be used as soon as possible for best results.

Calendula, Anthracinum, and Silicea for Gangrene from Injuries

Calendula is a good homeopathic medicine for gangrene in cases of injury. It helps in the healthy healing of tissue through first intention after injury. Calendula works well as a preventive homeopathic treatment for gangrene that may appear after an injury. If Calendula is given without much delay, it reduces the chances of infection and gangrene. Anthracinum works well for gangrene after injuries where there is the formation of black and bluish blisters. These blisters burn intolerably and have a very offensive discharge. Silicea is suitable for gangrene following injuries where there is an excessive foul smelling pus discharge. Silicea is a highly effective homeopathic remedy to control the suppurative processes.

Secale Cor, Vipera and Carbo Veg for Gangrene of the Feet

Secale Cor, Vipera, and Carbo Veg are highly competent homeopathic medicines to treat gangrene of the feet. Secale Cor is selected when the affected part is dry, shriveled, and blue. Covering of the affected region and heat is intolerable, while cold applications are soothing. Vipera is considered in gangrene of the feet when there are unbearable pain and a bursting sensation in the gangrenous feet. Hanging the feet worsens the condition while elevation makes the person comfortable. Carbo Veg works best for senile gangrene of the toes. The affected part in these cases appears blue and cold, and the patient feels exhausted and weak.

Homeopathic Medicines for Dry and Wet Gangrene

Homeopathic medicines are highly competent remedies to deal with dry or wet gangrene. There are a group of homeopathic medicines that help to recover from dry and wet gangrene. The homeopathic medicines that are effective for dry gangrene are Secale Cor, Antimonium Crudum, and Bismuth. For wet gangrene, the best homeopathic medicines are Anthracinum, Silicea, Tarentula, and Vipera. The most appropriate medicine that fits the individual case should be selected after a detailed case taking.

What is Intertrigo?

Intertrigo is an inflammatory skin condition in which there is a rash between the folds of the skin. The most common sites for intertrigo include the armpits, the inner thighs, the inframammary creases or the area under the breast, the groin area, behind the ears, spaces between the toes and the fingers, neck folds, and skin between the buttocks. Homeopathic treatment for intertrigo is very successful. Homeopathic medicines treat intertrigo in a very efficient manner. Medicines that are among the best homeopathic treatment for intertrigo are Causticum, Graphites, Petroleum, Sulphur, Silicea, and Merc Sol. The selection of homeopathic medicines should be made according to the individual symptoms in each case. These medicines are very safe and can be used for patients of any age group. They are free from side effects. These medicines also help in managing the symptoms of intertrigo like itching, burning, and soreness of the skin. Along with this, they assist in healing the rash on the skin in a very gentle and natural way.

Why does Intertrigo Occur and What are the Risk Factors that Lead to it?

Intertrigo occurs mainly because of the rubbing of the skin and the trapping of moisture between the folds, which leads to skin irritation. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, excessive sweating, improper air circulation in the folds of the skin, poor hygiene, heat, and use of diaper are the factors that predispose a person to intertrigo or worsen the intertrigo. The damaged skin provides an appropriate environment for the fungus, yeast, or bacteria to grow and flourish leading to secondary infections. Inverse psoriasis and dermatitis also make a person prone to intertrigo.

What are the Symptoms of Intertrigo?

The symptoms of intertrigo include redness, rash, rawness, and soreness in the affected skin. Itching and burning of varying intensity accompany the skin rash. In some cases, the skin may also show cracks and crusts. Along with the above symptoms, a foul smell or oozing of fluid may be present on the skin.

Homeopathic Medicines for Intertrigo

1. Causticum – Top Grade Homeopathic Medicine for Intertrigo

Causticum is a very good homeopathic treatment for intertrigo. The symptoms that point to its use are rash and soreness between the skin folds. The folds that are affected include the back of the ears and the area between the thighs. Sometimes cracks are also present in these regions. Causticum is also among the prominent homeopathic medicines for treating intertrigo in children which arise during the dentition period.

2. Graphites – Homeopathic Medicine for Intertrigo with Gluey, Sticky Discharge

Graphites is an excellent homeopathic treatment for intertrigo. It is beneficial when the rash or cracks between folds ooze a glutinous, honey-like, sticky discharge. The skin areas that are mainly involved include the crease of the neck, the groin, the bends of the limbs, the area between the toes, the area between the thighs and abdomen, and the skin behind the ears. The affected area becomes sore and raw and heals very slowly.

3. Petroleum – Homeopathic Medicine for Intertrigo with High Sensitivity of Skin

Petroleum is a beneficial homeopathic medicine for intertrigo in cases where the skin between the folds is raw and very sensitive. Even the touch of clothing on the affected area can be extremely painful. In some cases, there are cracks with bleeding; while in others, there are pus formation and crusts over the skin rash. In patients who have a rash in the armpits, there may be offensive sweat as well.

4. Sulphur – Homeopathic Medicine for Intertrigo with Intense Itching and Burning

Sulphur is an effective homeopathic medicine for intertrigo when it occurs with severe itching and burning of the skin. The itching is most severe in the evenings and at night. Even the warmth of the bed aggravates the itching. In some patients, itching is aggravated because of washing. Scratching leads to a burning sensation on the skin. Sulphur is also a good homeopathic medicine for the treatment of skin complaints that have a history of suppression due to prior application of ointments.

5. Silicea – Highly Suitable Homeopathic Medicine for Intertrigo Mainly Between the Toes

Silicea is a prominent homeopathic treatment for intertrigo which occurs between the toes. The skin between the toes shows cracks, fissures, and intense soreness. There is excessive sweat on the feet as well as an offensive odor. Silicea is also very beneficial for treating intertrigo when there is pus formation along with an infection between the toes.

6. Merc Sol – Excellent Homeopathic Medicine for Intertrigo with Offensive Sweating

Merc Sol is a well indicated homeopathic treatment for intertrigo which occurs with foul sweat on the skin. The skin remains moist through the day and night. In some cases, the sweat is sour smelling. The affected skin is raw, tender, and excoriated. Along with this, there is itching that gets worse with perspiration and the warmth of the bed.

Inflammation of the alveoli of the lungs due to different infections is called pneumonia. The infection may be bacterial, viral or fungal. Pneumonia arises when an infectious agent crosses the defense mechanism of the upper respiratory system and the alveolar macrophages, reaches the lungs, and causes inflammation. Pneumonia which affects the entire lobe of a lung is known as lobar pneumonia. Pneumonia affecting small areas in several lobes of the lungs is called bronchopneumonia. Although pneumonia can affect people of any age group, but children aged two years or younger, and individuals who are 65 years of age or more are at the highest risk. Homeopathic treatment for pneumonia is very beneficial for affected patients. These medicines help in providing symptomatic improvement from pneumonia and resolve the inflammation of the alveoli of the lung. In each case of pneumonia, homeopathic medicines need to be carefully selected based upon the individual symptomatic presentation.

When prescribed as per the prominent symptoms, homeopathic medicines have the ability to help in complete recovery from pneumonia. Homeopathic medicines that are highly effective for treating pneumonia are Bryonia, Arsenic Album, Phosphorus, Antimonium Tart, Hepar Sulph, Ipecac, Carbo Veg, and Senega.

Homeopathic Treatment for Pneumonia

1. Bryonia – Top Grade Medicine for Pneumonia with Chest Pain

Bryonia is an important treatment for pneumonia. It works well when chest pain accompanies pneumonia. The pain is stitching in nature. Chest pains get worse on coughing and deep breathing. While coughing, the patient needs to hold the chest because of the intense pain. Expectoration of rust or brick colored sputa is another characteristic feature. Along with these symptoms, there is difficulty in breathing, and there may be fever accompanied by chills.

2. Arsenic Album – For Pneumonia with Difficulty in Breathing

Arsenic Album is a suitable medicine for pneumonia when difficult breathing and shortness of breath are prominent features. Along with this, cough with scanty frothy phlegm is present. Arsenic Album is also an effective homeopathic medicine for treating pneumonia from consuming chilled food items. Pain located specifically in the upper third of the right lung is another guiding symptom for the use of Arsenic Album. Another feature is a suffocating feeling, which gets worse on lying down or while sleeping.

3. Phosphorus – For Pneumonia with Chest Oppression

Phosphorus is a highly useful medicine for pneumonia. Phosphorus is indicated for pneumonia when accompanied by chest oppression. There is a heaviness in the chest and respiration is also quickened. There is also a dry, hard, racking cough. Along with this, bloody or purulent sputa may also occur. Phosphorus is very suitable for pneumonia of the left lower lung. In such cases, lying on the left side worsens the symptoms.

4. Antimonium Tart – For Rattling Mucus in the Chest

Antimonium Tart is an effective treatment for pneumonia when there is an excessive rattling of mucus in the chest. Lungs are full of mucus which is not expectorated. Short and difficult breathing accompanies this. Antimonium Tart works well in the last stages of pneumonia. Another important indication for using Antimonium Tart is the occurrence of jaundice with pneumonia.

5. Hepar Sulph – With Purulent Sputa

Hepar Sulph is a highly effective medicine for pneumonia when the sputa are purulent. The pus in such cases may be offensive. Hepar Sulph is basically a homeopathic medicine for pneumonia in the suppurative stage. There is a loose cough with a rattling of mucus. Patients needing Hepar Sulph may have a fever with chills accompanying the above symptoms.

6. Ipecac – For Pneumonia Accompanied by Nausea and Vomiting

Ipecac is a good treatment for pneumonia in cases where nausea and vomiting accompany other respiratory symptoms. The respiratory symptoms include a suffocating loose cough without expectoration, shortness of breath, and constriction in the chest. The cough is spasmodic and often ends in vomiting. Along with this, bubbling rales in the chest are present. Bloody sputa may also arise.

7. For Pneumonia in Infants and Children

Most common treatment for pneumonia in infants and children are Antimonium Tart, Ipecac, and Bryonia. Antimonium Tart should be used when there is an excessive rattling of mucus in the chest. Along with this, rapid breathing is present. The pulse rate is also rapid and weak. Ipecac works well when there is a cough with bubbling rales in the chest. The child turns stiff and blue. Vomiting with a cough may arise. Bryonia is recommended when there is a cough with rust colored sputa.

8.For Pneumonia in Older People

Top treatment for pneumonia in older people are Carbo Veg, Senega, and Phosphorus. Carbo Veg works well for pneumonia with a cough and quick, short, labored breathing. Yellow and sticky expectoration may be present. A burning sensation in the chest is another accompanying symptom. Senega is useful when the chest feels sore along with coughing. The sputa are very tough and expectorated with much difficulty. Phosphorus works well when there is a cough along with oppressed breathing and bloody sputa. It is also recommended for threatened paralysis of the lung from pneumonia in older people.

Causes of Pneumonia

Micro organisms including bacteria, virus, and fungi can cause pneumonia. The common bacteria for pneumonia include streptococcus pneumoniae, Hemophilus influenza, and klebsiella pneumoniae. Influenza virus causes pneumonia of viral origin, and adenovirus and rhinovirus pneumonia from fungi affect immuno-compromised patients. Fungi such as candida albicans, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Apergillus fumigates, are the fungi that are involved in causing pneumonia. Cigarette smoking, asthma, COPD, liver disease, and a weak immune system are risk factors for pneumonia.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

The symptoms of pneumonia include a productive cough, chest pain on taking deep breaths or while coughing, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, fever, and chills. The phlegm may be rust colored, blood stained, purulent, yellowish or greenish. Other attending symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.

The faith in oneself and one’s abilities is known as confidence. A confident person has the courage to stand up for his or her beliefs and is ready to face challenges. Confident people don’t fear failure and are willing to learn new things and take risks. They also have a positive view about life and circumstances. On the other hand, a person who lacks self confidence doesn’t have faith in their abilities. They have a negative view of life and low self esteem. They also criticize their own self. Individuals who suffer from low self confidence feel that they are not good enough and won’t be able to perform. There is also a fear of failure. It is not as if the patient lacks the ability to perform a task; rather they lack faith in their abilities. Lack of self confidence may lead to anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, avoiding new challenges and facing new situations, and poor relationships. Such patients may also start taking drugs or alcohol. Lack of self confidence and low self esteem usually begins in childhood. Low confidence can arise from a number of factors. Some of these are a profound mental or physical insult in the past, being bullied, facing excessive criticism from others during childhood, being overprotected, having domineering or over demanding parents, and high expectations from others.Homeopathic treatment for lack of self confidence uses natural medicines that help a person build up confidence levels. These medicines can be taken along with psychotherapy to achieve the best results. They help change the patient’s perspective from negative to positive thoughts.

Homeopathic Medicines For Building Up Self Confidence

A homeopathic medicine for lack of self confidence is best selected after taking a complete case history in an individual case. While taking the case history, the emphasis should be on identifying the reason for low esteem and low self confidence; since the origin of the problem in such cases is deeply rooted. Homeopathic treatment for lack of self confidence helps in removing obstacles that hinder healthy psychological development leading to low esteem and its results like depression.The most prominent medicines for the homeopathic treatment for lack of self confidence are Aurum Met, Lycopodium, Staphysagria, Silicea, and Argentum Nitricum.

1. Aurum Met – Homeopathic Medicine to Boost Self Confidence in Persons with a Self Criticizing Nature

Aurum Met is a useful homeopathic medicine for lack of self confidence. This medicine is suitable for patients lacking in confidence and suffering from a self-criticising nature. They feel that they are worthless and have no value. They blame themselves for trivial things that go wrong and have difficulty dealing with contradiction from others. Aurum Met is also used for people with poor confidence levels who go into depression due to the loss of love. Hopelessness is another feature that accompanies the above symptoms. Some patients may get suicidal. Aurum Met also works well in individuals who have been burdened with a lot of responsibility at a very early stage in life.

2. Lycopodium – Homeopathic Medicine for Boosting Self Confidence in Persons who Avoid Undertaking New Tasks

Lycopodium is an important homeopathic medicine for lack of self confidence. It is used for individuals who lack self confidence and are averse to taking on new tasks. They fear failure and don’t like to face new situations. Lycopodium is also used when there is an aversion to take on responsibilities because of the fear of failure. Lycopodium also works well when a person has been dominated by parents during childhood.

3. Staphysagria – Homeopathic Medicine to Help Build Self Confidence in Persons with Low Self Esteem Due to a Deep Insult in the Past

Staphysagria is another prominent homeopathic medicine for lack of self confidence. Staphysagria works well in a patients with a history of humiliation; some mental, physical, or sexual abuse; a profound insult; or some shameful incident. Staphysagria is also used for children who feel unloved or uncared for, and end up with low confidence levels. Staphysagria helps raise self confidence in persons who are weak spirited and have low self esteem. Such patients are also extremely sensitive. They get hurt very easily, tend to get offended, feel insulted too often because of little things, and are very concerned about the opinions of others.

4. Silicea – Homeopathic Medicine for Lack of Self Confidence Levels in Persons Who are Timid and Suffer from Low Confidence

Silicea is an effective homeopathic treatment for lack of self confidence. It works well for raising the self confidence levels in individuals who are very timid and lack self-confidence. They are uncomfortable appearing in public and lack the courage to speak in front of a group of people. They are unable to express themselves properly and have a very mild, sensitive, nervous and yielding nature. Such people consider themselves incapable of doing any work because of the fear of failure.

5. Argentum Nitricum – Homeopathic Treatment for Lack of  Self Confidence when Accompanied by Marked Anxiety

Argentum Nitricum is a well indicated homeopathic medicine for lack of self confidence in cases where it is accompanied by anxiety. These individuals do everything in a great hurry and are very impatient. They also suffer from marked anticipatory anxiety. If they have to go to a new place, do something new, or appear somewhere, the anxiety levels shoot up. Diarrhea may also accompany anxiety. Such patients fear crowds, a mishappening, an impending evil, and even high buildings.