Homeopathic medicine Natrum Mur is prepared from Common Salt (Sodium chloride, NaCl). With the process of trituration the hidden medicinal properties of common salt are raised and converted into a brilliant homeopathic medicine having a very wide sphere of action. It is one among the Schuessler’s twelve tissue remedies. As a homeopathic remedy, it is mainly used to treat depression, nasal allergies, migraine, headaches, skin complaints and female disorders.

The ‘Natrum Mur’ Constitution

Natrum Mur is suited to anaemic, chlorotic, thin and cachetic people. Tuberculous, scrofulous, and dropsical diathesis call for its use. It is also adapted to those who suffer from complaints arising consequent to loss of animal fluids. The Natrum Mur people are emaciated and lose flesh even while eating well. Along with emaciation, they suffer from great debility, nervous prostration, nervous irritability and also have great liability to catch a cold. Their skin is pale, waxy, and looks as if greased. They are reserved, introverted, nervous personalities and have a highly sensitive nature.

Drug Action

Natrum Mur is a deep-acting medicine with a wide sphere of action. Its action is mainly marked on mind, nose, head, eyes, scalp, female genitals and skin. It offers acts on the gastro-intestinal tract and stimulates digestion and secretion of gastric juice. It alsohas a marked action on nasal mucus membrane. As per Schussler,  salt is excreted through the mucus. So he says that this must be the remedy for all catarrhs. Further, it acts upon the sebaceous glands and treats oily skin, particularly face and scalp. Apart from the above, it also has major effect on blood and helps to increase RBC’s and treat anaemia.

Clinical Indications 

Natrum Mur has a wide range of uses, the major among them being depression, ailments from grief, nasal allergies, migraine headache, weak eyesight, hair fall, dandruff, menstrual irregularities, vaginal discharge, genital herpes, dyspareunia, eczema and urticaria.

Scope as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. For Depression 

Grief, depression, melancholy, gloominess, sadness, weeping, anxiety, irritability are all the keywords pointing towards  the use of Natrum Mur.

This remedy possesses a great potential to treat cases of depression. People who need this experience sadness with much weeping that gets worse from consolation. They also prefer to be alone. Tendency to dwell on past unpleasant memories predominates. Aversion to work both mental and physical attends. They are hopeless about the future. Anxiety, irritability, restlessness, indifferent behaviour also accompanies. They tend to get easily offended too. Along with sadness, anxiety, palpitations and fluttering of heart is also there. Absent mindedness with difficulty of thinking also prevail among them. A thought that some misfortune is about to happen predominates. Sleeplessness that arises from depression is also treated well with this medicine, as are ailments arising from grief, disappointed love, suppressed emotions, anger, vexation, mortification, reserved displeasure and fright. Postpartum depression and premenstrual syndrome with depressed feeling also indicates the use of Natrum Mur.

2. Nasal Complaints 

Use of this remedy in colds has been considered since ancient times. In old school practice, it was used in solution as a douche or spray in cases of nasal catarrh. In homeopathy, it proves beneficial for people who have tendency to take a cold easily. The results shown by this medicine in cases of allergic rhinitis ‘hay fever’ are remarkable. Here sneezing, watery discharge from nose and eyes is present. Sometimes the nasal discharge is clear and white. The nose may be stuffy too with difficulty of breathing through nose. In some cases fluent coryza alternates with stoppage of nose. Burning and soreness in the nose may attend above. The patient may also have loss of smell and taste with catarrh.

3. For Migraine and Headache

It is a top-listed medicine to treat migraine headache. Sun headache from sunrise to sunset is a perfect indication, where the headache is intense with sensation as if it would burst. The head also feel congested from blood. Along with  a headache, disturbed vision and photophobia may accompany. Sometimes headache is preceded by zig-zag dazzling in eyes, like lightning. A very characteristic headache where a person feels as if thousand little hammers are knocking in brain is also a very peculiar indication. Other indication are headache from errors of refraction and eye strain and a headache during or before menstrual cycle in females.

4. For Eye Complaints

This remedy helps treat a number of eye complaints, primarily myopia (near sightedness) and weak eyesight. It is useful for treating cases of double vision (diplopia), floaters including black specks, streaks of light and sparks before eyes. It also works for treating incipient cataract and preserves the transparency of tissues of lens of eye.

5. For Scalp Complaints

The use of this remedy is highly recommended in scalp complaints including hair fall and dandruff. The hair fall is abundant. Even touching the scalp leads to hair fall. It is also indicated for dry hair, in cases of dandruff where the flakes are white in colour, and for humid eruptions on the scalp. The eruptions discharge gluey matter that results in matting of the hair and also loss of hair. Apart from the above, Natrum Mur is a significant remedy to treat itching over the scalp.

6. For Female Disorders

As a medicine, it has a very wide range of action over female genital organs, mainly for treating vaginal discharges (leucorrhea) in females. The leucorrhea discharge is very profuse, white or greenish and acrid in nature. The discharge causes itching and smarting pain in the vagina. Before discharge, colic and bearing-down sensation may appear. Leucorrhea is attended with excessive debility in most of the cases.

It is also a prominent remedy to regularise menstrual cycle. In addition to this, it is indicated for treating sterility in females.

It is also an excellent remedy for treating symptoms of sadness, anxiety and irritability that appears before menses. Suppressed menses especially from grief also calls for its use.

Women who have the complaint of painful sex (dyspareunia) and low sex drive are also benefited with this medicine. They mainly have attending dryness of vagina with above complaint. Burning and smarting pain in vagina also may be felt during intercourse.

Many post-partum complaints including prolonged, copious white lochia,  for complaint of hair fall from scalp & genitals and decreased lactation also call for the need of this medicine.

7. For Skin Complaints

It is frequently used to treat a number of skin conditions like fever blisters, urticaria, genital herpes, eczema, warts (on palms of hand) being the main ones. The remedy has also proven to be very helpful to treat eczema and is mainly useful for dry eczema where the skin is dry, raw, red and inflamed.

Next, its use is highly considered in cases of urticaria with large red blotches that cover the whole body. Marked itching and burning in blotches is there. Urticaria mainly follows violent exercise.

It also treats fever blisters/cold sores where the vesicles are filled with watery contents and they appear like pearls about the lips.

The remedy also yields good results in case of eruptions that appear in the bend of the limbs, around the borders of the hair and behind the ears. Apart from these, it is helpful for treating genital herpes (in both males and females), acne, comedones, sunburns, dry and chapped skin, hangnails, and warts specifically on the palms of hands.

8. For Anaemia

It is a significant homeopathic medicine to treat anaemia. PersonS needing it have pale look, with blue circles around the eyes. They suffer from great exhaustion arising from little exertion and seem emaciated.

9. For Rectal Complaints

When it comes to the rectum, this is a highly powerful medicine to treat constipation in cases where the stool is dry, hard,  and crumbling. It may also be like sheep dung. The stool is unsatisfactory and passes with much difficulty and many times with tearing and shooting in rectum and anus. Another notable complaint to make use of Natrum Mur is burning in the anus and rectum both during and after stool.

Dosage 

Natrum Mur is used in both low and high potencies. In acute complaints it can be used in low potency frequently while in chronic cases use of high potencies in infrequent doses is recommended.

Relation to Other Remedies

This remedy is a chronic of Ignatia in the mental sphere, while complementary medicines are Apis and Sepia.

It is followed well by Sepia and Thuja and the antidote medicines to it are Arsenic Album, Nux Vomica and Phosphorus.

Pudendal neuralgia refers to chronic pelvic pain arising from damage or irritation of the pudendal nerve. The pudendal nerve supplies the areas including lower buttocks; perineum; area around anus and rectum; labia, vulva and clitoris in females; scrotum and penis in males; external anal sphincter and urethral sphincter. Homeopathic remedies for pudendal neuralgia help manage pain, numbness in the pelvis as well as genitals and other attending complaints like urinary issues, erectile dysfunction, painful coition in cases of pudendal neuralgia.  

Pudendal neuralgia may arise from direct injury to the pudendal nerve, injury to pudendal nerve from surgery to pelvic area or from childbirth, muscles spasm in pelvic floor that compresses the nerve, damage to nerve from an infection or disease, compression of nerve from a tumour that squeeze or irritate the nerve. Activities including prolonged sitting, horse riding and excessive bicycling also predispose a person to pudendal neuralgia. In some cases no cause behind pudendal neuralgia may be found.

Homeopathic Remedies for Pudendal Neuralgia

Homeopathic medicines are highly effective to treat the complaint of pudendal neuralgia. The top grade medicines to treat pudendal neuralgia are Colocynthis, Magnesia Phos, Hypericum, Platina and Sepia. The suitable medicines among them are selected based on the characteristic symptoms in every individual case.

1. Colocynthis – For Marked Pelvic Pain

Colocynthis is prepared from pulp of fruit of plant named Citrullus colocynthis, Cucumis colocynthis or Bitter Apple. This plant belongs to natural order Cucurbitaceae. Colocynthis is a top grade medicine for pudendal neuralgia with marked pelvic pain. Persons needing Colocynth have intense pain in the hip. The nature of pain may be stitching, cutting, cramping, drawing, tearing, throbbing type. The pain may extend down  to the leg. Lying on the affected side tend to give relief. The hip may feel swollen and sensitive to touch.  Pricking, burning, sticking and excoriating pain in anus may also be present. Darting pains in rectum may attend. In females, dragging pain in vagina may accompany the above symptoms.

2. Magnesia Phos – For Pelvic Pains of Darting, Shooting Type

Magnesia Phos is a beneficial medicine for pudendal neuralgia with pelvic pains of darting, shooting type.  It is also suitable for lightning-like neuralgic pains. Pains are intense and unbearable in nature and may be shifting in nature, changing location from one place to other. Numbness may arise with pains in affected areas. Worsening of pain is noted at night. Relief in the pain from warmth and pressure is a general characteristic feature where Magnesia Phos is indicated.

3. Hypericum – For Burning Pains and Numbness

Hypericum is prepared plant from Hypericum perforatum also known by the name of St. John’s Wort. The natural order of this plant is Hypericaceae. Hypericum is a great nerve remedy for cases presented with marked burning pains and numbness. Intense excruciating neuralgic pains also attend. Tingling sensation may also appear along with above symptoms. Hypericum is a top grade medicine for treating pudendal neuralgia that arises from nerve injury.

4. Platina – For Pain in Female Genitals

Platina is an excellent medicine for treating pudendal neuralgia in females complaining of neuralgic pain in genitals. Tingling sensation in genitals may be there along with pain. A marked sensitivity of the genitals is also present, causing an inability to touch the genitals. The vulva is very sensitive and painful during coitus where Platina is needed. In some cases numbness in the genitals may also be felt.

5. Sepia – For Painful Coition in Females

Sepia is a  very beneficial medicine for managing complaint of painful coition in females suffering from pudendal neuralgia. Sexual parts are tender to touch and sexual intercourse is intolerable. Blood from vagina after coition may appear. Pain in vagina mainly of stitching nature are marked. Labia and perineum are also sore. 

6. Conium – For Pain in Male Genitals

Conium is very effective to treat pudendal neuralgia in males having pain in genitals. Males needing Conium mainly have pain in scrotum that often radiates to root of penis. Most times the pain is cutting in nature. Along with this frequent urging for urination may be present. While urinating burning, cutting pain may be felt. Conium is also helpful for treating complaint of erectile dysfunction in males having pudendal neuralgia. Painful emission of semen may also be present.

7. Caladium – For Treating Erectile Dysfunction

Caladium is prepared from the plant Caladium seguinum commonly known as Dumb Cane. The natural order of this plant is Araceae. Caladium is very suitable to treat erectile dysfunction in males having pudendal neuralgia. Males requiring Caladium suffers from weak erections or incomplete erections. Sexual desire is present. Stitching pain in penis may also be there. Caladium is also useful in cases where complaint of painful erections is present.

8. Merc Sol – To Manage Frequent and Urgent Urination

Merc Sol is very valuable to manage complaint of frequent and urgent urination in pudendal neuralgia cases. In cases requiring Merc Sol, frequency of urination is increased both in the day and at night time. Sometimes there is need to pass urine every hour. Along with this there is marked urgency to pass urine and person has to rush to urinate. Burning pain in urethra may be felt on beginning to urinate.

Symptoms of Pudendal Neuralgia

Majorly, pelvic pain is the main symptom of pudendal neuralgia. The pain locates around any of the area (buttocks, perineum, area around anus / rectum, genitals) supplied by pudendal nerve and may be burning, shooting, sharp or electric shock-like in nature. Pain most times get worse from sitting and is better by standing or lying. Apart from pain,  numbness, pin needle sensation, swollen feeling or increased sensitivity to touch in the pelvic area supplied by pudendal nerve may be felt. Other symptoms include frequent and urgent urination, painful intercourse and erectile dysfunction in men.

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria named Chlamydia Trachomatis. It is commonly spread through vaginal, oral and anal sex. This can also pass from mother to a baby during vaginal delivery if the mother is infected with this infection. Homeopathic medicines for chlamydia provide a very effective and natural treatment.

There are certain risk factors that increase the chance of getting a chlamydia infection. It includes having multiple sex partners, having unprotected sex with a person who might be having the infection, any previous history of a STI. Though Chlamydia infection affects both men and women, it is most common among young women.

Homeopathic Medicines for Chlamydia

Homeopathic medicines boost the body’s natural defence mechanism to fight with bacterial agent and bring about natural recovery in chlamydia cases. They also help in excellent symptomatic management of this infection. The top grade homeopathic medicines for symptomatic treatment of chlamydia infection are Sepia, Kreosote, Cantharis, Petroselinum and cannabis Sativa.

1. Sepia – To Manage Vaginal Discharge

Sepia is highly beneficial to manage vaginal discharge in cases of chlamydia infection. It can be used when the vaginal discharge is yellow, greenish, clear like water or milky white coloured. The vaginal discharge may get worse after urinating. The discharge may be acrid and excoriating in nature causing a burning sensation in the vagina. Itching in vagina is also marked. The discharge may have a fetid odour too. Frequent urging to urinate is also present with above symptoms. Bearing down pains in pelvis are marked. Other attending complaint is painful coition.

2. Kreosote – For Offensive Vaginal Discharge

Kreosote is an excellent medicine to treat offensive vaginal discharge in chlamydia infection. The vaginal discharge has a putrid odour. The colour of discharge may be yellow or white. The discharge is acrid, corrosive in nature causing much itching in genitals. Soreness and burning in genitals after scratching arises. Stitching pain and smarting sensation in vagina may appear too. The discharge tend to get worse on standing or walking. Great weakness appears along with the above symptoms.

3.Natrum Mur – To Manage Complaint of Painful Intercourse in Females

Natrum Mur is very useful to manage complaint of painful intercourse in females suffering from chlamydia. Along with pain burning and smarting sensation is felt in the vagina during coition. Soreness and itching in vagina may also attend. Dryness of vagina may be there or in some cases vaginal discharges are prominent. The discharges tend to be transparent, watery and very profuse. Intense debility appears along with copious vaginal discharges.

4. Argentum Nitricum – For Managing Bleeding Following Intercourse

Argentum Nitricum is a helpful medicine to manage bleeding following intercourse in females having chlamydia infection. Intercourse is painful, and profuse yellow vaginal discharges may also be complained along with above features. Sometimes the vaginal discharges are blood stained.

5. Petroselinum – To Treat Chlamydia Infection in Males with Milky Fluid Urethral Discharge

Petroselinum is prepared from a plant Petroselinum Sativum commonly named as Parsley. The natural order of this plant is Umbelliferae. Use of Petroselinum is considered for treating chlamydia infection in male having milky fluid discharge from urethra. Along with this itching and biting sensation in the urethra is marked. In some cases drawing or crawling sensation in urethra is felt. Frequent desire to urinate along with marked urgency may attend above symptoms.

6. Cannabis Sativa – For Yellow Watery Mucus Urethral Discharge in Males

Cannabis Sativa is a valuable medicine for treating chlamydia infection in males having yellow watery mucus discharge from urethra. Along with this dragging and aching in testicles may be felt. Other attending symptoms are burning while urinating, straining to pass urine and scanty urination. Stitching pain in urethra may also accompany above symptoms.

7. Pulsatilla – For Yellowish Green Discharges from Urethra in Males

Pulsatilla is prepared from plant Pulsatilla Nigricans commonly named as Pasque flower or Wind Flower. The natural order of this plant is Ranunculaceae. Pulsatilla is significant medicine for treating chlamydia in males having yellowish green discharge from urethra. The discharges are thick. Along with this pain, swelling and burning sensation in testicles may be present.

8. Cantharis – For Managing Burning/painful Urination

Cantharis is a beneficial medicine to manage complaint of burning/painful urination in chlamydia infection. Pain and burning arise while urinating. It may also be there before and after urination in many cases. Cutting pains in urethra are prominent. Frequency of urination is also increased and the urine may be scanty. Urine may contain jelly-like shreddy particles sometimes.

9. Merc Sol – For Frequent Urination

Merc Sol is highly effective to manage complaint of frequent urination in chlamydia infection. The frequency of urine is increased both in day and night time. Urine may appear almost every hour. Burning while urination may also be felt. Urgency to pass urine is also there where person have to hurry immediately to urinate. In males needing Merc Sol, yellow or green discharge from urethra may be there in addition to above urinary symptoms.

10. Rhododendron – For Pain in Testicles

Rhododendron is prepared from fresh leaves of a plant Rhododendron Chrysanthum commonly known by the name of Yellow snow-rose. This plant belongs to natural order Ericaceae. Rhododendron is suitable to treat pain in testicles in cases of chlamydia infection. Swelling is also present in testicles. Testicles may also feel hard. The pain in testicles vary from case to case. It may be pressing, tearing or contusive pain. Sitting tend to worsen the pain and motion relieves it.

Symptoms of Chlamydia Infection

In many cases of chlamydia infection no signs and symptoms are present.

When symptoms appear in females they include copious vaginal discharge that may be yellow coloured and offensive, burning / pain with urination, frequent urination, pain during intercourse, bleeding following intercourse, lower abdominal pain, inter menstrual bleeding. The symptoms of chlamydia infection in males include painful / burning urination, discharge from the penis (watery, milky, yellow, green, pus discharge) and pain in testicles. It is also possible to get a chlamydia infection in the rectum and anus. In such cases, the main symptoms are often pain, discharge or bleeding from this area. People having chlamydia are at high risk of other STI’s like gonorrhea and HIV. There is risk of Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in females having chlamydia infection. Males suffering from chlamydia are at risk of epididymitis and prostatitis. Reactive arthritis is a possible complication of chlamydia that can affect both men and women. This condition affects the joints, eyes and urethra and gastrointestinal system. There are chances of pneumonia or a serious eye infection in babies who contract chlamydia during delivery.

The urinary bladder is a hollow muscular organ in which the urine collects after being formed by the kidney. The urine from the bladder then passes in the urethra through which it exits the body. The bladder has four parts – fundus, body, apex and a neck. The neck part connects the bladder to the urethra. The bladder neck muscles remain tight to hold urine in the bladder. They relax when urine has to enter urethra for voiding (exit from the body). When the bladder neck is blocked, it doesn’t open completely during urination thus reducing or stopping the flow of urine into the urethra leading to urinary difficulties. Natural homeopathic medicines for bladder neck obstruction can help manage the symptoms effectively.

If not treated well in time, it can result in complications including urinary incontinence, UTI, stones in bladder, urinary retention, kidney damage and bladder diverticula

Homeopathic Medicines for Bladder Neck Obstruction 

Symptoms that are managed well with homeopathic medicines in such cases include difficulty starting urine stream, straining to pass urine, slow or weak urinary stream, interrupted urinary stream, increased urinary urgency, increased urinary frequency, pain on passing urine,  dribbling at end of urination. The top grade homeopathic medicines for bladder neck obstruction includes Chimaphila, Pareira Brava, Clematis, Conium and Cantharis.

1. Chimaphila – When There is Straining to Initiate Urination

Chimaphila is prepared from a plant Chimaphila Umbellata commonly known by the name of Pipsissewa or Prince’s Pine. This plant belongs to natural order pyroleae, a tribe of the Ericaceae. Chimaphila is a wonderful medicine for treating bladder neck obstruction cases where urine flow is initiated with difficulty after much straining. There is fullness in region of bladder. Urinary stream is also thin like a thread or divided. Cutting or scalding pain may be felt while urinating. In many cases, it is easier to pass urine is passed better by standing with feet wide apart and inclining the body forward.

2. Pareira Brava – Where There is Intense Straining to Pass Urine

Pareira Brava is prepared from fresh root of a plant Cessampelos pareira also known by the name of Velvet Leaf. The natural order of this plant is Menispermaceae. Pareira Brava is a valuable medicine to manage bladder neck obstruction cases where intense straining efforts to pass urine are required. Person needing Pareira Brava has to strain so hard by getting on the knee – hand position and press head against floor to pass urine. Pain in urinary bladder also appears while urination and radiates to the thighs. A constant urge to pass urine is also present.

3. Clematis – For Weak Urinary Stream

Clematis is prepared from the leaves and stems of a plant Clematis erecta. The natural order of this plant is Ranunculaceae. Clematis is an excellent medicine for persons having weak and slow urinary stream from bladder neck obstruction. Straining is needed to pass urine. Flow of urine is also interrupted. Urine frequency is increased with continual desire to pass water. Urine is scanty and is sometimes emitted drop by drop.

4. Conium – To Manage Interrupted Urinary Stream

Conium is a well-indicated medicine for cases of bladder neck obstruction with interrupted urinary stream. In such cases urine flow starts and stops many times. Along with this, pain of sharp, pressing, stitching nature may be present in the bladder. Pressure is also felt in neck of bladder and it tends to get worse while walking, and better when sitting. There may be  a constant urge to urinate in addition to the above symptoms.

5. Cantharis – For Managing Pain During Urination

Cantharis is very effective to manage pain during urination in cases of bladder neck obstruction. The pain in the bladder may be burning or cutting in nature. Pain may also be present before and after urination. Heaviness in bladder is also noted. Complaint of increased urinary frequency is also present but urine is scanty. Cantharis is also top grade medicine to treat UTI (urinary tract infection) in cases of bladder neck obstruction.

6. Merc Sol – For Managing Increased Urinary Frequency

Merc Sol is highly beneficial to manage increased urinary frequency in cases of bladder neck obstruction. In cases requiring Merc Sol there is increased frequency of urine both in day and night time. There is desire to pass urine almost every hour. The urine flow appears mostly in a thin stream. Sometimes burning, biting pain also appears while passing urine. There may be an attending complaint of urgency to pass urine along with increased frequency. A lot of soreness is felt in the region of bladder on touching.

7. Sepia – To Manage The Urgency to Pass Urine

Sepia is useful to manage urgency to pass urine from bladder neck obstruction. If desire to pass urine is not immediately attended then urine passes involuntarily. Smarting pain may appear while urinating. Urine may be offensive. There is pressure on bladder always with sensation as if bladder is full. Painful bearing down is also felt in pelvic region.

8. Lycopodium – For Stitching Pain in Bladder

Lycopodium is prepared from spores of plant Lycopodium Clavatum commonly known as Club Moss or Wolf’s Claw. This plant belongs to natural order Lycopodiaceae. Lycopodium is a significant medicine to manage stitching pain in bladder in cases of bladder neck obstruction. Other attending features to use Lycopodium are difficulty starting urine stream, straining to pass urine and frequent urination mostly at night time. It is also indicated for treating bladder stones.

9. Baryta Carb – For Dribbling at End of Urination

Baryta Carb is indicated for managing dribbling at end of urination in cases of bladder neck obstruction. Urinary frequency is increased with inability to retain urine. Much urine is passed at night time. Burning may be present while urinating.

Causes of Bladder Neck Obstruction 

The important reasons for bladder neck obstruction are an enlarged prostate; a scar tissue in bladder neck following injury; surgery done for prostate enlargement or from radiation treatments done to treat prostate cancer; and bladder stones. Other reasons include cystocele and tumors in  the prostate, rectum, cervix and uterus. Elderly men are at risk for bladder neck obstruction. A person may also be genetically predisposed to bladder neck obstruction if there is some defect in bladder structure or surrounding muscles from birth.

Symptoms of Bladder Neck Obstruction

The symptoms of bladder neck obstruction includes difficulty starting urine stream, straining to pass urine, incomplete bladder emptying and feel like some urine remains in the bladder after voiding. Other symptoms include interrupted urinary stream where urine flow starts and stops many times, increased urinary urgency, increased urinary frequency, pelvic pain, pain on passing urine, slow or weak urinary stream, dribbling at end of urination.

Benign esophageal stricture refers to narrowing of the esophagus/food pipe (a tube through which the food passes from the throat down into the stomach). Benign esophageal stricture mainly arises from damage to the esophageal lining from stomach acid or any other irritant. It results in inflammation in the oesophagus followed by scar tissue formation, leading to narrowing of the pipe. Homeopathic medicines for benign esophageal stricture provide supportive help to manage the symptoms in mild to moderate cases.

The major reason for damage to esophageal lining is long term GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) in which stomach acid backs up in the food pipe due to improper functioning of LES (lower esophageal sphincter). Other reasons include endoscopy procedure, use of nasogastric tube, eosinophilic esophagitis, radiation therapy done to chest or neck, treatment of esophageal varices and swallowing of certain substances like household cleaners, battery acid etc.

Homeopathic Medicines for Benign Esophageal Stricture 

The symptoms that are effectively managed with medicines are difficult swallowing, regurgitation of food, sensation of food sticking in the food pipe, heartburn and frequent eructations. The top grade natural medicines for managing benign esophageal stricture symptomatically includes Kali Carb, Baryta Carb, Arsenic Album, Calcarea Carb and Nux Vomica. The medicines among them are used based upon the characteristic individual symptoms.

1. Kali Carb – For Difficulty in Swallowing

Kali Carb is an excellent medicine for managing difficult swallowing in cases of benign esophageal stricture. The food descends slowly through the food pipe and there is a sensation as if something is impeding the food from going down with pain in centre of chest. Person needing Kali Carb has to drink water after eating a little to make the food move down in the esophagus. In some cases, the food remains half way in the food pipe and is followed by gagging and vomiting. Burning, stitching or stinging pain in the throat when swallowing is felt. Sometimes a sticking pain in throat may be there along with above symptoms.

2. Baryta Carb – For Difficulty Swallowing Solid Food

Baryta Carb is helpful for managing benign esophageal stricture with difficulty in swallowing solid food. Attacks of choking may appear while eating. Smarting or stinging pain in throat when swallowing attends. There is also a sensation sensation as if food is lodged in food pipe. In severe cases, solid food can not be swallowed completely and only liquid can be swallowed.

3. Arsenic Album – For Sensation of having Food Lodged in Esophagus

Arsenic Album is a well-indicated medicine for benign esophageal stricture with a sensation of food being lodged in the esophagus. The swallowing is difficult and painful. Whatever is eaten seems to get lodge in the food pipe. While swallowing burning in food pipe is felt. A stinging pain in esophagus, as from a splinter may attend. History of inflammation of esophagus may be present where Arsenic Album is needed.

4. Calcarea Carb – For Sensation of Food Sticking in Throat

Calcarea Carb is useful for cases of benign esophageal stricture with a sensation of food sticking in the throat. The person is unable to eat enough because it does not seem to go down. Nausea appears with this. A sensation of rawness and soreness is felt along the entire length of food pipe. Sometimes stitching pain is felt in food pipe especially in the upper part.

5. Nux Vomica – For Regurgitation of Food

Nux Vomica is valuable medicine to treat benign esophageal stricture with regurgitation of food. Eructations of sour or bitter taste appears. Sometimes water brash arises. Heartburn is another complaint. Vomiting also tends to appear after eating in many cases. Other features for using Nux Vomica are impeded swallowing with constricted feeling in the food pipe. It may be attended with stitching in the throat.

6. Robinia – For Managing Heartburn at Night

Robinia is prepared from a plant named Robinia pseudacacia commonly known as yellow locust. The natural order of this plant is Leguminosae. Robinia is highly effective to manage complaint of heartburn at night in cases of benign esophageal stricture. Sour belching and sour vomiting may be present. Robinia is also a top listed medicine to treat cases of GERD.

7. Iris Versicolor – To Manage Heartburn 

Iris Versicolor is prepared from a plant commonly named as Blue Flag. This plant belongs to natural order Iridaceae. Iris Versicolor is another significant medicine to manage heartburn in cases of benign esophageal stricture. Persons needing Iris have heartburn, sour bitter vomiting and weakness. Nausea may also accompany that is constant in nature most of the times.Vomiting of food also arises in many cases. Like Robinia, Iris Versicolor is also majorly indicated medicine for GERD.

8. Carbo Veg – For Managing Frequent Eructations

Carbo Veg is very suitable for managing complaint of frequent eructations in benign esophageal stricture. Sometimes the eructations are almost constant in cases requiring Carbo Veg. They may be bitter, sour or rancid and have an offensive odour. The eructations appears after eating or drinking anything. In many cases vomiting appears after eating. Scraping or rawness is also felt in the throat. Difficulty in swallowing is also there. Inflammation of esophagus may be present with the above symptoms.

Symptoms of Benign Esophageal Stricture

The symptoms of benign esophageal stricture include difficult or painful swallowing, regurgitation of food  (regurgitation – returning back of food up to the mouth from the stomach), sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest while eating, heartburn, frequent eructations and unintentional weight loss. Few of the complications of benign esophageal stricture include choking, dehydration, malnutrition and pulmonary aspiration.

Retention of urine refers to a condition in which a person is unable to empty the urinary bladder; either partially or completely. This condition can be acute or chronic. Homeopathic medicines for retention of urine help effectively treat the condition. However, it is to be noted that acute urinary retention is a medical emergency, in which urgent help from the conventional mode of treatment should be taken immediately.

Acute urinary retention happens suddenly and is a medical emergency that needs to be addressed immediately. In this condition, the person wants to urinate, but is unable pass any urine at all. There is usually abdominal pain. Chronic retention of urine appears over a long period of time. In this condition a person is able to urinate but the bladder doesn’t empty completely.

Homeopathic Medicines for Retention of Urine

Homeopathic medicines play a supportive role to manage cases of chronic retention or urine. These are selected for chronic retention of urine individually for every case based on the characteristic symptoms. The top grade medicines for managing chronic urine retention are Clematis, Conium, Lycopodium, Pareira Brava and Chimaphila.

 1. Clematis – For Feeble Stream of Urine and Difficulty in Initiating Urination

Clematis is prepared from the leaves and stems of a plant Clematis Erecta of the natural order Ranunculaceae. Clematis is very useful to manage cases of chronic urinary retention. It works well in cases where feeble stream of urine and difficulty in initiating urination are the main symptoms. Urine passes slowly and is scanty. Dribbling at the end of urination may be present. There may be attending complaint of violent burning while passing last drops of urine. Urine frequency is also increased but urine is scanty. In some cases needing Clematis urine may start and stop suddenly or only flow drop by drop. Clematis also tops the list of homeopathic medicines to treat retention urine in cases of urethral stricture.

2. Conium – For Interrupted Urine Flow

Conium is highly valuable medicine to manage chronic urine retention where interrupted urine flow is present. Urine starts and stops several times while micturating. The urine feels hot and a pressure sensation upon bladder attends. Pain while passing urine also appears in some cases.

3. Lycopodium – For Managing Frequent Urination at Night

Lycopodium is prepared from a plant Lycopodium Clavatum commonly known as club moss and  Wolf’s-Claw. The natural order of this plant is Lycopodiaceae. Lycopodium is well indicated for managing frequent urination at night (nocturia) in case of chronic retention of urine. Along with this urine is slow in coming. Person has to strain to pass urine. Bearing down and heaviness over bladder is felt. Urine may have strong, pungent odour. In some cases needing Lycopodium violent pain in back is present along with retention of urine.

4. Pareira Brava – For Chronic Retention of Urine with Excessive Straining 

Pareira Brava is prepared from fresh root of a plant Cessampelos pareira also known as Velvet Leaf. This plant belongs to natural order Menispermaceae. Use of Pareira Brava is considered in cases of chronic retention of urine where excessive straining to pass urine is needed. It is also indicated in extreme cases where person has to strain hard by getting on the knee-hand position, press head against floor to void urine. A distended feeling in bladder is felt. Urge to pass urine is also constant. Pain goes down the thighs from the bladder during urination.

5. Chimaphila – For Chronic Urine Retention in Cases of Enlarged Prostate

Chimaphila is prepared from a plant Chimaphila Umbellata commonly known as Pipsissewa or Prince’s Pine. The natural order of this plant is Pyroleae. Chimaphila is beneficial for cases of chronic urine retention from enlargement of prostate. Person needing Chimaphila faces difficulty in initiating urination. Great straining is needed to begin urine flow. A constant desire to urinate is also present. The urine may also pass in a thin or divided stream. Cutting and scalding pain may arise during urination. Persons needing Chimaphila may pass urine better by standing with feet wide apart and body inclined forward. Apart from urinary retention from enlarged prostate it is also helpful for retention of urine from urethral stricture.

6. Cantharis – For Treating UTI

Cantharis is wonderful medicine for treating UTI (urinary tract infection) in cases of chronic retention of urine. People needing Cantharis complain of severe pain and burning while passing urine. The pain and burning may also be present before and after urination. Frequency of urine is increased and person needs to strain to pass urine, passing a small quantity of urine every time. In some cases, urine passes in a thin and divided stream. Blood passes in the urine sometime and heaviness may also be felt in the bladder with the above symptoms.

7. Causticum – For Managing Urinary Incontinence

Causticum is a top grade medicine for managing urinary incontinence from chronic retention of urine. The bladder muscles get weak as a result of prolonged urine retention and the urine tends to pass involuntarily. A burning sensation may be felt when passing urine and itching of the orifice of the urethra may appear.

8. Merc Sol – To Manage Frequent Urination

Merc Sol is a significant medicine to manage frequent urination in cases of retention of urine. Frequent urination is present both during the day and night. In many cases, a desire to urinate every hour maybe present. Though frequent; urine is scanty and passes in a feeble stream. Urgency to pass urine is also marked where a person has to hurry to pass urine.

Reasons for Retention of Urine

The cause behind retention of urine may be either obstructive or non-obstructive.

Obstructive retention includes prostate enlargement in men, kidney/bladder stones, urethral stricture, cystocele or rectocele, certain tumours in the pelvis, severe constipation, severely inflamed urethra.

Non-obstructive causes of urinary retention include injury to the brain or spinal cord, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, pelvic injury, weak bladder muscles, certain medicines that make the internal urinary sphincter contract. The medicine includes antihistamines, few anti psychotics and medicines used to treat urinary incontinence

Symptoms of Urine Retention

The symptoms of acute urinary retention are a painful need to urinate but inability to pass urine at all. Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency that require immediate medical attention. The symptoms of chronic urinary retention include – need to urinate frequently (eight or more times a day), trouble beginning a urine stream, weak urinary stream, interrupted urine stream,  feeling to urinate again after finishing urination, nocturia – where a need arises to get up several times to urinate at night time, urge incontinence, mild discomfort or fullness in pelvis/lower abdomen. Complications from chronic retention of urine that may arise includes UTI (urinary tract infection), damage to bladder, urinary incontinence and chronic kidney disease.

Bacterial vaginosis refers to vaginal inflammation arising from an imbalance of naturally occurring bacterial flora in the vagina. Both good bacteria and bad bacteria are present in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the natural balance between these bacteria is disrupted and bad bacteria (anaerobic bacteria) outgrows the number of good bacteria (lactobacilli that keeps vagina slightly acidic and keep a check on overgrowth of bad types of bacteria) residing in the vagina. Homeopathic medicines for bacterial vaginosis majorly helps to reduce the vaginal discharges, vaginal itching and complaint of burning during urination.  

Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) but it puts a female at risk to get a STI. This is because the vagina becomes less acidic in bacterial vaginosis, which means that there is a reduction in the natural defence against infection.

The risk factors that increase the chances of developing bacterial vaginosis include multiple or a new sexual partner, women having female sexual partners, vaginal douching, using scented soaps, using vaginal deodorants, use of intrauterine devices and cigarette smoking.

Homeopathic Medicines for Bacterial Vaginosis

Homeopathy medicines are highly effective to treat cases of bacterial vaginosis. The top grade medicines to treat bacterial vaginosis are  Sepia, Natrum Mur, Merc Sol, Kreosote and Medorrhinum. The most suitable medicine among them to treat bacterial vaginosis is selected based on the symptoms in every individual case.

1. Sepia – Top Grade Medicine for Bacterial Vaginosis

Sepia is a top listed medicine for treating bacterial vaginosis. Females needing Sepia complain of vaginal discharge. The colour of discharge varies and may be yellowish, greenish, milky or clear as water. It has a excoriating nature causing itching and burning sensation in the vagina. Violent stitches in the vagina may be present. The discharge also has a fetid odour and is most profuse after urinating. An urge to urination is also present with above symptoms.

2. Natrum Mur – For White Vaginal Discharge

Natrum Mur is beneficial medicine for bacterial vaginosis with white vaginal discharge. The discharge is very profuse, thick and acrid. This causes itching and smarting sensation in vagina. It is attended with excessive debility. In some cases needing Natrum Mur, the discharge may be transparent, watery in the morning hours. Burning and soreness in the vagina is also felt after urinating.

3. Merc Sol – For Green Vaginal Discharge

Merc Sol is highly useful for bacterial vaginosis with green vaginal discharge. The discharges are very acrid causing itching in the vagina. Violent burning follows scratching. Itching of vagina worsens while urinating. Cold washing also aggravates the itching. The discharge get worse at night time in females requiring Merc Sol.

4. Kreosote – For Vaginal Itching

Kreosote is a significant medicine to treat bacterial vaginosis with vaginal itching. The itching is very violent and intense in nature and gets worse during the evening. Soreness and burning in vagina follows scratching. Soreness in the vagina is also felt on urinating, and a stitching pain also be present. There are vaginal discharges that may be white or yellow in colour. These discharges are highly putrid and offensive in nature. They tend to worsen while standing and walking. Profound weakness appears with the vaginal discharge. The discharge is worse between the periods in most cases needing Kreosote.

5. Medorrhinum – For Fishy Odour of Vaginal Discharge

Medorrhinum is well indicated for cases of bacterial vaginosis with fishy odour of vaginal discharge. The discharge is thick. It has acrid and excoriating nature. It causes intense itching in the vagina. Itching is relieved by rubbing. Washing with lukewarm water also reduces the vaginal itching.

6. Pulsatilla – For White or Creamy, Acrid Vaginal Discharge

Pulsatilla is prepared from plant named Pulsatilla Nigricans commonly known as wind flower or pasque flower. The natural order of this plant is Ranunculaceae. Pulsatilla is a wonderful medicine for bacterial vaginosis with white or creamy vaginal discharge. The discharge may be thin or thick. It is acrid causing itching, burning and biting in the vagina. The discharges tend to get worse on lying down where Pulsatilla is required.

7. Alumina – For Acrid, Burning Vaginal Discharge

Alumina is a prominent medicine for treating bacterial vaginosis with acrid, burning vaginal discharge. The discharge is transparent and profuse. In some cases it is flesh – coloured or light yellow in colour. It is worse in the daytime. In many females needing Alumina, vaginal discharge gets worse after periods. Washing with cold water offer relief. Fatigue appears with profuse vaginal discharges.

8. Sanicula – For Fish-smelling Vaginal Discharge

Sanicula is another medicine for bacterial vaginosis where fishy smelling vaginal discharge are present. The discharges are profuse. They may be milky or yellow coloured. It has a strong fishy odour. In cases needing Sanicula vaginal discharge is noted after intercourse that has fishy odour. The odour is very strong and not even removed after bathing.

9. Cantharis – For Burning on Urination

Cantharis is an excellent medicine for managing burning while urinating in cases of bacterial vaginosis. The burning may also be present before and after urinating. There is also increase in the frequency of urination along with burning, especially during the night. There is also urgency to pass urine and the stream may be weak and pass in a drop by drop manner.

Signs and Symptoms 

In many cases of bacterial vaginosis, no signs and symptoms appear. When they do appear, it includes abnormal vaginal discharge that is foul smelling or have a peculiar fishy odor. The fishy odor of vaginal discharge is most noticeable after sexual intercourse. The discharge may be thin, white, green, gray in colour, and there may be vaginal itching and burning while urinating.