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

Wet Weather Allergies & Homeopathy

Wet weather is a much-awaited season but it brings with it its share of miseries too. Skin disorders, viral fever, respiratory problems and gastroenteritis are always on the rise during this weather. Most viral fever cases are reported during this weather. Fungal infections on the skin like ring worm and athletes foot are very common.

Some of the asthmatics experience an increase in their breathing problems. Cases of gastroenteritis (diarrhea, vomiting, etc) are usually very high in wet weather as compared to other seasons. All this is so due to the fact that the hot and moist environment during this period is favorable for micro-organisms to thrive. So, the best way is to have a small homeopathic kit to prevent and treat wet weather-related ailments.

Fungal infections on the skin are the most common of all and can be effectively treated with homeopathy. Too of the most common fungal infections during this time are athletes foot and ring worm. Athletes foot is a fungal infection that can affect usually the front part of the foot. Mostly it is between the toes and the underside of the front part of the foot. It is usually marked by red itchy patches and white flaky skin. It has nothing to do with the foot of an athlete; in reality, it can affect anybody.

This disease is more common in hot and moist weather and is more frequently seen in people who keep their feet enclosed in shoes or socks most of the time. It is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. It is slightly contagious and can spread through direct contact, towels, shoes, socks, etc. Not changing your sweaty socks frequently also contributes to this disorder. Homeopathic medicine Graphite can work wonders in treating athletes foot. Another medicine, Sanicula, is helpful if Graphite fails.

Ringworm is characterised by a raised brownish red patch which can occur anywhere around the body. They are usually marked with a ring around it. It does not have a ring-shaped worm inside it (as it is popularly believed). Ring worm is caused by the same fungi group. Tellurium and Sepia are very effective in treating this condition.

For some of the asthmatics, rains are not a welcome sign as their breathing problems tend to increase during this period. This is mainly due to an increase in moulds and fungi. This also leads to an increase in upper respiratory allergies. Natrum Sulph works very effectively in handling this problem. an added advantage with Natrum Sulph is that it can eradicate the problem forever by striking at its roots.

Influenzas, or viral fever as it is popularly called is much more on the rise during this weather. As a preventive, homeopathic medicine Influenzinum can give a great deal of protective cover from viral fevers. Rhus Tox is greatly indicated when fever starts after getting drenched in rain. Veratrum Album is preferred for gastroenteritis. Also, Arsenic Album is very helpful when the source of infection in gastroenteritis is water-borne.

Wet Weather Allergies & Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 3 Comments

SNEEZING…IT COULD BE ALLERGY – HOMEOPATHY

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 100 Comments

Its spring time and the weather is great outside, but for many it is not a very pleasant time of the year. It’s time for their allergies to come up. Nasal and respiratory allergies are very intense in this weather (from March to early May). Sneezing, runny nose, watery and itchy eyes and even breathing problems can be a part of this allergic reaction.

Wheat harvesting in April becomes a major source for triggering this kind of allergy. Wheat harvest allergy not only affects those who stay in villages and near farms but also those who stay in cities, as wheat thrashing dust is carried by wind to nearby cities and towns too. Homeopathy has a wonderful treatment for spring allergy. Not only does it treat the current symptoms but also gradually eradicates the tendency to have such recurrent attacks every year.

Hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, as it is called, is most commonly caused by tree and grass pollens and also wheat thrashing dust. It is characterised by symptoms of sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose and a burning or itchy sensation in the throat or palate. Coughing and sore throat may also be present in some individuals. Some patients develop asthmatic symptoms like breathing difficulties along with other symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Homeopathy aims at treating the patient by optimising the overactive immune system. It works by giving a similar stimulus to the body like that of the allergen (pollen dust, etc) in very minute but activated form. This process gradually desensitises the overactive immune system against the allergens.

Quite a few of the homeopathic medicines used in treating allergies are made from plants whose pollens are known to cause symptoms of allergy. The most common example is the ragweed, which is also used as an important homeopathic medicine in treating allergy.

The most common homeopathic medicines used in treating hay fever are Sabadilla, Allium Cepa, Natrum Mur, Ambrosia and Arsenic Album. Allium Cepa requires a special mention in treating spring allergic rhinitis. Histaminum, Luffa Operculata and Galphimia Glauca are a few of the medicines that have been lately introduced in homeopathy and have shown very promising results in treating allergy.

Cold sensitivity & Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 2 Comments

Cold Weather Sensitivity and Homeopathy

With the advent of winters, most of us are happy to ‘see off’ those sweltering hot days of summer. But for some, cold weather brings in, its own set of woes and miseries. People who are sensitive to cold temperature are majorly affected by this season. Recurrent Cough, colds and sinusitis are the most common ailments for those who are sensitive. For some the sensitivity to cold weather is so high that even a whiff of cold air is enough to trigger an attack, which could last for weeks or months. If you are one of those who suffer from months of miseries with cough cold, and sinusitis every winter, Then Homeopathy offers a great hope for you. Homeopathy understands and cures this idiosyncratic combination of your cold sensitivity and body’s propensity to develop such stuffy colds.

This cold sensitivity can affect one in many ways. It can range from simply feeling colder than others to respiratory issues like stuffy colds, sinusitis, chronic cough, bronchitis and asthma. Just a mild exposure to cold can trigger a complete sequence of events. There are patients that even at the least exposure to cold air e.g. moving the hand out of the quilt at night or sleeping without a warm head cap at night can lead to weeks of incapacitation. Well, the extent to which one is affected varies a lot. It depends on their level of intolerance and other factors such as genetic tendencies, age, nature of jobs, etc.

Homeopathy has a great armory to deal with cold weather sensitivity. To start off ,Aconitum Napelus commonly known as Aconite is great homeopathic medicine to treat all affections that start with after an exposure to cold air .My advice for all those who suffer from this cold weather sensitivity would be to carry this medicine in your pocket. It is very useful in the first few hours of the exposure when the symptoms have just started e.g. runny nose, headaches shivering etc. Few doses of aconite would be sufficient enough to completely abort the attack of cold. Chronic stuffy colds and sinusitis are also very effectively treated with homeopathy. Silicea kali Bichrome and Pulsatilla are few of the medicines that are very useful in treating these forms. Barking type of cough that starts in kids suddenly after an exposure in kids is best treated with Hepar Sulp and Spongia. People who have their feet sensitive to cold and can never seem to get them warm , homeopathic medicines Calcarea Carb and Silicea can do wonders for them.

The best part of homeopathy is that it can cure ones constitutionally sensitivity to cold weather. In this form of treatment (which is often called as constitutional treatment ) prescription is based on the study of ones complete constitution which includes the physical and the mental makeup .This usually is a prolonged treatment and would require a season or two before any sustainable results are achieved. The most important homeopathic medicines that are used in this form of constitutional treatment are Tuberculinum, Silicea, Calcarea Carb and Psorinum. As Constitutional treatment requires a detailed study of the various aspects of the constitution and uses deep acting medicines it is advisable to take the help of a professional homeopath.

Cold sensitivity & Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 38 Comments

Cold Weather Sensitivity and Homeopathy

gastric problems and homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 150 Comments

NUX Vomica is a remedy for many conditions of modern life. The typical Nux patient does a good deal of mental work. He has mental strains and leads a sedentary life. He is engaged in prolonged office work, deep study and close application to business with its attendant cares and anxieties. Indoor life and mental strain seek stimulants – coffee, wine, possibly in excess; or again, he hopes to quieten his excitement by indulging in the “pleasures” of tobacco. He may become a victim of seductive drugs like opium.

These things are associated with other indulgences. At the table, he takes, preferably, rich and stimulating food. Wine plays a part in making him forget the stress of the day. Late hours are a consequence; a thick head, sluggish digestion (constipation, acidity and excessive gas formation), and irritable temper are the next day’s lot. Nux Vomica 200, one dose at night for a week, with rest and no stimulants, can wash away the blues.

Curing acidity

Acidity tends to have a much higher incidence in highly emotional and nervous individuals. The consumption of alcohol, highly spicy foodstuff, non-vegetarian diets, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also predispose one to gastric acidity. Natrum Phos leads a group of homoeopathic medicines used against acidity. The indications for its use include: a burning sensation in the chest behind the sternum (breast-bone) which can originate from the stomach and extend even to the throat; this burning may also be accompanied by sour vomiting, and often a yellow creamy-coated tongue; Natrum Phos 30c four times a day for a week will reduce the acidity.

Another homoeopathic medicine, Arsenic Album, is well suited only if these symptoms occur around midnight – the 30c potency of Arsenic Album can be used in a similar way. A suitable diet must be strictly followed, avoiding spicy, salty and acidic food. Smoking and alcohol must be stopped. Those with a highly nervous and emotional disposition and those involved in high-stress jobs must be encouraged to take lifestyle-modifying measures.

ALLERGIES AND HOMEOPATHY

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 2 Comments

It is spring time. There is so much of optimism in the air that people get frenzy. It is such a euphoric time in the year that people get eccentric while enjoying and find outrageous ways of doing it – Holi in India, Fallas in Spain and the Great Toad Derby (Toad race) in California. Spring all over the world is a time for celebrations and fairs, but for some this time is not so fair. Staying indoors is the only option. At times even this option also proves unsuccessful. It is time for the dreaded allergies to come up and pollen is the main cause. Though high pollen counts can affect numerous types of allergies, from eye allergies (conjunctivitis) to skin reactions (dermatitis), the most common spring allergy is allergic rhinitis (symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, nasal congestion or headaches) and asthma.

For those who suffer from allergies, their immune system has mistakenly learned to remember the pollen released by various plants as potentially harmful, and responds with the familiar allergic symptoms. The specific types of pollen and the time of their release depends upon the local climate and varies around the country.

Weather can influence the timing and severity of the problem. A mild winter often leads to a more severe pollen season. If the spring is warmer and wetter than usual, that can provoke more grass to grow earlier, leading to a more severe situation during the late spring and summer already been released out of the air. An important component of the allergy management plan is to go in for a thorough homoeopathic treatment, avoiding the pollens and molds that make you sneeze and wheeze.

Can such seasonal allergies be totally cured with homoeopathy? Yes, if one is able to get a good homoeopathic treatment. But as allergy is a thousand-headed monster, it may take two-three seasons before one can get completely cured.

Why should one use homoeopathy for treating allergies?

a) First of all, it prevents further deterioration as it is often the noted conditions such as allergic rhinitis that can progress into asthma. b) Safe treatment-homoeopathic medicines do not have any sedative effect as some of the other conventional drugs used to control allergy do. c) Non-toxic-homoeopathic medicines are highly diluted, thus there are no chances of developing drug-toxicity. d) The homoeopathic system uses the body’s own healing system to work for it.

Does homoeopathy believe in treating only the chronic state of allergies or are there medicines that can take care when one gets those acute flare-ups in spring?

The treatment is aimed at controlling both acute and chronic problems though a different set of medicines might be used to control the acute attacks of allergy. A constitutional approach is often the best way while treating the chronic state. Prescription based on a thorough analysis of a person’s physical and mental characteristics is what called as “constitutional approach” in homoeopathy.

Natural Homeopathic Medicines for Anxiety and Stress Treatment

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 9 Comments

Homeopathic Medicines for Stress and anxiety Treatment

Sanjay (not his real name), aged 44, knew that something was wrong when he started having attacks of breathlessness and pain in the chest. He was diagnosed with a coronary artery problem (heart disease). He immediately had to undergo heart bypass surgery. His career as a senior executive was also at stake. This shocking development made him convert to a new way of thinking about illness and health. Soon after recovery, he took to the job of analysing his lifestyle. His concerns for a healthy living made him realise that he exactly matched the category of people whom the cardiologists call a “type A personality”, suffering from “hurry sickness”. This typeof people with high levels of anxiety most prone to heart attacks. He found himself coming and going in the descriptions of a heart attack-prone persons. Hurried, aggressive, controlling, impatient and easily angered. He learnt that this illness was a direct result of the stress created by an overactive lifestyle that he had adopted for the last two decades.

Stress and anxiety affects us in more ways than one. Until recently psychological damage was the only outcome that was thought to be, but now most researchers believe that constant stress does affect the physical side of the body as well, and this can be grave at times. Heart disease and sexual dysfunction are a few of the illnesses that are caused or worsen with stress. It is a known fact that Type A constitutions are highly prone to heart attacks. If one has had a heart attack, his risk of dying from a cardiovascular disease is four to six times greater if he suffers from depression. Thus an unhealthy mind can lead to an unhealthy body

After all, the brain is just another organ operating on the same biochemical principles as the thyroid or liver. What we experience as feelings, good or bad, are at the cellular level and no more than a complex interaction of chemicals and electrical activity.

Homeopaths for the last two centuries have been constantly pushing this theory of mind and physical body being deeply interconnected and about fixing the problem at a mental level that can often help the other. In homeopathy, mental symptoms of the patient are given the utmost importance. Constitutional treatment in homeopathy combines the understanding of both the psycho and the physiological profile of the patient, with the psychological profile being given more importance. A number of natural homoeopathic medicines are effective in treating disorders where one who has learnt the wrong way of handling or responding to stress. Homeopathic Medicines for stress and anxiety such as Argentum Nitricum and Tarentula are very effective in controlling the accelerated behaviour of Type A people.

Natural homeopathic medicines Nux Vomica and Staphysgaria are meant for the easily angered and impatient ones and Ignatia and Natrum Mur where long-standing grief is a reason for stress response. Kali phos is for a good individual who overstretches himself physically and mentally. Reducing stress through stress management techniques and a thorough constitutional analysis by a professional homoeopath, are a must for treating disorders of this kind.

ANXIETY AND ARGENTUM

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 6 Comments

MY friends call me a scary little bird. They think I live in a world full of fear, irrational impulses and a forsaken feeling. I am always in a state of worry. The question “what if?” constantly nags me. What if my car breaks down? What if I get late for my exam? Frankly, I suffer from a severe anticipation anxiety – a meeting with my boss gives palpitations, trembling, a cramping pain in the abdomen and at times a strong urge to pass stool. Avoiding crowded places, parties, narrow streets and alleys have become a compulsion; looking down even from the second floor sends shivers down the spine. Acrophobia (fear of heights) – that’s what I believe it is called. To tell you the truth, I am an agitated Argentum Mind. Oops! Forgot to mention an important symptom…. I am very forgetful.

Remedies, as we homoeopaths learn to realise, step forth as personalities. They haunt us in buses and queues, and confront us in our patients. They become creatures of temperaments – mental and physical. They have likes and dislikes, cravings and aversions. Sensitiveness to meteoric conditions as well as to human interaction and environment are well known. We realise their terrors, real or imaginary; their strange obsessions! And in a measure as this is so. We are able to apply them with success for the relief of persons of such idiosyncrasies and distress. Argentum Nitricum (silver nitrate)leads the homoeopathic table for treating what is called generalised anxiety disorder or anxiety neurosis. No other medicine in homoeopathy covers so strongly the symptoms of anxiety disorder.

First Aid In Winters

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In winters, ailments like chilblains, cold, headache and fever usually catch us all of a sudden. In such situations, the right homoeopathic medicine, that too prescribed well in time, can be of great help. So, why do we not have our own first-aid homoeopathic kit at home? Here are three important medicines that can be used as first aid in winters when proper medical help is not possible.

Aconite the first choice

Well, if ever there can be a real antidote to the ill-effects of cold, aconite is the one.

After an exposure to cold, when the first symptoms show up, is the time to use aconite (runny nose, sneezing, itchiness in the throat or nose, shivering, etc). It is also very effective in controlling breathing difficulties after such a cause. Believe it or not, if you are quick enough to antidote your exposure within the first hour or so, aconite can abort the attack within no time.

Aconite is indicated after an exposure to dry cold weather, cold air, etc. It is also very useful when the symptoms are noticed due to perspiration having been checked by sudden exposure to cold. Remember that aconite is only indicated in the first few hours of exposure when the symptoms have just started occurring. Three doses of aconitum napelus 30c spaced at an interval of 10 minutes should serve as a proverbial stitch in time.

How to stay warm

The simple principle: Never go out without adequate clothing, however briefly. Avoid your clothing getting wet, through sweat or water. Dry it as soon as possible if this happens

Dress up in layers: Dressing up in several layers of clothes (preferably woollens) can significantly help in reducing the loss of heat. Remember that three light shirts are warmer than one thick one Double or triple your pair of socks if you suffer from cold feet.

Cover your nose: We lose one-thirds of our body heat by our head and 50 per cent of that is actually lost by the nose.

So cover your nose and you will really feel the difference. Don’t forget covering your head too.

Belladonna the surest bet

All those who have used or studied homoeopathy know how sure one is while using belladonna when symptoms of inflammation set in after an exposure.

Although its stage comes after aconite, it can be used directly if one hasn’t had the opportunity to use aconite. Belladonna is indicated when inflammation sets in. Cardinal symptoms of inflammation, as we are taught, are heat, redness, swelling and pain. For example, it is indicated in conditions such as fever after exposure, sore throat (congested, painful and red on examination), headache and all other inflammatory conditions that occur due to exposure. Three doses of 30c potency of belladonna repeated after an interval of every hour should suffice.

Agaricus for chilblains

Winters are a menace for those who suffer from chilblains. Chilblains are a painful abnormal reaction of the small blood vessels in the skin when exposed to cold temperatures. Chilblains appear as small itchy, red areas on the skin. These are common on the toes, but can also affect the fingers and the face (especially the nose and the ears). Three doses of agaricus 30c in a day for a period of four days should be sufficient to control the suffering.

If one finds limited or no relief after using the prescribed medicines, make sure that you consult a professional. The above mentioned first-aid medicines should be used only when actual medical help is not readily available

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