Excessive diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, and persistent abdominal pain that does not go away with regular medication point towards a disease of the gastrointestinal tract known as Crohn’s disease. This disease can affect everyday life and can progress into a painful, debilitating condition. It is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It is one of the two conditions included under inflammatory bowel diseases. It can affect any part of the digestive system starting from mouth till the anus. This disease primarily causes ulceration of small & large intestine. Homeopathic medicines for Crohn’s disease provide long-term management by balancing the overactive immune system and helps heal the disease naturally. 

Homeopathic Medicines for Crohn’s Disease

Homeopathy offers a significant supportive role in the symptomatic management of Crohn’s disease. These medicines help in reducing the inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. They also help manage the symptoms by moderating the immune system. The use of homeopathy for Crohn’s disease helps reduce the recurrence of the symptoms as well as their severity.

1. For Diarrhoea

Aloe Socotrina is a treatment for Crohn’s disease with diarrhea. Associated symptoms include loose stools, a feeling of constant bearing down in the rectum, and an urge to pass stool immediately after drinking or eating. Rumbling and gurgling in the rectum, yellowish, brownish, lumpy with excess water stools are other symptoms. An involuntary passing of stools while passing flatus and development of anal fistula is also noted in some cases.

2. For Loose Stool

Merc Cor is a treatment for Crohn’s disease where the person suffers from a loose stool with mucus. Mercurius corrosivus is chemically prepared with mercuric chloride.
The stools have a foul-smell, and the person may feel a constant ineffectual urge to pass stool despite having cleared the bowels repeatedly. Colic below the navel and a distended, sore abdomen are other symptoms.

3. For Weight Loss

China Officinalis is a treatment for Crohn’s disease with weight loss. It is used to treat Crohn’s disease in cases where there is weight loss along with diarrhea. Symptoms include loose stools, undigested food particles in feces, flatulence during excretion, weakness, bloated abdomen, weakness and frailty.

4. For Weakness

Arsenic Album is a treatment for Crohn’s disease with Weakness. It is used to treat Crohn’s disease where excessive weakness along with diarrhea is present. Foul smelling, profuse watery stools along with other symptoms like vomiting, nausea and a burning sensation in the abdomen, sores or ulcers in the mouth may be present.

5. For Abdominal Cramps

Colocynthis is a medicine used to treat Crohn’s disease when there are predominant, intense colicky abdominal pain/cramps. The abdominal pains tend to get worse from slight eating or drinking. In most cases, bending-over double or putting hard pressure provides relief. Other symptoms include a watery, sour-smelling, yellowish-greenish stool with vomiting of bitter fluid.

6. For Mouth Ulcers

Nitric acid is a medicine used to treat ulcers in the soft palate with sharp, splinter-like pains. It is also indicated for slimy, offensive diarrhea. Irritability and exhaustion may follow after stools. Bleeding from the bowels is profuse and bright red.

7. For Sharp Abdominal Pain

Phosphorus is a medicine indicated for sharp cutting pains in the Abdomen. There is very weak, empty, all gone sensation felt in the entire abdominal cavity. Diarrhea in the morning and discharge of blood from rectum while passing stool are other symptoms.

Crohn’s Disease: Types

1. The first type of Crohn’s disease is inflammatory and can cause simple erosions in the bowel walls.
2. The second type of Crohn’s disease leads to the formation of scar tissue within the walls of the bowel. The inflammation gets healed by the body, but scarring leads to obstructive symptoms and bowels are unable to move properly.
3. The third type of Crohn’s disease is penetrating in nature, under which the inflammation travels through the bowel walls and forms connections with adjacent organs.

Based on the involvement of the part of the alimentary canal, Crohn’s disease presents itself in many forms:

1. Crohn’s Colitis refers to the involvement of the large intestine.
2. When only the small intestine is involved, it is referred to as Crohn’s Enteritis.
3. Active disease of the Ileum (last portion of the small intestine) is known as Crohn’s Ileitis.
4. When the disease affects both small and large intestine, it is referred to as Crohn’s Enterocolitis or Ileocolitis.

Treatment with Homeopathy

A fairly common disorder, Crohn’s disease has no cure, and conventional medications (like steroids and immunosuppressants) are used to hinder the progression of the disease. Corticosteroid drugs are used to reduce inflammation that occurs in the active stage of disease, but prolonged use of these drugs can lead to ulceration of the stomach, making the person more prone to infections.
Another treatment option is to suppress the immune system with the help of immunosuppressive drugs, which tend to cause side effects like diarrhea, loose motions, and vomiting.
Remedies for intestinal inflammation can gradually reduce the inflammation of bowels and provide symptomatic relief. These work in the form of highly diluted chemicals that are charged to act as messages to stimulate the body’s restorative processes.

They are Safe

The medicines for colon diseases are taken in small doses over a continuous period, which helps improve the efficacy of the natural substances that m. This slow-healing action helps treat the problem on a long-term basis while also reducing the symptoms.

A Holistic Approach

Crohn’s disease is often an autoimmune disease, and homeopathy aims to treat the problem by moderating the immune system. With homeopathy the symptoms are not suppressed; instead, the cause is identified through the presentation of symptoms. Colitis treatment associated with Crohn’s disease involves moderating the over-active immune system that prevents further aggravation of the inflammation. Steroids used in conventional treatment tend to suppress the symptoms of inflammation, and do not help resolve the underlying problem.

Natural Remedies

An ancient 200-year-old medical science, homeopathy uses cures found in nature to help restore the natural healing processes of the human body. Remedies for intestinal inflammation are made of natural substances. Unlike conventional treatment where immunosuppressants are used to manage the symptoms, homeopathy focuses on long-term, natural treatment of the same.

Individual Treatment

Every individual who turns to homeopathy is treated according to their specific symptoms. Homeopathy works in synchrony with the body’s natural restorative processes to treat a disease.
For example, a person who develops a risk towards Crohn’s disease as a result of smoking needs to quit smoking while taking treatment for Crohn’s disease, while a person genetically predisposed to develop the condition may require a separate set of medicines along with adequate lifestyle changes.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is not clearly understood, though the following factors are said to contribute to the manifestation of the disease:

Autoimmune origin: In cases of autoimmune diseases, the immune system misdirects a response, causing the cells to destroy healthy body tissues. In Crohn’s disease, the body’s immune cells begin to damage the GIT (gastrointestinal tract) that results in inflammation and ulcers.

Heredity: Crohn’s disease has a tendency to run in families through hereditary factors. Therefore chances of developing Crohn’s disease increases if there is a family history of Crohn’s disease.

Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as pollution and an inadequate diet (lacking in nutrition) plays a significant role in the development of Crohn’s disease. The disease is more common among people residing in urban areas.

Smoking: A family history of Crohn’s disease coupled with smoking habits puts a person at an increased risk to develop the disease. Research suggests that Crohn’s disease develops more commonly in smokers as compared to non-smokers. Stress & infections tend to worsen the condition.

Age: People between 15-30 years of age are more susceptible to developing the disease.

Crohn’s: Signs and Symptoms

Crohn’s is a chronic disease, so a person may experience symptoms during the active phase of the disease, and no symptoms at all when the condition is in remission phase.
The main symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

Persistent diarrhea as a result of the disease varies from mild to severe level. The person may have mucus discharge or blood in the stool.

Abdominal pain due to Crohn’s disease varies from person to person. The pain is felt in the lower right side of the abdomen.

Anemia: Since the disease causes loss of blood through stools, it can lead to anemia.

Loss of appetite: An unexplained loss of appetite can be a result of Crohn’s disease. Similarly, weight loss becomes a symptom resulting from loss of appetite.

Ulcers: The inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease leads to the formation of ulcers in the gut. These may bleed, and the blood shows up in the stools.

Arthritis: Research shows that chronic inflammation in the intestines or colon (main characteristic of Crohn’s disease) can trigger the body’s immune system to start an inflammatory process in the joints or tendons.

Other symptoms include:

• mouth sores
• inflammation of eyes (uveitis) and skin
• fever and fatigue

Complications of Crohn’s Disease

Certain complications linked with Crohn’s disease include:

• Inflammation of the eyes
• Rectal bleeding
• Anal fistula
• Anal fissures
• Arthritis
• Pyoderma gangrenosum
• Osteoporosis
• Intestinal stricture
• Bowel obstruction
• Colon cancer

Management of Crohn’s Disease

No substantial evidence identifies the food products that cause inflammatory bowel diseases, but avoiding certain foods and beverages can help manage the symptoms and overall health during the active stage of the disease.

• Eating periodic small meals rather than big meals is highly recommended for people who have Crohn’s disease.
• Fluid intake, especially water, should be increased.
• Multivitamins and nutritional supplements can also be added to a doctor’s recommendation.

Foods to Avoid with Crohn’s Disease

Fatty Foods: During the active stage of the disease, the intestines are unable to absorb fat. Consuming fatty food during the active phase of the illness can diarrhea, and so a low-fat diet should b maintained.

Dairy Products: Since Crohn’s disease damages the digestive tract, it can lead to lactose intolerance. People who develop lactose intolerance are not able to digest lactose (milk sugar) found in dairy products. A treatment diet for Crohn’s disease involves increased fluid intake and a decrease in specific food groups.

Alcohol: Alcohol is not safe for anyone with inflammatory bowel disease as it can cause further complications.

Spicy foods and caffeine should be avoided as they can trigger gastric symptoms like pain, bloating and gas.

Fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains that have high fiber content should be avoided as they are difficult to digest when the gastrointestinal tract is inflamed.

Tourette’s Syndrome is a condition which causes involuntary motor tics and vocal tics. Tics, the primary symptom of this syndrome, are quick, habitual, non-rhythmic, spasmodic contractions/movements of muscles or vocalization that occur repeatedly and are not caused by any other disease or drug abuse. Motor tics observed as a part of the syndrome include nose twitching, eye blinking, head shaking, shrugging of shoulders, and touching/ smelling objects. Homeopathy remedies for motor tics include medicines like Agaricus Muscaris. Vocal tics, on the other hand, include actions like throat clearing, grunting, sniffing, saying obscene words and repeating a word or phrase. Homeopathy remedies for vocal tics include medicines like Stramonium. Some tics are preceded by an uncomfortable sensation known as a premonitory urge. These sensations include itching, tingling, a build-up of tension, etc. that gets released once a particular movement or sound has been actively made. Homeopathic Remedies for Tourette’s Syndrome help reduce the severity and occurrence of the symptoms while treating the condition on a long-term basis.
Tics can be suppressed for a while but cannot be contained; the patient needs to express them eventually. The intensity of these tics varies from mild to severe and may become worse with factors like stress, anxiety, and fatigue. In some cases, headache and muscle strain or soreness may also occur along with the tics. Their occurrence follows a waning and waxing pattern and the type, frequency and severity tend to vary from person to person. The tics tend to be worse during the early teens and improve towards late teens.

Homeopathic Remedies for Tourette’s Syndrome

1. Agaricus Muscaris – For Tourette’s Syndrome with Motor Tics

Twitching and trembling are the main indicative features that indicate the use of Agaricus, a top remedy for motor tics. It is used in cases where there are marked motor tics like eye twitching, facial twitching, shaking of legs, jerking of the head, etc. The twitching typically stops during sleep. There is a trembling sensation in the lips and the lower jaw area. Twitching of hands gets better while doing manual work. The child tends to have quick and hurried movements of the upper limbs. There may be jerking motions of legs. It is a homeopathic treatment for twitching and is recommended to cure tics in kids who are hyperactive and clumsy without any fear of danger.

Key indications for using Agaricus Muscaris in Tourette’s Syndrome

• Twitching and hurried movement
• Trembling of the lower jaw area
• Hyperactivity and clumsiness

2. Stramonium – For Tourette’s Syndrome with Vocal Tics

Stramonium is a medicine used to treat frequent vocal tics where the child tends to babble all the time. Irrelevant and endless talking, stammering, and spasmodic dysphonia (hoarseness of voice) are some symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine. Along with vocal tics, this medicine also works on muscles used for locomotion. Motor tics like twitching of hands, clapping hands overhead, shutting and an opening of hands also indicate the need for this medicine.

Key indications for using Stramonium

• Frequent vocal tics (like babbling)
• Hoarseness of voice
• Use of hands indicating motor tics

3. Hyoscyamus Niger – For Tourette’s Syndrome – Tics

Hyoscyamus Nigera is a medicine used in cases where the tics are in the form of facial grimaces, touching things, rubbing genitalia, and making obscene gestures. The child can think but is not able to answer questions appropriately. Muttering of absurd things to and a constant unintelligible chattering along with a desire to be naked are the main symptoms indicating the need for this medicine. The child may also show irrelevant and frequent outbursts of laughter.

Key indications for using Hyoscyamus Niger in Tourette’s Syndrome

• Grimacing
• Unintelligible Chattering
• Nakedness

4. Zincum Metallicum – For Tourette’s Syndrome with Fidgeting

Zincum Metallicum is a medicine that plays an essential role in muscle control and coordination. Fidgeting of lower extremities, a restlessness of legs, keeping feet in constant motion, jerking of the body, and trembling of hands while writing are the symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine. Zincum is also used to treat Echolalia, where the child repeats everything said to him. It is also used to treat spasmodic twitching of the face, rolling of the head, and grinding of teeth.

Key indications to use Zincum Metallicum in Tourette’s Syndrome

• Fidgeting
• Grinding Teeth
• Echolalia

5. Argentum Nitricum – For Tics due to Anxiety

Argentum is a medicine used to treat cases where the tics are typically worse when a person experiences anxiety. The medicine eases anxiousness and nervousness in kids and is helpful in cases where there is a loss of voluntary control of muscles, and trembling of body parts. Trembling of hands that makes writing difficult, trembling of legs and balance issues, unsteady walking when unobserved and impulsiveness in children are some symptoms. An extreme desire for sweets may also be present.

Key indications for using Argentum Nitricum in Tourette’s Syndrome

• Tics worse during anxiety
• Trembling of hands and legs
• Desire for sweets

Management of Tourette’s Syndrome

Therapies to Manage Uncontrollable Tics

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This can help an individual identify the factors that trigger the tics. This can also be helpful for individuals who have difficulty with learning and socializing.

2. Habit Reversal Training: This therapy includes activities which help an individual reverse the action of the tics. For example, a person may choose to smile when a tic to frown is triggered.

Supplements to use for Tourette’s Syndrome 

Magnesium: Magnesium as an element works well for the central nervous system and improves the function of the muscular system. Low levels of magnesium also make an individual vulnerable to anxiety and depression (both are common triggering factors for tics). Therefore, a diet rich in magnesium can help manage Tourette’s syndrome.

A diet rich in omega fatty acids and vitamin B12 can also help control both motor and vocal tics in children.

Foods to Avoid in Tourette’s Syndrome

Avoiding food items one is allergic to can be of great help. Avoiding dairy products, especially if there is a sensitivity towards milk and dairy products can help reduce the recurrence of tics. The protein ‘casein’ found in milk and dairy products is found to be the main culprit for an increase in the occurrence of these tics. A casein-free diet can help control the tics.

Similarly, a gluten-free diet has also shown to reduce the motor tics and behavior issues associated with Tourette’s syndrome.

Lifestyle Management for Tourette’s Syndrome 

Exercise or indulging in relaxing activities (Yoga, meditation, etc.) can help soothe the child and reduce the intensity and frequency of tics. Environment and allergens play an important role in triggering tics. These should be identified and avoided as far as possible.

Types of TICS Disorders

As per the DSM – 5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) classification of the tics disorders is as follows:

• Tourette Syndrome
• Persistent motor or vocal disorder
• Provisional tics disorder
• Other specified or unspecified tics disorder

Diagnostic Criteria for Tourette Syndrome

Tourette’s syndrome is diagnosed on the basis of three factors:

• Presence of motor or vocal tics
• Duration of tics
• Age of onset
• An absence of any other cause which can cause tics (any drug/substance/medical condition)

Tourette’s Syndrome is diagnosed through specific criteria.
There should be multiple motor tics (two or more than two motor tics) and at least one vocal tic. These both may happen at the same time or occur individually. The intensity and frequency of these tics can vary. But for a diagnosis, they should be present for at least one year. Another important factor for diagnosis is the age. The tics must be onset before the age of 18 years, and they most commonly occur between the age group of 4-6 years.

In a persistent motor or vocal disorder, or chronic tics disorder, there is a presence of either motor tics or vocal tics (single or multiple, there can be a presence of one or more than one motor or vocal tics). But unlike Tourette’s, there will be either of the tics present, not both vocal or motor tics. Again, the duration of symptoms has to be at least one year, and the age of onset should be before 18 years.

Under provisional tics disorder, there can be single or multiple, vocal or motor tics, or both. But, here the duration of tics lasts less than one year. The age of onset has to be less than 18 years.

Causes of Tourette’s Syndrome

The underlying causes of Tourette syndrome are still unknown. However, it is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors tend to play a role here. A child with a family history of Tourette syndrome or any other tic-related disorder is at an increased risk of developing the syndrome. In general, it affects more males than females.

Conditions associated with Tourette’s Syndrome:

• ADHD
• OCD
• Depression
• Sleep disorders
• Anxiety
• Learning disabilities

Tourette’s Syndrome: Symptoms

Tics are the most common symptoms observed in Tourette’s. There can be motor tics, vocal tics or both. The tics are usually worse during the period of anxiety, excitement, sleeplessness or exhaustion. There can be a feeling specific feeling preceding the actual tic like the sensation of itching.
There are major two types of tics – simple or complex.

Simple tics are shorter in duration and may last for milliseconds.

Examples of simple motor tics include:

• Eye Blinking
• Eye darting
• Head jerking
• Twitching of lips
• Facial Grimacing
• Shoulder shrugging
• Neck jerking

Examples of simple vocal tics:

• Coughing
• Sniffing
• Throat Clearing
• Grunting
• Spitting
• Whistling
• Shouting

Complex tics usually last longer in duration, generally for more than a second. These can be a combination of two or more simple tics.

Examples of complex motor tics include:

• Touching the nose
• Touching people
• Jumping
• Head shaking
• Echopraxia (Involuntary repetition of another person’s action)

Examples of complex vocal tics include:

• Stuttering
• Involuntary Swearing
• Palilalia(Repeating own words/phrases
• Echolalia (Repeating others sentences)
• Speaking obscene words or phrases