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Top Homeopathic Medicines for treating Tremors

Essential tremor is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movement or shaking of a part of body that gets worse while using the affected muscle of that part. Essential tremor mainly affects hands but head and tongue may also be affected in some cases. Homeopathic medicines for essential tremors work very effectively and long term use of these medicines does not only reduce the severity of tremors but also reduces the progression of tremors. Essential tremors are most of the times inherited. The person suffering from essential tremors of hand feels a shaking of hands when using them while eating, dressing, writing or doing any other work with the hand. In case of essential tremors of head, involuntary motions of head are present like side-to-side motion or forward and backward motion. The essential tremors affecting tongue results in trembling of tongue and shaking of voice when speaking.

Top Homeopathic Medicines for Essential Tremors

The top recommended homeopathic medicines for essential tremors are Zincum Metallicum, Agaricus Muscarius and Lolium Temulentum.

1. Zincum Metallicum – Top Grade Medicine For Essential Tremors

Zincum Metallicum is a highly recommended medicine for managing cases of essential tremors. It is effective for tremors of hands, feet and head. The patients requiring this medicine in essential tremors of hand may have constant shaking of hands. The complaint of jerking of hands worsens especially while writing with excessive weakness of hands. In case of head tremors, head is in involuntary motion from side to side. When trembling in feet occurs frequent stumbling when walking is present. When complaint of tremors worsens from emotional excitement (like anger, joy, sadness), Zincum Metallicum is a very useful medicine. It can also be used when trembling occurs in all limbs or sometimes the entire body.

2. Agaricus Muscarius – For Tremors Of Hands, Legs, Head, Tongue

Agaricus Muscarius is well indicated to manage essential tremors of hands, legs, head, and tongue. This medicine is mainly prescribed to those patients who complain of excessive trembling of hands on moving them. This medicine also proves very useful when shaking of hands occurs while holding objects, often resulting in dropping of objects from the hands. It is also an important medicine for head tremors that can be constant. It is accompanied by a feeling of excessive coolness in the head. Further, its use is suggested for trembling of tongue resulting in unclear speech. Next it can be used to manage trembling of legs. Trembling may be attended with weakness and anxiety in general. Besides, jerking of eyelids also indicates use of this medicine.

3. Lolium Temulentum – For Shaking Of All The Limbs

This medicine is of great service in helping cases in which shaking of all limbs is present. Persons needing it have difficulty holding objects like a glass or a cup due to shaky hands. There may be trembling in the hands while writing. Limbs also appear cold to touch, gait becomes unsteady.

4. Gelsemium Sempervirens – For Tremors With Weakness

This natural medicine is used for essential tremors when trembling of the affected part is accompanied by excessive muscle weakness. The patient requiring this medicine always complains of profound dullness and drowsiness. This medicine works well in those cases where the tremors are intensified by emotional excitement or fear. Its use is mainly recommended for essential tremors of limbs and tongue.

5. Silicea – For Hand Tremors When Using Hands

Silicea is yet another remedy used for treating essential tremors of hands when using them. For example, trembling of hands may occur while eating, writing or holding anything. Such patients can also face difficulty in doing fine work due to excessive shaking of hands; for instance threading a needle appears to be a very cumbersome task for them. In general, people needing this medicine are nervous, anxious type.

6. Phosphorus – For Tremors Of Limbs Worse From Exertion

Phosphorus is the next wonderful medicine for essential tremors that worsens from exertion. It is of great help when hand tremors worsen after exertion. The excessive shaking of hands poses great difficulty in holding anything. Numbness or crawling sensation in hands is another complaint along with trembling of hands in such patients.

7. Plumbum Metallicum – For Essential Tremors Of Hand And Tongue

Plumbum Metallicum is a good medicine for treating essential tremors of hand that get worse from hand movement, holding an object, eating or writing. Trembling of tongue occurs when protruding it out or while talking.

8. Lycopodium – For Essential Tremors Of Head

Lycopodium is used where the involuntary, causeless shaking of the head is accompanied by dizziness. The motion of the head in patients requiring Lycopodium can either be from side to side (no – no movement) or backward and forward (yes – yes movement).

9. Lachesis – For Essential Tremors of Tongue and Shaking of Voice

Lachesis works very well in patients with excessive shaking of tongue. The tongue is dry, red and swollen. The shaking of the tongue is worse when protruding out from the mouth and it can be bitten off with teeth.

10. Merc Sol – For Tremors Of Hands, Neck, Legs And Tongue

Merc Sol is suitable for trembling of hands, neck and tongue. In cases needing it, tremors mostly begin in fingers. Due to shaky hands, there is inability to lift or carry anything with hands. There is difficulty in eating with hands and drinking water without spilling. Hand trembling is attended with marked weakness. Its use is also considered for tremors of neck and legs. In cases requiring it, tremors get worse from exertion. Merc Sol also works well where there is excessive trembling of the tongue and voice is shaky accompanied by profuse saliva in the mouth.

Cause Behind Essential Tremors

The exact cause behind essential tremors is not known. However, following observations are important:

1. Some sort of changes in some part of the brain are found to be present in those who present such symptoms as per recent researches.

2. Essential tremor is believed to run in families, and over 50 per cent people afflicted by it have it in their family. Here it arises from altered gene. This inherited form of essential tremor is known as familial tremor. If even one parent carries altered gene then there are 50 per cent chances that their child will present the symptoms of essential tremors.

3. It can affect people irrespective of age, although the odds of its occurrence go up with advancing age. Essential tremors are usually seen in people aged 40 years or more.

4. Stress, anxiety, smoking, caffeine, fatigue, extreme cold, and hot temperature, thyroid problems, low blood sugar, strong emotions. Taking lithium salts or antidepressants can make the tremors worse.

Signs And Symptoms

Shaking is the main symptom of essential tremors. Among those who have it, there occur brief and rapid movements constantly. In some people, tremors occur only on certain occasions. The intensity varies from mild to severe. In most of the cases, it is seen in hands mainly while using the hands. It may cause difficulty in eating, drinking from glass, writing and even while one is getting dressed up in severe cases. In majority of the cases, both sides are affected but one side is more prominently affected as compared to the other. Though commonly hands are affected but other body parts like face, head, tongue, voice box and trunk can be affected as well.

These tremors are termed as action or postural tremors depending on whether these occur while one is in motion or at rest

Action tremors: These tremors occur when one is performing a physical action or doing something like drinking from a glass, eating from a plate, or tying a shoelace.

Tremors at rest: When tremors occur when one is at rest.

Postural tremor: When tremors appear on holding a body part in a specific position against gravity like keeping arm outstretched, etc.

1. In case of hand tremors, one may feel shakiness in hands, especially while using them.

2. Head, and neck tremors cause shaking of head. The movement of head here can be up, and down (a motion as when one nods a yes) or side to side (a motion when one nods a no).

3. When tongue or voice box is affected there is shaky voice.

4. Tremors of legs, and feet cause balance and gait issues.

5. When tremors affect the face, twitching occurs in the affected parts of the face such as twitching of the eyelids.

Essential tremors vs Parkinson’s disease – Are these the same?

These are not the same conditions but many a time there could be confusion regarding the two.

The key differences are as follows:

1. Essential tremors mainly occur while using hands while in Parkinson’s disease the tremors occur when hands are at rest.

2. In essential tremors no other problem occurs besides shaking. In Parkinson’s disease movement becomes slow, posture is stooped, gait issues are seen though in essential tremors sometimes there could be difficulty in walking.

Complications

Though tremors are not a critical issue it has a tendency to gradually get worse over the years. Eventually, the tremors may become so severe that accomplishing regular, everyday activities can prove to be difficult for the patient. For example, it may result in difficulty in holding a glass, drinking from a glass of water, eating with a spoon/fork, shaving, combing, cooking, tying shoelaces, and getting dressed. One may witness difficulty in talking and may as well make one’s voice shaky. Writing clearly/neatly may also be affected.

Diagnosis And Investigations

There is no lab test to diagnose the essential tremors and it is diagnosed based on the clinical symptoms. A physician will take note of the symptoms, and medical and family history, and do a physical examination of the sufferer having tremors. Essential tremors are diagnosed by ruling out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. If there is doubt between essential tremors and Parkinson’s disease then dopamine transporter test is advised (this test confirms Parkinson’s disease).

Trillium Pendulum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

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Trillium Pendulum is derived from a plant ‘lamb’s quarter’ also known as three-leaved nightshade and white beth root. It belongs to family Trilliaceae of the Liliaceae. The fresh roots of the plant are subjected to potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines) that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties. Following this process, we get a magnificent homeopathic remedy Trillium Pendulum. This medicine is principally indicated for managing certain female problems especially uterine fibroids, heavy menses and intermenstrual bleeding.

Drug Action

Among various actions of Trillium Pendulum, the top most action of this medicine is noted on female organs. The most important action of this medicine is to help control excessive bleeding accompanied with dizziness and faintness. Other sites of action of this medicine include mouth, nose, gastric system and respiratory system.

Clinical Indications

Uterine fibroids, heavy menses (menorrhagia), intermenstrual bleeding (metrorrhagia), menopausal complaints, prolapse of uterus, leucorrhoea, epistaxis, hematemesis, diarrhea, dysentery, cough, blood spitting

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1.Female problems (fibroids, heavy menses, menopausal complaints, intermenstrual bleeding, vaginal discharge)

The chief action of Trillium Pendulum is centred on the female organs. It has a considerable clinical reputation in managing various female health problems. Among these it is a superb medicine to manage cases of uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids refer to non – cancerous growths in uterus. In cases needing it, there occurs gushing of bright red blood from vagina on the least movement. Dark clots may pass as well with this blood. The bleeding is attended with a peculiar feeling that the hips and the back are falling to pieces. It is relieved by tight bandages. Trillium is of great service in managing cases of heavy menstrual bleeding during menopausal period. It is accompanied by weakness and vertigo. Some other attending complaints include palpitations, dim eye sight and sinking feeling at the pit of stomach. It can also be given for frequent menses during menopause. The bleeding tends to appear every two weeks. Trillium is also prescribed for managing cases of prolapsed uterus. Here its use is suggested when there is great bearing down sensation in the pelvis. It occurs while walking and standing. Backache may also occur along with this. Besides these, it proves effective in cases of vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea). The characteristic symptom for its use is profuse, yellow stringy discharge from the vagina. It may be blood- stained sometimes and is attended with marked weakness. Lastly, it is indicated to manage varicose veins occurring during pregnancy.

Key Indicating Features

Excessive uterine bleeding from uterine fibroids

Gushing of bright red blood from the uterus on least movement

Uterine bleeding with sensation as if the hips and the back were falling to pieces, better by tight bandages

Heavy menstrual bleeding during menopause with weakness, vertigo, palpitations, dim sight and sinking at pit of stomach

Frequent menses during menopause, bleeding occurring every two weeks

2. Mouth Complaints (Bleeding Gums, Bleeding After Tooth Extraction)

Trillium acts well on the mouth though not very widely. It is a well-indicated medicine to manage bleeding from the gums. It is also beneficial in managing bleeding after tooth extraction. Lastly, it is helpful in managing offensive taste in the mouth which is felt mainly on rising in morning. A greasy feeling on the tongue and the gums is felt. Profuse salivation is also noted.

Key Indicating Features

Bleeding from gums

Bleeding after tooth extraction

Offensive taste in the mouth mainly on rising in morning

3. Nasal Issues (Nasal Bleeding)

Its action is also noted on the nose. Here it is known to be helpful in managing cases of nasal bleeding (epistaxis). The bleeding is of bright red color. Bleeding is profuse. Its action on the nose is limited to treating nose bleeding.

Key Indicating Feature

Profuse bleeding of bright red color from the nose

4. Gastric Problems (Burning, Diarrhea, Dysentery)

With its action on the gastric system, Trillium proves helpful in treating cases of pain, cramping and burning in the stomach. Burning may rise up till the food pipe from the stomach. It also works well in managing cases of vomiting of blood (hematemesis). By acting on the rectum, it manages complaint of diarrhea (loose motion) well. In cases needing Trillium, the stool is thin, watery and tinged with blood. Lastly, it is well indicated for dysentery (an intestinal infection in which sufferer passes loose stool along with blood and mucus). In such cases, it is beneficial when blood is passed from the rectum.

Key Indicating Features

Burning in stomach rising up to food pipe

Vomiting of blood

Diarrhea when the stool is thin, watery tinged with blood

Dysentery with passage of blood from rectum

5. Respiratory Complaints (Cough, Blood Spitting)

By acting on the respiratory system, Trillium is capable of managing cough attended with blood spitting. It is also helpful in managing excessive purulent (of pus) expectoration. Pain in the chest of shooting nature may also be present. It can be used for cases of suffocative attacks accompanied by sneezing. Lastly, it can be given for cases of continuous cough that arises from a feeling of a food crumb lodged in the larynx.

Key Indicating Features

Cough attended with blood spitting

Continuous cough arising from a sensation of crumb lodged in the larynx

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from motion, after eating, during menopause and from sitting erect

Relieving factors: Complaints get better by bending forward, from tight bandage and from exercise in the open air

Dosage

Use of this medicine is recommended in mother tincture form and low potencies. The potency and repetition of this medicine is decided for every individual case as per the symptom presentation.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Trillium Pendulum can be compared with some other homeopathic medicines including Sabina, Ipecac, Hamamelis and Lachesis in case of uterine hemorrhage

Verbascum Thapsus: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

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Verbascum Thapsus also known as ‘mullein oil’ is a natural homeopathic medicine derived from plant Oleum Mullein. It belongs to family Scrophulariaceae. This fresh plant at the commencement of flowering undergoes potentization process. Through this process, its medicinal properties are extracted and intensified and as a result we get a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Verbascum Thapsus. It is a leading homeopathic medicine to manage trigeminal neuralgia, earache and bedwetting.

Drug Action

Verbascum acts magnificently on the face especially on the inferior maxillary branch of fifth pair of cranial nerves i.e. trigeminal nerve (Fifth and largest pair of cranial nerves responsible for sensation in face and motor functions like chewing, biting). Its action is also well defined on the ears. It also acts wonderfully on the urinary system, respiratory system and limbs.

Clinical Indications

Trigeminal neuralgia, earache, deafness, cough, piles, constipation, anal itching

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1.Facial Complaints (Trigeminal Neuralgia, Facial Pain)

The best action of Verbascum is seen on the face. It acts wonderfully on inferior maxillary branch of fifth pair of cranial nerves (fifth means trigeminal nerve). It is of great clinical significance in treating cases of trigeminal neuralgia (severe shooting or electric shock-like pain in the face due to pressure over trigeminal nerve or from its damage). The foremost guiding feature for its use is nerve pain affecting cheek, area of temporo- maxillary joint and ear. It is most suitable for left-sided pain in the face. Watering from eye (lachrymation) and nose may attend the pain. A very characteristic feature is that the pain comes periodically at a fixed hour every day in the morning and afternoon. The pain comes in flashes. The pain usually gets triggered from the least movement. The pain seems to get worse while talking or from sneezing. Any change in temperature also makes it worse. Pressing teeth together increases the pain too. The painful parts are very sensitive to touch. A unique feeling may be felt in the face as if painful parts are being crushed with tongs. A pressing sensation in the left cheek bone may be felt that gets worse by applying pressure with the hand. In some cases, there occurs dull sticking sensation in the left cheek. Sometimes, lightening like pain shoots over the right side of the face. Verbascum is also recommended to manage tearing, stitching, twitching pain in right temple of head to the angle of mouth. This is attended with red face, heat in head, and sticky saliva.

Key Indicating Features

Trigeminal neuralgia with nerve pain affecting cheek, area of temporo- maxillary joint and ear

Facial pain on left side attended with eye-watering (lachrymation) and nose

Nerve pain in face coming periodically at a fixed hour every day in morning and afternoon

Facial pain triggered from the least movement

Pain in face worse while talking, sneezing

Facial pain worse from any change in temperature

2. Ear-Related Problems (Earache, Dryness, Scaling, Numbness, Difficult Hearing)

Verbascum gives excellent results in cases of earache. The pain may be accompanied by a feeling of obstruction in ears, they feel blocked. Mainly tearing stitching pain is felt in the left side ear mostly while chewing. It is effective in managing dry, scaly condition of ear meatus. Sometimes numbness is felt in the left ear. It can be given in cases of difficult hearing as well. Another indication for its use is deafness arising from water getting inside the ear.

Key Indicating Features

Earache mainly tearing stitching type in left side ear

Dry, scaly condition of ear meatus

Deafness arising from water getting in the ear

3. Urinary Complaints (Bedwetting, Frequent Urination)

The action of this medicine is further seen on the urinary organs. Verbascum gives promising results in cases of bedwetting at night. The condition gets worse from coughing. This medicine is also helpful when there is frequent urge to urinate with scanty or profuse urination. It is attended with pressure in the bladder. Burning may occur along with urination. It is recommended for cases in which constant dribbling of urine occurs.

Key Indicating Features

Bedwetting at night

Frequent urge to urinate with scanty or profuse urination

Constant dribbling of urine

4. Respiratory Issues (Cough)

Verbascum is also a valuable medicine to manage respiratory problems. It is useful in managing dry, rough cough that gets worse at night. There may occur attacks of deep hollow cough, sounding like a trumpet. It arises from tickling in larynx or chest. Deep breathing helps to reduce cough. Verbascum is also suggested for treating cases of asthma. An obstruction may be felt in the larynx with hoarseness. In some cases, shooting pain in chest may be felt with difficulty in breathing.

Key Indicating Features

Dry, rough cough worse at night

Deep hollow cough sounding like trumpet

Cough arises from tickling in larynx or chest

Cough gets better from deep breathing

5. Limbs (Joint Pain, Weakness)

This medicine can be given in cases of pain on the top of the shoulder that goes away by moving it. This pain is pressing type. It can be used when there is tensive pain in the wrist on left side. The pain gets worse from rest as well as motion. Next it is indicated for managing tearing pain in the palm of hands. It is beneficial for management of pain in the left elbow. It works well when pain is cramp-like pressing type, it may extend to the forearm. Verbascum is also useful for managing sore and stiff joints of lower limbs. It is prominently indicated for knee pain on right side. The pain may be cramp-like or pressing type. It may happen suddenly. It gets worse while sitting, standing and walking. It can also manage weakness of the lower limbs as well as feeling of heaviness in lower limbs. Another complaint where it proves effective is thigh pain. It can be used when there is cramp-like pain in muscles of right thigh or a drawing sensation that extends from the middle of right thigh to knee. Lastly, it is valuable in managing cramp-like pressure in the sole of the foot on right side. It goes away on walking.

Key Indicating Features

Pain on top of shoulder that goes away from motion

Tensive pain in wrist on left side

Knee pain on right side that can be cramp-like or pressing type

6. Rectal Complaints (Constipation, Piles)

Lastly, it acts well on rectum. This medicine is well-indicated for managing constipation. The characteristic symptom for using Verbascum is scanty, very hard sheep dung-like stool passed with much effort. It is effective for cases of piles (swollen, enlarged veins in or around anus or in lower rectum). Here it is given when piles cause obstruction of stool. The piles are inflamed, painful and cause itching.

Key Indicating Features

Constipation with scanty, very hard sheep dung-like stool passed with effort

Piles obstructing stool

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from cold, drafts, temperature change, sneezing, talking, touch and pressure

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from deep inhalation

Dosage

It can be used in both low and high potencies. It can be repeated frequently in low potency but high potencies should not to be taken often. In case of earache and dry, scaly condition of ear meatus, local application of mullein oil is recommended.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor

Followed well by: Belladonna, China, Lycopodium, Pulsatilla, Rhus Tox, Sepia, Stramonium and Sulphur

Its comparison can be done with some other remedies including Causticum, Platina and Stannum Met

Natrum Carbonicum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

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The remedy Natrum Carbonicum is derived from sodium carbonate. Sodium carbonate is inert in its crude form. When it undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines by arousing the medicinal properties of a crude substance), it is converted into a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Natrum Carbonicum. It is a very effective medicine to manage several health issues. Some of these are sun headache, depression, certain women-related issues mainly infertility, and various gastric issues mainly milk allergy.

The ‘Natrum Carbonicum’ Constitution

It is well suited to those who dislike open air. It is also suitable for persons having aversion to any exercise either physical or mental.

Drug Action

Natrum Carbonicum acts on various body parts. It acts wonderfully on the mind, head, female genitals, gastric system, and skin. Other than this, it acts well on the nose and the limbs.

Clinical Indications

Depression, headache, leucorrhoea, infertility, dysmenorrhoea, food allergies, milk allergies, diarrhea, colic, flatulence, heartburn, belching, acidity, indigestion, warts, vesicles, ulcers, freckles, herpes, cold, post nasal discharge, joint pain, sprains.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Mind Complaints (Depression, Weak Memory)

Natrum Carbonicum acts well on the mind to help cases of depression. In such cases, it is indicated when there is excessive sadness, and constant sad thoughts in mind. Thoughts of suicide may be present as well. There is indifferent behaviour and aversion to society, besides anxiety. A feeling of being forsaken can also be present. Natrum Carb can handle well cases of weak memory and difficult concentration. It becomes impossible to do any sort of mental work. There is also difficulty in grasping, and combining ideas while reading or listening. In general, there is marked sensitivity to music, and nervousness, anxiety during thunderstorm.

Key Indications

Depression with excessive sadness, constant sad thoughts and thoughts of suicide

Weak memory and difficult concentration

Marked sensitivity to music

Nervousness, anxiety during thunderstorm

2. Head (Headache)

This medicine acts magnificently on the head to help relieve headache. It is best suited to manage headache that occurs from exposure to sunlight and in hot weather. It is also helpful when headache follows slightest mental exertion. The pain is mainly felt in the forehead with nausea. There is a feeling of tension/pressure on the head as if the forehead is about to burst. Head feels too large. In some cases, pain along the forehead is felt on the sides and on top of the head. It is accompanied by vertigo and excessive physical weakness. Lastly, in some cases pain from the back of the head may radiate to the top of the head (vertex).

Key Indicating Features

Headache from exposure to sunlight

Headache in hot weather

Headache from slightest mental exertion

3. Women’s Issues (Leucorrhoea, Infertility, Painful Menses)

Natrum Carbonicum treats various women-related issues. It is very effective in managing cases of leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge). It is well indicated when there is an occurrence of a thick yellow ropy vaginal discharge. The discharge causes irritation in vagina and has an offensive smell. The problem gets better after urination. Bearing down sensation in uterus may be felt. Its use is highly recommended in cases of infertility. It is specifically indicated when infertility is a result of non-retention of semen inside the vagina. Another indication for its use is scanty menses that may come early or late varying from case to case. The menses looks like meat washings. Lastly, it is useful in cases of painful menses (dysmenorrhea). It works well when there is pain in abdomen and lower back during menses.

Key Indicating Features

Vaginal discharges that are thick yellow ropy

Infertility due to non-retention of semen inside vagina

Pain in abdomen and lower back during menses

4. Gastric Issues (Gas, Pain, Heartburn, Food Allergy, Diarrhoea)

Natrum Carb has a magnificent action on gastric system. To begin with, it proves to be highly effective in cases of excessive gas, and bloating. Secondly, it is very beneficial in managing pain in the abdomen. Relief in abdomen pain, especially, from eating or warm application is the guiding feature for its use. Thirdly, it can be used in case of acidity accompanied by sour belching, heartburn and vomiting of bitter substance. It gives relief in cases of heartburn that occurs after eating fatty food. It manages food allergies very well. Among the allergies, it is most useful with regard to complaints of diarrhea and vomiting after milk intake. It also acts well on the rectum. It can be given in cases of diarrhea milk intake which is the most characteristic feature for its use. The stool is gushing that passes suddenly with much noise. Before passing of stool, cutting pain in the upper abdomen is felt. After one is relieved, burning and cutting pain is felt in the rectum, and anus. Apart from these, it is a prominent medicine for children who cannot tolerate milk.

Key Indicating Features

Excessive gas that moves in the abdomen with pain, and bloating

Pain in abdomen better from eating or warmth

Heartburn after eating fatty food

Milk allergy when diarrhea and vomiting arise from milk intake

Inability to tolerate milk in children

5. Skin Complaints (Warts, Vesicles, Ulcers, Freckles, Dryness)

This medicine proves to be very effective in treating certain skin complaints. It can be used in cases of warts (skin growths caused by human papilloma virus) that ulcerate and are sensitive to touch. It can be given in cases of vesicles on skin too. Vesicles are fluid-filled bumps on skin. Here its use is considered for red vesicles attended with itching and shooting type of pain. Another complaint where it proves to be successful is skin ulcers. To use it in skin ulcers, the indications to look for are ulcers with redness, swelling, inflammation, burning and pain. Prickling and pulsating sensation is also felt in these ulcers. In some cases, there occurs yellow pus from ulcers with putrid smell. Person having freckles with light brown spots on face may find this medicine beneficial. Lastly, it gives excellent results in cases of skin dryness, roughness with cracks.

Key Indicating Features

Warts that ulcerate and are sensitive to touch

Red vesicles with itching and shooting type of pain

Skin ulcers with redness swelling, inflammation, burning, pain, prickling and pulsating sensation

Freckles with light brown spots on face

Skin dryness, roughness with cracks

6. Nose (Post Nasal Discharge, Cold, Herpes Eruptions)

Natrum Carb is mainly helpful in treating post-nasal discharge (mucus dripping from back of nose into the throat). It is thick yellow, green having foul smell. Its another remarkable indication is a cold worse from slight draft of air. There occurs constant discharge from the nose. The nasal discharge has a bad odor. There may occur violent sneezing. It is of great service in cases of herpes eruptions (caused by a varicella zoster virus) that occur on nose, on lips and around the mouth.

Key Indicating Features

Post nasal discharge that is thick yellow, green having foul smell

Cold worse from slight draft of air

Constant discharge from nose having a bad odor

Herpes eruptions on nose, on lips and around the mouth

7. Limbs (Sprains, Locomotor Ataxia)

Lastly, its action is noted on limbs. The most important action is to help cases of old sprains (overstretching or tearing of ligaments i.e. the tissue which connects two bones together). Those needing it have easy spraining of ankles. It is also well suited to alleviate pain in hollow of the knee. This pain gets worse on movement. Besides these, it is known to be helpful for cases of locomotor ataxia with pain and unsteady gait. Ataxia is lack of muscle control over voluntary movements.

Key Indicating Features

Easy spraining of ankles

Pain in hollow of knee on motion

Locomotor ataxia with pain and unsteady gait

Modalities

Worsening factors: complaints are worse from heat of sun, from milk intake, from noise, music, getting wet, change of weather and from exertion

Relieving factors: complaints are better from eating, motion, rubbing and pressure

Dosage

This medicine can be used in both low and high potency. In low potency, one can repeat it frequently. But in high potencies it should not be repeated often.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Arsenic Album and Camphor

It antidotes: China Officinalis

Followed well by: Calcarea Carb, Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla, Nitric Acid, Sepia, Selenium and Sulphur

Bovista Lycoperdon: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Editor 3 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Bovista Lycoperdon is of great clinical significance and can manage several skin complaints. Among these urticaria, eczema and acne tops the list. It also acts well on female genitals, especially, cases of heavy menses and vaginal discharge. Lastly, it works wonderfully well to control bleeding from various body parts.

The ‘Bovista Lycoperdon’ Constitution

This medicine is suitable for those who have a tendency to frequent bleeding from nose, and gums. It also suits children who have a stammering problem quite well.

Drug Action

Bovista has a marked action on the skin and female genitals. Its results are well-known on the circulatory system, and capillaries in which it helps manage bleeding from various body parts. It also acts well on the mouth, teeth, gums, nose, and gastric system.

Clinical Indications

Urticaria, eczema, acne, menstruation disorders, heavy menses, intermenstrual bleeding, leucorrhoea, ovarian cysts, haemorrhages, nose bleeding, corns, warts, abdomen pain, gas, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Skin complaints (Urticaria, Eczema, Itching, Corns, Warts, Acne)

Bovista is really suitable to treat several skin issues. Mainly its use is recommended to treat cases of urticaria. Urticaria refers to itchy, raised bumps (wheals) on skin appearing suddenly usually from an allergic reaction. It gives magnificent results in these cases. The most striking feature for its use is urticaria which has gotten worse from bathing. Other than this, its use is also suggested if urticaria worsens on waking in the morning. A very unique feature that may be present is urticaria accompanied by diarrhoea (loose stool). It is a wonderful medicine to help those suffering from eczema (skin inflammation causing itchy rash, dry patches, flakiness or blisters or cracks on the skin). In eczema, it can be administered in two scenarios. Firstly, it can be given when there is redness of skin along with itching, and burning. Secondly, it can be used in cases presenting thick moist crusts on the skin. There occurs eruption on the skin that itches, and emits fluid. Thick crusts form on these eruptions with collection of pus underneath. Another complaint where this medicine is quite helpful is skin itching that increases particularly as it gets warm. The itching is not relieved by scratching. Apart from these, it is well suited to treat cases of corns (hardened skin layers which develop from increased pressure or friction on skin mostly on the feet). It is also helps treat warts (small bumps on the skin caused by human papilloma virus). To use this medicine for the treatment of corns, and warts the most important symptom to look for is shooting pain in the affected area. Bovista is a best homeopathic medicine to treat acne (pimples) that results from use of cosmetics. It is also used to treat pimples that get worse in summers. Bovista is also indicated when blunt objects leave a deep impression on the skin. Next important feature for its use is intolerable itching at the tip of coccyx (tail bone). Lastly, it is a valuable medicine to relieve itching on the scalp that gets worse from warmth. There is desire to scratch scalp until sore.

Key Indicating Features

Urticaria worse from bathing

Urticaria accompanied with diarrhoea

Eczema with redness of skin along with itching and burning

Eczema with thick moist crusts on the skin

Skin itching that worsens on getting warm

Corns and warts with shooting pain

Pimples resulting from cosmetic use

Deep impressions being left on skin from blunt objects

Intolerable itching at tip of coccyx (tail bone)

2. Women Related Problems (Heavy Menses, Intermenstrual Bleeding, Leucorrhoea, Ovarian Cysts)

Various Women related issues can be treated wonderfully with this medicine. Firstly, it is useful in case of early, and heavy periods when there is more menstrual bleeding at night. Before the commencement of menses, painful bearing down is felt in the genitals. During menses, bruised pain in abdomen, thighs, and lower back can be felt. Secondly, it can be given in cases of intermenstrual bleeding. It is well-indicated when periods appear after a gap of every two weeks. The blood is dark, and has clots. Another complaint where Bovista works well is leucorrhoea (vaginal discharges). It is hugely beneficial in treating vaginal discharge that are either like white of an egg or green-coloured, and thick that leaves green spots behind. The discharge gets worse while walking, and also after periods. A very peculiar symptom which indicates the use of Bovista is diarrhoea particularly before and during menses. It can also effectively deal with cases of ovarian cysts (fluid filled sacs in an ovary).

Key Indicating Features

Early and heavy menses when bleeding is worse at night

Intermenstrual bleeding every two weeks of dark and clotted blood

Vaginal discharge that like white of an egg or of green coloured and thick leaving behind green spots

Vaginal discharge worse when walking and after menses

Diarrhoea before and during menses

3. Perspiration

Bovista is also predominantly used to treat cases of excessive sweating in axilla (armpit). Sweating in armpits with a smell of an onion or a garlic is classic feature for its use. Other than this it has the ability to manage cases where excessive sweating on chest occurs in the morning.

Key Indicating Feature

Sweating in armpits smelling like onion or garlic

4. Mouth (Dryness, Crusts)

It helps in case of excessive dryness in the mouth. One may have a feeling of as if there is sand in the mouth. In such cases, there is offensive smell in the mouth. Other than this, it is a valuable medicine in case of those who stammer. Lastly, it is used in case of soreness, and crusts at the corners of the mouth.

Key Indicating Features

Dry mouth with sensation of sand in the mouth

Soreness and crusts at the corners of mouth

5. Teeth, And Gums (Bleeding Gums, Toothache)

Bovista acts very well on the teeth, and gums. It is highly preferred in cases of bleeding gums, especially when one sucks one’s own gums by drawing in the inner walls of the mouth. It is also an important medicine to control bleeding after tooth extraction. It is also indicated to manage aching, and drawing pain in decayed teeth. It worsens in the evenings, and get better in warmth.

Key Indicating Features

Bleeding gums

Bleeding following tooth extraction

Aching drawing pain in decayed teeth, gets worse in the evenings, and gets better with warmth

6. Nasal Problems (Nose Bleeding, Blocked Nose)

Bovista has a marked action on the nose. This medicine can take care of cases of nasal bleeding (epistaxis). There are few major indications to use it in cases of nasal bleeding. It includes nose bleeding from an injury or bleeding in the early mornings during sleep. Additionally, it is also indicated when bleeding from nose occurs in drops when one blows his nose and upon sneezing. In women, if nose bleeding occurs along with irregularity in menses even then it is a major remedy. This medicine can also be used to treat cases of blocked nose that is worse when lying down attended with trouble in breathing. There may occur tough, ropy discharge or watery discharge from nose as well.

Key Indicating Features

Nose bleeding from injury

Nose bleeding in early morning during sleep

Bleeding from nose in drops when one blows nose and upon sneezing

Nose bleeding along with irregularity in menses

7. Gastric Issues (Abdomen Pain, Diarrhoea, Constipation)

Bovista is a very beneficial medicine for treating various gastric issues. It is useful in case of abdomen pain and the pain gets better after a meal.

Bending double exercise also relieves it. Other symptoms are gas in abdomen with bloating. Wearing tight clothes around the waist may make one uncomfortable. It is also administered in case of nausea that occur before breakfast. There may be empty burps. A sensation of lump of ice is felt in stomach. Another indication for the use of this medicine is diarrhoea among elderly people. It gets worse in early morning, and at night. It is a leading medicine to manage diarrhoea in women before, and during menses. This medicine can also be given to those suffering from constipation. It is administered in those cases when the first part of the stool is hard but subsequently followed by thin, and watery stool. Along with constipation there is gas and rumbling in abdomen.

Key Indicating Features

Abdomen pain gets better after a meal eating, and with bending double exercise

Diarrhoea in elderly people, gets worse in the early mornings and at night

Diarrhoea gets worse before, and during menses

Constipation — first part of stool is hard followed by thin, and watery stool

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse in hot weather, at night, during full moon, from cold food, wine, before, and during menses

Relieving factors: Complaints get better after a meal, taking hot food, and from bending double

Dosage

It can be used from low to high potency. In low potency, its repetition can be frequent. In higher potencies, frequent repetition is not recommended.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor

Followed well by: Alumina, Calcarea Carb, Rhus Tox, Sepia and Veratrum Album

It can be compared with some other remedies including Belladonna, Cicuta, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Staphisagria, Carbo Veg, Merc Sol and Pulsatilla

Capsicum Annum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Editor 2 Comments

The remedy Capsicum Annum is derived from dried pods of plant ‘cayenne pepper’. This plant belongs to Solanaceae family and is native to South America and West Indies. When dried pods of this plant are potentized according to homeopathic formula which is a process of arousing medicinal powers of crude substance, it is converted into a very beneficial homeopathic medicine. The main keynote for its use is burning type of pain in any body part. The way it helps to reduce burning pain is highly commendable.

The ‘Capsicum Annum’ Constitution

This medicine is mainly suited to people who are weak, fat, clumsy, lazy and tend to avoid physical exertion. They have desire to stick to their routine and have aversion to go beyond that. They also have tendency to get homesick. It also works well in elderly people who get exhausted from excessive mind related work.

Drug Action

This medicine acts markedly on the mind, throat and rectum. Other than this, its action is seen on the ears, mouth, urinary organs, respiratory system and limbs.

Clinical Indications

Burning sensation, sore throat, homesickness, piles, dysentery, rectum diseases, ear disorders, mastoiditis, earache, stomatitis, mouth ulcers, urine disorders, cystitis, gonorrhoea, joint complaints, sciatica, cough, asthma

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Throat Concerns (Burning Sensation, Sore Throat)

Capsicum works well in managing certain throat-related concerns. The foremost indication for its use is burning, smarting sensation in the throat. Burning feels as when pepper hurts throat. It is a well-indicated medicine for cases of sore throat. The throat is dark red, inflamed along with burning sensation. The tonsils are inflamed too attended with burning sensation. A specific feature is the worsening of burning in the throat between acts of swallowing. Stinging and stitching pain in the throat causes cough, accompanied by dryness and roughness in the throat. Throat pain extends to the ears. In some cases, whitish spots appear in the throat surrounded with red circles. Constricted feeling in the throat sometimes occur. Uvula is elongated, relaxed and inflamed. It is a prominent medicine for sore throat in smokers and alcoholics.

Key Indicating Features

Burning as from pepper and smarting sensation in the throat

Sore throat with dark red, inflammation along with burning sensation

Sore throat in smokers and alcoholics

2. Complaints Of The Mind (Homesickness)

This medicine acts wonderfully on the mind. Those having homesickness may find this medicine quite effective. The characteristic symptom for its use is homesickness with sleeplessness, redness of the cheeks and heat in the throat. Use of this medicine can also be done in cases of sudden mood changes. There may occur anger or weeping spells alternating with laughing and singing. Persons needing it may have anxieties and fear. They have fear of criticism or of death.

Key Indicating Feature

Homesickness with sleeplessness, redness of the cheeks and heat in the throat

3. Rectal Problems (Burning, Piles, Dysentery)

It is a magnificent medicine for managing various rectal problems. Among these, it is highly suitable for treating piles (swollen, inflamed veins in the anus or in the lower rectum). It works best when there are bleeding piles with marked burning and soreness of the anus. Burning feels like pepper sprinkled on the anus. Anal itching can also be there. It is effective for managing dysentery (intestinal infection causing loose stool with blood and mucus) cases. It is well indicated when there occurs stool with bloody mucus and burning, smarting pain in the rectum and anus. Besides, Tenesmus is well marked. Tenesmus is an ineffectual urge to pass stool even when bowels are empty. Before and during stool, cutting twisting pain is felt in the abdomen. After passing stool, backache and thirst follow. Drinking water leads to shivering.

Key Indicating Features

Burning as from pepper in the rectum and anus

Bleeding piles with marked burning (as from pepper), soreness and itching of anus

Dysentery with bloody mucus in the stool and burning, smarting pain in the rectum and anus

4. Ear-Related Issues (Mastoiditis, Earache)

Capsicum has marvellous action on the ears. It is a highly valuable medicine for mastoiditis (a bacterial infection of mastoid air cells of temporal bone located behind the ear). This medicine gives good results to manage pain, swelling and tenderness behind the ears. Along with this, it helps to control ear discharge (otorrhoea). It is also a helpful medicine for managing earache. It works well in case of burning, stinging, stitching pain in ears. Hardness of hearing attends it. Ears feel hot.

Key Indicating Features

Mastoiditis with pain, swelling and tenderness behind the ears and ear discharge

Burning, stinging, stitching pain in ears with hardness of hearing

5. Mouth (Inflammation, Bad Odor, Herpes)

With its action on mouth, Capsicum Annum proves to be successful in managing stomatitis, ulcers, foul taste, bad odor and herpes. It gives good results in cases of stomatitis (inflamed, sore mouth). In cases needing it, mouth is inflamed with excessive saliva having bad odor and sticky consistency. It proves effective for mouth ulcers that are flat and small accompanied by burning sensation. Another striking feature for its use is very foul, putrid unbearable odor from mouth. Taste of mouth is also foul. Lastly, its use is highly suggested for cases of herpes of lips. Herpes is a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus.

Key Indicating Features

Mouth inflammation with increased saliva of bad odor and sticky consistency

Flat small mouth ulcers accompanied with burning sensation

Herpes of lips

6. Urinary Complaints (Cystitis, Gonorrhoea)

Use of Capsicum is also recommended for managing certain urinary issues. To begin with, it is well indicated for cases of cystitis. Cystitis refers to inflammation of urinary bladder. Burning sensation is felt in the urethral orifice just before urination, during urination and after urination. There is frequent, ineffectual urge to urinate. Biting sensation and smarting pain are also felt in the urethra after urinating. It is also indicated for managing nephritis (inflammation of kidney) with marked kidney pain. Other than this, its use is preferred in cases of gonorrhoea (sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoea). In such cases, it is used when there is frequent urination with smarting, scalding pain in urethra, pus discharge from urethra and bleeding sometimes.

Key Indicating Features

Cystitis with burning in urethral orifice just before urination, during urination and after urination

Gonorrhoea with frequent urination, scalding smarting pain in urethra, pus discharge or bleeding sometimes from urethra

7. Limbs (Joint Complaints, Sciatica)

With its action on limbs, it is highly capable to manage joint pain and sciatica cases. It is mainly indicated when pain in joint is worse when beginning to move. It is attended with stiffness and cracking in joints. It is well indicated for managing sciatica (pain along path of sciatic nerve that starts in lower back and radiate down back of thigh to leg upto feet). It is used when there occur tearing, shooting type of pain from hip to feet. It is worse from coughing. It is also used when sciatica is worse from bending backward.

Key Indicating Features

Pain and stiffness in joints worse when beginning to move

Sciatica with tearing, shooting pain from hip to feet, worse from coughing

Sciatica worse from bending backward

8. Respiratory Problems (Cough, Asthma)

Here Capsicum is effective in managing cough and asthma. For using it, the cough is dry accompanied by offensive breath. While coughing, there is sensation as if head and chest would fly to pieces. Along with cough, there may occur pain in legs, knees, bladder, chest, ears or throat. Vomiting may occur while coughing. Urine may also pass involuntarily along with coughing. This medicine can be given for treating cases of asthma. In such cases, its use is considered when there is wheezing, difficult breathing which gets worse from walking. Along with this, there is redness on face.

Key Indicating Features

Dry cough accompanied by offensive breath

Cough with a sensation as if head and chest would fly to pieces

Cough with pain in some body parts like legs, knees, bladder, chest, ears or throat

Asthma with wheezing, difficult breathing worse from walking

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from cold air, cold water, dampness, bathing, drinking, empty swallowing and touch

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from heat, while eating and continued motion.

Dosage

It works well in both low and high potencies. Its action lasts for about one week. In low potency like 30 C, it can be repeated frequently. But when using in high potencies like 200 C, 1M frequent repetition should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Caladium, Camphor, Cina, China and Sulphuric Acid

Followed well by: Belladonna, Lycopodium, Pulsatilla and Silicea

It can be compared with remedies Arnica, Belladonna, Cantharis, Carbo Veg, Arsenic Album and Sulphur.

Salicylicum Acidum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Editor 3 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Salicylicum Acidum is prepared from salicylic acid. When salicylic acid undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance), it is converted into a highly beneficial homeopathic medicine Salicylicum Acidum. This medicine is highly effective in dealing with ear complaints mainly tinnitus and Meniere’s disease and also joint pains.

Drug Action

This remedy’s main sphere of action centers on the ears. Other than this, it acts well on joints, limbs and mouth. Lastly, its action is noted on the throat, gastric system and skin.

Clinical Indications

Tinnitus, meniere’s disease, otorrhoea, Joint pain, sciatica, necrosis, canker sores, stomatitis, ulcers, pharyngitis, diarrhoea, corns, warts, urticaria

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Ear complaints (tinnitus, meniere’s disease, otorrhoea)

Salicylicum Acidum has deep action on the ears. It is a highly suitable medicine to manage cases of tinnitus (hearing noises in the ears in the absence of any external source of sound). It is mainly helpful when a person hears roaring, ringing or buzzing noises in the ears. In some cases, a person may hear musical noises. It is an excellent medicine for cases of Meniere’s disease. It refers to an inner ear disorder having symptoms including tinnitus, vertigo and fluctuating hearing loss. In these cases, this medicine can be used when there is tinnitus, diminished hearing and vertigo accompanied with nausea. Its use is well-indicated for treating otorrhoea (ear discharge). It is helpful when pus with fetid smell emanates from the ear.

Key Indicating Features

Roaring, ringing or buzzing noises in the ears

Meniere’s disease (an inner ear disorder with symptoms including tinnitus, vertigo and fluctuating hearing loss)

Ear discharge of pus with fetid smell

2. Limbs And Joints (Joint Pain, Sciatica, Necrosis)

It also acts wonderfully on limbs and joints. With its action on joints, it proves beneficial for joint pains that get specifically gets worse from touch and motion. There is redness, swelling, soreness and heat in joints. Relief occurs from dry heat. The knee is quite swollen with piercing type of pain. Another characteristic feature is shifting of pain from one joint to another. This medicine is of great clinical significance when joint pains occur in women during menopause. Another complaint where it proves very effective is sciatica (initially pain starts in the lower back going down the hips, back of thigh, legs up to the foot along the path of sciatic nerve). The guiding feature for the use of Salicylicum Acidum is sciatica with drawing and shooting type of pain and burning at the toes. The pain gets worse at night. A peculiar sensation as if feet are on an ant hill is felt. Excessive sweating on the feet is also marked. This medicine also acts well on the tibia (bone in leg) bone. Here it is prominently indicated to manage necrosis (death of cells) of tibia bone.

Key Indicating Features

Joint pains that are specifically worse from touch and motion

Joint pain better from dry heat

Shifting type of pain from one joint to another

Joint pain in women during menopause

Sciatica with drawing and shooting type of pain and burning at toes

3. Mouth Complaints (Canker Sores, Stomatitis, Ulcers)

By acting on the mouth, Salicylicum Acidum can effectively deal with cases of canker sores (small shallow ulcers that develop on the soft tissue in the mouth). Its use is mainly considered for canker sores with burning, soreness and offensive breath. Its use is also recommended for cases of stomatitis (sore and inflamed mouth). In such cases, it can be given when there is heat and dryness in the mouth along with burning vesicles on the tongue. Tongue may look purplish with foul breath. There is redness in the mouth. Burning, scalding and scraping is felt in the mouth as well. Lastly, it is useful to manage disgusting taste in the mouth, such as something burnt or bitter.

Key Indicating Features

Canker sores with burning, soreness and offensive breath

Stomatitis with heat, dryness in the mouth along with burning vesicles on tongue

Disgusting taste as of something burnt or bitter in the mouth

4. Throat Problems (Swollen Tonsils, Pharyngitis)

If we talk of throat problems, use of Salicylicum Acidum is suggested to manage swollen, red tonsils studded white. Burning is also felt in the throat. There may occur scraping sensation in throat that causes cough. It can be given to treat pharyngitis (swelling in the back of the throat) along with difficult swallowing.

Key Indicating Features

Swollen, red tonsils studded white

Pharyngitis with difficult swallowing

5. Gastric Issues (Ulcers, Diarrhea, Worms)

Salicylicum Acidum is also well-indicated for managing a few gastric issues. It is mainly indicated for managing ulcers in stomach and bowels. It is also indicated for excessive gas and sour burps. This medicine is also helpful for managing diarrhea mainly in children. The peculiar indication is stool, like green frog’s spawn. Lastly, it is the best medicine for treating worms. Anal itching is marked where it is required.

Key Indicating Features

Ulcers in stomach and bowels

Diarrhea mainly in children when stool is like green frog’s spawn

6. Skin Concerns (Vesicles, Pustules, Urticaria, Herpes Zoster, Corns, Warts)

Lastly, this medicine can help to manage certain skin concerns too. Firstly, it is indicated to manage vesicles (fluid-filled eruptions) and pustules (pus-filled bumps) on skin with itching. Scratching relieves it. Secondly, it can be used for cases of urticaria (itchy, raised bumps means wheals on skin appearing usually from an allergic reaction). Another indication for its use is herpes zoster (viral infection causing painful skin rash with blisters caused by varicella zoster virus). Besides these, it is an important medicine to treat corns (thick and hard area on skin that develops usually on the feet and toes as a protective mechanism against pressure) and warts (small, painless bumps on skin caused by human papillomavirus).

Key Indicating Feature

Vesicles (fluid-filled eruptions) and pustules (pus-filled bumps) on skin with itching

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse at night, from cold air, from movement

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from hot applications mainly dry heat.

Dosage

It can be used from low to high potency. In low potency, its repetition can be done frequently, but in higher potencies, frequent repetition is not recommended.

Relationship With Other Remedies

It can be compared with some other homeopathic remedies including Natrum Salicylicum, Colchicum, China, Chininum Sulph, Silicea, Sulphur and Lacticum Acidum.

Plantago Major: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Editor 4 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Plantago Major is prepared from a plant ‘plantain or ribwort’. It belongs to family Plantaginaceae. For preparing this medicine, the plantain plant is potentized as per homeopathic formula that arouses its medicinal properties. After this process, we get a very important homeopathic medicine Plantago Majus. It is of special service in managing complaints of toothache, nerve pain (neuralgia) in face, earache and bedwetting.

Drug Action

Plantago Major acts very well on the teeth. It also shows good results on the ears and face. Other than this, it acts well on the urinary organs, and skin.

Clinical Indications

Toothaches, teeth grinding, neuralgia, earache, ear inflammation, gumboils, bedwetting, polyuria

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Dental Problems (Toothache, Teeth Grinding)

The foremost action of Plantago Major is seen on the teeth. It is a top-grade medicine for managing certain dental problems. Among these problems, it is a leading homeopathic medicine to relieve toothache. It is also well-suited in case of toothache, particularly, when a tooth is decaying. It gets better when one starts eating. One may report boring or digging type of pain in the tooth. It is mostly accompanied by profuse flow of saliva. It is helpful when the teeth on the left side feel sore and elongated. Plantago also offers help in cases of aching in a decayed wisdom tooth. It is well indicated, especially, for decayed wisdom tooth in the left lower jaw. The pain from the tooth shoots up to the left side of the face towards the side of head and the ear. Another characteristic symptom for its use is toothache accompanied by neuralgia (nerve pain) of the eyelids. Excessive redness of the face may also be an accompanying factor. Further, the use of this medicine is recommended to manage grinding of teeth at night time. Lastly, it is a valuable medicine for management of cases of gumboils (pus filled bump that develop on the gums).

Key Indicating Features

Toothache to a decayed tooth

Toothache gets better while eating

Aching in decayed wisdom tooth, especially in the left lower jaw

Toothache accompanied by nerve pain of the eyelids

2. Facial Concerns (Nerve Pain, Eruptions)

Plantago acts wonderfully on the face. It manages really well nerve pain that especially occurs on the left side of the face. It is well-indicated when the pain travels from the jaw to the ear. The pain can be shooting or tearing in nature. It can also be used in case the pain is aching or when the pain is a result of a bruise, particularly, on the right side of the face. It is also used to deal with cases of red, small, rough, and scaly patches on the facial skin. Mostly these are present on the left side of the face. It also proves beneficial in case of dry, scaly eruptions that may form on the lower lip.

Key Indicating Features

Nerve pain on the left side of the face from the jaw to ear

Aching or pain occurring due to a bruise on the right side of the face

Red, small, rough, and scaly patches on the left side of the face

Dry, and scaly eruptions on the lower lip

3. Ear Problems (Earache, Acute Hearing, Ringing in Ears)

It can effectively manage pain in the ear. It is mainly indicated for pain in the right ear. The pain is sharp, and twinging (sharp pain occurs suddenly). It is accompanied by pain in the face and teeth. It can also be used for pain in the ear that travels from one ear to the other. It can also be used in cases the hearing is bad, and the noises are painful. Lastly, it may help in cases if there is ringing in the ears.

Key Indicating Features

Earache accompanied by pain in the face, and teeth

Acute hearing and noises painful

Ringing in the ears

4. Urinary Issues (Bedwetting, Irritable Bladder)

It is helpful in managing some urinary issues. Plantago is an excellent medicine that can be administered in cases of bedwetting. There is passage of copious urine. It arises owing to a weak sphincter around the urethral opening. White sediments may be present in the urine. Secondly, its use is indicated in cases of irritable bladder accompanied by frequent urination. Besides these, it can be given in cases there is tenderness in the kidney region if there is pressure.

Key Indicating Features

Bedwetting

Irritable bladder with frequent urination

Tenderness in the kidney region if there is pressure

5. Skin Complaints (Itching, Vesicles, Rough Skin)

If we talk of skin concerns, Plantago offers help in managing intense itching on the skin that gets worse at night. Pricking and stinging pain may attend it. After scratching, burning sensation is felt on the skin. This medicine is also useful to manage vesicles (fluid-filled bumps) on the hands and face. It also has a tendency to heal skin eruptions that ooze a yellow fluid and form a crust. Besides these, it can manage cases where red, rough, scaly patches form on the face mostly on left side.

Key Indicating Features

Intense itching on the skin worse at night

Skin eruptions that ooze a yellow fluid and form a crust

Red, rough, scaly patches on the face mostly on left side

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse at night, from heat and cold, motion and mental exertion

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from sleep

Dosage

Use of this medicine is recommended in mother tincture form and lower potencies. Its use is also suggested as an external application in case of toothache.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Merc Sol

It antidotes: Apis Mellifica, Rhus Tox and Tabacum

It can be compared with medicines Chamomilla, Spigelia, Colocynth and Kalmia in cases of nerve pain (neuralgia)

It can also be compared with medicines Belladonna, Equisetum and Causticum in cases of bedwetting.

5 Best Natural Homeopathic Medicines to Treat Gout

By Editor 49 Comments

Gout is an inflammatory joint disease that arises due to increased uric acid levels in the blood. Though any joint in the body can be affected by gout but the joint at the base of the great toe has a higher chance to be affected in majority of the cases. Normal uric acid levels in blood are 3.5 to 7.2 mg/dL. A uric acid level more than this indicates hyperuricemia (high uric acid). Increased uric acid is not a disease and by itself is not dangerous. However, if excess uric acid levels lead to the formation of crystals between the joints, gout can develop. In some individuals, excess uric acid levels also lead to the formation of kidney stones. Please remember not all who have high levels of uric acid, develop gout. High level of uric acid in blood without any symptoms is termed asymptomatic hyperuricemia.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathic medicines for gout help relieve symptoms and also reduce the associated swelling in joints. These medicines can be a big boon for all those who suffer from high uric acid and gout. These medicines work by reducing overproduction of uric acid in the body and where need be, by accelerating the removal of this waste product through kidneys. Symptoms like pain, swelling, tenderness in the affected joints are manageable with these medicines. Following this, the treatment for excess uric acid can help treat chronic tendency to develop frequent episodes of gout.

Top Homeopathic Medicines for Gout

The topmost homeopathic medicines for treating gout are Colchicum Autumnale, Benzoicum Acidum, Ledum Pal and Berberis Vulgaris.

1. Colchicum Autumnale – Top Grade Medicine For Gout

Colchicum Autumnale is the most frequently recommended medicine for gout. It is an infallible medicine to give speedy relief in pain, soreness, and swelling of joints from gout. It is effective for managing gout in almost any of the joints but particularly the one that affects the big toe. There is intense pain, swelling in the big toe in cases needing it. The big toe is highly tender, sore and hot, even a slight touch on toe is unbearable. The pain gets worse on movement. Aggravation of toe pain in the evening is also noted in few cases requiring this remedy. It can be given for swelling and stiffness in hands and feet from gout. This medicine can even be used when multiple joints are affected with gout at the same time.

2. Benzoicum Acidum – For Gout Affecting Knee Joint And Big Toe

Benzoicum Acidum is a wonderful medicine for gout that affects the knee joint and the big toe. In cases requiring it, the knee joint is swollen and painful, and there is a cracking in the joint with movement. In some cases, nodes from the deposits of urate crystals may be present on the knees. Benzoicum Acidum also works well in cases of knee pain worsening from taking wine. Other than knee, it is also beneficial for pain in the big toe joint. Its use is considered when pain in big toe is severe at night. It occurs in the big toe mainly of right side. Tearing or stitching pain is felt.

3. Ledum Pal – For Gout Affecting Ankle, Hands And Feet

Ledum Pal is most suitable to manage gout that affects ankles. It is indicated when there is pain and swelling in the ankle that radiates upwards in the leg. The pain gets worse with movement. Otherwise, Ledium Pal is also helpful for treating gout affecting feet and toes. There is tearing pain in the toes. Its use is also highly suggested when gout starts in the joints of lower limbs and afterwards affects joints in the upper body. In case of gout of the hand, it is indicated when nodes form on the hand and finger joints. A drawing type of pain in the affected hand is felt.

4. Berberis Vulgaris – To Manage Kidney Stones From High Uric Acid

Berberis Vulgaris is a top medicine for treating kidney stones due to high uric acid. It helps to dissolve kidney stones magnificently. It is indicated in cases where there is pain around the kidneys. The pain may radiate down to the urinary bladder from the kidney area, along with a stinging, burning sensation in the kidneys. The urine may also contain sandy or slimy sediments. Though it can be used for kidney stones on any side, but is most prominently indicated for left sided kidney stones.

5. Bryonia Alba – For Gout When Pain Worsen From Slightest Movement

Bryonia Alba is prescribed in gout cases when joint pain gets worse from the slightest movement. It is the most helpful when there is pain, redness, heat and swelling in joints, especially feet. Other than movement, pain gets worse from touch. The nature of pain is sharp, tearing or stinging type.

6. Urtica Urens – To Cut Short Duration Of Acute Gout Attack

It is an important medicine in homeopathy to cut short the duration of acute gout. Due to this action, it is also known as the anti-gout medicine. It is most prominently indicated for gout that affects wrists and ankles. Like Berberis Vulgaris, this medicine is also used for dissolving kidney stones.

7. Lycopodium – For Gout Affecting Heel

This medicine is well indicated for gout-causing heel pain. There may be worsening of heel pain while walking. A sensation of stone under the heel is felt. Along with this, profuse sweat and coldness is felt on the feet. Lycopodium is also indicated for cases of chronic gout where chalky deposits have formed in the joints.

8. Causticum – For Gout In Elbow Joint

Causticum is a medicine for gout in the elbow joint. It can be given when there is a pressing or gripping sensation felt in the elbow, along with pain. Warmth in the elbow area can help relieve the pain. Causticum also helps in lowering down uric acid levels.

Signs And Symptoms Of Gout

Gout symptoms occur due to the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint spaces and or in the connective tissue of the joints. The main signs and symptoms are as follows:

1. Pain in joints: Gout is a very painful condition mainly affecting the metatarsal – phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe in most cases. Gout affecting big toe joint is named podagra. Pain occurs suddenly and in most cases, joint pain starts during the night and reaches maximum within 12 hrs of its beginning.

Joints affected

Gout mainly affects the joint (metatarsal–phalangeal joint) at the base of the big toe but it can affect other joints as well. The other joints that can be affected by gout include ankles, heels, knees, wrist, elbow, fingers, and shoulders.

Duration of a gout attack

One episode of gout can last from 3 days to two weeks. In between two gout attacks, no symptoms occur at all.

2. Swelling, redness and heat in joints

3. Tenderness of the joint: Joint is painful even to slightest touch and even the little contact with bedsheet seems unbearable.

4. Stiffness of joint and limited range of motion of joint

5. Tophi– Deposits of hard, painless deposits of uric acid, called tophi can appear as lumps under the skin and around the joints from long-standing increase in uric acid levels.

Cause And Risk Factors:

The main cause of gout is an increase in uric acid levels in the blood.

The following factors increase risk of gout

1. Dietary factors: Eating food products rich in purines tend to raise the levels of uric acid in the blood. Some foods that are high in purines include meat, fish, seafood, shrimps, shellfish, beans, dried mushrooms, spinach. Besides excessive alcohol intake is strongly linked with an increased risk of gout. Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages are also linked with gout.

2. Some medical conditions make a person susceptible to gout. These include kidney disease, metabolic syndrome (It is a group of conditions including hypertension, abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and abnormal lipid levels), psoriasis, haemolytic anemia, diabetes and hypertension.

3. A positive family history of gout increases risk

4. Obesity also increases susceptibility

5. Males are at higher risk of developing gout as compared to females. In females, chances are more of developing gout after menopause.

6. Use of certain medicines, like thiazide diuretics, is linked with gout attacks. Some other medicines associated with gout attack are aspirin, beta blockers, immunosuppressive drugs ciclosporins and excessive use of vitamin D supplements.

7. Recent surgery or a physical trauma

Pathophysiology

In our body, when purines (present in certain food and drinks) break, then uric acid is formed. This uric acid is expelled via kidneys in urine. Gout occurs when there occurs an increase in the uric acid levels in the blood. Uric acid levels increase either due to its overproduction (in 10%of cases), or decreased elimination of the uric acid from the body by the kidney (this is cause in 90% of the cases). As a result of increased uric acid levels in blood, uric acid crystals (known as monosodium urate crystals) start accumulating in joints and soft tissue around it. These are sharp needle-like crystals that trigger an inflammatory response resulting in gout.

Complications Of Gout

1. A person may get recurrent attacks of gout each year

2. Joint erosion, damage and destruction

3. Formation of tophi (nodules under skin from deposits of urate crystals) that can form in any area like fingers, feet, hands and Achilles tendon. Tophi become tender during gout attack, at other times are entirely painless.

4. In some cases, urate crystals tend to accumulate in urinary tracts leading to kidney stones.

Diagnosis And Investigations

1. Uric acid levels in blood: It is the most common test recommended in case of gout in which levels of serum uric acid levels in blood are found to be elevated in gout. But its role in confirming gout is limited as it is seen that many people have high uric acid level in blood but do not have gout while some persons have gout but their blood uric acid levels are normal.

2. Synovial fluid test: In doubtful cases, this test is suggested as it gives confirmatory diagnosis of gout. In this test, fluid from the affected joint is drawn with needles and checked under microscope. In case of gout, urate crystals are seen in this fluid.

3. Ultrasound of joint: It may help to check urate crystals in joint.

4. X-ray of joint: It may not be helpful in acute cases but in chronic cases, it may show joint erosions.

Managing Gout

Certain lifestyle measures can help manage gout, like:

Rich diet that includes a healthy amount of fluid intake

Avoid foods that cause gout due to their high purine content, like meat, fish, seafood, beans, shellfish, and spinach

Avoid alcohol

Increase the amount of water intake as well as fluids like coconut water, buttermilk, green tea and lemon water

Reduce weight if required

Ensure routine exercise

Sanguinarium Nitricum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

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Homeopathic medicine Sanguinarium Nitricum is derived from nitrate of sanguinarin. The nitrate of sanguinarin undergoes potentization (a process in which medicinal properties from a crude substance are extracted). As a result, we get homeopathic medicine Sanguinarium Nitricum which is of great clinical significance. It is a prominently indicated homeopathic medicine to treat various nasal complaints especially nasal polyps and turbinate hypertrophy.

Turbinate hypertrophy

Drug Action

It is a great remedy and helps cure the mucus membrane of the nose. It also acts well on the throat, respiratory system, the eyes and the head.

Clinical Indications

Nasal polyps, cold, allergies, hay fever, post nasal drip, cough, bronchitis, asthma, sore throat, quinsy, pharyngitis, laryngitis and headache.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Nasal Complaints (Polyps, Turbinate Hypertrophy, Cold, Post Nasal Discharge, Hay Fever)

Sanguinarium Nitricum acts well on the mucus membrane of the nose and proves effective in resolving various nasal-related issues. The first and foremost complaint where it is used is nasal polyps. It gives magnificent results in cases of nasal polyps (soft, painless, non-cancerous growths that may develop on the lining of nasal passage or the paranasal sinuses). Sanguinarium helps to dissolve the polyp’s growth in the nose as well as helps relieve nasal blockage. Secondly, it can be administered in case of cold with copious watery discharge from the nose accompanied by pain in the nostrils, burning in nature. Also, an accompanying factor is ‘pressure-feeling’ at the base of the nose. Sneezing also occurs along with this. Profuse eye-watering (lachrymation) accompanies too. Soreness and rawness is felt in the nostrils. It can be used in cases of hay fever (nasal allergy / allergic rhinitis). It refers to a condition characterized by symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, nasal stuffiness and itchy, watery and red eyes arising from an allergic response to allergens for eg, dust mites, pollen.

Another prominent indication for its use is hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates (nasal turbinates are tiny structures inside the nose formed of bone covered with spongy mucus membrane). It offers help in the beginning of turbinate hypertrophy. Another important complaint in which it proves beneficial is stuffing of nose with mucus that is thick, yellow, and blood-stained. There may be little crust formation in the nostrils as well. Upon removing the crusts, bleeding follows. This medicine can prove to be extremely useful in cases of post-nasal discharge (mucus dripping from the back of nose into the throat). Those needing it in this complaint have excessive difficulty in dislodging the mucus that seems to be stuck behind the nose.

Key Indicating Features

Nasal polyps with nasal blockage

Cold with copious watery nasal discharge with burning pain and sneezing

Hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates in the beginning

Nasal stuffiness with thick, yellow, blood-stained mucus

Post nasal discharge with difficulty in dislodging the mucus

2. Throat Complaints (Sore Throat, Tonsillitis, Quinsy, Laryngitis)

Sanguinarium Nitricum acts well on the throat. Here it is mainly indicated to manage sore throat and tonsillitis. The throat feels rough, dry, constricted. Burning in the throat is also felt alongside. There is redness, roughness, soreness, rawness on the right tonsil. It is accompanied by pain. Swallowing becomes difficult. Excessive mucus is accumulated in throat. There is expectoration of thick, yellow mucus which tastes close to being sweet. Its use in managing quinsy (also called peritonsillar abscess refers to accumulation of pus behind the tonsil) is also recommended. It can be administered in cases of laryngitis. In such cases, there is deep, hoarse, changed voice.

Key Indicating Features

Rough, dry, constricted sensation in throat along with burning sensation

Redness, roughness, soreness, rawness on the right tonsil

Laryngitis with deep, hoarse, altered voice

3. Respiratory issues (cough, asthma, bronchitis)

Its action on respiratory system is also indicated. It is mainly helpful for managing cough. It is given when there is short, tickling cough with expectoration of thick yellow mucus having sweet taste. It is well indicated for asthma and bronchitis (inflammation of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs) cases. Persons who need this medicine feel as if thick mucus lines the air passages. Sense of suffocation also occurs. Tightness and burning sensation in chest is another symptom that is present. Pressure and mucus accumulation behind sternum (T-shaped bone that forms the front portion of the chest wall) is also present.

Key Indicating Feature

Short, tickling cough with expectoration of thick yellow sweetish mucus

4. Eyes (Watering, Pain, Redness)

Sanguinarium Nitricum helps manage eye redness, excessive eye watering and eye pain. It is useful for sore, aching and pressing pain in the eyes. Burning in the eyes is also present. The eyelids and conjunctiva is red. Excessive eye watering (lachrymation) is accompanied. Lastly, eye dimness as if a mucus film is spread oversight is an indication for its use.

Key Indicating Features

Sore, aching, burning, pressing pain in eyes

Eeye dimness with sensation as if a mucus film is spread over sight

5. Head (Headache)

By acting on head, Sanguinarium Nitricum works wonderfully for managing headache. Main indication for its use is burning pain in forehead and root of nose. It is attended with aching in eyeballs. It can also be used when there is pain above eyes (supraorbital region) that extends to forehead. A characteristic indication guiding its use is feeling of fullness in head that gets better when there is expectoration of thick, yellow sweetish mucus. A very unique feature that can be there is heat in forehead relieved by bathing in warm water. Soreness and aching all over the head can also be present.

Key Indicating Features

Burning pain in forehead and root of nose

Pain above eyes (supraorbital region) extending to forehead

Fullness in head better from expectoration of thick, yellow sweetish mucus

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse at night and touch, eye soreness is worse from pressure.

Relieving factors: There is relief in headache by expelling mucus from the nose.

Dosage

The dose and potency of this medicine varies from low to high as per the case details. In low potency, it can be used often but in high potency frequent repetition is not advised.

Relationship with Other Remedies

It can be compared with some other remedies including Arum Triphyllum, Kali Bichrome and Psorinum