Mood swings refer to sudden and intense changes in mood. Many women tend to experience several symptoms few days before the onset of periods and mood swings can be one very common and important symptom. This occurs from hormonal fluctuations. The intensity of mood swings before periods varies from mild to severe in different cases. Mood swings before periods could majorly be a part of PMS i.e. premenstrual syndrome. PMS refers to a group of emotional and physical symptoms that are seen in females around a week before the periods. Mood swings is one among many such emotional symptoms like sadness, weeping spells, irritability, anger, anxiety, emotional outbursts, difficult concentration and social withdrawal. Physical symptoms in PMS includes bloating, acne (pimples) outbreaks, headache, diarrhoea, constipation, breast pain/ tenderness, weakness, body aches, backache, joint pain and decreased sexual drive. Hormonal changes that occur before the periods is the main reason that contribute to PMS. Besides, changes in the level of serotonin (a chemical in the brain that plays a crucial role in mood, sleep and some other functions in the body) can result in PMS symptoms. The above mentioned symptoms of PMS vary from one woman to the other.  Other than PMS, a condition named PMDD i.e. premenstrual dysphoric disorder could also lead to mood swings before periods. This condition is much like PMS but in PMDD the intensity of symptoms is severe. In some women who are already suffering from an emotional health condition like depression, BPD (bipolar disorder previously known as manic depression, refers to a mind-related condition in which there are severe mood swings between a phase of excitement and a phase of depression) and anxiety, there may occur worsening of its symptoms before periods. This is known as premenstrual exacerbation.

Homeopathic Management

The homeopathic mode of treatment carries a great scope to manage mood swings in females before periods. Homeopathic medicines help to relax and calm the mind and bring great relief in mood swings. Along with mood swings, any attending symptoms are also well managed with these medicines like sadness, weeping spells, irritability, anger, anxiety and also physical symptoms like bloating, headache, diarrhea, constipation, and breast pain. Homeopathic medicines for managing this condition are made of natural substances, hence are very safe to use without any toxic side effects. Homeopathic prescription to manage mood swings varies from case to case based on the characteristic individual symptoms. So homeopathic medicines should be taken under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor and self-medication should be avoided.

Homeopathic Medicines For Mood Swings Before Periods

1. Ignatia

Ignatia is a highly recommended medicine when there is a rapid change of mood before periods. Females needing it are happy and laughing that suddenly changes to sadness and weeping within a short interval. At one moment, they are laughing, joking and at the other moment, they become very sad. They may also get angry followed by sadness. They may show social withdrawal and suffer frequent weeping episodes. They have uncontrollable emotions. They are highly oversensitive and nervous in nature. They also have marked irritability of the mind and may feel frustrated. They may also suffer from anxiety and sleeplessness. They may have heaviness of the head, pain in the forehead, heated sensation in head, loss of appetite, cramps in the abdomen and weakness before menses.

2. Sepia

Sepia is a highly effective medicine for managing mood swings before periods. There is a tendency to get irritable and offended quite easily where this medicine is required. There may be anxiety with heat flashes over the face. An indifferent behavior towards the family is seen. Before periods, abdomen pain can be felt in many cases. This is attended with shivering all over the body. Vaginal discharges (leucorrhea) can also occur before menses. Irregularity of menses can be present in addition to the above complaints.

3. Natrum Mur

Natrum Mur is another important medicine to manage mood swings before menses. Females needing it tend to have alternate sadness and happiness. They also have frequent weeping spells without knowing any reason behind it. Besides, they suffer irritability, headache and nausea before the onset of periods. They may also have vaginal discharges and burning or cutting pain in the vagina prior to periods.

4. Pulsatilla

Pulsatilla is very beneficial when there are marked mood changes before menses. Females needing it are highly emotional and tend to laugh and cry very easily. They suffer great irritability and anxiety. They feel better when they are consoled by someone. Before menses, they also suffer spells of headache. It is attended with loose stool and vomiting. Before menses, they also feel pressure in the abdomen and the lower back. There is also a tendency of abdomen pain and yellow-colored vaginal discharges before the appearance of menses. In addition to these complaints, there is also a chilly feeling (means sensitivity to cold) before menses.

5. Lycopodium

The next medicine in the list to manage mood swings before periods is Lycopodium. Females requiring this medicine are very sensitive with a disposition to get irritable easily. They also get angry quite easily. They cannot bear even little opposition from others. They feel very sad before menses. They have marked bloating of the abdomen before the onset of menses. Abdomen pain could occur. The legs and feet feel very cold before menses. Swelling can be noted on the feet. There may be complaint of backache, headache, weeping spells and nausea before menses.

6. Lac Caninum

Lac Caninum is yet another helpful medicine for managing mood swings before periods. This medicine is indicated when there are alternate moods in females before periods. Besides, they may have restlessness, irritability, nervousness with easy startling and hopelessness. There may also appear fits of weeping. Besides these, sore throat, headache and swelling of breasts with sensitivity to the least touch are important complaints that may appear before menses.

7. Platina

Platina is another medicine that can be considered when there is an alternation between cheerful and depressed mood before the periods. There is relief in sadness in the open air. There is excessive weeping that gets worse when spoken to. There is also weeping and laughing alternately. Small matters may cause irritability.

8. Coffea Cruda

Coffea Cruda is indicated when there are mood swings between joy and unhappiness/ sadness before menses. There is also easy crying and laughing. Mental as well as physical exhaustion can be there. There may be sleeplessness in cases needing this medicine.

9. Crocus Sativus

This medicine is also recommended when there is sudden changeability of moods. There is laughter suddenly followed by tears. Cheerfulness alternates with sadness. There tends to be happiness followed by violent anger. Anger is soon followed by calmness and regret.

10. Nux Moschata

Nux Moschata is also a useful medicine to manage mood swings between laughing and crying. In cases requiring it, there is excessive drowsiness in general. There can also be headache with drowsiness before menses. Pain in the lower back is yet another complaint that may appear before menses. There can be irregularity of menses both with regard to time and quantity where this medicine is needed.

 

 

Itchy throat is quite harmless but can cause a great deal of discomfort to the sufferer. There are various causes behind itchy throat. It can arise from dry air, dryness of the throat, dehydration, environmental irritant exposure like cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemicals etc. and also from excessive intake of alcohol or caffeine.  In other cases, it tends to occur from some medical cause that needs to be treated to get relief. First among the medical causes is sore throat alongwith tonsillitis. This may happen from different infections including viral and bacterial among which viral infections are more common. Viral infections mainly include flu and cold. Bacterial infection mainly includes strep throat that occurs from an infection with bacterium group A streptococcus. Another common reason is allergies. Allergies including nasal allergy (allergic rhinitis) or food allergies, both can lead to itchy throat. Allergic rhinitis refers to an overreaction of the immune system towards an inhaled allergen like dust, animal dander, pollen. It may cause an itchy throat along with other symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, stuffed nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Food allergy refers to overreaction of the immune system from eating certain food products like dairy, peanuts, eggs, milk.

Another reason for itchy throat could be acid reflux (GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease) in which there is backflow of stomach acid in the throat due to improper functioning of LES i.e. lower esophageal sphincter). Other reasons include sinus infections, allergies to cleaning products, PND i.e. post nasal discharge in which there is dropping of mucus from the back of the nose into the throat. Besides above medical causes, itchy throat can arise from use of certain medicines for example ACE inhibitors used for high blood pressure. Itchy throat could be attended with other signs and symptoms depending on the reason behind it. These include runny nose, stuffed up nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, headache, cough, painful/difficult swallowing, red rash on the skin, heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting, loose stool, tiredness and fever.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy proves highly effective in managing cases of itchy throat. The homeopathic medicines target the root cause behind itchy throat to bring great results. These medicines boost the body’s self-restoring mechanism and bring self-recovery in the most natural and harmless way. They gradually reduce the intensity and frequency of itchy throat. Along with this, other associated symptoms like runny nose, stuffed nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, headache, cough, painful / difficult swallowing also get managed well. Homeopathic medicines are of natural origin so are entirely safe to use with zero side effects. Homeopathic prescription varies from case to case depending on the symptom picture in every individual case. Hence, it is advised to get any case of itchy throat to be evaluated by a homeopathic physician and take homeopathic medicine under the guidance of homeopathic physician. Self-medication should be avoided in any case.

Homeopathic Medicines  For Itchy throat

1.Wyethia – For Itchy Throat And Soft Palate

Wyethia is a leading medicine for managing itchy throat with itching most marked on the palate. There is dryness and heated sensation in the throat along with this complaint. A constant urge to swallow saliva is also present. There is a desire to constantly clear the throat. Uvula feels elongated. There is hoarseness in the voice as well. Dry cough is felt before the other above symptoms appear.

2. Conium – For Itchy Throat Leading To Cough

Conium is prominently indicated to manage cases where itching in the throat causes cough. There is almost constant cough in cases needing this medicine. Tingling sensation in the throat is also felt along with itching. Next there is a sensation of a lump in the throat. There is an urge to constantly swallow with this. A constricted sensation is felt in the throat.

3. Arundo – For Itching Of Palate And Nose

This medicine is highly recommended for managing itching of the palate and nose. This is attended by sneezing and runny nose. There is loss of smell. Burning sensation is felt on the palate. There is pain and burning in the throat while swallowing. Along with the above complaints, there is itching and burning in the eyes.

4. Sabadilla – Along With Sneezing, Runny Nose

This medicine is highly effective when there is violent sneezing and watery discharge from the nose along with an itchy throat. It is accompanied by pain in the frontal area of the head. Itching in the nose may be there. There is thick mucus in the throat along with itching. The tonsils are inflamed and swollen. There is a stitching type of pain in the throat while swallowing. There is pain even when swallowing the saliva. The throat and fauces feel dry. Another attending feature is a sensation of a lump in the throat or skin hanging loosely in the throat.

5. Bryonia – For Itching Along With Dryness In Throat

Bryonia works well in cases where dryness in the throat is well marked along with throat itching. The back of the throat feels very rough. A sensation of fullness and pressure is felt in the throat. There is pain in the throat. Stitching pain is felt in the throat on swallowing. Crawling sensation in the throat may be felt. It induces cough. This is followed by expectoratithe on of mucus.

6. Argentum Metallicum – Along With Thick, Sticky Mucus In Throat

Use of this medicine is indicated when there is itchy throat with thick, sticky mucus in the throat. This mucus is hawked in the morning. The mucus is greyish in color. There is a sore throat with difficulty in swallowing. Other than this pricking and tingling sensation is felt in the throat. The voice becomes hoarse in addition to the above complaints.

7. Apis Mellifica – Along With A Burning Sensation In Throat

This medicine is well indicated when itchy throat is attended with burning in the throat.  A stinging sensation in the throat is also marked. There is sticky mucus in the throat. It is attended with hawking and throat clearing in the morning. The throat is inflamed. The throat and tonsils on either side are red. The tonsils are enlarged and swollen as well. In some cases, ulcers are also present on the tonsils. Pain is also felt in the throat. There is also difficulty in swallowing food. The throat in some cases is dry with no feeling of thirst. Stitching or throbbing sensation in the throat can also be there sometimes along with the above complaints.

8. Cistus – With A Crawling Sensation In Throat

Cistus is well indicated to manage itching in the throat along with a crawling sensation. There is a sensation of coolness in the throat the entire day in cases needing this medicine. Dryness and heat are also felt in the throat. It gets worse after eating and sleeping. There is an urge to swallow saliva to improve throat dryness. A stitching pain can be felt in the throat. This leads to cough. Next there is a sensation of sand in the throat. Sometimes there is hawking of thick mucus from the throat especially in the morning. The mucus may have a bitter taste.

 

 

Bruise refers to blue/purplish/black discolored spots on the skin that result from a skin injury. When a new bruise forms, it is red which may further change to blue, purple or black. When it fades it turns greenish or yellowish. The skin injury that results in bruises usually occurs from a blunt object like bumping against a bed, chair, door or from a fall or being hit by something. In this kind of skin injury, there is oozing of blood from broken small blood vessels under the skin followed by trapping of blood under the skin that results in discolored spots on the skin. Some people tend to get bruises more easily. They get bruises from minor injuries which may also take a relatively longer time to heal. They may get multiple bruises and suddenly see a bruise on the skin but have no idea when or why it occurred. There are certain factors and medical conditions that make a person prone to easy bruising, some of which can be serious as well. The first factor that increases the risk of easy bruising is aging. The reason behind it is that there is weakening of blood vessels in addition to thinning of the skin with age which makes a person prone to easy bruising. Another reason could be low platelet count medically known as thrombocytopenia. Platelets are the blood cells that help in the clotting of blood. Platelet count is said to be low when there are less than 150,000 platelets per microliter of blood. A low platelet count may happen either from decreased production of platelets (like in leukemia, some viral infections like hepatitis C, chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy) or an increase in breakdown of platelets (as in autoimmune disease like lupus, bacterial infection in blood called bacteraemia, use of certain medicines like heparin, sulfa containing antibiotics). Deficiency of certain vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K; too much sun exposure for years together; use of medications that result in blood thinning (for example medicines like warfarin and apixaban), NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin, ibuprofen and also steroid medicines can lead to  a tendency of easy bruising.

Other reasons include bleeding disorders like haemophilia and Von Willebrand’s disease. Haemophilia is a genetic disorder in which there is a problem in blood clotting due to a lack of specific proteins that help in blood clotting. It results in prolonged bleeding after an injury. This disorder in most cases is present from birth but in some cases this condition can be acquired when clotting factors 8 or 9 are attacked by the immune system due to autoimmune conditions, drug reactions, and cancer. Von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder in which blood does not clot properly due to decreased levels of the Von Willebrand factor that helps in clotting of blood or when this factor is unable to perform its function well.

Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis) can also result in frequent bruising. Easy bruising can also run in the family. Easy bruising can also occur in those having liver disease like cirrhosis of liver. In liver cirrhosis, there is scarring in the liver that may result from various reasons like long term alcohol intake, any liver disease and hepatitis (inflammation of liver). The liver tends to repair itself whenever any injury or damage occurs to the liver and scar tissue forms resulting in cirrhosis that poses hindrance to normal functioning of the liver. Easy bruising can also be seen in cases of Cushing ’s syndrome. In this syndrome, there is an excess production of cortisol hormone in the body that results in various signs and symptoms. It results in thinning and weakening of skin making it prone to easy damage and bruising. Besides the above factors and conditions, easy bruising can result in cases of leukaemia (cancer of white blood cells WBCs).

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy offers a highly effective treatment for cases of tendency to easy bruising. Homeopathic medicines boost the body’s self-healing mechanism to overcome health issues naturally. With the use of these medicines, the intensity and frequency of easy bruising decreases gradually. These medicines treat the tendency of easy bruising with zero side effects. Homeopathic prescription varies from case to case of easy bruising tendency depending on the characteristic individual symptoms. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine under the supervision of a homeopathic physician. Avoid self–medication in any case. Homeopathic medicines are recommended for cases of mild to moderate intensity. In severe cases and cases where the serious cause is linked with it like haemophilia, leukaemia, kindly take help from the conventional mode of treatment.

Homeopathic Medicines For Easy Bruising

1. Arnica – Top Medicine

Arnica is a top recommended medicine to manage cases of easy bruising. This medicine is well indicated when bruises happen often from injuries like occurring from a fall, blunt objects or bumping into a hard object. Bruises occur from every slight injury on the skin where this medicine is required. It results in bluish, blackish, red spots on the skin. This medicine is also indicated when the bruise turns yellowish or greenish. This natural medicine will gradually reduce the tendency to easy bruising occurring from the slightest injuries.

2. Hamamelis – For Easy Bruising With Pain And Soreness

Hamamelis is well indicated for cases in which there is tendency to easily bruise along with pain and soreness. This medicine treats tendency to easy bruising as well as helps in healing the active bruises present on the skin. It also relieves pain and soreness in the bruises. In cases requiring this medicine, a tendency of bleeding from various body parts can be present. The bleeding can be from the nose, gums, rectum etc. The blood is dark-colored where this medicine is required.

3. Phosphorus – For Red Spots On Skin From Easy Bruising

This medicine is indicated when there are red spots on the skin from easy bruising. Along with this, there is a tendency to bleed from different areas of the body. The bleeding can be from nose, mouth, rectum, piles, polyps, ulcers. Blood can be passed in sputa, in urine and intermenstrual bleeding may also occur. The wounds also bleed profusely even when small in size.

4. Lachesis – For Bruising From Slight Touch And Pressure

This medicine is recommended when there is bruising often from slight touch and pressure. There are black, purple or blue spots on the skin. There is also a tendency of small wounds and ulcers to bleed easily and excessively in cases requiring this medicine.

5. Ledum Palustre – For easy bruising from slight injuries and prolonged discoloration

Ledum Palustre is a helpful medicine when there is easy bruising from small injuries and the discoloration of the bruise remains for a long time. Initially the injured part feels cold and is painful to touch. Relief sets in by cold application on the wound.

6. Sulphuric Acid – For Bruises On Skin Turning Very Dark Blue Or Blackish

This medicine proves effective when there are frequent bruises on the skin and turns dark blue or blackish. The discoloration lasts too long with pain on touching them. The affected area is also stiff. In cases needing it, the tendency of bleeding of dark-colored blood from different body parts may be seen.

 

 

Repetitive strain injury (RSI), also known as repetitive stress injury or the overuse syndrome, refers to overstraining and damage to muscles, tendons and nerves over a period of time. It results from overuse and repetitive motions of a particular body part for a long time period. These are also known by other names including cumulative trauma disorders and repetitive motion disorders. Though any body part can be affected in RSI, the commonly affected areas include wrist, hands, fingers, thumbs, elbows, shoulders, neck and forearm. RSI results in pain in the affected part that may be attended with stiffness and swelling. The part may be painful to touch as well. In some cases, numbness, tingling sensation, weakness of the affected part may also accompany. The intensity of symptoms in RSI may vary from mild to severe.

Homeopathic medicines are highly efficient medicines that can successfully manage cases of repetitive strain injury (RSI). Homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural substances hence are totally safe to use. They help in managing the symptoms of RSI by reducing inflammation in muscles and tendons that has resulted from overuse and over-straining. They help to reduce pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness and associated numbness, tingling sensation, weakness in these cases. Conventional mode treats RSI with anti-inflammatory medicines, pain killers and steroidal medicines that can have side effects from long term use. Homeopathic medicines for RSI are free from all side effects.

Homeopathic medicines for treating RSI are selected based on individual symptoms in each case. Individualized medication possesses great potential to manage symptoms of RSI effectively. As medicines for RSI vary from case to case, it is recommended to consult a homeopathic physician prior to taking any homeopathic medicine. Self-medication should be avoided in any case.

Homeopathic medicines intend to boost the body’s healing process in cases of RSI. This aids self-recovery in a natural manner. They reduce inflammation in the affected part, halt further damage and provide symptom relief. Homeopathy is highly valuable to manage RSI conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, tendinitis, bursitis, golfer’s elbow. In such cases, it has shown great effectiveness to promote remarkable recoveries. The results differs from case to case based on the chronicity of the complaint and the intensity of the symptoms.

One of the great benefits of opting homeopathy for RSI treatment is that it is totally free from any side effects. It is highly beneficial and brings positive effects without any harm. Another advantage of these medicines is that it does not cause any dependency and can be easily stopped once the recovery occurs.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines For Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

The most prominently indicated homeopathic medicines for Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) are Rhus Tox, Ruta, Arnica, Bellis Perennis, Causticum and Bryonia.

1. Rhus Tox – Topmost medicine

Rhus Tox is a leading homeopathic medicine to help cases of repetitive strain injury. It is often the first choice of a homeopathic physician when it comes to deal with cases where there is inflammation and damage to muscles, tendons as a result of overstraining, overlifting and overuse of some particular body part. This medicine is very effective in managing pain in the affected part. The pain can be tearing, stitching, shooting type. The pain is attended with stiffness and tenderness in most of the cases. Pain gets worse at night. In general, the pain worsens from rest and gets better by movement. This medicine is highly valuable to manage cases of tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis and shin splints.

When to use Rhus Tox?

Rhus Tox is the best medicine for repetitive strain injury to manage damage to muscles, tendons occurring from overstraining with marked pain, worse at rest and better from movement.

How to use Rhus Tox?

It can be used in different potencies from low to high as per severity of the complaint. Initially it is advised to use Rhus Tox 30C two to three times a day.

2. Ruta – To Treat Tendinitis

Ruta is another important medicine to manage cases of RSI with inflamed tendons from overstraining. In cases needing it, there is pain in the affected part of the bruised type attended with restlessness. Besides, there is weakness. This medicine is highly suitable to treat tendinitis, tennis elbow, bursitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

When to use Ruta?

This medicine should be preferred to manage inflamed tendons with pain along with restlessness in cases of repetitive strain injury.

How to use Ruta?

Its use can be done in both low and high potencies. To begin with, one can take it in 30C potency once or twice a day. For using high potencies kindly consult a homeopathic doctor.

3. Arnica – For Managing Pain And Tenderness In Affected Part

This medicine is very beneficial for managing cases of repetitive strain injury from overstraining or overexertion of body parts. The characteristic feature of using this medicine is soreness means pain on touching the affected part. There is pain in the affected parts as if beaten.

When to use Arnica?

Arnica is an effective medicine to manage soreness and pain as if beaten occurring from overstraining and overexertion in RSI cases.

How to use Arnica?

Arnica 30C can be used three to four times a day initially. When relief starts, the dose should be reduced gradually.

4. Bellis Perennis – To Manage Tennis Elbow And Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This medicine also gives great results when it comes to treating medical conditions arising from overuse and repetitive straining of a body part. It is especially the most helpful in managing tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome. In cases needing this medicine, there is pain in the elbow and a contracted feeling around the wrist as if an elastic band has been tied around the wrist. Besides the above, this medicine is also useful for managing back pain arising from over-lifting and straining.

When to use Bellis Perennis?

This medicine should be considered to manage cases of RSI particularly tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome with elbow pain and contracted feeling around wrist respectively.

How to use Bellis Perennis?

This medicine is most commonly used in 30C potency that can be taken one to two times a day.

5. Causticum – To Manage Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Besides the above medicines, Causticum is another prominent medicine for managing carpal tunnel syndrome. This medicine is indicated for pain, numbness and weakness in fingers and hands. Along with this, an important attending sign is atrophy (loss of muscle mass) of the muscles of hands.

When to use Causticum?

Causticum is highly recommended to manage carpal tunnel syndrome with pain, numbness and weakness in hands and fingers in RSI cases.

How to use Causticum?

Causticum works well in 30C potency that can be used once a day.

6. Bryonia – For Managing Tennis Elbow

Bryonia is another prominent medicine for cases of tennis elbow. It helps manage pain and swelling around the elbow. The pain increases with movement and gets better from rest.  In some cases, pain from the elbow may extend to the wrist.

When to use Bryonia?

Bryonia is of great help in managing RSI cases along with tennis elbow. Pain in the elbow may become worse from movement and better from rest.

How to use Bryonia?

It is advised to take Bryonia 30C once or twice a day.

 

Different types of RSI

There are many kinds of RSI, the most common being carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). It refers to compression of the median nerve leading to numbness, tingling and weakness in the hands and arms. Next is tendinitis (i.e. inflammation of the tendons that are fibrous tissue bands that connect muscle to bones) and bursitis (inflammation of the bursa which is a small fluid-filled sac located around a joint that reduces friction between joint structures on joint movement). Another common type is tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) that occurs from overuse of tendons and muscles of the elbow on the outer side. This causes pain on outer side of the elbow that may be attended with stiffness, swelling and lowering of the gripping power of hands. Other kinds of RSIs include cubital tunnel syndrome, golfer’s elbow, shin splints, trigger finger and De Quervain syndrome. These all are explained further.

Cubital tunnel syndrome arises from the irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve located inside of the elbow. It causes pain on the inside of the elbow that may be attended with numbness and tingling in fingers and difficulty in moving fingers. Golfer’s elbow ((medial epicondylitis) is a painful condition affecting the inner side of the elbow at the connecting point of tendons of the forearm muscle on the inner side. The  pain is on the inner side of the elbow that may extend to the forearm. It can be attended with tenderness on the elbow on the inner side accompanied by stiffness, numbness, tingling and weakness in arms or fingers. Shin splints cause pain on the inner side of the shinbone (tibia which is a bone in the leg) from repetitive stress on the tibia bone. Trigger finger is a condition that causes the finger to get stuck in the bent position. It mostly affects the ring finger and thumb, though any of the fingers can be involved. It occurs from irritation and swelling of the tendon sheath of the finger. De Quervain tendinitis is a condition that affects tendons of the wrist on the thumb side resulting from repetitive hand and wrist movement.

 

 

 

Facial redness and flushing on the face can simply occur once in a while from becoming overheated; after exercise; during some intense emotion like anger, anxiety, stress; eating hot spicy food or drinking alcohol. Facial redness and flushing can be seen in cases of fever as well. However, when it happens often, it could be due to some associated medical condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated. First among these is acne rosacea. It is a skin condition in which the face turns red and flushed with enlarged blood vessels and acne (pimples) sometimes that can be pus-filled (pustules). Another reason can be eczema/ dermatitis on the face. It indicates inflamed skin with red, dry, itchy skin that may be attended with flaking or small fluid-filled bumps. In facial eczema, cheeks are the most commonly affected area. Another cause is lupus which is an autoimmune disease whereby the body’s healthy tissues and organs are attacked and inflamed, damaged by the immune cells of the body. It causes a butterfly-shaped rash on the face that spreads over the cheeks and the bridge of the nose. Besides, it may cause rash on any body area and other symptoms such as joint pains, fever, tiredness, headache, chest pain, dry eyes and memory loss. Further causes include erythema infectiosum, erysipelas and scarlet fever. Erythema infectiosum is also known as the fifth disease that occurs in childhood and causes a red-colored rash on the cheeks of the child. This results from infection with a virus named parvovirus B19.

Erysipelas is a skin infection affecting upper layers of the skin caused by a bacterial infection. Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that may occur in few cases of strep throat (sore throat occurring from an infection with a bacterium named group A streptococcus). In this fever, a bright red rash appears on the body beginning from the face or neck and then spreads to other body parts. Besides the above, another cause is Cushing’s syndrome. In this syndrome, the hormone cortisol is produced in excessive amounts that may cause flushing of the skin in addition to other signs like weight gain, round/moon face, excessive fat around the neck, acne, and thin skin with a tendency to easy bruising. Facial flushing may also be seen in women during menopause (permanent cessation of menstrual cycle in females naturally between the age of 40 yrs to 50 yrs). Sometimes use of certain medicines can lead to redness of the face like medicines to treat high cholesterol and diabetes and chemotherapy drugs. Facial flushing can be attended with other signs and symptoms like heat, dryness, itching, swelling, pain on face depending on the reason linked to it.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic medicines are very effective to manage facial redness and flushing. These medicines focus on treating the underlying cause behind the health issue to bring great relief. With its use, besides redness, other attending symptoms also get managed like heat, swelling, dryness, itching and pain on the face. The homeopathic medicines are of natural origin that treat health issues without any side effects. These medicines are selected individually for every case based on the case presentation. So, one must use homeopathic medicine under the guidance of a homeopathic physician. Self-medication should be avoided in any case.

Homeopathic Medicines For Facial Redness And Flushing

1. Belladonna – Top Recommended Medicine

Belladonna tops the list of homeopathic medicines when it comes to manage cases of facial redness and flushing. In cases needing it, along with redness and burning, heat sensation is also marked on the face. The face looks red and shiny. Restlessness can attend redness on the face along with heat. Swelling on the face may also be present. There may be sweating on the face along with the above features. This medicine is also indicated for redness on the face appearing in spots. Another indication is sudden redness on the tip of the nose attended with a burning sensation. In some cases, there is a pale face suddenly alternating with a red face. Belladonna is the next useful medicine for fever with a red, swollen face. This medicine is further helpful for flushed face during headache with buzzing noises in the ears, anxiety, nausea and vomiting. In cases of erysipelas, it can be used when the face is red with heat and the skin becomes hard.

2. Apis Mellifica – For Red, Swollen Face With Heat

This medicine is very effective for managing red, swollen face with heat. This can be attended with pain in the face. Burning and shooting type of pain is marked. A stinging sensation can also be felt on the face. There is an urge to wash the face with cold water. This medicine is of great help in erysipelas with redness and heat on the face. The red patches on the face are very painful to touch. It is attended with burning, stinging pains. Fullness in head, headache and restlessness may be the other accompanying symptoms.

3. Sanguinaria Canadensis – For Circumscribed Redness On Cheeks

This medicine is of great use in cases of redness on cheeks in circumscribed (well-defined) areas. This can be present on one or both cheeks. A burning sensation on the cheeks accompanies it. The face is painful to touch. Stiffness may be felt on the face. During fever in the afternoon with circumscribed redness of cheeks, this medicine is again highly useful.

4. Ferrum met – For Sudden Facial Flushing From Exertion, Slightest Emotions, Pain

This medicine is recommended when there is sudden redness on the face after exertion, from slightest emotions or from pain. At other times, the face looks pale. This medicine is prominently indicated for pain in the face from nerve involvement attended with fiery redness of the face. The redness can be at times present only in a single spot on the face. The pain in the face usually follows overheating or cold washing. The next indication to use this medicine is redness of the face with vertigo.

5. Capsicum – For Alternate Redness And Paleness Of Face

Capsicum is a beneficial medicine for cases in which there is alternate redness and paleness of the face. There is excessive heat sensation on the face. Pain may also be felt on the face. The pain worsens from touch. Worsening of pain may also occur in the evening. This medicine is next indicated for cases of scarlatina with excessively red face along with swollen cracked lips and blisters in the mouth.

6. Amylenum Nitrosum – For Facial Flushing During Menopause

Amylenum Nitrosum is a very important medicine for managing facial flushing during menopause. There is a rush of blood to the face along with heat. A dizzy feeling can attend it. Facial flushing happens from the slightest emotion. Heated sensation can be felt in the head as well along with heat on the face. There is excessive sweating along with the above complaints. A throbbing headache may appear with facial flushing in some cases.

7. Rhus Tox – For Dark Redness With Yellow fluid filled Eruptions

This medicine is suitable when the face turns dark red with yellow, fluid-filled eruptions. It is accompanied by burning and itching. A stinging or tingling sensation is also felt. The face is painful to touch. There may be swelling on the face.

8. Lycopodium – For Red Spots On Face With Swelling

This medicine can be considered when red spots appear on the face along with swelling. It can be covered with pus-filled eruptions i.e. pustules. Flushes of heat appear on the face with a burning sensation. A network of tiny blood vessels is seen on the face along with the above features.

 

 

Swelling of hands and fingers can result from numerous causes. Often it is attended with pain. Stiffness, redness and warmth may also be seen along with swelling and pain. Sometimes, there is weakness in the hands and it is difficult to hold objects. It can simply arise from eating excessive salt, exercising, being in the same position for long like while travelling, use of certain medicines like steroids, pain relieving medicines like ibuprofen, naproxen, hormonal therapies with estrogen or testosterone, some medicines used for treating diabetes and high blood pressure. But in other cases, it can arise from some underlying medical condition.  Sometimes, the swelling resolves on its own while in other cases, a diagnosis and medical treatment is required.

First among the different medical causes behind swollen hands is arthritis (joint inflammation). Different types of arthritis may be responsible. These include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout and psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint inflammation that starts from small joints mainly of hands resulting in pain, stiffness and swelling of joints. Osteoarthritis occurs from damage to joint cartilage from wear and tear. Gout refers to inflammation of joints due to high uric acid levels leading to pain, swelling, redness and heat in the joints. Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that tends to affect people who are already suffering from a skin condition called psoriasis (red inflamed patches on skin covered with silvery white scales). The second reason behind swelling can be injury. Injury might include sprain (overstretching or tear of the ligaments i.e. the tissue bands that joins one bone to another), broken bone i.e. fracture or a bone dislocation.

Another cause can be fluid retention that can happen from various reasons like eating a lot of salty food, pregnancy, blockage in the lymphatic system or thyroid or kidney or liver disease. It can also occur in cases of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in which there is pinching of the median nerve in the wrist. Next cause can be an infection like skin infection (cellulitis) or an infection within the joint. Felon and paronychia are infections that cause localised swelling on the finger. Felon is an infection in the pad of the fingertip and paronychia is infection around the nail bed where nail and skin meet. Ganglion (fluid-filled lump) is another condition that may cause localised swelling on the finger joint. Skin condition like contact dermatitis (itchy rash, with swelling or blisters) that occurs from a reaction to some irritating agent by touching like some chemical, soap and another condition chilblains (swollen inflamed patches on the hands and feet resulting from exposure to cold air) can result in hand swelling. Tendinitis (inflamed tendons that are tissue bands that connect muscle to bone) can also result in hand swelling. Raynaud’s disease (reduced blood circulation to fingers caused by narrowing of arteries as from cold temperature, stress, injury to hands) can also be one of the causes.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can be of great help in cases of swollen hands and fingers. Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that help in reducing swelling by working to treat the root cause behind it. Once the root cause is treated, a long term relief occurs. Along with swelling, pain, stiffness in hands and fingers also get managed with these medicines. The most suitable homeopathic medicine for swollen hands and fingers is selected individually for every case after detailed case analysis. It is advised to always get any case of swollen hands and fingers evaluated by a homeopathic physician for the right prescription. Self- medication should be avoided in any case. In cases where some serious cause is related to swelling like a disease in the kidneys or liver, then immediate help from conventional mode of treatment should be taken as homeopathy has limitations in handling cases resulting from serious causes.

Homeopathic Medicines For Swollen Hands And Fingers

1. Apis Mellifica – For Swelling With Redness And Heat

This medicine is well indicated for managing cases of swelling on the hands and fingers when attended with redness and heated sensation. Stinging sensation also accompanies it. Pricking and smarting sensation in the hands can also be present. Sometimes itching on the hands can be felt. There can also occur tearing type of pain in the fingers. The swelling can even extend to the forearm in some cases. In cases needing it, wrist and finger joints are the most swollen. One may feel stiffness in the right hand. In some cases, numbness may be felt in the fingers especially on the tips. This medicine works well when there is swelling from inflamed joints as well as due to skin conditions.

2. Rhus Tox – For Swelling From Inflamed Joints

Rhus Tox is an effective medicine for managing swelling of hands and fingers in cases of joint inflammation. It is attended with pain in the hands and fingers. In some cases, pain begins in the right hand and extends to the other parts. Burning sensation may be felt in the palm of the right hand. Stiffness in the hands and fingers is also well marked. There is pain when moving the fingers due to the swelling. Tearing pain is felt in the finger joints. There is pricking sensation on the finger tips on grasping things. Crawling sensation sometimes occurs on the finger tips. Besides these, Rhus Tox is well indicated for skin infection of hands and fingers. In such cases, there is swelling of the hands and fingers with pus-filled eruptions. It is attended with itching and burning sensation.

3. Colchicum – For Swelling From Gout (Increased Uric Acid Levels)

Colchicum is well indicated to manage swollen hands in cases of gout i.e. high uric acid. Along with this, there is pain in the joints of hands and fingers. Stiffness and tearing type of pain is felt in the hands. Heated sensation on the palms of hands can be present. There is difficulty in holding things. Sometimes there is numbness of the hands with prickling sensation. Distortion of finger joints can be there in some cases. Fingers may be cold. Tingling on the fingertips is sometimes felt along with the above complaints.

4. Caulophyllum – For Swollen, Painful, Stiff Finger Joints

This medicine is highly valuable to manage swollen, painful, stiff finger joints. It is indicated when this results from joint inflammation. The pain is cutting type in most cases along with swelling. It is felt when closing the hands in a fist. Stiffness is felt in finger joints too. Painful nodes can be present on the finger joints in some cases in addition to the above complaints.

5. Agaricus – For Swollen Hands From Chilblains

Agaricus is one of the best choices of homeopathic medicine to manage swollen hands from chilblains. In cases needing it, the hands are red along with the swelling. Burning sensation is felt in the hands. Itching is also well marked. Tearing type of pain in the hands and fingers can attend the above complaints.

6. Silicea – In Case Of Swollen Fingertip From Infection (Felon)

Silicea is indicated for managing felon (bacterial infection in the pad of fingertip) cases efficiently. In cases needing it, there is swelling along with excessive pain in the felons that prevents sleep. The pain may reach the shoulder at times. Pain is mainly throbbing or stinging type. Burning sensation is felt in the felon. Oozing of fluid containing pus is noted from felon.

7. Hepar Sulph – For Swelling Around Fingernail From Infection (Paronychia)

Hepar Sulph is an important medicine for managing cases of swelling around the fingernail from soft tissue infection where the nail and skin meet. In cases needing it, the skin around the affected nail is swollen and inflamed. It is sore along with a heated sensation. Throbbing is felt in it. Pain is present that gets worse at night. There is pus discharge from it which may be blood stained. The discharge smells bad.