Lichen sclerosus is a rare skin condition in which white patches appears on the skin mainly on genital and anal area, though skin on the other body areas can also be affected. In this condition the affected skin area appears thinner than the normal. Homeopathic remedies for lichen sclerosus help in reducing the white discolouration in these cases as well as halting the progression of disease and preventing scarring. 

It does not spread by direct skin to skin contact or sexual intercourse. Another old name for lichen sclerosus is lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. In females this condition is also known as kraurosis vulvae and when it affects males this condition is known as balanitis xerotica obliterans. 

Homeopathic Remedies for Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus can be managed very well with homeopathic medicines. Homeopathy works effectively to manage its symptoms including itching, pain in the affected part of genitals, painful intercourse and cracks, blisters / ulcers on the affected skin area. Homeopathic medicines are of natural origin, so they offer effective management in a very safe and gentle manner without any side effects. The top remedies are: 

X-Ray : Top Medicine for Managing Lichen Sclerosus

X-ray tops the list of homeopathic medicines to manage cases of lichen sclerosus. In cases needing it there is white discolouration of the skin. The affected skin is dry. It also appears wrinkled. In some cases blisters appear on the affected skin area along with itching.

Homeopathic Medicines for White Patches on Skin

Among various homeopathic medicines for white patches on skin the prominent ones include Arsenic Album, Calcarea Carb and Silicea. These medicines are indicated where white discoloured patches on skin is the only sign present without any symptoms. In such cases they help to reduce the discolouration and also helps to prevent its further progression. 

For Managing Lichen Sclerosus in Females

Sepia – For Intense Itching of Vulva

Sepia is very effective medicine for managing vulva itching. Females needing it have severe itching in vulva. They may also have blisters on the vulva. Redness and swelling on the inner labia may also be present. Painful intercourse is another symptom they mostly complain of. 

Kreosote – For Itching and Burning in Vulva

Kreosote is an excellent medicine for managing itching and burning in the vulva. The vulva is also sore. The external genital is swollen with heated sensation. There is also complaint of violent pain and burning during sex.  

Calcarea Carb – When Vulva Itching is Worse in Evening

This medicine is considered when the itching of the vulva gets worse in the evening. Along with this the vulva is also sore. Sometimes stitching pain is felt in the vulva. Burning in the genital area may also appear.

Melilotus – For Pain in Vulva

It is indicated when there is pain in the vulva, mainly the labia area. The pain may be severe, sharp or shooting in nature. The pain lasts for a little moment but appears frequently. In most cases needing it, the pain usually gets worse after menses.

Platina – When Vulva is Painful and Sensitive

Platina is an excellent medicine when vulva is painful and sensitive to touch. With this itching in vulva is also present. Tickling and tingling sensation in vulva may also be felt.

Sepia – For Painful Intercourse

Sepia is the top grade medicine for complaint of painful sex in females. Sexual intercourse is almost intolerable where it is indicated. Tenderness in sexual parts is also there. The vulva is also swollen, red and itchy.

Natrum Mur – For Painful Intercourse with Burning Pains

It is indicated when sex is painful in females along with burning and smarting pains in vagina. It is also sore. There is also itching in vulva with this.

Graphites  – For Blisters on Vulva

Graphites is a very beneficial medicine for cases where blisters form on vulva. The blisters are itchy. Pain and smarting sensation is also felt in the blisters. The blisters mainly are present on the labia where it is required.

Nitric Acid – For Painful Ulcers on Vulva

Nitric Acid is useful when there are ulcers on vulva which are sore and painful.  Cracks on labia minora may also be there. Itching and burning in vulva is also present.

Helonias – For Ulcers on Vulva with Heat and Redness

Helonias is a helpful medicine for ulcers on vulva mainly labia with heat and redness. Terrible Itching is also felt in vulva. Swelling and burning sensation in vulva are other attending symptoms. 

Graphites – For Cracks on Vulva 

It is also well-indicated for cracked skin on vulva. They may also have cracks around the anal region. Bleeding may arise from the cracked area of skin.

Homeopathic Medicines for Managing Lichen Sclerosus in Males

 Nitric Acid – For Itching on Glans and Foreskin

It is well indicated when there is itching on glans and foreskin. With this burning sensation may be present in this area. There may be reddish spots on glans. Small blisters may appear on the foreskin. It is also a top listed medicine for cases of phimosis.

Sulphur – For Itching on Glans Penis

It is very beneficial for managing itching on the glans penis. In cases requiring it the foreskin is red along with burning sensation. Stitching pain in penis may attend. An offensive sweat on genitals is present with these symptoms.

Cantharis – For Pain in Glans Penis

Cantharis is an excellent medicine when pain in glans penis is present. The pain is worse from external pressure. The glans is swollen in cases needing it. There may also be difficulty to urinate. The erection is painful with above symptoms in most the cases where it is needed. 

Argentum Nitricum – For Painful Erections

It is suitable medicine when erections are painful. Males needing it may also have small ulcers on the foreskin. They may also have complaints of difficult urination.

Cannabis Sativa – For Tensive Pain with Erections

Cannabis Sativa is used when there is tensive pain with erections. The glans and foreskin are red and swollen. The foreskin is sensitive to touch. There may also be complaints of difficult urination. It is also indicated for phimosis.

Rhus Tox – For Blisters on Glans

It is a significant medicine to treat cases where blisters are formed on glans. With this there is intense itching in the genitals. The glans and foreskin are swollen. The glans may be red and painful. Stinging pain may be present on the inner surface of foreskin.

Merc Sol – For Ulcers on Glans / Foreskin

It is a prominent medicine for cases where ulcers form on glans or foreskin. The ulcers may ooze yellow white fluid. They may also bleed on being touched. Ulcers are painful too. Swelling, redness, pain and itching on foreskin is also there.

Petroleum – For Cracks on Glans

It is an effective medicine for cases where cracks appear on the glans penis. Bleeding may also appear from these cracks. Other than this, eruptions can appear on glans with redness. 

Causes 

The exact reason behind it is still unknown. However it is suggested that it can develop from an autoimmune process. Autoimmune means when the immune cells that are normally meant to fight with infectious agents begin to attack and damage the body’s own healthy tissue from a misdirected response. Genetics is also thought to play a role in its development. Other factors that are thought to play a role in it include hormonal imbalance (mainly low oestrogen), an infection (bacterial or viral) or an old damage / injury to the skin area specifically predisposed to develop it. Sometimes combination of any of the above factors collectively can lead to its development. Persons having it may have a personal or a family history of some other autoimmune disease also.

Risk Factors 

Mostly women after menopause are at most risk of developing it though it can also develop in men and children also. It is ten times more common in females as compared to males. Among males the uncircumcised ones (in whom there is presence of foreskin around the head of the penis)  are at more risk than the circumcised ones (in whom the foreskin around the penis head had been removed) because this condition mostly affects the foreskin. 

Signs and Symptoms

In this condition the signs and symptoms appear mostly appear on the skin of genitals and around the anal region. Among genitals the external genitalia is involved. It tends to involve vulva in females and foreskin, glans penis in males. The involvement of area around anus (perianal area) is more common in females and less frequent in males. Apart from genitalia it can also develop on the skin of upper arms, breast and upper body. In mild cases white, smooth, shiny patchy skin is there and there may not be any attending symptoms. The skin gets thin and may be wrinkled. In the rest of cases there appear symptoms along with white, smooth, shiny patches on skin. These includes itching varying from mild to severe, pain or discomfort in affected skin areas and sometimes there may also be redness / easy bruising (bluish, blackish discolouration on skin from bleeding under the skin due to trauma) because of the affected skin being thinner than the normal . Painful intercourse is another symptom that can appear. In severe cases, blisters, ulcers may form in the affected area. There may be easy cracking or tearing of skin. Rubbing or scratching may cause bleeding. The symptoms may come and go off and on. 

Complications 

The complications arise from permanent scarring in the affected area of the skin and can lead to narrowing of vaginal opening, meatal stenosis (narrowing of opening of urethra) and an inability to retract the foreskin (phimosis). It can cause pain during sex, difficulty with urination, thin urinary stream, urinary retention, or problem with defecation (passing stool) / constipation. There is also a slight chance that it can turn into skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma of the affected area. 

Sclera is the white, outer, tough fibrous protective layer of the eyeball. Scleritis refers to intense inflammation and redness of this white portion of the eye. It is a serious inflammatory disease of the eye. Homeopathic medicines for scleritis help reduce inflammation and redness in the white part of the eye to help manage the condition. 

Homeopathic Medicines for Scleritis 

Homeopathic medicines are very effective to symptomatically manage cases of scleritis. With this they work wonderfully to relieve its symptoms including eye pain, tenderness of eyes., excessive tearing from eyes (lachrymation), photophobia (sensitivity to light), double vision, irritation in eyes and blurred / dim vision. Homeopathic medicines for treating scleritis are of natural origin so help to manage it very safely without any side effects.

For Eye Pain

Kalmia – For Eye Pain Worse from Eye Movement

Homeopathic remedy Kalmia is prepared from fresh leaves of plant Kalmia Latifolia commonly known as mountain laurel. This plant belongs to family ericaceae. It is helpful for cases where eye pain gets worse from eye movement.  The pain may be drawing or stitching. With this itching in eyes may also be felt. If eyes are rubbed, stinging sensation tends to arise. It is also indicated for right sided eye pain that extends to the forehead. 

Spigelia – For Eye Pain on Movement

Spigelia is prepared from plant Spigelia Anthelmintica commonly known as pink – root. This plant belongs to family loganiaceae. It is well indicated for eye pain on movement and profuse watering from eyes. The pain may be pressive, sharp, stabbing, excruciating in nature in cases needing it. The pain may extend to the head from eyes. Eyes may also be sensitive to touch. There is excessive watering from the affected side. The eyes are also very red. 

Cocculus Indicus – For Sharp, Shooting Eye Pain

Cocculus Indicus is prepared from seeds of a plant named Indian cockle. The family of this plant is menispermaceae. It is useful for sharp, shooting pain in eyes. The vision may also be dim with this. Sensitivity to light is another attending symptom. For using this medicine mainly left sided sclera is mostly inflamed.

Bryonia – For Painful, Tender, Sensitive Eyes

Bryonia is prepared from the root of the plant Bryonia Alba having the common name white bryony and wild hops. This plant belongs to the family cucurbitaceae. Its use is made when there is pain in eyes along with sensitiveness and tenderness to touch the eyes. It is indicated for pressing, crushing, sharp needle-like pain in eyes. The pain is worse from the motion of eyes. Along with eye pain there is sometimes pain in teeth and face. Watering from eyes in day and aversion to sunlight are other symptoms.

Hepar Sulph – For Sensitive, Sore, Bruised to Touch Eye

This medicine is indicated when eyes feel sensitive, sore, bruised to touch. The sclera is violet red. Eyes are intolerant to light. There is dimness of vision while reading. Watering from eyes is also present with above symptoms. 

For Redness of Sclera 

Belladonna – For Redness with Pain

Belladonna is prepared from plant deadly nightshade belonging to family solanaceae. It is well indicated when white of the eyes are red. With this eye pain is marked. For using it pain in the eyes is violent deep. Sometimes pain may be throbbing, shooting, pressive, stinging or burning in nature. Eyes are also sensitive and intolerant to light. Other symptoms that appear are double vision and dimness of vision. It is also useful to relieve headaches.

Aconite – For Deep Redness of Sclera

Aconite is prepared from plant Aconitum Napellus commonly named monkshood. This plant belongs to family ranunculaceae. It is beneficial when the sclera is deeply red. With this there is watering from eyes. Itching in eyes may also appear. Sensitivity to light accompanies. Shooting, tearing pain in eyes can also arise.

Merc Sol – For Stitching, Cutting Eye Pain

Merc Sol is useful when there is redness of sclera along with stitching, cutting pain in eyes. The pain is most worse when exerting eyes. Other than this there is profuse watering from eyes and sensitivity to light.

For Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia)

Arsenic Album – For Intense Sensitivity to Light

This medicine is well-indicated when there is intense sensitivity to light along with deep redness of sclera. Eyes are sensitive to sunlight. With this pulsating, throbbing pain in eyes is usually felt. This pain gets worse from moving eyes.

Nux Vomica – For Light Sensitivity with Stitching Pain

Nux Vomica is a prominent medicine for light sensitivity along with stitching pain in the eye. The light sensitivity is worse in the morning. The white of the eye is bright red. With this there is watering from the affected eye. Dimness of vision is there. Tearing pain in eyes can arise.  

Graphites – For Sensitivity and Watering from Eyes

Graphites is an excellent medicine where there is great sensitivity to light and watering from eyes. Eyes are sensitive to daylight. There is profuse watering from eyes. Another symptom is pain in the eye that extends to the head.

For Excessive Tearing 

Euphrasia – For Profuse Tearing

Euphrasia is prepared from plant Euphrasia Officinalis having a common name  eye – bright. This plant belongs to family scrophulariaceae.  It is beneficial for persons who have excessive tearing from their eyes. Along with this they may have light sensitivity and dimness of vision. They may also have cutting, stitching pain in the eyes. Itching in the eyes is yet another symptom.

Psorinum – For Excessive Flow of Hot Tears

Psorinum is most indicated when there is excessive flow of hot tears from the eyes. It is attended with soreness of the eyes with desire to close them frequently. Sharp pain in eyes and aversion to light are other accompanying symptoms.

Thuja – When Eyes are Full of Tears

Thuja is prepared from green twigs of plant Thuja Occidentalis commonly known as Arbor Vitae. This plant belongs to family coniferae. This medicine is excellent where eyes are full of tears and eyes are blood red. Along with this there is constant pain in the eyes. Pain worsens from bright light. Vision also feels dim. There is also double vision. Intolerance to light and tenderness of eyes are the rest of the symptoms experienced by persons requiring this medicine. It works well for both acute as well as chronic scleritis. 

For Blurred / Dim Vision

Gelsemium – For Dim Vision

Gelsemium is prepared from the bark of the plant Gelsemium Sempervirens. This plant belongs to family loganiaceae. It is effective to manage complaints of blurred or dim vision. Persons needing it also have eye pain, aversion to light, and double vision along with blurring of vision.

Kali Iod – For Blurred Vision and Profuse Watering

Its use is indicated when there is blurred vision and profuse watering from eyes. Sensitivity to light is present with this in most cases needing it.

For Double Vision (Diplopia)

Merc Cor – For double vision

Merc Cor is significant medicine when there is double vision. Excessive sensitivity to light is also felt. With this there is shooting, tearing pain in eyes. Pain is severe at night time. 

Aurum Met – For Double Vision and Constant Watering 

Aurum Met is a wonderful medicine for cases where a person complains of double vision and constant watering from eyes. There are complaints of stitching, burning pain in eyes. The sclera is red and the eyes are very sensitive to touch. Extreme light sensitivity is also there. 

For Eye Irritation

Natrum Mur 

Natrum Mur works well when irritation of eyes is prominent. There is also an itchy burning sensation in the eyes. The eyes are red with lachrymation (watering from eyes). Sensitivity to bright light, mainly sunlight is present. Lastly there is dimness of vision and double vision along with the above symptoms.

For Rheumatic Scleritis

Chininum Mur 

This medicine is specifically indicated for scleritis in case of rheumatic joint inflammation. The symptoms indicating its use are pain in eyes, tearing from eyes, and sensitivity to light. 

 Scleritis Following Eye Injury

When scleritis follows eye injury then the prominent medicines to deal with it are Aconite, Arnica, Ledum Pal and Symphytum. These medicines help to recover from effects of injury and reduce inflammation, redness of the eye. They also help to bring relief in the pain and soreness in the eye in these cases in a very effective manner.  

 Causes and Risk Factors 

The exact reason behind it is unknown. But there are theories that suggest it is autoimmune in origin where the body’s immune cells attack and destroy the body’s own healthy tissues. In scleritis T-cells (that are normally meant to fight and destroy disease causing organisms that enter the body) start to attack and destroy eye’s scleral cells. The reason why the T-cells start this destruction is not clear yet. 

Women are at more risk of developing scleritis as compared to men. Persons having any of the following conditions are at risk of developing scleritis:Rheumatoid arthritis – It is an inflammatory disorder of autoimmune origin causing joint inflammation with pain, swelling and stiffness of joints.

Sjogren’s syndrome – An autoimmune disorder that mainly presents with dry eyes and a dry mouth.

Systemic lupus erythematosus – In this immune system attacks healthy tissues of the body in many of the body parts.

Scleroderma – A group of diseases in which the skin and connective tissues tighten and harden

Wegener’s granulomatosis – A disorder that causes inflammation of the blood vessels

Inflammatory bowel disease – It includes crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In this there is long term inflammation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.

Infection or Trauma / injury to the eye

Symptoms 

The main symptom of scleritis is severe eye pain. The eye pain gets worse from eye movement. The pain may extend to face, head, or jaw. The eyes may also be tender to touch. There is marked redness of white of the eye (sclera). The sclera may also have purple or bluish tinge in some cases. Other symptoms that appear are excessive tearing from eyes (lachrymation), photophobia or sensitivity to light and decreased / blurred vision. In case of posterior scleritis eye pain from eye movement, double vision, deep – seated headaches and irritation in eyes appear.

Types of Scleritis 

It has broadly two types – anterior and posterior.

Anterior scleritis: in this the front portion of sclera is inflamed and it is the most common form of scleritis. In most of the cases it is related to an underlying autoimmune disease. It further has following  types:

Diffuse scleritis – it is very common and easily treatable. In this there is inflammation of sclera throughout the front part.

Nodular anterior scleritis –  in this there is formation of one or more immobile, firm tender nodules in sclera

Necrotizing anterior scleritis with inflammation (it is the most serious one) and necrotizing anterior scleritis without inflammation.Posterior scleritis – In this type the back portion of sclera is inflamed.  It is rare form of scleritis. In this usually no autoimmune disease is related. It can cause complications like retinal detachment and angle closure glaucoma

Valley fever, also called coccidioidomycosis, refers to a fungal infection caused by coccidioides fungus (coccidioides immitis or coccidioides posadasii). Homeopathic remedies for valley fever help effectively treat symptoms like fever, cough, chest pain, headache, joint pain, muscle ache, fatigue, chills, night sweat and skin rash. 

This fungus is generally found in soil in the regions of southwestern United States (mainly California and Arizona) and parts of Mexico, Central and South America. When the soil is disrupted like by the wind, by farming then the spores from the fungus fly in the air. 

These tiny spores can be taken miles away by the wind. These fungi spores then can be inhaled by a person and enter lungs causing valley fever, also called acute coccidioidomycosis. It is a non-contagious disease that means it doesn’t spread from person to person.   

Homeopathic Remedies for Valley Fever

Homeopathy has a great scope to manage cases of valley fever. The homeopathic medicines help boost the body’s immunity to fight with fungal infection and bring natural recovery. Homeopathic medicines are most helpful for mild to moderate cases of valley fever. In severe and advanced stages with complications one must consult a pulmonologist (a physician who specializes in treating diseases of the respiratory system).

For Cough

Belladonna – For Dry Cough

Belladonna is prepared from plant deadly nightshade that belongs to family solanaceae. It is a wonderful medicine for managing dry cough. Persons needing it suffer from short, dry coughs with tickling in the throat. The cough continues day and night. While coughing, a stitching type of pain may be felt in the chest. Most of the time headaches are also experienced. In addition to this fever arises with burning heat in the body.

Drosera – For Dry, Irritative Cough

This medicine is prepared from a plant named Drosera Rotundifolia commonly known as round-leaved sundew. This plant belongs to the family Droseraceae. It is an excellent medicine to help manage dry, irritative, deep hoarse cough. There appears repeated attacks of such coughing rapidly one after the other in cases needing it. This makes breathing difficult. Cough most times is seen to worsen at night time on lying down. Sometimes coughing is followed by vomiting.

Spongia – For Dry Cough

Spongia is also well-indicated for coughs which are absolutely dry. The cough is dry, barking, deep resonating and is worse from inspiration. There may be relief from taking warm drinks. All the air passages feel extremely dry. Suffocation and difficulty in breathing may be felt with above symptoms.

Bryonia – For Chest Pain with Cough

Bryonia is prepared from the root of the plant Bryonia Alba having the common name white bryony and wild hops. This plant belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is a leading medicine to manage chest pain with cough. The chest pain is usually sharp, stitching in nature for using it. The pain is worsened from deep breathing and during coughing. Cough is mainly dry, hard. Another peculiar feature to use is blood streaked, brick / rust coloured sputum. Person may have a fever with predominating chills. Joint pains and muscle pains may also appear with above symptoms. Here they have worsening of pain from motion and relief from rest. Most times pains experienced by them are sharp, tearing in nature. Bryonia is also a top listed medicine to manage pneumonia. 

Phosphorus – For Bloody Sputum with Cough

Like Bryonia, Phosphorus is also helpful for cases where bloody sputum appears with cough. Cough is mainly dry with tickling in the throat. It is worse at night that disturbs sleep. Cough also tends to worsen in cold air. Sometimes there is purulent sputum (pus in sputum.) Stitches in chest, oppressed breathing, tightness and heated sensation in the chest are few other symptoms that may attend. This medicine is also indicated to manage pneumonia cases where lower left lung is specifically affected. 

Arsenic Album – For Cough with Shortness of Breath

It is a very effective medicine to manage cases where cough is attended with shortness of breath. The symptoms most times tend to worsen at night time. With these thick yellow green or frothy expectoration may be present. Chest tightness is also complained about. Marked anxiety and restlessness attend. Extreme exhaustion, weakness is present. Fever with chills and icy coldness of the body appears with above symptoms.

Antimonium Tart – For Loose, Rattling Cough

This medicine is very useful to manage cases where loose rattling cough is present. In these cases the lungs feel full of mucus with much rattling. But very little mucus is expectorated. The expectoration consists of thick, white mucus. Suffocation and shortness of breath may also attend. 

Pulsatilla – For Loose Cough with Yellow Green Expectoration

Pulsatilla is prepared from plant Pulsatilla Nigricans commonly known as wind flower of ranunculaceae family. It offers much help for cases of loose cough with yellow green expectoration. It is copious, thick and lumpy.  Cough is worse in the morning. There is relief in coughing by going in the open air. 

For Fever

Aconite – With Alternate Coldness and Heat 

Aconite can be taken when a person feels alternate coldness and heat in the body. Cold stage is most marked among these. During a cold stage a person feels as if cold waves are passing through him especially in the back. This is followed by dry burning heat that extends from face or head along with excessive thirst for cold water. With above symptoms excessive restlessness is present.

Belladonna – With Dry Burning Heat 

Belladonna is considered in cases where a person feels dry burning heat in the body. It is intensely hot like fire. The head and face appear the most hot. The face is markedly red and flushed. Sweating may follow heat. Sweat most times appears only on the covered parts. Headache is also present.

Gelsemium – For Fever with Chills and Weakness

Gelsemium works well when there is fever with chills and weakness. Chills move up and down the back. Chills are so intense as to cause shaking. During fever dizziness, drowsiness also appears with weakness. Muscle aches and soreness is yet another attending feature.

Merc Sol – For Fever with Much Sweating

It is indicated for fever with excessive sweating day and night. Sometimes the sweat is offensive, sour. These complaints are attended with great weakness. Sometimes there is chilliness that is worse in the evening and night. Chillness may alternate with flushes of heat.

Silicea – Top Grade Medicine for Night Sweat

Silicea is highly beneficial medicine for managing night sweat. It appears soon after sleeping. The sweating is copious and is attended with weakness. The sweat smells foul. Persons needing it may also face complaints of chilliness and shivering.

For Weakness

Arsenic Album – For Extreme Weakness

Arsenic Album offers great help to manage intense weakness in these cases. Persons requiring it feel exhausted even from little exertion. The weakness gets worse at night time mostly. With this marked anxiety and restlessness also appears. Other attending features are coughing, difficulty breathing, and fever with chills.

Gelsemium – For Excessive Fatigue with Dullness and Drowsiness

This is a wonderful medicine to manage fatigue accompanied with dullness and drowsiness. There is extreme tiredness, malaise sometimes with dizziness. With this fever, chills, muscle aches and dull headaches are prominently present.

Carbo Veg – For Intense Weakness with Fainting

It is an excellent medicine to manage cases where a person is intensely weak, exhausted and faints easily from this. There is debility and weakness immediately following slightest exertion. With above symptoms there may be icy coldness of body 

For Headache

Belladonna – For Relieving Pulsating Headache 

It is an excellent medicine to bring relief in headache which is mainly throbbing, pulsating in nature. For using it the pain is most times present in the sides of the head. Head also feels congested with the sensation of rushing blood to head. Head may be sensitive to cold air. The pain tends to worsen from noise, jar and light. Relief may be felt by pressure. 

Gelsemium – For Relieving Dull Headache

It is a very helpful medicine to relieve dull headaches with flu like symptoms in these cases. The pain is usually present in the back portion of the head where it is needed.  Heaviness of eyelids may also appear. Along with headache muscle soreness in neck and shoulders is also present. With these fever with shaking chills and weakness also appears.

For Joint and Muscle Pains

Rhus Tox – Top Grade Medicine for Joint & Muscle Pain

Rhus Tox is highly beneficial for persons having joint pains. They may also have marked stiffness in joints with pain. The joints are also swollen and hot. There is worsening in pain at rest. They feel relief in pain from motion. Warm applications also help to give relief in pain. It is also suitable to manage muscle pain in a very effective manner. 

Arnica – For Painful Muscles

Arnica is prepared from plant Arnica Montana commonly called fallkraut. This plant is a member of family composite. It is significant medicine to manage muscle pain. There are mostly sore, bruised pains as if beaten. There is fear to touch the affected part from pain and soreness. 

Magnesium Phos – When Muscle Pains are Worse at Night

It works well when there is muscle pain which is worse at night time. There is relief from warm applications and also by pressure. Sometimes the pain is wandering in nature that shifts from one place to another. 

For Skin Rash

Apis Mellifica – For Skin Rash and Painful Eruptions

Apis Mellifica is helpful when there is red skin rash or painful eruptions. The pain is usually stinging, burning kind. The rash may be itchy too. Itching can worsen from warmth in bed. The skin may be also sensitive to touch.

Natrum Mur – For Skin Rash with Blisters

Natrum Mur is indicated for managing skin rash with blisters having watery content. Along with this there may be headaches and great weakness. Weakness is most worse in the morning. There is tiredness with sleepiness. 

For Managing Symptoms of Pneumonia

Bryonia – For Cough, Chest Pain , Bloody Sputum

It is a wonderful medicine when there is pneumonia with cough, chest pain and bloody sputum. The cough is dry where it is needed. The chest pain is sharp, stitching in nature that is worse from deep breathing and coughing. With this there is high fever.

Antimonium tart – For Excessive Mucus Rattling in Lungs

This medicine works in cases of pneumonia with excessive rattling of mucus in the chest.  There is difficult expectoration of white mucus. The breathing is much more difficult. With cough there appear intense  pains in the sides of the chest.

Hepar Sulph – With Purulent Expectoration like Pus

Hepar Sulph is indicated when there is copious pus-like, offensive sputum is expectorated. With this there is excessive cough, and slight fever. Decrease in appetite and weight loss appear with these symptoms.

Risk Factors 

Anyone can get this fungal infection and develop valley fever. But certain people are at most risk of this infection. These include people who live in areas where Coccidioides fungi are usually found or someone who has recently moved in such areas.
People who are in jobs like construction, agriculture, archaeology that exposes them to dust in such areas and also people who have weak immune systems or have diabetes are at risk too. Apart from this elderly people (mostly aged 60 years and above) and pregnant women are at risk.

Symptoms 

Its symptoms are described as per the stage. First, the initial stage is acute coccidioidomycosis. If the infection does not resolve completely here then it becomes chronic coccidioidomycosis. If the infection travels from lungs to other body parts then it is disseminated coccidioidomycosis.

1. Acute Coccidioidomycosis

This is the initial form. In many cases no symptoms arise. When they appear they are like the flu. The symptoms tend to appear one to three weeks after exposure. The symptoms vary in intensity from mild to severe and include fever, cough, chest pain, headache, fatigue, joint pain, muscle ache, chills, night sweat and skin rash. The skin rash usually appears on legs but may also appear on arms, chest, back. The skin rash may have red painful bumps, pimple-like eruptions or blisters.  

Usually  acute coccidioidomycosis is mild in most cases and symptoms subside in a few weeks. However in some cases the infection may turn severe and progress to chronic or disseminated coccidioidomycosis. The severity and recovery depends on general health or immunity of the person and the number of fungus spores inhaled.

A person who doesn’t develop any symptoms of valley fever comes to know that he has infection only when skin or blood test for this fungus comes to be positive or during a routine chest x – ray residual areas of this infection, nodules are visible.

2. Chronic coccidioidomycosis

If the acute infection doesn’t improve entirely then it may develop into a chronic type of pneumonia  (inflamed air sacs in lungs from an infection). This mostly happens in people with weak immune systems. Its symptoms include low grade fever, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, cough, blood tinged sputum.

3. Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis

It is rare though the most serious form of this infection. This type occurs on spread of infection from lungs to other body parts. These parts include skin, bones, heart, brain, liver, and meninges (three protective membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord). Its signs and symptoms develop depending on the body part affected. The symptoms include nodules under the skin, ulcers on skin, painful and swollen joints (mainly knees or ankles), painful lesions in the spine or other bones and enlarged lymph nodes. It can also cause meningitis which is a severe fatal infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Complications

First is intense pneumonia. In many cases there is full recovery from pneumonia. But in some persons mainly those having weak immune system there may develop severe from of pneumonia with respiratory failure.
Second complication is rupture of the nodules of the lungs. In very few cases nodules develop in the lungs that resolve with time. In some cases they tend to rupture leading to difficulty to breath and chest pain.
Last  is disseminated disease. As explained above it is the most serious complication where this fungus spreads from lungs to other body parts that can turn fatal.

Hydrocephalus, also known as water on the brain, refers to a condition in which there is too much build up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain.  Homeopathic medicines for hydrocephalus only play a supportive role in managing the symptoms and should be considered only with conventional treatment.

These ventricles are the cavities within the brain where lies the choroid plexus that produces CSF. This fluid flow through ventricles and eventually flows in spaces that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It provides nutrients to brain and also act as shock absorber in case of any jolts and hit to the head. This fluid undergoes a cycle of constant production and reabsorption. When this fluid exceeds a normal amount then it increases the size of ventricles and puts pressure on the brain and can cause brain damage. Though it mostly occurs in infants, children and elderly people over 60 years of age, it can occur at any age including younger adults. 

Homeopathic Medicines for Hydrocephalus

They provide symptomatic management in such cases. There are numerous natural homeopathic medicines to manage this condition which are selected based on an individual’s symptoms. Some of these medicines are described below. None of these medicines should be used by self medication. One should opt for its use after consulting a homeopathic specialist who after taking case details doing its analysis can best judge the medicine required as per each individual case.

1. Apis Mellifica – Top Grade Medicine 

It is a leading homeopathic medicine to manage acute cases of hydrocephalus. It is especially suited to manage hydrocephalus in children. It is prominently indicated for acute cases (of recent origin). The head appears large and the eyes are prominent in children who need it. Sometimes they have a squint in one or both the eyes. They appear very irritable and restless and may cry or scream suddenly. They are lethargic, have weakness and low energy levels. Their sleep is excessive and deep. They may have dullness in their heads and may bore their head in the pillow.  In few children, pain in the head especially the back part of the head is present. Heated sensation in the head is also noted. Nausea can attend above symptoms. They can scream sharply in sleep.  Another symptom that they may have is trembling and jerking of limbs. In some of them scanty urine or suppression of urine can accompany above symptoms. Seizures in hydrocephalus also indicate its use. It is also the best indicated medicine for hydrocephalus and meningitis.

2. Calcarea Carb – When Head Appears to be Too Large 

Calcarea Carb is a well-indicated medicine for managing cases of hydrocephalus in which the head is too large. It mostly helps chronic cases (means present from long duration) of hydrocephalus. The children needing it may have delayed closing of fontanelles along with head enlargement. They usually have a tendency of excessive sweating over the head. They may have weight loss. They may also show delayed growth or delayed learning to talk and walk. 

3. Cina – When Child is Very Irritable

Cina is prepared from plant Cina Maritima of family compositae. It is beneficial for children who are very irritable and cross. They may cry a lot and strike those around them. They are restless too. They also have a desire to be carried. With this they frequently turn their head from one side to another. They may cry in sleep. They may have an attending inflammation of the brain.

4. Helleborous – When Child Rolls Head from Side to Side

This medicine is prepared from the root of plant Helleborus Niger commonly known as Black Hellebore, Christmas Rose or snow – rose. It belongs to family ranunculaceae. Its use is considered in cases where a child rolls head side to side frequently day and night. He also screams a lot. He may have trembling hands. His eyes have a vacant look and sometimes squinting eyes may be noted. Deep sleep is another symptom that is present. Next symptoms he has is impaired vision and speech difficulty. He may have inflamed meninges too with hydrocephalus.

5. Ipecac – With Nausea and Vomiting

This medicine is prepared from the dried root of plant Cephaelis ipecacuanha that belongs to the family rubiaceae. It is a valuable medicine to manage cases in which a child has nausea and vomiting. The fontanelle may be open in them. Their faces look pale. The back of the head and neck may be  sore.

6. Phosphorus – When Child is Dull and Sleepy

This medicine is well indicated for cases where a child is dull and very sleepy. He tends to sleep all the time, has marked weakness and low energy levels, and may also vomit a lot. 

7. Digitalis – For Sudden, Sharp Cries 

Homeopathic medicine Digitalis is prepared from plant Digitalis purpurea which belongs to the family scrophulariaceae. It is indicated for children having sudden sharp cries. With this they have vomiting on eating anything. Their eyes are sunken, dim and pupils are dilated or have squint. Their head may fall backwards from weakness of neck muscles. Other symptoms that indicate its use are boring head into pillow, involuntary urination, scanty urination and loss of vision.

8. Lycopodium – For Pain in Back of Head

Lycopodium is prepared from plant Lycopodium Clavatum commonly known as club moss. This plant belongs to family lycopodiaceae. It works well in children having pain in the back of head especially in the upper part. It can be followed by unconsciousness. They also feel heaviness in the head. Other symptoms that they frequently have include sleepiness, speech problems and screaming out in sleep.

9. Artemisia Vulgaris – With Presence of Seizures (fits)

It is prepared from the fresh root of the plant mugwort of family compositae. It is a helpful medicine when seizures are there in case of hydrocephalus. In cases requiring it the seizures occur frequently with bending of head backward or sideways. Unconsciousness can occur after seizure. Apart from this it is indicated when there is sharp, shooting pain or heaviness in head and confusion of mind. 

10. Calcarea Phos – With Open Fontanelles

Calcarea  Phos is useful for both acute as well as chronic hydrocephalus cases where a child has open fontanelles. Along with hydrocephalus meningitis can be present. It is also indicated for cases of congenital hydrocephalus (present since birth).

11. Kali Iodatum – With Squinting of Eyes

This medicine is beneficial when squinting of eyes is present along with other symptoms. These symptoms include crying, vomiting, trembling of limbs on the left side. Sometimes seizures are present. It is also indicated for blindness in these cases. 

12. Merc Sol – For Decrease of Memory, Imagination, Reasoning Skills

This medicine is given when there is diminution of memory, imagination, reasoning skills. Along with this head is enlarged. Shrieking, heaviness of head, weakness, nausea and vomiting are present.  There may also be dullness and sleepiness with this. Seizures can also be there. Another symptom that can accompany is involuntary urination. Meninges can be inflamed too with fluid build up in the brain.

13. Apocynum – With Loss of Eyesight

This medicine is indicated when there is loss of eyesight. With this forehead is projected and there is difficulty in thinking. Involuntary motion of one arm and leg often attends these symptoms.

Causes 

Hydrocephalus results when there is an imbalance between amount of CSF produced and amount of CSF absorbed into the bloodstream. Firstly, it can happen if there is an obstruction in the normal flow of CSF within the ventricles or from ventricles to space surrounding the brain (Non-communicating/obstructive hydrocephalus.)
Secondly, It can arise if there is improper absorption of this fluid (Communicating/non-obstructive hydrocephalus.)
Thirdly, in very rare cases it can happen if CSF is produced at a higher speed than it is being absorbed.

Hydrocephalus can occur before a baby is born (means congenital) or can develop shortly after birth. Associated reasons include a birth defect called neural tube defect in which the spinal column doesn’t close properly and an opening remain in  it, aqueductal stenosis (in which the passage between the third and fourth ventricles of  brain is narrow that hinder drainage of CSF), certain Infections (like rubella and syphilis) in the uterus during pregnancy, bleeding in the brain ventricles during delivery or soon after it. The reasons in infants (babies less than one year) and among all other age groups include central nervous infections like meningitis, trauma / injury to the brain, bleeding in the brain, tumours of the brain or spinal cord. In some cases no reason can be found behind hydrocephalus.

Symptoms 

The symptoms of hydrocephalus vary as per the age of the sufferer.

1. Infants (child less than 1 year of age)

In infants the signs include a rapid increase in head size, bulging of fontanel (soft spot in the skull) on the top of head. The head may appear unusually large with this and the eyes are fixed downward (sometimes called sunsetting of eyes). With this the babies may be highly irritable, fussy, cranky and have poor appetite. Other symptoms that they may show are excessive sleepiness, vomiting, seizures / fits, decreased muscle tone and strength. Babies born with this condition (congenital hydrocephalus) can have permanent brain damage causing long-term complications like learning disabilities, vision problems, speech problems, memory problems, epilepsy and problems with physical coordination. 

2. Toddlers and Older Children

The signs and symptoms that can appear in toddlers and older children are an unusually large head, eyes that are fixed  downward, changes in facial appearance, headache, blurred / double vision, squint of eyes. They may have high pitched cries, excessive sleepiness, low energy levels, irritability, seizures, lowered appetite, nausea or vomiting, muscle spasms. They may have poor coordination and have problems with walking, speech or other acquired skills till date, or may have loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence). A child may have delayed growth, have personality changes, difficulty concentrating, reduced performance in school.

3. Young and Middle-aged Adults

The symptoms in these people are chronic headache, tiredness, loss of coordination, problem with walking, difficulty in concentration and  a drop in memory that affect performance at job, vision changes and bladder problems (including frequent urination or loss of bladder control.) 

4. Older Adults (aged 60 years or above)

Symptoms in elderly include frequent urination or loss of bladder control, memory loss, problems with reasoning skills, poor coordination, balance issues, and problems with walking.

Pleurisy also known as pleuritis refers to inflammation of pleura (pleura: two layers of tissue that covers the lungs and lines the inner chest wall). These layers are named as the visceral pleura and parietal pleura. Normally, during breathing these two pleurae rub together but are lubricated in between by a very small quantity of fluid in the space between the two layers. But if this tissue is inflamed, swollen or gets infected then it causes pain every time the lungs expand and the pleura rub against each other. Homeopathic remedies for pleurisy offer a supportive role in managing the symptoms of this condition. 

Homeopathic Remedies for Pleurisy

Homeopathic medicines can be taken along with conventional treatment to manage symptoms of pleurisy. They offer help to manage symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath and cough in these cases. The homeopathic medicines help in reducing the inflammation of pleura by targeting the root cause behind it. As this medical condition can have serious complications so one should avoid self medication. Use any of the homeopathic medicines only on a homeopathic physician’s recommendation after detailed analysis of the case. 

Bryonia – Top Grade Medicine

Bryonia is prepared from the root of the plant Bryonia Alba commonly known as wild hops. This plant belongs to the family cucurbitaceae. It is a top listed medicine to manage cases of pleurisy. The main indicating symptom to use this medicine is stitching pain in the chest while coughing, breathing, deep inspiration or motion. It is better from rest. The person needing it can’t take a deep breath because of the pain that it causes. The pain from the chest may extend to the back.  A prominent symptom that attends it is shortness of breath that gets worse from slightest motion.
Next symptom that is present is a dry cough with stitching pain in the chest. During coughing the person holds the chest because it causes chest pain. Heated sensation is also felt in the chest. The persons who need it may also have pneumonia. In such cases blood streaked expectoration having brick colour, chest pain, high fever are present. Apart from above it is also indicated for pleuritic pain with tuberculosis.

Kali Carb – For Dry, Short Cough

It is a well indicated medicine when there is prominent short, dry cough in pleurisy. In the majority of cases, the cough is most troublesome at night time. It often wakes a person from sleep. On coughing, acute pain in the chest is felt. The pain is stitching type. This is usually felt on the left side of the chest. The pain from the chest can go towards the back. Taking a long breath also worsens the chest pain. Along with these there is complaint of difficult respiration.  

Arsenic Album – For Managing Difficult Breathing

Arsenic Album is a leading medicine to manage complaints of difficulty in breathing. People needing it mostly have this symptom from slightest motion. Its use is often called in chronic cases of pleurisy with dark expectoration and excessive weakness. Other symptoms that are present include dry short and hacking cough and pain in the lower chest. On coughing, soreness in the chest or stitches on the side of chest is also felt. With this complaint of pneumonia can be present. Here dark, offensive sputa, great weakness and heat in the chest appears.

Aconite – For Stitching Pain in Chest on Breathing, Coughing

This medicine is prepared from plant Aconitum Napellus having the common name monkshood. It belongs to family ranunculaceae. This medicine is useful when stitching pain in the chest when breathing or coughing is present. Dry heat can be felt in the chest. Along with this constant dry cough can be present. Shortness of breath especially in sleep after midnight is another characteristic. Another unique feature for using it in pleurisy is inability to lie on the right side. 

Hepar Sulph – For Chest Pain on Movement

This medicine is selected when chest pain is felt on every movement. The pain may extend from chest to shoulder blades. With this cough and shortness of breath also arises. The cough is deep, dry and with every cough pain in the chest is felt. Alternate heat and chills with shivering can attend these symptoms. Weight loss may also appear.

Phosphorus – For Supportive Help in Late Stages

This medicine is used for managing pleurisy cases in late stages. The symptoms that it can manage includes chest pain when coughing / on deep inspiration, soreness in the chest and burning sensation in chest. Sometimes pneumonia is present along with pleurisy in cases requiring it. In these cases shortness of breath; short, dry cough; rust coloured sputum and pain / tightness across the chest is present. In cases needing it there may be pus accumulation in pleural space (empyema.)

Ranunculus Bulbosus – For Chest Pain due to Adhesions

This medicine is prepared from a plant named Buttercup belonging to the family ranunculaceae. It works well in cases to manage chest pain where adhesions of layers of pleura have occurred after pleurisy. It is indicated to manage stitching pain in the chest with painful inspiration. It is also well indicated for pneumonia of the left side with pleurisy. In these cases great soreness in chest, stitching pain in left side chest, slight cough, loss of appetite and low body strength is present.

Sulphur – For Persistent Cough

This medicine is helpful when following pleurisy the cough remains for a long time. The cough is mild and always ends in little expectoration. It is also useful for cases with stitches in the right side  of chest on taking a deep inspiration or coughing along with difficult respiration. Lastly Sulphur is well indicated when pleurisy occurs in case of articular rheumatism.

Argentum Nitricum – For Cough in Pleurisy

This medicine is valuable for cases where excessive cough is present in pleurisy cases. The cough is irritative that continues evening and night. Along with this pain and soreness especially on the left side of chest is there. Sometimes blood streaked sputum is expectorated. Tensive pain in the chest tends to arise with this.

Guaiacum – For Stitching Pain in Chest

This medicine is prepared from gum – resin of a large tree Guaiacum officinale also known as Lignum sanctum that belongs to family zygophyllaceae. This medicine is significant to manage cases of pleurisy with stitching pain in the chest that is felt from each inspiration. This pain is also felt between the shoulder blades. Sometimes there is expectoration of offensive pus with this. Other symptoms that can accompany it includes tight and dry cough, fever and shortness of breath. It is also indicated for pleurisy with stitching in the chest along with tuberculosis.

Squilla – For Pain in Sides of Chest

This medicine is prepared from fresh bulb of plant Squilla Maritima commonly known as sea onion. This plant belongs to family liliaceae. It is best suited for cases of pleurisy with pain in the sides of the chest. This is usually felt on inhaling and coughing. Its worsening can also be seen in the morning. With this shortness of breath appears. This is felt from every exertion.

Zizia – When Stitching in Chest Worsens from Cough

This medicine is prepared from the root of the plant named Zizia aurea having commonly named as Meadow Parsnip. It belongs to the family umbelliferae. It is beneficial when stitching pain in the chest worsens from coughing. This can be attended with feverish symptoms. It also helps when there is sharp pain in the side of chest to both shoulder blades. Hard, dry and short cough can occur with this.

Kali Iodatum – For Supportive Help with Pleural Effusion

Kali Iodatum is mainly considered to offer supportive help in cases of pleurisy accompanied with pleural effusion. The symptoms indicating its use include stitching pain in chest, great weakness, loss of appetite. The pain is worse while walking where it is required. The chest feels sore with this, and the left side is more affected for use of this remedy. 

Causes 

Pleurisy can arise from various reasons. The main reason behind it are viral infections (like coxackie  B virus, influenza, adenovirus, cytomegalovirus) that travel down the lungs. Other reasons include bacterial infection of lungs like pneumonia, fungal infection, tuberculosis, bronchitis. It can also arise in some autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis ( inflammatory disorder of autoimmune origin in which the joints are inflamed leading to pain, stiffness and swelling of joint), trauma to chest wall, rib fracture, tumours / cancer of lung in the pleural space. Apart from these it can arise from pulmonary embolism (blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries mostly from a blood clot) and sickle cell anaemia. Sometimes the cause behind it remains unknown.

Symptoms 

The main symptom of pleurisy is chest pain. It is usually a sharp, stabbing type of pain. This pain is worse while breathing. The pain can also get worse from coughing, sneezing or movement of the upper body. The pain can remain confined to one place of chest or sometimes it may radiate to shoulders or back. Next symptom is shortness of breath. Other than this cough, fever, chills, shallow breathing, loss of appetite, weight loss may appear depending on the cause behind pleurisy.

Complications 

Pleural effusion or build up of fluid in the pleural space that lies between the two layers of the pleurae), empyema or collection of pus in the pleural space, and atelectasis, which is partial or complete collapse of the lung are some complications of pleurisy. 

Swimmer’s ear refers to an infection in the ear canal that connects outside of the ear to the eardrum. This condition is also known as otitis externa. This condition mostly arises from moisture in the ear that remains after swimming, bathing or showering. This moisture provides an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and leads to this condition. This condition can be acute means that last for less than 6 weeks or can be chronic means that lasts for more than 3 months. Homeopathic medicines for swimmer’s ear reduce the inflammation, swelling of the ear canal and prevent further progression of the condition.

Homeopathic Medicines for Swimmer’s Ear 

Homeopathy offers very effective treatment for ear infections including swimmer’s ear. Homeopathic remedies boost the body’s self healing mechanism to fight with the bacterial infection which is causing swimmers’ ears and bring natural recovery in such cases. They also help in relieving its symptoms promptly. The symptoms including pain in ear, itching in ear and fullness sensation in ear are managed wonderfully with these. Additionally they also help to reduce the ear discharges in these cases. The homeopathic medicines for treating swimmer’s ear are natural and are very safe to use among people of all age groups. 

To Manage Pain in Ear

Belladonna – For Acute Inflammation

Belladonna is prepared from the plant deadly nightshade of the family Solanaceae. To prepare the homeopathic medicine, this whole plant when beginning to flower is used. It is very effective for acute inflammation of the external ear. It is a top grade medicine to manage pain in the ear in these cases. For using it the pain in the ear can be tearing, stitching, boring or sharp in nature. It is violent in intensity. This pain can radiate from the external ear to the side of the face. Sometimes difficulty in hearing may appear with this.

Chamomilla – For Earache with Soreness 

Chamomilla is prepared from a plant named Matricaria chamomilla. This plant belongs to the family Compositae. Use of this medicine is considered when there is earache along with soreness, swelling and heat in the ear. The pain is mostly stitching in nature where it is required. A sensation as if ears are stopped frequently attends pain.

Pulsatilla – For Severe Pain that gets Worse at Night 

This is another natural medicine prepared from plant Pulsatilla Nigricans commonly known as wind flower or pasque flower. This plant belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. It is a prominent medicine when pain in the ear is very severe and gets worse at night. The pain can be tearing, darting, shooting, stitching or pulsating type. Along with this, marked redness, swelling of the external ear is present. Intense itching in the ear also accompanies this. In many cases discharge of non offensive mucus or pus from the ear is present. There may be diminished hearing along with sensation of stoppage of the ear along with above symptoms.

Aconite – For Reddening of External Ear 

This medicine is prepared from plant Aconitum Napellus commonly known as monkshood. It belongs to family ranunculaceae. It is well indicated when there is pain in the ear and the external ear is very red and hot. The pain in cases needing it are mainly tearing or stinging type.

To Manage Itching in Ear

Hepar Sulph – For Discharge from the Ear 

Hepar Sulph is a very effective medicine to manage cases with itching in the ear. In such cases green discharge or offensive pus discharge from the ear is often present. Darting pain in the ear is another accompanying symptom.

Tellurium – For Throbbing Pain with Itching 

This is another valuable medicine to manage ear itching. People needing it also have pain in the ear which is a throbbing type. This pain continues day and night. Swelling and burning sensation in the ear is also present. A copious, thin, watery discharge from ears appears with above symptoms. This discharge can be yellow in colour. It has an offensive smell. Hearing can be impaired with this. 

Kali Bichrome – For Inflamed External Ear 

Kali Bichrome also offers great help to manage itching of the ear. Along with this the external ear is inflamed, swollen and red with heated sensation. Another symptom that attends it is violent stitching, stinging or pulsating pain in the ear. In most cases requiring it the pain from the ear extends to the side of the head and neck. Lastly a thick, yellow, offensive discharge from the ear arises with this.

For Managing Ear Discharges

Kali Mur – For White Discharge 

It is a leading medicine to manage ear discharges. Persons needing it mainly complain of white discharge from the ear along with pain. Lastly, they may also experience impaired hearing.

Psorinum – For Thin, Offensive Discharge 

Psorinum is the next prominent medicine for cases in which a very offensive thin discharge from the ear is present. It can be yellowish or brownish in colour. This is accompanied with severe pain in the ear. External ear is also sore. Itching in ears is also prominent with this. The itching is severe and it worsens in the evening. 

Silicea – For Pus Discharge with Swelling 

This medicine is beneficial to manage pus discharges from the ear with swelling of the external ear. Along with this pain in my ear arises. This pain can be drawing, shooting, aching, boring or stitching type. Other symptoms attending it includes stoppage of ears and decreased hearing.

Merc Sol – For Yellow/Green Discharge 

This medicine works well when yellow or green offensive discharges from the ear are present. They may also be pus like. With this tearing, stinging, throbbing or shooting pain in ears is prominent. The pain can extend to the head and face too. Pain is worse at night time mostly. A sensation of fullness and stoppage in the ear attends. Itching in ears is also marked along with difficulty in hearing.

Graphites – For Thin, Watery Discharge 

Graphites is a very useful medicine for cases having thin watery discharges from the ear. These discharges can be gluey, sticky in nature. They may be bad smelling too. Stitching type of pain accompanies this.

Causes 

The most common cause of swimmer’s ear is a bacteria that enters the ear canal. Less commonly it can arise from fungal or viral agents.
Moisture in the ear, depletion of ear wax and breaks in the skin that lines the ear canal predisposes a person to swimmer’s ear. Ear wax (cerumen) acts as a defence agent of the ears that keep them clean and fight off germs to prevent infection. This wax creates a thin film inside the ear that repels water and is mildly acidic that prevents flourishing of bacteria in the ear. But excess of moisture in the ear or scratching ear canal while cleaning can reduce the protective wax and cause breaks in skin favouring bacterial growth.

There are some factors that put a person at risk of swimmer’s ear. These firstly include swimming (mainly in water highly infested with bacteria), excessive sweating that causes moisture in the ear and can allow the bacteria to grow. 

Next is harsh cleaning of the ear canal with ear buds, hair pins, keys etc. and wearing hearing aid, using headphones that can cause trauma and break in delicate skin lining the inside of the ear canal favouring bacterial growth. 

Another factor is skin problems like psoriasis and skin allergies (like from jewellery, hair dye, cosmetics). 

Symptoms 

Initially the symptoms of swimmer’s ear are mild but if not treated in time they tend to become severe. The symptoms include itching in the ear, pain in ear and drainage of fluid from ear. The intensity of itching varies from mild to intense as per the severity of case. The pain also varies in intensity from mild discomfort to severe pain. The intensity keeps increasing from mild to moderate to severe as the infection advances. 

In case of severe infection the pain is very intense and can radiate to face, head or neck. The fluid draining from ear can be very slight to excessive. It can be clear odourless, or pus. 

With the above symptoms, there is redness in the ear and the outer ear may also be swollen and hot. Feeling of fullness inside your ear, muffled / decreased hearing may also arise. In advanced stage fever and swelling in lymph nodes of neck can occur.

Children are more prone to get outer ear infections because they have smaller ear canal as compared to adults that cause difficulty in proper drainage of fluid out from their ears. Children who spend excessive time in water are specifically more at risk. The young children who can’t speak might pull the ear, cry on touching ear, have fluid draining from ear. They may be irritable, cranky and cry a lot and can’t sleep properly.

Complications 

Most times these cases recover quickly with treatment. However sometimes complications can occur. 

The first complication is temporary hearing loss. 
Second there are chances of this infection to become chronic that continues for more than three months. The chances to become chronic are high if the infective agent is a rare bacteria, or the condition arises from an allergic skin reaction and if the person has dermatitis or psoriasis.
Next rare but serious complications include infection in deep layers of skin, damage to bone and cartilage surrounding the ear canal and spread of infection to the brain or nearby nerves. 

Excessive salivation is medically known as hypersalivation or ptyalism. It is not a disease in itself but is an indicating feature to some underlying health condition. Homeopathic remedies for excessive salivation like Merc Sol and Lyssin are selected as per every individual case based on the characteristic symptom. 

Saliva is produced by the salivary glands. It keeps the mouth moist and helps to chew and swallow food. It also contributes to the taste of food, and digestion also begins in the mouth with the help of an enzyme in the saliva. Saliva is also used to fight germs in the mouth.  

It is also produced while chewing, and the amount of saliva varies as per the type of food or drink taken by a person. Excessive salivation occasionally is not a reason of concern unless it is constant.  

Homeopathic Remedies for Excessive Salivation

People having complaints of excessive salivation can be well-treated with the help of homeopathic medicines. These medicines aim at treating the root cause behind increased salivation to bring excellent results. The homeopathic medicines for treating this issue are prepared from naturally occurring substances so are very safe to use without any side effects. These are suitable to treat this complaint in persons of any age group. Some of the majorly indicated remedies used for managing this issue are described here. 

1. Merc Sol – Top Grade Medicine 

Merc Sol is a top listed medicine to manage cases of excessive salivation. Firstly it is indicated when there is copious salivation in case of mouth ulcers. The ulcers (which cause a burning sensation) are irregular in shape with undefined edges and may appear on the tongue, gums, throat, inside of cheek. 

Second indication for its use is profuse salivation from stomatitis (inflamed mouth) with marked redness of the whole mucous membrane of mouth. 

Next, it is considered in cases of inflamed throat and inflamed tonsils with plenty of saliva in mouth. It is also well indicated for increased salivation during pregnancy. 

Lastly, it is indicated for excessive accumulation of saliva in the mouth from hollow, decayed teeth; dentition in babies; swollen, inflamed gums; fungal infection in the mouth (oral thrush). Along with above indications an offensive, bad smell from the mouth is prominent. The saliva may also have a specific metallic, coppery taste.

2. Lyssin – Another Leading Medicine

Lyssin is another prominent medicine for managing cases of increased salivation. Persons needing it have a constant desire to spit from plenty of saliva in the mouth. The saliva may be thick, frothy, slimy and sticky in nature. They may have difficulty in swallowing liquids with excessive flow of saliva. It is well-indicated when there is an increased amount of thick saliva with inflamed throat. Pain in the throat along with great heat is present in these cases. 

3. Baryta Carb – For Inflamed Throat, Tonsils, Salivary Glands 

Baryta Carb a very beneficial medicine for profuse salivation in case of sore throat and swollen, painful tonsils. It is also valuable for treating cases of increased saliva in case of peritonsillar abscess (quinsy). In cases needing it, the saliva runs out of mouth during sleep. There may be attending bad odour coming from mouth. Other than this, it is an important medicine for cases of swollen salivary glands including parotid and sub mandibular glands attended with much salivation.

4. Silicea – For Excessive Salivation during Teething

It works well in children having excessive salivation (drooling) teething. They may have difficult dentition and sometimes are delayed in the teething process. They may be sensitive to cold and have bad smelling sweat on the body along with this.

5. Borax – For Copious Saliva with Mouth Ulcers

This medicine is prominently indicated for excessive salivation with ulcers in the mouth and on tongue. In cases requiring it the mucus membrane of the mouth is very red with ulcers. Most times these ulcers have a tendency to bleed easily. Marked heated sensation in the mouth and great thirst for water may accompany above symptoms.

6. Kali Iodatum – For Increased Saliva with Irregular White Ulcers 

Kali Iodatum is also an excellent medicine to treat cases of profuse saliva with irregular mouth ulcers which have white surface. They look white as if covered with milk. Sometimes vesicles (fluid – filled bumps / blisters) may be present in the mouth with marked burning sensation. With the above features, a very offensive odour from mouth is often noticed.

7. Iodum – For Inflamed Throat and Tonsils

Iodum is beneficial medicine when there is excessive saliva in the mouth with inflamed throat and tonsils. Saliva is fetid with offensive odour from mouth. Along with this there is a thick, greyish white deposit in the throat and on the tonsils. Burning pain is present in the throat. Swallowing is difficult with this. Sometimes ulcers are present in the throat.

8. Merc Cor – For Sore Throat 

Merc Cor is also a significant medicine for managing increased salivation in cases of sore throat. There is stinging, smarting pain in the throat and there may be offensive-smelling pus spots in the throat. The saliva is highly increased that sometimes runs out of the mouth at night. The saliva may have a salty taste. Sore, inflamed mouth with much salivation is also a guiding feature to use this medicine.

9. Nitric Acid – For Stomatitis or Inflammation 

Nitric Acid is an effective medicine for cases of excessive saliva with inflamed mouth (stomatitis). The saliva is fetid. In such cases the surface inside the mouth is bright red. This is accompanied with a burning sensation in the mouth. Intense stinging pain is also marked. Sometimes ulcers within cheeks or tongue are also present along with inflammation. Apart from above swollen gums, decayed teeth, ulcers on tonsils with profuse saliva is also indicative of this medicine use. 

10. Natrum Mur – For Copious Saliva during Mumps 

Natrum Mur is a well-indicated medicine for cases of excessive salivation in mumps infection (viral infection of parotid gland – salivary gland.) Here the saliva is watery with constant spitting. In addition to this, it also offers help when there is plenty of salivation with fungal infection in mouth (oral thrush) and with toothache. This medicine is also very suitable to manage dribbling of saliva during teething in children.

11. Lac Caninum – For Increased Saliva during Sleep

Lac Caninum is a very useful medicine when the salivation is increased during sleep. People needing it have an increased amount of saliva which is slightly thick. Their mouth is constantly full of saliva and during sleep saliva runs from the mouth, wetting the pillow.

12. Lachesis – For Constantly High Salivation

This homeopathic medicine is indicated when the level of saliva in the mouth is constantly high and has a foul odour. It interferes with talking, and in some cases there may be an inflammation and swelling of tonsils. Sometimes the root of the tongue is inflamed too.

Causes

Increased saliva in the mouth can arise from either increased production of saliva by the salivary glands or decreased clearance of saliva and its build up in the mouth. Difficulty in swallowing the excessively accumulated saliva can lead to increased spitting or its drooling (dripping of saliva out of the mouth without knowing).

Excessive salivation can have many reasons. Firstly it can arise from dental cavities, oral infection (dental infection, dental abscess), mouth ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and teething in children (dentition). Next there are certain types of medications that can lead to an increase in saliva. Few examples of such medicines include clozapine, ketamine, risperidone and pilocarpine. Salivation production can increase during pregnancy especially in women who have intense nausea and vomiting. Other than this certain toxins like mercury, copper, nicotine can also cause hypersalivation.

Apart from above, tonsillitis, quinsy (peritonsillar abscess means accumulation of pus  behind the tonsil), inflamed salivary glands, mumps (viral infection of the parotid gland), enlarged tongue (macroglossia) and intellectual disability are some other causes. 

Other reasons associated with excessive salivation includes some nutritional deficiencies like niacin or vitamin B3 deficiency that causes pellagra, rabies (a deadly virus caught from bite of an infected animal mostly a dog that causes serious infection of the brain or nerves), cerebral palsy (group of neurological disorders that affect movement, posture and muscle tone), facial nerve palsy  that cause loss of facial movement due to nerve damage, parkinson’s disease (a nervous system disorder in which there majorly appears rest tremor, slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, impaired posture and balance. As this condition progresses difficulties with swallowing can arise which causes decrease clearance of saliva and its accumulation in mouth leading to drooling), myasthenia gravis (neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness and quick fatigue of any of voluntary muscles),  amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a nervous system disease that causes death of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscles), stroke (reduced blood supply to part of your brain depriving it of oxygen and nutrients that results in cell death.) 

Lastly, radiation therapy and fracture/dislocation of jaw can also lead to excessive salivation.

Swimmer’s itch refers to an itchy rash which is caused by an allergic reaction to parasites (flatworm parasites belonging to the schistosomatidae family). One tends to contract this parasite by swimming mostly in freshwater lakes and ponds which carry this parasite. Swimmer’s itch is also known by other names such as cercarial dermatitis and schistosome dermatitis. Swimmer’s itch is not contagious which means it can not spread from one person to another person through direct skin contact. Homeopathic Remedies for Swimmer’s Itch help to heal the skin rash and the attending pimple-like eruptions or blisters present on the skin.     

Homeopathic Remedies for Swimmer’s Itch 

Homeopathic medicines are very effective to treat numerous skin complaints including the swimmer’s itch. They treat swimmer’s itch in a very natural and gentle manner. These also help to provide relief in the itching, burning or tingling sensation present on the affected skin area. The medicines used to treat cases of swimmer’s itch are selected based on the signs and symptoms present in each individual case. The prominent medicines for its treatment along with its characteristic features are given below. 

1. Graphites – For Red Pimples or Blisters

Graphites is a leading homeopathic medicine to manage cases of swimmer’s itch. In most cases needing it, small red pimples or blisters appear on the skin. The blisters tend to ooze transparent, watery and sticky fluid. Itching is present in these eruptions. After scratching burning is also felt in the eruptions. In some cases violent skin itching is there without any eruptions. This itching is almost continuous. The skin is rough and dry most times with above indications.

2. Sulphur – To Manage Skin Itching

Sulphur is a very effective medicine to manage skin itching in these cases. For using it the itching can be present on any of the body parts. Mostly it gets worse at night and or from warmth of the bed. The itching tends to wander from one place to another frequently. After scratching, burning and biting sensation can appear on the affected skin. The burning sensation often disturbs the night’s sleep. The itching is violent and sometimes people scratch the spots till it bleeds.  Pain and soreness in the itchy skin areas can follow too after scratching. Other than this formication (a sensation as if insects are crawling over the skin) and stitching  or prickling sensation can be felt on the skin. Red pimple-like eruptions and little vesicles can appear on the skin where it is required.

3. Apis Mellifica – For Skin Rash with Stinging Pain

Apis Mellifica is well indicated for treating skin rash with prominent stinging pains. These pain resemble bee stings. Other than this prickling sensation like needle pricks or smarting sensation on skin attends this. Intolerable itching and burning on skin is also present. In most cases needing it the itching worsens from warmth of bed, it is very intense that prevents sleep at night. Scratching helps to relieve the itching. Itching also gets better in the open air.  Along with above small red raised eruptions or blisters are present on the skin. Skin is very red and sensitive to slight touch in addition to above symptoms.

4. Natrum Mur – For Blisters on Skin

Natrum Mur works well in cases presenting with blisters on the skin. These blisters have clear, watery content. Initially, burning spots appear on skin. Following this blisters form on these spots. The skin is dry with this. In these cases itching, pricking and stinging sensation on the skin can also be felt. Skin is usually dry where it is needed. It is also indicated when skin rash is present. Stinging is felt in the rash.  Excessive soreness of skin may also arise along with smarting sensation.

5. Arsenic Album – For Burning Sensation on Skin

Arsenic Album is a prominent medicine for cases with burning sensation on skin. Persons needing it also complain of itching on skin. They also feel that itching worsens from scratching. Pain on the affected skin area also follows scratching. Skin is very rough and dry in such cases. Other than this they may have over sensitivity of skin. Pimple-like eruptions or blisters filled with watery fluid are present on the skin. These eruptions also have violent burning in it.   

6. Psorinum – For Managing Skin Itching                                                                                 

Psorinum is another excellent medicine for cases having marked skin itching. People who need this medicine mainly have itching when their body becomes warm. The itching is extreme and intolerable causing them to scratch skin until it bleeds. They may also have fine red eruptions or blisters on the skin. The blisters can be filled with yellow fluid. These blisters are painful to touch and there can be a stinging sensation on the skin. The skin usually looks dirty and greasy. 

7. Rhus Tox – For Small Blisters with Redness 

Rhus Tox is significant medicine when small blisters along with marked redness appear on the skin. These blisters have watery fluid in it. Burning sensation and itching arise in these blisters. Rubbing the affected skin area increases the eruptions most times. It is also indicated for intolerable itching, stinging and tingling sensation on the skin. 

8. Hepar Sulph – For Dry, Pimple-like Eruptions 

Hepar Sulph is a very useful medicine for dry, pimple-like eruptions on the skin. These are very sensitive and sore to touch. It is also indicated when there is burning and itching on the body. On scratching white blisters form on the affected skin part. It is also indicated for cases of skin infection when pus discharges are present. 

9. Sepia – For Skin Rash with Itching, Tingling Sensation

This medicine is an important medicine for skin rash accompanied with itching and tingling sensation. After scratching the itching changes to a burning sensation on skin. Blisters can be present on skin along with above symptoms. Another attending symptom is stitching sensation on the skin.

10. Merc Sol – For Pimple-like Eruptions or Blisters on Skin

Merc Sol is wonderful medicine to treat cases with pimple-like eruptions or blisters on the skin. These eruptions are itchy. Itching is worse at night in most of the cases requiring it. The blisters ooze thin clear fluid. The base of these blisters is very red.

Causes 

Swimmer’s itch is caused by a larval stage of flatworm parasites that belongs to the family schistosomatidae. These parasites normally live in the blood of waterfowl,  ducks, geese, gulls that live near ponds and lakes. They then release the eggs of the parasites in the water via their faeces. 

These eggs hatch in the water and the larva released infects the snail and undergoes its development in it. Following its development this snail releases tiny larvae called cercariae in the water. These cercariae begin to swim in the water and start searching to enter waterfowl and other water animals (which acts as its natural host) to initiate their life cycle once again. 

From there these parasites can accidentally attach to the skin of human beings who are swimming or wading there while the parasites are looking to enter their natural hosts. It then burrows into the human skin and can trigger an allergic reaction. Swimming in freshwater lakes or ponds carrying this parasite puts a person at risk to develop swimmer’s itch. These snails that carry this parasite and release larvae live near the shoreline, so swimming in shallow water near the shoreline puts a person at higher risk.  

Signs and Symptoms 

The parasites that cause swimmer’s itch burrow into the skin during swimming. It can cause mild skin irritation to a severely itchy red rash. It also causes a burning or tingling sensation on the skin. Itching, burning and tingling sensation in the exposed skin area are the initial symptoms of this condition. Following this there appear small reddish pimple-like eruptions or papular eruptions (solid elevations / bumps on the skin without any fluid) appear on the skin. These eruptions can further develop into blisters (fluid-filled bumps on the skin) in the next 24-48 hrs. The rash can get infected if a person scratches it. The rash in swimmer’s itch appears only on the skin area exposed (where it is not covered with swimsuit) to the water which is contaminated with the parasite. The rash can appear from minutes to around two days time after swimming in water infested with this parasite. The intensity of signs and symptoms varies from one person to another. it depends upon the degree of infestation (means number of the worm larvae that had burrowed in the skin) and a person’s sensitivity. The symptoms tend to get worse with repeated exposure to the parasite.

Smell and taste disorders are conditions that lead to decrease, absence or distortion in the sense of smell and taste. Smell and taste disorders can be frustrating because they affect a person’s ability to enjoy fragrances and enjoy food/drink. Both smell and taste disorders affect quality of life. Homeopathic medicines for smell and taste disorders that are suitable for a given case are selected on the basis of the prominent, characteristic symptoms of a person following a detailed case analysis.

Smell disorders may have serious consequences sometimes because they make a person unable to detect smell in case there is any gas leakage, fire or if the food is decayed. Loss of smell or taste can lead to decrease of interest in eating which can cause weight loss and malnutrition. 

Homeopathic Medicines for Smell and Taste Disorders

Natural homeopathic remedies for smell and taste disorders can prove to be highly effective. These medicines manage such disorders in a very effective manner. They aim at correcting the root cause behind it to bring excellent results. The extent to which these medicines help depends upon the duration and intensity of the complaint.   

For Decreased Power of Smell or Complete Loss of Smell

1. Natrum Mur – For Cases of Cold, Nasal Allergies

Natrum Mur is a leading medicine for managing cases with reduced smell or loss of smell from cold, nasal allergies. People needing it have a history of severe colds with clear white  copious nasal discharge. With this, violent and frequent sneezing is complained about. Sometimes they have alternate fluent nasal discharge with nasal stoppage. In most cases loss of taste is complained along with loss of smell where this medicine is indicated.

2. Pulsatilla – From Recurrent Cold

This is another suitable medicine to manage reduced / loss of smell. In persons needing it, a tendency of recurrent colds may be present.  Most times they have thick yellowish, greenish nasal discharges. These discharges can have an offensive odour. Their nose feels blocked in the evening. Most times they have loss of taste and appetite too along with smell loss.

3. Calcarea Carb – Due to Nasal Polyps and Frequent Cold

It is a well-indicated medicine for cases of loss of smell from nasal polyps. Along with polyps a tendency to have frequent colds is also present in persons needing this medicine. They may have alternate nasal dryness and blocked nose with yellow offensive mucus. They may also have ulceration or scabs in the nostrils. 

4. Teucrium – From Nasal Polyps 

This medicine like Calcarea Carb is well indicated for cases of decreased or loss of smell from nasal polyps. The symptoms that are present along with smell loss are stoppage of nostrils, crawling sensation in nostrils, discharge of green scabs from the nostrils.

5. Silicea – For Cases of Chronic Cold and Sinusitis

It is the next beneficial medicine for cases of diminished or loss of smell. Persons needing it usually have a tendency of chronic cold and also sinus inflammation / infection. The symptoms that they frequently have along with smell loss includes complete stoppage of nose, sore scabs in nostrils,  fetid offensive green or yellow pus like nasal discharge and pain in forehead. They also have loss of taste along with smell loss.

For Foul Smell from the Nose

1. Kali Bichrome – In Cases of Inflamed Mucus Membrane of Nose and Sinus

Kali Bichrome is a very useful medicine for cases having putrid smell from the nose. In such cases chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of nose and sinus is usually present. For using it the symptoms other than putrid smell are dryness of nose, blockage of nose, pressure in root of nose and tough ropy discharges dripping from back of nostrils into the throat.

2. Lemna Minor – For Cases with Nasal Polyps 

This medicine is most helpful for foul smell in the nose, in the presence of nasal polyps. There may be presence of nasal polyps in cases requiring it. Other than foul smell the symptoms to look for using it are stopped nose, discharge of a crust / pus like discharge from nose and frequent sneezing attacks.

3. Graphites – For Foul Smell like Burnt Hair 

Graphites is an excellent medicine to treat cases in which a person experiences a bad smell from the nose, as from burnt hair. They also have discharge of thick, yellowish, offensive mucus from nose  and stoppage of nose. They may also have hard masses, dry scabs or crusts in the nostrils.

For Increased Sensitivity to Smell

1. Phosphorus – For Increased Sensitivity to Smell (Especially Flowers)

It is a top grade medicine for cases where the sensitivity to smell is increased. Persons needing it may particularly have a very heightened sense for the smell of flowers which can even cause fainting in them. In them there may be long standing inflammation of the nasal membrane. Along with this sneezing may also be present. There can be fluent nasal discharges alternating with nasal blockage. Apart from above it is an excellent medicine where nasal polyps are present especially the ones that bleed easily.

2. Hepar Sulph – When Vertigo Appears with Increased Smell Sensitivity

It is the next well indicated medicine to treat cases with high sensitivity to smell. Along with this vertigo may be present. Few other attending symptoms are nasal stoppage in morning and thick pus like discharge from the nose that can be sometimes blood tinged.

3. Colchicum – For High Sensitivity to Smell mainly of Cooking Food

This medicine is also of much help when a person has increased sense of smelling. He is mostly highly sensitive to the smell of cooking. Additionally he may have sneezing and crawling in the nose. With this he can complain of long lasting nasal discharges that are thin. 

For Reduced Sense of Taste and Loss of Taste

1. Antimonium Crudum – For Reduced Sense of Taste

This medicine is significant to treat cases having lowered sense of taste. A peculiar symptom that attends is thick, milky white coating on the tongue. With this the  borders of the tongue may be red and the mouth can be dry.

2. Borax – For Complete Loss of Taste 

Borax is the next important medicine to manage this condition. It is indicated when  a person doesn’t get any taste of food. Additionally he may have oral thrush (fungal growth in mouth). The main  symptoms that he has are white fungal patches in mouth, heat in mouth, tenderness in mouth and dry cracked tongue.

3. Bryonia – For Loss of Taste with Dry Mouth

This medicine is helpful for persons who have loss of taste for food. But when they are not eating their mouth feels bitter. A characteristic symptom with this is great dryness of tongue, mouth and lips. The tongue may also be cracked.

Loss of Sense of Smell and Taste Occurring Together

1. Natrum Mur – In Case of Cold or Nasal Allergies

This medicine is highly valuable for persons who have loss of smell as well as taste. Both food and drink feels tasteless to them. They usually suffer from cold or nasal allergies. The symptoms they suffer from in this condition are sneezing and fluent nasal discharges.

2. Pulsatilla – From Long Standing Cold

This medicine works well when there is reduction / loss of taste and smell with loss of appetite. In cases where it is indicated, sense of taste is diminished for every kind of food. Prominently long term cold is present with this. Here thick, yellow or greenish nasal discharge with offensive smell is the key symptom.

For Bad Taste in Mouth

1. Nux Vomica – For Bad Taste, Especially in Morning

Nux Vomica offers great help in cases presenting with bad taste in mouth. Most people needing it feel that it is most prominent in the morning.  They may also feel a sour taste in their mouths after eating or drinking. Another symptom they have is altered taste especially for coffee, milk and water. Their tongue may be inflamed. They can have needle-like piercing pain on the edges of the tongue.

2. Carbo Veg – For Bad Taste and Offensive Smell from Mouth

This medicine is beneficial for cases having foul taste and offensive odour from mouth. With this the appetite is lost. In many cases requiring it, gum inflammation can be present. Here the gums are swollen, painful, sensitive and bleed often.

3. Belladonna – For Offensive Taste when Eating or Drinking

This medicine is useful for someone having offensive taste in mouth when eating or drinking though food and drink have proper taste. The tongue is clean with this. Heat or burning sensation in the mouth can accompany this.

For Unusual Taste in Mouth

1. Merc Sol – For Metallic Taste in Mouth

It is a leading medicine to manage cases presenting with metallic taste in the mouth. Tongue can be inflamed, with intense redness, severe pain and burning sensation. The salivation mostly is increased with these symptoms. Bad smell from the mouth can appear. In some cases needing it, fungal infection in the mouth or inflammation of the gums may be present.

2. Cuprum Met – For Coppery Taste in Mouth

This medicine is indicated when there is specific coppery taste in the mouth. Along with this all food tastes like clear water. Tongues can be inflamed from a long time and be accompanied by profuse saliva.

3. Arsenic Album – For Bitter Taste in Mouth

It is given when there is bitter taste in the mouth. This appears usually after eating or drinking. A burning sensation in the mouth frequently attends these symptoms.

4. Calcarea Carb – For Sour Taste in Mouth

This medicine is used when there is sour taste in the mouth. Great dryness and heat in the mouth can arise with this.

5. Lycopodium – For heightened Sense of Taste

For managing cases with increase sense of taste, the most prominent medicine is Lycopodium. White coating on tongue, dryness of mouth and tongue with putrid smell are the main symptoms.

 For Heightened Sense of Taste

For managing cases with an increased sense of taste, the most prominent medicine is Lycopodium. In cases needing it white coating on the tongue can be present. Dryness of mouth and tongue with putrid smell are other attending symptoms to this.

Smell Disorders

A person is able to smell due to smell receptors present in the nose. The microscopic odor molecules released from substances like from cooking food, flowers stimulate these receptors. From here messages go to the brain, which helps us recognize smell. If these receptors are blocked or damaged then it will lead to smell disorders.

Symptoms

The symptoms depend on the different types of smell disorders described as follows:

1. Hyposmia – A decreased ability to detect odours or partial loss of sense of smell.
2. Anosmia – A complete inability to smell or total loss of sense of smell is there.
3. Parosmia -When there is a change in the normal perception of odours. In this, the odour of familiar substances is distorted and it smells different from what was previously remembered (like something pleasant starts smelling foul now.)
4. Phantosmia – This is when a person smells an odour (mainly foul, burnt, spoiled, putrid) that isn’t actually present. 
5. Hyperosmia – It refers to an increased sensitivity to smell.

Causes

The  common causes of smell disorders includes Common cold or flu, nasal Allergy / hay fever, nasal polyps, sinus inflammation / infection, nasal congestion / blockage and any sort of upper respiratory infection (whether bacterial or viral). Next to this tumours in nasal cavity, any injury or trauma to nose, head injury especially if it involves frontal lobes of the brain and radiation treatment to the head for cancer can lead to smell disorders. 

Other than this certain medications (like nasal decongestants if used for long time some common antibiotics and antihistamines, high blood pressure medication), smoking, hormonal disturbance, any circulatory illness that diminishes blood flow to nasal tissue, exposure to insecticides or other chemicals can cause this. 

Smell disorders can also be present in some medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (a nervous system disorder characterised by rest tremor, slowed movement, rigidity of muscles, impaired posture and balance, speech changes. In this disorder sometime problems with smell can arise), epilepsy (a brain disorder  causing recurrent seizures characterised by unusual behaviour, movements and sometimes loss of consciousness) and schizophrenia (serious mental disorder in which reality is interpreted abnormally and the sufferer has hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking and behaviour). 

It can be congenital too, which means that some people may be born with it. Sense of smell may also become less sharp as you age.  Sometimes it is idiopathic where no cause is found.

Taste Disorders

The taste buds on the tongue and mouth carry taste receptors that help to identify taste. When we eat or drink something tiny molecules released from it stimulate taste receptors. These receptors then send messages to the brain which helps us to identify tastes. Smell and taste are closely interlinked with each other and the taste of the food is also influenced by the smell of the food. The aromas released on chewing food stimulate sensory cells of smell through a channel that connects the roof of the throat to the back of the nose which help us distinguish different flavours. If this channel is blocked, like from stuffy nose due to cold then it prevents odours from reaching sensory cells of the nose. Due to the lack of smell, the food tastes bland  and feels it has no flavour. This is why some people who think they have loss of taste have actually lost their sense of smell instead.

Symptoms

The symptoms of taste disorders are described as per the type given below:

1. Hypogeusia – It presents with reduced ability of sense of taste
2. Ageusia – In this, a person has complete  inability to detect any taste. It is rare and many times people having loss of taste actually have lost their smell.
3. Dysgeusia also called parageusia – In this an unusual unpleasant taste like a foul,  metallic, salty, rancid taste persists in the mouth. It can be accompanied by a painful burning sensation in the mouth. In this type a person can also perceive the wrong taste of food; like eating an ice cream may have a salty, bitter or metallic taste. It also includes change in taste in which foods taste differently than it previously used to be like something starts  to taste  bad which previously used to be pleasant to taste.
4. Phantom Taste Perception – In this type a bad unpleasant taste lingers in mouth even though there is nothing in the mouth.
5. Hypergeusia -It refers to heightened sense of taste.

Causes

It can arise from cold, nasal allergies, nasal blockage and upper respiratory tract infection. Secondly it can arise from poor oral hygiene, dental issues, gum inflammation (gingivitis), burns to the tongue, sjogren’s syndrome (autoimmune disorder characterised by dry mouth and dry eyes), salivary gland infection and oral thrush (fungal infection in mouth). 

Next, it can follow some surgeries on the ear, nose, and throat, a head injury, radiation treatment for treating cancer of head and neck. Other reasons for this include smoking, certain medicines (like some antihistamines and antibiotics), exposure to insecticides and some chemicals,  nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin B12 and Zinc). It can also be congenital means present since birth. It can appear in people with advancing age.