Dysphagia is a term used to describe the difficulty in swallowing. Sometimes the patient experiences pain while swallowing fluids, solid and semi foods. This painful swallowing is called odynophagia. Dysphagia usually arises from disorders of the esophagus. Another cause for dysphagia is the weakening of nerves and muscles involved in moving the food down the throat and esophagus. The causes of dysphagia also include esophageal stricture, esophageal tumor, and achalasia. Neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or injury to the brain and spinal cord also cause dysphagia. Homeopathic treatment for dysphagia follows a symptomatic approach to help such patients. An indicative picture of the individual is the first step towards selecting the most appropriate homeopathic medicine for dysphagia. The chances of recovery in dysphagia vary from case to case. In cases with mild symptoms, improvement with homeopathic treatment for dysphagia is possible. In cases with severe symptoms, homeopathy provides supportive help.  

Symptoms of Dysphagia

Symptoms of dysphagia vary from mild to severe. The symptoms of dysphagia include the feeling of food being stuck in the throat or behind the sternum; gagging, choking or pain while swallowing; heartburn; or regurgitation of food. Dysphagia may be noted while consuming liquids, solids or both. Dysphagia may lead to respiratory problems like aspiration pneumonia and also malnutrition.

Homeopathic Treatment for Dysphagia

1. Lachesis and Hyoscyamus – When Swallowing Liquids is Difficult

Lachesis and Hyoscyamus are effective medicines for dysphagia. They are effective when dysphagia for liquids is present. Lachesis is used when the patient has difficulty in swallowing liquids or even saliva. Pain and swelling in the throat are also present. There is choking when drinking liquids. Hyoscyamus is useful when there is a constricted sensation in the throat along with an inability to swallow liquids. Fluids may go the wrong way down the larynx. Other symptoms include a burning sensation and shooting pain in the throat.

2. Kali Carb and Alumina – When Swallowing Solids is Difficult

Kali Carb works when there is difficulty in swallowing solids along with gagging and vomiting. Kali Carb may also work well in cases of dysphagia from the stricture of the esophagus. In such patients, food may also go into the windpipe. Alumina works well when swallowing of solid food is difficult, painful and there is extreme dryness in the throat. The throat feels plugged. A patient needing Alumina can consume warm drinks with ease.

3. Baptisia and Baryta Carb – When There is Inability to Swallow Solids

Baptisia and Baryta Carb are some of the best medicines for dysphagia. They are helpful in cases where a person can only consume liquids, and there is gagging at the introduction of solid food. A patient needing Baptisia cannot swallow any solid food because of a constrictive feeling in the throat. Consuming only liquids is easy. Constriction at the cardiac end of the esophagus may also be present. Baryta Carb helps in cases when the patient consumes only liquids. Not even a slight amount of solid seems to move down the esophagus. Stinging and burning in the throat may also be present. Empty swallowing leads to a smarting pain in the throat.

4. Belladonna and Cactus – When the Patient Has To Drink to Swallow

Belladonna and Cactus are both significant treatment for dysphagia where the patient has to drink water to help swallow food. Belladonna works well when a person having dysphagia has to drink water to help swallow food. There is also a tendency to choke easily while swallowing. The food may go down the wrong way.
Belladonna is a medicine for painless dysphagia. Cactus is highly indicated when a person has to drink a lot of water to make the food move down the esophagus. Heat and constriction in the throat may also be the symptoms indicating the use of the Homeopathic medicine Cactus. A feeling of suffocation may also arise from constriction in the throat.

5. Anacardium and Hyoscyamus – For Dysphagia with Choking

Medicines that are most suitable for dysphagia with choking while swallowing are Anacardium and Hyoscyamus. The characteristic feature to use Anacardium is easy choking while eating or drinking anything. Scraping and rawness in the throat are also important symptoms for selecting this remedy. Hyoscyamus is effective when there is choking while drinking liquids as the liquid goes down the larynx instead of the esophagus. The fluid may also regurgitate and come out through the nose in some cases.

Speech delay is the most common type of developmental delay. A child not paying attention to other people and not responding to sounds is one of the first warnings of possible speech delay. In cases of speech delay, conducting a hearing test is the first step. Homeopathy is a well advanced and highly successful science. It is known to give promising results for developmental delays in children. Homeopathic treatment for speech delay is especially useful in treating children. 

Reasons behind Speech Delay

Primary reasons leading to speech delay include hearing problems, difficulties with the tongue or palate, a short frenulum, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. Oral motor dysfunction is another reason behind the delay in speech. Oral motor dysfunction refers to inefficient communication in the brain areas that are responsible for speech production. In some cases, delay in speech may be a part of developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder.

However, in many cases of speech delay in children, it is not possible to identify the exact reason. Homeopathic treatment for speech delay has proved to be safe, natural and very effective with no side effects.

Milestones of Speech Development

To be able to identify speech delay, it is essential to know the signs of speech development. Ordinarily, speech begins and develops as a child grows. There are age wise limits for the same. These can be listed as follows:
– In the beginning, the baby makes babbling or cooing sounds. Around the age of 9 months, the baby begins to say basic words like ‘mama’ and ‘dada.’
– Between 12 and 15 months of age, the child starts saying words other than ‘mama’ and ‘dada’ and can understand and follow simple one-step direction.
– Between the age of 18 and 24 months, the child can say about 20 to 50 words.
– Around the age of 2 years, children can combine two words to make simple sentences. By now, the child can identify body parts and point to the eyes, ears, nose and is capable of following two step commands.
– By the time a child is 2 to 3 years old, his vocabulary has increased manifold. He is now able to combine three or more words to form a sentence. At this stage, the child’s comprehension also starts to improve.
– By the age of 4, the child can use about five words in a sentence and can tell a short story or recite a short nursery rhyme.

Red flags indicating Speech Delay in children

A child lagging in speech development should be properly evaluated to find the cause behind it. Evaluation is essential so that the right treatment may start without delay at the appropriate age. Some age-related red flags for speech delay that point to the need for evaluation is:
-No babbling sounds at nine months
-No first words at 15 months
-The child is unable to speak three to six words at 18 months
-At two years of age, the child is unable to combine words, and it ‘s hard to understand the child’s speech.

Homeopathic Treatment for Speech Delay

Homeopathic medicine for speech delay used for helping a child with late speech development include Agaricus Muscarius, Baryta Carb, Calcarea Carb, Calcarea Phos, Natrum Mur, Silicea and Tuberculinum Bovinum. Each homeopathic medicine for speech delay has certain unique properties. To decide which homeopathic medicine for speech delay suits the child, there needs to be an in-depth case study of the child. This includes getting familiar with the child’s constitution. Once a proper analysis is done, the most suitable homeopathic medicine for speech delay is used to help establish speech in the child.

The earlier a child gets started with homeopathic treatment for speech delay, the higher are the chances of developing or improving speech. Homeopathic medicines treat cases of late speech in a very safe and gentle manner. The main advantage of adopting homeopathic medicine for speech delay is that it is free from any toxic side effects.

Grief is an emotional response. It is mental suffering that follows the loss of someone or something. The loss can be anything from the death of a loved one to the losing of a job, the parting of a relationship, or even ill health. The period of grief varies from person to person. Everyone reacts differently to grief. Some people go into a phase of deep sorrow but as time passes they accept the loss and move on with their lives. Other people are unable to move forward and accept reality. When grief lasts too long, and symptoms do not fade with time, it is known as complicated grief. Homeopathic treatment for grief and sadness works very efficiently to help recover from such cases of depression.

Homeopathy is a highly successful mode of treating psychological issues including grief and depression. They are highly suitable and give excellent results in treating both acute and chronic grief. These medicines are non-habit forming and do not have any side effects.

Symptoms of Grief

A person in grief displays many symptoms. Symptoms include crying, a feeling of sadness and bitterness towards life. Patients also feel detachment from others, a desire for loneliness, numbness and suicidal thoughts. Other symptoms are a loss of appetite, sleeping problems, nightmares, weakness, headaches, and body aches.

Homeopathic Medicines for Grief and Sadness

1. Ignatia – A Top-Listed Homeopathic Medicine for Grief and Sadness

Ignatia lists amongst top grade homeopathic cure for treating grief and sadness. It offers a lot of help in handling grief and is usually the first choice in cases where the patient is in sorrow. Grief arising from the death of loved ones and disappointments in love is dealt with very well with the use of Ignatia. Noticeable symptoms of a person needing Ignatia are crying, sighing, sobbing, sleeplessness and a desire to stay by themselves. The patient is in a constant state of deep thought. Thoughts of the past incident dominate the mind.

2. Natrum Mur – Another Very Effective Homeopathic Medicine for Grief and Sadness

Natrum Mur is another very suitable homeopathic treatment for grief and sadness. This medicine works well in cases that turn chronic or complicated. A patient requiring Natrum Mur will usually be inconsolable and have prolonged weeping spells. Sympathy from others only worsens the symptoms. The patient seeks solitude and weeps in loneliness. Anxiety and an indifference to life accompany these symptoms. The mind is occupied by thoughts of the unpleasant episode that triggered the grief.

3. Aurum Met – Homeopathic Medicine for Grief and Sadness when accompanied by Suicidal Thoughts

Aurum Met is a very effective homeopathic treatment for grief and sadness accompanied by suicidal thoughts. It works for patients so consumed with grief that they want to end their life. A person in need of this treatment suffers from complete hopelessness and lacks the ability to face up to the unpleasant circumstances. He feels that suicide is the only way out.

4. Phosphoric Acid – Excellent Homeopathic Medicine for Grief and Sadness Accompanied by Weakness

In cases of grief which are accompanied by weakness, homeopathic medicine Phosphoric Acid works wonders. Phosphoric acid is a well indicated homeopathic treatment for grief and sadness when attended with tiredness. Extreme loss of weight is another symptom, as well as complete indifference to everything. There is no interest in life or the outside world. The patient does not wish to go out, remains inside the house, and does not feel like speaking with others.

5. Ambra Grisea and Kali Bromatum – Homeopathic Medicines for Grief and Sadness After Business Failure

Ambra Grisea and Kali Bromatum are useful homeopathic remedies for treating depression that arises from failure in business. These medicines should be in cases where the patient cries a lot and is unable to sleep as a result.

Mucus produced by the lining of the throat and respiratory system and discharged through the mouth is called phlegm. Some mucus production by respiratory system is entirely normal that helps in lubrication and filtering the irritants that enter airways. But excessive mucus production can happen from many reasons. To start with common cold, nasal allergies, sinusitis (inflammation of paranasal sinuses i.e. air-filled spaces in bones around the nose), postnasal drip (dripping of mucus from back of nose into the throat), tonsillitis (inflammation of tonsils), and laryngitis (inflamed voice box) are some causes behind phlegm in throat. Lung diseases like bronchitis (inflamed bronchial tubes that carry air to and from lungs) and pneumonia (infection in air sacs of lungs) may be some of the other reasons. Some other causes are acid reflux (back flow of stomach acid in food pipe), overuse of voice, milk intake and cigarette smoking. The colour of the phlegm coughed up as sputa varies from white to yellow to green. In some cases, it may also be blood-stained.

The problem of phlegm in throat can be dealt magnificently in the homeopathic system of medicine. Homeopathic medicines act as natural and effective expectorants to cough out phlegm from the airways. These medicines make the phlegm thin and help it loosen to aid easy expectoration. They also manage its accompanying symptoms side by side. Homeopathic medicines never suppress the phlegm in the throat rather, they promote its expulsion to give complete recovery.

Homeopathy addresses root cause
Homeopathy helps to clear out the excessive phlegm from the throat by treating the reason causing it. As there are various causes for phlegm in the throat, homeopathic remedies are aimed at targeting that root cause for effective cure. Various causes like cold, allergies, sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, bronchitis and acid reflux can be treated wonderfully with homeopathy. To get the best results, treatment should be taken from a homeopathic expert and self-medication should be avoided. However, in serious causes like pneumonia, it is recommended to take help from conventional mode of treatment as homeopathy has limitations in helping serious cases.

Customised medication
Homeopathic medicines for phlegm in the throat are always selected individually. The nature of phlegm, its cause, and other symptoms need to be dealt with together when deciding on the homeopathic medicine to be used. Using the accurately selected homeopathy medicine for phlegm in the throat can cure even the most chronic and rigid cases. A complete course of treatment for prescribed duration of time needs to be done to get the best results.

Safe medicines
Homeopathy uses gentle, herbal medicines for treating phlegm in the throat which are totally safe to use. They never cause side effects in any case due to their natural ingredients.

7 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Phlegm in the Throat

Among the extremely effective homeopathic medicines for getting rid of phlegm in the throat are Kali Bichrome, Kali Mur, Silicea, Pulsatilla, Hepar Sulph, Natrum Mur and Argentum Nitricum.

1. Kali Bichrome – For thick, sticky Phlegm In the Throat

Kali Bichrome leads the list of homeopathic medicines for treating phlegm in the throat in cases where the phlegm is thick and sticky. It adheres to the throat and detaches with much difficulty. The throat is also red and inflamed. Cough may arise from sticky phlegm in the throat. Relaxation of the uvula is also a possibility. Kali Bichrome is an excellent treatment for cases of phlegm in the throat caused by sinusitis. In such situations, a post nasal drip of mucus in the throat is the most prominent symptom.
When to use Kali Bichrome?
Kali Bichrome is a top medicine to manage phlegm in throat with very thick and sticky phlegm.
How to use Kali Bichrome?
It can be used in low as well as high potencies. Initially it is advised to use it in 30C potency one to two times a day.

2. Kali Mur – For Whitish Phlegm Coughed From Throat

Kali Mur is useful in cases where the phlegm coughed up is white in colour. The phlegm is thick and can be as white as milk. The phlegm has a bad smell and taste. Sensation of coldness is felt in the throat.
When to use Kali Mur?
Kali Mur is of great help to manage white coloured phlegm having bad smell and taste being hawked out from throat.
How to use Kali Mur?
It is usually prescribed in 6X potency that can be used three to four times a day.

3. Silicea– For phlegm throat yellowish in colour

Silicea is an effective medicine for cases having yellowish phlegm expulsion. The phlegm is excessive, lumpy and smells offensive. A burning feeling is felt in the throat. The voice is hoarse and husky along with pain in the throat while swallowing.
When to use Silicea?
Its use should be considered when yellow coloured, lumpy phlegm is expectorated.
How to use Silicea?
Among its different available potencies 6X is mainly preferred. Silicea 6X can be taken two to three times a day.

4. Pulsatilla – For Greenish Phlegm In Throat

Pulsatilla is a well-indicated homeopathic medicine to manage cases of phlegm when it is greenish in colour. The phlegm may be salty, sweet or bitter to taste. It is accompanied with cough which is worse in the morning. There is a constricted feeling in throat as well.
When to use Pulsatilla?
It is the best choice of medicine to manage greenish phlegm in throat.
How to use Pulsatilla?
It can be used once or twice a day in 30 C potency but for high potency, kindly consult a homeopathic doctor.

5. Hepar Sulph – For Phlegm In Throat With Cough

Hepar Sulph is an excellent remedy in cases where the phlegm in the throat is accompanied with cough. The phlegm is yellowish in most of the cases. A sensation of plug or a splinter (a tiny sharp piece of glass or wood) is well marked in the throat.
When to use Hepar Sulph?
This medicine is helpful to manage phlegm along with marked coughing.
How to use Hepar Sulph?
This medicine can be used in 30C potency one to two times a day.

6. Natrum Mur – For Bitter Or Salty Phlegm Expectoration

Natrum Mur is a useful medicine when there is expectoration of bitter or salty phlegm. There is difficulty swallowing solid food. The voice is hoarse in the morning. Soreness is felt in the throat with a sensation of swallowing over a lump.
When to use Natrum Mur?
It is a prominent medicine to manage cases of phlegm in the throat when phlegm is bitter or salty.
How to use Natrum Mur?
It is recommended to take this medicine twice or thrice daily in 6X power.

7. Argentum Nitricum – For Phlegm With Marked Hawking

Argentum Nitricum is one of the most effective treatment for phlegm in the throat. It gives great results for phlegm in throat accompanied by intense hawking. The mucus in the throat is thick, and there is rawness and roughness in the throat. Splinter-like sensation in the throat may also be present. Other symptoms are a burning feeling and dryness in the throat and the fauces. Argentum Nitricum is also very effective in cases of phlegm in the throat because of smoking.
When to use Argentum Nitricum?
This medicine is highly suitable to manage throat phlegm with marked hawking.
How to use Argentum Nitricum?
It is advised to use this medicine in 30C potency once a day.

Mumps is a viral disease affecting the parotid gland caused by the mumps virus. The parotid gland is a saliva producing gland which is located below and in front of the ears. When a person gets infected with the mumps virus, it affects the parotid glands where either one or both the parotid glands may get swollen. Homeopathic treatment for mumps is very useful in viral infections like these. 

Homeopathic Medicines for Mumps

Homeopathy for mumps works by boosting the body’s disease-fighting mechanism and encourage it to combat the mumps infection. Effective medicines for mumps are Belladonna, Merc Sol, Lachesis, Chamomilla, Apis Mellifica and Pulsatilla. Another medicine called Trifolium Repens is a prophylactic against mumps.

1. Belladonna – For Mumps Accompanied by Fever

Belladonna is one of the best medicine for mumps when accompanied by fever. In these cases, there is swelling of the parotid glands and marked pain. The pain is usually shooting or stitching in nature. Sometimes, the pain from the parotid gland extends to the throat. The patient’s face appears red and flushed with heat and the body temperature also rises. Other symptoms include a throbbing headache and dryness of the throat.

2. Merc Sol – When the Parotid Gland on the Right is Inflamed

Merc Sol is a highly effective medicine for mumps. It is used for mumps when the parotid gland on the right side is inflamed. Symptoms include an inflamed, swollen and highly painful parotid gland. There can also be swelling and a rise in temperature on the right side of the patient’s face. The pain in the parotid gland gets worse on swallowing. The patient can also experience a shooting pain in the right ear along with these symptoms. An increase in saliva and an offensive odour from the mouth are other symptoms.

3. Lachesis – When the Parotid Gland on the left is Inflamed

Lachesis is another very effective medicine for mumps. It works very well in treating left sided parotid gland inflammation in mumps. In such cases, the left side of the face is highly sensitive to touch which worsens the pain. The area around the left ear and cheek is red and hot to touch. The pain gets worse on swallowing, especially warm liquids.

Lachesis is also one of the top listed remedy for Septic Parotiditis.

4. Chamomilla, Apis Mellifica and Pulsatilla – Other Useful Remedies

Other beneficial medicines for mumps are Chamomilla, Apis Mellifica and Pulsatilla. Chamomilla is used for inflammatory swelling of the parotid gland when accompanied by intense unendurable pain, irritability, and restlessness. Apis Mellifica is useful in cases where metastasis of mumps infection to the brain appear. Another medicine for mumps, Pulsatilla, is used when metastasis of mumps infection to mammae, ovaries or testes has occurred.

Causes of Mumps

The mumps virus causes mumps. It is a highly contagious disease and spreads rapidly from the infected person to others. A person may get infected with the mumps virus by coming in direct contact with an infected person, through infected saliva, or by inhaling respiratory droplets infected with the mumps virus.

Symptoms of Mumps

A patient with the mumps virus will complain of not feeling well and develop a fever. These symptoms will be followed by the swelling of the parotid glands accompanied by pain. The pain will get worse while eating. Other symptoms may include a headache, earache, muscle aches and poor appetite.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the myelin sheath of the nerve cells gets damaged resulting in disruption of communication between the brain and the rest of body parts. The exact cause of multiple sclerosis remains unknown. However, it is considered to be an autoimmune disease. In multiple sclerosis, our immune system, out of a misdirected response, starts to destroy the myelin sheath of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Homeopathic medicines for multiple sclerosis play a supportive role in the treatment and should be used along with conventional treatment. 

Homeopathic Medicines for Multiple Sclerosis

Homeopathic medicines have only a supportive role to play in multiple sclerosis. Homeopathic medicines for multiple sclerosis basically help to provide symptomatic relief. However, there is no specific Homeopathic medicine for multiple sclerosis and the choice of medicine is determined only after taking note of the detailed symptoms in each case.

1. Physostigma & Gelsemium – For Multiple Sclerosis with Prominent Eye Symptoms

Physostigma and Gelsemium are the most reliable medicines for multiple sclerosis with eye complaints. Both the medicines are known for their comprehensive approach in dealing with most eye-related complaints in this disease all at once. The prominent symptoms that will have the practitioner select Physostigma are a dim vision, blurred vision, partial loss of vision and pain in the eyes. On the other hand, Gelsemium is the best Homeopathic medicine for multiple sclerosis cases with optic neuritis with blurred/foggy vision, double vision, pain in the eyes and varying degree of vision loss. These medicines help to treat these eye symptoms from multiple sclerosis even though the results may vary from person to person.

2. Oxalic Acid & Picric Acid – For Numbness, Tingling, Pin/Needle-like Sensations

Oxalic Acid is one of the most prescribed medicines for multiple sclerosis cases which show symptoms of numbness and tingling in the limbs. Weakness and coldness in the lower limbs may also be felt. Oxalic Acid is also a good choice of medicine for trembling hands and feet as a result of multiple sclerosis. Picric Acid is another of the most effective Homeopathic medicines for multiple sclerosis that has successfully treated several cases where patients feel pin and needle pricks in their limbs. The limbs often feel tired and heavy in such cases. Marked prostration, muscle weakness and spasms from multiple sclerosis can also be treated well with Picric Acid. The weakness may worsen with exertion. Patients also complain of a burning sensation along the spine.

3. Conium & Argentum Nitricum – For Weakness in Lower Limbs

Conium and Argentum Nitricum are the most useful medicines for weak lower limbs due to multiple sclerosis. The guiding symptoms for use of Conium are weak and weary legs, sudden loss of strength while walking, difficult gait and stiffness in legs. However, in case of weakness in calf muscles, rigidity in calves, unsteady walk, a heaviness of limbs where the limbs feel as if they were made of wood and trembling legs, Argentum Nitricum is the best Homeopathic medicines for multiple sclerosis.

4. Gelsemium and Alumina – Where there is Difficulty in Balance and Coordination (Ataxia)

The most effective medicines for multiple sclerosis with balance and coordination difficulties are Gelsemium and Alumina. Gelsemium is prescribed to treat a lack of muscle coordination in persons dealing with multiple sclerosis. The gait is slow and unsteady. Loss of balance while walking is also marked. Intense dizziness may be experienced along with these symptoms. The symptoms pointing towards prescription of Alumina as the most suitable medicines for multiple sclerosis are a sluggish and staggering gait, tottering and falling on closing the eyes, numbness and a bandaged feeling in the legs.

5. Lathyrus Sativus – For Spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis

Lathyrus Sativus is one of the majorly indicated medicines for spasticity in multiple sclerosis cases. Lathyrus Sativus is noted among the best medicines for multiple sclerosis cases where spasticity is most marked in the legs. The legs feel extremely rigid, with a spastic gait. This is accompanied by trembling or tottering while walking. Cramps in the legs may also be felt along with these symptoms. Lower limbs may show emaciation in some cases.

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary depending largely upon the part of the nervous system affected. However, the major symptoms of multiple sclerosis include double vision, blurred vision, loss of vision, tingling, optic neuritis, pin/needle-like prickling sensations, numbness, weakness in limbs, marked muscle spasms in legs, coordination and balance difficulties, tremors, difficulty in walking from muscle spasms and weakness, unsteady gait, difficulty with speech and swallowing, difficult bladder/bowel movements, electrical sensations running down the back on bending the neck, fatigue and associated depression.