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Saving Your Child from a Tonsil Surgery with Natural Homeopathic Medicines

Tonsils refer to masses of lymphoid tissues lying in the back of the throat, one on either side. Tonsils have a protective role and act as the first line of defense against bacteria and virus that might get inhaled or ingested. Inflammation of tonsils, on one side or on both, is known as tonsillitis. Homeopathic medicines are highly effective for acute tonsillitis as well as for cases of recurrent tonsillitis. The primary aim of homeopathic medicines is to build a child’s immunity and prevent recurrent infections that lead to tonsillitis.

Homeopathic Treatment For Tonsillitis

Homeopathy is a highly advanced science that takes the inside-out approach to all disease, including tonsillitis, starting at the root cause and in time, curing the condition without the need for surgical intervention. Tonsillitis is treated most efficiently by homeopathy as it follows a two-step procedure to deal with tonsillitis. In the first step, homeopathic medicines are given to treat the acute symptoms of tonsillitis. In the second step, homeopathy targets the chronic tendency toward recurrent tonsillitis. Homeopathic medicines improve the body’s immunity and make it strong enough to fight infection quickly.

In many cases of mild to moderate cases of tonsillitis, homeopathy has shown excellent results and helped avoid surgery.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Tonsillitis

The medicines prominently indicated for tonsillitis treatment in homeopathy are Belladonna, Merc Sol, Hepar Sulph, Calcarea Carb, Psorinum, Merc Iodatus Ruber, Merc Iodatus Flavus and Streptococcinum.

1. Belladonna – For Acute Tonsillitis With Red Swollen Painful Tonsils

Belladonna is the top recommended medicine for treating acute tonsillitis. The key indication for its use is red, swollen enlarged tonsils with marked pain. The pain is worse while swallowing mainly liquids and throat remains dry. Fever with intense heat in the body accompanies the above symptoms. Heat, constriction (tightening) and lump in the throat may also be felt.

When and How to use Belladonna?

For acute tonsillitis, it is an infallible medicine to be used when tonsils are red, swollen with excessive throat pain. Give it in the very beginning in such cases, it will soothe throat pain, reduce tonsil inflammation and cut short recovery period of tonsillitis. One may take this medicine in 30C potency three to four times a day in the beginning at minimum three-hour interval. When relief ensues, gradually reduce the dose to two times a day.

2. Merc Sol – For Pain In Tonsils Extending To Ears

Merc Sol is an extremely effective medicine for treating tonsillitis with pain in tonsils extending to ears especially when swallowing. The nature of pain is mainly stitching type. On examination of the throat, the tonsils look dark red and ulcers or white spots on tonsils can be present. Excessive salivation is also observed. Foul odour from the mouth is present.

When and How to use Merc Sol?

Merc Sol is an ideal prescription for cases presenting with tonsil pain radiating to ear while swallowing along with increased salivation and foul breath. This medicine works wonders in 30C potency. Use of Merc Sol 30C should be limited to once or twice a day.

3. Hepar Sulph – For Infected Tonsils and Quins

Hepar Sulph proves very successful in treating infected tonsils with pus points on tonsils and Quinsy (also known as peritonsillar abscess in which pus accumulates behind the tonsils). The symptoms to look out for using it are stitching pain in the throat and pain from throat radiating to the ear. There is intense pain while talking or swallowing. Sensation of a lump or splinter (a sharp piece of glass or wood) stuck in the throat is felt. The person may hawk up yellow mucus.

When and How to use Hepar Sulph?

Use of Hepar Sulph is considered in cases where tonsils are infected with pus points on tonsils or pus collection behind tonsils (Quinsy). Though it can be used in various potencies, 30C is most preferred. Its use is recommended in mild cases only but in severe cases with extremely enlarged tonsils (with excessive pus behind them) blocking the throat, drainage of pus and administration of antibiotics may be required. So, urgent help should be taken from allopathic mode of treatment. It is best to take this medicine for infected tonsils or Quinsy only after consulting a homeopath who can best judge if the condition is mild and controllable with homeopathic medicines or severe requiring help from conventional mode.

4. Calcarea Carb – To Treat Recurrent Tonsillitis

Calcarea Carb is an excellent medicine for treating recurrent tonsillitis. After recovery from acute tonsillitis phase, this medicine can be used as an intercurrent remedy (treatment for some chronic disease that is hindering cure of some other ailment) to treat tendency to have recurrent tonsillitis. An indicative symptom for use of Calcarea Carb is the tendency to catch cold frequently. Even slight exposure to cold air affects the throat and tonsils in cases needing this remedy.

When and How to take Calcarea Carb?

Calcarea Carb is mainly prescribed to treat tendency to have recurrent tonsillitis. It will help to build immunity to fight with throat infections naturally. It can be used in low (30C) as well high potencies (like 200C and 1M). The dose varies from case to case. Usually in 30C potency, it can be used once or twice a week. But high potencies are usually given on a weekly (once a week) basis or in some cases fortnightly (one dose every 15 days). Its best to consult a homeopathic expert for right potency selection and repetition of this medicine.

5. Psorinum – To Treat Tendency To Recurrent Infected Tonsillitis

Psorinum is very effective in boosting immunity to prevent recurrent infected tonsillitis (tonsillitis with pus points on tonsils) and Quinsy (pus accumulation behind tonsils). These medicines reduce susceptibility to recurrent throat infections. Those needing it have markedly swollen tonsils, pain with swallowing, and thick mucus in the throat. Along with this, there is foul-smelling salivation and hawking of cheesy mucus bits having bad smell and taste. There is recurrent pus formation behind the tonsils.

When and How to use Psorinum?

It can be used in persons who suffer from infected tonsillitis repeatedly. Use of this medicine will build immunity to prevent recurrence of such infections. Psorinum is mainly used in 200C or even higher potencies like 1M. It is a slightly strong medicine, so it is used just once or twice a month usually. For correct potency and dose, kindly consult a homeopathic doctor.

6. Merc Iodatus Ruber – For Left-sided Tonsillitis

Merc Iodatus Ruber is a majorly indicated medicine for treating left-sided tonsillitis. Indications for its use are swollen tonsils with dark red fauces (area between cavity of mouth and pharynx) on the left side, sensation of lump in the throat and disposition to hawk.

When and How to use Merc Iodatus Ruber?

A person having left-sided tonsil inflammation can take this medicine. 30C potency of this medicine twice a day is the right dose to begin with.

7. Merc Iodatus Flavus – For Right-sided Tonsillitis

Merc Iodatus Ruber is prominently indicated for tonsillitis of right side. The guiding features pointing towards its use are swollen tonsil on the right side, sticky mucus in throat and constant inclination to swallow. Other symptoms that may arise are the feeling of a lump in the throat with relief setting in by taking cold liquids.

When and How to use Merc Iodatus Flavus?

This medicine is specific for tonsillitis on right side. The usual recommended dose is two times a day in 30C potency.

8. Streptococcinum – For Managing Strep Throat

Streptococcinum is a specific medicine for managing strep throat infection. The symptoms to use this medicine are enlarged, swollen tonsils, infected tonsils, and recurrent tonsillitis. The tonsils may get infected with purulent (pus) matter.

When and How to use Streptococcinum?

This medicine is specifically reserved for managing cases of strep throat along with conventional mode of treatment. As strep throat has severe symptoms and may lead to serious complications, it is best to use this medicine only after consulting a homeopathic practitioner. After studying the case history thoroughly, the doctor will recommend its potency and repetition.

Note The above medicines can be taken in mild to moderate cases of acute tonsillitis for about a week. If condition does not improve, it is advised to consult a homeopathic physician to decide the further course of action. In case of sore throat with very high fever, extreme difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in breathing and speaking, extreme weakness, pus formation on/ behind tonsils or in case of strep throat, do not self-medicate and take urgent help from doctor.

Causes Behind Tonsillitis

Viral infections: Tonsillitis mainly arises from viral infections, like influenza virus, adenovirus (responsible for causing common cold and sore throat), rhinovirus (that commonly cause common cold), parainfluenza virus, enterovirus, Epstein – Barr virus.

Bacterial infection: Tonsillitis may also be the result of a bacterial infection. The most common bacteria that cause tonsillitis is Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Infection of tonsils with this bacteria is popularly called strep throat that leads to inflammation and pain in the throat and tonsils. Strep throat is highly contagious and spreads quickly from one person to another through cough, touch or sneeze. It is very common in school-going children and among teenagers. Major complications may arise in strep throat infection if not treated properly well in time. These include rheumatic fever (inflammatory condition affecting joints, heart nervous system and skin) and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation).

Bacteria other than this however can also cause tonsillitis, for example, staphylococcus aureus, chlamydia pneumonia, mycoplasma pneumonia,etc.

Signs And Symptoms Of Tonsillitis

The main signs and symptoms include red, swollen tonsils along with pain in throat which is the first indicating feature of tonsillitis. The pain usually gets worse while swallowing. The pain may be one-sided or appear on both sides depending upon which tonsil is involved. The other symptoms that may attend are difficult swallowing, fever, bad/fetid breath, headache, scratchy voice, ear pain and neck pain. White/yellow pus spots may also appear on the tonsils. The glands in the neck may be swollen and tender. In chronic cases, tonsil stones (debris collection on tonsils) may form. In young kids excessive drooling of saliva, increased irritability/fussiness, vomiting, low appetite and stomach pain can be observed.

Types Of Tonsillitis

Acute Tonsillitis: In this type, the symptoms remain for 3 to 4 days but in some cases may linger for 2 weeks.

Follicular tonsillitis

In some cases, acute tonsillitis may progress to follicular tonsillitis in which the crypts (tube-like invaginations from the surface epithelium of tonsils) get filled with debris and pus. It presents as yellow or white spots at the opening of the crypts on the tonsils which gives follicular appearance. In case of chronic follicular tonsillitis, the crypts get filled with infected cheesy matter.

Chronic Tonsillitis: A person suffers from acute tonsillitis multiple times in a year for short periods of time

Recurrent Tonsillitis: The symptoms last for longer time, more than two weeks.

Risk Factors

Though tonsillitis can affect anyone but certain factors increase the risk

1. Young age: Tonsillitis is more common among young children. Very young children are at high risk of tonsillitis from viral infection and those between 5 yrs to 15 yrs are prone to get tonsillitis from bacterial infections. However, tonsillitis can occur at any age though chances are less as compared to children. The reason is the immune function of tonsils declines after puberty which may be the reason for reduced chances of tonsillitis in adults.

2. Germ exposure: Excessive germ exposure in children puts them at risk of tonsillitis. Children remain in close contact with same age group kids in school, parks, playways, etc that exposes them more to virus/bacteria that causes tonsillitis.

How Does Tonsillitis Spread?

Tonsillitis is very contagious and spreads from one person to another via direct contact. A person with tonsillitis can spread the infection spreading agents in the air as well as nearby objects every time he coughs or sneezes. Tonsillitis may also spread via direct inhalation of the air droplets carrying infection-causing agents or indirectly by touching these infected objects and then touching the nose/mouth with the same hands. One may also contract tonsillitis via kissing an infected person or sharing utensils of a person having tonsillitis.

Complications Of Tonsillitis

Complications associated with tonsillitis include

1. Middle ear infection

2. Difficulty in breathing

3. Obstructive sleep apnea: Breathing is disrupted during sleep

4. Peritonsillar abscess: Collection of pus behind the tonsils is referred to as peritonsillar abscess, also known as Quinsy. It is a rare, but very serious complication of tonsillitis. It can grow large in size and block the throat resulting in difficult breathing and swallowing. If not treated, the infection can spread to neck, chest or lungs.

5. Tonsillar cellulitis: Spread of infection deeply to nearby tissues

6. In tonsillitis with group A streptococcal bacteria i.e. strep throat infection, the serious complications include rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Pathophysiology

Tonsils are oval-shaped lumps of lymphoid tissue lying at the back of the throat, one on either side. These act as a first line of defense mechanism of our body against an illness. Tonsils trap the germs (bacteria or viruses) that may enter throat via nose or mouth and cause an infection. Tonsils produce lymphocytes which kill the virus/bacteria entering the throat. In the process of fighting such infections again and again, the tonsils also get vulnerable to get infected and at some point they actually get infected and inflamed.

Preventive Measures To Help Decrease Tonsillitis Risk

1. Maintain hygiene: Wash hands often, especially before you eat.

2. Sharing of utensils should be avoided.

3. Maintain distance from someone who has tonsillitis and stay back home if you are having tonsillitis to prevent its spread to others.

4. A person with tonsillitis should cover the nose when he/she sneezes to prevent spreading the infection

Home Remedies Along With Medicines

1. Take proper rest

2. Drink plenty of warm fluids

3. Adults can gargle with warm salt water

4. Eat soft food and avoid hard ones

Cholera – 9 Homeopathic Medicines for Prevention and Management

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 3 Comments

Cholera happens to continue being a widespread disease in parts of the world where unhygienic living conditions are prominent, and there is inadequate awareness about the spread of the disease. Compared to earlier times, the threat of cholera has been limited with more knowledge and awareness about how it spreads and affects the body. Along with prevention and rehydration measures, homeopathic medicines for cholera can be very effective in controlling and even preventing it.

Homeopathic Medicines for Cholera

1. Veratrum Album – Top Medicine for Cholera

Veratrum Album is a natural medicine for treating cholera prepared from a plant called ‘White hellebore.’ It belongs to the natural order Melanthiaceae of the Liliaceae family. Veratrum Album is indicated when there are copious vomiting and diarrhea in cases of cholera. There is marked nausea along with vomiting, which is profuse, yellowish, watery and forcible. It is attended with severe retching. Vomiting soon after taking fluids is well noted. The stool is watery, greenish, gushing and is often mixed with flakes. A pinching abdominal colic and severe exhaustion may be felt before and after passing the stool. A cold feeling in the stomach, excessive weakness, cold sweat (especially on the forehead), a pale face with sunken eyes and dark shadows, a quick feeble pulse, and cramps in muscles of hands, calf muscles and feet are other symptoms that may be present.

2. Arsenic Album – For Cholera due to Consumption of Contaminated Water, Raw fruits or Vegetables

Arsenic Album is a natural medicine for gastric ailments in cholera that arise from the consumption of contaminated water and raw fruits/ veggies. The chief features to use Arsenic Album are vomiting of clear water, with nausea, retching, and diarrhea. The stool is rice watery, foul and may be involuntary in some cases. An extreme prostration is present with the above symptoms. Anxiety, restlessness is also marked with gastric signs.

3. Camphor – For Cholera with Weakness

Camphor is a well-indicated medicine for treating cholera where the patient loses strength rapidly. There is sudden diarrhea with watery and sour smelling stools. The stool may be involuntary. Colicky pain in the abdomen may be present with diarrhea. Watery and slimy vomit may be, and coldness on the body may also be present.

4. Croton Tiglium – Effective Remedy for Cholera with Profuse Diarrhea

Croton Tiglium is a natural medicine for cholera where there is profuse diarrhea that gushes out. The urge to pass stool is constant and with marked urgency. The stool is watery, yellowish or dirty greenish and profuse. There is a lot of rumbling, gurgling in the abdomen and passing of flatus along with stool. Colic before passing stool, extreme weakness, nausea, cold body and dizziness may also be present with the above features.

5. Podophyllum – Natural Remedy for Cholera with Painless Diarrhea

Podophyllum is a medicine prepared from the root of the May-Apple plant of the family Berberidaceae. It is used in cases of cholera with painless diarrhea. The stool is yellow-greenish, watery, gushing, and offensive, but does not cause any abdominal pain. Fetid flatus, gurgling in the bowels followed by copious evacuation, and vomiting of hot, frothy matter is usually present.

6. Aloe – For Cholera with Urgent Stools

Aloe is a natural medicine for the treatment of cholera prepared from the plant Aloe Socotrina of the Liliaceae family. Its use is considered for cases of cholera where the person has an urgent and sudden need to pass stool. Urging to pass stool is constant with fullness and weight in the rectum. The stool is watery, profuse, yellowish and hot with pinching colic in the abdomen. Rumbling gurgling in the rectum is also well marked.

7. Cuprum Met – For Cholera with Muscle Cramps

Use of medicine Cuprum Met is considered in cases of cholera where the patient experiences prominent muscle cramps. Cramps are marked in toes, fingers and calf muscle of the legs. There is diarrhea of greenish or greyish water with violent cramps in the abdomen. Pressure is felt in the pit of the stomach that worsens from touch. Vomiting of watery, frothy, greenish fluid is present.

8. Ipecac – For Cholera with Constant Nausea and Vomiting

Ipecac is prepared from the root of a plant named Ipecacuanha. The natural order of this plant is Rubiaceae. Nausea is marked, distressing and is almost constant. Constant vomiting of bilious, greenish, yellowish or gelatinous matter may be present. With vomiting there is diarrhea, and the stool is loose, yellowish-greenish, putrid smelling with flatus. White mucus may pass in the stool, and a griping pain around the navel is most marked.

9. Colchicum – Effective Natural Treatment for Cholera with Watery Stools

Colchicum is a plant remedy prepared from the Meadow Saffron plant. Its family is Melanthiaceae of Liliaceae. Colchicum is also very helpful for cases of cholera where there is vomiting of bile, glairy, greenish mucus with violent gagging. Loose, copious, watery stool with mucus and colors like greenish, bright yellow to orange-yellow color. Flatus having a stinking smell passes with the stool. White membranous, shreddy particles may pass in the stool. There is an ineffectual urging to pass stool. The stomach is very sensitive to the touch, and intense nausea is frequently present with the above gastric symptoms.

Cholera – Its Causes and Consequences

A cholera infection usually occurs by drinking or eating foods and drinks that are contaminated with the cholera bacteria. In an epidemic, the source of the contamination is usually the feces of an infected person. Cholera spreads rapidly in areas where there is an inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water.

Cholera is the illness caused by a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae. It infects the intestines, causing diarrhea, vomiting and leg cramps. The mode of action by which the bacteria produces these symptoms is by releasing a toxin which starts absorbing water and electrolytes from the body through the intestines, producing severe diarrhea.

Cholera can be mild, and not even cause any symptoms in some cases. However, a severe infection can cause death if not treated immediately. Diarrhea and vomiting that the infection causes can quickly lead to dehydration, and this can make a body go into shock, causing death within a few hours.

Signs and Symptoms of Cholera

Medically speaking, the cholera bacterium has an incubation period of one to three days, which means that the symptoms can take from one to three days to show up from the time the infection entered the body. Cholera can be a mild, uncomplicated episode of diarrhea; or a potentially lethal disease. In the classical case of cholera, sudden painless diarrhea and vomiting are the initial symptoms.

Treating Cholera and Associated Dehydration

Uncomplicated cases of cholera are self-limiting, and the patient recovers within three to six days. The fatalities are more than 50 percent in untreated cases and less than 1 percent in cases that are treated in time.

The main aim of the treatment is to replace the lost fluids and electrolytes in the body. Initially, in mild-to-moderate cases, oral rehydration is advised with the WHO-recommended (http://www.who.int/cholera/technical/prevention/control/en/index4.html) (World Health Organisation) oral rehydration solution or with a mixture of sugar and salt in water. In advanced cases, when the patient is not in a condition to take oral rehydration, intravenous rehydration is recommended.

Steps to Prevent Cholera

Follow this rule of the thumb: for eating anything “boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.”

Drink only water that you have boiled or treated with chlorine or iodine. Other safe beverages include tea and coffee made with boiled water and carbonated, bottled beverages without ice.

Eat only foods that have been thoroughly cooked and are still hot or fruit that you have peeled yourself.

Avoid undercooked or raw fish. Make sure that all vegetables are cooked. Avoid salads.

Avoid eating foods and drinks from street vendors.

Winter Depression – Homeopathic Treatment

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 7 Comments

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), as the name explains, is a season-based disorder that often begins during autumn and continues through the winters. The symptoms are most severe in the winters, and this disorder is also known by the name of winter depression. It is diagnosed when a person suffers from depressive symptoms in a specific season for two or three years. The homeopathic system of medicine has a very effective treatment for many psychological complaints, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Natrum Mur, Ignatia Amara, Kali Phos, Aurum Met, and Sepia Succus are the majorly indicated homeopathic medicines for seasonal affective disorder.

The symptoms tend to get better or completely over in spring and summer season. However, in rare cases of SAD, an opposite pattern appears where the symptoms begin in spring or summer and diminish by autumn. SAD with this pattern is known as summer depression.

Homeopathic Medicines for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Homeopathy provides symptomatic relief in the acute phase of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Once the acute phase is over, the medicines help overcome the tendency of seasonal affective disorder that arises every year. Each of these homeopathic remedies has its own characteristic symptoms based on which the prescription is decided. These homeopathic medicines to treat seasonal affective disorder are safe and cause no side effects.

1. Natrum Mur – Effective Medicine for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with Depression

Natrum Mur is a well-indicated medicine for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) with marked depression. The features attending depression are joylessness, irritability, dullness of mind and a tendency to get easily offended. The person needing Natrum Mur desires to be alone, weeps in loneliness and has an aversion to consolation. Anxiety, palpitations, and hurriedness may also be present. A specific thought of some unpleasant thing that is about to happen prevails in the mind. Sleeplessness may also appear with the above complaints.

2. Ignatia Amara – Effective Remedy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with Tearfulness

Ignatia Amara is an effective medicine for winter depression with excessive tearfulness. Intense sadness and mood changes are present along with tearfulness. There is also an aversion to talking and a desire to remain alone. Anxiety and irritability, sighing, sobbing and intense brooding may be present. Sleeplessness and loss of appetite attend most cases needing homeopathic medicine Ignatia Amara.

3. Kali Phos – Natural Medicine for Winter Depression with Fatigue

Kali Phos is a natural medicine for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) with marked fatigue. The person requiring Kali Phos feels fatigued both mentally and physically. There is intense weakness and tiredness. Along with fatigue, symptoms like gloominess, dullness of mind and continual weeping, a sense of weariness from life, negative forebodings and loss of sleep are also present.

4.Aurum Met – Natural Treatment for Winter Depression with Feeling of Hopelessness and Worthlessness

Aurum Met is a useful medicine for SAD with a prominent feeling of hopelessness and worthlessness. Self-criticism may also be present in a high degree. Irritability and anger from slightest criticism, profound sadness and thoughts of suicide are also present. The person seems tired of life, feels as if life is a burden, and feels discontented all the time.

5. Sepia Succus – Natural Remedy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with Indifference

Sepia Succus is an effective medicine for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) with marked indifferent behavior. Indifference towards people of a close relationship like family members, friends, and life, in general, is present. Other significant features that attend are a feeling of helplessness, sadness, weeping tendency and aversion towards any mental or physical work along with anxiety is present.

Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorders

The exact reason behind seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is still unknown. However, it is thought that a reduced exposure to sunlight during the winter days affects the proper working of the hypothalamus. As a result, there are changes in the serotonin levels (low), melatonin levels (high), along with a disruption of the biological clock. This leads to depressive symptoms and change in sleeping pattern. A family history of SAD puts a person at risk to develop the same. People with bipolar disorder or depression are also at risk. The prevalence of seasonal affective disorder is more among women as compared to men. People living far away from the equator are more at risk to suffer from this disorder.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

The symptoms of SAD include feelings like depression, sadness, a low mood, lack of interest in everyday activities, low energy levels, fatigue, lethargy, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, irritability, anxiety, difficulty with concentration, desire to be alone, and physical symptoms like weight gain/loss, excessive sleep/sleeplessness, and excessive/reduced appetite.

Top 3 Natural Homeopathic Medicines for Pollen Allergy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 104 Comments

The sudden appearance of symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes as a result of inhaling pollens is known as a pollen allergy. An inflammatory response against the pollen grains is triggered by the immune system of a person allergic to pollen. Of the many substances that can cause a seasonal allergy, pollens remain one of the most common triggers. Pollen is a powdery substance produced by flowers, weeds, trees, and grass. Most trees produce pollen during the spring season; flowers and grasses produce pollen during the summertime, and late-blooming plants like ragweed produce pollen around late summer and early autumn. Homeopathic medicine for allergy caused by pollen grains can treat acute allergic reactions, as well as chronic allergic tendencies.

The pollens are spread by the wind and other means to fertilize plants of the same species. All of us tend to inhale pollens while breathing, and they don’t cause any problem for most of us. However, people who are allergic to pollen grains show the symptoms of an allergy. A pollen allergy is also known as Hay fever, and it usually subsides with the onset of cold weather.

Symptoms of a Pollen Allergy

Since every plant has its own pollinating period, the symptoms of pollen allergies are triggered when the particular plant is producing pollen. A person who is allergic to a specific type of pollen will develop allergic symptoms only when exposed to that particular pollen. The main symptoms of a pollen allergy include:

– A runny nose

– Sneezing

– Stuffy or blocked nose

– Watery, itchy, red, swollen eyes

– Itchy, scratchy throat

– Cough

– Asthmatic reaction with wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing

– Worsening of sinusitis complaint

Homeopathic Remedies for Pollen Allergy

Homeopathic medicines can effectively treat an acute allergic reaction and also work well to manage the chronic tendency towards pollen allergy. With the use of homeopathic treatment, the intensity and occurrence of the symptoms gradually decrease with every attack.
Antihistamines are most commonly used to treat allergic reactions in the conventional system of medicine. While they help deal with an acute allergic reaction, they only work on a short-term, temporary basis. Excessive use of these medications can cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness, nausea, and confusion.
Homeopathic medicines, on the other hand, have no side effects. They help moderate the overactive immune system and are a safe, natural treatment for seasonal pollen allergies.

Top Homeopathic Medicines for Seasonal Pollen Allergy

Natrum Mur – Top Homeopathic Medicine for Pollen Allergy

Natrum Mur is a top listed homeopathic medicine for allergy caused by pollen grains. The person needing the medicine has a watery discharge from the nose and eyes. Along with this, violent sneezing (that is worse early in the morning) appears. Natrum Mur is also indicated when there is an alternating runny nose with a stuffy nose. Tickling in the throat along with a cough may also be present.

Key indications for using Natrum Mur for Allergy:

– Watery discharge from nose and eyes
– Early morning sneezing
– Alternate runny and stuffy nose

Sabadilla Officinalis – Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy with Violent Sneezing

Sabadilla Officinalis is a homeopathic medicine prepared from the cevadilla seed that belongs to the natural order Melanthaceae. It is an effective homeopathic medicine for allergy caused by pollen grains. The main characteristic feature that indicates the need for this remedy is violent, spasmodic sneezing followed by eye discharges. Along with this, itching and tickling sensations in the nose are present, which the person tends to rub excessively. Running nose with copious watery discharge, severe pain in the head in the frontal area, and obstruction of nostrils on alternate sides may also be present.

Key indications for using Sabadilla for Allergy:

-Violent sneezing
– Sneezing with itching, tickling in the nose
– Frontal pain in head

Arsenic Album – Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy with Copious Nasal Discharge

Arsenic Album is a well-indicated homeopathic medicine for pollen allergy with profuse watery nasal discharge and sneezing. The discharges are frequent and cause an itching, burning sensation in the nose. Acrid discharges can irritate the upper lip. The symptoms tend to get worse in the open air while staying indoors helps relieve the symptoms.

Key Indications for using Arsenic for Allergy:

– Copious watery discharge from the nose with sneezing
– Acrid, burning, excoriating nasal discharge
– Worsening of symptoms outdoors

Allium Cepa – Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy with Sneezing and Watery Eyes

Allium Cepa is a natural homeopathic medicine prepared from a plant called ‘red onion’ that belongs to the natural order Liliaceae. Sneezing with a runny nose and watery eyes are the main guiding symptoms to use Allium Cepa. The nasal discharges are acrid, burning and copious, with constant sneezing. Sneezing tends to worsen upon entering a warm room. A crawling, tingling, itching sensation in nostrils and itching in the throat is present. Allium Cepa is also indicated for cases where there is violent sneezing immediately upon rising from the bed. This medicine works well to treat pollen allergies and hay fever that appear during the spring season.

Key indications for using Allium Cepa for Allergy:

-Acrid, burning nasal discharge
– Bland eye discharge
– Hay fever in Spring

Euphrasia Officinalis – Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy with Itchy, Watery Eyes

Homeopathic medicine Euphrasia Officinalis is prepared from the plant called ‘Eyebright.’ It belongs to the family of Scrophulariaceae. It is used to treat pollen allergy which causes symptoms like itchy, watery eyes and coryza (inflammation of the mucous membrane). The eye discharges are profuse and acrid. The discharges cause burning, biting, smarting, and scalding in the eyes. Eyes get red along with swelling of lids. Watery, profuse discharge from the nose (bland in nature) are noted. In some cases, fluent coryza during the day and obstruction of the nose at night is present. A cough and expulsion of phlegm may appear in the morning.

Key indications for using Euphrasia for Allergies:

– Profuse, acrid, burning eye discharges
– Red, itchy eyes
– Profuse watery nasal discharges

Other Important Homeopathic Medicines for Pollen Allergy

Arsenic Iod – Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy with Burning Nasal Discharge

Arsenic Iod is an effective homeopathic medicine for pollen allergy with burning nasal discharge. Thin, watery, hot discharge drips from the nose. The discharge tends to cause soreness and redness of the upper lip. Irritation, tingling of the nose with a constant desire to sneeze is present. Irritating watery secretions and marked burning and smarting in eyes are also noted.

Arum Triphyllum – Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy with Nasal Discharge and Stuffy Nose

Arum Triphyllum is a homeopathic medicine prepared from Indian turnip that belongs to the family Araceae. Fluent acrid discharge from the nose with a blocked nose, increased mouth breathing, raw and sore nostrils, irritated upper lip from the discharge, pain at the root of the nose and night sneezing are the indicating symptoms of this remedy.

Arundo Mauri – Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy with Itching in Nostrils, Palate, and Eyes

Homeopathic medicine Arundo Mauri is prepared from Italian grass of the natural order Gramineae. Itching in nostrils, palate (roof of the mouth), and eyes are the key indications to use this medicine. Coryza and sneezing, loss of smell and prickling and burning in the eyes may also be present.

Arsenic Album – Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy with Wheezing

Arsenic Album is a homeopathic remedy used to treat pollen allergy with difficulty in breathing, wheezing in the chest (asthmatic complaint), suffocation and shortness of breath. Breathing is quick, short and anxious. The person cannot breathe adequately. Tightness, constriction, and oppression in the chest are present. The symptoms may get worse at midnight. A cough with thick, yellow-green mucus, sneezing with burning, biting, copious watery coryza is present. The nose may feel blocked, and the person may feel anxious and restless.

Wyethia – Homeopathic Medicine for allergy with Itching Palate and Dry, Hacking Cough

Wyethia is a homeopathic medicine prepared from the root of plant wyethia helenoides of the natural order Compositae. The characteristic features to use it are itching of palate and dry, hacking cough. It is also indicated for cases with itching inner canthi of eyes and allergic asthma.

Aralia Racemosa – Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy with Frequent Sneezing

Aralia Racemosa is a natural homeopathic medicine prepared from the plant American Spikenard. It belongs to the natural order Araliaceae. It is used to treat pollen allergy accompanied by frequent sneezing and watery discharges from the nose.

Allium Cepa – Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy during Spring

Allium Cepa is a natural homeopathic medicine prepared from red onion of natural order Liliaceae. Allium Cepa is prominently indicated homeopathic medicine for pollen allergy in the spring season. The symptoms include fluent watery discharge from the nose, sneezing and watery eyes. The nasal discharge is copious and acrid, causing burning in the nose. Sneezing tends to worsen upon entering a warm room. Crawling, tingling, itching sensation in the nostrils is present. Itching in the throat is also present.

Dulcamara – Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy from Fresh Mown Grass

Dulcamara is a homeopathic medicine prepared from the plant ‘Woody Nightshade.’ It belongs to the natural order Solanaceae. It is used to pollen allergy caused by freshly mown grass. The person needing this medicine may have profuse watery nasal discharges or nasal blockage. Watery discharge from the nose tends to get worse in the open air. Constant sneezing, abundant watering from the eyes, and swelling of eyes are some other symptoms.

Ambrosia – Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy from Ragweed

Ambrosia is a natural homeopathic medicine prepared from the ‘Roman Wormwood’ plant of the family Composite. It is an excellent homeopathic medicine to combat pollen allergy caused by ragweed. The characteristic features arising include watery eyes and intolerable itching of eyelids. Burning and smarting in eyes is also present. A feeling of stuffiness in the nose with a watery nasal discharge is present. Violent sneezing that can cause nosebleeds may occur. Sinus congestion along with a tickling cough is another accompanying feature. Ambrosia is also used as a preventive measure for ragweed allergies, and its use is recommended before the ragweed season.

Galphimia Glauca – Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy with Burning Discharges from Eyes and Nose

Galphimia Glauca is a significant homeopathic medicine for pollen allergy prepared from the plant ‘Galphimia Glauca,’ of the natural order Malpighiaceae. Dried leaves and flowers of this plant are used for medicinal preparation. It is indicated for burning discharges from the eyes and nose. Sneezing also appears to worsen in the morning. Itching in eyes (especially in the morning) and swelling of the eyelids is also noted.

Histaminum – Homeopathic Medicine for Pollen Allergy

Histaminum is an effective homeopathic medicine for treating pollen allergy. It helps reduce the hypersensitivity of the immune system. Histaminum helps in controlling symptoms of pollen allergy, like sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. It also helps in asthmatic conditions arising from allergies.

Justicia Adhatoda – Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy with Sneezing Fits and Watery Eyes

Justicia Adhatoda is a homeopathic medicine prepared from the fresh leaves of the plant Malabar Nut of natural order Acanthaceae. Fits of sneezing with watery eyes are the main indicative symptoms of using this medicine. Profuse coryza (inflammation of mucous membranes), loss of smell and paroxysmal (sudden, intense) coughing with tightness in chest and difficulty in breathing are some other indicating symptoms.

Luffa Operculata – Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy with Stuffy Nose and Sneezing

Luffa Operculata is a homeopathic medicine prepared from the Cabacinha plant (also known as Esponjilla). The natural order of this plant is Cucurbitaceae. This medicine is used for pollen allergy with a stuffy nose and sneezing. Sometimes, a bland nasal discharge may be present. Burning, itching at the outer corners of the eyes, nasal polyps (non-cancerous growths inside the nose) and sinusitis complaints may also be present.

Cardiospermum – Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy with Sneezing in the Morning

Cardiospermum is a homeopathic medicine prepared from the Ballon Vine plant. Its natural order is Sapindaceae. It is mainly used in cases of pollen allergy when sneezing appears in the morning upon waking. Itchy, watery eyes, obstruction of the nose, sinus congestion and a dry throat with scratchiness may arise along with other symptoms.

Causes of Pollen Allergies

The most common cause of pollen allergies is, of course, pollen grains spread by plants. The common sources of pollens include grass, trees, and weeds.

Grass – The common grass species that tend that cause pollen allergies include ryegrass, Timothy, and Bermuda. The pollination periods of these grasses are different, and a person allergic to a specific type of grass pollen will develop allergies in the corresponding season.
Ryegrass produces pollen throughout Spring to Fall, while Timothy produces pollen during the months of June and July. Bermuda produces pollen from May to September.

Trees – The common trees that are known to cause pollen allergy are birch, oak, and cedar. The pollinating period of these trees during the Spring season.

Weeds – The common weeds that tend to trigger allergies are ragweed and sagebrush. The peak levels of pollen production of ragweed are around mid-September. The pollinating period of sagebrush is mid-August to late September.

Pollen Count

The pollen count is defined as the amount of pollen present in the air at a given place. It is calculated over a period of 24 hours as the number of grains per square meter of air. On the basis of this calculation, the pollen count is divided into high, medium, low, or absent. It includes three types of pollen including weeds, grasses, and trees, as well as mold spores.
The pollen count affects the symptoms of a pollen allergy. A low pollen count does not affect too many people (except for those who are highly sensitive), while a medium-to-high number can give rise to allergic symptoms.
The pollen count in the local area can be checked online through National websites that are updated daily.

The Mechanism of a Pollen Allergy

When an allergen (like pollen) enters the body of a person with a sensitive immune system, it triggers the production of antibodies to fight the foreign particles. These antibodies are small proteins that lock onto the pollen grains, and they also bind to other white blood cells.
The next time pollen enters the nose; these cells break open to release histamine, which is a chemical released by the body to direct an inflammatory response against the foreign bodies. A large amount of histamine released causes itching, swelling of affected tissues, mucus production, muscle spasms, and other symptoms of an allergy.

Preventing Pollen Allergies

Preventing exposure to the allergens is the best way to deal with pollen allergies, especially during the high-allergy seasons. Some measures that can help prevent and manage a pollen allergy include:

Stay informed about the pollen count in your area and avoid exposure to the allergens on high and medium pollen count days. Those who are extremely prone to developing an allergic reaction should be careful even during low pollen counts.

Know your Allergens – Ask an allergist and observe for yourself the allergens that set off your allergies. Avoid exposure to those allergens, especially during the peak allergy season, and take measures to ensure that the allergy does not get triggered.

When the pollen counts are high, it is best to remain indoors in an air-conditioned environment with closed windows.

If you are planning to be outdoors while the allergy season is on, try to be outdoors when the pollen counts are low. Usually, plants pollinate between 5 am to 9 am, so early morning outdoor activities should be avoided. Walking a dog during these hours is also not advised since animals can trap pollen on their fur. Pollen also tends to flow more through the air on windy days.

Using masks to filter out pollen when outdoors is a good way to prevent exposure to the allergens.

Pollen grains can follow you into the house through the clothes, hair, and pets. Changing clothes and showering immediately upon returning home is strongly advised.

Sunglasses should be used to keep the pollen out of the eyes. Eyes irritated by allergies are also more sensitive to light, so sunglasses help prevent further exposure.

Indoor plants that produce pollen are often overlooked. These include ornamental grasses, shrubs, and trees. These should ideally not be kept in the house.

Apart from the allergens, it is also essential to control the irritants that trigger allergic reactions or make their symptoms worse.
Not smoking in the house, avoiding wood fires, and avoiding strong odors off of sprays, paints, disinfectants, and perfumes are some methods to reduce the number of irritants.

Pollen allergies should be treated promptly, especially in acute cases. Where required, prescription medications and antihistamines should be taken to control a severe allergic flare up. However, overuse of conventional medicines like decongestant sprays can cause further problems (like an allergy rebound) and should be used very sparingly. Homeopathic remedies for pollen allergy work particularly well to treat chronic conditions.

Homeopathic Medicines for Diarrhea & Loose Stools

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 40 Comments

The condition where thin, loose, watery stools tend to occur three or more times in a day is known as diarrhea. Diarrhea tends to last for at least a couple of days, but in chronic cases, it can go on for a long time. It is a fairly common problem and not a severe condition if timely treatment is taken. In cases where diarrhea continues for more than a couple of days or weeks, it indicates an underlying infection or inflammation in the bowels that needs to be addressed. Homeopathic medicines for diarrhea work by treating the underlying cause of diarrhea.

Can Homeopathy treat Diarrhea?

Yes, homeopathy offers effective treatment for diarrhea. It treats the root cause of diarrhea to help ease the symptoms and bring about recovery. Medicine for diarrhea is prepared from natural substances, so there are no side effects. Homeopathy for diarrhea works for people of all age groups and can be safely used in children and older adults.
Homeopathy offers cures for diarrhea also work well for infections (viral, parasitic, bacterial), inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel disease.

Homeopathic Medicines for Diarrhea

The most effective medicines for diarrhea include Aloe Socotrina, Croton Tiglium, and Podophyllum Peltatum.

1. Aloe Socotrina – For Diarrhea with Watery Stool

Aloe Socotrina is used to treat cases where the stool is copious, watery, yellowish or brownish. An urgency to pass stool, rumbling/gurgling, a constant sensation of bearing down in the rectum, involuntary release of stool on passing flatus are some other symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine.

2. Colocynthis – For Diarrhea with Abdominal Cramps and Colic

Colocynthis is the medicine for diarrhea recommended in cases where there is a loose stool with abdominal cramping. A watery, yellowish, sour smelling stool, increased flatulence, a burning, pricking pain at the anus along with intense abdominal cramps are the symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine. Bending down double or applying pressure helps relieve the abdominal cramps.

3. Croton Tiglium – For Diarrhea (after light eating and drinking)

For diarrhea that occurs from light eating and drinking, Croton Tiglium is recommended.
This medicine is indicated when the person feels the urge to pass stools even after consuming a small quantity of food or drink. The stool is yellowish, watery, copious, and gushing in nature. Croton Tiglium is also used to treat diarrhea that occurs during hot weather.

4. China Officinalis – For Diarrhea with Weakness

China Officinalis is a well-indicated medicine for diarrhea where there is an excessive weakness. Yellowish, frothy, loose stool followed by weakness, distension of abdomen with flatulence, flatulent colic, belching of bitter fluid, and rumbling in the stomach pit are the symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine.

5. Colchicum Autumnale – For Diarrhea with Mucus

Colchicum Autumnale is indicated in cases where the mucus (present in the stool) is jelly-like, while the stool is watery, and has an intense, sour odor. Itching and burning at the anus may also be present.

6. Podophyllum Peltatum – For Watery Stools

Podophyllum Peltatum is the medicine for diarrhea where the stool is watery, foul-smelling, painless and gushes out. The stool is profuse and may be yellowish or greenish, and contain undigested food particles.
This medicine is also indicated in cases where there is an involuntary release of stool (upon passing flatus or during sleep).

7. Argentum Nitricum – For Diarrhea due to Anxiety

Argentum Nitricum is used to treat diarrhea that is triggered by anxiety or nervousness. The person needing this medicine has watery stool (which may have mucus) with noisy flatulence, loud belching, cutting pain and loud rumbling in the abdomen. Diarrhea that arises due to anticipation or as a result of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) also indicates the need for this medicine.

8. Chamomilla – For Diarrhea during Dentition

Chamomilla is the medicine recommended for diarrhea that occurs during dentition (teething).
Symptoms indicating the need for Chamomilla include a fetid, watery, sour-smelling stool that is yellowish – greenish. Swelling at the anus may be present with diarrhea and the child is usually irritable, cross and restless.

9. Arsenic – For Diarrhea due to Food Poisoning

Arsenic Album is a medicine for diarrhea and vomiting in cases of food poisoning. The characteristic symptoms include foul, loose stool, offensive odor, excessive nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, weakness, and a sour/bitter taste in the mouth.

10. Natrum Carb – For Diarrhea due to Milk Consumption

Natrum Carb is a medicine recommended in cases where diarrhea occurs after consuming milk. The primary symptoms for using Natrum Carb include a watery gushing stool, fetid flatus, burning in rectum after stool, cutting pain in the rectum during stool, gas, bloating, and abdominal colic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is diarrhea serious?

Diarrhea, in general, is not a very serious problem, but its severity varies from case to case. If a person passes thin stool about three to four times a day, for a duration of two to four days, then it is not a severe condition. However, passing excessive stool multiple times a day can lead to dehydration and the complications related to it.
Also, if a person passes blood or mucus with loose stool, loses weight, or has continued fever along with stools, then it is a cause of concern.

2. I am passing frequent loose stool with mucus from last three months; what does it indicate?

There are many reasons for passing mucus with loose stool. The most common causes include colitis, parasitic infections, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). Detailed case history and investigations are required to pinpoint the exact reason for your problem. Diarrhea can be a symptom of some other underlying problem.
Certain medications can also lead to diarrhea, including antibiotics, antacids, and antidepressants.

3. Can a person get diarrhea from stress or anxiety?

Yes, stress and anxiety can cause diarrhea as a result of the hypersensitivity of the gut to emotional and hormonal responses. A significant example of a medical condition that persists from stress and anxiety is IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

4. Can allopathy and homeopathy for diarrhea be taken together?

Homeopathy for diarrhea effectively treats mild-to-moderate conditions when coupled with the intake of fluids and electrolytes. These medicines also help reduce the severity of the symptoms. However, in case of severe diarrhea, where the person passes a significant amount of watery stool, allopathic medicines are recommended to prevent severe dehydration and help quick relief and recovery. Both allopathy and homeopathy can be taken together to help manage the problem.

5. Can oral rehydration salts be used along with natural medicines for diarrhea?

Yes, one may take oral rehydration salts along with medicines for diarrhea.

6. For how long does a person need to take homeopathy for diarrhea?

The time duration for which a person needs to take medicines for diarrhea depends on the severity of the problem. In acute cases of diarrhea, medicines need to be taken for few days to a week In case of chronic diarrhea due to conditions like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), parasitic infection, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), the duration of medicines lasts from few months to a year’s time.

Causes of Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be a result of many conditions and factors, but the most common causes of diarrhea include:

Contaminated Food and Water

‘Spoilt’ food and water contain disease-causing pathogens like (bacteria and parasites) which can get transferred into our body and disturb the physiological functioning. This is also known as food poisoning.
Parasites like Giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium cause diarrhea, while Escherichia coli (commonly known as E.coli), salmonella, shigella, and campylobacter are common diarrhea-causing bacteria.
In developing countries, ‘traveler’s diarrhea’ is a common complaint, brought about by these bacteria and viruses.

Rotavirus in Children

A widespread cause of diarrhea in children is rotavirus, a virus that spreads quickly through contaminated hands, objects and surfaces. This virus causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines, leading to severe diarrhea, fever, dehydration, abdominal cramps, and vomiting.

Medications

Certain medicines like antibiotics disturb the balance of gut bacteria by killing both good and bacteria. This imbalance can cause diarrhea.
Antacids often contain magnesium, which can cause the stools to become loose.

Emotional Stress

The gastrointestinal tract has many nerves connected to it and is very sensitively tuned to the nervous system. Therefore, any factors (like stress) that affect the nervous also have an impact on the gastrointestinal tract.
Stress can cause spasms throughout the gut and cause diarrhea.

Food allergies

Food allergies can also cause diarrhea, as the body tries to expel the allergens out quickly.
Lactose intolerance is also a common cause of diarrhea. People who are unable to digest lactose (found in dairy products) often experience loose stools after consuming dairy products.

Digestive Disorders

Chronic diarrhea is often a sign of some underlying gastrointestinal disorder like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, colitis, inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD).

Symptoms of Diarrhea

If you are passing stool for three or more times in a day, and the stool is watery, or loose, then you have diarrhea.
Other signs and symptoms of diarrhea that can accompany loose stool include cramping in the abdomen, mucus/blood in stool, and abdominal bloating.
In case of food poisoning, vomiting and nausea may be present.

Diagnosis

Not everybody with diarrhea needs to undergo clinical tests and investigations. Simple diarrhea with a duration of a few days to a week is not very serious and can be treated with adequate home remedies.
Clinical tests for diarrhea are required when the duration of the problem lasts for a couple of weeks to months, along with the presence of blood or mucus in the stool. In such cases, tests like stool culture, endoscopy, colonoscopy, anti – TTG (tissue transglutaminase ), wheat allergy, etc., are conducted.

Diarrhea and Dehydration

Diarrhea causes a person to lose a significant amount of fluid and electrolytes quickly, so rehydrating salts are usually recommended along with medicines to restore the fluid and electrolytes balance, and prevent dehydration.
The signs to look out for to detect dehydration are dry skin, lightheadedness, less urination, and general weakness. In case you experience such symptoms, it is necessary to restore the fluid and electrolytes balance immediately.

Tips to Manage Diarrhea

Some measures can help manage chronic diarrhea, like:

1. Avoiding milk, spicy food, highly fatty food and high fiber food
2. Increasing water intake
3. Managing stress and anxiety
4. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine5. Washing hands after stool and before eating to prevent infections

Treating Adenoids With Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 147 Comments

Enlarged Adenoids and Homeopathy

Is your child having difficulty in breathing from nose during sleep? Have you noticed him snoring too often? Is he having recurrent sore throats and middle ear infections? Is your child a mouth breather? If most of your answers are yes then there is a great possibility that he could be having Enlarged adenoids. This enlargement of adenoids can affect your child’s health in many ways. ; Ranging from recurrent upper respiratory infections to hearing deficits. Homeopathy has a lot to offer for the treatment of enlarged adenoids. A well-focused homeopathic treatment can save your child’s adenoids from a surgeon’s knife.

What Are Adenoids

Adenoids are small structures made of lymphoid tissue (this is the same tissue off which the throat tonsils are made up of) present at the nasopharynx (where the back of the nasal passage and the throat meet). Their primary function is to produce lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are a part of our body’s natural defense system and destroy the microorganisms that enter our system. Thus adenoids are a part of our immune system.

Why Do adenoids get Enlarged

Adenoids tend to get enlarged whenever there is an infection in upper respiratory area. Once the infection is over, adenoids get back to their normal size.If the infections are recurrent ,the adenoids go into a chronic state of enlargement. Although tonsils can be easily viewed in an open mouth, adenoids are not directly viewable. Enlarged adenoids can only be detected by an x-ray or by the symptoms shown by the child. Symptoms of enlarged adenoids are easily recognizable .The most common symptom is that of difficulty in breathing through the nose .This is most predominant at night when the child is sleeping. Disturbed nasal breathing in kids with enlarged adenoids shows up in two ways-Snoring and breathing through the mouth . If during the day time the child is showing the signs of mouth breathing ,the enlargement of adenoids is usually severe. The most worry some symptom is that of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea refers to a condition where the child has breathing pauses during sleep .This sleep disturbance manifests itself in the day time by paroxysmal drowsiness and difficulty in concentration in the kids .Other symptoms of enlarged adenoids may include bad breath and dry mouth. Increase in the size of adenoids leads to pressure changes on the Eustachian tube causing hearing difficulties and recurrent middle ear infections. Another complication that usually arises out of enlarged adenoids is recurrent infections in the sinuses – often called as sinusitis.

Homeopathic medicines for Adenoids

Whether it be the tonsils or the adenoids, homeopathic philosophy has always believed in preserving these helpful body tissues. Homeopathy offers an excellent treatment for enlarged adenoids and complications arising from it. Homeopathic medicines Agraphis Nutans , Calcarea carb , Sambuccus Niagra and Calcarea flour lead the Homeopathic table in treating Enlarged adenoids. Agraphis is very handy when along with enlargement; the hearing of the child is also affected. While treating for adenoids the overall immunity of the child needs to be carefully looked at, as recurrent infections can lead the child into vicious cycle of enlarged adenoids and upper respiratory Infections. Frequent Infections issues can be dealt effectively by homeopathy by prescribing Constitutional homeopathic medicine.

Enlarged Adenoids

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 45 Comments

Enlarged Adenoids
Is your child getting recurrent ear and sinus infections? Is your child snoring in the night? Has his voice changed? Is he breathing more from the mouth? If yes ,then chances are that your child has enlarged adenoids. Enlarged adenoids in kids can be a big problem and can affect their health in more than one way. Homeopathy has a very effective solution in treating enlarged adenoids and effectively saves them from the surgeon’s knife.
Adenoids are lymphoid tissue lying in the back part of the nose (nasopharynx). It is similar to the tonsil tissue which are present in our throat and guard are swallowing passage
Both the adenoid and tonsils are a part of the defense system of our body and produce defense cells that kill bacteria or viruses that we breathe or swallow. In simple words they act like guards for our breathing and swallowing passages. Tonsil in Children can be easily seen in an open mouth; whereas the Adenoids are very difficult to see directly and are usually detected with the x-ray. Both tonsils and Adenoids tend to get enlarged whenever they get infected but return to their normal state after the infection is over in few days. However if the infections are more frequent or chronic, the adenoids tend to stay enlarged.
The most common symptoms in kids who have enlarged adenoids are – difficulty in breathing through the nose, Snoring, mouth breathing (which is mostly present at night); if present during the day, it usually indicates severe enlargement of adenoids. Change in the voice is another very important sign of enlarged adenoids. Kids with enlarged adenoids usually have a pinched nose kind of voice. The most worrisome symptom of enlarged adenoids is ‘sleep apnea’. This means that the child goes without breathing for few seconds; this occurs along with snoring. These apnea periods can occur many times during the night resulting in a restless sleep and low oxygen levels. One of the major fallout of this kind of sleep disturbance is that child will feel sleepy during the day and can have difficulty in concentration. Dry mouth and bad breath are also present in kids who have enlarged adenoids. Another major way in which the enlarged adenoids affect kids is that they predispose them towards recurrent ear, throat and sinus infections. Middle ear infections are very common in kids with enlarged adenoids.
Homeopathic Philosophy clearly believes that adenoids and tonsils should be, as far as possible, saved from surgery. These tissues are a part of our body’s indigenous defense system and removing them would further render our body towards more infections. Long term treatment of enlarged adenoids with homeopathic medicines has excellent results in reducing the size of enlarged adenoids and treating its associated symptoms. Homeopathic medicines Agraphis Nutans and Calcarea Carb can work wonders in kids with enlarged adenoids .Along with these medicines , Kids with symptoms of recurrent ear, throat and sinus symptoms may at need different homeopathic medicines according to their symptoms

Nasal Allergies and Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 47 Comments

Nasal Allergies in Summer

Dr. Vikas Sharma

Have you been sneezing very often this summer? Do you have itching in the nose , roof of mouth and eyes? Are you getting a watery discharge from your nose? If yes then there are good chances that you have Allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis refers to an allergic condition that occurs in the upper respiratory tract and also in the conjunctiva of the eyes. This is usually a harmless condition but can throw one’s life out of gear. Most of the people who suffer from its seasonal form, have recurrent episode in late spring, summers and fall. Homeopathy provides a great hope for all those who suffer from it in treating this kind of allergy from its base and thereby stopping its annual recurrence.

People who suffer from allergic rhinitis usually have these following symptoms- 1) Sneezing , which may occur any time and can occur in bouts ; where one may even have 20-30 sneezes in a row . Morning sneezes are very common in those suffer from allergic rhinitis. Such sneezing episodes may occur as early as one wakes up .2) Runny nose – sneezing is accompanied by profuse watery discharge from the nose. Along with other symptoms one may also have same king of watery discharge from eyes. 3) Itching in the eyes, nose and the roof of the mouth – itching in the nose roof of moth and eyes are very common symptoms in allergic rhinitis. Most patients complain of a “crawling” sensation in the nose and the roof of the mouth. 4) Some patients may even suffer from breathing difficulty if the attack gets serious. This kind of breathing difficulty is usually noted in spring weather during wheat harvest season. 6) Fever may also be present in some individuals during a severe attack of allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis usually occurs in two forms. The kind of allergic rhinitis that one would have it in only a particular weather is called as Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. Late spring, summers and early autumn is the main weather when it occurs. Such kind of allergic rhinitis occurs due to sensitivity to pollens from trees, grasses or weeds, or to airborne mold spores. The second type is the ‘Perennial Allergy’ and occurs all the year around. In such kind of allergic rhinitis ,the sensitivity is mainly to substances that one encounters daily . Examples of Such substances are – cockroaches, dust mites, pollution and animal dander.

Homeopathic medicines are one of the best forms of natural treatment for allergic rhinitis. They works both ways – By controlling the acute symptoms and also treating the chronicity of allergy; thereby gradually stopping the recurrence of attacks. Homeopathic medicines work by desensitizing the overactive immune system in allergic rhinitis patients. Homeopathic medicines Natrum Mur, Sabadilla , Allium Cepa lead the homeopathic table in treating allergic rhinitis and can treat both the acute as well Chronic nature of the disease. Allium cepa and Aralea Racemosa are very effective in treating allergic rhinitis that occurs in spring . Lately, some medicines have been introduced in Homeopathy which have been found to very effective in treating allergic rhinitis – they are Galphimia Glauca , Histaminum and Luffa Operculata.

Sinusitis – Homeopathy for Sinusitis

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 21 Comments

Sinusitis in Cold Weather – Homeopathy

Although sinusitis can occur in any weather but for those who suffer from sensitivity to cold weather, sinusitis can be a major issue in these months. ‘Sinusitis’ is a term referred to the inflammation of the sinuses (4 pair of air spaces in the skull). People who are sensitive to cold weather have a tendency to develop recurrent colds cough and sinusitis. Cold weather itself does not cause sinusitis but predisposes individuals who are sensitive to cold weather to develop recurrent colds and upper respiratory infections, which in turn causes issues like sinusitis. Homeopathy has an excellent treatment for sinusitis and also for helps in treating ones ‘cold weather sensitivity’ very effectively – Thereby by improving ones resistance to cold weather related problems. [Read more…]

Depression Homeopathy Medicines & Treatment

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 49 Comments

I am a 37 years old primary school teacher, suffering from depression for the last two years. There is a continuous feeling of sadness and worthlessness. I get easily tired and have lost complete interest in my household as well as school work, there are times when I feel like committing suicide (without any apparent reason). My sleep is disturbed and sometimes I just sleep for three, four hours at night. I have tried conventional anti-depressive medication, but its benefits were short-lived and were not without side affects. Please suggest a homeopathic medicine

Meenu, Chandigarh

sad You seem to suffer from major depression or unipolar depression, which is characterized by severe, persistent depressed mood and loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, accompanied by decreased energy levels, changes in sleep and appetite, and feelings of guilt or hopelessness. [Read more…]