The remedy Sarsaparilla Officinalis is derived from the plant Smilax Officinalis also known as ‘wild licorice’. It belongs to family Smilaceae. The dried rhizome of this plant undergoes potentization (a process to prepare homeopathic medicines by which the medicinal properties of a crude substance are aroused). It gets converted into a very beneficial homeopathic medicine Sarsaparilla Officinalis. It is an important medicine for managing certain complaints of urinary system, mainly cystitis and kidney stones.

The ‘Sarsaparilla Officinalis’ Constitution

It suits children with enlarged abdomen and have facial contours like an elderly person. Next it suits well persons who are thin, weak and look older than their age.

Drug Action

Main action of this medicine is on the urinary organs, genitals and skin. Besides, it acts on head and limbs as well.

Clinical Indications

Cystitis, kidney stones, bladder stones, kidney pain, nephritis, cracks on hands and feet, skin rash, spermatorrhea, genital herpes, swollen spermatic cord, headache, painful menses, cancer of breast, bone pain, joint pain.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Urinary Organs (Cystitis, Kidney And Bladder Stones, Nephritis, Kidney Pain)

Sarsaparilla acts markedly on urinary system and helps to settle many issues related to it. The main indication to use this medicine is intense pain and burning at the end of urination. The pain may extend from the urethra to the abdomen. There is frequent and ineffectual urge to pass urine. The bladder is sensitive, tender, and distended. Cramps or contractive pain in bladder is felt. Sarsaparilla works well in treating cystitis (inflammation and infection of urinary bladder).  It can handle both recent as well as chronic cases of bladder infection, kidney stones and bladder stones. It is mainly indicated for renal stones with right-side kidney pain that extends downwards. Urine contains red, white or grey sand-like particles. Blood may also pass in urine. Next, it can be given for cases where urine flow is weak and urine passes in thin, feeble stream. A person is able to pass urine freely only in standing position, but it dribbles while urinating in sitting position. Urine is scanty, slimy, turbid, sandy, may have pus and blood. It is also relieves complaint of painful urination in children. The child needing it screams out of pain before and during passing urine.

Key indicating features

Cystitis with pain and burning at the end of urination

Kidney stones with right side kidney pain that extend downwards

Scanty, slimy, turbid, sandy urine, sometimes with pus and blood

Red, white or grey sandy particles in urine

Right-sided kidney pain extending downwards

Painful urination in children with screaming before and during passing urine

2. Skin (Cracks, Skin Rash)

Sarsaparilla has marked affinity to treat various skin issues. The foremost indication to use it is cracked skin on hands, fingers, feet and toes. Cracks can be deep attended with pain and burning sensation.  The cracks are mostly visible on sides of fingers and toes. The skin is also dry and hard. Skin complaints that occur in summers can be magnificently dealt with it. Another indication to use it is skin rashes in spring season. It can also be given for skin rash or eruptions which is dry and itchy from exposure to open air.

Key indicating features

Cracked skin on hands, fingers, feet and toes with pain and burning

Skin complaints occurring in summers

Skin rash in spring season

Skin rash or eruptions from exposure to air

3. Male Problems (Blood In Semen, Herpes, Balanitis, Seminal Emissions)

This medicine can effectively treat some male problems. The most important indication here is blood in semen. Sarsaparilla is prominently indicated for genital herpes (a sexually-transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus) when eruptions are present on the prepuce (foreskin which is a skin fold covering head of the penis). It can also be used for balanitis cases in which there is inflammation, redness of glans penis. Another striking feature to use this remedy is seminal emissions along with sexual dreams. Weakness and pain in the back are the other accompanying symptoms. Sarsaparilla acts well to manage itching on scrotum and perineum, after scratching small pimples appear which ooze a moist substance. There is an intolerable offensive odour on genitals. Lastly, it is valuable to manage pain in spermatic cord after emissions or when spermatic cord swells with pain, and sensitivity in case sexual excitement is not satisfied.

Key indicating features

Blood in semen

Herpes infection with eruption on prepuce

Balanitis with red, inflamed glans penis

Seminal emissions with sexual dreams, weakness and backache

4. Female Problems (Cracked Nipples, Scanty Menses, Painful Menses, Breast Cancer)

For females, this medicine is beneficial to heal cracks of nipples, scanty late menses, and painful periods. It is used for late and scanty menses. There may be soreness on thighs and itchy eruptions on the forehead. It is helpful to relieve painful menses. There is pain in lower abdomen, back and thighs, vomiting or loose stool attend it. Sarsaparilla is an important medicine to heal eruptions on face that are worse during menses. As per homeopathic therapeutics, its use is also indicated for managing cases of breast cancer.

Key indicating features

Painful menses with pain in lower abdomen, back and thighs, vomiting, loose stool

Face eruptions worse during menses

5. Head (Headache, Eruptions)

By acting on head, Sarsaparilla can help to manage headache and eruptions on scalp. The characteristic to use it during headache is pain in back of head (occiput) radiating either to eyes or to root of nose. A tight band is felt around head. It can also be given for throbbing pain in the head. Nausea and sour vomiting may attend headache. Use of this medicine is also considered when there are moist eruptions on scalp with pus discharge which causes inflammation wherever it touches. The eruptions are marked on forehead. Scalp is sensitive to touch and falling of hair may be noted.

Key indicating features

Headache when pain from back of head radiates to eyes or to root of nose

Moist eruptions on scalp with pus discharge

6. Limbs (Joint Pains, Bone Pains)

It is mainly indicated to treat joint and bone pains. It is useful for treating stitching pain in joint of arms, hands, fingers, which gets worse from motion. Sarsaparilla is beneficial for managing knee joint pain, attended with swelling, heat and tenderness. Pain can be felt in both knees at the same time or it can alternate between two sides. It gets worse from movement especially going up and down a staircase. Besides, it can check pain in the bones that gets worse at night and in damp weather.

Key indicating features

Stitching pain in joints of arms, hands, fingers that increases from movement

Knee pain with swelling, heat, tenderness, gets worse by going up and down the staircase

Bone pains that get worse at night and in damp weather

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints are worse at end of urination, at night, in cold wet weather, in spring, from touch, motion, before menses

Relieving factors: Complaints are better from warmth and uncovering neck and chest

Dosage

It can be used from low to high potencies. If using it in low potency, its repetition can be done frequently. But in higher potencies, frequent repetition is usually not recommended.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Belladonna, Merc Sol and Sepia

It antidotes: Merc Sol

Followed well by: Allium Cepa, Belladonna, Hepar Sulph, Merc Sol, Phosphorus, Rhus Tox, Sepia and Sulphur

Homeopathic remedy Chenopodium Anthelminticum is derived from the plant Jerusalem Oak which belongs to family Chenopodiaceae. This plant undergoes potentization (a process to prepare homeopathic medicines that extracts and intensifies the medicinal properties of a crude substance). In this way, it gets converted into a very important medicine Chenopodium Anthelminticum. It is a top-grade medicine in homeopathy to treat ear-related problems mainly tinnitus (noises in ear) and Meniere’s disease (a triad of tinnitus, hearing loss and vertigo).

Drug Action

This remedy’s prominent sphere of action centers around the ears. Other than this, it has action on other organs too but in a very limited manner. These organs include throat, back, gastric system, urinary organs, respiratory system and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Tinnitus, Meniere’s disease, deafness, otitis media, vertigo, worms, tonsillitis, scapula pain, asthma, suppressed menses, leucorrhoea

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Ear Complaints (Tinnitus, Meniere’s Disease, Deafness, Otitis Media)

The most prominent and well-defined action of Chenopodium is seen on the ears. It has shown great clinical improvement in many ear-related complaints. The foremost ear complaint for which it is one of the best medicines is tinnitus. Hearing noises in the absence of any external source is called Tinnitus. Chenopodium Anthelminticum is very effective in treating cases of Tinnitus and majorly works well when person hears noises that are roaring, ringing or buzzing in nature. This medicine is also well indicated for cases of pulsatile tinnitus. In this type of tinnitus, the sufferer hears noises that beat in sync with the heart.

Secondly, this medicine is highly beneficial for managing Meniere’s Disease. This disease refers to an inner ear disorder which is characterized by a triad of symptoms including tinnitus, vertigo and fluctuating hearing loss. This may be accompanied by sensation of ear blockage). In cases needing it, vertigo attacks also occurs which happens all of sudden. Chenopodium Anthelminticum is indicated for cases of hearing loss. The characteristic symptom to use it is deafness to human voice but sensitivity to distant sounds. Hearing is better for high-pitched sounds where this medicine is required. This medicine is also helpful for cases of weakness of the auditory nerve (eighth pair of cranial nerve). Besides, it is of great use when conduction of sound to the inner ear is either deficient or absent. Lastly, it can be given in cases of chronic otitis media which is an inflammation or infection of the middle ear.

Key indicating features

Tinnitus with hearing noises that are roaring, ringing or buzzing in nature

Pulsatile tinnitus where the noises beats in sync with heart

Meniere’s disease (triad of tinnitus, vertigo and hearing loss)

2. Throat Issues (Enlarged Tonsils)

Chenopodium also acts well on the throat. Here it is primarily valuable to manage the enlargement of tonsils, especially chronic cases. The tonsils are inflamed and painful as well. Besides, caseous (cheese-like) deposits are present on the tonsils.

Key indicating features

Chronic enlargement of tonsils

Caseous deposits on tonsils

3. Back Problems (Shoulder Blade Pain)

Chenopodium can manage pain under the right shoulder blade (triangular bone that lies in the upper back one on either side). It is attended with giddiness and ringing noises. It is also indicated for pain in between the angle of right shoulder blade, and through chest.

Key indicating features

Pain under the right shoulder blade with giddiness and ringing in the ears

Pain in between angle of the right shoulder blade near spine, and through chest

4. Gastric Concerns (Regurgitation, Worms)

This medicine can be used for certain gastric concerns as well. It firstly includes constant regurgitation (back flow of gastric juice and sometimes undigested food from the stomach into the food pipe) of yellow frothy material. There may occur disagreeable burps and nausea. Other than this, it is an important medicine to get rid of worms, especially roundworms.

Key indicating features

Constant regurgitation of yellow frothy material

Worms especially roundworms

5. Urinary Problems (Kidney Pain, Yellow Foamy Urine)

Chenopodium is beneficial for managing some urinary issues. This medicine is indicated to manage dull pain in the kidney. Urine may be yellow, profuse and frothy. Yellow sediments may be present in the urine in cases needing it.

Key indicating features

Yellow profuse frothy urine or yellow sediments in the urine

6. Respiratory Complaints (Cough, Rattling)

Chenopodium proves effective in managing cough that occurs along with rattling of phlegm and expectoration. There is difficulty in breathing, yellow frothy matter from the stomach rises to the throat. Rattling is felt in the trachea as if a ball is rolling in it.

Key indicating features

Cough with rattling of phlegm

Rattling in trachea

7.  Female Problems (Suppressed Menses)

Lastly, its action is noted on female genitals. Here it is well indicated for the treatment of suppressed menses. The major guiding feature to use it is vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) instead of menses.

Key indicating features

Vaginal discharge in place of menses

Dosage

Use of this medicine can be done in low or high potency, though 30C potency is mostly used. In low potency, it can be repeated frequently but in high potency, it should be used infrequently.

Relationship with Other Remedies

It can be compared with some remedies including Chelidonium, China, Opium and Chininum Sulphuricum

Psorinum is a leading homeopathic medicine for managing various skin complaints effectively. Some of the main skin issues treated well with it include skin itching, eczema, psoriasis and scabies. Its action in treating tonsillitis, Quinsy and recurrent cold is marvellous. It is of great clinical significance for cases where even well-recognized medicines fail to act, where Psorinum helps to boost body’s response to medicines.

 The ‘Psorinum’ Constitution

This medicine suits people who get nervous, restless and anxious easily. It is also highly suitable for persons prone to skin problems or have a history of suppressed emotions. Extreme sensitivity to cold air is experienced by those needing it. They desire to be covered warmly even in summers.

Drug Action

Psorinum is a polychrest medicine which means it is of great value in treating many health conditions related to different body parts. The most important action is noted on skin, throat and nose. It also acts well on the mind, ears and face. Its action is also noted on head, gastric organs and respiratory system. It is helpful in managing weakness in the recovery phase of any acute disease. It also deals effectively with diseases that involve foul discharges like stool, ear discharge, oozing from skin eruptions or sweat with filthy smell.

Clinical Indications

Skin disorders, itching, eczema, psoriasis, urticaria, skin eruptions, scabies, tonsillitis, quinsy, cold, depression, anxiety, ear discharge, acne rosacea, pimples, diarrhea, constipation, spleen pain, cough, asthma, headache

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Skin Problems (Itching, Eczema, Urticaria, Scabies, Psoriasis)

Psorinum has marked action on the skin. It is used to treat numerous skin-related conditions. To begin with, it can handle cases of skin itching well. Those needing it complain of intense itching that is almost intolerable. They scratch the skin till it starts to bleed.  Even the heat of bed worsens the itching at night that disturbs sleep. Simultaneously with itching, there may occur stinging sensation on the skin. In some cases, after rubbing the skin, little bumps on the skin (vesicles) may appear that may be filled with fluid.

It is a superior medicine for managing eczema (inflamed skin with dry rough itchy patches or fluid- filled eruptions). It renders great service in cases of eczema that occurs behind ears, in bend of elbows, armpits or scalp. There may occur dirty, rough skin or eruptions that bleed easily. In some cases, pus may accumulate in the eruptions. Psorinum proves to be one of the best medicines for skin complaints that appear in winters and vanish in summers. It is the most effective medicine to manage dry, scaly eruptions.

Psorinum is a highly effective medicine for scabies as well. Scabies is a highly contagious itchy skin condition caused by mite known as sarcoptes scabiei. Another skin condition where it gives good results is herpes zoster (a painful skin rash with blisters caused by varicella zoster virus). Herpes eruptions that occur on scalp or bend of joints are treated wonderfully with it. These eruptions are accompanied with itching and burning. Further use of this medicine is considered for cases of urticaria (itchy wheals means raised bumps on skin caused usually from an allergic reaction). The characteristic to use this medicine is urticaria caused by exertion. In cases that need it, the skin is usually dirty and greasy due to excessive secretion from sebaceous glands. Lastly, it is useful for treating psoriasis (an autoimmune skin disorder that results in inflamed patches on skin covered with silvery white scales). There occurs small red eruptions with white scales.

Key indicating features

Intolerable skin itching with desire to scratch till skin starts to bleed

Eczema behind ears, in bend of elbows, armpits or scalp

Skin complaints that appear in winters and go away in summers

2. Throat Issues (Tonsillitis, Quinsy)

Next Psorinum acts magnificently on the throat. Its foremost action is treating tonsillitis wonderfully. It is well indicated when the tonsils are swollen and painful. The pain gets worse while swallowing and reaches the ears. There is burning sensation in the throat. Throat feels dry in morning and a sensation of plug is felt in the throat. Tickling in throat can occur that excites cough. It is a principal medicine for treating Quinsy (pus collection behind the tonsils) cases especially of recurrent Quinsy. Its well-known action is to eradicate tendency to Quinsy. In cases needing it for Quinsy, excessive pain is felt in the tonsils that extends to the ears on swallowing and there is tough mucus in throat that needs to be hawked continuously. There is mainly hawking of mucus in the form of cheesy pea-like balls that smell bad and leave a bad taste in the mouth. There is excessive salivation that has an offensive smell.

Key indicating features

Tonsillitis with swelling and pain in tonsils worse when swallowing with pain in ears

Recurrent quinsy to eradicate its tendency

Hawking of mucus in form of cheesy pea like balls that smells and tastes bad

 3. Nose (Recurrent Cold, Hay Fever)

This medicine can rectify many nasal complaints. It is of great clinical significance in treating cases of recurrent cold. As per homeopathic therapeutics, psorinum proves to be effective in boosting immunity against frequent colds. In cases needing it, either there is dry cold with nasal blockage or there occurs thin discharge from the nose. Loss of smell may be noted too. In some cases, post nasal discharge (dripping of mucus from the back of nose into the throat) is witnessed on clinical examination. Besides, it is a prominent medicine to tackle cases of nasal allergy/hay fever (an allergic condition caused by allergic response to allergens like dust mites, pollen resulting in symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose and itchy, watery and red eyes). It is well indicated when hay fever occurs every year especially in August.

Key indicating features

Recurrent cold

4. Mind Complaints (Fear, Depression)

Psorinum can help people suffering from various mind-related complaints. It is a useful medicine for managing anxiety and different kind of fears. The fear is mainly of being alone, of fire, of business failure and fear of death. A person has negative thinking, constant thoughts of dying may prevail. It is beneficial for managing depression in females during menopause. There is sadness and forsaken feeling in those needing it. There is a desire to be alone and remain in bed all the time. Hopelessness is marked. It is also indicated for children who are very irritable, fretful and get startled easily. During day, they may be playful but at night, become restless and may scream without any reason.

Key indicating features

Fear of being alone, of fire, of business failure and fear of death

Depression in females during menopause

5. Ears (Discharge, Eczema, Noises)

It gives substantial relief in cases of otorrhoea (ear discharge). Offensive brownish pus discharge from ear is the guiding feature for its use here, accompanied by headache. Secondly, it has a great ability to lessen itching in the ears. In most cases needing it, itching is intolerable with a need for picking and boring in the ears all the time. It is a highly suitable medicine to treat eczema behind the ears. There appear red, oozing eruptions with scabs around the ears. Sore pain behind ears is also well marked. Lastly, psorinum is helpful when hearing is impaired, along with noises in the ears (tinnitus) which may be buzzing, humming, ringing or cracking type.

Key indicating features

Offensive brownish pus discharge from ear

Eczema behind the ears

6. Face (Pimples, Acne Rosacea)

Use of this medicine is considered to manage some of the facial concerns too. The foremost use is in treating acne (pimples). Those needing it complain that the pimples get worse from fats, sugar and coffee. Females may have worsening of pimples during menses. Next noteworthy complaint where psorinum proves beneficial is acne rosacea (a skin condition that causes flushing and redness of face along with appearance of small pimples). The face is red along with burning heat. Small red pimples appear in the middle of the cheeks, chin, nose and forehead.

Key indicating features

Pimples worse from fats, sugar and coffee intake

Pimples worse during menses

7. Head (Headache, Eruptions)

Psorinum can give great relief in headache and eruptions on scalp. The major symptom is headache occurring from suppressed skin eruptions or suppressed menses. The pain is hammering type. In many cases, headache may be preceded by flickering before the eyes, dim vision or black spots before the eyes. The head is sensitive to draught of air, the affected person covers head even in hot weather. It plays a very important role in treating eruptions on the scalp. The eruptions are filled with pus (pustules) with severe itching. The eruptions are covered with thick, dirty yellow scabs. Hair become matted. The eruptions may spread over the nape of neck.

Key indicating features

Headache from suppressed skin eruptions or suppressed menses

Pus-filled eruptions on scalp with severe itching

8. Gastric Issues (Diarrhea, Constipation, Pain, Belching, Spleen Pain)

Psorinum can be administered for cases of chronic diarrhea. The persons requiring it have early morning diarrhea with urgent desire to pass stool. The stool is dark, watery with horribly offensive smell. Diarrhea that follows some severe acute disease or when it occurs during dentition can be treated well with this medicine. It can be used for cases of constipation. The stool is hard, difficult and blood may pass along with stool. Burning may be felt in the rectum. Pain in lower back may occur along with constipation. In some cases, stool is passed after a gap of three to four days. Next, its use may be done in cases of abdomen pain that gets better from eating or emission of gas. Its use is also considered for belching that is sour with offensive odour like rotten eggs. Another important indication is stitching type of pain in spleen. Pain gets worse from movement but better on standing.

Key indicating features

Morning diarrhea with urgent desire to pass stool which has horribly offensive smell

Abdomen pain better from eating or emission of gas

 9. Respiratory problems (Cough, Asthma)

Lastly, psorinum acts well on the respiratory system. It is mainly indicated for dry, hard cough with chest pain. Heaviness is also felt in the chest. Bouts of coughing occur in mornings and evenings. Its use is next suggested when there is expectoration of green or yellow sputa that tastes salty. The mucus is sticky and difficult to expel. It is a brilliant medicine for asthma cases. The characteristic feature to use it is difficult breathing which gets worse in open air and while sitting; asthma gets better when lying with arms spread wide apart.

Key indicating features

Asthma with difficult breathing worse in open air, when sitting and relieved when lying with arms spread wide apart

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse by cold, open air, weather change, evening, night, heat of bed and from scratching

Relieving factors: Complaints get better by lying quietly, from heat, washing, rest and when eating

Dosage

Use of this medicine is recommended in 200 C and higher potencies. Its action seems to begin approximately after ninth day of intake and lasts for around  30 to 40 days. It is strictly advised to not repeat this medicine frequently.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Coffea Cruda

Followed well by: Alumina, Borax, Baryta Carb, Carbo Veg, China and Sulphur

Fresh leaves of the plant ‘Rhododendron Chrysanthum’ undergo potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties from a crude substance) to obtain the medicine Rhododendron Chrysanthum. It is one of the best medicines to manage hydrocele (swelling of scrotum from fluid collection in the sheath surrounding testicle) and orchitis (inflamed testicles).

The ‘Rhododendron’ Constitution

This medicine is good for persons predisposed to joint problems. It is also apt for people who are fearful of thunder and storms.

Drug Action

It is predominantly a male remedy that has a prominent action on male genitals. But its action is just not limited to this as it also acts wonderfully on bones and joints as well. Besides these, it acts well on fibrous tissues, eyes, ears, face and back.

Clinical Indications

Hydrocele, orchitis, joint inflammation (arthritis), ciliary neuralgia, neck pain, noises in ears, earache, facial pain, back pain, bone pains.

Scope as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. Male Problems (Hydrocele, Testicle Pain, Orchitis, Balanitis)

Rhododendron Chrysanthum has a marked affinity to treat a number of male problems. It is highly recommended to treat cases of hydrocele (scrotum is swollen from the collection of fluid in the sheath present around testicle). It can manage hydrocele affecting any age group, even boys suffering hydrocele since birth. Rhododendron manages cases of orchitis (inflamed testicles) well in which there is swelling and pain in testicles. The pain can be bruised or drawing type; it may extend to abdomen and thighs. Sometimes contusive sort of pain (as from injury) is felt. Pain gets relieved by movement. Testicles may also be tender to touch. It is also well indicated for swollen and hard testicles after gonorrhoea (sexually-transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae). Another complaint where it gives good results is balanitis (inflammation of glans penis). Its use is also indicated for drawing pain in spermatic cord. It worsens from rest and gets better from movement. Other indications include itching of scrotum, weak erection, low sex drive, involuntary emissions at night with sexual dreams.

Key indicating features

Hydrocele to manage swelling and pain in testicles

Testicle pain of bruised or drawing type that may extend to abdomen and thighs

Orchitis and balanitis

2. Joints (Joint Inflammation, Pain And Swelling)

This medicine also shows action on joints where it helps cases of inflamed, swollen and painful joints. The unique feature to use it is worsening of joint pains in stormy weather. The pain also tends to increase at rest. Most commonly involved joints are shoulder, wrists and joints of arms. It also treats inflammation of small joints. Shoulder pain is relieved by warmth and pressure. Wrist feels as if sprained or bruised. It can also be given for knee and ankle joint pain, especially stitching type of pain. It treats tearing type of pain in limbs on the right side. In some cases, weakness and tingling sensation occurs in few joints. Rhododendron also works on inflammation of joint of big toe caused by gout due to increased uric acid level.

Key indicating features

Joint pains in stormy weather

Inflammation of joint of big toe due to gout

3. Bones (Bone Pain)

With its action on bones, it manages well pain in periosteum (membrane covering the bones except at joint surface) of long bones. Pain can be tearing or drawing type occurring on particular spots on the bones. Weather changes worsen the complaint. It is also useful for hip bone pain, especially at night. Apart from these, it offers help to manage pain in skull bones.

Key indicating features

Pain in periosteum of long bones

4. Face (Facial Pain)

This medicine is also applicable to manage complaint of facial pain. The pain is felt from side of head (temple region) to lower jaw and chin. Pain mostly affects the right side of the face. The pain worsens in windy weather and weather changes. Nature of pain is drawing, tearing or violent jerking type. There may be relief from eating, warmth also brings relief.

Key indicating features

Right-sided facial pain from temple to chin

Facial pain worsening from weather changes and in wind weather

5. Eyes (Eye Pain, Ciliary Neuralgia)

Rhododendron Chrysanthum manages burning type of pain in eyes while writing or reading. Dryness and burning in eyes may also occur from exposure to bright light. It can also be given for darting type of eye pain. One may also find it useful for ciliary neuralgia (cluster headache in which pain attacks around eyes are felt every day for one or two months followed by pain-free period of several months). It also provides relief in red, swollen eyelids attended with irritation.

Key indicating features

Burning pain in eyes, worse from writing, reading and bright light

Ciliary neuralgia with pain in eyeball, orbit and head

6. Ears (Pain, Noises In Ears)

It is an important medicine for cases of tinnitus (noises in ears). Ringing, buzzing, whizzing noises especially indicate its use. Vertigo and difficult hearing occurs along with noises. Hearing is better in the morning. In cases of earache also, Rhododendron Chrysanthum works well. Persons needing it mainly have right-sided ear pain. It is jerking, twitching, and tearing type.

Key indicating features

Tinnitus with vertigo and hearing difficulty

Ringing, buzzing, whizzing noises in ears

 7. Limbs (Achilles Tendon Pain, Weakness/ Heaviness/ Tingling In Arms, Corns)

Rhododendron Chrysanthum is effective for pain in the Achilles tendon (tough fibrous band that connects calf muscle to heel bone) while stepping. Secondly, it works well when weakness and heaviness is felt in arms which may radiate to fingertips. Tingling in arms may accompany. These symptoms appear during rest or sleep. This medicine also covers complaint of sleep sensation in legs and feet. Swollen legs and feet also indicate its use. The feet may be very cold even in warm room. It is beneficial for deltoid muscle pain (overuse injury) which increases from movement. It can also be used in cases of corns on feet. Shooting pain is felt in corns.

Key indicating features

Pain in Achilles tendon on stepping

Weakness/heaviness/tingling in arms during rest or sleep

Corns on feet with shooting pain

8. Neck And Back (Stiff Neck, Pain In Neck, Lower Back Pain)

It is a prominent medicine for managing stiff neck. Stiffness worsens in the morning, especially on the neck which also bears drawing or tearing type of pain. Tearing pain may radiate down the back. Pain between shoulder blades sometimes is present too. Rhododendron Chrysanthum is also effective for treating lower back pain. Sitting increases the pain, exertion is another factor that intensifies the pain. A person also complains of pain worsening in wet, cold weather. The back may feel heavy and weak. Formication (crawling sensation) in the back is another attending symptom.

Key indicating features

Neck stiffness in the morning

Lower back pain from exertion, when sitting, in cold, wet weather

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints worsen before a storm, during windy or cloudy weather, on approach of thunderstorm, from change of weather.

Relieving factors: There is relief during sunshine, warmth, from exercise

Dosage

This medicine works well in both low and high potencies. In low potency, one may take it frequently but in high potency, frequent repetition is not recommended.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Bryonia, Camphor, Clematis and Rhus Tox

Followed well by: Arnica, Conium, Lycopodium, Nux Vomica, Silicea and Sulphur

The remedy Ratanhia Peruviana is derived from plant Mapato, also known as ‘Krameria Triandra’. It belongs to family polygalaceae or leguminosae. The dried root of this plant undergoes potentization (a process of preparing homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance). After this process, it is converted into a magnificent homeopathic medicine Ratanhia Peruviana which is indicated for treating anal fissures and piles. 

The ‘Ratanhia’ Constitution

This medicine suits persons suffering from rectal complaints.

Drug Action

The primary action of Ratanhia is seen on the rectum and gastric system. Besides, its action,though not very wide,  is also seen on eyes, nose, head, female genitals and breast.

Clinical Indications

Anal fissure, piles, constipation, diarrhea, anal itching, worms, pterygium, nasal dryness, cracked nipples, amenorrhoea (suppressed menses), stomach pain, vomiting

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

 1. Rectum Complaints (Anal Fissure, Piles, Constipation, Diarrhea, Anal Itching, Worms)

It has shown the best results in treating rectal complaints, especially anal fissure (tear, cut or crack in the lining of anus). Intense burning at the anus due to anal fissure is the most striking feature to use this remedy. The burning sensation is intense. Person usually expresses knife-like stitching pain (excruciating pain) at the anal opening. Pain and burning sensation continues for a long time after passing stool. Other than anal fissures, Ratanhia is used to treat piles (swollen, enlarged, engorged veins in or around anus or in lower rectum) along with  intense burning at the anus. The piles hemorrhoids may protrude on straining. There is relief in the burning sensation from cold water.  Another very peculiar symptom that can be present is pain in rectum where a person feels like sharp splinter-like pricking . Ratanhia Peruviana can be used for treating constipation when there is hard stool with straining and ineffectual urge to pass stool. It is an important medicine for cases of worm infestation. It is mostly indicated for pinworms and ascarides worms. It can offer substantial relief in anal itching. Diarrhoea is another concern where Ratanhia is well indicated. It is used when there is loose, thin, fetid stool. It is attended with burning sensation in anus. This medicine can be given to control rectal bleeding as well.

Key indicating features

Anal fissure with intense burning

Anal pain and burning in anus that continues for long after passing stool

Rectal pain like sharp splinter-like pricking

Piles with excessive burning, protruding piles

2. Gastric Issues (Stomach Pain, Vomiting)

Ratanhia also acts well on the gastric system where it is beneficial for managing complaints including stomach pain, burning, and vomiting. The pain can be bursting, griping or cutting knife-like which improves by burping. Some people complain of intense pain in stomach along with feeling of fullness in the stomach. There can occur intense hiccoughs causing stomach pain. Vomiting can occur which may expel food or blood- streaked mucus.

Key indicating features

Stomach pain griping or cutting in nature, gets better by burping

3. Eyes (Eye Pain, Pterygium, Eyelid Twitching And Myopia)

It helps to manage eye pain, burning sensation in eyes, pterygium, eyelid twitching and myopia. Ratanhia is used when there is compressed pain in eye (pain radiating from outside to inside). Burning sensation is felt in eyes especially in evening.  This medicine is also clinically indicated for cases of pterygium (a tissue that grows abnormally on the conjunctiva). Ratanhia works well in case of twitching of upper eyelid on either side. Lastly, it can be given for myopia ( short-sightedness , which is when nearby objects are visible clearly but distant objects appear blurred).

Key indicating features

Compressing type of eye pain

Pterygium (abnormal tissue growth over conjunctiva)

Twitching of upper eyelid

4. Nose (Dryness, Itching)

Ratanhia does a great job in getting rid of dryness in nose which may block nostrils. Scabs in nose, inflamed nostrils and sneezing may occur. One can feel burning sensation in nose, along with itching.

Key indicating features

Nasal dryness with blockage

5. Head (Headache)

By acting on the head, Ratanhia manages headache well. The characteristic symptom to use it is pain in head while straining at stool. Pain is bursting type and can be felt after passing stool too. Heat is also felt along with pain on top of the head which gets better in open air. Sometimes tearing pain is felt in the back of the head radiating to the top.

Key indicating features

Headache on straining while passing stool, or after

6. Female Problems

This medicine can effectively deal with certain female problems. It is a very effective medicine for healing cracked nipples occurring in nursing mothers. Ratanhia can be given in cases where menses are suppressed along with swelling in abdomen and breast. It is also indicated for early and heavy menses that last for long duration. It can also help cases of intermenstrual ( in between periods) bleeding.

Key indicating features

Cracked nipples in nursing mothers

Suppressed menses with swelling in abdomen and breast

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from straining at stool, touch and at night

Relieving factors: Complaints get better in open air

Dosage

It can be used in 30C and even higher potencies like 200C, 1M. In general, low potencies can be repeated often but frequent repetition of high potencies should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

It can be compared with medicines including Nitric Acid, Graphites, Paeonia, and Sulphur

This medicine follows well Bovista and Sulphur

Homeopathic medicine Berberis Vulgaris is derived from barberry plant which belongs to family berberidaceae. The bark of root of this plant undergoes potentization (process to prepare homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal powers of a crude substance) to prepare homeopathic medicine Berberis Vulgaris. It is a renowned medicine in homeopathy to treat kidney disorders, especially kidney stones.

The ‘Berberis Vulgaris’ Constitution

This medicine is highly suitable for persons who suffer from kidney or bladder issues. It also suits persons who feel tired all the time and become prematurely old. Lastly, persons having long-term joint inflammation due to high uric acid level find this medicine very useful.

Drug Action

This medicine has widespread action on urinary organs. Its action is well marked on joints, liver and skin. Lastly, it acts well on male and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Kidney stones, kidney pain, kidney disorders, bladder disorders, nephritis (kidney inflammation), cystitis (bladder inflammation), haematuria (blood in urine), arthritis (joint inflammation), eczema, gallstones, itching, liver disorders, back pain, painful menses, vaginismus, vaginal discharges

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Urinary Issues (Kidney Stones, Kidney Pain, Cystitis)

The foremost action of this medicine is seen on urinary organs. It is one of the best homeopathic medicines to treat numerous urinary issues among which kidney stones is the most prominent. It is highly recommended as the first line of treatment in kidney stone treatment. It helps dissolve kidney stones and relieves pain arising from kidney stones. Berberis Vulgaris is an important medicine for treating shooting pain in kidneys that reaches the bladder. Burning sensation, bubbling sensation or pressive pain is felt in area around kidneys which is sore and sensitive to touch. Any jarring motion or jumping worsens the pain. Other than kidney stones and pain, Berberis Vulgaris can be given in cases of cystitis (bladder inflammation). Urination is difficult and painful along with increase in frequency. During and after urination, cutting and burning pain is felt. There is constant urge to urinate, however urine output is scanty. A feeling of some quantity of urine remaining behind is experienced after urinating. Thick mucus may pass in the urine. Sandy or slimy sediments may pass in urine. Its role in managing cases of haematuria (blood in urine) is worth mentioning.

Key indicating features

To dissolve kidney stones

Shooting pain which spreads from kidney to the bladder

Cystitis with painful and frequent urination, with cutting and burning pains

2. Back (Backache)

This medicine works well for managing backache. In cases needing it, back pain becomes worse on sitting or lying down. There is bruised pain in the lower back with stiffness and difficulty in rising from the seat. A sensation of having been beaten in the lower back is felt. Tension in the lower back with numbness, warmth, stiffness and lameness (unable to walk correctly) are the other accompanying symptoms. It may extend down the lower limbs. Tearing, burning or pressing pain may occur too. Berberis Vulgaris is also beneficial for managing lower back pain during menses. Next indication to use it is sharp pulsating pain in sacrum (triangular bone in lower back). It is a well-indicated medicine for pain in the lower back after surgery.

Key indicating features

Back pain worse while sitting or lying down

Tension in lower back with numbness, warmth, stiffness and lameness

Sharp pulsating pain in sacrum

3. Limbs (Joint Pains)

With its action on limbs, Berberis Vulgaris mainly helps in relieving pain in the joints. Among joints, it offers help to relieve knee joint pain wonderfully. There is stinging type of pain in the knee joint mostly on inner side. It worsens from walking. Knee feels lame, tired and bruised. Knee is swollen, stiff and sore as well. There is tension in the bend of knee. Berberis is a prominent medicine for toe joint pain. It gives good results when there is stitching pain in the toes. Pain is most marked in the big toe. Burning and crawling feeling, pricking pain and soreness is felt in the toes. One may also find Berberis helpful in alleviating shoulder joint pain. A person recovers from tearing, stinging or throbbing pain in the shoulder which gets worse with movement and applying pressure with this medicine. This medicine is useful for elbow pain. It can be given for tearing, drawing or stinging pain in the elbow. The pain can extend to the hand from the elbow, along with heaviness. Another characteristic for its use is heel pain which is of tearing, stinging type and felt when stepping up or down, and walking. Ulcerated pain in the heel is felt while standing.

Key indicating features

Stinging pain in the knee joint on inner side, gets worse while walking

Stitching pain in the toes

Shoulder pain gets worse from movement and pressure

Heel pain of tearing, stinging type while stepping and walking

4. Male Problems (Pain In Testes, Genital Itching)

Action of Berberis Vulgaris is also noted on the male genitals. This medicine can help to relieve pain in the testes which may be  stitching/ constricting/ smarting/ cutting/  stinging/ pressing or burning type. This medicine also relieves pain in the spermatic cord which is smarting/burning/ piercing in nature. This medicine can help to manage itching on the scrotum as well. Another main indication for its use is suppressed sexual desire. Besides these, it works well in cases of premature ejaculation. Crawling, stinging, itching in the genitals can also be well managed with Berberis Vulgaris.

Key indicating features

Stitching, constricting, smarting, cutting, stinging, pressing or burning pain in the testes

Crawling sensation, stinging pain, itching in the genitals

5. Female Problems (Painful Menses, Leucorrhoea, Vaginismus)

There are some female problems that this medicine can treat wonderfully. First among these is painful menses (dysmenorrhoea). There is marked pain in the genitals. There is greyish blood discharge during periods. Berberis Vulgaris can be used for painful menses with pain in the kidneys radiating down the thighs. The periods are scanty and black in colour. Next it helps cases of vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) when there is discharge of greyish mucus accompanied with painful urination. Vaginismus (involuntary contraction of vaginal muscles when something tries to enter it) cases can also be treated well with it. Lastly it is indicated for cases of suppressed sexual desire or low sexual desire.

Key indicating features

Pain in kidney down the thighs during menses

Vaginal discharge of greyish mucus

6. Liver Complaints (Liver Pain)

With its action on liver, Berberis is useful in managing liver pain. This can successfully handle cases of aching, stabbing, sticking, pressive or shooting pain in the liver. The pain gets worse if affected area is pressed. It is also well indicated for gallstones treatment. It can relieve pain in case of gall stones.

Key indicating features

Aching, stabbing, sticking, pressive or shooting pain in the liver

Gallstones with marked pain

7. Skin Issues (Itching, Eczema, Pigmentation, Warts)

Berberis Vulgaris acts wonderfully on skin. Here it gives good result in cases of skin itching. Along with this, burning and pricking sensation is felt on skin. Scratching worsens these complaints, while cold application offers relief. This medicine can be given for treating skin pigmentation that occurs in circumscribed spots (patches). Its use is also considered in eczema of anus and hands particularly. Lastly, it can treat flat warts.

Key indicating features

Skin itching and burning worse from scratching

Skin pigmentation in circumscribed spots

Eczema particularly of anus and hands

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from movement, rising up from seat, during urination, from jarring, standing and deep pressure

Relieving factors: Complaints get better in open air and after urinating

Dosage

This medicine can be used in both low and high potencies. But the most preferred is mother tincture (Q) form. In Q potency, 5 to 7 drops of this medicine dissolved in half a cup of water can be taken two to three times a day. Caution is required to use it in high potency frequently which is generally not recommended.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor and Belladonna

It antidotes: Aconite

It can be compared with other remedies including Lycopodium, Sarsaparilla, Nux Vomica and Oxalic Acid.

The homeopathic medicine Chimaphila Umbellata is prepared from the plant Pipsissewa, also known as ‘prince’s pine’. It belongs to family pyroleae. The roots and leaves of the plant or the fresh plant in the flowering stage is potentised according to homeopathic formula that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties. After potentization, it is converted into a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Chimaphila Umbellata of great clinical significance. Its action in treating prostate issues and certain urinary problems is highly commendable.

The ‘Chimaphila Umbellata’ Constitution

This medicine suits persons with a weak body who are disposed to fluid build-up (oedema) in abdomen and kidney. It is also suitable for women predisposed to breast tumours and those who suffer from difficult urination (dysuria).

Drug Action

The major action of this medicine is on prostate gland and urinary organs. Besides, it also acts on skin, gastric system, limbs and female genitals. Lastly, its action is also noted on lymphatic and mesenteric glands.

Clinical Indications

Urethral stricture, prostate enlargement, prostatitis, dysuria, cystitis, urethritis, nephritis, albuminuria, gonorrhoea, syphilis, atrophy of testicles, breast tumours, breast atrophy, inflamed labia, skin ulcers, peeling of skin, ascites, hepatitis, constipation, rectal pain, shoulder joint pain, thigh pain, paronychia.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

 1. Urinary Issues (Urethral Stricture, Urethritis, Cystitis, Dysuria, Nephritis, Albuminuria)

It is a highly recommended medicine to manage urinary issues. Firstly, it is a leading medicine for treating cases of urethral stricture (narrowing of urethra). Persons needing it have to strain to initiate urination. The urinary stream is weak, thread-like or may be split. Urine may come in drops  sometimes. The passage of urine is difficult, it can be so difficult that urine passes only by standing with feet apart and inclining the body forward. Chimaphila is also a very important medicine to manage cystitis (urinary bladder inflammation). There is frequent desire to urinate with scanty urine. Urge for urination may occur every one or two hours. There is a feeling of fullness in urinary bladder. Cutting or scalding pain is felt while urinating. Thick, ropy, bloody mucus may pass in the urine. There is offensive smell in urine. Chimaphila also helps cases of dysuria (difficult or painful urination). It works well when urine is frequent and scanty and passes with scalding, smarting pain. The pain persists after urination. It is also valuable to manage urethritis (inflammation of urethra) cases with copious pus or mucus as discharge. Chimaphila is also a well-indicated medicine for nephritis (inflammation of kidneys). Urine is scanty, thick, dark-coloured with fetid smell. This medicine is also indicated for cases of albuminuria (passing too much protein albumin in urine).

Key indicating features

Urethral stricture with weak urine stream, straining to urinate

Difficult Urination – passed only by standing with feet apart and inclining body forward

Thick, ropy, bloody mucus in urine.

2. Male Problems (Prostate Enlargement, Prostatitis, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis)

This medicine is principally helpful for prostate enlargement and prostatitis (inflammation of prostate gland) in which there is difficult and painful urination. In some cases, retention of urine may occur from prostate enlargement. Chimaphila is also effective in dealing with gonorrhoea (sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoea). Syphilis (sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria treponema pallidum) can also be handled with this medicine wonderfully. Additionally, it is also indicated for cases of atrophy (shrinkage or decrease in size) of testicles.

Key indicating features

Prostate enlargement with retention of urine

Prostatitis with difficult and painful urination

Atrophy of testicles

3. Female Problems (Breast Tumours, Breast Atrophy, Inflamed Labia)

Chimaphila is also effective in treating painful breast tumours. Sharp pain is felt in the breast, attended with secretion of milk from the breast. It can also be given in cases of atrophy (shrinkage or reduced size) of breast. Next it can be given for cases of inflamed and swollen labia as well as for vaginal pain. Rest of the complaints where it is indicated include prolapse of uterus/vagina, hot flashes, and suppression of milk.

Key indicating features

Breast tumours with sharp pain

Breast atrophy

4. Skin (Ulcers, Blisters, Skin Peeling)

Use of Chimaphila is also considered in treating skin diseases like skin ulcers. Stinging and crawling sensation is felt with yellow discharge in skin ulcers. Secondly, it is helpful for treating dark red eruptions on skin. Chimaphila is effective on blisters (fluid-filled eruptions) and in cases where there is peeling of skin (desquamation).

Key indicating features

Skin ulcers with yellow discharge and stinging crawling sensation

Blisters and skin peeling

5. Gastric System (Hepatitis, Constipation, Rectal Pain)

Its action is also seen on gastric system where it is mainly indicated for liver inflammation (Hepatitis). Another complaint to use Chimaphila is constipation with piles. Besides these, it is indicated for blood-stained stool with mucus, pain in left side of rectum, worm infestation, or griping pain after stool.

Key indicating features

Blood-stained stool with mucus

Left-sided rectal pain

6. Limbs (Shoulder Joint Pain, Thigh Pain, Paronychia)

Chimaphila is a prominent medicine to manage cases of shoulder joint pain. Along with shoulder pain on the right side, pain is also felt in biceps (muscles of upper arm) or the entire arm. It also works well to reduce thigh pain felt on lying down. Bruised pain in calf muscles is yet another complaint where it provides relief. Lastly, it is valuable to manage paronychia – a skin infection around fingernails or toenails.

Key indicating features

Thigh pain on lying down

Paronychia

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse with cold washing, damp weather and while beginning to urinate

Relieving factors: Complaints get better by walking

Dosage

This medicine can be used in both low and high potencies. Among these, its use is most commonly recommended in mother tincture (Q) form. The potency selection and repetition varies from case to case as per the nature and duration of complaint. In Q form, it is usually advised to take 5 to 7 drops of Chimaphila by dissolving in half cup of water – two to three times a day as per intensity of the problem.

Relationship With Other Remedies

It can be compared with medicines Chimaphila maculata, Uva Ursi, Apocynum, Rhododendron and Sabal Serrulata.