Homeopathic medicine Aloe Socotrina is prepared from the gum of the leaves of plant Common aloes which belongs to family Liliaceae.  The gum of leaves of this plant is potentized as per homeopathic formula that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties. After going through the potentization process, it becomes a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Aloe Socotrina. It is a leading homeopathic medicine for managing the complaint of piles and diarrhea (loose stool).

The ‘Aloe Socotrina’ Constitution

Aloe Socotrina suits elderly people who are weak and suffer from diarrhea and abdomen pain. It is also recommended for persons who have been drinking beer for a long time.

 Drug Action

This medicine has a significant action on rectum. It is suitable to manage complaints occurring from portal congestion (rise of blood pressure in portal venous system that includes veins coming from stomach, pancreas, spleen, intestine which merge into the portal vein that branches in small vessels and travel to liver). It acts well on the veins of the abdomen. Its action in liver, pelvis and large intestine is also well marked. Besides these, Aloe Socotrina acts well on the back, head, urinary system, skin and male and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Piles, diarrhea, proctitis, anal fistula, colitis (inflammation of large intestine), anal fistula, anal itching, cholera, fecal incontinence, abdomen pain, gas, bloating, backache, headache, skin itching, enlarged prostate, involuntary urination, uterine prolapse.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Rectum (piles, loose motion, fistula, inflammation of rectum and large intestine)

Aloe Socotrina has a wide application on the rectum, it can effectively settle numerous complaints including piles, diarrhea, proctitis (rectal inflammation), colitis (inflammation of large intestine), anal fistula, anal itching, rectal prolapse, cholera and fecal incontinence.

It has shown great clinical improvements in cases of piles (swollen, enlarged veins in or around the anus or in lower rectum). Here it works best for protruding hemorrhoids which refers to internal piles that protrude outside the anus. They are blue in color and appear like a bunch of grapes and are very sore and tender to touch along with heat. Applying cold water may be soothing. A person may also feel a sharp pain in the anus and rectum due to piles. The burning sensation is also felt along with pain. A constant bearing down in the rectum is a prominent symptom that can attend. Though majorly used for protruding piles, it also has an affinity to treat piles that bleed excessively and quite frequently.

It is also effective in treating diarrhea cases. In such cases, there is a watery lumpy stool and sudden urge to pass stool soon after eating or drinking. The urge to pass stool may remain constant. Sometimes there is urge to pass stool, but only gas passes. In some cases, stool is bright yellow, thin, mushy with undigested food particles in it. There is a feeling of fullness in the pelvis. Person may feel cramping pain in abdomen before and during passing stool. Sometimes they experience pinching in abdomen before passing stool. Rumbling and gurgling are felt in rectum. With loose stool excessive gas, rectal pain, rectal heaviness, burning in rectum and chilliness can occur. Aloe Socotrina can also be administered to people suffering from early morning diarrhea where person has to rush out of bed to pass stool. Use of this medicine is also recommended when there is blood and mucus-like/jelly-like lumps with stool. Other peculiar indications for using it are diarrhea that occurs from drinking beer, and in hot damp weather.

This medicine is successfully used in cases of inflammation of rectum (proctitis), or inflammation of large intestine (colitis). Its use is suggested for anal fistula and rectal prolapse. Furthermore it works very well to alleviate itching and burning sensation of anus that prevents sleep. It can be given to manage cholera (infection of small intestine caused by bacteria vibrio cholerae) cases. The last yet another important complaint where it is indicated is faecal incontinence (involuntary leakage of stool). It is indicated when stool escapes without notice when passing gas.

Key indicating features

Piles protruding, appear like bunch of grapes

painful, sore, tender piles better from cold water application

Diarrhea with sudden urge to stool soon after eating or drinking

early morning diarrhea

Diarrhea in hot, damp weather

passing jelly like mucus in stool

inflammation of rectum and inflammation of large intestine

involuntary passage of stool when passing gas

Anal fistula

2. Gastric Issues (Pain In Abdomen, Gas, Bloating)

This medicine has a marked action on gastric system. It is beneficial for abdomen pain which gets better by passing gas. It also helps in cases of navel pain which gets worse by putting pressure. There is excessive gas, bloating, heaviness, fullness in abdomen. Aloe Socotrina can be used to relieve abdomen pain felt before and during stool. It works wonders to alleviate twisting griping type of pain in abdomen with a desire to sit in bent forward position. Other indications for using it includes burping that can be sour, bitter, or tasteless, along with nausea with headache. Aloe Socotrina can also be given to manage nausea and gas, along with headache after eating.

Key indicating features

abdomen pain better from passing gas

navel pain worse from pressure

nausea, gas accompanied with headache after eating

3. Liver complaints (liver pain)

Aloe Socotrina can rectify certain liver issues also. This medicine can be prescribed for managing liver pain. The pain aggravates while standing, and deep breathing. Pain can be sharp or stitching type which may extend from the liver to the chest sometimes. There is pain, fullness, heat, and pressure in the liver. There is jaundice with heaviness in liver. The tongue is coated and there is foul breath.

Key indicating features

pain while standing, and from deep breathing

stitching pain in liver extending to chest

4. Back (lower back pain)

Aloe Socotrina is of great help in managing lower back pain in lumbar region during movement. A characteristic feature to use it is back pain which alternates with headache and piles. This medicine can also settle pain or heaviness felt in sacral region when person feels pain while sitting and feel better by walking. Not only this, it can be given for back pain that occurs in case of prolapse of uterus too.

Key indicating features

lower back pain in lumbar region worse from movement

pain in sacral region, worse from sitting, better from movement

back pain associated with uterine prolapse

5. Head (headache)

Aloe is also known to have effect on head, where its foremost action is to manage headache. In most cases needing it, the pain is felt across the forehead, along with heaviness in and around eyes. A person may also feel nausea along with headache. There is worsening of pain from heat, while it gets relieved by cold applications and closing the eyes. Aloe Socotrina also effectively deals with headache caused by the insufficient passage of stool along with abdomen pain. Headache alternating with back pain or pain in intestine are also some other symptoms requiring it.

Key indicating features

headache which gets worse by heat, better by cold applications

headache gets better by closing eyes

headache due to insufficient passage of stool

headache alternating with back pain or intestine complaints

6. Skin (itching, pimples)

Aloe is also a solution to some skin complaints. Itching that occurs in winters is a classic symptom indicating its use. It covers itching of legs well. On scratching, it becomes painful and sensitive. It is a wonderful medicine for treating pimples on abdomen.

Key indicating features

itching in winters

pimples on abdomen

7. Urinary system (urgent urination, involuntary urination)

Aloe Socotrina is highly recommended for persons who have to rush to pass urine and it cannot be retained. Burning sensation is felt while urinating. It is beneficial for cases of the involuntary passage of urine in elderly people suffering from an enlarged prostate gland.

Key indicating features

urgency in passing urine

involuntary passage of urine (urinary incontinence) in elderly people and enlarged prostate gland

8. Male Problems (Enlarged Prostate, Involuntary Erections, Itching Of Prepuce)

This medicine can manage enlarged prostate along with involuntary urine passage. Other problems it can address are premature ejaculation, itching of the prepuce, increased sexual desire, and erection after urinating.

Key indicating features

enlarged prostate causing involuntary urine passage.

itching of prepuce

erection after urination

9. Female Problems (Uterus Prolapse, Early Menses)

For females, it is prescribed for managing uterine prolapse. There is heaviness in the uterine region and pelvis, weakness, labor-like pains in the back, and groin radiating to legs. There may occur colic followed by vaginal discharge of bloody mucus. It can be used for managing complaint of early, prolonged and copious menses.

Key indicating features

uterine prolapse with heaviness in uterine and pelvis; labor like pains in the back; groin radiating to legs

early, prolonged and copious menses

Modalities

Worsening factors: complaints get worse from heat, hot dry/damp weather, summer; on standing, walking; early morning

Relieving factors: complaints get better by cold applications, passing gas, and in cool open air

Dosage

Aloe Socotrina works well in both low and high potencies. The potency is selected individually in every case. In low potency like 30C, it can be repeated frequently. When used in high potencies, the repetition should be done with care under the supervision of a homeopathic physician.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor, Nux Vomica, Lycopodium and Sulphur

Followed well by Kali Bichrome, Sepia, Sulphuric Acid and Sulphur

 

Baryta Carbonica is prepared from barium carbonate. With potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that bring out its medicinal properties), barium carbonate is converted into a highly beneficial homeopathic medicine Baryta Carb. It is prescribed to treat numerous health issues like developmental delays in children, autism spectrum disorders, memory issues and concentration issues in children. It is a leading medicine to treat tonsillitis, enlarged prostate gland and hair loss.

The ‘Baryta Carbonica’ Constitution

Though it can be given to persons of any age group, it is best suited to children and elderly people. Its use is mainly recommended for those children having retarded growth, both mentally and physically. For the elderly, its use is considered when degenerative changes in brain, heart and blood vessels show up early.

 Drug Action

This medicine acts on many body organs, like the mind, tonsils, throat, scalp and prostate gland. It shows prominent action on ears, skin, urinary organs, heart and male and female genitals. It works well on different glands, mainly swollen, enlarged and hardened glands, mainly enlarged glands in neck, enlarged tonsils, enlarged prostate gland; swollen parotid gland and axillary glands (under the arm).

 Clinical Indications

Developmental delays, autism, concentration issues, dullness of mind, weak memory and forgetfulness, tonsillitis, sore throat, quinsy (abscess in between one of the tonsils and wall of throat), baldness, parotitis, hearing difficulty, tinnitus, enlarged prostate, amenorrhoea, cysts, lipoma, foot sweat, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, palpitations, wens (boils)

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Complaints Of The Mind (Developmental Delay, Autism, Poor Concentration, Dullness Of Mind, Weak Memory And Forgetfulness)

Baryta Carb shows remarkable action on the mind. It is a highly recommended medicine to treat cases of developmental delay in children. It is also a top-listed medicine for managing cases of autism. Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder that results in problems pertaining to communication, and social interaction. It also results in restricted and repetitive patterns of unwanted behavior. This medicine can be of great help in cases of delayed speech among children or late learners or children who begin walking late. It also plays an important role when the child is unable to connect words to objects. There is also difficulty in coordination. This medicine also helps children who have poor concentration and helps improve their attention span among them.

Other than these this medicine benefits in cases where a child has a dull mind and weak mental grasp, has difficulty in learning new things and can’t remember things easily. In general, such children are very shy, bashful and cowardly. They hide behind furniture in front of strangers or keep their hands on their faces and peep through fingers.

They fear the stranger. They have aversion to play and desire to sit in corner and do nothing. It is also an effective medicine for those with weak memory and forgetfulness, especially among the elderly.

Key indicating features

1. developmental delay in children

2. late learning & delayed talking & walk among children

3. poor concentration among children

4. dull mind and weak mental grasp, difficulty in learning and remembering things

5. shy, bashful and coward children who have fear of strangers (xenophobia) and avoid them or hide behind furniture upon seeing them

6. weak memory and forgetfulness especially among the elderly

2. Throat Issues (Tonsillitis, Quinsy, Sore Throat, Parotitis)

Baryta Carb acts wonderfully on the throat. It is very suitable to treat cases of tonsillitis. Those having tendency to recurrent tonsillitis can be highly benefitted from this medicine. There is predisposition to catch cold easily resulting in inflammation of the tonsils. In cases who need it, the tonsils are enlarged, swollen, inflamed with swollen veins. This medicine is also a leading medicine for managing cases of quinsy (inflammation of the throat especially an abscess in the region of the tonsils). Quinsy also known as peritonsillar abscess refers to pus collection behind the tonsils. It’s also used for sore throat. There is stitching or smarting pain in the throat. The pain in the throat gets worse upon making swallowing motion (though nothing is being swallowed). The sufferers can only swallow liquids. Burning sensation is also felt in the throat. There is increased salivation. One begins his morning with a sticky mucus. Its use is also recommended to treat cases of parotitis (inflammation of parotid gland which is a salivary gland). The parotid gland is swollen and tender in cases when this medicine is required.

Key indicating features

1. Tonsillitis with enlarged, swollen, inflamed tonsils with swollen veins

2. Recurrent tonsillitis occurring every time when exposed to cold

3. tendency to catch cold easily

4. management of quinsy (pus behind tonsils)

5. Parotitis (inflamed parotid gland)

3. Scalp Complaints (Baldness, Wens)

Baryta Carb is an excellent medicine for managing cases of hair fall. It is highly suitable for managing complaints of baldness (hair loss) in young men. It gives good results when used in the very early stage of baldness. In the advanced and late stages, it may not yield fruitful results. In most cases needing it, hair loss is most prominent on the top of the scalp. Baryta Carb works well to manage crawling sensation (like crawling ants) on the scalp. The scalp is very sensitive to touch. Apart from these, it is a leading medicine to help treat wens (boils) on scalp. Wens are non-cancerous cyst on the scalp that contains fatty secretion of a sebaceous gland.

Key indicating features

1. early stages of baldness (hair loss) in very young men

2. hair loss from the top of scalp

3. crawling sensation on scalp

4. wens on scalp

4. Ear Complaints (Difficult Hearing, Tinnitus, Eruptions)

This medicine proves beneficial for various ear-related complaints. Firstly, it can be used in cases of difficult hearing, especially in elderly people. Second main indication of its use is tinnitus (noises in ears in the absence of any external source). The sufferer may hear buzzing, roaring or crackling noise inside ears. This medicine can be next used in cases of hard knotty swelling behind the ears. Lastly, it can help to treat eruptions that may occur on or behind the ears.

Key indicating features

1. difficult hearing especially in elderly people

2. Tinnitus with buzzing, roaring or crackling noises in ears

3. hard knotty swelling behind the ears

4. eruptions on or behind the ears

5. Male Problems (Enlarged Prostate, Impotency, Premature Ejaculation)

Males may find this medicine quite useful to treat various problems among which prostate issues arethe most prominent. It is an important medicine for managing cases of enlarged prostate gland. It is well indicated to manage cases of sexual weakness, impotency (inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse). The desire for sex is also reduced. It can also be given in cases of premature ejaculation. Another complaint where it is prominently indicated is hardened testicles. There is excessive sweating around the scrotum.

Key indicating features

1. enlargement of prostate gland

2. impotency (inability to achieve or maintain an erection)

3. decreased sexual desire

4. premature ejaculation

5. hardened testicles

6. Female Problems (Amenorrhoea, Scanty Menses, Atrophy Of Breast And Ovaries)

Baryta Carb helps to manage some of the female problems as well. It can be given in cases where menses are suppressed (amenorrhoea). It can be used for cases of scanty menses and short duration of menses where menses last only for one day. Before menses, there may occur pain in teeth, swelling in cheeks, pain in abdomen and back. Another very important indication for its use is atrophy (reduction in size) of ovaries or breasts.

Key indicating features

1. suppressed menses or scanty and short menses

2. atrophy of ovaries or breast

7. Urinary Issues (Frequent Urine, Urgency To Urinate)

Baryta Carb has a marked action on urinary organs to deal with various urinary issues. The foremost indication for its use is an increased frequency of urine. There is frequent urination especially at night due to marked irritation in bladder. It can offer a great benefit to elderly people who complain of frequent urination. There is also an urgency to urinate where a person is unable to retain urine. After urination, dribbling (slow flow of urine in drops) may occur. There may be a burning sensation while urinating. A very characteristic feature that guides its use is the protrusion of hemorrhoids (piles) during urination.

Key indicating features

1. increased frequency of urine, especially at night

2. frequent urination in elderly people

3. urgency to urinate where person has to rush to urinate

4. protrusion of piles on urinating

8. Skin (Itching, Cyst, Lipoma, Whitlow)

This medicine is very effective in managing skin itching at night time. Scratching or rubbing does not relieve itching. Needle-pricking/ crawling sensation over skin may also be felt. it is a top-listed medicine for managing cases of lipoma (lump of fatty tissue growing beneath the skin). Baryta Carb is best suited for managing cases of fatty tumors around the neck. Its use is also recommended to treat cysts (a lump filled with fluid, semi-solid matter or gaseous material) and whitlows (infection of thumb or fingertips caused by herpes simplex virus).

Key indicating features

1. skin itching and tingling at night

2. lipoma, cyst

3. whitlow (infection of thumb or fingertips)

9. Perspiration

Use of this medicine is highly recommended for excessive sweat on feet. It has a fetid(extremely unpleasant)  smell. Its use is also considered when sweating occurs on single body areas, like one hand or one foot. Besides these, Baryta Carb can be administered when there is a tendency to sweat specifically on one side of body. Complaints arising from suppression of foot sweat can be wonderfully tackled with this remedy.

Key indicating features

1. excessive foul-smelling foot sweat

2. sweating on one side of body

3. complaints resulting from suppressed foot sweat

10. Heart Complaints (High Blood Pressure, Arteriosclerosis, Palpitations)

For heart complaints, this medicine can be used for the management of high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also a valuable medicine for cases of arteriosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of arteries). Lastly, it works well to manage palpitations that are violent and felt mainly when lying on the left side.

Key indicating features

1. high blood pressure

2. palpitations when lying on left side

Modalities

Worsening factors: complaints are worse from cold air, mental exertion, suppressed foot sweat, washing, and when thinking of the symptoms

Relieving factors: complaints are better in warm atmosphere, and when walking in open air

Dosage

Use of this medicine can be done from low to high potency. Most frequently used is 30C potency. This medicine is slow acting that bears repetition well.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Antimonium Tart, Belladonna, Camphor, Dulcamara, Merc Sol and Zincum Met

Followed well by: Conium, China, Lycopodium, Nitric Acid, Psorinum, Pulsatilla, Sepia, Sulphur and Tuberculinum

The medicine Chamomilla is derived from the plant Matricaria Chamomilla belonging to family Compositae. This plant when in early bloom undergoes potentization (process to prepare homeopathic medicines that arouses the medicinal powers of the crude substance) after which it gets converted into homeopathic medicine Chamomilla.

The ‘Chamomilla’ Constitution

This medicine is recommended for people who are sensitive and extremely emotional. This medicine suits children well, especially during dentition period (development and arrangement of teeth). It is also suitable for treating children suffering from various gastric issues. Other than this, it suits adults with joint problems.

Drug Action

It has an effect on the mind, head, ears, teeth, face, throat, stomach, rectum, female genitals and nerves.

Clinical Indications

Dentition problems, earache, anger issues, sore throat, stomach pain, diarrhea, wind colic, toothache, mumps, nerve pain, heavy periods, menstrual cramps, sleeplessness, and night terrors.

Scope as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. Complaints vis-a-vis one’s Mental State (Irritability, Anger, Obstinacy)

It is a highly valuable medicine to manage many complaints related to the mind. It is pre-eminently a medicine to manage irritability and anger. It offers great help to manage intense irritability in children. A general desire of such a child is to be carried by an elder on the lap all the time. They are very cross and snappish, and ill–mannered. They dislike talking and become angry if someone speaks to them. They cannot answer politely. They tend to annoy those around them. Obstinacy, dissatisfaction and highly demanding nature is presented by them. They desire many things at a time, but when offered do not take them. Restlessness is marked in such children along with these symptoms. They are impatient and tend to do everything hastily and hurriedly.Intense irritability in children during dentition is a strong indication to use it. Other than the above-mentioned, this medicine is administered to people who have a bad temper and are prone to excessive anger.

Key indicating features

1. irritable, obstinate children with a constant desire to be carried in arms

2. irritability in children during dentition

3. restlessness in children

2. For Dentition Problems (Irritability, Diarrhea and red, tender Gums)

It is the first choice of medicine to treat a number of issues that children face during dentition period. First among them is managing irritability. The child becomes very obstinate and fussy during teething. He or she wishes to be carried in the arms all the time. Second complaint is tenderness and redness of gums. One cheek may be red and hot, while the other is pale and cold. Diarrhea during dentition is next highly guiding symptom to use it. There is yellowish, green, foul-smelling, loose stool accompanied by stomach pain. Fever during dentition is another major symptom.

Key indicating features

1. irritable, cranky children during teething with a desire to be carried in the arms all the time

2. diarrhea during teething

3.  red, tender gums

3. Teeth and Gums (toothache; red, swollen, tender gums)

It has proved to be beneficial for toothache and swollen gums. With its action on teeth, this remedy helps to manage intense toothache, which gets worse at night causing sleeplessness. The nature of pain varies, it can be the following type — stitching, drawing, throbbing or digging. At times, the pain can extend to the eye or the ear. It may get worse due to a cold gust of air in the room, warm drinks/food, or while talking. Toothache comes and goes in spurts. The cheek is swollen, red and hot along with tooth pain. Teeth may be sensitive to touch, increased salivation occurs. Chamomilla effectively manages swollen gums with burning sensation, and cases where gums are red and tender during dentition.

Key indicating features

1. toothache worse at night and with sleeplessness

2. toothache from warm food/drinks, while talking, exposure to cold draught of air

3. red, tender gums during teething

4. Throat Concerns (sore throat, mumps)

This medicine has marked action on throat. It settles many complaints like sore throat, inflamed tonsils, and throat. The throat appears dark red from the inside on clinical examination, there is a feeling of something being stuck in throat which causes hawking (clearing effort to cough out phlegm). The throat feels hot and there is difficulty in swallowing solid food. This medicine also helps to manage swelling of salivary glands __ parotid and submaxillary glands. Chamomilla exhibits powerful action in treating mumps (a viral infection of parotid glands).

Key indicating features

1. sore throat with dark redness

2. swelling of parotid and submaxillary glands

3. mumps

5. Ears (earache, ear Infection and Noise in ear)

Chamomilla can be given for ear pain. Those who need it mainly have stitching/ tearing or pressing pain. The pain can be intense which gets better after giving some heat treatment. The sensitivity to noise is also marked. There is swelling and heat in the ears. Ears get painful on touch. Next, it can be used for middle ear infection and inflammation (otitis media). Pain in the ear and fever are marked in such cases. Ears feels clogged. Lastly, it is suitable to manage roaring noises, rushing-water noises in the ears.

Key indicating features

1. intense ear pain – tearing/stitching or pressing type

2. otitis media (inflamation)

3. noises in the ear – roaring/ rushing-water noises

6. Face (facial Neuralgia, Twitching of Facial Muscles)

This medicine has shown clinical improvements in cases of nerve pain in face (facial neuralgia). The pain can be so intense that one could start screaming. The pain may be restricted to one side. The nature of pain varies. It can be drawing/pulsating or shooting type. There is marked burning sensation on the face, swelling on the face and cheeks can occur. Chamomilla can also be given for twitching of facial muscles and lips.

Key indicating features

1. facial nerve pain of intense nature

2. twitching of facial muscles and lips

7. Head (Headache, profuse Sweating on Scalp)

Chamomilla is useful to manage headache,  especially on one side which is mostly drawing or throbbing type. Another characteristic is headache worsens after drinking coffee. There is a tendency for excessive sweating on the scalp.

Key indicating features

1. headache worsens after drinking coffee

2. excessive sweating on forehead and scalp

8. Gastric issues (Stomach Pain, Diarrhea)

Chamomilla can be of great help to treat colic (stomach pain) in children which causes gripping pain in the umbilical region. Distension of abdomen may occur. Stomach pain may occur from gas accumulation (wind colic). Children who get stomach pain specifically during dentition can highly benefit from this medicine. It is one of the best medicines for managing diarrhea in children during dentition. Stool is watery, yellowish, greenish and slimy, with an offensive or foul smell. It is accompanied by stomach pain and the anus may be swollen.

Key indicating features

1. griping pain in the umbilical region

2. wind colic (stomach pain from gas)

3. diarrhea during dentition

9. Female Problems (Painful Menses, Heavy Periods, Vaginal Discharge)

This medicine can be helpful for women to manage complaints like menstrual pain, menorrhagia (heavy or prolonged bleeding during menses) and vaginal discharge. Menses are heavy with dark clots. There may be dark blood, occasionally bright red, which is foul-smelling. Limbs are cold during menses. It can be very effective for menstrual pain, where there is excessive pain with marked irritability of mind. It can also be given for vaginal discharges. The discharge is yellow, attended with a burning sensation in the vagina.

Key indicating features

1. heavy periods with dark, foul blood

2. painful menses with irritability

3. yellowish vaginal discharge with burning

10. Sleep Issues (Sleeplessness, Restless Sleep, Night Terrors)

It can prove to be a brilliant remedy for resolving various sleep issues: sleeplessness, restless sleep, night terrors, and snoring. In case of sleeplessness, it helps when a person is unable to sleep though one feels sleepy. One may keep awake till 2 am. A person is restless with tossing and turning in bed. Sleeplessness may be due to pain or heat in the body. Jerking during sleep may occur, while in persons having night terrors, this remedy may help when they are anxious and have frightful dreams, like a serious accident. Chamomilla helps children who wake several times at night from frightful dreams. They get startled suddenly during sleep and start crying. Talking in sleep is another striking symptom to use this medicine.

Key indicating features

1. sleeplessness which continues till wee hours

2. frightful dreams

3. talking in sleep

Modalities

Worsening factors: Those needing it have general worsening of complaints caused by anger, heat; in the open air and at night.

Relieving factors: A general relief occurs in warm wet weather. Children may feel better from being carried in arms.

Dosage

Chamomilla works well in both low and high potencies. The potency is selected individually for every case. In low potency like 30C, it can be repeated frequently. But when using in high potencies like 200C; 1M frequent repetition should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Alumina, Borax, China, Coffea, Colocynth, Nux Vomica and Valeriana

Followed well by Aconite, Arnica, Belladonna, Calcarea Carb, Merc Sol, Silicea and Sulphur

The medicine Colocynthis is derived from the plant bitter cucumber or bitter apple, with the scientific name citrullus colocynthis belonging to the family cucurbitaceae.

The pulp of the fruit of this plant undergoes potentization (process to prepare homeopathic medicines that bring out the medicinal powers of a drug) after which it gets converted into homeopathic medicine Colocynthis. It leads the list of homeopathic medicines to treat complaints of sciatica and stomach cramps.

The ‘Colocynthis’ Constitution

This medicine is most suitable for people who get angry easily. It suits persons who have crampy, colicky abdomen pain (sharp, localized gastrointestinal or urinary pain), and joint pain.  Besides these, it is suited to people who have a tendency to get obese.

Drug Action

Primarily, it acts well on nerves, gastric system, limbs, and joints. Other than this, it works well on muscles, back, face, and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Sciatica, stomach cramps, colicky pain, cramps in legs, facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia, ovarian pain, painful menses, back pain, neck stiffness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, thigh pain.

Scope as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. Lower limbs (sciatica, joint pain, thigh pain, cramps)

Colocynthis is used broadly on lower limbs to treat numerous complaints. It is a highly recommended medicine to treat sciatica. Traveling along the path of the sciatic nerve, sciatica is a pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down the hip, back of the thigh, and back of the leg up to the feet. It is often the first choice of homeopathic medicine to begin the treatment of sciatica. Though effective to treat sciatica on any side, it is more effective in treating left-side sciatica than on the right side. It is indicated by drawing/ tearing/ shooting pain. The pain gets worse with long-continued motion, and also at night. One gets relief by applying heat treatment, rubbing and pressing. The affected area may be tender and painful to touch. In some cases, numbness occurs along with pain. Other than this prime indication, Colocynthis works well in cases of joint pain, and stiffness, and at places where tendons are shortened. There is a pain in the hip joint, mostly cramps. One gets relief from pain by lying on the painful side of the hip. Pain is mostly on the right side which can be throbbing and stitching (pinching) type which starts from the hip joint and extends to the knee or leg in some cases. The hip joint is swollen, so the buttock area is sensitive to touch. Pain increases even on the slightest motion if you bend the leg inward. Rest and a warm bed relieves pain.

Colocynthis can also improve knee joint pain especially when it is of the stitching type (as if someone’s pricking needles). The knee is stiff and a cold sensation is felt in the knee; the pain aggravates on walking.

This medicine also proves to be effective in cases of cramps in the legs, middle of the thigh and feet, and when the calf muscles feel numb. Colocynth is also indicated to manage thigh pain. Drawing pain (muscle pull-like pain) in the right thigh is felt that may extend to the knee. Standing and walking make the pain worse. The right side thigh muscles feel stiff. Drawing pain on the inner side of the left thigh is also felt.

Key indicating features

1. sciatica on the left side with drawing/ tearing/ shooting pain

2. sciatica gets worse by long continuous motion and gets better by warming, rubbing, and pressing

3. cramps in the hip joint which get relieved by lying on the painful side

2. Gastric system (stomach cramps, colicky pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting)

Colocynth is of great service in treating various gastric problems. The foremost indication to use it is stomach pain, stomach cramps, and colicky pain in the abdomen. The pain worsens even with the slightest intake of solid food or liquid. There is relief in pain by bending or pressing the stomach. Cramps may get better by burping.  Sometimes there is tearing/ burning/griping type of pain in the abdomen. Cutting or twisting pain around the navel followed by its spread to the upper part of the abdomen is also a prominent symptom. Another striking feature for its use is flatulent colic means pain in the abdomen due to gas. Croaking (deep rough sounds) and rumbling in bowels are felt.

Colocynth is beneficial for relieving nausea and vomiting. The vomit consists of food particles and greenish substances. This medicine can be used in case of long-term diarrhea with watery, yellow, frothy and sour-smelling stool, accompanied by abdominal pain and gas. A very characteristic symptom when colocynth can be administered is diarrhea due to emotional stress, like outbursts of anger or grief. Its use is also indicated in dysentery when there is a loose stool with blood and bowel pain, and a burning sensation in the anus after passing stool.

Key indicating features

1. stomach cramps and colicky pain better from bending double and from pressure

2. abdomen pain from gas

3. diarrhea from emotional causes like anger and grief

 3. Upper limbs (joint pain, hand pain)

With its action on upper limbs, it helps to manage joint pains. It is recommended for pain in the shoulder joint, elbow joint and finger joints. Pain in the shoulder is mostly on the right, which gets worse on pressing or on moving. Finger joint pain is bilateral, which means present on both sides along with stiffness and swelling. Colocynth also manages pain in the palms when there is difficulty in opening hands and spreading fingers.

Key indicating features

1. pain in the right shoulder which gets worse by moving or pressing

2. pain in finger, swelling, stiffness

4. Face (facial pain and trigeminal neuralgia)

This medicine acts well on the face where it is chiefly helpful in relieving facial pain, and trigeminal neuralgia which refers to a sudden intense shooting or electric shock-like pain in the face due to pressing of the trigeminal nerve or its injury. Colocynth works well in case of left-sided facial pain of a tearing/ burning/ shooting/ biting nature. The pain spreads between the temples in the head, ear and jaw. Excessive eye watering may be a symptom, the face looks pale and sunken due to pain which increases on touch, but is relieved by pressing.

Key indicating features

1. left-sided facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia

2. tearing/burning/ shooting/stinging pain in the face along with watery eyes

5. Women-related Problems (ovarian pain, painful menses)

Colocynth shows substantial clinical improvement in cases of ovarian pain mainly on the left side. It can handle different sorts of pain in ovaries, for example, cramping/ boring (radiating from outside in) / drawing/stitching/ burning or clutching pain. The pain is intense which gets relieved by pressing it or bending. There may be swelling in the left ovary. Colocynth can effectively deal with ovaritis (inflammation of ovaries), ovarian tumors, and cysts. The other well-acknowledged effect of this medicine is to help cases of painful menses (dysmenorrhea). Females having cramps, and intense pain which can even lead to screaming and crying during menses can be highly benefitted from this remedy. The pain worsens on eating or drinking but gets better by bending forward.

Key indicating features

1. left-sided ovarian pain

2. pain gets better by pressing and bending double

3. painful menses with cramps which get better by bending forward

6. Neck and Back (back pain, neck stiffness)

Colocynth can rectify certain neck and back problems too. It is mainly useful in managing lower back pain which gets worse on movement but better by pressing. Pain is a stitching (pricking) type. Weakness in the lower back can be felt with pain from the back extending down to the lower limbs. The medicine gives relief to neck stiffness which gets worse if one moves the neck. It is accompanied by drawing pain and stiffness on the left side of the neck muscles.

Key indicating features

1. pain in the lower back which gets worse on moving but better by pressing

2. lower back pain radiating to lower limbs

3. stiffness in the neck which gets bad on movement

Modalities

Worsening factors: complaints worsen by anger, exposure to cold, eating and drinking

Relieving factors: complaints are relieved by bending forward, pressing, lying on the abdomen, applying heat or by passing stool

Dosage

It works well in both low and high potency. The potency is selected depending on the case details. The dose and frequency are decided on an individual basis, but as a general rule low potencies can be repeated often while the frequent repetition of high potencies should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor, Causticum, Coffea Cruda, Chamomilla, Opium and Staphisagria

Followed well by Belladonna, Bryonia, Chamomilla, Nux Vomica, Staphisagria, Pulsatilla and Spigelia

It is a natural medicine prepared from the kernel of the fruit of a plant called horse-chestnut. This part of the plant undergoes potentization (process to prepare homeopathic medicines that brings out the medicinal powers of a drug) which produces homeopathic medicine Aesculus Hippocastanum.

Aesculus has been used for ages as a traditional medicine for hemorrhoids, and venous stasis which means sluggish blood flow in veins. It is used for treatment of piles and for its prevention too. Some people carry chestnut as a custom with them as a preventive measure for piles. Aescin which is the active component in horse chestnut extract has been proved to possess many medicinal properties, like reducing inflammation and swelling in body parts, and improving blood flow in veins.

The ‘Aesculus Hippocastanum’ Constitution

It suits persons who have tendency to develop piles and gastric troubles. Other than this it suits those having predisposition towards varicose veins and venous stasis.

Drug Action

This medicine mainly acts on lower bowels, rectum, veins, lower back, pelvis, hip joint, sacroiliac joints, liver and throat.

Clinical Indications

Piles, constipation, backache, hip joint disease, sacroiliac joint complaints, ankylosing spondylitis, varicose veins, varicocele, liver complaints and throat disorders.

 Scope as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. Complaints of Rectum (piles and constipation)

If we talk of rectal complaints, then the foremost indication to use Aesculus is piles. Piles refers to swollen, inflamed, engorged veins in the anus and lower rectum. Aesculus can treat piles very effectively. This medicine works by toning the veins and reducing swelling of veins. Additionally, Aesculus improves blood circulation in veins and reduces venous congestion, besides relieving pain. Among the various types of piles, it is most suitable to treat external piles which is characterized by large hemorrhoids resembling a purple bunch of grapes, along with swelling. The hemorrhoids seem to block the rectum. People complaining of intense pain during or after passing stool can benefit tremendously by its use. They may also have worsening of pain specifically while standing and walking. Other than this, rawness, soreness and burning sensation at the anus is wonderfully relieved with this medicine. Though usually recommended for painful, external, non-bleeding piles, in some cases it has also resulted in bleeding piles too. It also relieves patients of itching.

Aesculus is also used when bowel action is slow and constipation occurs. Basically it helps when the stool is hard, dry and knotty, and is large and passes out with much difficulty. A very peculiar rectal symptom may be experienced by those needing it — dryness in rectum along with a very unique sensation of small sticks filling up the rectum. The medicine also effectively deals with backache that follows hard, large, and uneasily relieved stool.

Other than these, it can be of help to reduce anal irritation caused by ascarides worms. Expulsion of ascarides worms is another notable action of this medicine.

Key indicating features

1. painful external non-bleeding piles

2. constipation with hard, dry, knotty, large and difficult stool

3. sensation of small sticks filling up the rectum

2. Joint complaints (sacroiliac joint complaints and hip joint pain)

It is a brilliant medicine to treat joint complaints. This medicine has a marked affinity to treat complaints related to sacroiliac joints (a joint connecting sacrum and the iliac part of hip bone). It is helpful in reducing inflammation in sacroiliac joints (sacroiliitis), it is also capable of treating sacroiliac joint complaints that follow an injury, trauma or a fall.

It has clinical significance in treating hip arthritis and degenerative hip. It is also used when person complains of bruised aching pain in the hips.

Key indicating features

1. sacroiliac joint inflammation or injury

2. Hip joint inflammation with bruised aching hip pain

3. Back and spine complaints (lower-back pain, ankylosing spondylitis and disc prolapse)

Its action is most marked on the lower back including lumbo-sacral part and hips. Difficulty in walking and stooping due to pain are the marked features in persons in need of this medication. Sometimes the pain is so intense that it makes walking impossible. Rising up from a sitting position is difficult for the person. Not only does Aesculus relieve pain, but also works on stiffness in lower back. Weakness in the backbone along with pain is another characteristic symptom indicating its use. Lower back pain radiating down the thighs also guides its use.

Ankylosing spondylitis

This is an autoimmune disease causing chronic inflammation of joints of spine can be managed well with Aesculus. Ankylosing spondylitis usually begins with an inflammation of sacroiliac joints. It moderates the autoimmune activity, reduces the inflammation of this joint and gives relief from its symptoms including painful and stiff lower back.

This medicine is not limited to lower back pain, it can also be used to get rid of upper back pain where it works well for pain in the neck and between the shoulder blades.

Other than these, its role in managing cases of herniated or prolapsed inter-vertebral discs (shock absorbing cushions in between the vertebrae that form the backbone) is worth mentioning.

Key indicating features

1. Lower back pain worse from walking and stooping

2. Ankylosing spondylitis

4. Poor blood circulation and varicose veins

This medicine helps greatly in cases of poor blood circulation in veins (venous stasis) and varicose veins. Varicose veins refer to veins that are swollen, enlarged, engorged or overfilled with blood. By its action of improving tonicity of veins and improving blood flow, it is successful in treating varicose veins. Aesculus particularly helps when there are purplish-coloured varicose veins.

Key indicating features

1. purple-colored varicose veins

 

5. Men-related problems (varicocele, involuntary prostatic fluid discharge, seminal discharge with sexual dreams)

In this category, the main complaint where Aesculus proves effective is varicocele that refers to enlarged, dilated and swollen veins in the scrotum. Aesculus reduces swelling in the veins and improves blood flow in veins of the scrotum.

Another complaint that can be managed with Aesculus is discharge of prostatic fluid while passing urine or stool. Lastly, it helps to manage seminal discharge accompanied with amorous dreams (dreams related to sexual desire).

Key indicating features

1. varicocele

2. involuntary discharge of prostatic fluid while passing stool or urine

6. Women-related problems (vaginal discharges)

It proves to be a very beneficial medicine for managing vaginal discharge in women. The discharge is yellow, thick and sticky in nature. Females also complain of lower back pain along with this issue. This discharge increases after menses.

Key indicating features

1. thick, yellow, sticky vaginal discharges

2. vaginal discharge with lower back pain

7. Gastric and Liver issues (heartburn, navel pain, pain in liver)

Aesculus helps in managing gastric complaints like heartburn, pain in the navel area, burning sensation in stomach and empty belching of wind. A metallic taste can be felt in these gastric problems.

If there is a problem in the liver, there is mild pain in and around the liver, a feeling of fullness, and burning sensation in the liver along with nausea and vomiting is another key indication. Aesculus is also given to treat jaundice.

Key indicating features

1. pain, tenderness in and around the liver

8. Headache

It is suitable for treating pain that originates in the back of the head (occiput) which extends to the frontal part. Aesculus also helps where a person feels certain pressure in the forehead, accompanied with nausea.

Key Indicating Features

1. pain emanating from back of head to the front

2. pressure in forehead with nausea

9. Throat infections (follicular pharyngitis, throat pain, cough)

Some of the throat complaints also come within the treatment sphere of this medicine. This mainly includes follicular pharyngitis, meaning inflammation at the back of the throat. Rough dry throat along with burning sensation are the guiding symptoms to use Aesculus.  Another symptom to consider use of this medicine is throat pain of stitching type extending to ear when swallowing. Another important symptom for use is hawking (to clear the throat) of mucus that is ropy (like a rope) and has a sweet taste. Lastly it can be given for cough that is dry and short caused by soreness in the larynx.

Key indicating features

1. throat pain radiating to ear on swallowing

2. dry, short cough triggered by hurting irritation in larynx

 Modalities

Worsening Factors: The complaints get worse while walking or standing, in conditions where this medicine is prescribed

Relieving Factors: A general relief in complaints from being in cool open air.

Dosage

It can be given in both low and high potencies. In low potency, it can be repeated frequently, while using its high potency, frequent repetition is not advised.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Nux vomica
Complementary medicines are Carbo Veg, Lachesis and Muriatic Acid