Homeopathic medicine Sticta Pulmonaria is a highly recommended medicine for various nasal problems, respiratory issues and joint complaints. It is of great clinical significance in treating cases of dry cold with scab formation in nose and nasal stuffiness. It gives excellent results in cases of dry cough, inflammation of trachea or bronchial tubes. Sticta works wonders in cases of joint inflammation and housemaid’s knee (inflamed bursa, a fluid-filled sac in front of knee).

The ‘Sticta Pulmonaria’ Constitution

This medicine is well suited to people suffering from cold, cough or joint problems. It is also suitable for those having disposition to get nerve pain (neuralgia) often.

Drug Action

The principal action of this remedy is seen on the nose, respiratory organs and joints. Other than these, it also acts well on head, throat and trachea.

Clinical Indications

Cold, nasal allergies, post nasal drip, cough, lung disorders, bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis, asthma, ozaena, joint problems, house maid’s knee, headaches, clergyman’s sore throat

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Nasal Complaints (Dry Cold, Allergy, Ozaena)

Sticta Pulmonaria manifests its chief action on nose and has a great affinity to treat various nasal problems. It is a brilliant medicine to manage cases of cold especially dry cold. In cases needing it, the secretions in nose dry up and form scabs causing nasal stuffiness. These scabs are difficult to dislodge. The entire nasal membrane dries up. There is marked obstruction in the nose mainly at night that hampers sleep. The person has a constant desire to blow nose but no discharge clears out. A very characteristic symptom to use Sticta Pulmonaria is fullness sensation at the root of the nose. Its use is recommended for cases of nasal allergy when there is continuous sneezing. Along with this, there may occur tingling sensation in the right nostril. Fullness in the right side forehead extending to root of nose is well marked. Sticta works well in cases of ozaena, also known as atrophic rhinitis. In this condition, there occurs atrophy (shrinkage) of the nasal mucus lining and the underneath bone. Here, it is indicated when there occur dry scabs in the nose that get dislodged with difficulty.

Key Indicating Features

Dry cold when secretions in nose dry up and form scabs that are difficult to dislodge

Obstruction in nose mainly at night preventing sleep

Fullness sensation at the root of nose

Ozaena with dry scabs in nose that dislodge with difficulty

2. Respiratory Issues (Cough, Bronchitis, Tracheitis)

Sticta has a remarkable action on the respiratory system. It is a magnificent medicine to manage cases of cough that is dry hacking type. Cough arises from tickling in larynx. Along with cough, there occurs splitting type of headache in frontal region.  In cases needing it, there may be either no expectoration or there occurs expectoration of white frothy, scanty matter. Cough is worse at night hindering a good sleep. Cough tends to get worse on inhalation. In cases of cough that occur after cold or measles, it gives good results. Besides, it is beneficial in treating cough that occurs in cold damp weather. In such cases, there may occur bloody expectoration with cough. This medicine is well indicated for bronchitis and tracheitis cases. Bronchitis is the inflammation of lining of the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. Tracheitis is the inflammation of trachea (windpipe). In tracheitis cases, it helps to aid expectoration.

Key Indicating Features

Dry hacking cough that arises from tickling in larynx

Cough worse at night preventing sleep and worse on inspiration

Cough after cold or measles

3. Joint Problems (Joint Inflammation, Housemaid’s Knee)

This medicine is successfully used to treat joint inflammation. It is very effective in managing joint inflammation with redness, swelling and heat in the joint. There is excessive pain in the knee joint. The pain is sharp, darting, and lancinating in nature. The knee joint is swollen and stiff. Next, its use is recommended for shoulder joint pain on the right side. The pain may extend to the forearm and worsens at night. The pain is also felt in the deltoid and triceps muscle. It can also be administered to those who experience wrist joint pain with swelling. Pain increases during movement. Next, it can be used for pain and swelling in the right ankle joint. This medicine is also recommended if the pain starts from knee joint followed by elbow, shoulder, finger joints and rest of the joints throughout the body. The joint pain causes sleeplessness too. Apart from these Sticta is one of the best and almost specific medicine for treating cases of housemaid’s knee (also known as prepatellar bursitis which is inflammation of fluid filled sac in front of the knee). In these cases, it helps when there is intense swelling, pain, stiffness and sensitivity to the knee joint.

Key Indicating Features

Joint inflammation with redness, swelling and heat of joint

Sharp pain in the knee joint as well as darting, and lancinating in nature with swelling and stiffness

Shoulder joint pain on right side that worsens at night

Housemaid’s Knee – inflammation of prepatellar bursa i.e. fluid – filled sac in front of the knee

Bursitis of knee with intense swelling, pain, stiffness and sensitivity to the knee joint

4. Throat  Complaints (Tracheitis, Clergyman’s Sore Throat, PND)

It acts well on the throat and offers help in cases of tracheitis (inflammation of trachea – wind pipe). Next, it is a prominently indicated medicine for clergyman’s sore throat cases. Clergyman’s sore throat refers to inflammation of pharynx occurring in people who overstrain voice habitually like the public speakers, singers. In such cases, it works best when there is excessive dryness of mucous membrane of the throat. Its last indication is for use in post-nasal discharge (PND) means dripping of mucus from the backend of nostrils into the throat. It is attended with rawness in the throat.

Key Indicating Features

Tracheitis (inflammation of trachea – wind pipe)

Clergyman’s sore throat (inflammation of pharynx in those who overstrain voice habitually like the public speakers, singers) with excessive dryness of mucous membrane of throat

Post nasal discharge (PND means dripping of mucus from backend of nostrils into the throat) accompanied with rawness in throat.

5. Head (Headache)

It can effectively help in relieving headache. This medicine is suitable for managing dull headache attended with pressure in the forehead and root of nose. It can also be used if the pain is in the head in case of cold before nasal discharges begin. Besides these it is useful for headache that worsens from light and noise and is attended with nausea and vomiting.

Key Indicating Features

Dull headache with pressure in forehead and root of the nose

Pain in the head in case of cold before start of nasal discharges

Headache worsens from light and noise along with nausea and vomiting

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from lying down, at night, on movement, upon being touched and from sudden change of temperature

Relieving factors: Better in open air, and by applying pressure

Dosage

It can be used from 6C to the subsequent higher potencies. In low potency, its repetition can be frequent. But in higher potencies frequent repetition is not recommended.

Relationship with Other Remedies

This medicine can be compared with Drosera, Rumex, Nux Vomica and Sambucus in complaint of cough and cold

In case of joint complaints, it can be compared with medicines including Actaea Racemosa and Stellaria media.

 

The remedy Arsenicum Iodatum is derived from iodide of arsenic. To prepare this medicine, iodide of arsenic undergoes potentization . It is a process of preparing homeopathic medicines by arousing the medicinal properties of a crude substance. This process converts the iodide of arsenic into a very important homeopathic medicine Arsenicum Iodatum. This medicine is highly recommended to treat cases of nasal allergy (allergic rhinitis) and psoriasis (skin condition with inflammatory patches covered with silvery-white scales).

The ‘Arsenicum Iodatum’ Constitution

This medicine is mainly recommended for those having allergies mainly allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma.

Drug Action

Among the various organs, Arsenic Iodatum acts best on the nose. Its action on the nasal membranes helps manage the thin, burning, and excoriating nasal discharge. Another important action of this medicine is seen on the skin where it is of great help to manage skin inflammation and scaly eruptions. It also acts well on the lungs, throat, gastric system and breast.

Clinical Indications

Hay fever, cold, sneezing, psoriasis, ichthyosis, eczema, lichen planus, pimples, tuberculosis, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, cough, pharyngitis, goiter, diarrhea, leucorrhoea, breast tumor.

Scope as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. Nasal Complaints (Hay Fever, Runny Nose, Cold, Sneezing)

This medicine acts on the nose to manage different issues. It is one of the major homeopathic medicines for managing cases of hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis). Hay fever refers to an allergic condition arising from an allergic response to allergens such as dust mites and pollen resulting in symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose and itchy, watery and red eyes. The characteristic feature for using it in hay fever is thin watery irritating, burning nasal discharge that reddens the upper lip. The nasal membrane is sore. Those in need of it also report excessive sneezing. There is irritation or tingling in the nose with urge for constant sneezing. It’s also used in cases of long-term cold when the nasal discharge is thick, yellow and profuse. This may be sticky gluey like honey as well. There may occur post-nasal drip (dripping of mucus from back of the nose down in the throat). Burning sensation in the eyes may be present along with the above-mentioned symptoms.

 Key Indicating Features

Hay fever with thin watery irritating, burning nasal discharge causing redness of the upper lip.

Constant sneezing from irritation or tingling in the nose.

Cold with thick, yellow and profuse nasal discharge.

Burning sensation in the eyes.

2. Skin Problems (Psoriasis, Ichthyosis, Eczema, Pimples, Itching)

It addresses various skin-related issues effectively. To begin with, it has shown great clinical results in treating issues pertaining to dry scaly skin conditions. First among these is psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disorder in which one can see inflammatory patches on the skin covered with itchy, silvery-white scales. The main indication to use this medicine in psoriasis is dry, itchy and scaly skin when large scales fall off from the affected spots on the skin. It leaves raw surface underneath. Secondly, scaly skin condition where Arsenicum Iodatum seems to work well is ichthyosis. Ichthyosis also known as fish scale disease is an inherited skin condition characterized by rough, dry, scaly skin from the accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin surface in the form of thick dry scales. Other than scaly skin conditions, its role to manage eczema is noteworthy. Its use is recommended specifically for eczema under the beard. Those who need it may have watery oozing under the beard. It is accompanied by itching. Upon washing, the complaint of eczema under the beard gets worse. It also proves effective in cases of acne (pimples).

Here it works well when pimples are hard at the base with pus at the top. It can offer relief from itching on various body parts especially the back. Another important skin complaint where it proves beneficial is lichen planus (an inflammatory skin condition of auto-immune origin characterized by small flat-topped purple-coloured bumps on the skin). It is of great service to manage cases of venereal bubo (enlarged, swollen, tender lymph nodes in the groin area in case of sexually transmitted infections).

Key Indicating Features

Psoriasis with falling of large scales from skin

Ichthyosis

lichen planus

2. Lungs Issues (Tuberculosis, Pneumonia, Asthma, Bronchitis And Cough)

This medicine acts well on the lungs. Here it is used for managing tuberculosis, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis and cough. It is prominently used for the management of pulmonary tuberculosis (it refers to bacterial infection caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis) means tuberculosis of the lungs. It gives supportive help to manage symptoms along with the conventional mode of treatment in these cases. It is very effective in the initial stages of tuberculosis. In these cases, its use is suggested when there is hoarse coughing and excessive expectoration of pus, profuse night sweats, weakness and weight loss. Next it is helpful in the cases of pneumonia. Pneumonia refers to infection that inflames air sacs of the lungs. In pneumonia, it is administered when there is expectoration of mucus and pus, difficulty in breathing and sweating at night. In asthma, it is useful when there is wheezing while lying down. It is also used in cases of bronchitis (inflammation of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from lungs). For cough, it works equally well for dry as well as wet cough. Coughing increases during night hours. It also worsens from exertion. When cough is wet, phlegm of mucus and pus is expectorated. In some cases, expectoration is yellow-green colored having foul odor.

Key Indicating Features

Management of tuberculosis of lungs with hoarse coughing, excessive pus expectoration, profuse night sweats, weakness and weight loss

Pneumonia with expectoration of mucus and pus, difficulty in breathing and sweating at night

Asthma with wheezing on lying down

Cough at night and from exertion

4. Throat (Inflamed Tonsils, Pharyngitis, Goiter)

Vis-a-vis throat, this medicine acts well in cases of inflamed, swollen, enlarged tonsils. It is also given in cases of follicular pharyngitis. People who need it have rawness and burning pain in the throat. In some cases, throat is dry. Sometimes there is hawking of thick mucus and clotted blood from the throat. Voice hoarseness may also be present. Lastly, it is indicated for goiter (swelling in front of the neck from enlarged thyroid gland) cases.

Key Indicating Features

Rawness and burning pain in throat

Hawking of thick mucus and clotted blood from throat

5. Gastric Problems (Pain, Diarrhoea, Splenomegaly Means Spleen Enlargement)

For gastric troubles, it is mainly administered for managing stomach pain which worsens on getting up from a sitting position and from sitting down also. Pain mainly manifests in the afternoons. There is also heartburn (burning in chest felt behind the breastbone means sternum). Its use is also suggested for abdomen pain which one is relieved after passing stool. The abdomen is hard and distended with gas. Excessive wind-breaking may happen. Its use is also recommended for diarrhea with copious watery stool. Urge for passing stool occurs in the morning upon beginning to move about. Diarrhea does not occur at night. Lastly, it can be given in cases with long-term enlargement of spleen.

Key Indicating Features

Stomach pain worse on rising from sitting

Abdomen pain relieved after stool

Enlargement of spleen

6. Women-related problems (Vaginal Discharges, Breast Lumps)

Women may find this medicine useful to manage vaginal discharge. It is used when the vaginal discharge is yellow, blood-stained, irritating and foul-smelling. With this, there is swelling of the labia. Next, it also acts well on the breast and proves effective to treat cases of lumps in the breast. The lumps are painful and sensitive to touch, nipples are retracted. This medicine can also be recommended for the management of cancer of the breast after ulceration has started.

Key Indicating Features

Vaginal discharge that is yellow, blood-stained, irritating having foul odor with swelling of the labia

Lumps in breast that are painful and sensitive to touch

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse in dry, cold weather, windy, foggy weather, in room and from exertion

Relieving factors: Complaints get better after meal and also in open air

Dosage

Its use can be in both low as well high potencies. In low potency, one may repeat it often but in high potency frequent repetition is not advisable.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Arsenic Album and Bryonia

It can be compared to homeopathic medicines Allium Cepa, Arsenic Album, Tuberculinum and Sanguinaria Nitricum

 

Homeopathic medicine Ferrum Metallicum is derived from the metal iron. Iron is inert in its crude state. To prepare homeopathic medicine Ferrum Metallicum, it undergoes potentization. This process extracts medicinal properties from a crude substance. It is a top-grade medicine for managing anemia, and weakness, controlling bleeding and treating certain female disorders.

The ‘Ferrum Metallicum’ Constitution

This medicine is best suited to young, anemic persons. Those needing it look strong but are extremely weak. They are unable to walk and speak proerly and feel like lying down all the time.

Drug Action

The benefits of this medicine are widespread and it acts on multiple organs. It acts well on blood, ears, head, nose, female genitals, gastric system, respiratory organs, heart and limbs.

Clinical Indications

Anemia, blood loss, weakness, menstruation disorders, epistaxis, cough, nausea, vomiting, shoulder pain, joint pain, diarrhea, constipation, asthma

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Complaints Related To Blood (Anemia, Weakness From Blood Loss)

Ferrum Metallicum has marked action on blood. It is a well-known medicine in homeopathy to manage cases of anemia. Lack of enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to body tissues is called anemia. It is given mainly when there is marked exhaustion due to anemia. The face looks pale, with dull eyes along with bluish rings around the eyes. Vertigo may be present, along with nausea. Palpitations can occur too that get worse from the least motion. It is a highly effective medicine for complaints like weakness following blood loss (hemorrhage).

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

It is an important homeopathic medicine to deal with various health issues in females. Primarily its use is considered in cases of heavy periods. It is highly recommended when menses are very profuse and also last longer than usual. The bleeding is pale watery. Females needing it experience increase of blood flow during menses from the slightest movement. It is attended with labor-like pains in lower abdomen and lower back. They may have a tendency for early periods as well. Due to heavy menses, there is excessive weakness. Ringing sounds may emanate from the ears. Headache and vertigo during heavy periods may be present. Ferrum Metallicum also relieves painful periods (dysmenorrhoea). It is given especially when a female complains of shooting pain in the uterus. Pain is intense along with scanty pale blood flow. This medicine is recommended for managing vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea). It is used for milky watery vaginal discharge. It is attended with smarting pain and itching of vulva. Dragging pain in lower back, pelvis and thighs may occur along with vaginal discharge. Another complaint where it offers help is suppressed menses (amenorrhoea). Here it works well when headache, nervousness, tiredness are associated with this complaint.

Key Indicating Features

Heavy, prolonged periods of pale watery blood

Heavy menses with labor-like pains in lower abdomen and lower back

Weakness, headache, vertigo from heavy menses

Painful periods with shooting pain in uterus and scanty pale bleeding

Milky watery vaginal discharges with dragging pain in lower back, pelvis and thighs

3. Ears (Noises, Pain)

It is useful in managing ringing or humming type sounds emanating from the ears. Leaning the head on the table brings relief. In women, there may be aggravation of these sounds from the ears during menses. A person becomes oversensitive to external noise. Lastly, it is indicated for stitching type of pain in the ear, especially in the morning.

Key Indicating Features

Ringing/ humming noise felt in ears, better by leaning head on table

Ringing noises in ears before menses

4. Head (Headache)

Ferrum Metallicum works well when headache is pulsating and hammering in nature. It is congestive (rush of blood to the head) with heat in the head and face. One feels heaviness in the head as if wearing an iron band . The person feels better by pressing the head with hands. The headache may appear periodically every two or four weeks and lasts for around 2 to 3 days. This medicine gives excellent results in cases of headache occurring after menses. It is also suitable for headache due to anemia.

Key Indicating Features

Congestive, pulsating, hammering headache with rush of blood to head, with heat in head and face

Headache after menses

Headache in cases of anemia

5. Nose (Bleeding, Cold)

Ferrum Metallicum manages nose bleeding (epistaxis) quite well. Main indication for its use is nose bleeding in anemic people. Bleeding is especially noted in the morning and when stooping. Other than this, it can be given in cases of cold when there is greenish pus-like discharge from the nose that may be blood stained. Fluid discharge may occur from posterior nares accompanied by headache.

Key Indicating Features

Nose bleeding in anemic people

Nose bleeding in morning and on stooping

Cold with greenish pus-like discharge from nose

6. Gastric Concerns (Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation, Piles)

It proves highly effective to manage certain gastric issues. Prominently it is indicated to manage nausea and vomiting after eating or after exertion. It also helps cases in which vomiting occurs specifically after eating eggs. Ferrum Metallicum can also be administered for relief in belching which may be bitter or taste like the food consumed. Distension and burning in stomach can also be felt. Another indication for recommending this medicine is diarrhea followed by weakness. It is useful when there is sudden, watery, gushing stool attended with gas. Undigested food particles may be present in stool. Besides, its use is recommended to manage constipation which appears particularly from use of iron pills. Ferrum can be given in piles (enlarged, swollen, inflamed veins in anus or lower rectum) cases also. Here, it is used when attended with anal itching, bleeding and tearing type of pain.

Key Indicating Features

Nausea and vomiting after eating or after exertion

Vomiting after eating eggs

Diarrhea with sudden, watery, gushing stool attended with much gas followed by weakness

Constipation from use of iron pills

Piles cases with anal itching, bleeding and tearing type of pain

7. Respiratory Issues (Cough, Asthma)

One may find Ferrum beneficial for managing cough. Dry, tickling cough which gets worse from movement and improves by lying down is a major indication to use this medicine. Relief also sets in from eating. Cough may be attended with spitting of blood or vomiting. In some cases, pain in the back of the head may be felt. It is an important medicine for managing cough from tobacco smoke. Another use of this medicine is noteworthy in treating asthma cases. It works well when asthma attacks appear after 12 noon. An indication for use of Ferrum is relief by walking around slowly and talking. It can also be used if there is difficulty in breathing.

Key Indicating Features

Dry, tickling cough which gets worse from movement

Cough with spitting of blood or vomiting

Cough from tobacco smoke

Asthma attacks after 12 noon

Breathing difficulty, better from talking and from slow walking

8. Limbs (Shoulder Pain, Cramps)

Ferrum Met has a special affinity to manage shoulder pain. Persons needing it have tearing type of pain in the shoulder, especially left-sided shoulder. It may extend down the upper arm. Pain gets worse from raising the arm and at night. This remedy is also well indicated to manage deltoid pain with soreness. Pain is darting or dull tearing type. Another main indication is trembling of hands while writing. It can also manage cramps in the calves (muscle in back of leg) while at rest during the night.

Key Indicating Features

Left-sided shoulder pain

Pain in shoulder worse from raising arm and at night

Trembling of hands while writing

9. Heart Complaints (Fatty Degeneration Of Heart, Hypertrophy Of Heart, Palpitations)

Ferrum Metallicum is well indicated for management of fatty degeneration of heart and hypertrophy of heart (thickening of heart muscles). It is useful to manage palpitations that get worse from the least motion. It is attended with fear.

Key Indicating Features

Fatty degeneration of heart

Hypertrophy of heart

Palpitations worse from least motion

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from exertion, during menses, at night, while sitting, eating, drinking, anger and while sweating

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from moving about slowly, in summer and after rising

Dosage

Use of this medicine is recommended in both – low potency (from second to 30C) and high potencies ( like 200 C, 1M). The dose and repetition varies from case to case.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Arsenic Album, Arnica, Belladonna, China, Ipecac, Pulsatilla, Sulphur and Veratrum Album

It antidotes: Arsenic Album and Hepar Sulph

Followed well by: Aconite, Arnica, China, Conium, Lycopodium, Merc Sol, Phosphorus and Pulsatilla

 

Homeopathic medicine Chininum Sulphuricum is derived from sulphate of quinine also called quinine sulphate. For preparing this medicine, sulphate of quinine has to undergo potentization (with this process, medicinal properties of crude substance are aroused). As a result, we get an important homeopathic medicine Chininum Sulphuricum. It is a top-listed medicine to manage various ear-related complaints especially tinnitus and Meniere’s disease.

 The ‘Chininum Sulphuricum’ Constitution

It is recommended for people who are weak and get nervous easily. It also suits those who have suffered weight loss and feel weakness due to loss of blood.

Drug Action

This medicine acts well on multiple body organs among which ears stand out to be the most prominent. It is undoubtedly the best medicine for managing noises in the ear (tinnitus) and Meniere’s disease. Its action is marked on joints and face. Its tendency to treat fever is also noteworthy. Besides, it acts well on the neck, back, gastric system and urinary organs.

Clinical Indications

Ear disorders, tinnitus, Meniere’s disease, impaired hearing, fever, malaria, joint pains, neuralgia

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

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

Chininum Sulphuricum is a highly recommended medicine for treating tinnitus. Tinnitus refers to hearing of noises mostly ringing type in the absence of an external source. This medicine offers the best help when a person hears ringing, roaring, buzzing or tinkling noises in the ears. Ringing or buzzing is felt more on the left side. Sometime, hearing loss may be reported. A person may have vertigo episodes along with tinnitus. Vertigo gets worse from bending down. Headache may accompany vertigo in some cases. It is one of the best homeopathic medicines for treating Meniere’s disease. It is an inner ear disorder with symptoms including tinnitus, vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss and sensation of fullness in ears. This medicine is also well-indicated for managing cases of hearing difficulty after a head injury.

Key Indicating Features

Tinnitus with ringing, roaring, buzzing or tinkling noises in ears

Vertigo with tinnitus

Meniere’s disease

Difficulty in hearing after a head injury

2. Joint Problems (Pain, Swelling, Stiffness)

Chininum Sulphuricum is really helpful when there is aching, heaviness, stiffness and soreness (sensitive to touch) in all the joints. The knee joint is especially painful and swollen. The wrist joint on the right side is also swollen along with pain. The left ankle joint is painful. The shoulder joint is inflamed along with cracking sounds on movement. Tearing and shooting pain is felt in the hands.

Key Indicating Features

Aching, heaviness and stiffness in all the joints

Pain and swelling in the knee joint and right wrist

3. Fever (Malaria Fever)

This medicine is prominently indicated for managing cases of malaria fever. In cases needing it, all three stages –chill, fever and sweat are well marked. Chill is mainly felt in the shoulders, nape of neck and down the spine. It mainly occurs around 3:00 pm. There is intense thirst for water. Chill is followed by heat and headache. During heat stage, thirst is very less. After heat, there is excessive sweating and weakness. Sweating is marked on the neck and the back especially during sleep. There is shivering that is felt even in a warm room. With fever, other notable symptoms that appear are trembling of limbs, fullness sensation in head, sensitivity of spine and ringing noises in ears.

Key Indicating Features

Malaria when all three stages of chill, fever and sweat are well marked

Chill is mainly felt in shoulders, nape of neck and down the spine

Chill around 3:00 pm with shivering even in a warm room

Fever with symptoms including trembling of limbs, fullness sensation in head, sensitivity of spine and ringing noises in ears

Marked sweating on the neck and back especially during sleep

4. Face (Nerve Pain)

This medicine offers help in cases of neuralgic (nerve) pain on the face. The characteristic symptom of using Chininum Sulphuricum is nerve pain occurring at regular time periods which gets better by applying pressure. There is morning periodicity with pain occurring every morning that lasts until around 12 pm. The pain begins under the eyes and after that spreads into and around the eyes. The type of pain in most cases needing this remedy is lancinating type. It is attended with marked lachrymation (watering from eyes). Along with this, the face is red, hot and flushed.

Key Indicating Features

Nerve pain in face occurring at regular time period which gets better from pressure

Facial nerve pain beginning every morning lasting until around 12 pm

5. Gastric Issues (Heartburn, Nausea, Liver Pain And Spleen Pain)

Chininum Sulphuricum is mainly indicated for managing heartburn (burning sensation in chest behind breastbone), nausea, bloating, pain in liver/spleen pain and constipation. In case of heartburn, it is used when it is attended with nausea, belching and vomiting of bile. Burning can be felt in stomach with constricted feeling. Eating even a little food causes pressure in the stomach. Chininum Sulphuricum is useful for nausea cases attended with acid rising and vomiting. It can be given in case of bloating of abdomen as well with rumbling and passage of gas. It proves effective in managing liver pain and spleen pain too. Here it is mainly prescribed when the pain gets worse from coughing, taking deep breath or while bending. The pain in spleen is stitching type, which gets better by applying pressure. Another characteristic for its use is splenomegaly which is the enlargement of spleen that occurs after malaria fever. For constipation, it is used when the stool is hard and insufficient followed by weakness.

Key Indicating Features

Heartburn with nausea, bitter belching and vomiting of bile

Nausea accompanied with acid rising and vomiting

Liver and spleen pain worse from coughing, deep breath and bending

Enlargement of spleen after malaria

6. Urinary Problems (Nephritis, Albuminuria)

This medicine is well indicated for cases in which there is passage of urea, albumin, chlorides, phosphoric acid and uric acid in urine. Burning in urethra occurs while urinating; urine flow is scanty. The urine may be frothy. Red or yellow white sediments may deposit in urine. Its use is also considered in cases of hematuria (blood in urine). It is a great medicine for managing cases of nephritis (kidney inflammation).

Key Indicating Features

Passage of urea, albumin, chlorides, phosphoric acid and uric acid in urine

Hematuria (blood in urine)

7. Neck And Back (Pain)

Chininum Sulph has wonderful action on neck and back. It is of great value to manage neck pain. There is neck pain along with sensation of swelling and contraction in the neck. The last cervical vertebra is sensitive to touch. Cervical vertebra are seven bones present in the neck immediately below the skull. It works well in cases where the upper three dorsal vertebra are sensitive and painful to touch. Dorsal vertebra are twelve bones stacked one above the other starting from the base of the neck downwards. Lastly, it is used for back pain occurring periodically extending to the neck and head.

Key Indicating Features

Neck pain with sensation of swelling and contraction in the neck

Last cervical vertebra sensitive to touch

Upper three dorsal vertebra sensitive and painful to touch

Back pain occurring periodically and extending to neck and head

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from cold and touch

Relieving factors: Complaints get better by bending forward and from pressure

Dosage

This medicine can be used in 30C or a higher potency. Low potencies can be repeated frequently while high potencies should not be repeated often.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Arnica, Arsenic Album, Carbo Veg, Lachesis, Pulsatilla and Natrum Mur

It can be compared with remedies like China, Arsenic Album, Apis Mellifica, Bryonia, Eupatorium perfoliatum and Pambotano

This homeopathic medicine is derived from the plant ‘marking nut’ or ‘Malacca bean’. It belongs to family Anacardiaceae. For preparing homeopathic medicine Anacardium Orientale, the layer between the shell and kernel of the heart-shaped nut of this plant undergoes potentization (a process to prepare homeopathic medicines by arousing medicinal properties of a crude substance). In homeopathy, Anacardium is extensively used for treating cases of schizophrenia, weak memory and forgetfulness.

 The ‘Anacardium Orientale’ Constitution

It is prominently recommended to people who have delusions and hallucinations. This medicine also suits persons suffering from mental and physical exhaustion, and depression. It also suits elderly people mainly those having memory issues.

Drug Action

It acts best on medical problems related with the mind, especially schizophrenia. Apart from the head, it works on the head, gastric system, skin, muscles, nerves and limbs.

Clinical Indications

Schizophrenia, delusions, hallucinations, weak memory, fears, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, stomach pain, nausea, headache, skin diseases, warts, eczema, lichen planus, writer’s cramp

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Mind Complaints (Schizophrenia, Delusions, Hallucinations, Weak Memory, Fears, Alzheimer’s Disease)

This medicine has broad action on problems related to the mind. The complaint for which it is the most frequently used and effective is schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition affecting thinking, emotions, behaviour and decision-making ability of a person. In this condition, various kind of hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that do not exist in reality) or delusions (fixed, false beliefs not based on reality) occur. The main symptom that guides use of this medicine for schizophrenia is auditory hallucinations. A person hears voices of persons faraway, dead people or of spirits. A specific voice may be heard that says that the sufferer is going to die. There are some specific delusions that guide its use. It firstly includes delusion that on one shoulder an angel is sitting and on another a demon is sitting telling good and bad things respectively. A person feels as if he has two wills among which one orders him to do something what other refuses to do. Another delusion is that of being under superhuman control. Anacardium can be given for delusions as if everything is a dream and a feeling that the mind and body are separate. Those needing it are very suspicious. They may also indulge in senseless talk. They can show strange behaviour. They may laugh at serious matters and become serious when there is something to laugh about.

Other than schizophrenia, it is one of the best homeopathic medicines to deal with cases of memory weakness and forgetfulness. Here a person forgets names of those around him, forgets what has been seen. Absent-mindedness is also there. It is well-indicated for management of cases of senile dementia (memory loss in elderly people). Another use of this medicine is management of Alzheimer’s disease. It is a brain disorder in which the death of brain cells results in memory loss and gradually destroys thinking, behaviour and social skills to an extent to interfere with daily life.

Another sphere where it shows excellent results is different kind of phobias (fears). Among these, it is a top most medicine to deal with fear of examinations in students. Also it can help cases of fear that some misfortune is about to happen, fear of future and fear of being poisoned. A particular fear of paralysis also indicates its use.

Other than the above, persons having brain fatigue (tiredness) may find this medicine quite useful. For example, students who feel nervous after over-study and exhaustion benefit greatly from its use. Those needing it, do not wish to work, they just want to lie down or sit.

Lastly, it is indicated for cases of depression. People needing it are anxious and worried that they may suffer from a serious disease. They have a feeling of being forsaken and feel helpless. They get offended easily and become angry about little things and get violent. They may use bad language too. Persons having a history of having suffered humiliation, abuse either physical or verbal or sexual abuse can find this medicine very effective.

Key Indicating Features

Schizophrenia with auditory hallucinations when person hears voices of persons faraway, dead people or of spirits

Delusion that on one shoulder an angel is sitting telling good things and on another a demon is sitting telling bad things

Delusion of having two wills among which one orders him to do something while the other refuses

Delusion of being under superhuman control

Memory weakness and forgetfulness, Alzheimer’s disease

Fear of examinations in student

Brain fatigue (tiredness), nervous exhaustion after over study

2. Gastric Issues (Stomach Pain, Nausea, Difficulty in passing Stool)

Anacardium is capable of resolving gastric issues wonderfully. It is well-indicated for stomach pain which gets better from eating. Those needing it have weak digestion. They feel fullness and distension in the abdomen. It can alleviate pain around navel area with sensation of a dull plug being pressed in the intestine. Rumbling in abdomen in the navel area is present. It helps in managing nausea especially in the morning. There is an empty feeling in the stomach. Vomiting and belching accompanies nausea. It also acts well on rectum. There is difficulty in passing stool even when it is soft. There is ineffectual desire to pass stool. Rectum feels powerless. A plug sensation in rectum is felt. It can also be given for relieving anal itching. Bleeding with stool may occur in some cases needing it.

Key Indicating Features

Stomach pain that gets better from eating

Pain around navel region with sensation of a dull plug being pressed in the intestines

Difficulty in passing stool even when soft

A plug sensation in rectum

3. Head (Headache)

With its action on head, it gives substantial relief in headache. There is a pressing sensation as from a plug in head. Foremost indication for its use is headache worse from mental exertion. There is relief in headache by eating. It gets better by taking some sleep. There is heat in head accompanied by icy coldness of hands and feet. Another notable indication is headache that occurs from strong smell.

Key Indicating Features

Headache from mental exertion

Headache better by eating

Headache better from falling asleep

Headache from strong smells

4. Skin Complaints (Eczema, Blisters, Warts)

It is mainly recommended for treating eczema, particularly when attended with mental irritability. There is violent itching and scratching worsens it. It can deal with skin blisters (fluid-filled bumps on skin) effectively, when they discharge a yellow transparent fluid. It is a well-known medicine to treat warts (rough, hard bumps on skin causes by human papilloma virus). It is specifically indicated for warts on palms of hands. Lastly, its use is considered in cases of lichen planus (an autoimmune inflammatory skin condition characterized by small flat topped purple-colored bumps on skin).

Key Indicating Features

Eczema with mental irritability

Blisters that discharge yellow transparent fluid

Warts on palms of hands

5. Limbs (Cramps, Writer’s Cramps)

Anacardium also acts on limbs to deal with certain issues. Firstly it is an important medicine for cramps in calf muscles. Persons needing it feel pain in the calf muscles when rising up from a seat and also from walking. They may have cramps in toes as well that extend to the heel and calf muscles. Secondly, it is also indicated for writer’s cramp (disorder in which there occurs muscle spasm or contraction in hands when writing) cases. Thirdly, it is known to be helpful in relieving stiffness of legs with a feeling that they are bandaged. There may be burning sensation in the soles of feet and legs where it is required.

Key Indicating Features

Cramps in calf muscles when rising from a seat and also from walking

Writer’s cramp

Stiff legs with sensation as if they are bandaged

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from mental exertion, anger, fright, from motion, in open air and from talking

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from eating, rubbing, heat and in the sun

Dosage

Its use is recommended from 6C to 200 C potency. The potency selection varies from case to case. As a general rule it can be repeated frequently in low potency but in high potency should not be taken frequently.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Clematis, Croton Tiglium, Coffea Cruda, Juglans Cinerea, Ranunculus Bulbosus and Rhus Tox

Followed well by: Lycopodium, Pulsatilla and Platina