Homeopathic medicine Paeonia Officinalis is derived from a plant commonly known as ‘peony’. It belongs to family Ranunculaceae. To obtain homeopathic medicine Paeonia, fresh root of this plant particularly dug in spring undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that extracts and intensifies medicinal properties from a crude substance). This homeopathic medicine has great clinical importance to treat numerous anorectal conditions among which it is extensively used for treating piles, anal fissures and anal fistula cases.

The ‘Paeonia Officinalis’ Constitution

Paeonia is the most suitable medicine for those suffering from anorectal complaints. It suits those prone to ulcers, especially, on the lower body parts like legs, foot, rectum, and additionally skin ulcers.

Drug Action

This medicine shows works wonderfully on the rectum, and related complaints — mainly piles, fissures and fistula. Other than this, it acts well in cases pertaining to skin, limbs, eyes, and throat. Lastly, it helps manage certain sleep-related problems.

Clinical Indications

Anal disorders, piles, anal fissures, anal abscess, anal fistula, ulcers, varicose veins, nightmares.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1.Rectum Complaints (Piles, Anal Fissures, Anal Abscess, Anal Fistula, Ulcers)

To pick the prime area of action of this medicine, it would undoubtedly be the rectum. It settles various concerns pertaining to the rectum. It is the best remedy to treat piles. Piles are swollen, enlarged, inflamed veins in the anus and the lower rectum. It is most beneficial when there are large piles or piles that ulcerate. Those who need it for piles-related issues, complain of intense intolerable rectal pain during and after the stool. They have swelling around the anal area. Next, there is itching, burning and a biting sensation felt around the anal along with above-mentioned symptoms. Constipation too is present.

Secondly, it is of great value for anal fissures treatment. Anal fissures refer to crack or tear in the tissue that lines the anus. Here the characteristic feature to use it are anal fissures that ooze a foul discharge. The discharge causes a constant wet feeling in the anus area. There is also intense pain during and after stool. An accompanying factor is that the anus becomes sore. The sufferer may feel a smarting pain in the region. It is also highly recommended to treat anal abscess and anal fistula cases. Anal abscess is a lump that is filled with pus near the anus. Anal fistula refers to an abnormal passage or a tunnel that forms between the anal canal and the skin near the anus. Furthermore, it proves to be highly effective in cases of ulcers that form in the rectum, anus and perineum (area between anus and genitals). Ulcers are very painful, sensitive and ooze fluid in cases that require this medicine. The ulcers around the anus and perineum are covered with thick crust of purple colour. Last indication for using it is diarrhoea (loose stool) with thin, and frequent stool, and there is burning sensation in the anus after passing the stool. It may be accompanied by a chilly feeling. Abdominal colic (pain) may be experienced along with loose stool.

Key Indicating Features

Piles that are large, ulcerated with intense, excruciating, intolerable rectal pain during and after stool

Anal fissure with oozing of foul-smelling discharge, and pain during and after stool

Anal abscess, and anal fistula

Ulcers in rectum, anus, perineum with pain and oozing of offensive fluid

2. Skin (Ulcers, Itching)

Paeonia acts well on skin to treat ulcers, varicose veins and itching. It is an important medicine to deal with cases of skin ulcers. It works well when the ulcers form mainly on the lower body parts like legs, feet and toes. It is one of the best suited medicines when ulcers occur due to pressure. For example, bedsores also named as pressure sores that may develop in a person who spend a long time in the same position that puts prolonged pressure on a particular body part. Another example is shoe bite. It is a leading medicine for healing ulcers that form due to repeated pressure and rubbing of feet against an ill-fitted shoe. It is highly recommended to treat ulcers on perineum when it tends to ooze an offensive fluid. Next ulcers forming around the sacrum (bottom part of back) also heal well with this medicine. One can also use this medicine in varicose veins (swollen, enlarged, twisted, engorged veins due to back flow of blood in veins due to defective valves in veins). Lastly, it is helpful in managing itching on the calve area (back portion of the lower leg) if it gets better from rubbing. Itching on the head, limbs, and the chest with burning, and biting sensation is another important indication pointing towards its use.

Key Indicating Features

Ulcers on the lower body parts like legs, feet, toes, around sacrum

Bedsores

Shoe bite

Ulcers on perineum that ooze an offensive fluid

3. Limbs (Pain, Ulcers, Corns)

It acts well on the skin and can effectively deal with pain, weakness of legs, ulcers, and painful corns. It can be administered to manage pain in the knees (mainly on the right side), toes, fingers, wrist, upper arm and the ankles. The pain is usually crampy in nature. If the pain is in the fingers one feels shooting pain. In case of pain in the upper arm, it is administered mostly when the pain is felt on the right-side and radiates to the elbow.

In case of pain in the toe, the pain is sticking in nature along with swelling and contracted feeling. In the wrist, the pain is mostly felt on the left side and the pain is sticking, and griping in nature. Ankle pain is weary in nature that is felt mainly while sitting. Paeonia can be used to manage weakness in legs that hinders walking. It also helps treat ulcers on the legs and the toes. This medicine is of great use when ulcers form on the right leg with intense shooting pain. It is specifically indicated for ulcers on the big toe on the left side. Besides these, it gives good results in cases of painful corns (corns are thick, hard skin area forming mainly on feet due to excessive friction and pressure).

Key Indicating Features

Cramping knee pain on the right side

Right-side upper arm pain radiating to the elbow

Ulcers on the right leg, and left toe

Painful corns

4. Eyes (Dryness, Itching, Burning, Conjunctivitis)

By acting on the eyes, Paeonia can settle complaints including dryness, itching, burning and conjunctivitis. Its use is suggested to relieve dryness of the eyes and eyelids wonderfully. Smarting sensation in the eyes can attend with difficulty in opening the eyes. One may find great relief in itching and burning of eyes too with this remedy. It can manage conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva which is the membrane lining the eyeball and eyelid) cases when there is excessive eye watering.

Key Indicating Features

Dryness of eyes and eyelids

Itching and burning in the eyes

Conjunctivitis with profuse eye watering

5. Throat (Burning, Sticky Mucus)

Paeonia acts on the throat where it manages heated and burning sensation in throat. There can be scraping sensation in the throat as well that causes coughing and hawking. Swallowing is difficult too. It can offer relief in sticky mucus in the throat leading to hawking.

Key Indicating Features

Heat and burning in throat

Sticky mucus in throat resulting in hawking

6. Sleep Issues (Nightmares, Unrefreshing Sleep)

One may find this medicine quite helpful for certain sleep issues. Major among these is nightmares. Persons needing it have frightful dreams and may dream of ghosts, death of relatives, etc. It is of great service to a person who has had an unrefreshing sleep disturbed by multiple dreams. It can also give good results in case of restless sleep.

Key Indicating Features

Nightmares, frightful dreams, dreams of ghosts and dreams of death of relatives

Disturbed sleep from multiple dreams

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse during stool, from touch, pressure and movement

Dosage

Its use is recommended in both low and high potencies. If using it in low potency, then repetition can be done frequently. But in higher potencies frequent repetition should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Aloe Socotrina and Ratanhia

It can be compared with some other homeopathic remedies that includes Hamamelis, Silicea and Aesculus

 

Homeopathic medicine Kalmia Latifolia is derived from the plant ‘mountain laurel’ also known as ‘calico bush’. It belongs to family Ericaceae. To obtain this medicine, fresh leaves of the plant in its flowering stage have to undergo potentization. It is a process of preparing homeopathic medicines which arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance. After this process, it is converted into a magnificent homeopathic medicine Kalmia Latifolia. Its use is highly recommended for managing neuralgia (nerve pain), joint pain, back pain, neck pain and certain heart issues.

The ‘Kalmia Latifolia’ Constitution

This medicine suits well people having predisposition to suffer from joint complaints and nerve pain. It is also suitable for persons who have certain heart-related issues.

Drug Action

Though this medicine acts well on many body parts, the most important ones are joints, back, neck, limbs, nerves and heart. The other parts where it shows its action include eyes, face, stomach and head.

Clinical Indications

Joint pains, neuralgia (nerve pain), back pain, neck pain, heart disease, angina pectoris, palpitations, headache, ptosis, trigeminal neuralgia, tobacco heart, stomach pain, diarrhea.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Back And Neck (Pain, Neuralgia – Nerve Pain)

This medicine has a well-defined action on the back and neck. Here it is highly effective in managing neck pain that radiates down the arm. Additionally, neck muscles are sore to touch as well as on movement. It has shown great clinical improvements in neuralgia cases when pain from the neck radiate to fingers particularly fourth and little finger, worsening in the early part of the night. Neck feels tender and stiff. Kalmia Latifolia is well indicated for Brachialgia cases in which a pinched nerve in the neck causes pain in the arm. It is a prominent medicine for pain specifically in the upper three dorsal vertebrae (these vertebrae lie below the base of neck) that extends to the shoulder blade. Besides these, it acts well on the lower back where it helps to relieve back pain when attended with heat and burning sensation. Pain increases from motion. There is weakness in the lower part of the back where spine curves at the waist. It gets worse in the evening in bed. Lastly, it is beneficial to manage back pain during menses.

Key Indicating Features

Neck pain radiating down the arm

Neuralgia means nerve pain when neck pain goes down specifically to fourth and little finger

Pain in upper three dorsal vertebrae (that lies below the base of neck) extending to shoulder blade

Lower back pain accompanied by heat and burning sensation

2. Limbs (Joint Pain, Neuralgia – Nerve Pain)

Kalmia shows prominent action on limbs as well. Here it can settle issues related to joints and nerves primarily. It works wonders in case of joint inflammation when there is redness, heat and swelling of the joints. The slightest motion worsens the pain. The pain can also increase in the evening and from exposure to cold wind. There may be pain in the shoulder, arm joints and wrist, especially the left one. Pain may be felt in the hips radiating to legs and feet, knees and in the ankles along with swelling. A peculiar feature is the sudden shifting of pain from one joint to the other. The pain is sharp and shooting type. Pain mostly begins in the upper limbs and then shifts to the lower limbs.  Pain may also occur in a large part of the limb and then quickly shift to another part. This medicine also helps to give substantial relief in the deltoid muscle (triangular muscle in shoulder) pain, especially on the right side. Apart from the joints, it is a great nerve remedy. Kalmia shows tremendous benefits in managing neuralgia (nerve pain). Its use is considered for nerve pain that shoots down the limbs. Numbness and pricking sensation with weakness in the limbs is a classic symptom guiding its use. Limbs may feel cold too. It is the main medicine for pain felt along the ulnar nerve (this nerve travels from neck downwards near ulna bone which is a bone in the forearm towards the little finger side) radiating to the third and fourth fingers.

Key Indicating Features

Sudden shifting of pain from one joint to another

Neuralgia for nerve pain that shoots down the limbs

Numbness and pricking sensation with weakness in limbs

Pain along ulnar nerve radiating to third and fourth finger

3. Eyes (Pain, Iritis, Scleritis, Ptosis)

With its action on eyes, it proves helpful in cases of eye pain that gets worse from eye movement. There is a drawing sensation in the eyes along with stiffness that is felt when the eyeballs move. Its use is recommended for cases of Iritis and Scleritis. Iritis refers to inflammation of iris. Scleritis is inflammation of white part of the eye. The specific indication for using it is iritis or scleritis in cases associated with joint inflammation. Other than these, it can be given to manage itching in the eyes. This medicine is also successful for managing cases of ptosis (drooping of upper eyelid).

Key Indicating Features

Pain in eye worsening from eye movement

Drawing sensation in the eyes and stiffness on moving eyes

Iritis or scleritis in cases associated with joint inflammation

Ptosis

4. Face (Trigeminal Neuralgia, Facial Pain)

Further action of this medicine is on the face. Here it is preferred for treating trigeminal neuralgia (sudden severe pain in the face from pressure over trigeminal nerve or damage/injury to this nerve). It is the most helpful for right-sided neuralgia. Pain is shooting, pressing or sticking type in cases needing it. Pain may be attended with numbness. It gets worse from exposure to cold, while it gets better by eating. Another noteworthy indication of this medicine is nerve pain in the face after Herpes Zoster (a viral disease caused by varicella zoster virus, characterised by painful skin rash with blisters).  Lastly it is valuable to manage pain in teeth of upper jaw.

Key Indicating Features

Trigeminal neuralgia of right side

Facial pain of shooting, pressing or sticking type that may be attended with numbness

Facial pain worse from cold exposure and better from eating

Nerve pain in face after Herpes Zoster

5. Head (Headache)

The most important feature based on which Kalmia is selected is headache beginning at sunrise, worsening at noon and leaving at sunset. A very unique symptom is relief from headache after profuse urination. The pain is felt in the front and the temples of the head that extends to the nape of the neck or to teeth. It also works well when pain begins in the nape of the neck and goes to the top of the head and face. Additionally, it is capable of relieving pain in head above the right eye (supra orbital pain). Vertigo may occur along with headache.

Key Indicating Features

Headache beginning at sunrise, worsening at noon and leaving at sunset

Headache gets better by profuse urination

6. Heart (Angina Pectoris, Pain, Tobacco Heart)

Kalmia is an important medicine for managing certain heart complaints. This medicine is well indicated for cases of Angina Pectoris (heart pain occurring from reduced blood supply to the heart), heart pain that is sharp, stabbing/burning/shooting type. The pain extends to the left scapula and arm. Pulse is slow and feeble. Its use is also indicated when there are palpitations, that get worse from leaning forward and better by sitting erect. It is attended with anxiety and difficult breathing. It is a leading medicine for managing heart-related issues that appear from excessive use of tobacco (tobacco heart).

Key Indicating Features

Heart pain of sharp, stabbing, burning, shooting nature radiating to left scapula and arm

Palpitations worse from leaning forward and better from sitting erect

Tobacco heart (heart-related problems resulting from excessive use of tobacco)

7. Gastric Problems (Stomach Pain, Loose Stool)

This medicine can tackle certain gastric issues as well. First among these is pain in the pit of stomach that worsens from bending forward and better from sitting erect. The pit of stomach is sore to touch. Kalmia is used to relieve cramping pain in stomach along with belching of wind. Kalmia can be given for loose stool when accompanied by stomach pain, nausea, weakness and dullness. Rest of its indications include obstructed gas with nausea, abdomen pain above the navel and sensation of weakness in abdomen.

Key Indicating Features

Pain in pit of stomach worse from bending forward and better from sitting erect

Loose stool attended with stomach pain, nausea, weakness and dullness

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse by bending forward, stooping, turning eyes, motion, from sunrise to sunset.

Relieving factors: Complaints get better by  eating, sitting, in cloudy weather

Dosage

It can be used in both low and high potencies. Its frequent repetition can be considered in low potencies but in high potencies, frequent repetition of this medicine should be avoided. In case of heart problems, this medicine should only be taken after consulting a homeopathic physician and self – medication be strictly avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Aconite and Belladonna

It antidotes: Tabacum

Followed well by: Calcarea Carb, Lycopodium, Natrum Mur, Pulsatilla and Spigelia

It follows well Nux Vomica and Spigelia

 

Homeopathic medicine Hamamelis Virginiana is derived from the plant ‘witch hazel’. It belongs to family Hamamelidaceae. The fresh bark of twigs and roots of this plant are potentized as per homeopathic formula that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties. Through potentization process, it becomes a very significant homeopathic medicine Hamamelis Virginiana. It is one of the best homeopathic medicines for treating cases of bleeding piles, varicose veins and controlling bleeding from various body parts (example nose, rectum, gums, etc).

The ‘Hamamelis Virginiana’ Constitution

This medicine is well suited to persons who have a tendency to suffer from complaints related to venous blood congestion, for example piles, varicose veins, etc.

Drug Action

Among its various actions, the two most prominent ones are to control hemorrhage (bleeding) from various organs and reduce venous blood congestion. Its main action is seen on veins of rectum where it is highly suitable to relieve venous congestion and treat bleeding piles and rectal bleeding. Another important action is noted on the veins of legs where it works wonderfully to reduce venous engorgement, abnormal blood accumulation in veins and treats varicose veins. Hamamelis Virginiana manifests its action on skin, nose, mouth, eyes, urinary organs and male and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Hemorrhages (bleeding), bleeding piles, rectal bleeding, dysentery, anal fissures, varicose veins, varicose ulcers, inflammation of veins, nose bleeding, bleeding gums, varicocele, orchitis (inflammation of testes),  bruises, joint pain, sore pains, eye pain, black eye, iritis, conjunctivitis, intraocular hemorrhage, burns, menstrual disorders, ovaritis (inflammation of ovaries), vaginismus, hematuria (blood in urine).

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Rectal Complaints (Bleeding Piles, Rectal Bleeding, Dysentery, Anal Fissures)

Hamamelis has marked action on rectum where it helps to treat various concerns related to it. It has the highest affinity to treat bleeding piles. Piles are swollen and engorged, inflamed veins in anus and lower rectum. This medicine has shown great clinical improvements when piles bleed profusely. Due to bleeding, intense weakness is felt. It is attended with rawness and soreness of anus. There is fullness and a sensation of weight in rectum. Anal itching is also felt. Stool is constipated and hard. Hamamelis is also well indicated to control rectal bleeding of dark-colored blood from other reasons too, apart from piles. It is a brilliant medicine to help cases of dysentery that refers to intestinal infection causing loose stool with blood and mucus. In such cases, the characteristic feature is the passage of tar-like blood in stool in large amounts. The blood is dark or sometimes clots of blood with mucus is excreted in stool. There is cramping pain around navel before passing stool. Tenesmus (sensation of incomplete defecation even when nothing is left in rectum) is well marked. It is successfully used to manage ulcers in intestine with passage of dark blood. Another complaint where it is beneficial is anal fissures, with excessive pain while passing stool and burning at anus after passing stool.

Key Indicating Features

Bleeding piles that bleed profusely

Rectal bleeding of dark-colored blood

Dysentery with passage of tar-like blood in stool in large amounts

Ulcers in intestine along with passage of dark blood

Anal fissures with intense pain during stool and anal burning after stool

2. Limbs (Varicose Veins, Varicose Ulcers, Inflammation Of Veins, Joint Pain)

This medicine also acts on the limbs where it is most valuable to treat many problems. Among these, it has wide action on veins and it treats well cases of varicose veins (swollen, enlarged, twisted veins), varicose ulcers, and inflammation of veins. In varicose veins, the veins are hard and knotted. Here it is considered when there is excessive pain in the limbs with difficulty in moving about. There is dull dragging pain in legs. Hamamelis is also recommended in cases of varicose ulcers, stinging, burning, biting and pricking is marked. The ulcers are circular, black, and may discharge thin pus with bad smell or blood. For inflammation of veins (phlebitis), it is recommended when there is prickling pain. Besides veins, its action is also noted on joints and muscles. The joints and muscles feel sore. There is pain and stiffness in shoulders. Pain gets worse from motion. Elbow joint is stiff with dull pains. There is lancinating pain in wrist joint especially left side. Among muscles, there is pain in flexor muscles of hands, wrists and fingers. The right biceps muscle feels tender. There is soreness in thigh muscles as if bruised.

Key Indicating Features

Varicose veins that are hard, appear knotted with, dull, dragging sensation and pain in the limbs with difficulty in moving about

Varicose ulcers with stinging, burning, biting and pricking

Varicose ulcers that are circular, black-colored and discharge thin pus with bad smell or blood

Inflammation of veins with prickling pain

Soreness of muscles and joints

3. Eyes (Eye Pain, Black Eye, Iritis, Conjunctivitis, Intra – Ocular Haemorrhage)

With its action on eyes, Hamamelis settles complaints including eye pain, black eye, iritis, conjunctivitis. It is capable to relieve soreness in eyes. For cases of black eye (bruise around the eye from an injury to face or head), it can work wonders. It is effective for cases of iritis (the inflammation of the colored part of iris) and conjunctivitis (inflammation of transparent membrane lining the eyelid and eyeball). In case of inflammation, eyes look bloodshot (look red from congested blood vessels). It can also be given to manage headache from eyestrain.

Key Indicating Features

Soreness in eyes

Black eye

Iritis and conjunctivitis with bloodshot eyes

4. Nose (Nose Bleeding, Sneezing, Cold)

By acting on nose, Hamamelis has a great ability to manage complaints of nose bleeding. It can be used when nasal bleeding is profuse and attended with tightness at the bridge of the nose. A pressure is also felt in the forehead between the eyes. Other than this, its use is considered when there is sneezing with watery discharge from nose that causes burning in nose. Bad smell emanates from nose which also feels blocked.

Key Indicating Feature

Profuse nasal bleeding attended with tightness at the bridge of nose

5. Mouth (Bleeding Gums, Burns)

Hamamelis is of great help in treating bleeding from gums after tooth extraction. It is useful for cases where gums are spongy, sore, painful and bleed frequently and blood is dark-colored. The second important guiding feature to use it is burns on the tongue and lips. A metallic, bloody taste in mouth may accompany.

Key Indicating Features

Bleeding from gums after tooth extraction

Soreness and pain of gums with dark-colored bleeding

Burns on the tongue and lips

6. Male Problems (Varicocele, Testes Pain, Nightly Emissions)

This medicine can treat many male problems magnificently. Hamamelis is one of the best-suited medicine for treating varicocele (enlarged veins within scrotum). It also acts wonderfully to manage inflammation of testes (orchitis) and pain in testes. The testes are swollen, sore and pain gets worse from touch. The pain can be drawing, aching or excruciating type. This medicine is helpful for cases of emissions at night with sexual dreams. This is followed by sadness, weakness and pain in lower back. Its last indication is inflamed urethra (urethritis) with discharge of transparent mucus and pain.

Key Indicating Features

Varicocele

Inflammation of testes and pain worse from motion

Emissions at night with sexual dreams, followed by sadness, weakness and lower backache

6. Female Problems (Heavy Menses, Intermenstrual Bleeding, Ovaritis, Vaginismus)

In women, this medicine can be of great benefit to manage excessive menstrual bleeding of dark blood. There is soreness on abdomen, weakness and pain in lower back. This medicine is highly preferred for managing intermenstrual bleeding too. It acts well in cases of inflammation of ovaries (ovaritis). The pain in ovary can be cutting or tearing type along with swelling and tenderness. Its use is highly indicated for ovaritis resulting from a blow or an injury when soreness is felt in the entire abdomen. Additionally, it can effectively deal with vaginismus (spasm of vaginal muscles when something is trying to enter it) cases. Its use in treating sore, bleeding nipples is also noteworthy.

Key Indicating Features

Heavy menses with dark bleeding, sore abdomen, weakness and pain in lower back

Intermenstrual bleeding

Inflammation of ovaries and ovary pain of cutting or tearing type and swelling and tenderness

Ovarian inflammation after a blow or an injury with soreness in the whole abdomen

7. Urinary Issues (Blood In Urine, Kidney Pain)

Hamamelis is highly valuable for cases of hematuria (blood in urine). This is attended with a frequent urge to urinate. It is an important medicine for managing kidney pain as well. For using it here, the pain is mainly dull aching type.

Key Indicating Feature

Hematuria (blood in urine)

8. Skin (Bruises, Burns, Skin Ulcers, Chilblains)

Lastly, Hamamelis acts on skin to manage various concerns. It is a significant medicine to treat bruises. Bruises means black, blue or purple skin discoloration due to damaged blood vessels under the skin resulting in pooling of blood underneath the skin that typically arises from an injury. Its use is also done in burn cases to alleviate pain. Other than this, it is effective in treating skin ulcers with thin, watery pus having bad odor. Lastly, it is well indicated for chilblains that have turned blue.

Key Indicating Features

Bruises

Burns for pain relief

Skin ulcers with thin, watery pus having bad odor

Chilblains blue in color

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from motion, touch, from exertion and in open air.

Dosage

This medicine works well in both low and high potencies. The potency varies from case to case. In low potencies, it can be repeated frequently. Frequent repetition of high potencies should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Arnica, Camphora, China and Pulsatilla

Followed well by: Arnica

 

Homeopathic medicine Gnaphalium Polycephalum is derived from plant commonly known as  ‘old balsam’ or ‘cud-weed’. This plant belongs to family Compositae. This fresh plant undergoes potentization process (process to prepare homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal powers of a crude substance) to prepare homeopathic medicine Gnaphalium Polycephalum. This medicine is of great service in treating cases of sciatica when pain is attended with numbness. Sciatica refers to pain in lower back going down the hips, back of thigh, legs up to the feet along the path of sciatic nerve.

Drug Action

The foremost and most outstanding action of Gnaphalium is seen on the sciatic nerve. This medicine acts well on legs, joints and back as well. Besides these, its action is marked on the gastric system. Lastly, its action is noted on the female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Sciatica, numbness, backache, joint pains, gout, anterior crural neuralgia, diarrhea, cholera, colic, dysmenorrhea

 Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Limbs (Sciatica, Joint Pains, Cramps, Gout, Anterior Crural Neuralgia)

The action of Gnaphalium is most marked on the limbs. It acts magnificently to manage sciatica. Sciatica refers to a pain that travels along the path of sciatic nerve. The pain marks its beginning in the lower back and then it radiates down the hip, back of thigh, back of leg up to feet. Here the classic symptom indication for its use is pain along sciatic nerve when pain alternates with numbness or pain is followed by numbness. This key symptom is specifically kept in mind when Gnaphalium is recommended for sciatica cases. The pain along sciatic nerve is quite intense where this medicine is required. In limbs, it is the most effective on the joints. A very peculiar sensation when the sufferer needs this remedy is pain in the joints as if they lack oil. In general, pain gets worse from motion, stepping and better by flexing limbs on the abdomen. It is well-indicated to manage pain in the ankle, knee, hip, elbow and shoulder joint. Among these, its action is most prominent on the hip joint. The pain can be cutting, darting or dull in nature. In majority of cases requiring it, pain from the hip joint radiates up to the foot. This pain is worse when lying down, stepping and from motion. It is relieved by sitting in a chair. Gnaphalium is also indicated for cases of gout (inflamed, red, hot, painful, swollen joints from rise in uric acid levels in blood). It works best in case of pain in big toes from gout. Another characteristic indication guiding its use is cramps in the calves (muscle in the back of legs) and feet when in bed. Other than these it is suitable for cases of anterior crural neuralgia. It refers to pain in the front of the thighs from compression of crural nerve (this nerve originates from lumbar nerves and supplies the muscles and skin of front part of the thigh).

Key Indicating Features

Pain along sciatic nerve with pain alternating with numbness or pain followed by numbness

Pain in the joints with sensation as if they lack oil

Pain in the big toes from gout

Anterior crural neuralgia – pain in front of thighs from compression of crural nerve

2. Back (Backache, Numbness)

Another action of Gnaphalium is prominent on the back. It can be used in cases of lower back pain. Persons needing it have relief in this pain from lying on the back. In addition to this, numbness may be felt in the lower back. A sensation of weight is felt in the pelvis.

Key Indicating Features

Lower back pain which gets better from lying on the back

Lower backache accompanied by numbness in the lower back

3. Gastric Troubles (Gas, Colic, Diarrhea, Cholera)

This medicine also acts well on the gastric system. Firstly, it is helpful for relieving gas in the abdomen along with burps of wind and nausea. Secondly, it is beneficial for colicky pains in different parts of the abdomen along with sensitivity to pressure. It can be used in cases of diarrhea. Here it is given when the stools are pale when passed in the morning and day accompanied by irritable temper. It can also be given for copious, watery stool at night with nausea, pain in the bowels and excessive weakness. Lastly, it is well indicated for first stage of cholera (an infection of the small intestine occurring from intake of food or water contaminated with bacteria named vibrio cholerae) with vomiting and diarrhea.

Key Indicating Features

Gas in abdomen along with burps of wind and nausea

Diarrhea when the stools are pale when passed in morning and day accompanied with irritable temper

Copious watery stool at night with nausea, pain in bowels and excessive weakness

First stage of cholera with vomiting and diarrhea

4. Female Problems (Painful Menses)

Here this medicine is effective to manage painful menses (dysmenorrhoea). The guiding feature for its use is painful menses with scanty periods. Pain is most marked on the first day of menses. Fullness and weight in the pelvis is also felt.

Key Indicating Feature

Painful menses with scanty periods

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse in cold damp, from lying and walking

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from sitting in a chair and flexing limbs

Dosage

This medicine can be used in both low and high potency. The potency and repetition of this medicine varies for every individual case. As a general rule the low potencies can be taken frequently but high potencies should not be repeated often.

Relationship with Other Remedies

It can be compared with other remedies including Colocynth, Chamomilla, Ipecac, Merc Sol, Pulsatilla, Lycopodium and Xanthoxylum

 

This medicine is derived from plant ‘papaver somniferum’ belonging to family Papaveraceae via potentization.  Potentization is a process that extracts and intensifies medicinal properties of a crude substance. This medicine is of great clinical significance in treating cases of constipation, sleeplessness and effects of fear.

The ‘Opium’ Constitution

This medicine is mainly suited to people with relaxed muscles and those who have are been habitual alcohol drinkers for a long time. It is also well-indicated for those in whom well-selected medicines produce no effect.

Drug Action

Action of opium is especially noted on gastric organs mainly rectum. It also acts well on the mind and nerves. It is a very effective medicine for managing sleep issues as well. Other than this, its action is noted on face, limbs, urinary organs and limbs.

Clinical Indications

Constipation, fear effects, sleeplessness, snoring, convulsions, delirium, hernia, drowsiness, colic, painful menses, paralysis, facial twitching, urine complaints

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Gastric Problems (Constipation, Diarrhea, Hernia, Vomiting)

Opium has a wide action on the gastric system. It has a prominent action on the rectum to help cases of constipation. There is intense constipation in cases needing it. The stool is passed in the form of hard, round balls which is the characteristic to use this medicine. Intense pain may be felt in the rectum. It can also be given for treating cases of diarrhea especially that follow some fright or sudden joy. The stool is fluid and frothy with anal burning. The stool has a very offensive smell. Stool may pass involuntarily from fright. Opium is a very useful medicine for cases of abdomen pain with passage of hard stool. Abdomen feels hard and bloated. This medicine is of great value for cases of umbilical or inguinal hernia. It can be used for cases of pressure and heaviness in stomach. Lastly, it is indicated for managing nausea and vomiting. The vomiting may be greenish or contains blood.

Key Indicating Features

Constipation with stool passed in form of hard, round balls

Diarrhea following fright or sudden joy

Umbilical or inguinal hernia

2. Sleep Issues (Sleeplessness, Drowsiness, Snoring)

Opium proves to be a very effective medicine to deal with certain sleep issues. It is a very suitable medicine for managing sleeplessness. Persons needing this medicine have acute hearing and noises coming from far away keep them awake. They are sleepy but cannot sleep. There is excessive restlessness with tossing in bed. On the other side, it can be given when a person has excessive drowsiness and goes into deep sleep. Its use is also recommended to manage jerking, and muscle twitchings happening during sleep. Lastly, it proves very beneficial for cases of snoring.

Key Indicating Features

Sleeplessness with acute hearing and noises coming from far away keeping the person awake

Jerking, twitching during sleep

Excessive drowsiness with deep sleep

Snoring

3. Mind Complaints (Fright, Delirium, Convulsions)

It is a highly suitable medicine for complaints that occur from fright, excessive joy or anger. It is further well indicated for dullness of mind where brain works slowly. A person lacks mental grasp and is unable to comprehend whatever he is reading. The role of opium in managing delirium is also very important. Delirium is sudden change in brain resulting in confusion, unclear speech, clouded thinking, difficulty in paying attention, distraction and disorientation. In delirium, it works well when there is muttering (speaking in a low voice) with red, puffed, swollen face, wide open eyes and excessive physical activity. This medicine is prominently indicated for convulsions (fits) which get worse from fright, anger, insult and for convulsions in sleep.

Key Indicating Features

Complaints from fright, excessive joy or anger

Delirium with muttering, red, puffed, swollen face, wide open eyes and excessive physical activity

Convulsions (fits) worse from fright, anger, insult and in sleep

4. Limbs (Trembling, Weakness, Paralysis, Twitching, Jerking)

With its action on limbs, opium offers help to manage trembling of limbs especially due to fright. It is well indicated for managing numbness in hands and legs. It is also valuable for management of weakness and paralysis of legs. Its use is lastly considered for cases of jerking and twitching (spontaneous muscle contraction) of limbs.

Key Indicating Features

Limbs tremble following fright

Weakness and paralysis of legs

Jerking and twitching (spontaneous muscle contraction) of limbs

5. Face (Twitching, Cramps)

If we talk of facial concerns, opium is an important medicine for muscle twitching on the face mostly at the corners of mouth. In general, the face is red, flushed and swollen. It is effective in managing cramping in the lower jaw. Lastly, it is of service in case of swollen, distended veins on face.

Key Indicating Features

Facial twitching mainly at the corners of mouth

Cramps in lower jaw

6. Urinary Problems (Retention Of Urine, Kidney Pain)

Opium also cures urinary problems. The main complaint where it serves the best purpose is retention of urine or involuntary urine after fright. It is also indicated for retention of urine in females after childbirth. It can be used in cases of kidney pain when pain radiates from the kidneys to the bladder, and in males to testicles. Last indication for its use is weak stream of urine and slow initiation of urine.

Key Indicating Features

Retention of urine after fright or after childbirth

Involuntary urine after fright

Pain radiating from kidneys to bladder, and testicles in males

7. Female Problems (Suppressed Periods, Painful Menses, Suppressed Lochia)

Women may find this medicine highly useful for managing certain problems. The foremost indication for its use is the suppression of menses due to fright. Another concern that it can treat well is of painful menses. It is suited when pain during menses forces the patient to bend double along with urge to pass stool. Lastly, its use can be considered when lochia (vaginal discharge that occur after childbirth and last for about four to eight weeks) is suppressed from fright.

Key Indicating Features

Suppressed menses from fright

Painful menses with bending double and urge for stool

Suppression of lochia after fright

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints are worse from fear, joy, heat, alcohol intake, odors and suppressed discharges

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from cold and from constant walking

Dosage

It can be used from 30 C to 200 C potency. Its action lasts for about 7 days. In low potency, one may repeat it often but in high potency, frequent repetition is not advised.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor, Belladonna, Ipecac and Nux vomica

Followed well by: Aconite, Antimonium Tart, Belladonna, Bryonia, Hyoscyamus, Nux Vomica, Nux Moschata and Sambucus