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

This homeopathic remedy is derived from ‘beech wood kreosote’ (a product of distillation of wood tar). When this product undergoes potentization (process by which homeopathic medicines are prepared by arousing latent medicinal properties from a crude substance), we get a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Kreosotum. It is a wonderful homeopathic medicine primarily used for treating various female disorders and urinary complaints.

The ‘Kreosotum’ Constitution

Kreosotum is a suitable medicine for thin persons and persons disposed to being sad and irritable. It is suited to children who are poorly developed and suffer from malnutrition.

Drug Action

The most prominent action of this medicine is on the female genitals, urinary organs and teeth. Rest of its action is noted on ears, gastric system and skin. It has a marvelous tendency to check burning, excoriating and offensive smelling discharges. Its action in controlling hemorrhages (bleeding) is also highly noteworthy.

Clinical Indications

Leucorrhoea (vaginal discharges), vaginal itching, vaginitis, metrorrhagia (intermenstrual bleeding), PMS (premenstrual syndrome), dyspareunia (painful intercourse), warts, bedwetting, involuntary urination, hemorrhages, putrid odor, toothache, tooth decay, painful dentition, ear disorders, ulcers, colic, stomach disorders, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, cancer, eruptions

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Female Problems (Vaginal Discharges, Vaginal Itching, Intermenstrual Bleeding, Pms, Painful Intercourse, Warts)  

This medicine has widespread action on female genitals and is well-indicated for treating numerous female problems. First of all, its use is highly recommended for managing vaginal discharge medically known as leucorrhoea. This medicine is selected for these cases when the vaginal discharge is yellow, that causes intense itching and burning in vagina and has a very offensive smell. It is worse between periods. Standing and walking also make it worse. It is better when sitting. Excessive weakness occurs with vaginal discharge. Its use is also considered for vaginal discharges consisting of bloody watery matter. It gives excellent result in vaginitis (inflammation of vagina) cases. Second prominent indication guiding its use is vaginal itching. There is excessive itching in vagina, after scratching soreness and burning is felt. Soreness in vagina is marked when urinating. There is swelling and heat in external genitals. Thirdly, Kreosotum can be given for cases of intermittent flow of menstrual bleeding. Females needing this medicine complain that the bleeding during periods is not continuous and it tends to come and go. It disappears while sitting and walking and occurs on lying down. The bleeding is excessive and lumpy type. Kreosotum is also recommended when menses comes early, is heavy and extend for a long time. Its use is suggested for metrorrhagia means inter-menstrual bleeding too. In such cases, the blood is dark, occurs in large clots with offensive smell. It works well in cases of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). In PMS, it is used when there is headache, irritability of mind, nausea and swelling in the body. This medicine is also known to be effective for cases of dyspareunia (painful intercourse). Females needing it complain of excessive pain and also burning sensation during sex . Kreosotum also manages well complaints of bleeding after intercourse. This medicine is also suitable for cases of warts on cervix.  Headache before and during menses is yet another important feature. It is also known to play an important role in managing cases of cancer of uterus, vagina or cervix.

Key Indicating Features

Vaginal discharges that are yellow, acrid, offensive smelling and cause intense itching and burning in vagina

Vaginal itching with soreness and burning after scratching

Intermenstrual bleeding with dark offensive bleeding occurring in large clots

PMS with headache, irritability of mind, nausea and swelling in body

Pain and burning during intercourse

Headache before and during menses

2. Urinary Issues (Bedwetting, Urgent Urination, Offensive Urine)

This medicine also has prominent action on urinary organs. It is one of the main homeopathic medicines for managing bedwetting cases. Here guiding feature is involuntary urination in first part of the night. Another important complaint where it proves to be effective is urgency to pass urine. A person has to rush to pass urine when urge occurs. The frequency to urinate increases during day. Urine is profuse. It can also be given for involuntary urination on coughing. Urine is very offensive where this medicine is required. Urine may be brown and deposit white or reddish sediment.

Key Indicating Features

Bedwetting in first part of night

Offensive urine

3. Mouth And Teeth (Putrid Odor, Toothache, Tooth Decay, Painful Dentition)

It acts wonderfully on mouth and teeth to deal with various complaints effectively. It is mainly useful for managing putrid odor from mouth. The taste in mouth may be bitter. It is also helpful for spongy, soft, bluish red, bleeding, inflamed or ulcerated gums along with pus in them. For teeth, its use is considered for decayed teeth. The teeth are dark and crumbling. There may be blackish spots on the teeth. It is given when teeth decay as soon as they appear with spongy and bleeding gums. It proves very successful in controlling oozing of dark blood, slightly clotted after tooth extraction. It is effective for toothache in case of decayed teeth. The pain from the teeth extends to the side of head and inner ear. It also plays an important role in painful dentition in children. The child is restless, is sleepless at night with screaming and wants to be in motion all the time.

Key Indicating Features

Putrid odor from mouth

Soft, spongy, bluish-red, bleeding, inflamed or ulcerated gums along with pus

Decayed teeth with dark and crumbling teeth or blackish spots on the teeth

Quick decay of teeth as soon as they appear

Persistent oozing of dark blood, slightly clotted after tooth extraction

4. Ears (Noises In Ears, Itching And Swelling)

It acts well on the ears. Here it can be used for managing tinnitus with buzzing noises in ears and hardness of hearing. A characteristic feature to use it is buzzing, roaring or humming noises with difficulty in hearing before and during menses. It is applicable to manage itching in ears. Another valuable indication is swelling and inflammation of ears accompanied with burning and tensive pain.

Key Indicating Features

Buzzing, roaring or humming noises and difficult hearing before and during menses

5. Gastric Complaints (Ulcers, Nausea, Vomiting, Pain, Diarrhea And Constipation)

This medicine is well-indicated to deal with certain gastric complaints quite effectively. These mainly include burning in stomach, ulcers, nausea, vomiting, abdomen pain, diarrhea and constipation. It is effective for stomach burning which is temporarily better from eating. It can be of great help for stomach ulcers. There is gnawing, ulcerative pain in stomach. It is helpful for vomiting of food occurring many hours after eating. It can be given for managing cases of hematemesis (vomiting having blood) too. It is the best choice of medicine for nausea and vomiting occurring specifically before menses. Another indication for its use is contractive or shooting pain in abdomen. There may occur griping pain around the umbilicus, particularly before menses. Burning pain in intestine can be there. It works effectively to manage diarrhea during menses. It can help constipation cases as well when stool is difficult with burning and cramping rectal pain during stool. Lastly, its use is also indicated for management of stomach cancer.

Key Indicating Features

stomach burning which is temporarily better from eating

Nausea and vomiting before menses

Diarrhea during menses

6. Skin Problems (Itching, Eczema, Urticaria, Bleeding)

By acting on skin, it can settle various complaints. To begin with, it works very well to manage violent skin itching in evening time. Secondly, its use to treat eczema is a significant feature. It is indicated for eczema of face, eyelids, back of hands and joints. It is useful when urticaria (a skin disorder characterized by itchy wheals means raised bumps on skin mainly occurring from an allergic reaction) occurs after menses. Another complaint where its use is suggested is to control bleeding from small, wounds.

Key Indicating Features

Violent itching in evening

Eczema of face, eyelids, back of hands and joints

Urticaria after menses

Bleeding from small wounds

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse during dentition, during and after menses, during intercourse, in summer, and when lying down

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from motion, warmth, pressure and after sleep

Dosage

Depending from case to case, it can be used from low to high potency. It can be repeated often in low potency but in high potency, frequent repetition is usually not recommended.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Aconite, Nux Vomica and Ferrum Met

Followed well by: Arsenic Album, Belladonna, Calcarea Carb, Nitric Acid, Sepia and Sulphur

Homeopathic medicine Sanguinarium Nitricum is derived from nitrate of sanguinarin. The nitrate of sanguinarin undergoes potentization (a process in which medicinal properties from a crude substance are extracted). As a result, we get homeopathic medicine Sanguinarium Nitricum which is of great clinical significance. It is a prominently indicated homeopathic medicine to treat various nasal complaints especially nasal polyps and turbinate hypertrophy.

Turbinate hypertrophy

Drug Action

It is a great remedy and helps cure the mucus membrane of the nose. It also acts well on the throat, respiratory system, the eyes and the head.

Clinical Indications

Nasal polyps, cold, allergies, hay fever, post nasal drip, cough, bronchitis, asthma, sore throat, quinsy, pharyngitis, laryngitis and headache.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Nasal Complaints (Polyps, Turbinate Hypertrophy, Cold, Post Nasal Discharge, Hay Fever)

Sanguinarium Nitricum acts well on the mucus membrane of the nose and proves effective in resolving various nasal-related issues. The first and foremost complaint where it is used is nasal polyps. It gives magnificent results in cases of nasal polyps (soft, painless, non-cancerous growths that may develop on the lining of nasal passage or the paranasal sinuses). Sanguinarium helps to dissolve the polyp’s growth in the nose as well as helps relieve nasal blockage. Secondly, it can be administered in case of cold with copious watery discharge from the nose accompanied by pain in the nostrils, burning in nature. Also, an accompanying factor is  ‘pressure-feeling’ at the base of the nose. Sneezing also occurs along with this. Profuse eye-watering (lachrymation) accompanies too. Soreness and rawness is felt in the nostrils. It can be used in cases of hay fever (nasal allergy / allergic rhinitis). It refers to a condition characterized by symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, nasal stuffiness and itchy, watery and red eyes arising from an allergic response to allergens for eg, dust mites, pollen.

Another prominent indication for its use is hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates (nasal turbinates are tiny structures inside the nose formed of bone covered with spongy mucus membrane). It offers help in the beginning of turbinate hypertrophy. Another important complaint in which it proves beneficial is stuffing of nose with mucus that is thick, yellow, and blood-stained. There may be little crust formation in the nostrils as well. Upon removing the crusts, bleeding follows. This medicine can prove to be extremely useful in cases of post-nasal discharge (mucus dripping from the back of nose into the throat). Those needing it in this complaint have excessive difficulty in dislodging the mucus that seems to be stuck behind the nose.

Key Indicating Features

Nasal polyps with nasal blockage

Cold with copious watery nasal discharge with burning pain and sneezing

Hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates in the beginning

Nasal stuffiness with thick, yellow, blood-stained mucus

Post nasal discharge with difficulty in dislodging the mucus

2. Throat Complaints (Sore Throat, Tonsillitis, Quinsy, Laryngitis)

Sanguinarium Nitricum acts well on the throat. Here it is mainly indicated to manage sore throat and tonsillitis. The throat feels rough, dry, constricted. Burning in the throat is also felt alongside. There is redness, roughness, soreness, rawness on the right tonsil. It is accompanied by pain. Swallowing becomes difficult. Excessive mucus is accumulated in throat. There is expectoration of thick, yellow mucus which tastes close to being sweet. Its use in managing quinsy (also called peritonsillar abscess refers to accumulation of pus behind the tonsil) is also recommended. It can be administered in cases of laryngitis. In such cases, there is deep, hoarse, changed voice.

Key Indicating Features

Rough, dry, constricted sensation in throat along with burning sensation

Redness, roughness, soreness, rawness on the right tonsil

Laryngitis with deep, hoarse, altered voice

3. Respiratory issues (cough, asthma, bronchitis)

Its action on respiratory system is also indicated. It is mainly helpful for managing cough. It is given when there is short, tickling cough with expectoration of thick yellow mucus having sweet taste. It is well indicated for asthma and bronchitis (inflammation of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs) cases. Persons who need this medicine feel as if thick mucus lines the air passages. Sense of suffocation also occurs. Tightness and burning sensation in chest is another symptom that is present. Pressure and mucus accumulation behind sternum (T-shaped bone that forms the front portion of the chest wall) is also present.

Key Indicating Feature

Short, tickling cough with expectoration of thick yellow sweetish mucus

4. Eyes (Watering, Pain, Redness)

Sanguinarium Nitricum helps manage eye redness, excessive eye watering and eye pain. It is useful for sore, aching and pressing pain in the eyes. Burning in the eyes is also present. The eyelids and conjunctiva is red. Excessive eye watering (lachrymation) is accompanied. Lastly, eye dimness as if a mucus film is spread oversight is an indication for its use.

Key Indicating Features

Sore, aching, burning, pressing pain in eyes

Eeye dimness with sensation as if a mucus film is spread over sight

5. Head (Headache)

By acting on head, Sanguinarium Nitricum works wonderfully for managing headache. Main indication for its use is burning pain in forehead and root of nose. It is attended with aching in eyeballs.  It can also be used when there is pain above eyes (supraorbital region) that extends to forehead. A characteristic indication guiding its use is feeling of fullness in head that gets better when there is expectoration of thick, yellow sweetish mucus. A very unique feature that can be there is heat in forehead relieved by bathing in warm water. Soreness and aching all over the head can also be present.

Key Indicating Features

Burning pain in forehead and root of nose

Pain above eyes (supraorbital region) extending to forehead

Fullness in head better from expectoration of thick, yellow sweetish mucus

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse at night and touch, eye soreness is worse from pressure.

Relieving factors: There is relief in headache by expelling mucus from the nose.

Dosage

The dose and potency of this medicine varies from low to high as per the case details. In low potency, it can be used often but in high potency frequent repetition is not advised.

Relationship with Other Remedies

It can be compared with some other remedies including Arum Triphyllum, Kali Bichrome and Psorinum

Homeopathic medicine Selenium is derived from an element selenium. When this element undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines by arousing the medicinal properties of a crude substance), it gets converted into a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Selenium. It is a top most medicine to deal with various male problems that mainly include erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and spermatorrhea.

Drug Action

This remedy’s action is most marked on male genitals. It also acts well on urinary organs, gastric system and skin. Lastly, its action is noted on the head and hair.

Clinical Indications

Impotency, spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, constipation, liver disorders, comedones, skin disorders, hair loss, headache

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Male Problems (Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation, Spermatorrhea)

Selenium is considered a great remedy to treat various health problems in males. It is a leading medicine to deal with cases of erectile dysfunction (impotency) which is an inability to achieve or maintain erections firm enough to have sexual intercourse. Males needing it have sexual weakness, they have increased sexual desire but lack ability to have sexual intercourse. Penis relaxes on attempting coition. They have lascivious (relating to sexual matter) fancies but lack sexual power. Secondly, it is a well-indicated medicine to treat cases of premature ejaculation. There are feeble, insufficient erections and easy loss of semen. After sexual intercourse, irritability is felt. Semen is watery and odorless. Selenium is a prominent medicine to manage cases of spermatorrhea (involuntary seminal discharges). It works well in cases having dribbling of semen during sleep. Sexual dreams with seminal emissions occur that awaken the patient. It is followed by lameness and weakness in the lower back.  It is also a good medicine when seminal discharge occurs while passing stool, sitting or walking. Lastly, it is a useful medicine to manage genital itching especially of the scrotum.

Key Indicating Features

Erectile dysfunction with increased sexual desire but lacks of ability to have sexual intercourse

Premature ejaculation

Involuntary seminal discharge during sleep with sexual dreams

Involuntary seminal discharge while passing stool, sitting or walking

2. Urinary Issues (Frequent Urine, Urgent Urine, Pain In Urethra)

It is of great clinical significance in managing various urinary issues. Its use is recommended to manage complaints of frequent and urgent urination. It is also well indicated to deal with cases of dribbling of urine after urination, after passing stool and while walking. The urine is dark, thick, scanty with red, sandy coarse sediments in it. Other than these, it is indicated to manage twinging pain along urethra from behind forward. A sensation in the tip of urethra as if a biting drop is forcing its way out is another characteristic indication to use it.

Key Indicating Features

Frequent and urgent urination

Dribbling of urine after urination, after passing stool and while walking

3. Gastric Concerns (Cramps, Constipation, Liver Problems)

This medicine is also recommended to manage certain gastric issues. It can be firstly given for cases of stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting. Its action on rectum is well marked. Here, it is suitable for cases of constipation. In cases needing it, stool is large and hard that passes with a great effort. In some cases, stool is so hard that it needs to be removed mechanically. Sometimes, hard stool is followed by expulsion of mucus or blood from anus. Anal itching can be felt usually in the evening. It acts wonderfully on liver also. It can be given for cases of liver pain that mainly occurs when one breathes in. Another indication to use it is enlarged liver with rash over the area around the liver. Along with this there is loss of appetite, and sharp stitching pain around the liver. The pain gets worse from motion and by applying pressure.

Key Indicating Features

Constipation when stool is large, hard and passes with a great effort

Hard stool that gets impacted and needs to be removed mechanically

Liver pain occurs on taking inspiration

Enlarged liver with rash over the liver region

Sharp stitching pain in liver region worse from motion and pressure

4. Skin Ailments (Comedones, Eruptions, Itching) And Hair Problems

Selenium is useful for cases of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) with an oily skin. It is also helpful for dry, scaly eruptions on palms of hands. It is accompanied with itching. It also provides relief in vesicles (fluid-filled eruptions) in between the fingers.

comedones

It is suitable to manage itching that occurs in skin folds and around the ankles. It is also well indicated to manage hair problems, especially hair fall. It can be used to manage hair loss that occurs from scalp and eyebrows. Additionally, it offers help when hair loss is arising from armpits, whiskers and pubic area as well.

Key Indicating Features

Comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) with an oily skin

Dry, scaly eruptions on palms of hands

Vesicles (fluid filled eruptions) in between the fingers

Hair loss from scalp, eyebrows, armpits, whiskers and pubic area

2. Head (Headache)

Selenium proves to be an effective medicine for managing headache. It is effective especially to manage pain that is felt over left eye. It increases from strong odors and from walking in sun. It is a prominent medicine to tackle headache experienced by alcoholics. Headache that follows intake of wine, lemonade or tea can be magnificently managed with this medicine. Lastly, its use is suggested to deal with headache that occurs after intellectual labor.

Key Indicating Features

Pain over left eye which gets worse from strong odors and walking in sun

Headache in alcoholics

Headache after taking wine, lemonade or tea

Headache following intellectual labor

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse in open air, from loss of sleep, in hot weather, from mental exertion, touch, pressure, motion, after seminal loss and from wine.

Relieving factors: Complaints get better after sunset, from inhaling cool air, taking cold water in mouth

Dosage

This medicine works well in both low and high potencies. The potency is selected individually for every case. The low potencies can be frequently repeated but high potencies should not be consumed very often.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Ignatia, Pulsatilla and Muriatic Acid

Followed well by: Calcarea Carb, Merc Sol, Nux Vomica and Sepia