Search Results for: Blood Pressure

Homeopathic Remedies for Prostatitis

If a male feels the need to urinate very often and pain accompanies it, he might be suffering from prostatitis. Pain in the genitals, pelvic area, perineum, groin and painful ejaculation are other prominent symptoms of this condition. Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate gland. Prostatitis frequently results in painful urination in males. In men, the prostate gland is located beneath the bladder that encircles the top part of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of body). The fluid (semen) that carries sperms during ejaculation is produced by the prostate and other sex glands.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathic medicines offer a very effective treatment for various prostatic troubles, including enlargement and prostatitis. Homeopathic treatment for prostatitis can greatly help in acute conditions and can also provide cure for chronic prostatitis. The first aim of homeopathic medicines for prostatitis patients is to provide relief from acute symptoms, and then the natural homeopathic remedies work to root out the chronic problem. The homeopathic remedies for prostatitis are made of natural substances and are completely safe, without any side effects.

Homeopathic Remedies for Prostatitis

Top Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Prostatitis

There are a wide range of natural homeopathic medicines that can help in treating prostatitis, but the medicine selection for every patient depends on the particular symptoms. Some of the most frequently recommended medicines for prostatitis are – Apis Mellifica, Cantharis, Sabal Serrulata, Chimaphila, Thuja, Lycopodium and Nitric Acid.

1. Apis Mellifica – Top-Most Medicine For Prostatitis

Apis Mellifica is a top homeopathic medicine for acute prostatitis. It is suitable for patients of prostatitis who have burning / stinging type of pain while urinating. The burning is most intense specifically while passing the last drops of urine. With this, there is a frequent desire to pass urine not only during the daytime but also at night. There is difficulty in retaining urine even for a few seconds. The urine passed is usually scanty.

When and How to use Apis Mellifica?

Apis Mellifica is very beneficial for providing relief from burning sensation while urinating especially when passing last drops of urine. It can be used in low 30C potency. It can only be repeated twice a day when given in low power. It is also used in 200C but in order to do so one should carefully look for the symptoms.

2. Cantharis – For Pain / Burning Before, During And After Urination

Cantharis is of great help in treating cases of prostatitis where the urine is passed with pain or a burning sensation. The pain/burning is felt before, during and even after passing urine. The desire to pass urine is almost constant. At times urine may pass drop by drop.

When and How to use Cantharis?

The most striking feature for using this medicine is pain or burning sensation which is present before, during and after urination along with constant desire to pass urine. Cantharis is best suited in 30C potency. It can be repeated 2 times a day till it gives desired results.

3. Clematis – To Manage Genital Pain In Prostatitis

Clematis is of great help in managing genital pain in prostatitis cases. It can be used when there ois testicle pain. It is worse from touch and walking. The nature of pain can be drawing, pinching type. Pain occurs in scrotum and groin as well. It is also useful to relieve burning pain in penis occurring during ejaculation.

When and How to use Clematis?

This medicine can be considered to relieve pain in testicle, scrotum or groin in prostatitis cases. It can also be used to manage burning pain in penis during ejaculation. Though it can be used in various potencies, the most commonly used is its 30C potency. Clematis 30C can be taken two to three times a day for good relief.

4. Pulsatilla – To Manage Pelvic Pain And Perineum Pain

This medicine works well in cases of prostatitis with pelvic pain and perineum pain. Males needing it mainly have pain in perineum after urinating. This pain extends to entire lower pelvic region and also down the thighs. Excessive heat and pressure is felt in perineum. Along with this there is frequent, ineffectual urge to pass urine.

When and How to use Pulsatilla?

Use of Pulsatilla is suggested to help pelvic pain and perineum pain in prostatitis cases. Pulsatilla 30C once in morning and once in evening can be taken to relieve this complaint.

5. Conium – To Manage Painful Ejaculation

Conium is a highly effective medicine to manage painful ejaculation in prostatitis cases. It is also useful when there is difficulty in starting urine flow. Cutting or burning pain is felt after passing urine. Besides, Conium can be given for managing weak erections in prostatitis cases.

When and How to use Conium?

This medicine should be opted to manage painful ejaculation. Its use is usually recommended in 30C potency that can be administered twice a day

6. Sabal Serrulata – For Frequent Urine At Night

Sabal Serrulata is one of the very popular homeopathic remedies for prostatic troubles including inflamed prostate and enlarged prostate. Sabal Serrulata is the best homeopathic medicine for dealing with the problem of frequent urination at night in patients with prostatitis. The urge of passing urine can be constant. Difficulty or burning while passing urine is also noted in such patients.

When and How to use Sabal Serrulata?

It is a key remedy for prostatitis with frequent urination at night that may be attended with a burning sensation. Unless otherwise prescribed, it is to be taken in mother tincture form once or twice a day.

7. Chimaphila – When There Is Difficulty Starting Urine

Chimaphila is an effective medicine for persons who have difficulty in the beginning while urinating. Passing urine requires straining. A peculiar position of standing with feet wide apart and stooping in forward direction may help to pass urine with much straining. Burning during passing urine may be noticed. The urine may contain ropy mucus.

When and How to take Chimaphila?

Chimaphila is suitable for prostatitis when much straining to initiate urine is required. There is burning during urination. It is mostly administered in mother tincture (Q) form. It can be taken 2-3 times a day. Once the symptoms improve, frequent repetition of doses is not required. If there is no improvement, then it is best to seek professional guidance.

8. Thuja – For Frequent And Urgent Urination

Thuja is an appropriate natural remedy for patients of prostatitis who have frequent urination and who are unable to control urine with a sudden desire to empty the bladder quickly. The patient has to hasten and rush to pass urine. The urine may also be passed involuntarily at night. The patient needing Thuja may have a history of gonorrhea and syphilis. Foamy-cloudy urine or mucus in urine may be present in high levels.

When and How to take Thuja?

It is a remedy that is used in cases of prostatitis having complaints of increased frequency of urination and sudden desire to urinate, that cannot be controlled. Both the lower and the highest potencies are credited with excellent results. But as it is a deep-acting remedy hence lower potency, 30C is usually preferred once or twice a day. Otherwise, 200 C or even higher potencies, have proved efficacious but not in too frequent doses.

9. Lycopodium – For Frequent, Difficult Urination With Backache

Lycopodium is very beneficial when frequent and difficult urination is accompanied by backache. The backache may be relieved after passing urine. Much straining is needed to begin to urinate. Here the increased frequency of urination may be felt mostly during night hours.

When and How to take Lycopodium?

It is best to take Lycopodium in prostatitis where there is increased frequency of urine especially during night along with backache. Both the lower and the highest potencies of 30C and 200C of Lycopodium have proved to be efficacious with excellent results. It can be taken one or two times a day.

10. Nitric Acid – For Burning And Offensive Urine In Prostatitis

Nitric Acid proves to be the best cure for prostatitis, where the urine emits a highly offensive odor along with burning in urethra during its passage. The urine passed is scanty with strong and highly offensive smell. The urge to empty the bladder is frequent but urine is scanty in quantity. The stream of urine is also thin. Pus discharge from urethra may be noted in a few patients requiring this medicine.

When and How to use Nitric acid?

This remedy is best suited to patients who have foul-smelling urine passed with burning pain. The amount of urine passed is small. Mostly, it works well in low potency i.e. 30C. Usually, the repetition of dosage is limited to once a day. Higher potencies are not recommended until discussed with a physician.

Note One may use the above medicine for a week or two in recommended dose and potency. If no changes are seen, it is advised to consult a homeopathic doctor for further course of action. The above medicines are indicated only when symptoms are mild to moderate. In case of severe symptoms and when there is fever with painful urine, inability to urinate, urine retention, blood in urine and intense pain in the genitals or pelvic region, one should immediately take help from the conventional mode of treatment as homeopathy has limitations in treating such acute cases.

Cause Behind Prostatitis

The reasons for prostatitis could be two-fold: bacterial infection or non-bacterial origin

1. Bacterial infection– Some infection from urinary tract (UTI) might enter the prostate and result in its inflammation. In some cases, sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia may result in prostatitis.

2. Non-bacterial reasons–This kind of prostatitis does not result from any bacterial infection. It may happen from some injury, stress, or nerve irritation.

Risk Factors For Prostatitis

There are some factors that increase the risk of prostatitis as follows:

1. A recent UTI or sexually transmitted infection

2. Use of urinary catheter (a tube used to drain urine from bladder)

3. Pelvic injury

4. History of prostatitis

5. Enlarged prostate

6. Having a prostate biopsy

7. Pelvic floor muscle spasms

8. Young and middle-aged males are at risk, but in case of chronic prostatitis, males between 50-60 yrs are at risk.

Types Of Prostatitis

1. Acute bacterial prostatitis: It occurs from bacterial infection where symptoms come on quickly and are severe.

2. Chronic bacterial prostatitis: It also results from bacterial infection but here symptoms appear gradually, remain for a long time period and are less severe. Sometimes the symptoms are recurrent. It is more common in elderly males.

3. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (chronic prostatitis): The most common type, in which inflammation of the prostate gland does not arise from any infection. It causes symptoms like long-term pelvic pain, pain in genitals and perineum for several weeks and months.

4. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: Prostate is inflamed but no symptoms are present.

Symptoms of Prostatitis

The symptoms vary as per the type. The symptoms are less severe in chronic cases. Acute prostatitis is a medical emergency. In case of asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, no symptoms occur.

The main symptoms of prostatitis are pain or burning sensation while passing urine, frequent urination that gets worse in the night hours, an urgent desire to pass urine. The other symptoms may include difficulty in initiating urination, weak urine flow, pain in pelvic region, groins, or genitalia (penis, testicles, scrotum), perineum (area between scrotum and rectum) or in lower back, difficulty in emptying the bladder. Other symptoms include painful ejaculation, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. The urine may be cloudy or have blood in it. Urine may be foul smelling at times.

Complications Of Prostatitis

The complications include urine retention, spread of infection to blood (sepsis), an abscess (pus-filled lump) formation in prostate, epididymitis and spread of infection to pelvic bone and lower spine. In case of chronic pelvic pain syndrome, erectile dysfunction (inability to achieve or maintain an erection) may result.

Homeopathic Medicine: Kreosotum – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 5 Comments

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

Sanguinarium Nitricum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Editor 2 Comments

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 Medicines for painful Menses

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 27 Comments

Having periods or menses is irritable and if it is accompanied by pain, the ordeal only gets tougher. Painful periods are medically known as dysmenorrhea. Slight pain or discomfort is normal during menses but it is not normal to have intense pain that interferes with daily routine activities.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathic remedies for menstrual pain during periods are very effective in providing relief from pain. These remedies are made of natural substances and are free from any side effects. They are completely safe that work to end the root cause of the pain during periods.

Top Homeopathic Remedies For Menstrual Pain

The most important homeopathic medicines to manage menstrual pain are Magnesium Phosphorica, Colocynth, Belladonna, Sabina, Sepia, Ipecacuanha and kali Carbonicum.

1. Magnesium Phosphorica: Top-Grade Medicine

Magnesium Phosphorica is the best homeopathic pain relief medicine during periods. This medicine can be used to manage any type of pain in lower abdomen during menses like, cramping, shooting or cutting pain. There may occur relief in pain from warm applications as from a heating pad, hot water bottle over lower abdomen. Pressing the abdomen also relieves pain.

When and How to use Magnesia Phosphorica?

It should be the first choice of medicine in cases of painful menses. It brings great relief in menstrual cramps. Its use is mostly preferred in 6X potency that comes in tablet form. Four tablets of Magnesia Phosphorica 6X can be repeated every three to four hours to afford relief in menstrual cramps. As the intensity of pain comes down, it should be taken just once or twice a day during the rest of the periods.

2. Colocynth: For Menstrual Cramps Better Bending Double

Colocynth is a natural medicine prepared from the pulp of fruit of plant ‘bitter cucumber’. This medicine is highly recommended to manage menstrual cramps that are relieved from bending double. The pain is worse from eating or drinking anything. There may be tendency to heavy periods and frequent periods in cases needing it.

When and How to use Colocynth?

This medicine should be given in cases where bending forward reduces the intensity of pain during periods. 30C is the most frequently used potency of this medicine. It can be taken two to three times a day during periods as per intensity of pain.

3. Belladonna: For Pain In Lower Abdomen, Back And Legs During Periods

Belladonna is a herbal medicine for treating pain during periods. It is a very suitable medicine for managing pain occurring in lower abdomen, lower back and legs during periods. Cramps occur in uterus and also intense bearing down sensation is felt in the uterus. Bearing down gets worse on lying down. Bleeding during periods is bright red, profuse and hot. Headache and a heated sensation in the head usually accompanies bleeding.

When and How to use Belladonna?

This medicine should be considered in cases when during menses pain is marked in lower abdomen, lower back and legs. It can be taken once or twice a day in 30C potency.

4. Sabina: For Pain From Lower Back To Pubes (Lower Part Of Abdomen At Front Of Pelvis)

It is highly beneficial medicine to manage painful periods when pain goes from lower back to pubes. Pain gets worse while walking. There is relief from lying flat on the back with extended legs. Along with pain, there occur heavy periods. The menstrual blood is bright red and contains clots. Pain in head, nausea and vomiting may occur in some cases. It is very effective medicine to treat cases of uterine fibroids and endometriosis.

When and How to use Sabina?

Sabina should be used when pain specifically occur in lower back and goes to pubes during menses. Heavy periods with clots may attend it. Though can be used in different potencies it is advised to start with 30C potency. It can be taken two or three times in 30C potency as per severity of pain during periods. This medicine can also be used to dissolve fibroids and treat endometriosis for which this medicine needs to be taken for a few months. For using it to treat these medical conditions kindly consult a homeopath for right potency and dosage.

5. Sepia: For Painful Menses With Scanty Menstrual Bleeding

Sepia is very useful to help cases of pain during menses when attended with scanty blood flow. The main character of pain to use this medicine is bearing down in the pelvis area as if the pelvic organs will come out of vagina. Some women needing it may experience half-sided headache during menses. Sepia is an important medicine to deal with cases of uterine fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease.

When and How to use Sepia?

Sepia can be used in case of painful periods along with scanty menstrual flow. Its one dose in 30C potency can be taken once a day to relieve pain and improve blood flow during periods. Do not repeat it frequently. Its use can also be done to treat cases of uterine fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease, for this the potency and repetition varies, so it is advised to consult homeopathic doctor before starting this medicine to treat these conditions.

6. Ipecacuanha: For Painful Periods With Nausea, Vomiting

Ipecacuanha is the top-ranked natural remedy for painful periods with nausea and vomiting. There is persistent nausea during periods with pain in the lower abdomen. Cutting type of pain is felt in uterus, pain going from left to right side. The bleeding is heavy and bright red in color during periods.

When and How to use Ipecacuanha?

Its use should be done particularly when painful periods are attended with nausea and vomiting. Ipecac 30C can be taken once or twice during menses to relieve these complaints.

7. Kali Carbonicum: For Pain In Lower Abdomen, Lower Back And Hips During Menses

Kali Carbonicum is another medicine of great help for dealing with pain during menses. This medicine is prescribed for cutting pains in lower abdomen, back and hips. Backache is most severe and worsens by walking. The patient gets relief from backache by sitting or by applying pressure on the back. Weakness, sleepiness may also appear.

When and How to use Kali Carbonicum?

It is an ideal prescription for managing pain in lower abdomen, lower back and hips during menses. It can be taken in 30 C potency once or twice during menses

Types And Causes Of Dysmenorrhoea

Dysmenorrhea is of two types i.e. primary and secondary.

1. Primary dysmenorrhea: In this type, pain does not arise from any medical condition. It is caused from excessive prostaglandins (chemicals released from uterus that cause contraction and relaxation of muscles of uterus leading to cramps). This pain affects females who are younger, soon after they start having periods. This type of pain tends to decrease as the age of female increases.

2. Secondary dysmenorrhoea: It arises secondary to some medical condition affecting uterus. This type begins later in life. Some of the medical conditions that could lead to this type of dysmenorrhea are as follows:

a) Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas): Non-cancerous (benign) growths in the uterus that may grow in wall of uterus, inside uterine cavity or outside the wall of uterus

b) Endometriosis: A medical condition in which the cells that line the uterus start to grow at places other than uterus, like in fallopian tubes, ovaries, rectum, urinary bladder.

c) Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): It refers to an infection in reproductive organs of females. It may occur in uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. It is mainly caused by sexually transmitted bacterial infection.

d) Adenomyosis: A condition in which the tissue that lines uterus begins to grow in muscle layer of uterus

e) Cervical stenosis: Narrowing of the opening of cervix that hinders menstrual blood flow that increases pressure in the uterus leading to pain

Who Is At Risk Of Painful Menses?

1. Females less than 20yrs age

2. Females who hit puberty early before 11 yrs of age

3. Females having family history of painful menses

4. Heavy periods and irregular menses

5. Females who smoke

Symptoms Attending Painful Menses

Cramping type of pain in lower abdomen that varies in intensity from mild to severe. In some cases, it can be throbbing or dull type. The pain can start few days (1 to four days) before periods, increase during beginning of menses and recede in two to three days. The pain can extend down the thighs and lower back in some cases. The pain can be attended by nausea, vomiting, headache, loose motion and dizziness. Depending on the cause behind it, painful periods can be accompanied by other complaints like heavy periods, abdominal bloating, painful bowel movements, painful urination, foul smelling vaginal discharge, fever, etc.

Selenium: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 6 Comments

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

Ammonium Carbonicum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 3 Comments

The homeopathic remedy Ammonium Carbonicum is derived from carbonate of ammonia. In its crude state, carbonate of ammonia is inert. When it undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that extracts medicinal properties from a crude substance), it turns into an important homeopathic medicine Ammonium Carbonicum. It is a very effective medicine for managing nasal blockage, certain female problems and various respiratory issues.

The ‘Ammonium Carbonicum’ Constitution

It suits persons who are obese (fat), who always feel tired and have a tendency to catch cold easily. It is also suitable to persons who are overweight along with a weak heart and a suffocating sensation. Other than this, it suits well children and obese women having a sedentary life.

Drug Action

This medicine acts well on the nose, female genitals and the respiratory system. Its action is marked on the limbs and the gastric system.

Clinical Indications

Nose disorders, blocked nose, nose bleeding (epistaxis), heavy periods, obesity, hemorrhages, emphysema, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, cough, colic, constipation, piles, heart weakness

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Nasal Complaints (Blocked Nose, Nasal Bleeding And Ozaena)

This medicine is of great service to manage nasal blockage. There is marked difficulty in breathing through the nose resulting in mouth breathing. It is a prominent medicine for managing nasal blockage in children. In some cases needing it, there is cold with profuse watery discharge from the nose. The discharge causes burning in the nose. Along with this, there is a constant urge to sneeze. Another top-listed complaint where its use is highly suggested is nose bleeding. The peculiar feature to use it is bleeding from the nose when washing hands or face in the morning. Lastly, it is well indicated for ozaena cases. Ozaena, also known as atrophic rhinitis, refers to chronic nasal condition characterized by atrophy (shrinkage) of the nasal mucus lining and the underneath bone. For ozaena, its use is indicated when blood-stained mucus discharge occurs from the nose.

Key Indicating Features

Nasal blockage with marked difficulty to breathe through nose

Nose bleeding when washing hands or face in the morning

Ozaena with bloody mucus discharge from the nose

2. Female Problems (Heavy Periods, Leucorrhoea)

Ammonium Carbonicum has a prominent action on the female genitals. Here it is well-indicated to manage heavy periods. Females needing it also tend to get early periods with black, clotted bleeding. It is attended with colicky pain. There also occurs hard and difficult stool. Other symptoms that tend to occur during menses are sadness, weakness, fatigue and chill. This medicine can manage leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge) well. It works well for cases having copious, watery burning vaginal discharge. A very striking feature for its use is diarrhea (loose stool) at the beginning of menses.

Key Indicating Features

Heavy, early periods with black, clotted bleeding, colicky pains, weakness and hard, difficult stool

Copious, watery, burning vaginal discharge

Loose stool at the beginning of menses

3. Respiratory Issues (Cough, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Asthma And Pneumonia)

Ammonium Carb works well on respiratory organs. Here it is well indicated to manage cough, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and pneumonia. For cough the major indication is dry cough caused by tickling in the throat as from dust or a feather in the throat. Cough occurs at night and in the morning, particularly at about 3:00 am. Its use is also recommended for cough with blood spitting. It can be given in cases of bronchitis (inflamed lining of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs) in aged people. Here it is used when there is thin, foamy sputa with rattling of bubbles in chest. Ammonium Carb is considered one of the best homeopathic medicines for managing cases of emphysema (lung condition in which damage to air sacs occurs causing shortness of breath). The main indication is difficulty in breathing from exertion or walking or ascending even a few steps. It gets better in cool air. In asthma cases, it can be given when there is asthmatic cough with painful, contracted feeling in the chest. Asthma gets worse in the evening in bed and from exertion. Lastly, it is indicated for the management of pneumonia (infection and inflammation of air sacs of lungs). It is used mainly when pneumonia is accompanied by marked weakness.

Key Indicating Features

Dry cough from tickling in the throat as from dust or a feather in the throat

Bronchitis in aged people with thin, foamy sputa with rattling of bubbles in chest

Difficulty in breathing from exertion, walking or ascending even a few steps

Asthma gets worse in the evening in bed and from exertion

Pneumonia with marked weakness

4. Limbs (Joint Pain, Heel Pain, Panaritium And Felon)

With its action on the limbs, it is useful to manage joint pains. The striking feature for its use is tearing type of pain in joints which gets better by the heat of bed with an inclination to stretch limbs. It can be given in cases of hip joint pain felt while walking. Ammonium Carb can be used in knee pain cases as well. The pain in knee can be drawing or boring type in cases needing it. Pain can be present in wrist joint, fingers, thumbs and ankles where it is required. Elbow joints crackle when moved. Ammonium Carb is helpful in relieving heel pain. The chief indication is heel pain when one wakes up in the morning, while standing and from prolonged walking. Its use is considered for cases of pain, swelling, redness and heat in the big toe specifically in the bed in evening. Besides, it is preferred for cases of panaritium (infected or inflamed tissue near a fingernail) with deep seated pain. It is used for cases of felon (bacterial infection of fingertip causing enclosed pocket of pus with pain) too in the initial stage.

Felon

Key Indicating Features

Tearing pain in joints better by heat of bed with inclination to stretch limbs

Heel pain when awaking in morning, when standing and from prolonged walking

Pain, swelling, redness and heat in big toe specifically in bed in evening

Panaritium with deep seated pain

Felon in initial stage

5. Gastric Issues (Constipation, Stomach Pain, Piles)

By acting on the gastric system, it helps to settle complaints including constipation, stomach pain and piles. In constipation, Ammonium Carb is helpful when there is dry, hard, difficult stool. It is attended by headache. It helps to manage stomach pain which occurs along with nausea and chill. It gets better on lying down and by applying pressure. Other than these, it can handle cases of piles (enlarged, swollen, inflamed veins in anus or lower rectum). The most notable feature is protrusion of piles after stool with long-lasting pain with inability to walk. It gets better on lying down.

Key Indicating Features

Constipation with dry, hard, difficult stool attended with headache

Stomach pain with nausea and chilliness, better from lying down and from pressure

Piles that protrude after stool with pain and inability to walk

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse in cold damp, wet weather, on cold and cloudy days, during menses, from motion, during full moon and washing

Relieving factors: Complaints get better in dry weather, lying on painful side and from pressure

Dosage

This medicine can be used in both low and high potencies. One can repeat low potencies frequently but high potencies should not be repeated often.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Arnica, Camphor and Hepar Sulph

Followed well by: Belladonna, Bryonia, Lycopodium, Phosphorus, Sepia, Rhus Tox, Sulphur and Veratrum Album

Antimonium Tartaricum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 8 Comments

The remedy Antimonium Tartaricum is derived from tartar emetic (tartrate of antimony and potash). Tartar emetic is inert in its crude form. When tartar emetic undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines by arousing the medicinal properties of a crude substance), it is converted into a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Antimonium Tartaricum. It is a magnificent medicine in homeopathy to treat certain respiratory problems where loose rattling cough is the key indicating feature to use it.

The ‘Antimonium Tartaricum’ Constitution

This medicine suits people who suffer from respiratory problems. Among all age groups, it is most suitable to children and elderly people. Lastly, it is well suited to persons who are addicted to alcohol and hence suffer from gastric complaints (mainly loose stool).

Drug Action

The most prominent action of this medicine is noted on the respiratory system and is a highly reputed medicine in homeopathy to primarily treat cases of loose rattling cough. Other than this, it acts well on the face, back, gastric system and skin. Its use is noteworthy in treating certain sleep issues.

Clinical Indications

Cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, drowsiness, cholera, colic, eruptions, gastric disorders, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, back pain and chickenpox.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Respiratory Complaints (Cough, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Emphysema)

This medicine is mostly indicated to treat various concerns related to respiratory system. It has a vast and magnificent action on respiratory system. First of all, it is well-indicated to treat cough. It works best when cough is specifically loose rattling type. In such type of cough, it is often considered as a first line of treatment in homeopathy. There is excessive rattling of mucus in chest and the lungs feel full of mucus with little expectoration where Antimonium is indicated. Cough may result in vomiting in some cases. Vomit may contain thin or tough slimy matter. Cough tends to get worse after eating. It is also worse after midnight. Sitting in an upright position, and expectoration helps to relieve cough. It also gives good results in cough cases that are worse in damp cold weather.

It can be used in children having loose, rattling cough with excessive accumulation of mucus in bronchial tubes. The cough occurs day and night and can be attended with difficulty in breathing. The child tends to bend backward during coughing. In them, cough gets worse after eating or drinking. Antimonium Tart is the topmost homeopathic medicine for managing cases of bronchitis. Bronchitis refers to inflamed bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. In bronchitis, though it works well in people of all age groups, it is most prominently indicated for bronchitis in infants and elderly people. There is excessive mucus production and bronchial tubes feel overloaded with mucus. Next it is a prominently indicated medicine for emphysema (a lung condition in which air sacs get damaged that mainly causes shortness of breath). Its gives excellent results in emphysema occurring in elderly people. Another complaint for which it is well indicated is pneumonia (inflammation and infection of air sacs of lungs). Here it is indicated when cough is rattling with tough foamy white frothy expectoration tinged with blood. It is gluey and sticky. Difficulty in breathing and suffocation attends it. Cough is accompanied with vomiting. Chest pain on coughing also occurs.

Key Indicating Features

Loose rattling cough, lungs feel full of mucus but only little gets expectorated

Bronchitis in infants and old people

Emphysema in elderly

Pneumonia with rattling cough, chest pain, tough, sticky, foamy white frothy expectoration tinged with blood

Cough in damp, cold weather

2. Face (Trembling, Pain, Burning, Pustules)

Next it acts well on the face. The main complaint where it is found to be effective is trembling or shaking of chin and lower jaw. It can be used to manage burning heated sensation in the face. Another indication for its use is tearing pain on one side of face, that may radiate to head and neck on the same side. Lastly, it can be given for cases of pustules (pus-filled eruptions) on face when they leave bluish – red scars.

Key Indicating Features

Trembling or shaking of chin and lower jaw

Pustules leaving blue red scars

3. Back (Back Pain)

It manages back pain very well, especially, when it is felt while sitting. Burning sensation can be felt in the back. It is also helpful in managing severe pain in the lower back. A peculiar indication for its use is sensation as if a heavy load is hanging on the end of tail bone (coccyx).

Key Indicating Features

Back pain while sitting

Feeling of a heavy load on the end of the tail bone

4. Gastric Problems (Abdomen Pain, Burping, Vomiting, Loose Stool, Cholera)

It acts well on the gastric system and manages well the abdomen pain when particularly accompanied with drowsiness. The pain is sharp and felt before passing the stool. Sometimes there is pain around the navel area with relief after passing the stool. Burning may be felt in the abdomen as well. Gas and rumbling in the abdomen may occur too. It can be administered in cases if there is heavy burping with bitter, salty or acidic burps. Sometimes, burps smell like eggs. Fullness, cramping in stomach may also be felt along with the above symptoms. Next, it is useful in cases of nausea and vomiting. It is indicated when vomiting is a result of ingestion of sour, and bitter food.

After vomiting, a person feels weak and sleepy. A very characteristic symptom is relief in vomiting from lying on the right side. This medicine is used for some of the rectal problems also. It is usually indicated for loose stool that occurs in case of eruptive fever in which eruptions occur with fever. Stool is yellowish brown, watery, slimy and may contain blood. Stool has an offensive odour, and is accompanied by passing of gas. After passing stool, burning is felt at the tip of the anus. Besides the above-mentioned, it is well indicated for cholera (an infection of the small intestine caused by bacteria vibrio cholerae) cases when there is excessive vomiting along with coldness.

Key Indicating Features

Abdomen pain accompanied by drowsiness

Burps that are bitter, salty, acidic or smell like bad eggs

Vomiting followed by weakness and sleep

Cholera with copious vomiting and coldness

5. Skin Complaints (Pustules, Vesicles, Itching, Chicken Pox)

For skin complaints its use is recommended for pustular (pus filled) eruptions on skin that leaves bluish red scars. These eruptions may be covered with brown crusts. These are painful too. Next, it can help when there occurs vesicular (fluid filled) eruptions on the entire body. Persons having itching and biting sensation over the whole body in the evenings can be greatly benefited with its use. Another use of it is noted in chicken pox (viral infection caused by varicella zoster virus) cases.

Key Indicating Features

Pustular eruptions on skin leaving bluish red scars

Itching biting on skin in evening

6. Sleep Issues (Sleepiness, Trembling In Sleep, Restless Sleep)

Lastly, it works wonderfully well in managing some of the concerns related to sleep. The classic symptom to use it is excessive drowsiness with any type of complaints indicative of this medicine. The person who requires it has irresistible desire to sleep. Yawning occurs with this, next important symptom guiding its use is trembling and jerking during sleep. Next, this medicine is used if someone suffers from restlessness during sleep accompanied by tossing and turning. In the next morning, there occurs pressure feeling on the forehead and back of the head and dizziness.

Key Indicating Features

Intense drowsiness with any complaint indicative of this medicine

Trembling and jerking during sleep

Restless sleep with tossing about

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from heat, warm weather, and dampness, also from anger, if staying in warm rooms and from sitting down.

Relieving factors: There is relief in complaints by sitting erect, while in cold open air, lying on right side, from vomiting and from motion.

Dosage

This medicine works equally well in both low and high potencies. In low potency, it can be repeated frequently but in high potency its frequent repetition should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Asafoetida, China, Cocculus Indicus, Ipecac, Laurocerasus, Opium, Pulsatilla and Sepia

It antidotes: Baryta Carb, Bryonia, Camphor, Pulsatilla and Sepia

Followed well by: Carbo Veg, Cina, Camphor, Ipecac, Pulsatilla, Sulphur and Terebinthina

Sticta Pulmonaria: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD Leave a Comment

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.

Borax Veneta: Homeopathic Medicine — Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 2 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Borax Veneta is prepared from sodium biborate. Sodium biborate is inactive in its crude form but when it undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance), it gets converted into a highly beneficial homeopathic medicine Borax Veneta. It is a leading medicine in homeopathy for managing mouth ulcers, fungal infection of the mouth and certain women-related problems, mainly vaginal discharge and infertility.

The ‘Borax Veneta’ Constitution

It is mainly recommended to children suffering from mouth ulcers and diarrhea, especially during dentition period.

Drug Action

This medicine has a well-marked action on mind, mouth, eyes and female genitals. Other than this its action is noted on breast, gastric system, urinary organs and skin.

Clinical Indications

Mouth ulcers, aphthae, oral thrush, eye disorders, entropian, noise sensitivity, fears, leucorrhoea, galactorrhea, sore nipples, painful menses, sterility, diarrhea, plica polonica (an uncommon condition in which hair get matted together), cystitis, offensive urine.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Mind (Fears, Oversensitivity To Noise)

Borax acts magnificently on the mind to manage multiple concerns. Its use is mostly recommended to manage certain fears. The first and foremost among these is fear of downward motion like going downstairs and of falling. The person feels anxious while descending stairs and is afraid of falling. Borax Veneta can be useful for babies who fear moving down on stairs, who cry and cling to attendant when being laid in a cot/ crib/bed. Such babies are also fearful while rocking, swinging and dancing. Its use can also be considered in children who suddenly get up at night and begin screaming without any reason. Next fear where it is indicated is fear of thunder. Other than this, persons having fear of suffering from a contagious disease can find this medicine quite helpful. Apart from fears, its use is highly recommended in persons who are oversensitive to sudden noise. They get startled and frightened from the slightest noise, for example sneezing, hawking.

Key Indicating Features

Fear of downward motion like going downstairs, and of falling

In babies, fear of downward motion and who start crying and cling to attendant when laid down

Babies who are fearful when rocking, swinging and dancing

Oversensitive to sudden and slightest noise like sneezing, hawking

2. Mouth (Ulcers, Oral Thrush And Bitter Taste)

This medicine has a marked action on mouth. It proves to be highly effective for treating ulcers in the mouth, on inner surface of the cheeks and on the tongue. These ulcers have a tendency to bleed easily on touching and while eating. There is heat in mouth and excessive salivation. It is useful for painful ulcers in the mouth of babies that hinders normal breastfeeding. It is one of the best medicines for treating oral thrush (white fungal infection in mouth caused by fungus candida albicans). There is intense redness in the mouth covered with ulcers having cheesy appearance. Lastly, it is beneficial to manage bitter taste in the mouth while eating.

Key Indicating Features

Mouth ulcers having tendency to bleed easily

Fungal infection in mouth (oral thrush)

Redness in mouth covered with ulcers that have cheesy look

3. Eyes (Crusts On Eyelashes, Inward Eyelashes, Entropian)

Borax also acts well on the eyes. First, it is an important medicine for those with dry, crusty, gummy matter on the eyelashes along with its sticking during the morning hours.

Crusty eyes in the morning

Second, it works well on inflammation of eyelids. It is well indicated when the eyelashes turn inwards and cause inflammation of the eyes, especially in the region of outer canthus. It also helps in case of itching in the eyes including when there is a foreign body sensation in the eyes. A characteristic feature for its use is at the time of burning in the eyes soon after putting spectacles. Last, it is indicated for entropian (inward turning of eyelid margins) cases.

Key Indicating Features

Dry, crusty, gummy matter on eyelashes along with its sticking in morning

Inward turning of eyelashes causing eye inflammation

4. Female Problems (Vaginal Discharge, Infertility, Heavy Menses)

It is a very suitable medicine to deal with certain female problems. To begin with, it proves to be highly effective to manage vaginal discharge (medically known as leucorrhoea). There is discharge like egg whites with feeling as if warm water is flowing. It may occur specifically two weeks in between the menstrual period. Along with this, swelling of the labia is present. It is a wonderful medicine for treatment of infertility. This medicine is known to favour easy conception in females. Its use is recommended for cases of early and heavy menses. The bleeding is of pale red colour. It is accompanied with pinching and gripping pain in the abdomen extending to lower back and nausea. During periods, throbbing, pulsating pain in the head, buzzing in the ears and tiredness are also felt. Last, it offers relief in itching of vulva.

Key Indicating Features

Vaginal discharge like egg whites with feeling as if warm water is flowing

Infertility

Early and heavy menses with gripping pain and nausea

5. Breast Complaints (Galactorrhea, Pain)

Borax is also administered to manage some of the breast complaints as well. It is of great use in managing galactorrhea cases. Galactorrhea means milky discharge from nipples not associated with normal milk production for breastfeeding. In cases one needs Borax, there is milky nipple discharge that gets curdled readily. It is next utilised in cases of breast pain in mothers when nursing the child. A unique feature is when pain occurs in the non-feeding breast at the time of breastfeeding a child. After feeding, there is emptiness in breast with stitching pain. It can also be administered for managing ulcers on nipples too.

Key Indicating Features

Galactorrhea with milky nipple discharge that gets curdled readily

Breast pain on opposite side when breastfeeding the child

6. Gastric Issues (Diarrhea, Flatulence)

With its action on gastric system, it can manage diarrhea well. The stool is green and has mucus and there occurs colic (a type of pain) before passing stool and it is accompanied by an offensive smell. It is followed by weakness. During stool, there may occur burning sensation in the rectum. Pinching in abdomen also occurs. Other than this, it is used when there is excessive accumulation of gas in the abdomen. There occurs abdominal distension after eating with pain and loose stool. There is excessive passage of gas.

Key Indicating Features

Diarrhea, when stool is green, offensive with mucus and colic before passing stool

7. Urinary Problems (Frequent And Urgent Urination, Cystitis)

If we talk of urinary problems, this medicine is mainly used to prevent frequent urination at night. The urgency to urinate is felt and person is scarcely able to hold urine. It is also effective for treating cystitis (inflammation of urinary bladder). The urine is warm, has offensive odour accompanied by smarting pain. It is well-indicated for children who screams before urination and are afraid to pass urine due to pain.

Key Indicating Features

Frequent urine at night and urgency to urinate

Warm urine with offensive odor & smarting pain

Screaming of children before urination

8. Skin and hair-related problems (eczema, psoriasis, chilblains and rough frowsy hair)

Lastly, it proves beneficial for various skin concerns and hair-related problems. It offers help in cases of eczema. It is particularly indicated for eczema on fingers and toes with nail damage. It is also indicated for eczema of vulva. It is helpful for psoriasis cases as well. Psoriasis is an auto-immune skin disorder characterized by the presence of inflammatory patches on skin covered with silvery white scales. Apart from these, its use is recommended in case of ulcers on the feet caused by the shoe getting rubbed against the skin of feet.

Chilblains

One may find it useful for chilblains (swollen itchy skin especially on fingers and toes occurring from cold weather and resultant poor blood circulation). For hair related issues, this medicine can be given for managing rough, frowsy hair that split and get tangled easily. The hair tends to stick at the ends that cannot be separated and form bunches. After cutting these bunches, they form back again.

Key Indicating Features

Eczema of fingers, toes attended with nail damage

Ulcers on feet from rubbing of shoes

Chilblains better in open air

Rough, frowsy hair that splits and gets tangled easily

Sticking of hair at the ends that cannot be separated and form bunches

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from downward motion, in warm weather and after menses

Relieving factors: complaints get better in cold weather, in the evenings, and by applying pressure.

Dosage

As per the case presentation 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: Chamomilla and Coffea Cruda

Followed well by: Arsenic Album, Bryonia, Calcarea Carb, Lycopodium, Nux Vomica, Phosphorus and Silicea

Alumen Crudum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1 Comment

The remedy Alumen Crudum is derived from Potash alum. In the crude form, potash alum is inert. When its pure crystals undergo potentization process, its latent medicinal properties get aroused and get converted into a wonderful homeopathic medicine Alumen Crudum. It is a very effective medicine for treating various rectal complaints among which constipation tops the list. Even the worst type of constipation cases with hard, dry stool are known to respond well to this remedy.

Potash alum

The ‘Alumen Crudum’ Constitution

It is mostly recommended for elderly persons and children having tendency of mucus build-up in the bronchi/ bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. Elderly people complaining of complaints related to urinary bladder may find this medicine highly suitable.

Drug Action

Alumen Crudum shows marvellous action on rectum and intestines primarily to treat constipation. Next it acts well on the tissues and glands that have been hardened. Besides these, its action is marked on gastric system, skin, throat, mouth, lungs and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Constipation, ulcers, piles, hemorrhages (bleeding), cancer, nausea, vomiting, colic, chilblains, eczema, throat disorders, hardened glands, bronchitis, cough, vaginismus, leucorrhoea, gonorrhoea.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Rectal Complaints (Constipation, Rectal Ulcers, Piles, Bleeding And Cancer)

Alumen Crudum acts magnificently on the rectum to settle down various complaints. Its most important indication for use is constipation. It is majorly indicated when the stool is very hard and dry that may be described as hard as stones. This characteristic symptom forms the main indication for using this remedy. The stool is passed with great difficulty with slight blood. It may pass as a large hard lump or in little pieces resembling sheep’s dung. Sometimes the first part of stool is hard followed by soft stool. Even after passing stool, a fullness sensation in the rectum is still felt. Pain and smarting (burning) sensation may occur after passing stool. Itching at the anus after passing stool is the next attending symptom. The persons needing it have no desire to pass stool for days together. It proves very effective if there are ulcers in the rectum. In such cases, its use is considered when there is passage of blood-stained, foul-smelling fluid from the rectum. Another complaint where it is utilized is piles that are painful and bleed too. Further, Alumen Crudum is valuable for managing itching at the anus in the evening. It is also recommended for treating diarrhea when stool is yellow, slimy, mixed with blood of foul odor accompanied by excessive weakness. It can be given for managing cases of intestinal bleeding as in case of typhoid fever when there is passage of blood in large quantity. If bleeding from anus occurs specifically after taking wine or whiskey, then Alumen can prove to be very beneficial. Besides, it plays a role to manage cases of cancer of rectum when there are hard growths in the rectum with intense pain after stool.

Key Indicating Features

Constipation with very dry, hard stool like stones

Rectal ulcers with passage of bloody fluid from rectum having fetid smell

Painful and bleeding piles

Bleeding from anus specifically after taking wine or whiskey

2. Gastric Issues (Pain, Burning, Nausea, Vomiting)

Alumen can effectively deal with gastric issues. Firstly, it is useful for treating abdomen pain accompanied with heaviness and fullness in abdomen. The pain increases from walking, and gets relieved by applying pressure. This medicine also offers relief if there is burning sensation in stomach relieved by drinking cold water. It helps treat nausea and vomiting cases. Nausea mainly occurs in the morning before breakfast, along with weakness and restlessness. There is vomiting that is of tough glairy mucus. Person may also vomit everything eaten.

Key indicating features

Abdomen pain which gets worse by walking and better by applying pressure

Stomach burning relieved by drinking cold water

Nausea in the morning before breakfast

Vomiting of tough glairy mucus or of everything eaten

3. Skin Issues (Ulcers, Dryness, Chilblains, Varicose Veins & Eczema)

It acts wonderfully on the skin. The most characteristic feature regarding its use is ulcers with a hard base. It can be used for skin hardening as well when it has resulted from long-term inflammation. For inflamed and hardened glands too it can be administered. Another use of it is for dry, rough skin with cracks from exposure to cold air. It can also be used for chilblains (red, swollen, itchy skin especially on toes and fingers due to cold weather and poor blood circulation), varicose veins (means enlarged, swollen, dilated and twisted veins) that bleed, and eczema of scrotum.

Key Indicating Features

Skin ulcers with a hard base

Hard skin from chronic inflammation

Hard, inflamed glands

Dry, rough, cracked skin due to cold air exposure

4. Throat Complaints (Sore Throat, Hard Tonsils)

It wonderfully helps manage sore throat. The symptoms for its use in case of a bad throat are redness, swelling and dryness in the throat. Swallowing is difficult. Scraping sensation in throat with cough is present. Sometimes there is a prickling sensation in the throat, accompanied by burning sensation and pain. It is also used when uvula is inflamed, enlarged, elongated, and relaxed. Another important reason for its use is if there are enlarged and hard tonsils due to frequent cold. Besides, a noteworthy feature guiding its use is spasm (involuntary muscle contraction) of esophagus with problem in swallowing liquids.

Key Indicating Features

Sore throat with redness, swelling and dryness, burning, scraping sensation in throat

Inflamed, enlarged, elongated, relaxed uvula

Enlarged and hard tonsils due to frequent cold

Spasm of esophagus with problem in swallowing liquids

5. Mouth (Dryness, Altered Taste)

It manages the complaint of dryness of the mouth, throat and tongue quite well, however, the person may not necessarily feel thirsty. It also helps in managing cases of bitter, sweet or sour taste in the mouth. It gives good results when there is a burning sensation on the tongue in the evening hours. Tongue is clean with a little slimy coating at the back part. It is also used in managing cases of cancer of tongue.

Key Indicating Features

Dryness of mouth, throat and tongue with no thirst

Burning sensation on the tongue in evenings

6. Lungs (Bronchitis, Cough)

This medicine is suitable for bronchitis (inflammation of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs) cases with ropy sputum. It is helpful to elderly persons who expectorate excessive ropy phlegm in morning. Cough in elderly during the morning hours can also be treated well with it. Its use is also done for dry cough cases when it occurs in the evenings after lying down. Cough may be a result of tickling in the larynx. Its use is also recommended in case of coughing in the morning soon after waking up which becomes better after breakfast.

Key Indicating Features

Expectoration of ropy mucus in elderly in morning

Dry cough in the evening after lying down

Cough from tickling in larynx

Cough in the morning soon after waking, but relieved after breakfast

7. Women-Related Problems (Ovarian Complaints, Vaginal Complaints, Gonorrhoea)

This medicine can be used in treating some of the women-related problems. It is given in cases of ovarian complaints on left side with excessive pain accompanied with constipation. There is scanty and watery menses. It is valuable for treating vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) that is yellow coloured attended with weight loss. It can treat certain vaginal problems wonderfully. These includes ulcers in vagina, sensitive vagina, narrowing of vagina due to swelling. Next is vaginismus (involuntary contraction of vaginal muscles when anything is trying to enter it) complaint. It gives good results in gonorrhoea (sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae) cases with yellow discharge. It is well suited to treat sore, inflamed nipples. Lastly, it can be used for management of uterine cancer and breast cancer.

Key Indicating Features

Left ovary complaints with excessive pain and constipation

Vaginal discharge of yellow colour attended with weight loss

Vaginal ulcers, vaginal swelling causing its narrowing

Gonorrhoea with yellow discharge

Sore, inflamed nipples

Modalities

Worsening factors: complaints get worse during sleep and from cold except headache

Dosage

This medicine can be used in both low and high potencies. The highest potencies have proved to be the most effective. The dose and repetition of this medicine is decided by the physician as per every individual case presentation.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Chamomilla, Ipecac, Nux Vomica and Sulphur

It can be compared with other homeopathic remedies including Alumina, Aloe Socotrina, Nitric Acid, Muriatic Acid, Nux Vomica, Opium, Ratanhia and Sulphur