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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

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

 

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Urtica Urens: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 20 Comments

Urtica Urens is prepared from the plant Urtica Dioica commonly called ‘stinging nettle’ (bichhubutti). It belongs to the family Urticaceae. This homoeopathic remedy is prepared from a fresh plant when in flower via potentization. It is a process of preparing homeopathic medicines that extracts and arouses medicinal properties from crude substance. It is a superb medicine to manage complaints of urticaria/hives, gout, burns/scalds and kidney stones.

The ‘Urtica Urens’ Constitution

Urtica Urens is recommended to persons who suffer from joint pains due to high uric acid levels (gout).

Drug Action

This medicine mainly works on the skin and the joints. Other than this, its action is noted in the urinary organs, female genitals and breast.

Clinical Indications

Hives (urticaria), allergic reactions, burns, scalds, sunburn, bee stings, herpes labialis, prickly heat, gout, deltoid pain, kidney stones

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Skin Problems (Hives, Burns, Scalds, Sunburn, Herpes, Prickly Heat)

Urtica Urens treats skin problems very well. This medicine is extensively used in the treatment of urticaria also known as hives. Urticaria is a skin complaint in which red, itchy bumps (wheals) appear on the skin from an allergic reaction. There is violent itching along with burning heat in the affected area.

Hives

Hives

Other than this, formication (sensation of insects crawling on or under the skin) accompanies. For cases where hives are formed from eating shellfish, it is the best medicine. This medicine is also prominently indicated for cases in which urticaria occurs along with or alternating with joint pains. Its use is also suggested when urticaria gets worse every year in the same season.

Urtica Urens is a powerful medicine for managing cases of burns and scalds. It is mainly prescribed in cases of first degree burns (burns that affect the first layer of the skin). Its use is recommended in the form of external application as well for internal use. Urtica Urens is also a superior remedy for cases of sunburn (red, swollen, inflamed and painful skin that arises from overexposure to UV rays from the sun). In such cases,  this medicine helps to allay intense burning and itching on the skin.

Another complaint that this medicine can handle wonderfully is prickly heat (skin rash arising from sweat getting trapped under the skin). This medicine can be given in cases of herpes of lips (herpes labialis) caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). A burning sensation on the skin is followed by painful blisters (fluid-filled bumps). In these cases, it can be used when there is marked itching and heat sensation. Lastly, its use is also considered in cases of bee stings. External application of Urtica Urens on the particular point of bee sting is known to give quick relief.

Key Indicating Features

Hives with raised red wheals with violent itching, burning and formication

Hives from eating shellfish

Urticaria occurring along with or alternating with joint pains

First-degree burns affecting the first layer of skin

Sunburn with intense burning and itching on skin

Herpes of lips with marked itching and heat sensation

Bee stings

2. Joint And Limbs Complaints (Gout, Deltoid Pain, Blisters)

Gout

Gout

Gout can be tackled magnificently with this medicine. Gout refers to pain, swelling, redness and inflammation of joints from increased uric acid levels in the blood. This medicine works equally well in acute as well as chronic cases of gout especially of wrists and ankles. Other than this, it is useful in managing stiffness and soreness on the inner side of the left knee.

Deltoid muscle on the shoulder

Deltoid muscle on the shoulder

Its use is preferred in cases of pain in deltoid muscle (muscles that help us move our arms). It gets worse on rotating the affected arm inwards. Mostly pain occurs in right sided deltoid and is continuous type. This medicine can be given in cases of blisters on the skin of hands and fingers which are raised and red with itching.

Key Indicating Features

Gout pains in ankles and wrist

Pain in deltoid muscle, worse on rotating arm inwards

Red, itchy blisters on skin of hands and fingers

3. Urinary Issues (Kidney Stones, Strangury, Bleeding)

Urtica Urens acts well on the urinary organs. Here it is effective in treating bladder and kidney stones. This medicine can be given when there is strangury means painful, frequent urination, with scanty urine expelled slowly with straining. Lastly, it is indicated for bleeding from urinary bladder.

Key Indicating Features

Bladder and kidney stones

Painful, frequent urination with scanty urine expelled slowly with straining

4. Female Problems (Pruritis Vulvae, Breast Swelling, Diminished Breast Milk)

For females, it is recommended to manage pruritis vulvae (itching of external genitals including mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris). Along with itching, stinging sensation and swelling can be present in vulva. This medicine acts well on breast. It proves very effective in complaints of swollen breasts with stinging, burning pain. It is also useful for cases of diminished breast milk in females after child birth.

Key Indicating Features

Itching in vulva along with stinging and swelling

Swelling of breast with stinging, burning

Diminished breast milk in females after child birth

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from touch, yearly, from cool moist air

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from lying down

Dosage

Its use is recommended in mother tincture form and low potencies. This medicine can be repeated frequently depending on case presentation. In case of bee stings and burns, external application of this medicine is also suggested.

Relationship with Other Remedies

1.Urtica Urens can be compared with medicines Apis Mellifica, Natrum Mur and Astacus in case of urticaria.

2. Its comparison can be done with medicine Ricinus Communis in cases of diminished milk secretion in females after childbirth.

 

 

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Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines For Belly Button Discharge In Infants, Treatment Of Adults

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 4 Comments

Belly button infections and discharge though not very common, arise mostly in infants but may be encountered in elders as well. Belly button/navel is a warm, dark and damp area that provides an ideal environment for the germs like bacteria, fungus to grow. These germs, dirt, debris, dead skin cells, sweat, soap residue can get trapped in the belly button and multiply which can result in an infection. A white/yellow/ green discharge with bad odor is the most common complaint in navel infections.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can manage cases with mild to moderate symptoms. Homeopathic medicines help to reduce discharge from the navel by working on the cause behind it. Use of these medicines should be made only after evaluating the cause behind it. Only in cases where there is no serious cause, it is recommended to use these medicines. But in case any serious cause is present like urachal cyst, infection at surgical site, it is strictly advised to take help from conventional mode of treatment. Any homeopathic medicine for managing belly button discharge should be taken under the supervision of a homeopathic physician and self-medication should be avoided.

Homeopathic Medicines For Belly Button Discharge

1. Abrotanum – For Discharge Of Blood And Moisture

It is a natural medicine prepared from fresh leaves and stems of plant Artemisia Abrotanum, commonly called ‘southernwood’. It belongs to family Compositae. This medicine is mainly indicated for belly button discharge in newborns. It is indicated when blood and moisture oozes from the navel. Bloating and distension of abdomen may be present.

2. Natrum Mur – For Yellow Discharge

Natrum Mur is the next well-indicated medicine for managing belly button discharge. It is specifically used when there is yellow discharge from the navel.

3. Calcarea Carb – For Sore Navel With Moist Growths

This medicine is suitable when there is soreness in the navel. Along with this, there are some growths on the navel of infants which are moist.

4. Calcarea Phos – For Bloody Fluid Discharge From Infant’s Navel

It is helpful when there is oozing of bloody fluid from the navel of infants.

5. Nux Moschata – For Sore Ulcerated Navel

This natural medicine is prepared from powdered seeds of a plant Myristica Fragrans,  also called Myristica Officinalis, commonly known as ‘nutmeg’. This plant belongs to family Myristicaceae. This medicine is indicated for cases in which the navel is sore and ulcerated. In cases that require it, there may be pus discharge from the navel.

6. Morgan Bacillus – For Red Navel With Bad Smelling Discharge

Morgan Bacillus, also known as Morgan Pure, is an important medicine for managing redness in the navel region. It oozes discharge with a bad odour.

7. Sulphur – For Eczema Of Belly Button

It is a leading medicine in homeopathy for managing a number of skin issues including eczema of belly button. In cases needing it soreness and itching around the navel is present. This causes a desire for picking the affected area.

What Are The Causes Behind It?

Belly button discharge may occur due to different reasons. Among these, the first reason is a bacterial infection.  Normally many bacteria reside in the belly button and do not cause any problem. If a person doesnot maintain proper hygiene and doesn’t clean the belly button area properly, then there are chances that these bacteria can cause an infection. In such cases, discharge can be seen. It may be yellow or green and has an offensive smell. It can be attended with pain, swelling and scab formation.

Second is a fungal infection. Among various kind of fungi, candida that grows in dark and damp area is the common reason for it.  It can cause infection in persons who don’t keep the navel area clean. In this case, a rash appears in the navel area. It appears red or discoloured. Itching is felt, discharge may ooze out from the rash. The discharge is thick and white in colour.  Next cause is a surgery on the abdomen. Persons who undergo surgery like repair of hernia might get an internal infection that needs to be treated urgently. Another reason is infection in epidermoid cyst (Bumps filled with keratin which is a protein present in the nails, skin and hair). The cyst becomes red with swelling and thick yellow discharge may flow from it. Sometimes, navel discharge may also occur in case of infected sebaceous cyst. These cysts develop when the sebaceous glands that produce oil become clogged from debris. A yellow discharge from the belly button appears along with pain and redness.

Besides, a person who has got belly piercing done may also see a discharge in case it gets infected. Persons having an open wound near the navel area from a trauma or an injury can also suffer from infection in the belly button. Another cause can be eczema (a common skin condition that causes red, inflamed, itchy patches on the skin) and contact dermatitis (a red, itchy rash that results from direct contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction). Some examples are allergy to nickel that may be present in the buckle of the belt, allergy to soap or body cleanser, etc. In such cases, an itchy rash around the navel occurs.

Last cause is urachal cyst. Urachus is a small tube that connects the bladder of the fetus to the umbilical cord that helps drain urine from the body. The urachus closes before the baby is born but in rare cases, the duct does not close. A fluid-filled bump called cyst may grow on the urachus later in life. This cyst has chances of contracting an infection that may travel up to the navel. Its symptom is fluid discharge from navel that is cloudy or bloody.  Other symptoms include lump in the abdomen, pain in the abdomen, fever and pain while urinating. Mucus and urine can also come out from this opening. It can be a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention.

People who have had a recent abdominal/ umbilicus surgery and those having diabetes are at risk of belly button discharge. Medical research has found a link between high blood sugar and candida infection.

 

 

 

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Top 8 Homeopathic Medicines For Fatty Stool, Its Causes And Treatment

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 8 Comments

Steatorrhea means passage of excessive fat in the stool. Most part of the stool is water with  a mixture of proteins, fat, fiber, bacteria, mucus and salts. In case of fatty stool, the stool is pale, has an oily or greasy appearance, it is bulky and has a foul smell. It may happen due to the lack of enzymes, or bile that digests food, or when the nutrients are not properly absorbed in the body.

 Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy offers supportive help in cases of steatorrhea along with conventional mode of treatment. Homeopathic medicines are prepared from naturally occurring substances that help in managing steatorrhea without any side effects. These medicines along with fatty stool also focus on managing its attending signs and symptoms. As the causes behind it vary from mild to serious, so it is advised to take homeopathic medicines only under supervision of a homeopathic doctor and never self-medicate. A homeopathic physician can do a detailed case evaluation and prescribe medicines individually for every case. In case homeopathic medicines can’t help, like surgical causes biliary atresia and serious causes like bile duct obstruction from gall stones, pancreatic cancer, gall bladder cancer, kidney / liver damage, the homeopathic doctor can refer conventional mode of treatment as homeopathy can’t help such cases. Also in cases where stool is bloody (red, black or tarry), stool has pus, high fever is there or there is chest pain, shortness of breath, changes in level of consciousness, it is advised to take immediate help from the conventional mode of treatment.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Fatty Stool

1. Iris Versicolor – For Fatty Stool And Heartburn

It is a natural medicine prepared from a plant commonly called ‘blue flag’. It belongs to family Iridaceae. It is helpful for managing cases having fatty stool and heartburn. The stool smells fetid where it is required. Another major symptom is abdomen pain which is relieved by passing gas or by bending forward. Nausea and vomiting of bitter or sour watery fluid may accompany.

2. Phosphorus – For Fatty Stool In Case Of Pancreatic Disease

This medicine is well indicated to manage fatty stool in case of pancreatic disease. Along with oily stool, there is excessive emission of gas. The stool has an offensive smell, sometimes one suffers from diarrhea which causes exhaustion. In some cases, heartburn and sour belchings are also present along with the above symptoms.

3. Magnesia Carb – For Undigested Stool With Fatty Mass

It is a beneficial medicine when stool is undigested, loose and has fatty mass in it. Stool may be greenish or yellowish-green, mucus may also be present. There is gas in the abdomen which causes abdominal heaviness and bloating. There may be abdominal colic which gets better by bending double.

4. Iodum – For Fatty, Loose Stool From Pancreatic Disorders

It is useful for cases having fatty loose stool from disorders of pancreas. The stool may also be frothy and have white mucus in it. Loose stool is attended with exhaustion. Cutting pain in the abdomen may be felt, there is obstructed flatus in the abdomen. Vomiting with greasiness may occur.

5. Causticum – For Oily, Liquid Stool

This medicine is considered when stool is like an oily liquid with white mucus. Before passing stool, twisting pain in the abdomen may be felt. Nausea may occur after stool. Besides, sometimes there is distension of abdomen along with pain.

 6. Picric Acid – For Thin, Yellow, Fatty Stool

This medicine is indicated for cases having thin, yellow, fatty stool. Persons needing it have ineffectual urge to pass stool after which they feel excessive weakness. They also have rumbling of gas in the abdomen along with the above complaints.

7. Thuja – For Pale, Yellow, Copious, Greasy Stool

It is a natural medicine prepared from fresh twigs of plant Thuja Occidentalis having common name ‘Arbor Vitae’. This plant belongs to family Coniferae. It is a useful medicine for persons who have pale, yellow, copious greasy stool. The stool is expelled forcibly with noisy flatus. They feel rumbling in the abdomen along with bloating with gas.

8. Bambusa Arundinacea – For Greasy, Fatty Stool And Diarrhea

It is another medicine indicated for greasy, fatty stool and diarrhea. In cases needing it, severe diarrhea is there. Other than this, there is bloating and rumbling noises are felt in the abdomen.

What Are The Reasons Behind It?

It may arise from eating diet with high fat/fiber content which results in temporary steatorrhea.

When it is severe or it is a persistent complaint, then it may be due to some medical condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated.

Bile (produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder), enzyme pancreatic lipases which breaks down fat and normal intestine function collectively play a role in fat absorption. So, steatorrhea may happen when there is some problem in any of these organs including pancreas, biliary tract or intestines.

Following are the medical conditions that may result in steatorrhea.

First among them is cystic fibrosis. It is an inherited condition affecting the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. In this disease, there is severe damage to lungs and the digestive system.

Second cause is chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Pancreas releases enzymes that help in digestion of fat, protein, carbohydrates in the small intestine, and hormones to regulate the way our body processes sugar. Other than fatty stool, the symptoms that can occur in this condition are pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, intestinal blockage and internal bleeding.

Another cause is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) in which the enzymes required for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients are not made or released by the pancreas in sufficient quantity.

Celiac disease is another reason. It is an autoimmune disease in which eating gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye) leads to an immune reaction in the small intestine. It damages the lining of the small intestine, so the damaged intestine is unable to absorb some nutrients (malabsorption). Other than fatty stool, its signs and symptoms include diarrhea, foul-smelling stool, gas, bloating, fatigue, undigested food in the stool, weight loss and anemia.

It may also occur in case of biliary atresia (medical condition in infants in which there is a blockage, narrowing or absence of the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder), biliary stricture (the bile duct gets smaller or narrower), and obstruction of bile duct by gallstones.

Next cause is Crohn’s disease. It is one among the two diseases included in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it is of autoimmune origin in which there may be inflammation in any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to the anus. In addition to fatty stool, its other signs and symptoms are diarrhea, abdomen cramps, undigested food in the stool, blood in stool, weakness, weight loss and malnutrition.

Another cause is whipple disease. It is a rare bacterial infection caused by Tropheryma whipplei that affects joints and digestive system.

Tropical sprue is also a cause. It is a malabsorption syndrome that occurs in travellers to the tropical regions or the natives of the tropics. It is thought to be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestine. It causes chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramp, indigestion, excessive gas, nausea and weight loss other than fatty stool.

Steatorrhea can arise in case of lactose intolerance. It results from deficiency of an enzyme called lactase due to which the sufferer is not able to digest the sugar lactose in the milk completely. Its symptoms occur after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose. It can cause fatty stool along with other symptoms including diarrhea, gas and bloating.

Infections of the GIT (gastrointestinal tract) caused by bacteria Clostridium difficile and parasite Giardia may also result in fatty stool.

Gallbladder stone, gallbladder removal or cancer of the gallbladder can also cause fatty stool.

Another cause is short bowel syndrome. It is a condition in which the body cannot absorb enough nutrients from the food eaten because of the small size of the small intestine. Other than fatty stool, it may cause signs and symptoms like diarrhea, fatigue, malnutrition, weight loss and swelling in the lower limbs.

It may also occur in case of kidney or liver damage.

Other than the medical conditions, it may also occur from taking certain medicines that block fat absorption, injury to intestine and gastric bypass surgery.

What Other Signs And Symptoms Can Attend It?

A person having steatorrhea passes bulky stool that floats and the stool is pale, covered with oily film and is foul smelling. It may be attended with other signs and symptoms depending on the cause behind it. These include diarrhea, gas, abdominal bloating, cramps in the abdomen, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, jaundice exhaustion, and weight loss.

 

 

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Sarsaparilla Officinalis: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 5 Comments

The remedy Sarsaparilla Officinalis is derived from the plant Smilax Officinalis also known as ‘wild licorice’. It belongs to family Smilaceae. The dried rhizome of this plant undergoes potentization (a process to prepare homeopathic medicines by which the medicinal properties of a crude substance are aroused). It gets converted into a very beneficial homeopathic medicine Sarsaparilla Officinalis. It is an important medicine for managing certain complaints of urinary system, mainly cystitis and kidney stones.

The ‘Sarsaparilla Officinalis’ Constitution

It suits children with enlarged abdomen and have facial contours like an elderly person. Next it suits well persons who are thin, weak and look older than their age.

Drug Action

Main action of this medicine is on the urinary organs, genitals and skin. Besides, it acts on head and limbs as well.

Clinical Indications

Cystitis, kidney stones, bladder stones, kidney pain, nephritis, cracks on hands and feet, skin rash, spermatorrhea, genital herpes, swollen spermatic cord, headache, painful menses, cancer of breast, bone pain, joint pain.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Urinary Organs (Cystitis, Kidney And Bladder Stones, Nephritis, Kidney Pain)

Sarsaparilla acts markedly on urinary system and helps to settle many issues related to it. The main indication to use this medicine is intense pain and burning at the end of urination. The pain may extend from the urethra to the abdomen. There is frequent and ineffectual urge to pass urine. The bladder is sensitive, tender, and distended. Cramps or contractive pain in bladder is felt. Sarsaparilla works well in treating cystitis (inflammation and infection of urinary bladder).  It can handle both recent as well as chronic cases of bladder infection, kidney stones and bladder stones. It is mainly indicated for renal stones with right-side kidney pain that extends downwards. Urine contains red, white or grey sand-like particles. Blood may also pass in urine. Next, it can be given for cases where urine flow is weak and urine passes in thin, feeble stream. A person is able to pass urine freely only in standing position, but it dribbles while urinating in sitting position. Urine is scanty, slimy, turbid, sandy, may have pus and blood. It is also relieves complaint of painful urination in children. The child needing it screams out of pain before and during passing urine.

Key indicating features

Cystitis with pain and burning at the end of urination

Kidney stones with right side kidney pain that extend downwards

Scanty, slimy, turbid, sandy urine, sometimes with pus and blood

Red, white or grey sandy particles in urine

Right-sided kidney pain extending downwards

Painful urination in children with screaming before and during passing urine

2. Skin (Cracks, Skin Rash)

Sarsaparilla has marked affinity to treat various skin issues. The foremost indication to use it is cracked skin on hands, fingers, feet and toes. Cracks can be deep attended with pain and burning sensation.  The cracks are mostly visible on sides of fingers and toes. The skin is also dry and hard. Skin complaints that occur in summers can be magnificently dealt with it. Another indication to use it is skin rashes in spring season. It can also be given for skin rash or eruptions which is dry and itchy from exposure to open air.

Key indicating features

Cracked skin on hands, fingers, feet and toes with pain and burning

Skin complaints occurring in summers

Skin rash in spring season

Skin rash or eruptions from exposure to air

3. Male Problems (Blood In Semen, Herpes, Balanitis, Seminal Emissions)

This medicine can effectively treat some male problems. The most important indication here is blood in semen. Sarsaparilla is prominently indicated for genital herpes (a sexually-transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus) when eruptions are present on the prepuce (foreskin which is a skin fold covering head of the penis). It can also be used for balanitis cases in which there is inflammation, redness of glans penis. Another striking feature to use this remedy is seminal emissions along with sexual dreams. Weakness and pain in the back are the other accompanying symptoms. Sarsaparilla acts well to manage itching on scrotum and perineum, after scratching small pimples appear which ooze a moist substance. There is an intolerable offensive odour on genitals. Lastly, it is valuable to manage pain in spermatic cord after emissions or when spermatic cord swells with pain, and sensitivity in case sexual excitement is not satisfied.

Key indicating features

Blood in semen

Herpes infection with eruption on prepuce

Balanitis with red, inflamed glans penis

Seminal emissions with sexual dreams, weakness and backache

4. Female Problems (Cracked Nipples, Scanty Menses, Painful Menses, Breast Cancer)

For females, this medicine is beneficial to heal cracks of nipples, scanty late menses, and painful periods. It is used for late and scanty menses. There may be soreness on thighs and itchy eruptions on the forehead. It is helpful to relieve painful menses. There is pain in lower abdomen, back and thighs, vomiting or loose stool attend it. Sarsaparilla is an important medicine to heal eruptions on face that are worse during menses. As per homeopathic therapeutics, its use is also indicated for managing cases of breast cancer.

Key indicating features

Painful menses with pain in lower abdomen, back and thighs, vomiting, loose stool

Face eruptions worse during menses

5. Head (Headache, Eruptions)

By acting on head, Sarsaparilla can help to manage headache and eruptions on scalp. The characteristic to use it during headache is pain in back of head (occiput) radiating either to eyes or to root of nose. A tight band is felt around head. It can also be given for throbbing pain in the head. Nausea and sour vomiting may attend headache. Use of this medicine is also considered when there are moist eruptions on scalp with pus discharge which causes inflammation wherever it touches. The eruptions are marked on forehead. Scalp is sensitive to touch and falling of hair may be noted.

Key indicating features

Headache when pain from back of head radiates to eyes or to root of nose

Moist eruptions on scalp with pus discharge

6. Limbs (Joint Pains, Bone Pains)

It is mainly indicated to treat joint and bone pains. It is useful for treating stitching pain in joint of arms, hands, fingers, which gets worse from motion. Sarsaparilla is beneficial for managing knee joint pain, attended with swelling, heat and tenderness. Pain can be felt in both knees at the same time or it can alternate between two sides. It gets worse from movement especially going up and down a staircase. Besides, it can check pain in the bones that gets worse at night and in damp weather.

Key indicating features

Stitching pain in joints of arms, hands, fingers that increases from movement

Knee pain with swelling, heat, tenderness, gets worse by going up and down the staircase

Bone pains that get worse at night and in damp weather

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints are worse at end of urination, at night, in cold wet weather, in spring, from touch, motion, before menses

Relieving factors: Complaints are better from warmth and uncovering neck and chest

Dosage

It can be used from low to high potencies. If using it in low potency, its repetition can be done frequently. But in higher potencies, frequent repetition is usually not recommended.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Belladonna, Merc Sol and Sepia

It antidotes: Merc Sol

Followed well by: Allium Cepa, Belladonna, Hepar Sulph, Merc Sol, Phosphorus, Rhus Tox, Sepia and Sulphur

 

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8 Best Homeopathic Medicines For Ovulation Pain

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 2 Comments

Ovulation pain, also known as mittelschmerz pain, is pelvic pain felt on one side of the lower abdomen by some women during ovulation. When the follicle ruptures and releases an ovum ( egg) in an ovary usually around the 14th day before periods, it is called ovulation. Pain during ovulation is mostly harmless but should not be ignored especially when the pain is severe, prolonged and the same type of pelvic pain occurs at other times also. This pain is also known as mid-cycle pain.

Homeopathy Management

Homeopathic medicines are very effective in managing cases of ovulation pain, and pelvic pain at other times. These medicines treat the fundamental cause which is actually causing the problem. They reduces the intensity and frequency of pain naturally. There are numerous medicines in homeopathy for managing this complaint and as homeopathy is a symptom-based science, the most suitable medicine is selected based on the signs and symptoms in every individual case. So one should take medicine under the supervision of a homeopathic physician and never self-medicate. Homeopathy is recommended when the intensity of pain is mild or moderate and no serious symptom or cause is linked with it. In cases with severe symptoms, and in serious cases like ectopic pregnancy, it is advised to take immediate help from the conventional mode of treatment.

Homeopathic Medicines For Ovulation Pain And Pelvic Pain

1. Medorrhinum – Top-grade Medicine

It is a top-listed medicine for these cases. In cases needing it, drawing pain is felt in the ovarian region. One feels better by pressing the affected area. Left-sided ovary is painful mostly where this medicine is required, along with feeling hot in that area. Thick vaginal discharge with a fishy odour may flow.

2. Sepia – For Stinging Type Of Pain

It is indicated for cases having stinging type of pain. It is attended with congestion in the ovarian region, with this pressure is felt in the ovaries. Burning sensation is also felt, sometimes vaginal discharge attends. It can be yellowish or greenish which has an offensive odour. It is also a prominent medicine for bearing down sensation in the pelvis (feeling of the pelvic area getting pushed down). Females requiring it may also complain of pain during intercourse.

3. Belladonna – For Throbbing Pain

This medicine is prepared from the plant ‘deadly nightshade’. It is prominent for cases having throbbing pain in the ovary (recuring pain at regular small intervals) mostly in the right ovary. In some cases, there is lancinating (piercing) pain in ovary or burning sensation in the ovarian region.

4. Thuja – For Cutting Shooting Pain

It is prepared from fresh twigs of plant Thuja Occidentalis, commonly known as ‘Arbor Vitae’. This plant belongs to family Coniferae. It is indicated for cutting or shooting type of pain. It is mostly present on the left side. Sometimes, there is squeezing type of pain also. Females needing it may have too early and too short menses. The menstrual flow is also scanty.

5. Colocynth – For Cramping Pain

It is a natural medicine prepared from the pulp of fruit Citrullus Colocynthis also called Cucumis Colocynthis and ‘bitter apple’. This plant belongs to family Cucurbitaceae. This medicine works well when there is cramping pain. Pain is marked in the left side with relief on bending double (upper part of body bent forward and downward).  Colocynth is also useful for treating deep stitching pain as from pricking by needles. It is also indicated with sharp pain in the right pelvic region. Lastly, it is a very suitable medicine for managing cramps during menses.

6. Lachesis – For Sharp, Shooting Pain

It is a beneficial medicine when there is sharp shooting pain, especially in the left ovary. Females who need it have dark menstrual flow which has an offensive smell. The periods can be short and scanty. The lower abdomen may be sensitive. It is also a well-indicated medicine when there is menstrual colic that begins in the left ovary.

7. Lilium Tigrinum – When Pain Radiates Down The Thigh

It is prepared from fresh stalk, leaves and flowers of plant ‘tiger lily’ from the family Liliaceae. Use of this medicine is considered when there is ovarian pain radiating down the thigh. The nature of the pain is stinging type. Besides, there is swelling and feeling of heaviness marked in the left ovary.

8. Xanthoxylum – For pain in right ovarian region

This medicine is prepared from fresh bark of plant Xanthoxylum Americanum that belongs to family Rutaceae. This medicine is helpful for treating pain in the right ovarian region. It tends to radiate to hip, thigh and back. The pain is usually sharp, cutting type. There may be tendency to have early periods along with pain where this medicine is required.

What Are The Causes?

The exact cause behind ovulation pain is not clear. According to a well-propunded theory, it is suggested that pain during ovulation occurs when ovarian follicle ruptures to release egg. At the same time, little fluid comes from ruptured follicle leading to irritation of nearby nerves. The rupture of ovarian follicle and release of the egg follows surge of LH means luteinzing hormone. Ovulation pain usually is harmless but sometimes arises from some underlying medical conditions too.

It firstly includes endometriosis, a disorder in which tissue similar to the one that lines the inner side of uterus grows in areas other than the uterus. This occurs commonly in fallopian tubes, ovaries, bowels, and the tissue lining the pelvis. This endometrial-like tissue thickens and breaks down and bleeds during each menstrual cycle.

The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. It may begin before periods and remain for many days into a menstrual period. The pain may also occur in the lower back too.  Next there occurs excessive bleeding during menses and inter-menstrual bleeding may also happen. Besides, pain during intercourse is common in this condition. In some cases, pain is felt while urinating or passing stool during a menstrual period. Few females can have some other attending symptoms like nausea, weakness, loose stool, constipation and bloating during periods. Infertility can also occur in cases of endometriosis.

Second cause is ovarian cyst. Ovarian cyst refers to a fluid-filled sac that develops in ovaries (a pair of female gonads that produces eggs). There are various types of ovarian cysts. These include follicle cyst, corpus luteum cysts, dermoid cysts, endometriomas and PCOS – polycystic ovarian syndrome. Mostly ovarian cysts don’t lead to any symptoms. When cyst grows in size, symptoms may be experienced like pelvic pain (before or during periods), pain during sex, pain in the thighs or the lower back, bloated abdomen, painful with bowel movements, nausea and vomiting.

Another reason is STIs means sexually transmitted infections. Some of these infections include chlamydia (caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis) and gonorrhea (caused by  bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae). In cases of STI, pain in the pelvis can be attended with other symptoms too like vaginal discharge that is usually foul-smelling, fever and burning with urination.

Another cause is scar tissue in some cases that may follow a cesarean section or appendix operation. It can lead to pain by restriction of ovaries and surrounding structures.

Infection of the fallopian tubes can be another cause for ovulation pain.

Ovulation pain may be caused by uterine fibroids. These are benign non-cancerous growths in the uterus that usually occur in child-bearing years. Its common symptoms are heavy bleeding during periods and prolonged periods and pelvic pain. Other accompanying symptoms are backache, leg pain, frequent urination, problem in emptying bladder and constipation.

Lastly, pain in one side of pelvis may be due to an ectopic pregnancy. In this condition, the embryo implantation occurs in the fallopian tubes or some location outside the uterus. It is a life-threatening condition needing immediate medical help.

What Are Its Signs And Symptoms?

The ovulation pain occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle. It is felt on one side of the pelvis depending on which side of the ovary has released an egg. Occuring suddenly, the pain can be dull or sharp or cramping in nature that varies from case to case. The duration of pain can be from a few minutes to around one or two days. The ovulation pain is usually not attended with any other signs and symptoms. However, if some accompanying symptoms occur, it may be due to some other underlying medical condition. The other symptoms include vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, pain on both sides of the lower abdomen, bloating, swelling, nausea, vomiting, pain during urination and diarrhea.

 

 

 

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Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines For Managing Irresistible Urge To Urinate

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 2 Comments

Urinary urgency is the urge to urinate immediately. It happens from sudden build-up of pressure in the bladder and sudden contraction of the muscle wall of the bladder resulting in difficulty to hold urine and urgent need to evacuate the bladder.

 

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathy offers a very effective treatment for cases of urinary urgency. These medicines act on the root cause. Along with bringing relief, homeopathic medicines also address its attending symptoms like frequent urge to urinate, burning sensation, painful urination, bladder pain and involuntary passage of urine. It is advised to take homeopathic medicines under supervision of a homeopathic physician who will prescribe medicine after a detailed case analysis.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Urinary Urgency

1. Kreosote – Top-grade Medicine

It is a leading medicine for persons who need to hurry up to empty their urinary bladder when they have an urge to urinate. They may also have frequent urination with profuse urine. With the problem usually occuring during the day, sometimes urine passes involuntarily on coughing. Urine may have a very offensive smell where this medicine is required.

2. Merc Sol

Use of this medicine is recommended when there is sudden irresistible urge for urination. Apart from urinary urgency, frequent urination both during day and night time is present. Sometimes at night urine passes involuntarily. Besides, the bladder region may be sore to touch. Lastly, burning in the urethra may also attend above symptoms.

3. Thuja

This natural medicine is prepared from fresh twigs of the plant Thuja Occidentalis having common name ‘Arbor Vitae’. It is beneficial when there is sudden uncontrollable urge to urinate. There is cutting pain in the urethra, and sometimes in the bladder as well, while urinating. Increased frequency of urine is noted at night. Urine may be foul smelling, another symptom that can be present is leakage of urine while coughing.

4. Petroselinum

This medicine is prepared from the plant Petroselinum Sativum,  commonly called ‘parsley’. It is helpful when there is a sudden and frequent urge for urination. The urge for urination occurs nearly every half an hour. Excessive pain is felt while urinating. A tingling sensation and pressure in the urethra may also accompany these symptoms.

5. Cantharis

Cantharis is recommended  when there is pain and burning in urethra along with urgent need to urinate. The urge to urinate is felt even if there is the smallest quantity of urine in the bladder. There is burning or cutting pain during, before or after urinating. Another symptom that can attend it is heaviness and soreness in the bladder. There may be frequent or ineffectual urge for urination. It is one of the best medicine for cases of urinary tract infection (UTI).

6. Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric acid is useful when along with sudden irresistible desire for urination, there is frequent almost constant desire to urinate. Urine passed is copious, the frequency is most marked at night. Before urinating, there is cutting pain while burning sensation is felt in the urethra while urinating.

7. Pulsatilla

It is prepared from the plant Pulsatilla Nigricans, commonly known as ‘wind flower’ or ‘pasque flower’. This medicine is well indicated for cases in which there is urgent desire to urinate that seems impossible to delay. Persons needing it can scarcely wait for urination when the urge comes.  The area around the bladder may be sore; there is frequent, ineffectual urge to urinate due to pressure on the bladder. Another symptom that can be present is involuntary urination while coughing or passing gas.

8. Equisetum

This natural medicine is prepared from the plant Equisetum Hyemale, commonly known as ‘Scouring Rush’. It is a prominent medicine for cases in which urination is urgent. In cases requiring it, dull pain in the bladder is there.  There is a feeling of pressure in the area around the bladder with frequent and profuse urine. Fullness in the bladder is felt which is not relieved by urinating. Sharp, cutting, burning pain is felt while urinating.

9. Causticum

Use of this medicine is considered when there is involuntary dribbling of urine while coughing or sneezing. There is frequent urination and burning sensation is felt while urinating.

10. Conium

Conium is effective when sharp pressing pain in the bladder is felt apart from urgent need to urinate. Pressure on the bladder is attended with a feeling as if urine would be passed instantly. Burning or cutting pain in the urethra is experienced while urinating.

11. Borax

Persons requiring it have sudden desire to urinate and can scarcely hold it. Along with this, there is frequent urination at night. Burning sensation is felt before urinating, while pinching pain is felt in urethra after urinating. The urine has a pungent smell.

12. Baryta Carb

This medicine is used when there is a constant urge to urinate apart from the urgency. Burning sensation is felt in the urethra. After urination, dribbling of urine may occur.

13. Natrum Mur

Natrum Mur is helpful when urine is copious. At night urination is frequent and occurs almost every hour. During urination, burning type of pain is felt. There can also be stitching pain in the bladder.  Sometimes, burning or cutting type of pain persists after urination. It is also indicated when there is involuntary urination while laughing, coughing, or sneezing.

What Are The Reasons Behind Urinary Urgency?

It can arise from various reasons. The first among them is UTI – urinary tract infection (an infection in any part of the urinary tract that includes kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra).

Second common cause is OAB – overactive bladder, a condition in which there occurs frequent and sudden uncontrollable urge to urinate. In OAB, the bladder muscles begin to involuntarily contract even from a little amount of urine in the bladder.

Another reason is use of diuretics ( medicines that increase the production of urine) and intake of excessive liquids mainly caffeine or alcohol. Other than this, it can arise in case of BPH – benign prostate hyperplasia (means enlarged prostate gland) or an infection of prostate gland (prostatitis).

Interstitial cystitis (a condition characterized by long-term inflammation in the muscle layer of the urinary bladder) is yet another cause. It can also occur in case of vaginal infection.

Person who are obese and pregnant women can also experience it.

Some other causes include anxiety, tumours in the pelvis, damage to bladder occurring during childbirth or from surgery and radiation therapy to pelvis.

Lastly, diseases like diabetes and multiple sclerosis (an autoimmune disease in which the myelin sheath that cover nerve fibers is damaged) can lead to it.

What Symptoms Can Accompany It?

The urgency to urinate is felt whether the bladder is full or not. Along with this, frequent urge to urinate may be there. In some cases, involuntary passage of urine occurs (urinary incontinence), urine may also leak while coughing or laughing.  Pain in the bladder, burning or painful urination may also be there depending on the cause.

 

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Staphysagria: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 19 Comments

Staphysagria is a homeopathic medicine derived from dried seeds of a plant Delphinum Staphysagria, commonly known as ‘stavesacre’. It belongs to Ranunculaceae family. The seeds of this plant undergo potentization process that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties and gives a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Staphysagria.

The ‘Staphysagria‘ Constitution

It is suitable for persons who get angry easily but suppress it followed by periodic fits of anger.

Drug Action

This medicine has marked action on different body parts. These include mind, eyes, teeth, urinary organs, male organs, female genitals, back, limbs and skin.

Clinical Indications

Anger attacks, suppressed anger, styes, chalazion, tooth decay, toothache, cystitis, honeymoon cystitis, warts, backache, weak erection, prostate issues, ovarian disorders, eczema, injuries.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Mind (Suppressed Anger, Fits Of Anger, Depression)

Staphysagria covers many complaints related to the mind. The complaint best addressed by this medicine is outbursts of violent anger. During these fits of anger, the person breaks or throws away things. These outbursts are often a result of suppressed anger over a long period of time. Eventually, a person suffers a violent fit of anger, that had previously remained unexpressed. Anger from indignation may occur which originates from injustice, anything unfair or insulting. People needing this medicine are good-natured but get hurt easily. They are highly sensitive and get offended easily. A history of deep guilt, humiliation, insult may be present in those needing it. This medicine also covers ailments that follow suppressed anger, shame, sexual abuse and acute/chronic grief.  Staphysagria helps in managing depression. Here sadness, crying, sense of worthlessness, self-pity are marked. Consolation worsens the complaints as there is low self-esteem and lack of confidence.

Key indicating features

Ailments from suppressed anger and indignation

Fits of violent anger

Ailments from shame, sexual abuse, guilt, humiliation, insult

2. Eyes (Styes, Chalazion, Nodes On Eyelids)

It is a superb medicine to manage eye complaints. Firstly, it can be given in cases of stye. It is a red, painful lump that forms on the outer edge of eyelid from bacterial infection of an oil gland. In cases needing it, the stye may be painful relieved by applying cold water. It is one of the best medicines for styes that turns into hard nodes. There can be multiple styes at a given time. Besides, Staphysagria is an infallible medicine for treating recurrent stye when one stye after another appears frequently. It is also the best medicine for treating chalazion, a condition in which a painless lump forms on eyelids due to a blocked oil gland.

Key Indicating Features

Styes that turn into hard nodes and recurrent styes

Nodes and chalazion on eyelids

3. Teeth (Toothache, Decayed Teeth, Dental Fistula, Dentition Problems)

It is an important medicine to treat cases of toothache, decayed teeth, gum swelling, dentition problems and dental fistula. It is useful for toothache that occurs in root of teeth, decayed teeth or hollow teeth if food particles lodge in the cavities. Persons may have worsening of pain from cold drinks. Touching the affected teeth may also cause pain.  The pain may radiate to ears or side of head (temporal region). It is very suitable for managing toothache that occurs specifically during menses. Staphysagria works well for decayed teeth when they have dark streaks or become black. Crumbling of teeth (breaking into small pieces) may be present too. Decay of teeth in children soon after they erupt is another prominent feature to use this medicine. It is also an effective medicine for treating dental fistula. Apart from these, Staphysagria is well-indicated for dentition problems in children. Children needing it have pale white tender gums and have a tendency to cry from the slightest pain.

Key indicating features

Toothache in decayed, hollow tooth

Decayed teeth when teeth are black or have dark streaks and crumble easily

Tooth decay soon after they erupt in children

4. Urinary System (Cystitis, Honeymoon Cystitis, Cystocele)

Staphysagria acts on urinary organs and settles many complaints related to them. It is quite useful for cases of cystitis (inflamed bladder mostly from a bacterial infection). There is burning in urethra while passing urine. Sometimes, it is felt even when not passing urine. Pain can occur after urination also. Pressure is felt on the bladder and the patient feels as if the bladder is not emptied completely. Urge to pass urine, which may be scanty or profuse, is also frequent. Urine passes in thin stream and at times drop by drop. It is a prominent medicine to deal with cases of honeymoon cystitis (cystitis that may arise in woman from doing sex for the first time or after a long period of time).  It is also indicated for bladder inflammation from having sex frequently. Women, especially newly married, having complaint of irritable/overactive bladder (it leads to frequent and an uncontrollable, sudden urge to urinate) can be treated well with this medicine. This medicine is also recommended for cases of cystocele (bulging of urinary bladder of woman into her vagina).

Key indicating features

Cystitis

Honeymoon cystitis and irritable bladder in newly married woman

5. Male problems (Erection Issues, Spermatorrhea, Increased Libido, Prostate Issues)

Many male problems can be treated with this medicine. It can help solve problem of sexual weakness, weak erection or loss of erections from excessive sex in the past. It is also suitable to treat spermatorrhea (involuntary loss of semen without an erection or sexual activity). It is accompanied by weakness and pain in the back. It is mostly suited to males who have increased sexual desire, who constantly dwell on sexual subjects and are in the habit of excessive masturbation. Staphysagria also treats prostate issues well, including prostate enlargement or prostate inflammation. There is frequent urine and urethral burning when not urinating. It is majorly indicated for long-term prostatitis in elderly people where pain extends between anus and urethra.

Key indicating features

Weak erections or loss of erections after sexual excesses

Spermatorrhea with weakness and backache

Prostate enlargement and prostatitis (mainly in elderly men)

6. Female Problems (Painful Intercourse, Increased Sexual Desire, Honeymoon Cystitis)

Staphysagria treats many female problems. It is effective in treating dyspareunia (painful intercourse) especially in newly-married women. The genitals are very painful and sensitive. It also helps to manage ovarian pain that may extend to thighs and may get worse after sex or by applying pressure. This medicine is very important to manage nymphomania (excessive uncontrollable sexual desire) or increased libido. Females needing it think excessively of sexual subjects with an increased sexual desire. It can be also given for managing vaginismus (involuntary contraction of vaginal muscles when something is entering it). Its use is also indicated for ovarian cysts and tumours. Besides these, it is suitable to treat honeymoon cystitis, irritable bladder in young married females. Last indication is complaints arising after surgery on ovaries.

Key indicating features

Painful intercourse especially in newly married woman

Honeymoon cystitis

Irritable bladder in young married females

Complaints arising after an operation on ovaries

7. Injuries (Lacerated Wounds, Injury From Sharp Instruments, Post-Surgery Pain)

Staphysagria is used to treat lacerated wounds in which skin, muscle or tissue is cut or torn. It is also useful for injuries from sharp, cutting instruments causing clean-cut wounds.  It also manages pain following surgery — pain after abdominal operations and pain after ovariotomy (surgical incision of ovaries). It covers mainly smarting, cutting or stinging type of pain post-surgery.

Key indicating features

Lacerated wounds, and injury from sharp, cutting instruments

Pain after abdominal surgeries

8. Back (Back Pain)

Staphysagria has shown good results in cases of back pain. Persons needing it mainly have this complaint in the morning before they rise. There may be tendency to have back pain after sex. Lower back pain may also occur after lifting heavy weight or when rising from the sitting position.

Key indicating features

Backache in morning before rising

Back pain after sexual activity

Lower back pain from lifting heavy weight

9. Limbs

This medicine has proven its efficacy in treating cases of crural neuralgia (thigh pain involving crural nerve). Other than this, it can be given for cases of nodes on finger joint from arthritis (joint inflammation). It is also recommended for bruised pain in calf muscles.

Key indicating features

Crural neuralgia

Nodes on finger joints from arthritis

10. Skin Complaints (Eczema, Warts, Skin Ulcers)

With its action on skin, staphysagria is capable of treating eczema, warts, herpes and skin ulcers. Eczema may be present on head, face or ears. Eruptions covered with crusts appear with yellow fluid oozing from beneath the crusts. Itching is felt in eruptions, and when scratched burning sensation is felt. On scratching, itching tends to shift to another place. For warts, it can be used for pedunculated warts that are attached to skin with a stalk and cauliflower-like warts. It works wonders in cases of herpes with dry eruption covered with scabs specifically on joints, which burn on scratching. It can be given for skin ulcers with itching, burning sensation and pain. Pain can be tearing, smarting or shooting type. Excessive pus may be discharged that smells offensive.

Key indicating features

Eczema with crust and oozing of yellow fluid

Pedunculated or cauliflower like warts

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from suppressed anger, sexual excesses, grief and tobacco use

Relieving factors: Relief is noted by taking rest at night and from warmth

Dosage

It can be used from 30 C to 1 M potency. If using it in 30 C potency, repetition can be done frequently. But in higher potencies above 200 C, frequent repetition is not recommended.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Ambra Grisea and Camphor

Followed well by Fluoric Acid, Calcarea Carb, Causticum, Lycopodium, Nux Vomica, Sulphur and Selenium.

 

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Berberis Vulgaris: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indication And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 10 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Berberis Vulgaris is derived from barberry plant which belongs to family berberidaceae. The bark of root of this plant undergoes potentization (process to prepare homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal powers of a crude substance) to prepare homeopathic medicine Berberis Vulgaris. It is a renowned medicine in homeopathy to treat kidney disorders, especially kidney stones.

The ‘Berberis Vulgaris’ Constitution

This medicine is highly suitable for persons who suffer from kidney or bladder issues. It also suits persons who feel tired all the time and become prematurely old. Lastly, persons having long-term joint inflammation due to high uric acid level find this medicine very useful.

Drug Action

This medicine has widespread action on urinary organs. Its action is well marked on joints, liver and skin. Lastly, it acts well on male and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Kidney stones, kidney pain, kidney disorders, bladder disorders, nephritis (kidney inflammation), cystitis (bladder inflammation), haematuria (blood in urine), arthritis (joint inflammation), eczema, gallstones, itching, liver disorders, back pain, painful menses, vaginismus, vaginal discharges

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Urinary Issues (Kidney Stones, Kidney Pain, Cystitis)

The foremost action of this medicine is seen on urinary organs. It is one of the best homeopathic medicines to treat numerous urinary issues among which kidney stones is the most prominent. It is highly recommended as the first line of treatment in kidney stone treatment. It helps dissolve kidney stones and relieves pain arising from kidney stones. Berberis Vulgaris is an important medicine for treating shooting pain in kidneys that reaches the bladder. Burning sensation, bubbling sensation or pressive pain is felt in area around kidneys which is sore and sensitive to touch. Any jarring motion or jumping worsens the pain. Other than kidney stones and pain, Berberis Vulgaris can be given in cases of cystitis (bladder inflammation). Urination is difficult and painful along with increase in frequency. During and after urination, cutting and burning pain is felt. There is constant urge to urinate, however urine output is scanty. A feeling of some quantity of urine remaining behind is experienced after urinating. Thick mucus may pass in the urine. Sandy or slimy sediments may pass in urine. Its role in managing cases of haematuria (blood in urine) is worth mentioning.

Key indicating features

To dissolve kidney stones

Shooting pain which spreads from kidney to the bladder

Cystitis with painful and frequent urination, with cutting and burning pains

2. Back (Backache)

This medicine works well for managing backache. In cases needing it, back pain becomes worse on sitting or lying down. There is bruised pain in the lower back with stiffness and difficulty in rising from the seat. A sensation of having been beaten in the lower back is felt. Tension in the lower back with numbness, warmth, stiffness and lameness (unable to walk correctly) are the other accompanying symptoms. It may extend down the lower limbs. Tearing, burning or pressing pain may occur too. Berberis Vulgaris is also beneficial for managing lower back pain during menses. Next indication to use it is sharp pulsating pain in sacrum (triangular bone in lower back). It is a well-indicated medicine for pain in the lower back after surgery.

Key indicating features

Back pain worse while sitting or lying down

Tension in lower back with numbness, warmth, stiffness and lameness

Sharp pulsating pain in sacrum

3. Limbs (Joint Pains)

With its action on limbs, Berberis Vulgaris mainly helps in relieving pain in the joints. Among joints, it offers help to relieve knee joint pain wonderfully. There is stinging type of pain in the knee joint mostly on inner side. It worsens from walking. Knee feels lame, tired and bruised. Knee is swollen, stiff and sore as well. There is tension in the bend of knee. Berberis is a prominent medicine for toe joint pain. It gives good results when there is stitching pain in the toes. Pain is most marked in the big toe. Burning and crawling feeling, pricking pain and soreness is felt in the toes. One may also find Berberis helpful in alleviating shoulder joint pain. A person recovers from tearing, stinging or throbbing pain in the shoulder which gets worse with movement and applying pressure with this medicine. This medicine is useful for elbow pain. It can be given for tearing, drawing or stinging pain in the elbow. The pain can extend to the hand from the elbow, along with heaviness. Another characteristic for its use is heel pain which is of tearing, stinging type and felt when stepping up or down, and walking. Ulcerated pain in the heel is felt while standing.

Key indicating features

Stinging pain in the knee joint on inner side, gets worse while walking

Stitching pain in the toes

Shoulder pain gets worse from movement and pressure

Heel pain of tearing, stinging type while stepping and walking

4. Male Problems (Pain In Testes, Genital Itching)

Action of Berberis Vulgaris is also noted on the male genitals. This medicine can help to relieve pain in the testes which may be  stitching/ constricting/ smarting/ cutting/  stinging/ pressing or burning type. This medicine also relieves pain in the spermatic cord which is smarting/burning/ piercing in nature. This medicine can help to manage itching on the scrotum as well. Another main indication for its use is suppressed sexual desire. Besides these, it works well in cases of premature ejaculation. Crawling, stinging, itching in the genitals can also be well managed with Berberis Vulgaris.

Key indicating features

Stitching, constricting, smarting, cutting, stinging, pressing or burning pain in the testes

Crawling sensation, stinging pain, itching in the genitals

5. Female Problems (Painful Menses, Leucorrhoea, Vaginismus)

There are some female problems that this medicine can treat wonderfully. First among these is painful menses (dysmenorrhoea). There is marked pain in the genitals. There is greyish blood discharge during periods. Berberis Vulgaris can be used for painful menses with pain in the kidneys radiating down the thighs. The periods are scanty and black in colour. Next it helps cases of vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) when there is discharge of greyish mucus accompanied with painful urination. Vaginismus (involuntary contraction of vaginal muscles when something tries to enter it) cases can also be treated well with it. Lastly it is indicated for cases of suppressed sexual desire or low sexual desire.

Key indicating features

Pain in kidney down the thighs during menses

Vaginal discharge of greyish mucus

6. Liver Complaints (Liver Pain)

With its action on liver, Berberis is useful in managing liver pain. This can successfully handle cases of aching, stabbing, sticking, pressive or shooting pain in the liver. The pain gets worse if affected area is pressed. It is also well indicated for gallstones treatment. It can relieve pain in case of gall stones.

Key indicating features

Aching, stabbing, sticking, pressive or shooting pain in the liver

Gallstones with marked pain

7. Skin Issues (Itching, Eczema, Pigmentation, Warts)

Berberis Vulgaris acts wonderfully on skin. Here it gives good result in cases of skin itching. Along with this, burning and pricking sensation is felt on skin. Scratching worsens these complaints, while cold application offers relief. This medicine can be given for treating skin pigmentation that occurs in circumscribed spots (patches). Its use is also considered in eczema of anus and hands particularly. Lastly, it can treat flat warts.

Key indicating features

Skin itching and burning worse from scratching

Skin pigmentation in circumscribed spots

Eczema particularly of anus and hands

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from movement, rising up from seat, during urination, from jarring, standing and deep pressure

Relieving factors: Complaints get better in open air and after urinating

Dosage

This medicine can be used in both low and high potencies. But the most preferred is mother tincture (Q) form. In Q potency, 5 to 7 drops of this medicine dissolved in half a cup of water can be taken two to three times a day. Caution is required to use it in high potency frequently which is generally not recommended.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor and Belladonna

It antidotes: Aconite

It can be compared with other remedies including Lycopodium, Sarsaparilla, Nux Vomica and Oxalic Acid.

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Chimaphila Umbellata – Homeopathic Medicine: Its Use, Indications and Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 8 Comments

The homeopathic medicine Chimaphila Umbellata is prepared from the plant Pipsissewa, also known as ‘prince’s pine’. It belongs to family pyroleae. The roots and leaves of the plant or the fresh plant in the flowering stage is potentised according to homeopathic formula that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties. After potentization, it is converted into a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Chimaphila Umbellata of great clinical significance. Its action in treating prostate issues and certain urinary problems is highly commendable.

The ‘Chimaphila Umbellata’ Constitution

This medicine suits persons with a weak body who are disposed to fluid build-up (oedema) in abdomen and kidney. It is also suitable for women predisposed to breast tumours and those who suffer from difficult urination (dysuria).

Drug Action

The major action of this medicine is on prostate gland and urinary organs. Besides, it also acts on skin, gastric system, limbs and female genitals. Lastly, its action is also noted on lymphatic and mesenteric glands.

Clinical Indications

Urethral stricture, prostate enlargement, prostatitis, dysuria, cystitis, urethritis, nephritis, albuminuria, gonorrhoea, syphilis, atrophy of testicles, breast tumours, breast atrophy, inflamed labia, skin ulcers, peeling of skin, ascites, hepatitis, constipation, rectal pain, shoulder joint pain, thigh pain, paronychia.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

 1. Urinary Issues (Urethral Stricture, Urethritis, Cystitis, Dysuria, Nephritis, Albuminuria)

It is a highly recommended medicine to manage urinary issues. Firstly, it is a leading medicine for treating cases of urethral stricture (narrowing of urethra). Persons needing it have to strain to initiate urination. The urinary stream is weak, thread-like or may be split. Urine may come in drops  sometimes. The passage of urine is difficult, it can be so difficult that urine passes only by standing with feet apart and inclining the body forward. Chimaphila is also a very important medicine to manage cystitis (urinary bladder inflammation). There is frequent desire to urinate with scanty urine. Urge for urination may occur every one or two hours. There is a feeling of fullness in urinary bladder. Cutting or scalding pain is felt while urinating. Thick, ropy, bloody mucus may pass in the urine. There is offensive smell in urine. Chimaphila also helps cases of dysuria (difficult or painful urination). It works well when urine is frequent and scanty and passes with scalding, smarting pain. The pain persists after urination. It is also valuable to manage urethritis (inflammation of urethra) cases with copious pus or mucus as discharge. Chimaphila is also a well-indicated medicine for nephritis (inflammation of kidneys). Urine is scanty, thick, dark-coloured with fetid smell. This medicine is also indicated for cases of albuminuria (passing too much protein albumin in urine).

Key indicating features

Urethral stricture with weak urine stream, straining to urinate

Difficult Urination – passed only by standing with feet apart and inclining body forward

Thick, ropy, bloody mucus in urine.

2. Male Problems (Prostate Enlargement, Prostatitis, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis)

This medicine is principally helpful for prostate enlargement and prostatitis (inflammation of prostate gland) in which there is difficult and painful urination. In some cases, retention of urine may occur from prostate enlargement. Chimaphila is also effective in dealing with gonorrhoea (sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoea). Syphilis (sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria treponema pallidum) can also be handled with this medicine wonderfully. Additionally, it is also indicated for cases of atrophy (shrinkage or decrease in size) of testicles.

Key indicating features

Prostate enlargement with retention of urine

Prostatitis with difficult and painful urination

Atrophy of testicles

3. Female Problems (Breast Tumours, Breast Atrophy, Inflamed Labia)

Chimaphila is also effective in treating painful breast tumours. Sharp pain is felt in the breast, attended with secretion of milk from the breast. It can also be given in cases of atrophy (shrinkage or reduced size) of breast. Next it can be given for cases of inflamed and swollen labia as well as for vaginal pain. Rest of the complaints where it is indicated include prolapse of uterus/vagina, hot flashes, and suppression of milk.

Key indicating features

Breast tumours with sharp pain

Breast atrophy

4. Skin (Ulcers, Blisters, Skin Peeling)

Use of Chimaphila is also considered in treating skin diseases like skin ulcers. Stinging and crawling sensation is felt with yellow discharge in skin ulcers. Secondly, it is helpful for treating dark red eruptions on skin. Chimaphila is effective on blisters (fluid-filled eruptions) and in cases where there is peeling of skin (desquamation).

Key indicating features

Skin ulcers with yellow discharge and stinging crawling sensation

Blisters and skin peeling

5. Gastric System (Hepatitis, Constipation, Rectal Pain)

Its action is also seen on gastric system where it is mainly indicated for liver inflammation (Hepatitis). Another complaint to use Chimaphila is constipation with piles. Besides these, it is indicated for blood-stained stool with mucus, pain in left side of rectum, worm infestation, or griping pain after stool.

Key indicating features

Blood-stained stool with mucus

Left-sided rectal pain

6. Limbs (Shoulder Joint Pain, Thigh Pain, Paronychia)

Chimaphila is a prominent medicine to manage cases of shoulder joint pain. Along with shoulder pain on the right side, pain is also felt in biceps (muscles of upper arm) or the entire arm. It also works well to reduce thigh pain felt on lying down. Bruised pain in calf muscles is yet another complaint where it provides relief. Lastly, it is valuable to manage paronychia – a skin infection around fingernails or toenails.

Key indicating features

Thigh pain on lying down

Paronychia

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse with cold washing, damp weather and while beginning to urinate

Relieving factors: Complaints get better by walking

Dosage

This medicine can be used in both low and high potencies. Among these, its use is most commonly recommended in mother tincture (Q) form. The potency selection and repetition varies from case to case as per the nature and duration of complaint. In Q form, it is usually advised to take 5 to 7 drops of Chimaphila by dissolving in half cup of water – two to three times a day as per intensity of the problem.

Relationship With Other Remedies

It can be compared with medicines Chimaphila maculata, Uva Ursi, Apocynum, Rhododendron and Sabal Serrulata.

 

 

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