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An inflammation of the achilles tendon is known as achilles tendinitis (or tendonitis). This condition is also known as achilles tendinopathy. Homeopathic Treatment of Achilles Tendinitis involves the use of highly effective medicines that help reduce the inflammation of the achilles tendon and prevent the condition from worsening further.  The Achilles tendon is a tissue band that attaches the calf muscle (present in the back of leg) to calcaneus, or the heel bone. It is the thickest as well as the strongest tendon in the body. 

Homeopathic Treatment of Achilles Tendinitis 

Homeopathy provides a very natural and effective treatment for cases of achilles tendinitis. Homeopathic medicines bring about excellent relief in its symptoms including pain, swelling, stiffness in the region of achilles tendon and a  tight feeling in the calf muscles. Among the various homeopathic medicines for treating achilles tendinitis, the top grade ones are Rhus Tox and Ruta. These medicines work best when the inflammation of the tendon follows excessive straining or stress on the tendon due to its overuse. In case of a tear of the achilles tendon, one must seek help from conventional treatment for immediate care, and rely on homeopathy for supportive treatment only. 

1. Rhus Tox – Top Grade Medicine

Rhus Tox is a top grade medicine to treat cases of achilles tendinitis. It is a forefront medicine when tendinitis arises from overuse of tendon or putting over stress, or over strain on the tendons. It helps to reduce the inflammation of the tendon and bring relief in pain of the tendon. People needing it mostly have aching pain in the lower back side of the leg. With this the calf muscle feels tensed. Stiffness in the leg is also felt, particularly in the morning hours. They also have pain in heels that is mostly sharp and stitching in nature. A general relief may be felt by motion and the complaint can worsen while at rest.

2. Ruta – Tendinitis Following Overuse of Tendon 

It is a natural medicine prepared from fresh plant Ruta graveolens, commonly known as Garden Rue. This plant belongs to the family Rutaceae. Just like Rhus Tox, this medicine is well-indicated to treat cases in which tendinitis follows tendon overuse or strain or stress on the tendons. There is an aching or sore, bruised pain in the tendon along with marked restlessness.  

3. Causticum – For Pain in Lower Leg

This medicine is useful when there is a pain in the lower leg. The pain is mostly tearing in nature. Along with this, the achilles tendon feels contracted and tensed. The heel also feels contracted. Other than this, cramping in the achilles tendon is also treated well with this medicine.

4. Bryonia – When Motion Worsens the Complaint

This medicine is prepared from the root of the plant Bryonia alba having the common name White Bryony and Wild Hops. This plant belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is best suited when the tendon is painful and motion increases the complaint. In cases needing it the tendon is also sore and bruised. With this there is marked pain in heel and tightness in the calf muscle.

5. Zincum Met – For Pulsating, Drawing or Tearing Pain 

This medicine is very beneficial when there is pain in the achilles tendon having pulsating, drawing or tearing nature. The complaint worsenS from touching the heel to ground. A contracted sensation in the achilles tendon attends the pain. Lastly, the calf muscles feel tense and stiff usually when walking.

6. Cimicifuga – When the Tendon is Painful, Sore and Stiff 

This medicine is prepared from the root of the plant Cimicifuga racemosa commonly named as Black Cohosh. This plant belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. It is a very effective medicine when there is aching pain, soreness and stiffness in the achilles tendon. These symptoms increase from walking. There is aching pain down the leg and bruised sensation in the heels. It is also indicated when the aching, pain and stiffness of tendon worsens in the evening time.

7. Berberis Vulgaris – For Pain in Back of Heel

Berberis Vulgaris medicine is prepared from the bark of the root of plant barberry. This plant belongs to the family Berberidaceae. This medicine is useful when there is pain in the back of the heel. This pain can be tearing, stinging, stitching in nature. The heel pain tends to worsen while stepping, standing and walking, and the heel area can also be swollen along with the pain. 

8. Ignatia – For Pain in Achilles Tendon and Calf Muscle

This medicine is considered when there is pain in achilles tendon and calf muscle. The pain is tearing in nature. This worsens from walking or exerting the area. Another symptom indicative of its use is a burning sensation in the heels especially at night time.

9. Muriatic Acid – For Swelling and Heat in the Region 

This medicine is prominently used when there is swelling and marked heat in the area over the area of the achilles tendon. It is also highly painful and causes difficulty in walking. Lying down helps relieve the complaint. A drawing and tensed sensation in the calf-muscle can appear along with above symptoms. This medicine is used to treat the right leg more often. 

10. Calcarea Carb – For feeling of Contraction 

This medicine is valuable to treat cases in which a person has a contracted feeling in the achilles tendon along with pain. With this, there is a stitching pain in the leg and above the ankle. There can also be an attending complaint of pain in the calf muscle upon walking, bending the foot or on touching. 

11. Benzoic Acid – When Pain Worsens from Walking

It is a significant medicine for cases when the pain in the tendon worsens from walking. The pain begins from slightest body weight being put on the heel while walking in such cases. It is a well-indicated medicine for complaint in the left side of the leg.

12. Kali Bichrome – For Soreness and Burning Sensation in Heel

This medicine is helpful when there is marked soreness and burning sensation in the heel. The soreness is worse from walking. Along with this, pain in the achilles tendon with a stretched sensation and aching in the calf muscle is also present.

Causes and Risk Factors 

The achilles tendon is used during walking, jumping and running. Though it is the strongest tendon, it is prone to inflammation that arises from the overuse of this tendon or putting, repetitive or extreme stress and extreme strain on this tendon.  

The factors that increase the risk of getting achilles tendinitis are as follows:

1. Repeated exercise or sudden increase in intensity of exercise involving achilles tendon or excessive running, jumping that puts intense strain and stress on this tendon increases the risk.

2. Athletes or people participating in some sports that put extra stress on the achilles tendon are at risk.
3. Wearing worn out or poorly fitting shoes for a long time or while running. This also applies for ill-fitting high heels or their excessive use. 
4. Elderley people are at an increased risk owing to the weakening of the tendon with age. 
5. A naturally flat-arched foot also predisposes a person towards this condition.
6. Tightness in the calf muscles can lead to an inflammation in the achilles tendon. 
7. It happens more in men than women, and people who are overweight or obese face an increased risk. 
8. Bone spurs (bony outgrowth developing along the edges of a bone) in the back of the heels can lead to its inflammation. 
9. Certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune disease causing inflammation of the joint with pain, swelling and stiffness in joints), high blood pressure  and psoriasis (autoimmune disorder that causes skin inflammation along with silvery white plaques) also increase the likelihood. 
10. Certain antibiotics containing fluoroquinolones can lead to this condition as a side effect.
11. This condition is more common in the cold weather as compared to warm weather

Types of Achilles Tendinitis

Tendinitis is primarily of two types –  

1. Insertional Achilles tendinitis – In this type the lower part of achilles tendon where it joins the heel bone is affected
2. Non- insertional Achilles tendinitis – In this type the fibers in the middle area of the achilles tendon are affected.

Symptoms 

The main symptom in cases of achilles tendinitis is pain above the heel or at the bottom of the back side of the leg. The pain most times appears while walking or running. Swelling in the back of the heel can appear and this area can also be tender and warm to touch. The calf muscles can feel tight along with the above symptoms. Lastly morning stiffness can be felt near the heel or bottom of the leg that usually starts getting better after mild activity.

Complications 

Achilles tendinitis can lead to deformity of this tendon or heel bone. Long term inflammation in the achilles tendon also leads to weakening of this tendon. This makes it prone to tear or rupture that mostly requires surgery for its repair.

A varicose ulcer is a sore which develops on the leg due to poor circulation of blood in the lower limb. The ulcer is usually located on the inner side of the leg, just above the ankle. There are valves in the veins of the legs that allow one-way blood flow from legs to the heart. Venous ulcers (open sores) occur when the veins in the legs do not push blood back up to the heart as they should due to which the blood backs up in the veins, building up the pressure, weakening the overlying skin on the top. If not treated, increased pressure and excess fluid in the affected area can cause an open sore to form. This type of wound can be slow to heal. The top homeopathic remedies for varicose ulcer are Acidum Fluoricum, Calendula Officinalis, Carbo Veg, Lachesis Muta, Pulsatilla, Arnica, and Calc. Carb. 

Homeopathic Remedies for Varicose Ulcer

Conventional treatments for treating leg ulcers usually involve getting rid of the diseased tissue and any callused skin. This form of treatment relies on keeping the wound clean with regular dressings but does not accelerate healing time and is also troublesome. Antibiotics may also be used if the ulcer becomes infected, but they don’t help ulcers to heal. However, unless the underlying cause of the ulcer is addressed, there’s a high risk of a venous leg ulcer recurring after treatment so Homeopathy can be a great supportive therapy in such conditions by focusing on the symptoms of itching, burning, and pain in the ulcer along with strengthening the body’s immunity and self-healing capacity for gradual healing of the ulcer to prevent its reoccurrence.

1. Acidum Fluoricum

Acidum Fluoricum is a remedy used to treat a number of health conditions like those that have an impact on the fibrous tissues like the bones and veins. Such conditions may include pain in the varicose veins and other more severe ailments like bone tumors. In addition, this medicine is an effective remedy to prevent the decay of teeth.
Fluoric acid is made from the chemical condensation of calcium fluoride. In this case, the veins have a tendency to become distended. The ulcers may cause immense pain and the condition, as well as pain, is likely to worsen when the individual keeps standing for prolonged periods. The ulcers have red edges and there may be the formation of vesicles. Itching with a burning sensation, a swollen leg, and relief upon using cold compress are some of the symptoms indicating towards the remedy.

2. Calendula Officinalis

Calendula Officinalis is a medicine used to treat varicose ulcers with copious pus discharge. It is made from a cultivated perennial herb Marigold of the family Compositae. Inflammation, stinging sensation and pain in the ulcer which is deep, red with ragged edges, lead to this medicine. This medicine is also used as a preventive measure against gangrene formation. The remedy has anti-inflammatory properties corresponding to its main action in injuries and inflammations.

3. Carbo Vegetabilis

Carbo Veg is used to treat varicose ulcers that bleed easily, even on the slightest touch. This remedy is made from vegetable charcoal of the family Fagaceae. The ulcer has a mottled purple color appearance and the skin surrounding it feels tense. There is burning pain in the ulcer along with foul-smelling pus discharge. Carbo Veg, corresponding to its source, is well known for its ability to absorb the toxins in the body with a tendency towards burning sensations and pains in the body.

Other Important Remedies

4. Lachesis Muta

Lachesis Muta is a medicine used to treat varicose ulcers which are sensitive to touch. There may be a thin, offensive discharge from the ulcers. The surface of the ulcer is uneven and looks dirty, purplish. Bluish-blackish skin may surround the ulcer. There may be a burning sensation in the ulcers mostly at night. This medicine is indicated for varicose ulcers that arise as a result of an injury.

5. Pulsatilla Nigricans

Pulsatilla is used to treat varicose ulcers with itching. The ulcer looks red and is hard to touch. Symptoms like smarting, shooting pain, burning, stinging and excoriating sensation in the ulcer that gets better on exposure to open air, are the key symptoms indicating towards the remedy. In some cases, a greenish-yellowish discharge may also be seen.

6. Arnica Montana

Arnica relieves pain, bruising and swelling of the varicose ulcers associated with trauma or overexertion.

7. Calcarea Carb

Varicose ulcers that hurt while the person is standing or walking respond to the remedy Calc. Carb. People who need this remedy often have a poor blood circulation with an associated sensation of chilliness.

Causes of Ulcer Formation

The veins in our legs have one-way valves that keep blood flowing up toward your heart. When these valves become weak, blood can flow backward and gets accumulated in the legs. This is called Venous Insufficiency. The excess fluid causes the blood pressure to build up. The increase in pressure and buildup of fluid prevents nutrients and oxygen from getting to the tissues. The lack of nutrients causes the cells to die, damaging the tissue, and thus forming a wound (sore).

Risk Factors

Different risk factors predispose a person towards the formation of varicose ulcers. The factors include conditions like the presence of Varicose veins, history of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis), blockage of the lymph vessels, Older age, more common in females, or being tall, in conditions of Obesity, Pregnancy. Smoking is also a factor that can put a person to risk and so can sitting or standing for long hours. A family history of venous insufficiency is another risk factor seen. Fractures of long bones in the leg or other serious injuries, such as burns or muscle damage also increase the risk.
These risk factors are important and taken into consideration before the prescription of suitable remedies.

Signs and Symptoms

When blood pools in the veins of the lower limb, fluid and blood cells leak out into the skin and other tissues. This can cause itchy, thin skin and lead to skin changes called stasis dermatitis. This is an early sign of venous insufficiency. The sign of a varicose ulcer is an ulcer on the leg, near the ankle with shallow sore and a red base, sometimes covered by a yellow tissue with unevenly shaped borders. The surrounding skin may be shiny, tight, warm or hot, and discolored. Symptoms of leg pain, itching and burning can be troublesome. If the sore becomes infected, it may be offensive and pus may drain from the wound.

Other early signs include:
Leg swelling with heaviness and cramping.
Dark red, purple or brownish skin with hardening (this is a sign of blood pooling in the area)
Tingling sensation in the area.

Other Types of Leg Ulcers

Other common types of leg ulcers include:

Arterial leg ulcers- caused by the poor blood circulation in the arteries.
Diabetic leg ulcers -caused by high blood sugar associated with diabetes.
Vasculitic leg ulcers -associated with chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis & lupus.
Traumatic leg ulcers -caused by any trauma to the leg.
Malignant leg ulcers -caused by a tumor of the skin of the leg.

Wound Care

The basic instructions to wound care for people at risk of developing an ulcer are as follows:

1. Always keep the wound clean to prevent any infection.
2. Keep the dressing and the skin around it dry. Try not to get the healthy tissue around the wound too wet as it can soften the healthy tissue, causing the wound to get bigger in size.
3. Before applying a dressing, cleanse the wound thoroughly.
4. Protect the skin around the wound by keeping it clean and moisturized.

To help treat a venous ulcer, blood flow to the legs needs to be improved for which we need to: –

1. Wear compression stockings or bandages every day. They help prevent the blood from collecting, thus reducing swelling, pain and helping with healing.
2. Lying down with the feet elevated up on pillows which improve the circulation.

Some warning signs of infection which need immediate assistance are:-

1. Redness increased warmth or swelling around the wound.
2. More drainage than before or drainage that is yellowish.
3. Bleeding from the ulcer.
4. Bad Odor from the wound.
5. Fever or chills.
6. Increased intensity of pain.

Lifestyle Management and Prevention

Lifestyle changes can help prevent venous ulcers. The following measures may help improve blood flow and aid healing:

1. Quit smoking, as it is bad for the blood vessels.
2. In diabetes, keeping the blood sugar level under control will help heal faster.
3. Exercising much helps with the blood flow.
4. Eating healthy foods and with a proper sleep routine.
5. Lose weight in cases of obesity.
6. Managing the blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

An egg allergy refers to an overreaction of the immune system to a protein found in eggs. The reaction may develop from eating eggs or food containing eggs like cakes, cookies, etc. Although both the egg white and egg yolk can lead to an allergy, allergies towards egg-whites are more common. It is one of the most common food allergies seen in children, and they often outgrow this as they reach adolescence. Homeopathic medicines for egg allergy work by moderating an over-active immune system and help provide relief from the symptoms. 

Cause of Egg Allergy

The primary cause of an egg allergy is an overreaction of the immune system due to misidentification of the protein in eggs. This causes the release of histamines and other chemicals in the blood that leads to various symptoms. Any person with an allergy like atopic dermatitis or a positive family history of egg allergy is at risk.

Signs and Symptoms of Egg Allergy

The symptoms of egg allergy may arise within a few minutes to an hour following the consumption of eggs or any of the foods containing eggs. The symptoms of egg allergy vary from case to case, both regarding the form and intensity. The symptoms of an egg allergy include skin issue like urticaria, skin rash. Gastric symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps. Nasal symptoms include nasal blockage, sneezing, runny nose along with itchy, watery, swollen eyes. Respiratory symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest constriction. A severe, life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis may arise in rare cases of an egg allergy which requires urgent intervention under the conventional mode of treatment. In the case of anaphylaxis, the blood pressure drops, airways get constricted, pulse rate rises, and the person may experience dizziness, unconsciousness.

Homeopathic Medicines for Egg Allergy

The homeopathy system of medicine helps address egg allergy by moderating the immune system and engaging the body’s natural healing mechanism to treat the symptoms and the cause. These medicines help reduce the intensity, as well as the recurrence of the allergy. They are made of natural substances and do not cause any side-effects or dependency issues, as seen with conventional drugs.

1. Ferrum Met and Colchicum Autumnale are two medicines used in cases where there is vomiting upon consumption of eggs.

2. Lycopodium Clavatum is a medicine used to treat egg allergies where there is diarrhea on consumption of eggs.

3. Sulphur and Psorinum are medicines used to treat skin conditions that occur as a result of the allergy.

A retinal migraine is a rare form of migraine in which a person experiences repeated attacks of short-lived visual disturbances like diminished vision/blindness or flashing lights in one eye. The visual disturbances are attended with a headache or are followed by a headache. Homeopathic medicines for retinal migraine are made of natural origin and aid in natural recovery without any side effects.                            

Homeopathic Medicines for Retinal Migraine

There is an excellent treatment for retinal migraine in homeopathy. With the use of homeopathy, the intensity and the frequency of episodes of retinal migraine attacks gradually starts to decrease. Medicines for retinal migraine are selected individually for every case based upon the prominent symptoms. The top remedies for retinal migraine are Natrum Mur, Gelsemium, Iris Versicolor, Kali Bichrome, Belladonna, Phosphorous, Cyclamen and Lac Defloratum.

1. Natrum Mur – Top Homeopathic Medicine for Retinal Migraine

Natrum Mur is a top listed medicine for treating retinal migraine. The person needing Natrum Mur suffer from episodes of blindness followed by a headache. They may also experience zig-zag dazzling, like lightning in eyes before the headache. Headache may be throbbing or hammering type and is marked in the forehead and top of the head. A burning sensation on the top of the head may be felt. Nausea and vomiting may also be present.

2. Gelsemium – When Blindness precedes a Headache

Gelsemium is prepared from the bark of the root of plant Gelsemium Sempervirens commonly known as Yellow Jasmine of the natural order Loganiaceae. Gelsemium is a well-indicated medicine for treating a retinal migraine when episodes of blindness precede the headache. Pain is most felt in the forehead and temples. Fullness in head appears and head feels as if enlarged in size. Heaviness in the head is also felt. Slight nausea, giddiness, and drowsiness appear with the headache. The pain tends to get better by shaking the head. Gelsemium is also indicated when dimness of vision comes with a headache. Worsening of headache from tobacco smoking may be present in cases requiring Gelsemium.

3. Iris Versicolor – For Blurring of Vision before a Headache

Iris Versicolor is prepared from the fresh root of a plant commonly known by the name of Blue Flag of the natural order Iridaceae. Iris Versicolor is beneficial for a blurring of vision prior to headache in cases of retinal migraine. Headache is throbbing or shooting in nature and mostly on the right side. Intense and constant nausea is a characteristic attending symptom to the headache. Sleeplessness from headache may also be present and exertion tends to aggravate the headache.

4. Kali bichrome – When Blurred Vision/blindness Appears before Headache

Kali bichrome is a prominently indicated medicine for retinal migraine when blurred vision or blindness appears before a headache. As the headache intensifies the vision becomes normal. During the headache, there is an aversion to light and noise along with a desire to lie down.

5. Belladonna – When Dimness of Vision Appears with Headache

Belladonna is prepared from a plant called Deadly Nightshade of the natural order Solanaceae. Belladonna is highly useful for retinal migraine when dimness of vision appear with a headache. Headache is majorly throbbing in nature and is marked in the temporal region. The face is red, flushed, congested during headache. Nausea and vomiting may accompany a headache. Light and noise make the headache worse. Pressure offers relief in headache.

6. Phosphorus – When Dimness of Vision Precedes Headache

Phosphorus is helpful for retinal migraine when dimness of vision precedes a headache. The pain in the head is mostly in the temple region and may be pulsating, shooting or boring type. Head and face feel congested and flashes of light before the eyes may also be noted in cases where Phosphorus is indicated.

7. Cyclamen – Where Flickering/flashes of Light before eyes Accompany Headache

Cyclamen is prepared from the root of a plant named Cyclamen Europaeum commonly known as Sow-bread of the natural order Primulaceae. Cyclamen works well in cases of retinal migraine where flickering/flashes of light before eyes arises with a headache. This is mostly experienced in the morning upon rising. Darting or boring pains in temples is felt. Headache with obscuration of vision is also indicative to use Cyclamen.

8. Lac Defloratum – When Blindness before/during Headache is relieved with a Tight Bandage

Lac Defloratum is helpful for retinal migraine with blindness before or attending a headache. The headache usually begins in the forehead and extends to the back of the head (occiput). It is mainly throbbing in nature. Nausea and vomiting may appear with a headache. The headache gets better by tying a tight bandage around the head.

Triggers for Retinal Migraines

Retinal migraines tend to appear from the constriction of blood vessels of eyes that reduces blood flow to eyes. When the blood vessel relax and blood flow resumes to normal then the visual symptoms disappear. Retinal migraines usually are not indicative of any serious problems within the eye and the chance of damage the retina from reduced blood flow is very rare. There are certain factors that tend to trigger retinal migraines. These include – smoking, tobacco use, stress, high blood pressure, use of birth control pills, exercise, dehydration, low sugar levels, too much caffeine, certain foods that contain nitrates and monosodium glutamate. Females are at more risk of retinal migraines as compared to males. People with a family history of retinal migraine and those having sickle cell disease, giant arteritis, lupus are also at risk to suffer from retinal migraines.

Symptoms of Retinal Migraines

The main symptom of a retinal migraine is a temporary change in the vision of one eye. This includes temporary loss of vision (blindness) in one eye, blurred vision, dim vision or twinkling/sparkling/flashes of lights. The visual symptoms tend to last from 10 minutes to 60 minutes. Next symptom is a headache that occurs during the phase of visual symptoms or after that. The headache typically affects one side of the head. Nausea often accompanies the headache. Headache may last from few hours to few days varying from case to case.

Sleep apnea refers to momentary pauses in the breathing (varying from seconds to minutes) during sleep. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and mixed sleep apnea. Homeopathic medicines for sleep apnea help alleviate the symptoms as well as the body’s tendency to slow or pause breathing due to the condition. The top homeopathic medicines for sleep apnea include Lachesis, Ammonium Carb, and Lemna Minor.

Homeopathic medicines for Obstructed Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea – OSA means interrupted breathing episodes arising from obstructed airways that hinder the flow of air into the lungs mainly due to relaxation of throat muscles during sleep. In central sleep apnea, there is no blockage of the airways, and it arises from a failure of the brain to signal the airway muscles. In mixed sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, as well as central sleep apnea both, appear together. Among these, the obstructive sleep apnea accounts for the majority of sleep apnea cases. Obstructive sleep apnea makes around 80% to 85% of diagnosed cases of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a very common but severe sleep disorder.

Homeopathic Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Some of the well indicated homeopathic medicines to treat obstructive sleep apnea are Lachesis, Ammonium Carb, Agraphis Nutans, Lemna Minor, Sanguinaria Nitricum, Grindelia Robusta, Opium, and Sambucus. The selection of medicines for OSA is made individually for every case keeping in view the symptom presentation as well as the reason behind it. Homeopathic medicines help in OSA by aiming to treat the cause behind it. The homeopathic medicines for OSA are very safe to use among people of all the age group and manage it in a highly safe, natural and efficient manner. The homeopathic medicines for obstructive sleep apnea should be taken only after evaluation by a homeopathic physician.

Homeopathic Medicines for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Lachesis – Top Homeopathic Medicines for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Lachesis is a natural medicine for obstructive sleep apnea where a person wakes up frequently due to obstructed breathing. The person may need to sit up and needs to take a deep breath. Fear of going to sleep may also prevail among them. Such subjects also cannot tolerate anything tight around their neck like collars.

Ammonium Carb and Agraphis Nutans – To Manage OSA with Enlarged Adenoids or Tonsils

Both Ammonium Carb and Agraphis Nutans works well in cases of OSA that links with enlarged adenoids or enlarged tonsils. The indicating features to use Ammonium Carb are blocked nose at night, inability to breathe through the nose, waking with starting from sleep. Excessive sleepiness during the daytime is also well noted. The symptoms for using Agraphis Nutans are enlarged tonsils or enlarged adenoids with obstructive sleep apnea, obstruction of nose, tendency to take cold frequently. In addition to these symptoms, deafness or ear discharge may be present.

Lemna Minor and Sanguinaria Nitricum – For OSA with Nasal Polyps Complaint

For managing OSA, homeopathic medicines Lemna Minor and Sanguinaria Nitricum are highly suitable. Lemna Minor offers help in cases when the symptoms are OSA with stuffed nostrils from polyps, foul smell from the nose, thick yellow-white discharge from the nose and snoring.
Sanguinaria Nitricum is useful when symptoms include OSA with the dryness of nostrils, yellow-bloody mucus discharge from the nose, sneezing, burning in nostrils, desire for fresh air, and poor/restless sleep. Nasal turbinate hypertrophy may be present along with nasal polyps for using both these medicines.

Grindelia Robusta – For OSA in Asthmatic Individuals

Grindelia Robusta is a natural medicine for OSA in asthmatic patients where the person stops breathing while sleep and wakes with a start suddenly. There is a need to sit up to breathe as well as oppression felt in the chest with tough, tenacious white expectoration and wheezing.

Opium: For Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Snoring

Opium offers a natural treatment for obstructive sleep apnea when a person tends to snore deeply. The person faces spells of stopped breathing upon going to sleep and may also feel suffocated. Excessive drowsiness and sluggishness during the day may be there.

Sambucus – For Obstructive Sleep Apnea Management in Children

Sambucus is an effective medicine for obstructive sleep apnea in children. The child needing Sambucus wakes up suddenly during sleep feeling suffocated. He sits up and gasps for breath. The episodes of pauses of breathing are repeated several times during sleep. Increased sweating also attends. Nose is dry and obstructed.

Managing Sleep Apnea

The key actions that can help manage obstructive sleep apnea include weight management, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, sleeping on sides instead of back, avoiding the use of sleeping pills or tranquilizers.

Causes and Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea

The primary reason for obstructive sleep apnea is an extreme relaxation of the nose or throat muscles during sleep. Obesity, thick/large neck are the major risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea. Enlarged adenoids and tonsils are yet another prominent factors linked with obstructive sleep apnea. Structural deformities of the nose like DNS – deviated nasal septum may also result in OSA. The rest important risk factors include smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, asthma, nose blockage from nasal polyps, nasal allergies, and sinus complaints. The chances of OSA are found to be higher in males as compared to females. A family history of OSA also predisposes a person to get the same condition. A person with age 40 yrs and older are more prone to develop OSA.

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include loud snoring, sudden waking from sleep with gasping/choking, restless sleep, intense sleepiness/drowsiness during the daytime, problems with concentration during the day. Other symptoms include high irritability, mood changes, morning headaches, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, decreased sex drive, excessive sweating, poor performance in daily activities like at workplace or school.

Complications of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea may lead to various complications like sleepiness during the daytime, weakness/fatigue, many mental symptoms (like irritability, depression, mood changes), hypertension, arrhythmias, cardiac complaints, stroke, type 2 diabetes and more.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an inflammatory condition affecting the mucous membranes inside the mouth (inner surface of the cheeks, tongue, gums inner surface of lips, and palate). This condition leads to the development of white, lacy-patterned lesions or sores in the mouth. Oral lichen planus is an auto-immune disease. The T-cells of the immune system get activated and attack the lining of the mouth, resulting in inflammation and lesions. Some trigger factors linked with oral lichen planus include hepatitis C virus infection, some medicines (like those used for high blood pressure and diabetes), mouth injury, and allergic reaction to dental materials like dental fillings. Oral lichen planus may be genetic.

Homeopathy is a renowned system of medicine that offers great treatment for oral lichen planus cases. There are excellent medicines in homeopathy to treat cases of oral lichen planus. Homeopathic medicines for oral lichen planus help heal the lesions and sores and also treat the attending symptoms like pain, burning sensation, and bleeding from the lesions. It aims to provide cure rather than just providing symptomatic relief.

Homeopathy targets the root cause in cases of oral lichen planus to provide excellent results. It works by moderating the overactive immune system to prevent the further progress of the complaint and heal the present lesions. The modern system of medicine uses steroids and other immune-suppressants to treat this condition. It results in temporary relief and may also lead to many side effects. Homeopathic medicines never cause suppression of oral lichen planus, rather they bring complete recovery without any adverse effects. However, the results may vary from case to case depending on the severity and chronicity of the complaint.

Various homeopathic medicines are indicated to treat cases of oral lichen planus. Medicines for a particular individual are selected from among these as per the prominent features presented by the sufferer. Case study is done by a homeopathic physician to note down all the symptoms in detail. Then the case is analysed and finally the medicine is prescribed that will suit best in a given case of oral lichen planus. A well-selected medicine is capable of aiding  excellent recovery.

Homeopathic medicines are of natural origin devoid of any toxic ingredient ensuring safe and natural recovery in cases of oral lichen planus.

Homeopathic medicines for oral lichen planus.

Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines for Oral Lichen Planus

The prominently indicated homeopathic medicines for treating oral lichen planus are Merc Sol, Plantago, Borax, Natrum Mur, Nitric Acid, Phosphorus and Kreosote.

1. Merc Sol – Top Homeopathic Medicine For Oral Lichen Planus

Merc Sol works very effectively in cases of oral lichen planus where there are red and inflamed patches on the mucous membrane of the mouth. Multiple sores appear in the mouth along with lesions inside the cheeks, tongue and the gums. The sores may be painful and have a burning sensation. The mouth and gums are inflamed with sores that tend to bleed. The tongue is thickly coated along with a characteristic symptom of excessive saliva in the mouth. A bad, offensive, fetid odor from the mouth is present in a majority of the cases. A metallic, coppery taste in the mouth is present along with the above symptoms.

When to use Merc Sol?

This medicine is highly recommended for managing oral lichen planus with red, inflamed spots in the mouth along with painful sores, excessive saliva and a bad breath.

How to use Merc Sol?

Its use is preferred in 30C power that can be taken once or twice a day as per the intensity of the problem.

2. Plantago – For Sores In Mouth And Bleeding Gums

Plantago is a natural homeopathic medicine that works well in cases where there are sores in the mouth and bleeding from the gums attended with a putrid smell from the mouth. The tongue is also coated white. In my clinical practice, Plantago has proved to be highly effective in many of my patients suffering from oral lichen planus.

When to use Plantago?

This medicine is preferred in oral lichen planus cases with sores in mouth and bleeding from gums along with white coated tongue.

How to use Plantago?

Plantago 30C can be used one to two times in a day.

3. Borax – For Oral Lichen Planus With Painful Sores In Mouth

Borax is the next very useful homeopathic remedy for oral lichen planus cases. Its use is considered in cases where there are painful, tender sores in the mouth. Generally, the sores appear on the tongue and inner surface of the cheeks. The sores (especially on the tongue) may hurt due to the movement of the tongue as well as spicy food. The sores on the inner surface of the cheek and tongue also tend to bleed. A heated sensation and a bitter taste in the mouth is predominantly present in the mouth along with lesions. Borax is also a well-indicated homeopathic remedy for oral lichen planus attended with fungal infections of the mouth.

When to use Borax?

This medicine is well-indicated in oral lichen planus to manage very painful, tender sores on the tongue and inner surface of cheeks that may even bleed.

How to use Borax?

Both the lower and higher potencies of Borax have proved to be efficacious with excellent results. Initially, it can be taken one or two times a day in 30C potency.

 4. Natrum Mur – For Oral Lichen Planus With Burning Sensation

Natrum Mur is an effective homeopathic remedy for oral lichen planus lesions attended with a marked burning sensation. The sores appear on the tongue, inside the cheeks, and on the gums. The burning sensation in the sores gets worse when food or drink comes in contact with the sore. The speech also becomes difficult due to the burning pains in the sores. The sores are also very sensitive.

When to use Natrum Mur?

Natrum Mur is suggested for cases of oral lichen planus when there is prominent burning sensation in the sores that may appear on tongue, gums or inside the cheeks.

How to use Natrum Mur?

It is available in various potencies but the most commonly used is 6X potency. Natrum Mur 6X can be taken three to four times a day as per the intensity of the problem.

 5. Nitric Acid – For Stinging Pain In Sores In Oral Lichen Planus

Nitric Acid is a beneficial homeopathic medicine for managing stinging pain in the sores of oral lichen planus. In some cases, pricking and splinter-like pains are present. The sores are present inside the cheeks, the inner side of the lips and the edges of the tongue. The sores are deep and have a swollen surface. The tongue may be coated white or yellow coated. A foul odor emanates from the mouth.

When to use Nitric Acid?

This medicine can be considered for oral lichen planus when there is intense stinging or splinter-like pain in the sores in the mouth along with white or yellow coated tongue.

How to use Nitric Acid?

This medicine can be used in 30C potency once a day.

 6. Phosphorus – For Oral Lichen Planus With Bleeding From Sores

Phosphorus is another well-indicated medicine for oral lichen planus. In cases requiring phosphorus, the sores appear on the inner surface of the cheek, tongue, gums and the palate (roof of the mouth). These sores tend to bleed easily. Increase in watery saliva is well noted with bleeding lesions. The saliva may have a salty or sweet taste.

When to use Phosphorus?

This medicine is of great use in oral lichen planus cases when the sores in mouth have a tendency to bleed often.

How to use Phosphorus?

It is most frequently used in 30C potency and initially it can be taken once a day.

7. Kreosote – For Oral Lichen Planus With Sores And Inflammation Of Gums

Homeopathic medicine Kreosote offers the best help for oral lichen planus in cases where there are sores and inflammation on the gums. Those affected may have bluish red, ulcerated, inflamed gums that tend to bleed easily. A putrid odor from the mouth is also released in most cases.

When to use Kreosote?

It is an ideal medicine for oral lichen planus with sores in mouth and bluish, red ulcerated inflamed gums.

How to use Kreosote?

This medicine may be taken one to two times a day in 30C power.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Lichen Planus

The lesions in oral lichen planus appear in the form of white, lacy, thread-like patches/as red, swollen, painful patches, or as sores in the mouth. The lesions may appear on the inner surface of cheeks, tongue, inner surface of lips, gums, and palate. The sores may be painful, have a burning sensation, and bleed. Eating, drinking, speaand king worsens the pain mostly. The sores may be sensitive to hot and spicy food. Some complications of lichen planus include intense pain in lesions, stress, scarring of lesions, fungal infection in the mouth, and weight loss when the person avoids eating because it causes pain in sores and increases the risk of mouth cancer.