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Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines for Headache during Menopause

Menopause refers to the end of menstrual cycles in a female’s life that occurs as a part of the natural aging process. A female is said to have attained menopause when no menses have occurred for consecutive 12 months together. It occurs between ages 45 to 55 yrs. A woman tends to face different health issues during menopause. One might have commonly heard of issues like hot flashes, emotional disturbance, mood changes, hair loss and weight gain during menopause. Headache could also be one of the concerns that many women complain of during menopause though not every woman has headache during menopause. In some women who have hormonal headaches prior to menopause, they may feel relief in headache during menopause in terms of frequency or intensity. The reason behind headache during menopause is the hormonal changes taking place. The hormone affected includes estrogen and progesterone.

Homeopathic medicines are highly effective in managing headache occurring from hormonal fluctuations during menopause. These medicines help to gradually decrease the intensity and frequency of headache during menopause. In the first phase, the acute episode of headache is treated. Once the acute headache subsides, medicines are further prescribed for some time to treat the tendency of recurrent episodes of headache. In modern system of medicine, pain killers or hormone replacement therapy is advised for treating menopausal headaches. These may have side effects from prolonged use. Homeopathic medicines being made from natural substances are free from any sort of side effects.

Homeopathy treats person as a whole

Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine that treats a person as a whole. Holistic means treatment is provided by taking into consideration the symptoms of physical, mental and emotional aspects. By following this approach for menopausal complaints, it not only helps in managing headaches but also takes care of other associated complaints of menopause as well. These complaints include heat flashes, weight gain, mood changes and hair loss.

Customized treatment

Homeopathic medicines for managing headache during menopause are selected based on individual symptoms in each and every case. All the symptoms are noted down in detail followed by case analysis for finding the best suitable medicine for a given case. The well selected medicine as per homeopathic laws bring great recovery in cases of menopausal headaches. It is advised to consult a homeopathic physician prior to taking any of the homeopathic medicines for treating headache during menopause to get the most favourable results.

Safe medicines

As homeopathic medicines are prepared from naturally occurring substances and used in highly diluted form, they have no side effects at all. This makes it a highly reliable alternative mode of treating headache during menopause. Homeopathic medicines work in a very gentle and harmless way in such cases with no adverse reactions.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines For Headache During Menopause

The most prominently indicated homeopathic medicines for headache during menopause are Sepia, Lachesis, Glonoine, Sanguinaria Can, Amylenum Nitrosum and Ferrum Met.

1. Sepia – Top Remedy For Headache During Menopause

Sepia is the topmost medicine to manage headache during menopause. In cases needing Sepia, headache may be attended with nausea and vomiting. There is bursting type of headache as if the head would burst and the eyes would come out. It gets worse from any kind of movement and stooping. Headache may get better after taking meals. Heaviness and coldness may be felt on the top of the head. Not just headache, this medicine is best suited to manage other concerns during menopause as well, like hot flashes, hair thinning, weight gain and vaginal dryness.

When to use Sepia?

Sepia is the best choice of medicine to manage headache occurring during menopause that can be attended with nausea and vomiting. Along with headache, other menopausal complaints like hot flashes, weight gain, thinning of hair, vaginal dryness can be present too.

How to use Sepia?

Sepia can be used in different potencies from low to high but initially it is advised to use it in 30C potency once a day.

2. Lachesis – For Pain On The Top Of Head And On Left Side Of Head

Lachesis is a highly effective medicine to manage headache during menopause when pain occurs on the top of the head i.e. the vertex. Along with this, a pressure/weight sensation and burning heat is felt on the top of the head. It is also useful to manage a throbbing sensation that occurs on the sides of the head i.e. temporal region. It also feels as if blood has rushed to the head. In some cases, headache may be attended with dimness of vision or flickering in front of the eyes. Pain may be one-sided, the left side is especially affected. Sometimes pain from the head may extend to the neck and shoulders. Hot flashes are quite prominent along with headache. There may be sleeplessness too.

When to use Lachesis?

Lachesis is a highly useful medicine for managing headache during menopause with pain marked on the top of the head along with a feeling of weight and burning sensation on the head. It is also well suited to manage left-sided pain in the head that is throbbing type.

How to use Lachesis?

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

3. Glonoine – For Throbbing type of Headache

This medicine is recommended to manage throbbing (to pulsate with force rapidly) pain in the head. Besides, there is a feeling of rush of blood to the head causing congestion and sensation as if the head would burst. There also occurs a feeling as if the eyes will protrude out of the sockets. Pain gets worse from walking and shaking the head. There is relief by sleeping. Hot flashes are felt on the head and face. Nausea and vomiting may accompany headache. A weight is also felt on the top of the head. Vertigo may occur along with headache.

When to use Glonoine?

This medicine is effective to deal with congested, throbbing kind of headache occurring during menopause, with a sensation as if the head would burst.

How to use Glonoine?

Among various available potencies, it works most wonderfully in 30C potency. Glonoine 30C can be taken once or twice a day.

4. Sanguinaria Can – For Right-Sided Headache

This medicine is beneficial for managing right-sided headache. In cases requiring it, pain begins in the back of head, then goes upwards and finally settles over the right eye. Headache gets better by vomiting, and taking a good sleep. If headache occurs periodically, means at fixed interval after every 7 days, then this medicine in particular is very helpful. Along with headache, burning sensation in the hands and the soles of feet may be present.

When to use Sanguinaria Can?

Sanguinaria Can proves useful for cases of right-sided headache during menopause when pain starts in the back of the head, then moves upwards and settles over the right eye.

How to use Sanguinaria Can?

It is advised to take this medicine once or twice a day in 30C power.

5. Amylenum Nitrosum – For Left-Sided Headache

This medicine is indicated to manage left-sided headache. Throbbing is felt in the head. It seems blood has rushed to the head and face causing marked redness on the face. There is a feeling as if the head would burst. Hot flashes are a prominent indication where this medicine is required. Hot flashes are followed by excessive sweating and cold skin.

When to use Amylenum Nitrosum?

Amylenum Nitrosum should be considered to manage left sided headache during menopause with marked redness of face and hot flashes.

How to use Amylenum Nitrosum?

One can use Amylenum Nitrosum 30C once a day.

6. Ferrum Met – For Headache With Feeling Of A Band Around The Head

This medicine can be used when there is headache and a feeling of a band tied around the head during menopause. The pain is pulsating type in cases needing it. There is a heated sensation in the head. Flashes of heat are also felt in the face. The pain from the head may radiate to teeth. Stinging sensation can be felt in the head. Headache may last for two-three days in cases needing it. This medicine is also indicated for dull pain in the forehead that spreads to the top of the head. It gets better by applying pressure with hands on the head.

When to use Ferrum Met?

Its use should be considered for cases of headache during menopause with a prominent sensation of a band around the head.

How to use Ferrum Met?

This medicine can be used in 30C power one or two times a day.

What other symptoms may accompany headache during menopause?

Along with headache, some other symptoms that might attend include nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, feeling of a band around the head, some strange sensations in the head, dizziness and fatigue. It may also lead to sleep issues, depressed feeling and anxiety. Women suffering from migraine (i.e. one-sided headache often accompanied with nausea and vomiting and sensitivity to light, smell, noise) or tension headache (this type of headache is linked with stress and is characterized by a tight feeling in the forehead and back of the head) may find that their headache gets worse around menopause.

Do You have a Weak Urine Stream? Try Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1 Comment

A weak urine stream is a very common problem, especially in elderly people aged above 50 years. Though it can occur in both men and women, it occurs more commonly in males. A weak urine stream indicates that the bladder is not getting emptied properly. When a person has difficulty initiating or maintaining urine flow, it is medically termed which urinary hesitancy. Weak urine stream can arise due to various reasons, among which benign prostate enlargement (BPH) and urinary stricture (narrowing of urethra through which urine leaves the body) are the main causes. Weak urine stream can be attended with other symptoms as well depending on the cause behind it like dribbling after finishing urine, frequent urination, discomfort in the lower abdomen, sensation of incomplete emptying of bladder, and pain while urinating. If not diagnosed and treated well, the condition may worsen and lead to urinary retention (means complete inability to urinate). Urine retention that occurs all of a sudden is a serious health issue needing immediate medical help.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic mode of treatment carries a great scope to manage cases of weak urinary stream. Homeopathic medicines aim to correct the underlying cause behind the thin urine stream to give great relief. These are natural remedies that treat this condition with zero side effects. Along with a weak urine stream, they also manage any associated symptoms present. These medicines are recommended for mild to moderate cases where no associated complication is present. In case of acute urine retention, one should immediately take help from conventional mode of treatment as homeopathy has limitations in treating such critical cases. Homeopathic prescription for weak urine stream varies from case to case based on the cause and characteristic individual symptoms, so one should take homeopathic medicine under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor and avoid self–medication.

Homeopathic Medicines For Weak Urine Stream

1. Clematis – Top Remedy For Weak Stream For Stricture

Clematis is a highly recommended medicine to deal with cases of weak urinary stream due to a urethral stricture. Persons who require this medicine have to strain to initiate urine flow. Urine passes in a thin stream and quite slowly. Urine may start and stop several times till complete urination. After finishing urination, dribbling (passing drop by drop) of urine occurs. There is a frequent desire to pass urine. Urine passed is scanty. Burning may sometimes be felt while urination.

2. Chimaphila – For Weak Stream From Enlarged Prostate

Chimaphila is an effective medicine for weak urine stream due to prostate enlargement. Those needing it have difficulty in starting urine flow, and urine stream is thin like a thread. They need to strain a lot to pass urine. They may need to stand with feet apart and bend forward and strain to empty the bladder. Burning sensation may be felt while passing urine. This medicine is also recommended for cases of difficult urination in cases of prostate enlargement.

3. Cantharis – For Thin Stream Due To Stricture, Urine Infections

This medicine is helpful to manage weak urine flow in case of urethral stricture as well as urinary tract infections. Pain or burning sensation while passing urine is prominent. Burning/ pain may be present before as well as after passing urine. The urge to pass urine is also quite frequent and sometimes almost constant. There is an urge to pass urine even if there is little quantity of urine in bladder.

4. Thuja – For Weak As Well As Split Stream Of Urine

Thuja works well in cases where urine stream is poor as well as split (which means the urine stream goes in two directions instead of one). There is increased frequency to urinate especially at night. The urge to pass urine can also be sudden. In some cases, urine dribbles and has foul smell.

5. Sarsaparilla – Along With Pain Towards End Of Urination

This medicine is useful for persons having weak stream of urine along with severe pain towards the end of urination. The urine passed is scanty. It may contain flakes or sandy particles. This medicine is also of great help for cases of kidney stones.

6. Merc Sol – With Frequent And Urgent Urination

Merc Sol is of great help in cases in which the urine stream is small and weak along with increased frequency and urgency. Only little urine passes at a time. There may be an urge to pass urine every hour. Burning in the urethra may occur especially in the beginning of urination. Sometimes, urine passes drop by drop and may contain mucus and blood. The bladder area may be painful to touch.

7. Alumina – For Frequent And Poor Urine Flow In Elderly

This medicine is highly beneficial for elderly people who suffer from frequent urination attended with poor urine flow. They also face difficulty in initiating urine. They need to strain to start urination. Little amount of urine is passed. One feels burning and smarting pain while urinating. There is always a feeling as if some drops of urine have remained back in the urethra that could not be passed out.

8. Hepar Sulph – With Feeling Of Incomplete Bladder Emptying

Hepar Sulph is suited to those having poor urine flow and a feeling as if the bladder has not been emptied completely. The urine stream does not start immediately when there is an urge to urinate, one has to wait for urine to start. After urinating, one feels that some urine has remained behind in the bladder. Burning or stitching pain may be felt in the bladder.

Causes Of Weak Urine Stream

1. Benign prostate enlargement (BPH) – It refers to the enlargement of prostate gland that surrounds the first part of urethra in males. When prostate enlarges, it puts pressure on the urethra thus blocking flow of the urine. It results in symptoms including frequent urge to urinate, straining to initiate urine, weak urine stream and dribbling after urination.

2. Urinary stricture – It refers to narrowing of urethra (a tube through which urine leaves the body). It is common in males as compared to females. It results when there occurs scar tissue in urethra following an injury to urethra, catheter use, recurrent urinary tract infections, some urinary tract surgery like done for stone removal or prostate surgery. The first complaint it causes is weak urinary stream. Other complaints arising from it includes split stream of urine, frequent and urgent need to urinate and interrupted urination.

3. Underactive bladder – A condition in which the bladder has reduced strength to contract and results in slow emptying of bladder. Its symptoms include poor urinary stream, needing to wait to start urine flow, straining to pass urine, interrupted urine stream, prolonged time to pass urine, decreased sensation of bladder fullness and a feeling as if the bladder has not emptied entirely.

4. Bladder outlet obstruction – It indicates blockage at the base of bladder. It causes symptoms like constant feeling of bladder fullness, abdominal pain, slow urine flow, frequent urine and straining to pass urine.

5. Kidney stones and any tumor blocking the urinary bladder or urethra

6. Nerve damage (for example from diabetes) and nervous system disorders like multiple sclerosis (an autoimmune disease in which there is damage to the myelin sheath that protects the nerves) and Parkinson’s disease (a disorder of nervous system starting with hand tremors at rest followed by muscles stiffness, stooped posture, changes in speech, impaired balance and reduced arm swing).

7. Infections like prostatitis (inflammation of prostate gland that causes pain/burning when urinating, increased frequency and urgency to urinate, weak urine flow, pain in pelvic region, genitals or groins and painful ejaculation) and UTI (urinary tract infection that causespain/ burning with urination, increased frequency to urinate, strong smell from urine and in case of upper tract UTI fever, chills, pain in the upper back and sides and nausea and vomiting occurs.)

8. Use of certain medicines (for example nasal decongestants, anti-allergy medicines, some medicines used to treat cold and antidepressants) and psychological reasons.

What causes Pelvic Pain in Women and its Homeopathic Remedies

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD Leave a Comment

Pelvic pain refers to pain in the lowest part of the abdomen that can arise from various reasons. It is a very common complaint in many women. It may arise from a problem in the reproductive organs, urinary organs or gastric organs. Besides, it can be a result of some medical issues related to muscles and ligaments in the pelvic floor. The pain may be acute that arises suddenly and remains for a brief period of time. In some cases, it may be chronic which remains for six months or more. The pain can be of varying types and intensity. The pain can be constant or it may come and go. Depending on the cause the pain may radiate to the lower back, thighs and hips.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic mode of treatment carries a great scope to treat multiple health concerns in females including pelvic pain. Homeopathic medicines aim at the root cause behind pelvic pain to bring excellent results. Along with pelvic pain, any attending symptoms are also well managed with these medicines like abnormal vaginal discharge, heavy menstrual bleeding, painful intercourse, intermenstrual bleeding and painful urination. Homeopathic medicines for treating pelvic pain are made of natural substances, hence are very safe to use without any toxic side effects. Some of the causes behind pelvic pain can be quite serious like ectopic pregnancy, cancer, appendicitis so it is advised to always get your case evaluated by a doctor to find out the reason behind it and its appropriate timely treatment. Homeopathic prescription to treat pelvic pain varies from case to case based on the cause behind the pain and the characteristic symptoms in an individual. So any of these medicines should be taken under supervision of a homeopathic doctor and self-medication should be avoided.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Pelvic Pain In Women

1. Sepia – Top Remedy

Sepia is the topmost medicine to deal with cases of pelvic pain in females. In cases needing it, pelvic pain is well marked. The pain may go to the back and down the thighs. It can be attended with a constant bearing down (a dragging feeling as if pelvic organs will come out of vagina) sensation in the pelvic area. Pelvic discomfort is felt throughout the night. Besides, there is yellowish greenish vaginal discharge which has a very foul smell. Bloating in the abdomen may attend. In some cases, pain during intercourse can be an attending concern. At times, frequent urge to urinate may be felt. This medicine is well-indicated to treat different medical conditions including PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease), uterine fibroids and painful menses.

2. Pulsatilla – For Pelvic Pain In Case Of PID

Pulsatilla is a natural remedy to relieve pelvic pain occurring in cases of PID. Females needing it feel cutting type of pain in the pelvis. Pelvic region is also very sensitive to touch. Pain may also be felt during intercourse. There is thick milky white vaginal discharge attended with burning, itching and stinging pain in vagina. Besides PID, this medicine is also indicated to manage pelvic pain during menses. Pain may radiate from the abdomen to the back. There may be a frequent ineffectual urge to pass stool.

3. Magnesia Phos – For Pelvic Pain During Menses

It is an ideal choice of medicine for managing pelvic pain during menses (dysmenorrhea). This medicine works wonders to manage lower abdomen pain which is of cramping, shooting type. One gets relief by putting a hot water bottle or heating pad over the lower abdomen. It also gets better by applying pressure on the lower abdomen.

4. Sabina – In Case Of Fibroids

Sabina is a highly suitable medicine to manage pelvic pain occurring from uterine fibroids. The characteristic symptom to use it is pain radiating from the sacrum (a bone made of five fused sacral vertebrae at the bottom of the spine) to the lower part of the abdomen in front of the pelvis i.e. pubes. Along with this, there is heavy uterine bleeding with dark clots. The blood is offensive. Bleeding may occur in between periods as well. Thick yellow foul-smelling vaginal discharge may accompany above complaints.

5. Colocynth – For Pain In Case Of Ovarian Cyst

Colocynth is a well indicated medicine to manage pain due to ovarian cyst. The pain is one sided and can be sharp, cramping or cutting type. It gets better by applying pressure or bending forward over the abdomen. Though pain can occur on any side of the lower abdomen, it is mostly present on the left side which becomes sore. The pain can be worse during or before menses.

6. Medorrhinum – For Pain During Ovulation

It is one of the best medicines to manage pain on one side of the pelvic area in ovarian region during ovulation. The affected side of the pelvis is also painful to touch. A heated sensation accompanies it. A feeling as if the ovary may be felt. In most cases, there is vaginal discharge that has a specific fishy odor. Medorrhinum is also an excellent medicine to manage PID cases.

7. Cantharis – From Urinary Complaints Like Infection, Bladder Inflammation

Cantharis is a prominent medicine to manage pelvic pain occurring from urine complaints including inflamed bladder or urinary infection. In most cases needing it, there is pain in the bladder region attended with painful, burning urination. Pain and burning may occur before, during or after urination. Pain gets worse from drinking even small quantity of water. Besides, there is frequent urination. The bladder region is sensitive to touch and feels heavy even on the slightest movement.

Causes Of Pelvic Pain In Women

1.PID (Pelvic inflammatory disease) – It refers to infection in the female’s genital organs (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tube) caused by sexually transmitted infections. It leads to vaginal discharge (leucorrhea), pain in the lower abdomen / pelvic region, painful intercourse, bleeding during intercourse, painful periods, bleeding between periods, fever with chills, painful urination.

2. Menstrual period pain and pain during PMS – There may be pelvic pain, mainly cramping pain. The pain may radiate to lower back or thighs. Nausea and vomiting can attend it. In some cases, pain may occur before periods start as a part of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) along with other symptoms like pain in breasts, bloating, irritability, mood swings and headache. These symptoms of PMS go away when menstrual bleeding starts.

3. Uterine fibroids – These are non-cancerous growths developing in the uterus. It may cause pain in pelvis, heavy periods, back pain, pain / bleeding during intercourse, bleeding between periods.

4. Endometriosis – It is a condition in which the tissue lining the inner surface of uterus starts to grow in some body parts other than uterus, like ovaries, fallopian tube, rectum, urinary bladder. Bleeding occurs from these parts during menses. It results in pelvic pain, pain on passing urine or stool, bleeding from rectum or bladder during menses, pain during intercourse, heavy periods and infertility.

5. Ovarian cysts – It refers to fluid-filled sacs in ovaries. It may lead to one-sided pain in pelvis.

6. Ovulation pain – This pain is felt in pelvic region on one side during ovulation i.e. when an egg is released from ovary.

7. Ectopic pregnancy – It happens when an embryo gets implanted and grows at a place other than the uterus, for example in the fallopian tube. In this medical condition, a woman experiences sharp crampy pain in the pelvis on one side. Besides bleeding from vagina, there may be nausea and dizziness.

8. Cancer in pelvic organs – Cancer of uterus, cervix, and ovaries can lead to pain in pelvis and lower abdomen. Along with this vaginal discharge and painful intercourse attends. Cancer of urinary tract may also cause pelvic pain.

9. Urinary issues – These include urinary tract infection (UTI), interstitial cystitis and kidney stones. UTI is quite common in females. It can involve any part of urinary system including urethra, bladder, ureter and kidneys though bladder infection is the most common. The symptoms of UTI are pain / burning with urination, increased frequency to pass urine, pelvic pain, strong smell from urine. In case of upper tract UTI fever, a person feels chills, pain in the upper back and sides, besides nausea and vomiting. Interstitial cystitis refers to inflammation of bladder without any reason known yet. This can lead to pelvic pain, pain when urinating, frequent urination and painful intercourse.

10. Gastric issues – Some gastric issues like constipation, appendicitis, etc can also cause pelvic pain.

Iritis: Top Homeopathic Medicines for Relief and its Causes

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1 Comment

Iritis refers to the inflammation of iris which is the colored part in the front of the eye around the pupil. Iritis is also known as anterior uveitis (Uveitis is inflammation of middle layer of eye called uvea and iris is present in its front area, which means anterior part of uvea). Iritis can be acute that appears all of a sudden in some hours or days or it can be chronic which occurs gradually and remains for more than three months. Iritis may affect one or both eyes, though it is usually one sided. The signs and symptoms include redness of eye, pain in eye, sensitivity to light, eye floaters, eye watering, abnormally shaped pupils, blurred vision and headache.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic mode of treatment carries great scope to manage cases of iritis. Homeopathic medicines address underlying cause of iris inflammation to bring excellent results. These are natural remedies that gradually decrease the inflammation of iris and halt further progression of the complaint. Besides, they manage wonderfully its signs and symptoms like eye redness, eye pain, light sensitivity, eye watering, headache and floaters before eyes. Homeopathic medicines for managing iritis are made of natural substances, hence are very safe to use without any toxic side-effects. They are recommended for mild to moderate cases where no associated complication is present. Homeopathic prescription for iritis varies from case to case based on the characteristic individual symptoms, so one should take homeopathic medicines under supervision of a homeopathic doctor and avoid self–medication.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Iritis

1. Merc Sol – Top Medicine

Merc Sol is a leading medicine to manage cases of iritis. In cases needing it, there is pain in the affected eye that can be of varying type. It can be a cutting, tearing or boring kind of pain. Pain may spread around the eye and side of the head. The eye is sore to touch. There is intense sensitivity to light along with the other symptoms. Besides, heat and pressure are felt in the eye. The eyes also become red.

2. Belladonna – With Eye Redness

Belladonna is a prominently indicated medicine for managing iritis. It is used when there is marked redness in the eye. Besides, pain is felt in the eye, especially when closing the eye and on eye movement. There is sensitivity to light. Sparks or flickering (shining with light) before eyes may be felt. There may be dimness of vision.

3. Merc Cor – For Iritis With Marked Eye Pain

This medicine is suitable to manage iritis with marked pain in the eye. The pain is mostly burning type. It is worse at night in most of the cases. Persons needing it may also have excessive sensitivity to light. There is also redness in the eye.

4. Rhus Tox – In Case Having Joint Inflammation Or Injury

Firstly, Rhus Tox is recommended for a person suffering from iritis who has joint inflammation as well. Secondly, it is also indicated when iritis follows an eye injury. In cases needing it, there is pain in the eyes. The pain may be pressive or sharp in nature. Pain from the eye may shoot to the back of the head. It gets worse at night. Eyes become red and there may be light sensitivity. In some cases, inflammation may reach choroid layer of the eye leading to choroiditis.

5. Euphrasia – With Eye Watering And Dimness Of Vision

This medicine is indicated when there is eye watering and dimness of vision in iritis cases. Besides, there is a constant aching in the eye. Darting type of pain occurs in eyes occasionally. Mild redness may be visible in the eyes. Euphrasia can also be considered when there is inflammation of the cornea (keratitis) along with iris inflammation after an injury. Here, pain is marked in the eyes which can be stitching type or burning in nature along with excessive eye watering.

6. Arnica – For Iritis After An Injury

Arnica is a suitable medicine for managing iritis that occurs due to an injury. It is useful when there is redness along with shooting or tearing type of pain in the eye. It is attended with excessive watering from the eyes. Sensitivity to light also occurs. The complaint is relieved by applying gentle pressure over the eye.

7. Apis Mellifica – To Manage Eye Pain And Light Sensitivity

This medicine is effective in managing pain in the eye and light sensitivity in cases of iritis. The pain can be aching, shooting, burning, stinging or pressive type. Pain can be felt in and around the eyes. Pain gets worse from eye movement. Pain may also occur in the forehead. Eyes are red. There may occur watering from the eyes that causes a burning sensation.

8. Argentum Nitricum – With Sore Eyes

This medicine is helpful in cases where the eye is sensitive to touch. There is pain and heat in the eyes. It gets worse from movement and touch. There is a sensation of fullness in the eye, along with dryness. This medicine is also recommended for managing inflammation of the cornea and iris, with pain emanating from top of the head to the eye.

9. Pulsatilla – For Burning Heat Sensation In Eye

Pulsatilla is a medicine beneficial for burning heat sensation in and around the eye. There is also sensitivity to light. It is attended with stitching pain in the eyes. Sometimes tearing or shooting pain is felt in the eye. Dimness of vision can be there. There may be excessive watering from the eyes in open air. Persons needing it may see fiery circles in front of the eyes.

What Causes Iritis?

1. An infection from a virus, bacteria or parasite. Some examples of infections include herpes zoster (a viral infection caused by varicella zoster virus characterized by painful rash/ blisters on the skin), fever blisters (it is caused by herpes simplex virus that leads to tiny blisters on the lips or around the mouth), tuberculosis (an infection of lungs caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis).

2. An injury to eye

3. Some form of arthritis (joint inflammation) may lead to iritis. It firstly includes ankylosing spondylitis (a type of arthritis beginning from sacroiliac joint and then moving up to involve the joints of the spine). The second kind of arthritis is reactive arthritis (it refers to joint inflammation that occurs after an infection in some other body part like genitals, urinary tract). Next is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (joint inflammation for more than six weeks in children aged 16 yrs or younger) and psoriatic arthritis (arthritis occurring in some persons suffering from psoriasis which is a skin condition with red spots covered with silvery white scales).

4. Any autoimmune disease in which body’s disease fighting cells known as immune cells start damaging body’s own healthy tissues by mistake. For example, sarcoidosis (disease in which small clumps of inflammatory cells grow in different body organs leading to its inflammation). Other examples are ulcerative colitis in which inflammation and ulcers occur in colon and rectum, multiple sclerosis (a disease that causes damage to myelin sheath of nerve cells) and psoriasis (skin disease with red spots on the skin covered with silvery white scales).

5. Use of certain medicines like cidofovir, rifabutin

6. Behcet’s disease, a disease that lead to inflammation of blood vessels all over the body

7. Weak immunity, genetic predisposition and tobacco smoking are some of the other risk factors.

Complications

If iritis is not rightly treated on time, some complications may arise that can cause vision loss. These includes glaucoma (an increased pressure in the eye that can lead to vision loss), cataract (clouding/opacity of lens in eye), swollen retina, irregular shape of pupil and calcium crystal build up on the cornea.

What is Dermatographic Urticaria and how does Homeopathy treat it effectively

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 2 Comments

Dermatographic urticaria, also known as dermatographia or dermatographism, refers to a skin condition where scratching the skin causes a reaction leading to the appearance of raised, inflamed lines called welts on the skin. It is one of the most commonly occurring types of urticaria. Another name for this condition is ‘skin writing’. It causes an allergic kind of reaction on the skin with signs and symptoms including raised lines (pink, red, purple in color or same color as that of the skin) on the skin resembling writing or welts (raised bumps) on the skin along with redness, itching and swelling. It may also be warm to touch and burning sensation may be felt. The symptoms appear within minutes of a trigger factor and the duration of symptoms is around 30 minutes. In rare cases, the duration may extend to a few hours to one day or even more than that. The signs and symptoms get worse at night in most cases. This condition is not contagious (means does not spread from one person to another via direct skin to skin contact).

What Causes Dermatographic Urticaria?

The real reason behind it is unknown but it is thought to occur from the release of histamine from mast cells on the skin surface. Here though no antigen (a foreign substance that triggers an immune response by the production of antibodies) is present, histamine may cause wheals (raised bumps on the skin) and swelling. This may happen when the immune system by mistake recognizes scratching or pressure on the skin as an allergen and sets off an allergic response by sending histamine to the affected area to get rid of an allergen. Histamine causes dilatation of the blood vessels and leakage of the fluid into the skin from small blood vessels causing swelling on the skin.

Another theory is that an allergic reaction may happen when the membrane of the mast cells is very weak that tends to break easily from pressure and cause allergic type of reaction. Some of the triggers that can set off this kind of reaction include scratching of skin, rubbing of the skin as from tight clothing, pressure on the skin as from wrist watch/ belt/any jewelry item, vibration, stress, an infection, cold/heat exposure, exercise, air blowing on the skin causing movement of hair on skin, bathing with warm water and taking some sort of medicines like penicillin. Persons having dry skin, those suffering from or having a history of atopic dermatitis (a skin disease that cause inflammation, redness and itching on skin) or allergies, thyroid issues, or family history of this type of urticaria, are at risk. Teenagers (13 yrs to 19 yrs) and young adults are most likely to be affected by this skin condition. Usually, no complications are linked to it, but sores caused by it can get infected with bacteria or fungus sometimes.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathy proves very effective in numerous skin complaints. One among these is dermatographic urticaria that can effectively be treated under the homeopathic mode of treatment using a very gentle approach. Homeopathic remedies moderate the overactive immune system (that gives exaggerated response to some of the triggers resulting in skin reactions) and bring relief in such cases. These medicines help in managing acute episodes of urticaria as well as function to overcome this type of urticaria naturally with zero side effects. These medicines gradually reduce the intensity and frequency of the episodes of this type of urticaria. Along with healing the welts, they also help to manage any associated symptoms like itching, burning, stinging and pain in welts. Homeopathic medicines are selected individually for every case of urticaria keeping into consideration the triggers like scratching, heat or cold exposure, exercise and attending symptoms like itching, burning. Though these medicines are safe to use, it is advised to take any medicine after getting your case completely evaluated by a homeopathic doctor and avoid self-medication.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Dermatographic Urticaria

1. Rhus Tox – Top Medicine

Rhus Tox is the most prominent medicine for treating urticaria caused by scratching. In cases needing it, the bumps are dark red colored. Swelling may occur in the surrounding skin. Violent itching is felt in the bumps on the skin. Rubbing worsens the itching as well as the eruptions. This medicine is also indicated when cold triggers urticaria.

2. Natrum Mur – When Scratching, Heat Or Exercise Triggers Wheals

Natrum Mur is the next most effective medicine for dermatographic urticaria. This medicine is indicated when bumps appear on skin after scratching. Bumps may be quite large. Intense itching attends it. Besides, burning and stinging is also felt in the bumps. This medicine is also well-indicated when exercise or heat exposure triggers urticaria. Persons needing this medicine may also be suffering from dermatitis or may have a family history of this disease.

3. Zincum Met – When Scratching Or Rubbing Skin Triggers Complaint

This medicine is well indicated when wheals appear on the skin from scratching or rubbing the skin. Though wheals may occur on any body part, the commonly affected areas include thighs and hollow (back side) of knees. Itching and stinging sensation is felt in these eruptions.

4. Apis Mellifica – For Urticaria Triggered From Heat And Warm Weather

Apis Mellificais a highly suitable medicine when urticaria is triggered from heat and warm weather. Red wheals occur on the skin with intense burning and stinging. Itching is relieved when one is in open air. It gets worse at night. The wheals are painful to touch.

5. Urtica Urens – For Urticaria From Exercise

This medicine is beneficial when urticaria rash occurs from exercise. It is recommended for red- colored raised bumps. Itching and burning sensation is felt. Besides, stinging sensation and formication (sensation of insects crawling under the skin) is experienced on the bumps.

6. Dulcamara – For Urticaria Triggered From Warmth

Dulcamara is helpful medicine when urticaria is triggered from warmth. After exposure to warm atmosphere, welts appear on skin. It is attended with needle-like pricking sensation. There is marked itching and burning in it. Formication is experienced.

7. Sepia – When Cold Air Exposure Triggers Welts

Sepia is considered when urticaria triggers from exposure to cold air. The area affected usually includes face, neck and forearm. It is accompanied by itching and burning. Stitching pain is also felt in welts. The complaint gets better in a warm room.

8. Conium – For Welts After Exercise

This medicine proves helpful when welts occur after exercise. The welts are attended with itching as well as burning. Itching worsens from scratching. Welts may be painful as well.

9. Bryonia – When Prickling Occurs In Wheals

This medicine works well when prickling sensation (means sharp pins touching the skin) is felt in the wheals. The prickling is felt especially when skin is touched. Red-elevated bumps appear on the skin. Itching is also felt with an urge to scratch.

What causes Pain, Swelling in Small Joints and its Homeopathic treatment

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 2 Comments

Joint pain and swelling can occur in any body joint including small joints. Small joints include joints of hands, fingers, feet, toes, wrist and ankle. Hand and feet joints include – MCP (metacarpophalangeal) joints, interphalangeal joints and MTP (metatarsophalangeal) joints. MCP joints are the ones where the the bones of hands meet the bones of fingers and thumbs also known as knuckles. MTP joints are the ones that connect long bones of foot to toes. Interphalangeal joints refer to joints between bones of fingers (phalanges) that join them with each other. The main reason behind small joint pain and swelling is arthritis. Arthritis means inflammation of joints that causes pain, swelling, redness, heat and stiffness of a joint.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic medicines are highly effective in managing small joint pain and swelling. These medicines are 100 pc natural remedies that reduce joint inflammation, prevent further joint damage and relieve the symptoms like pain, swelling, stiffness. The homeopathic medicines are helpful in both – cases of recent origin as well as long term chronic cases. These medicines are free from any toxic side effects. Homeopathic medicines for treating joint pains are selected based on individual symptoms in each and every case. Though it is safe to use homeopathic medicines, it is advised to consult a homeopathic physician prior to taking any homeopathic medicine for treating joint pains.

Homeopathic Medicines For Treating Pain In Small Joints

1.Actaea Spicata – Top Recommended Medicine

Actaea Spicata is the leading homeopathic medicine to treat small joint pain and swelling. This medicine proves effective when joints of the fingers, wrists, ankles and toes are affected. Among all these joints, the most prominent involvement is of wrist joint. In cases needing it, the affected joints are painful, red and swollen. The pain is drawing or tearing in nature. The complaint increases from touch and movement of affected joint. Even a little tiredness causes swelling in these joints.

2. Caulophyllum – When Pain Shifts From One Joint To Other

Caulophyllum is most important medicine to deal with cases where pain keeps shifting amongst different small joints. The joints affected include that of hands, fingers, feet, toes, wrist and ankles. Along with pain, the joints show stiffness too. Pain keeps shifting from one joint to another quite rapidly every few minutes.

3. Antimonium Crudum – For Finger Joint Pain

Antimonium Crudum is one of the best medicines to manage inflammation of finger joints. In cases needing it, there occurs marked pain in the joints of fingers. A drawing type of pain is prominent in the finger joints. Swelling occurs in the finger joints along with pain.

4. Arnica – For Painful, Swollen Joints Of Feet And Toes

Arnica is a suitable medicine to manage pain and swelling in the joints of feet and toes. The pain gets worse in the evening. The joints are tender and painful to touch. Swelling develops in the feet after walking. Burning sensation is also felt in the feet. It is also a top medicine for joint pain due to an injury.

5. Rhus Tox – For Joint Pain In Hands, Fingers And Wrists

Rhus Tox is one of the prominent medicines for managing joint pains in hands, fingers and wrists. It is well indicated for pain in the finger joints with swelling. Pain gets worse in the evening. Tearing type of pain predominates. It is also suitable for pain in the hands, attended with stiffness in the morning. Swelling is also noticed on the hands. It is also useful for joint pain in the wrist attended with swelling. Pain gets worse after rest and from cold treatment.

6. Colchicum – For Small Joint Pain And Swelling From Gout

Colchicum is an important medicine to manage pain and swelling in small joints caused by gout. This medicine gives excellent results when pain is in the joints of hands or feet due to high uric acid levels. Besides, swelling, heat and stiffness in the joints are well-marked. Among the affected joints, it has the most prominent action on the big toe joint. The big toe is sore to touch and painful while making any movement. A person may scream from pain when affected joints are touched. The pain may shift from one joint to another. The pain mostly gets worse at night. This medicine is also recommended for management of cases in which finger joints get distorted due to joint damage.

7. Pulsatilla – For Pain And Swelling In Joints Of Hands And Wrist

Pulsatilla works well for painful swollen joints of the hands and wrist. The joints of hands are also red along with pain and swelling. Pain is of tearing or drawing in nature. Pain hinders hand movements. The wrist joint is painful, swollen and red. Pain disturbs sleep at night. The wrist is also painful, and stiff on movement.

8. Ledum Pal – For Ankle Pain And Swelling

Ledum Pal is a beneficial medicine for managing ankle joint pain and swelling. In cases needing it, the pain gets worse from walking. In the morning, pressure is felt in the ankles. The pain gets worse from warmth and better from cold applications over the ankle.

9. Lithium Carb – For Pain In Feet, Toes, Ankles And Fingers

Lithium Carb is another useful medicine for treating small joint pain including that of feet, toes, ankles and fingers. Pain is most marked on the right foot which gets worse at night. Ankle joint pain gets worse while walking. There is pain, swelling, redness of the finger joints with general puffiness around the affected limbs. Pain and swelling of the finger and toe joints get better by hot water application on these joints.

What Causes Pain In Small Joints?

1. Rheumatoid arthritis – The first most common type of arthritis that affects small joints is rheumatoid arthritis. It is an autoimmune disorder that results in painful, swollen and stiff joints. It affects the lining of the joints and initially involves small joints, especially finger joints on both the hands at the same time. As the condition progresses, the large joint may be affected as well. In later stages, joint deformity can occur and besides joints, other organs including eyes, skin, lungs and heart may be affected.

2. Osteoarthritis – This type of arthritis happens from degeneration of a joint due to wear and tear of cartilage at the ends of the bones. Cartilage is a cushion present at bone surface where bones connect to form a joint and allows smooth movement of bones in a joint. When cartilage is damaged, the ends of bones rub against each other leading to pain and stiffness in the joint. It can affect finger joints, wrist joint besides mainly affecting the knee joint.

3. Gout – It refers to joint inflammation resulting from accumulation of urate crystals in joints due to increased uric acid levels in the blood. It results in swollen, painful, red and warm joints mainly of the big toe.

4. Psoriatic Arthritis – It is a form of arthritis (joint inflammation) that tends to affect some people suffering from a skin condition called psoriasis which is an autoimmune skin disease with red spots on the skin covered with silvery white scales.

5. Injury to a joint can also result in joint pain and swelling

Top Homeopathic medicines for Heavy Bleeding from Uterine Fibroids

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD Leave a Comment

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths made of muscle and connective tissue developing in the uterus. These can lead to various symptoms among which heavy menses is the most important. Heavy menses means bleeding more than the typical menstrual blood loss or passing of large clots frequently in bleeding which may last for more than 7 days. Heavy and prolonged menses is medically known as menorrhagia. Other symptoms of uterine fibroids include prolonged periods, clots in the menstrual blood, menstrual cramps, pelvic pain, bleeding in between the periods, frequent urination, painful intercourse, back pain, pain in legs, miscarriage and infertility.

There may be many reasons for heavy bleeding from uterine fibroids. These include fibroids that may put pressure on the uterine lining or cause growth of the blood vessels that tends to cause excessive bleeding. Fibroids may also interfere with normal contraction of the uterus resulting in excessive bleeding. Additionally, fibroids may cause an increase in some hormones (prostaglandins) that might lead to heavy bleeding. Bleeding from fibroids depends on the location of fibroids. The fibroids that grow inside the inner lining of the uterus tend to cause the most heavy bleeding. Bleeding may be so heavy that it interferes with doing daily activities. Heavy bleeding may lead to tiredness, dizziness and anemia (a condition in which blood lacks enough red blood cells to carry adequate amount of oxygen to body tissues).

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy has great scope in treating cases of heavy bleeding due to uterine fibroids. Homeopathic medicines help in gradually decreasing heavy bleeding. These work magnificently in overcoming a tendency of heavy bleeding by targeting to dissolve the uterine fibroids. The most suitable homeopathic medicine for treating these cases is selected after detailed analysis in every individual case. The best part of homeopathic medicines is that these work in the most natural way to treat a condition without any side-effects.

Homeopathic Medicines For Uterine Fibroids

1.Thlaspi Bursa Pastoris – Top Recommended Medicine

Thlaspi Bursa Pastoris is the topmost medicine to manage cases of heavy bleeding from uterine fibroids. In cases needing it, there occurs heavy, bright red, uterine bleeding. Clots may also be present in the menstrual blood. It is attended with intense pain and cramps in the uterus. Vomiting can also occur along with these complaints. There is also tendency to have early periods. The periods also last for long duration for about 10 days to 2 weeks.

2. Sabina – For Bright Red Bleeding With Dark Clots

This medicine is highly recommended when there is heavy bleeding along with dark clots. The blood is bright red, watery and warm. It may have a foul odor. Even the slightest movement tends to worsen bleeding. The periods may also last for longer duration. Pain in the back starts from the sacrum (a bone formed by fusion of five sacral vertebra that lies at the bottom of spine) to the pubes (lower part of the abdomen in front of the pelvis). There is also tendency to have intermenstrual bleeding (bleeding in between two menstrual periods).

3. Calcarea Carb – For Early, Heavy And Prolonged Periods

It is a highly effective medicine for managing early, heavy and prolonged menses. In cases needing it, the periods may occur after every 15 days and each time bleeding may last for about fifteen days. Cutting pains may be felt in lower abdomen along with menstrual bleeding. There may be pain in the back, hips and arms. Bearing down sensation is felt in the pelvic region. There may be headache, vertigo may appear along with heavy bleeding. Anaemia may occur due to heavy bleeding.

4. Hamamelis – For Heavy Bleeding Of Dark Colour

Hamamelis is the most suitable medicine when there is heavy bleeding that is dark in color. It is attended with soreness in the abdomen. The bleeding is heavy during the day and may cease at night. There is pain and weakness in the back. Bleeding may occur midway between periods.

5. Trillium Pendulum – For Gushing Of Blood From Slight Movement

This medicine is helpful for heavy bleeding when blood gushes out from the least movement. Blood is bright red. Dark clots may also pass out in the bleeding. Bleeding may occur every two weeks. Bleeding may last for a week or longer. Along with heavy bleeding, there is a feeling as if the hips and the back are falling apart into pieces. Frequent desire to pass urine is also present along with the above symptoms.

6. Phosphorus – For Frequent And Heavy Periods

This medicine is very useful when there is a tendency for frequent and very heavy menses. Bleeding occurs in between periods quite often. Blood is bright red. Periods last for too long. Hands and feet feel cold during menses. Severe pain is felt in the back as if it is broken. Nausea is also present. Excessive weakness is felt after menses with blue rings around the eyes. Bleeding may lead to anaemia in cases requiring this medicine.

7. Ustilago – For Dark Clotted Blood Forming Long Black Strings

This medicine is considered in cases where dark clots appear that form long black strings. The blood has a foul smell. The bleeding is prolonged lasting for about 10 to 14 days. Bleeding may occur every 3 weeks. Before bleeding, pain is felt in the back and across the abdomen. Pain ceases when bleeding starts occurring. Heavy dragging pain in the back during menstrual bleeding can occur on exertion.

8. Secale Cornutum – For Heavy, Thin And Black Bleeding

This medicine can be used for cases of thin and blackish bleeding. It has a bad smell. The bleeding is heavy and lasts too long. It is accompanied with cutting and tearing pain in uterus. The uterine region is sensitive to touch. The limbs become cold, besides excessive weakness.

9. Kali Iod – With Heavy Painful Menses And Frequent Urging To Urinate

This medicine is suggested when heavy painful menses occur along with frequent urge to urinate. During menses, uterus and thighs feel as if they are being squeezed. Pain is felt in the thighs, groin (crease at junction of lower abdomen and thighs) and lower back as well. Sitting worsens pain,weakness is felt along with heavy bleeding.

10. Nitric Acid – For Heavy, Thick And Dark Coloured Bleeding

Nitric Acid works well when there is heavy, thick and dark bleeding. During bleeding, cramping pain is felt in the abdomen. Besides feeling tired, pain also occurs in the back and down the thighs. Urine has a very offensive smell.

11. Platina – For Dark Clotted Heavy Bleeding

This medicine is indicated for dark-clotted, heavy bleeding. There is tendency for early periods. Menses may occur every 14 days and are very profuse. The blood stinks, back pain is also felt. Periods are attended with bearing down pain. Pinching pain is also felt in abdomen.

Top 9 Homeopathic medicines for UTI in women

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 6 Comments

Urine infection or Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can trouble a lot of women. Though men also get urine infections, women are four times more at risk of acquiring UTI than men. Urine infection happens when bacteria gain entry into the urinary tract via urethra and start multiplying in the urinary bladder. The most common bacteria that tends to cause urine infection is Escherichia coli (E.coli). Urinary tract infection can occur in any part of urinary tract. When infection occurs in the urethra and the bladder, it is termed as lower urinary tract infection. Infection involving the ureters and the kidneys is referred to as upper urinary tract infection.

Why are women more at risk of urine infection? First among many reasons is that urethral opening in the females is very close to the anus. Due to this, bacteria around the anus easily travel to the urethra. Second is the urethra in women is short as compared to men. So the bacteria have to travel less distance to get into the bladder from the urethra. Next, use of diaphragms (for birth control) or spermicidal (contraceptive substances that destroy sperms) agents also increases risk. Sexual activity can also be the cause in young sexually active women. Some women are predisposed to frequent urine infection initially after marriage. This is termed honeymoon cystitis. Besides these women around menopause also are more predisposed to get urine infection. The reason is decrease in estrogen levels that leads to certain changes in the urinary tract that heightens UTI risk. The symptoms include pain/ burning sensation during urination, frequent urge to urinate, urgency to pass urine, pelvic pain, strong smell from urine and cloudy or bloody urine. In case of upper tract UTI symptoms include fever, chills, pain in the upper back and sides, nausea and vomiting.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathic mode of treatment carries a great scope to treat cases of urine infection in females. Homeopathic medicines help in fighting urine infection naturally by boosting the self-healing mechanism of the body. The symptoms of urine infection are well managed with these medicines. These medicines help to manage the symptoms. Homeopathic medicines for treating urine infection are made of natural substances, hence are very safe to use without any toxic side effects. Homeopathic prescription to treat urine infection varies from case to case based on the characteristic individual symptoms. Homeopathic medicines to treat urine infection should be taken under supervision of a homeopathic doctor and self-medication should be avoided.

Homeopathic medicines for UTI in women

1. Sepia – Top Remedy

Sepia is a top recommended medicine to manage urine infection in women. This medicine gives wonderful results in managing pain and the burning sensation occurring while passing urine. There is frequent urge to pass urine. A constant pressure on the bladder is felt. An urgency to pass urine is present with the need to rush to pass urine hurriedly without any delay. If desire to pass urine is not attended immediately, urine passes involuntarily. There is pelvic pain or bearing down in the pelvis and tension in the lower abdomen along with above symptoms. Urine may have an offensive smell. It can be dark in color and cloudy as well. Urine may be scanty and sometimes only few drops of urine pass.

2. Cantharis – For Marked Burning And Pain

This medicine is the next prominent medicine for treating urine infection in females. It is helpful when burning or pain is felt while passing urine as well as before and after passing urine. The urine passed may be scanty and at times in drops. In some cases, drops of blood may pass in the urine. There is a frequent urge to urinate. Even the smallest quantity of urine in the bladder leads to an urge to pass urine. The urge to pass urine increases while standing and walking and gets better on sitting. Heaviness is felt in the bladder.

3. Apis Mellifica – For Burning When Passing Last Drops Of Urine

This medicine works best when there is burning, especially on passing the last drops of urine. There is a frequent urge to urinate in cases needing it. There is an urge almost every half an hour to pass urine but only little urine is passed at a time. Stinging pain may also be felt on passing urine.

4. Staphysagria – For Urine Infection In Young Married Women

This medicine is highly recommended to treat urine infection in young married women. This condition is referred to as honeymoon cystitis. Females needing it feel burning when urinating. Urine frequency is increased and urine passes in thin stream or drop by drop. Urine is yellowish- red. The pressure persists in the bladder as if it didn’t get empty. There is a sensation as if a drop of urine is continuously rolling in the urethra. A needle-like stitching pain is also felt in the urethra.

5. Pulsatilla – For Burning During and After Urination

This medicine is very beneficial for managing burning during and after urination. Besides, frequent desire to urinate occurs as pressure builds up in the bladder. It seems as if the bladder is too full. There is an urgency to pass urine and it is impossible to delay passing urine. Mucus sediments pass in the urine. It is also indicated for cutting and stinging pain during urination.

6. Merc Cor – For Intense Burning In Urethra

This medicine is suitable for cases when there is intense burning in the urethra. There is frequent urge to urinate. But inspite of passing urine several times, there is a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. Urine may pass in drops with pain. Urine is hot. Blood may be present in the urine in some cases.

7. Sarsaparilla – For Burning When Passing Last Part Of Urine

This medicine is well indicated for managing burning felt when passing the last part of urine. Urine is scanty that passes in thin stream. Urine may contain pus and blood. The bladder may be tender to touch. There is frequent ineffectual urge to urinate with decreased urine secretion.

8. Lycopodium – For Frequent Urine And Bearing Down Pain Over Bladder

This medicine is helpful for managing frequent urination along with bearing down pain over the bladder region. The urine contains yellow or red sediments and has a foul odor. Pain gets worse on lying down mainly at night. Bladder feels heavy. Dull pressing pain in the bladder and abdomen may also be felt. In some cases stitching pain might occur. Urine is pale or dark colored. Itching in the urethra may be there.

9. Equisetum – For Pain After Voiding Urine

This medicine works well in cases where severe pain is felt immediately after urine is passed. Bladder region along with the lower abdomen can be tender to pressure. There is also dull pain in the bladder not relieved after urination. There is a constant desire to pass urine but only small amount of urine is passed every time.

What Causes Weakness in Legs and its Homeopathic treatment

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 21 Comments

Sometimes we feel weak in the legs and we don’t know why. It may be in one leg or both, may arise suddenly or gradually over weeks. The reason may be mild like over-activity/overexertion of leg muscles. In some cases, it is linked to some underlying medical cause (like slip disc, peripheral neuropathy). But in some cases, weakness of legs may point to a serious health issue (especially in case of sudden leg weakness), for example brain stroke which is a medical emergency that needs immediate medical help. Depending on the cause behind leg weakness, some other symptoms may accompany that include pain in the legs, numbness or tingling sensation in the legs, difficulty in standing or walking, pain in the back that may radiate down the legs and inability to move legs (paralysis).

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic medicines have great scope in managing cases of leg weakness. Use of these medicines is recommended only in cases where leg weakness appears gradually and no serious cause is linked with leg weakness. Homeopathic medicines work naturally to manage leg weakness along with attending symptoms like pain, tingling, numbness in legs. These medicines are free from side effects. As leg weakness can arise due a serious ailment, it is advised to get every case of weakness in legs evaluated by a physician so that the condition can be diagnosed correctly followed by its proper treatment at the right time. Self – medication should be avoided in any case. In case of sudden onset of leg weakness and in case of serious causes like brain stroke, urgent medical help should be taken.

Homeopathic Medicines For Weakness In Legs

1. Gelsemium – Top Remedy

Gelsemium is a very effective medicine to manage leg weakness. In cases needing it, weakness is felt at the slightest exertion. Weakness can be attended with numbness and heaviness in the legs. There may be trembling in legs. Gelsemium is also indicated when all the limbs feel weak. Drawing or cramping pain may be felt while walking.

2. Causticum – For Pain In Legs

Causticum is a very beneficial medicine for leg weakness. Persons complain of drawing and tearing pain in the legs and thighs. One feels cramps in the calf muscles in the morning while still in bed. Legs may be sore to touch on the front side. Intolerable uneasiness or trembling may be felt in the limbs.

3. Alumina – To Manage Leg Weakness Along With Heaviness

It is another useful medicine for managing leg weakness. In cases needing it, legs feel very heavy besides feeling weak. A person may stagger (loss of balance) while walking. There may occur numbness and stiffness in the legs usually at night. Tearing pain may be felt in the legs when lying down or sitting mostly at night. Legs feel tired and exhausted when sitting.

4. Picric Acid – With Numbness Or Pricking Sensation In Legs

This medicine is indicated prominently when along with weakness in legs, there is numbness or pricking sensation as from needles. Crawling sensation in the legs may also attend. Excessive heaviness is felt in the legs especially after exertion. The legs may be as heavy as metal lead that are lifted from the floor with difficulty. The muscles may be sore to touch.

5. Phosphorus – With Missteps On Walking

Phosphorus is beneficial for weakness in the legs that leads to missteps (unsteady walk) while walking. Legs feel tired and heavy. Legs may feel cold along with sweating. Weakness and heaviness is worse when going upstairs. Drawing pains in the legs may occur along with the above complaints. There may be trembling of limbs on exertion. Tingling and formication (crawling sensation) may also be felt in limbs.

6. Argentum Nitricum – For Leg Weakness Along With Trembling

This medicine is helpful when weakness in the legs is attended with trembling. There is difficulty in standing and walking. Legs feel heavy as well. Legs feel as if made of wood. Legs become stiff and rigid. Pain is felt in calf muscles becoming troublesome at night.

7. Aesculus – For Weakness In Legs And Back

This medicine is well indicated when there is weakness in legs as well as back. Persons needing it have great problem in walking and they must lie down. There may be pain in legs and become sore while walking.

8. Conium – With Difficult Walking

Conium works well in case of weakness of legs with difficult walking. A dragging sensation and uneasiness is felt in the legs. Heaviness is also felt in limbs. In some cases, trembling of limbs may occur. Feet may get cold.

What Are The Causes Of Weakness In Legs?

1. Slip disc and Pinched nerve – It refers to a condition in which the gel-like substance in the intervertebral disc protrudes out through a tear in its outer shell. It is common in the lower back at L5 – S1 level. Slip disc in lower back may put pressure on the sciatic nerve that can lead to lower back pain extending down the leg (called sciatica), numbness, tingling sensation and muscle weakness in lower limbs. In mild cases, emergency help is not required. But if there is associated loss of bowel or bladder control, it points to serious issue where one should seek emergency medical help.

2. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) – In this medical condition, muscle pain is felt after about one or two days of physical exertion. Those who have done leg exercises may feel temporary weakness in their legs for few days.

3. Peripheral neuropathy – It refers to the damage to nerves other than that of brain and spinal cord (means peripheral nervous system). It may happen from an injury, diabetes, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or an infection. It usually begins with numbness/tingling in hands and feet. Its other symptoms are weakness, burning sensation, pain and difficulty in walking.

4. Multiple sclerosis – It refers to an autoimmune disease that damages the myelin sheath that protects the nerves. It may show different type of symptoms including muscle weakness, difficulty in walking, muscle rigidity, tremors.

5. Spinal compression – Compression of nerves in spine occur for example from abnormal curvature in the spine (scoliosis), bone spurs (extra bony growths), tumour on spine or broken vertebra.

6. Myasthenia gravis – A disorder that leads to weakness in voluntary skeletal muscles. Its symptoms include drooping eyelids, muscle weakness in arms, legs, hands or feet, trouble speaking/swallowing, double vision.

7. Guillain–Barre Syndrome – An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerves that cause weakness, tingling, numbness mostly starting in feet and legs. The symptoms eventually spread upwards. If not treated timely it can paralyze the whole body and prove life threatening.

8. ALS (amytrophic lateral sclerosis) – In this condition, the neurons controlling voluntary muscle movement get damaged and stop functioning causing muscle weakness and paralysis. It may cause weakness in legs or arms, muscle stiffness, difficulty in speech or swallowing, difficulty in walking and falling easily.

9. Cauda equina syndrome – In this syndrome there is compression of a bundle of nerves at the end of spinal cord. Its symptoms are numbness in the back of legs, hips, inner thighs, pain in back, sciatica, weakness of legs. It is a medical emergency and if medical help is not given promptly it can cause permanent weakness/paralysis of legs and loss of bladder/bowel control.

10. Beriberi – Deficiency of vitamin B1 can damage nerves, brain and heart. It can cause weakness, nerve pain, memory loss and heart failure.

11. Stroke – It is a medical emergency needing prompt medical help. It refers to interrupted oxygen supply (from blockage / bursting of blood vessel) to brain that causes death of brain cells and loss of brain function. Its symptoms happen suddenly and depend on the part of the brain affected. The symptoms include weakness in legs, numbness/weakness in arms or face, slurred speech, confusion, dizziness, visual disturbance, difficulty in walking and loss of balance.

Top 8 Homeopathic medicines for relieving Muscle Cramps

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 13 Comments

Muscle cramps refers to sudden, painful tightening of muscles from involuntary muscle contractions. It can affect one or multiple muscles and remain in a tight state from a few seconds to several minutes at a time. These commonly occur after excessive physical exertion or exercise. Though it can affect any muscle of the body but the most commonly affected are the muscles in back of leg (calf muscle) and thigh (both back and front) muscles. Besides these cramps can occur in the abdomen, feet, toes, hands, fingers and the arms. A person with cramps may feel a slight twitch or intense pain in the affected muscle. The affected muscle may feel hard to touch or as if knotted (like a lump). A twitch may be seen under the skin. The affected muscle may look distorted in some of the cases.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathy offers an effective solution for cases of muscle cramps. By working on the root cause of the problem, homeopathic medicines give promising results in treating muscle cramps. These are helpful in muscle cramps occurring in any body part. Initially these help in overcoming acute cramps in the affected muscle. Afterwards, use of these medicines for a recommended time period helps in overcoming the chronic tendency to have recurrent muscle cramps. These medicines focus on treating the underlying cause to bring excellent results. With their use, the frequency of cramps keeps decreasing gradually. Homeopathic medicines are prepared from naturally occurring substances, hence are very safe to use. Though there are numerous medicines for treating muscle cramps in homeopathy but none is specific, so in every case the most suitable medicine is recommended after a detailed case analysis of individual symptoms.

Homeopathic Medicines For Treating Muscle Cramps

There are a huge number of homeopathic medicines to manage complaint of muscle cramps. Among these, the top three recommended medicines are Magnesia Phos, Cuprum Met and Colocynth.

1. Magnesia Phos – Top Remedy

Magnesia Phos is a top recommended medicine to manage cases of muscle cramps. It is firstly very effective in managing cramps in the muscles of legs and feet. It is best suited for muscle cramps that occur after exertion and excessive walking and also at night. Secondly it is very beneficial for cramps in the abdomen. In cases needing it, there is relief in cramps by bending double or pressure. It also gets better with warm application over the abdomen. Magnesia Phos works best in case of menstrual cramps in women. Magnesia Phos also works magnificently in cases of writer’s cramp (It refers to involuntary contraction of muscles of fingers or hands when writing or when doing other activities with hand like playing a musical instrument, sewing,etc. This medicine is also helpful when loose stool occurs along with vomiting and cramps in the calf muscles of legs. Lastly, this medicine is well indicated when the cramps change rapidly from one muscle to another.

2. Cuprum Met – For Cramps In Legs, Soles, Palms, Fingers And Toes

Cuprum Met is the next prominent medicine to manage muscle cramps. It is suitable to manage cramps in the legs, soles, palms, fingers and toes. The cramps may be severe that even make the sufferer cry from pain. The affected area may be very sensitive to touch and may feel warm. The affected muscles feel as if knotted (lump formation). The pain may get better by stretching the limb. The limbs may feel weak as well. Drawing or digging pain in the calf muscle can be felt. There may be coldness in the feet. A characteristic feature to use this medicine is cramping beginning in the fingers and toes and thereafter going to muscles of the other parts. This medicine is very useful for cases of cholera when along with loose stool, there occurs cramps in the abdomen and calf muscles.

3. Colocynth – For Leg And Abdomen Cramps

The third important medicine in the list to manage muscle cramps is Colocynth. It is firstly one of the best medicines for managing stomach cramps. In cases needing it the cramps get worse at night. There may occur relief by bending double or from burping. This medicine is also prominently indicated for managing abdomen cramps in women occurring during menses. The pain gets worse from eating or drinking anything. It gets better by bending double, applying pressure and drinking warm drinks. Colocynth can be used for cramps in the legs and feet. The calf muscles feel as if asleep. It can also be given for cramps in the middle of thighs.

4. Calcarea Carb – For Cramps From Stretching Limbs

Use of this medicine is considered when there appear cramps from stretching the limb. There may occur cramps in the calf muscle of legs, soles and in the bend of the knee. The cramps may also occur in the hands. The cramps of calves and hands get worse at night. In case of calf cramps, lumps are felt in the muscles. In case of cramps of the toes and fingers, they give a crooked appearance.

5. Rhus Tox – For Leg And Feet Cramps Better By Walking

This medicine is indicated for leg and feet cramps that get better by walking. In cases needing it, cramps are felt when lying on bed or on sitting after walking. The cramps mostly get worse after midnight. The cramps get better by walking.

6. Anacardium Orientale – For Leg Cramps Better By Lying

This medicine is very useful when leg cramps get better by lying down. The cramps occur while walking and when rising from the seat. A pressure/ tensive feeling or a drawing pain is felt in the calf muscles.

7. Ferrum Met – For Calf Cramps Worse From Rest Especially At Night

This medicine is suitable for cramps in calves that get worse mainly at night. Drawing sensation and pain is felt in the calves. It is also beneficial for cramps in soles and toes. There is marked pain in toes.

8. Causticum – For Cramps In Calves In Morning

This medicine can be used when a person experiences cramps in the calf muscles in the morning in bed. It is also indicated for cramps occurring in feet, toes and soles. Lastly, this medicine is indicated when cramps are wandering type means these occur now at one place and after some time, in another place.

Causes and risk factors

1. Overstraining or overuse of a muscle is the most common cause. This tends to happen after excessive exercise.

2. Excessive loss of body fluid via sweating and dehydration may also cause cramps

3. Decreased blood flow to legs and feet may cause cramps when a person walks or does exercise. Low blood flow may arise from narrowing of arteries supplying the legs.

4. A drop in levels of certain minerals can trigger muscle cramps. These include potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium.

5. Compression of nerves in spine may cause cramps that mostly get worse while standing or walking.

6. Sitting for long time periods, stress, ageing increase risk

7. People who are overweight, athletes and pregnant women are at risk

8. Diabetes, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), excessive alcohol intake and kidney failure are rest of risk factors

9. In many cases, no cause is known behind muscle cramps such cases are called idiopathic cases.