Search Results for: Blood Pressure

Tarentula Hispanica: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications and Dosage

Tarentula Hispanica is a great remedy having profound action on nerves and mind. Extreme restlessness is one of the top most indication for its use. It is a leading homeopathic medicine for managing cases of restlessness, twitching, jerking, chorea (movement disorder in which there is involuntary, unpredictable muscle movement) and hysteria (an uncontrollable outburst of emotion or fear characterized by laughing, weeping, fits of rage or anxiety). Oversensitivity to music is another key indication for its use.

Chorea

The ‘Tarentula Hispanica’ Constitution

This medicine is well suited to nervous, hysterical persons prone to involuntary muscle movements (chorea) and destructive impulses.

Drug Action

This medicine’s sphere of action is most marked on nervous system and mind. It also acts well on female and male genitals. Its action is also seen on limbs, back, urinary organs and skin.

Clinical Indications

Nervous disorders, restlessness, ADHD twitching, chorea, restless legs, hysteria, mania, kleptomania, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, pruritis vulvae, nymphomania, sexual mania, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea, fibroids, uterine displacements, coccygodynia, cystitis, boils

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1.Mind Complaints (Restlessness, Mood Changes, Music Sensitivity, Hysteria, Mania)

The foremost action of this medicine is seen on the mind. The most important indication to use this medicine is intense restlessness that compels the sufferer to walk. They have to be in constant motion even if walking worsens the problem. The persons needing it are very impatient, anxious and impulsive. They may have impulses to cause destruction, they may strike themselves or others. It is one of the most prominent medicine to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) with extreme restlessness and compulsion to hurry. There may occur sudden mood changes with lack of emotional control. The person may indulge in intense laughter followed by screaming. Cheerfulness may alternate with anger and irritability.

Another top listed indication guiding feature to use Tarentula is sensitivity to music. Music causes great excitement and the person dances up and down, laughs, runs and makes gestures on listening music. They may also roll on ground from side to side, strike with feet or roll the head and rub it. It is also well indicated for cases of kleptomania (a recurrent urge to steal). It is a highly valuable medicine for hysteria (an uncontrollable outburst of emotion or fear characterized by laughing, weeping, fits of rage or anxiety) and mania (abnormally elevated changes in mood, emotions and activity levels).

Key Indicating Features

Intense restlessness compelling the sufferer to walk

Impatience, hurriedness and impulses to cause destruction

Hypersensitivity to music

Sudden mood changes, intense laughter followed by screaming, cheerfulness alternating with anger and irritability

Mania (abnormally elevated changes in mood, emotions and activity levels)

2. Limbs (Chorea, Restless Legs, Epilepsy, Parkinson’s Disease)

Tarentula has a well-marked action on the limbs. It is of great help in cases of chorea. In cases needing it, there may occur irresistible movement of left hand and foot or right arm and leg. Another characteristic symptom to use this medicine is the trembling of body and great agitation in all the limbs. It is relieved by listening to music. Tarentula is also a valuable medicine for managing cases of Sydenham’s chorea earlier known as St Vitus’ dance. There is rapid jerking movement of face, hands and face in a person who suffers from this disease.

It is highly suited for cases of twitching and jerking. It proves highly effective for restless legs. There is excessive restlessness of lower limbs with need to change position frequently. Its use is also considered in epilepsy (tendency to fits). The person falls down unconsciously with rigidity of body, teeth grinding, squinting of eyes, tongue biting followed by dizziness. It is also an important medicine for cases of Parkinson’s disease (a nervous system disorder that starts with tremors at rest in one hand followed by other symptoms including slowness of movements, rigid muscles, impaired posture, balance issues and changes in speech). This medicine is indicated when there is marked trembling of left leg that extends to head and tongue. Pricking is felt in fingers and toes, memory is diminished and there is inability to do any fine work. It has shown great clinical improvements in numbness and weakness of legs too.

Key Indicating Features

Chorea – irresistible movement of left hand and foot or right arm and leg

St Vitus’ dance with rapid jerking movements of face, hands and face

Restless legs with a need to change position frequently

Trembling of body and great agitation of all the limbs, gets better from music

Parkinson’s disease with trembling of left leg extending to head and tongue, pricking in fingers, toes, diminished memory and inability to do any fine work

3. Female Problems (Pruritis Vulvae, Nymphomania, Painful Menses, Leucorrhoea, Fibroids, Uterine Displacements)

It has a marked action on female genitals. Tarentula is a very beneficial medicine for managing itching of vulva (pruritis vulva) felt after menses. There is dryness, heat and rawness in vulva and vagina along with itching. The itching increases at night. Scratching makes the itching worse. It is well indicated for managing cases of nymphomania (excessive, uncontrollable sexual desire in women). The females needing it are unable to suppress sexual desire. Its use is highly effective in managing painful menses (dysmenorrhoea). During menses, there is marked sensitivity in the ovaries. Females needing it mainly have painful menses more during cold weather and less in warm weather. This medicine can be given in cases of vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea). The discharge is of clear, sticky lumps alternating with bloody discharge. Another complaint where it can be used is uterine fibroids (non-cancerous growths in uterus). The guiding features for its use is fibroids with bearing down pains. It is further useful for early and copious menses with pain in uterus and extreme sexual excitement. Use of Tarentula can also be considered for cases of displacement of uterus attended with urine retention and difficulty in passing stool.

Key Indicating Features

Itching of vulva and vagina after menses

Nymphomania (excessive, uncontrollable sexual desire in women)

Vaginal discharge of clear, sticky lumps alternating with bloody discharge

Uterine fibroids with bearing down pains

Displacement of uterus attended with urine retention and difficulty in passing stool

4. Male Problems (Extreme Sexual Excitement, Gonorrhoea, Pain)

This medicine can be helpful in managing some male problems as well. It is a highly recommended medicine to manage extreme sexual excitement in males. Males needing it have unrestrained sexual behavior amounting almost to madness. The genitals are highly sensitive. Next it can be used in gonorrhoea (a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae). There is irritation in urethra with smarting (sharp) pain while urinating. This medicine can also be given to manage pain in testes mainly on touching and pain in groin. Lastly, it is indicated for heat sensation in penis during emission of semen. Semen may contain some blood.

Key Indicating Features

Extreme sexual excitement and unrestrained sexual behaviour in males almost to madness

Gonorrhoea with irritation in urethra with smarting while urinating

Heat sensation in penis during emission of semen

5. Back Concerns (Tail Bone Pain, Sensitive Spine)

If we talk of back complaints, Tarentula mainly acts well on the coccyx (tail bone that lies at the bottom portion of spine). It is a very suitable medicine to manage pain in coccyx (coccygodynia). Persons needing it have worsening of this pain from little movement and touch. It gets better by standing. It is a prominent medicine when pain in tailbone occur in a woman specifically after delivery of child. It is accompanied with burning smarting vaginal discharges. The pain worsens by movement, sitting, lying and from the least pressure. It feels better while standing. Second indication for using this medicine is increased sensitivity of spine to touch. A slightest touch on spine cause pain in chest and heart.

Key Indicating Features

Tailbone pain worse from little movement and touch, better by standing

Pain in tailbone in women after delivery of child

Tailbone pain in women accompanied with burning, smarting vaginal discharges

Increased sensitivity of spine to touch

6. Urinary Issues (Urinary Incontinence, Cystitis)

Tarentula acts wonderfully on urinary organs. Here it is effective in managing complaint of urinary incontinence (involuntary escape of urine). The guiding feature to use it is involuntary urination while coughing or laughing. It is beneficial for cases of cystitis (inflammation or infection or urinary bladder). The bladder feels hard, painful and swollen. There is frequent urination along with pain which worsens at night. Urine smells foul, it may contain sandy particles. Fever may attend cystitis.

Key Indicating Features

Involuntary urination while coughing or laughing

Cystitis with hard, painful and swollen bladder, frequent urination with pain

7. Skin Complaints (Boils, Abscess, And Carbuncles, Itching)

Lastly, it has magnificent action on the skin. The first indication for its use is boils (pus- filled lumps under the skin). It works well when boils are painful with burning sensation. It is also indicated for other skin complaints where pus formation occurs including carbuncles (cluster of multiple boils) and abscess (pus-filled pocket in tissues of the body or organs) that are deep. This medicine aids pus expulsion from all kind of skin lumps. Secondly, this medicine shows good results in case of itching in the skin along with sensation of insects crawling on skin.

Key Indicating Features

Boils with pain and burning

Deep abscess and carbuncles

Skin itching with sensation of insects crawling on skin

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from rest, touch, noises, damp, cold, after menses, periodically

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from music, open air, pressure, bright colours, in sun and from warm water

Dosage

It works well in both low and high potency. Its potency needs to be selected as per the individual case presentation. The low potencies can be taken often, but high potency should be taken in infrequent doses.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Pulsatilla, Magnesia Carb, Moschus, Cuprum Met, Gelsemium, and Carbo Veg

It antidotes: Lachesis

It can be compared with other medicines including Agaricus, Arsenic Album and Magnesium Phosphorica

Medorrhinum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 17 Comments

Medorrhinum is a deep acting polychrest medicine that acts on various body parts, and is highly valuable to treat several health issues. It is mostly administered to treat complaints arising from suppressed gonorrhoea. It is a well suited medicine for women suffering from pelvic disorders. Its use in treating joint complaints is also noteworthy. It is also well suited to children who have stunted growth. For cases of warts, especially on genitals, it proves to be a great medicine.

Drug ActionThis medicine has a widespread action on various body parts. It acts quite well on the brain, female, and male genitals. Next, it acts well on the nose, urinary organs, back, skin, limbs, joints and respiratory organs.

Clinical Indications

Memory weakness, various fears, drug-abuse, obsessive compulsive disorder, vaginitis, leucorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, ovary pain, inflammation, cysts, fibroids, sexual abuse, warts, gonorrhoea, prostate enlargement, itching, cold, sinusitis, bedwetting, cystitis, nephritis, urethritis, cough, asthma, backache, joint pains

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Complaints Regarding Brain (Memory Weakness, Various Fears, Drug Abuse, OCD)

Medorrhinum acts wonderfully on the brain. It is a brilliant medicine in cases of weak memory. Those who need it are very forgetful. They tend to forget names of closed ones even sometimes their own, words, spellings, and initial letters. They make mistakes in reading, and writing. They are forgetful while talking, and lose the thread of conversation often. It is magnificent medicine to manage cases of fear, anxiety, and panic attacks. Main fears that are present in those who require it include fear of dark, enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), misfortune, cancer, and sexually transmitted diseases. Those who need it are anxious, sensitive, nervous by their very nature. They are always in great hurry. Its use is also suggested for cases of depression. There is sadness, tearfulness and such people keep dwelling in the past. Suicidal thoughts may occur. There is hopelessness about recovery. In many cases there may occur frequent mood swings. Happiness alternates with sadness. It also has an affinity to manage cases of schizophrenia (a mental health condition characterized by various hallucinations, and delusions and that affects thinking, emotions, behavior, and decision making quality of a person). It is of great use to tackle cases of drug abuse and alcoholism. Its use is also suggested in cases of OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder (mental health condition in which the sufferer has constant unwanted thoughts and fears leading to repetitive behavior). There is fear of contamination, germs and the person keeps washing hands due to fear of contamination.

Key Indicating Features

Weak memory and forgetfulness

Forgetfulness of names of closed ones even sometimes own, words, spellings, and initial letters

Fear of dark, enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), misfortune, cancer and sexually transmitted diseases

Drug abuse and alcoholism

Obsessive compulsive disorder, fear of contamination, germs and washing hands again and again

2. Female Problems (Vaginitis, Leucorrhoea, Dysmenorrhoea, Ovary Pain, Inflammation, Cysts, Fibroids, Sexual Abuse)

It is very effective in treating several women related problems. It is of great clinical significance in treating warts on female genitals. It is a valuable medicine for treating vaginitis (vaginal inflammation). The main indication is vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) which is thick, having fishy odour that causes burning and excoriation. There is marked vaginal itching too. Rubbing relieves it. Washing with lukewarm water also soothes the itching. Next, it can manage well painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Those women who need it experience intense labour like painful periods. It gets better by pressing feet against a support. Another complaint in which case it gives good results is heavy menses. It is used when the menses are heavy, offensive, dark and clotted. Other than this it can be used in cases of intermenstrual bleeding (metrorrhagia) especially during menopausal period. Its use is also recommended to manage ovarian pain. It gets worse on the left side. Pain is drawing in nature. It gets better from pressure. It is well suited to women having chronic inflammation of ovaries, fallopian tubes or have ovarian cysts (fluid filled sacs), fibroids (non – cancerous growths in uterus). Its use is also highly considered in cases of infertility in females. Complaints that occur after sexual abuse in women can be managed with this medicine. Lastly, it is administered to women who have excessive sexual desire or have sexual perversions.

Key Indicating Features

Warts on female genitals

Vaginitis with thick discharges from vagina of fishy odour that causes burning and excoriation

Vaginal itching, gets better from rubbing, and washing with lukewarm water

Painful periods with intense labour like painful periods with drawing up of knees

Heavy periods with offensive, dark and clotted blood

Inflammation of ovaries, fallopian tubes, ovarian cysts, fibroids

Infertility in females

3. Male Problems (Gonorrhoea, Urethritis, Prostate Enlargement, High Sex Drive)

Males may find this medicine quite useful in treating some of the health concerns. Firstly, it is an important medicine to manage gonorrhoea (a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae). It is indicated when there is a thin, transparent urethral discharge mixed with white mucus staining clothes yellow. Secondly, it is helpful to manage urethritis with marked soreness of urethra. Thirdly, it is used in cases of enlarged prostate gland with frequent painful urination. This medicine is very suitable to control men with high sex drive. Those men who need it have intense sexual fantasies, intense erections day and night, and behaviour that points towards sexual desire. It is also preferred in cases of sexual perversions.

Key Indicating Features

Gonorrhoea with thin, transparent urethral discharge mixed with white mucus staining clothes yellow

Urethritis with marked soreness of urethra

Enlarged prostate gland with frequent painful urination

Men with high sex drive and intense sexual fantasies, intense erections day and night, and behaviour indicating sexual desire

Sexual perversions

4. Limbs (Joint Pain, Restless Legs, Cramps, Leg Pain, Burning)

This medicine acts quite well on the limbs and the joints. It helps manage pain and stiffness in any of the body joints. Another remarkable indication for its use is deformity of finger joints with large puffy knuckles. It is also administered in cases of pain, swelling and stiffness of ankles. Another complaint in which it gives excellent results is restlessness of the legs, and people cannot keep them still. There are cramps in the legs that get better by stretching. It can also be given in cases of pain in the legs especially felt while walking. The legs feel very heavy and walking may get difficult. Lastly, it can deal effectively in cases of burning sensation in hands and feet.

Key Indicating Features

Pain and stiffness in any of the joint of body

Deformity of finger joints with large puffy knuckles

Restlessness of legs, person cannot keep them still

Burning sensation in hands and feet

5. Back (Backache, Neck Pain)

It manages backache very well. It is usually given when there is pain in the back along with burning sensation in the spine. The burning starts in the neck, and goes down the spine. There is also soreness, and tenderness in the spine. It is also well-indicated for lower back pain that arises from straining caused by lifting. This medicine can be used for neck pain as well. The pain in neck goes to either side, shoulder, and down the back. There is a drawing sensation in the neck. Spasms (involuntary muscle contraction) in neck muscles may occur too.

Key Indicating Features

Backache along with burning sensation in the spine

Back pain that occurs from straining caused by lifting

Neck pain which goes to either side, shoulder, and down the back

6. Nasal Problems (Sinusitis, Hay Fever)

It has wonderful action on nose and paranasal sinuses. It proves to be highly effective in managing cases of sinusitis. Here it is prominently indicated for thick, yellow green nasal discharge, post nasal discharge that is thick and yellow. It is also indicated for managing allergic rhinitis/ hay fever (an allergic condition arising from response to allergens for eg, dust-mites, pollens resulting in symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose, and itchy, watery, and red eyes). This medicine is prominent in cases in which there is a constantly runny nose. Along with this there is marked burning pain in nostrils, crawling in left nostril, itching in nostrils, and an obstructed sensation at the root of the nose.

Key Indicating Features

Sinusitis with thick, yellow green nasal discharge or post nasal discharge that is thick, and yellow

Allergic rhinitis with constantly runny nose, burning and itching in nostrils, and obstruction at root of nose

7. Urinary Concerns (Bed-wetting, Kidney Pain, Cystitis, Urethritis, Nephritis)

This medicine can be given to treat certain urinary issues as well. It is useful to treat bedwetting that occurs at night. Those who need it tend to pass excessive amount of strong smelling dark urine in bed at night. It is also well indicated to manage cystitis (bladder inflammation) and urethritis (urethra inflammation). It is also accompanied by burning pain. It also helps in kidney pain. The kidney pain gets worse when one rises after stooping. This pain gets better upon passing urine. It is also indicated for nephritis (inflammation of kidneys) cases. In those who need it, scalding occurs during urination. The urine may stain clothes dirty brown.

Key Indicating Features

Bedwetting at night – passage of excessive amount of strong smelling dark urine

Kidney pain worse when rising from stooping

Kidney pain better by passing excessive urine

8. Skin Issues (Warts, Itching)

Medorrhinum has marked action on the skin. This medicine is mainly indicated to treat warts (fleshy bumps on skin caused by human papilloma virus) on skin. It is most helpful in cases of small pedunculated warts. It proves very beneficial to manage skin itching. There are no eruptions on the skin. One feels like scratching skin until it bleeds. The itching increases at night. Itching is continuous in many cases. Itching also gets worse when one just thinks about it. This medicine also works well when itching occurs specifically over the left side of the body. This medicine also offers help to relieve pricking sensation on the entire body.

Key Indicating Features

Small pedunculated warts on skin

Skin itching worse at night

Itching worse when thinking of it

9. Respiratory Problems (Cough, Asthma)

This medicine also acts well on the respiratory system. It is useful in managing cough. The cough is dry, hacking type. It gets worse when one eats sweets. A characteristic feature is that one gets relief from coughing by lying on the stomach. Its use is also recommended to manage asthma cases. The guiding feature for its use is that the asthma gets better by lying on the abdomen with the protruding tongue. The sufferer has cough with wheezing and whistling in chest occurring when lying on the side or the back. There is desire to take a deep breath. There may be ropy mucus that is difficult to expectorate.

Key Indicating Features

Cough worsens from eating sweet things

Cough gets better by lying on the stomach

Asthma better by lying on abdomen and protruding tongue

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse in damp and cold weather, 3:00 am to 4:00 am, from sunrise to sunset, when one thinks of the complaints

Relieving factors: Complaints get better at seashore, in fresh air, bending backwards, lying on the abdomen

Dosage

Use of this medicine is recommended in high potencies. This medicine should not be repeated frequently.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Ipecac

Followed well by: Sulphur and Thuja

It can be compared with medicines including Natrum Sulph, Thuja and Pulsatilla

Nux Moschata: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 13 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Nux Moschata is derived from plant Myristica Fragrans commonly known as ‘nutmeg’. It belongs to family Myristicaceae. Powdered seeds deprived of mace of this plant are potentized as per homeopathic formula that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties. Post-potentization it becomes a highly valuable homeopathic medicine called ‘Nux Moschata.’ It manages really well the cases of memory weakness, excessive drowsiness/sleepiness and dryness of mouth and eyes.

The ‘Nux Moschata’ Constitution

‘Nux Moschata’ is highly suitable to people who have dry skin, and do not sweat easily. Elderly people who have weakness, and have concern of acidity may find this medicine suitable.

Drug Action

This medicine acts well on the brain, mouth, eyes, and gastric system, and also women’s organs. Besides these, its role in treating certain sleep issues is highly recommended.

Clinical Indications

Memory weakness, Alzheimer’s disease, drowsiness, sleepiness, narcolepsy, dry mouth, dry eyes, pterygium, droopy eyelids, colic, flatus, diarrhea, constipation, worms, irregular menses, painful menses, uterine prolapse, leucorrhoea

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Complaints Pertaining To Brain (Memory Weakness, Alzheimer’s Disease, Change of Mood, Absent-mindedness)

Nux Moschata has a magnificent action on the mind. This medicine is of great clinical significance in managing cases of weak memory. Those who need it complain of sudden vanishing of thoughts while talking, writing or reading. On such occasions, they fail to get the right word and use wrong words instead. While writing they may omit letters in a word or write wrong alphabets. There is slow flow of ideas to the brain, and the person faces difficulty in comprehension. In some cases, there may be complete loss of memory about the past. It is also well-indicated in managing cases of Alzheimer’s Disease (a brain disorder where death of brain cells occurs leading to memory loss and destruction of thinking, behavioral and social skills). It is also helpful in cases of senile dementia (decline of memory in old age). This medicine also has a great ability to manage cases of sudden mood changes. Those who need it are happy one moment, and sad the next moment, and may even start crying. This medicine is also recommended for absent-mindedness. The person may not even answer simple questions, and could even be bereft of the knowledge of his present whereabouts.

Key Indicating Features

Weak memory with vanishing of thoughts while talking, writing or reading

Alzheimer’s Disease

Sudden mood changes with happiness, and laughter at one moment but sadness, and crying the next moment

2. Sleep Issues (Drowsiness, Sleepiness, and Narcolepsy)

Nux Moschata plays a very important role in managing certain sleep issues. First of all, it is a very beneficial medicine in case of excessive drowsiness, and sleepiness. There is overpowering sleep, and irresistible drowsiness. It is the main medicine for cases of narcolepsy (a sleep disorder causing excessive daytime drowsiness and sudden episodes of sleep). It is helpful when a person has tendency to wake up with a jerk from sleep. It is accompanied by sensation of shocks as if electricity is being passed through the body. Lastly, it is well indicated for people who have dreams of falling from high place.

Key Indicating Features

Excessive irresistible drowsiness

Excessive sleepiness

Narcolepsy

Tendency to wake up with a jerk from sleep with shock like sensation as from electricity being passed through the body

3. Mouth (Dry Mouth)

This medicine has a wonderful effect on the mouth. It is best suited in case of complaints of dry mouth. The dryness is so intense that the tongue sticks to the roof of the mouth. The dryness in the mouth gets worst at night. The lips, and throat get dry as well. But there is absence of thirst in spite of marked dryness. The saliva is produced in a very less amount, it is thick, and feels like cotton in the mouth. The tongue looks white. Bad smell in the mouth is present. Lastly, there is chalky taste in the mouth in the morning .

Key Indicating Features

Dryness of Mouth with the tongue sticking to the roof of the mouth

Intense mouth dryness but absence of thirst

Less saliva, feels like cotton in mouth

4. Eyes Complaints (Dry Eyes, Pterygium, Droopy Eyelids)

Use of Nux Moschata is considered well to manage complaints of dryness of eyes. It puts a hindrance in moving eyelids, and closing them. Next, it can be used in cases of pterygium (abnormal tissue growth on conjunctiva). Its last indication is drooping of eyelids (ptosis).

Key Indicating Features

Dry eyes causing hindrance in the movement of eyelid

Pterygium

Drooping of eyelids

5. Gastric Complaints (Bloating, Gas, Colic, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Worms)

It can be used to treat various gastric related problems. To begin with, it offers great help in cases of excessive bloating of abdomen. There is much gas in abdomen and it seems that the entire eaten food has turned into gas. Pressure in the pit of the stomach is felt as if there is obstructed gas. Burning, and heat is also felt in the stomach. This medicine is also suitable when there occurs pain in abdomen soon after eating. There is soreness of the navel. Pinching pain is felt in the navel region. Any outside pressure relieves it. Weight is felt in the upper part of the abdomen.

This medicine works well in cases of constipation as well as diarrhea. For constipation, its use is recommended when there is difficulty in passing stool. The stool is soft but requires much straining to pass. In cases of diarrhea, it is mostly used when loose stool is accompanied by loss of appetite, and excessive sleepiness. Stool is copious, offensive with a tendency to faint. During the passing of stool, stitching pain is felt in the anus. After passing the stool, the anus, and rectum both feel constricted. Diarrhea due to cold or drinking cold drinks in the summer can be managed well with this medicine. Lastly, it is a valuable medicine to deal with cases of worms in the children. Here, it is given when stinging pain in the stomach is present, and there is excessive sleepiness.

Key Indicating Features

Excessive bloating, and gas in abdomen as if entire food has turned into gas

Abdomen pain soon after eating

Stinging, and pinching in the navel region, get better when outside pressure is applied

Constipation when the stool (even if soft) is difficult to pass

Diarrhoea when loose stool is accompanied by loss of appetite, and excessive sleepiness

Diarrhoea due to cold or drinking cold drinks in summers

Worms in children with stinging pain in stomach and excessive sleepiness

6. Female Problems (Irregular Menses, Painful Menses, Uterine Prolapse, Leucorrhoea)

For women, Nux Moschata can be of great help in treating various ailments. Firstly, it is mainly helpful when the menses are irregular in terms of time and its amount of flow. These may come too early or too late. The menstrual bleeding may be profuse or scanty. When the periods are suppressed from fright or from cold this medicine is mostly indicated. Next, it is suitable when the periods last too long. The blood is dark, and thick. This medicine can be given to manage painful menses. There is bearing down in the abdomen and drawing pain in limbs, great pressure, and pain in the back along with weakness. Besides these, it can be used to manage cases of prolapse of uterus and vagina; cases in which there occurs passage of gas from vagina; and leucorrhoea (vaginal discharges). For those who need it, leucorrhoea may occur in place of menses. The discharge is muddy or bloody.

Key Indicating Features

Irregular menses in terms of time and the amount of flow

Suppressed menses from fright or from getting cold

Painful menses with bearing down in abdomen, drawing in limbs, and pain in back along with weakness

Prolapse of uterus, and vagina

Passage of gas from vagina

Leucorrhoea in place of menses

Vaginal discharge that are muddy or bloody

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from shock, emotions, alcohol, wind, motion, jarring, and dampness

Relieving factors: Complaints are better in warm room, from moist heat, and in dry weather

Dosage

Depending from case to case, the potency of this medicine varies from low to high. One should not repeat its high potency frequently while in low potency it can be taken frequently.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor, Gelsemium, Nux vomica, Opium, and Zincum Met

It antidotes: Arsenic Album, Laurocerasaus and Rhododendron

Followed well by: Antimonium Tart, Lycopodium, Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla, Rhus Tox and Stramonium

Cocculus Indicus: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 5 Comments

The remedy Cocculus Indicus is derived from a plant named ‘Indian cockle’ also known as Anamirta Cocculus. It belongs to family Menispermaceae. When powdered seeds of this plant go through potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance), it is converted into a brilliant homeopathic remedy Cocculus Indicus. It is a leading homeopathic medicine for managing certain health complaints like motion sickness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, sleeplessness and complaints arising from loss of sleep.

The ‘Cocculus Indicus’ Constitution

This medicine is well suited to sad, nervous, sensitive, fearful, timid people. It is suitable to handle complaints after mental and physical overexertion.

Drug Action

Cocculus Indicus acts wonderfully on the mind, gastric system, female organs, head and limbs. It is one of the best medicines for managing vertigo as well. It can manage well certain sleep issues too. Besides these, its action is noted on neck, back and ears.

Clinical Indications

Motion sickness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, sleep deprivation, sleep loss, nursing complaints from, jet lag, headaches, weakness, menstrual problems, heavy periods, painful menses (dysmenorrhea), vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) colic, gas, hernia, constipation and diarrhea, meniere’s disease, joint pain

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Mind Complaints (Mental Fatigue, Memory Issues, Depression, Fear, Anxiety)

Cocculus Indicus has marvellous action on the mind. To begin with it is a brilliant medicine to help cases of mental fatigue that follows loss of sleep. It is an excellent medicine for managing complaints that follow nursing others (taking care of someone who is ill). It is also beneficial for cases of memory weakness. Several memories are forgotten and the mind goes blank at times. This medicine works well in cases of depression also. The sufferer is immensely sad. They remain absorbed in deep sad thoughts. Mind dwells on disagreeable events that happened in the past. Weeping spells can occur too. This medicine is very suitable for managing anxiety issues. Those needing it have excessive anxiety about the health of others. Its use is also recommended to manage certain fears. These include fear of death, ghosts, and danger. In general, those persons requiring it are highly sensitive in nature. They are most sensitive to noise, touch, insults and disappointments.

Key Indicating Features

Mental fatigue following loss of sleep

Complaints that follow nursing others (taking care of someone who is ill)

Anxiety about health of others

Fear of death, of ghosts, of danger

2. Vertigo

It is a very frequently used medicine for managing cases of vertigo. The most characteristic symptom for its use is vertigo attended with nausea and vomiting. It is also one of the best medicines for vertigo that occurs while travelling in a car or train. Vertigo gets worse on sitting and looking at the moving surroundings in a moving vehicle. A person who suffers from vertigo due to loss of sleep can also be highly benefitted with this remedy.

Key Indicating Features

Vertigo with nausea and vomiting

Vertigo while travelling in a car or train

Vertigo from loss of sleep

3. Gastric Problems (Motion Sickness, Nausea, Vomiting, Pain, Gas, Hernia, Constipation And Diarrhea)

Cocculus Indicus has wide action on the gastric system. It is a highly recommended medicine to manage complaint of motion sickness. It is a problem that can occur when travelling in car, train, aeroplane, boat causing symptoms including nausea, vomiting, dizziness and trouble maintaining balance. Cocculus offers great help when a person has nausea, vomiting, vertigo while travelling. Next its use is considered to help cases of stomach pain. It can be cramping, griping or lacerating type. Cramps are attended with excessive gas. This medicine can be given to manage nausea and vomiting. Nausea gets worse from cold. The vomiting is sour and emits a bad odour. Vomiting may be accompanied by headache.

Another complaint where Cocculus gives good results is gas in the abdomen with excessive rumbling and twisting type of pain. The abdomen is bloated as well. It is a well indicated medicine for managing hernia cases too.

It is suitable to manage inguinal hernia. It is also helpful to manage umbilical hernia attended with excessive constipation. With its action on rectum, it proves effective to manage diarrhea cases. It is majorly indicated when loose stool occurs in the morning soon on rising from bed. Stool is yellow, slimy, fetid and frequent. A sensation of stones rubbing together in abdomen is an important symptom that may be present. Burning and itching at anus may occur. Diarrhea gets worse on standing and better by sitting or lying on the sides. Lastly, it can be used in cases of constipation. There is ineffectual urge for stool. The stool is hard and is expelled with much difficulty.

Key Indicating Features

Motion sickness with marked nausea, vomiting and vertigo when travelling

Stomach pain that can be cramping, griping or lacerating type

Gas in abdomen with rumbling, bloating and twisting type of pain

Sensation of stones rubbing together in abdomen

Inguinal and umbilical hernia

4. Sleep Issues (Sleeplessness, Jet Lag)

It is a magnificent medicine for managing sleep issues. It offers great help in cases of sleeplessness (insomnia). Cocculus is selected when sleeplessness occurs from mental or physical exhaustion. Its use is further considered for sleeplessness from anxiety and restlessness. It is also best suited for helping complaints that arise from loss of sleep from nursing others (taking care of sick) or otherwise too. There is constant drowsiness next day after loss of sleep previous night. Besides these, it is a top listed medicine for cases of jet lag (temporary sleep issues experienced by those who travel across multiple time zones frequently).

Key Indicating Features

Sleeplessness from mental or physical exhaustion or from anxiety

Complaints from loss of sleep from nursing others (nursing means taking care of sick) or otherwise too

Jet lag

5. Head (Headache)

With its action on head, it has given great clinical improvements in headache cases. It is effective in managing headache that occurs from travelling in car, train, boat. It is also well indicated for migraine headache. Person cannot bear slightest light or noise. It may cause nausea and vomiting. Cocculus is also useful when headache occurs from sun exposure. In most cases that require this medicine, the pain is felt in the back of head (occiput) and nape of neck. A sensation of shutting and opening as well is felt in occiput area. Apart from these, it is highly valuable to manage headache experienced by women every time during menses.

Key Indicating Features

Headache from travelling in car, train, boat

Migraine headache when slightest light or noise is unbearable

Headache during menses

6. Female Problems (Excessive Weakness, Heavy Periods, Painful Menses, Vaginal Discharge)

This medicine is beneficial for managing various female problems. Among these the main is excessive weakness during menses where female is too weak even to stand. It is useful for cases of early, profuse and frequent menses. The menstrual blood is clotted along with pain. This medicine can be of great use in managing painful menses (dysmenorrhea). Cocculus can be used when there occurs cutting and cramping type of pain in uterus and ovaries during menses and menstrual bleeding is profuse and dark. Further this medicine is well indicated to manage vaginal discharges (leucorrhoea). The features to use it in these cases is gushing vaginal discharge with intense weakness. This discharge mostly appears in between menses and in some cases in place of menses.

Key Indicating Features

Excessive weakness during menses

Early, profuse and frequent menses with clotted blood and pain

Cutting and cramping pain in uterus and ovaries during menses with profuse and dark bleeding

Gushing vaginal discharge with intense weakness

Vaginal discharge in between menses or in place of menses

7. Neck and Back (Pain)

It also acts well on neck and back. Cocculus gives great relief in cases of pain and stiffness of neck. The neck muscles feel stiff on moving neck. Stiffness is attended with great weakness. A pressure is felt in the nape of neck as well. It proves effective for pain in the lower back with drawing sensation across hips. It prevents walking.

Key Indicating Features

Pain and stiffness in neck along with weakness

Lower back pain with drawing sensation across the hips

8. Ear Problems (Noises, Meniere’s Disease)

Cocculus Indicus is a very effective medicine for cases of ear problems. It is a useful medicine for managing noises in ears (tinnitus). The noises can be ringing, roaring or like that of rushing water. Hearing difficulty may also be there. It is a well-indicated medicine for Meniere’s disease. It is useful when there is ringing in ears, loss of balance and hardness of hearing.

Key Indicating Features

Noises in ear that can be ringing, roaring or like that of rushing water

Meniere’s disease with ringing in ears, loss of balance and hardness of hearing

9. Limbs (Joint Pain, Weak Limbs, Trembling Hands)

Lastly, it has a marked action on limbs too. It acts wonderfully on joints and helps to manage pain and stiffness in them. Persons needing it complain of pain shifting from one joint to another along with swelling, redness and stiffness. The pain gets worse from slightest touch and motion. It is indicated for cases where lower limbs are weak with unsteady and clumsy gait. Another indication for its use is numbness of hands while grasping objects. It is also useful in case of trembling of hands, especially while eating.

Key Indicating Features

Shifting pain from one joint to another attended with swelling, redness and stiffness

Joint pain worse from slightest touch and motion

Weak lower limbs with unsteady and clumsy gait

Hands numb when grasping objects

Hands tremble while eating

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from travelling in car, train, boat; from loss of sleep; from exertion; from touch, pressure, and jar; during menses and from nursing others (taking care of a sick person)

Relieving factors: Complaints improve by sitting, lying quietly and in a warm room

Dosage

Its use can be done in low as well as high potencies. The potency and repetition varies from case to case depending on the type and duration of complaint. In general, low potencies can be repeated often while high potencies should not be repeated frequently.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor, Chamomilla and Nux Vomica

Followed well by: Arsenic Album, Belladonna, Hepar Sulph, Ignatia, Lycopodium, Pulsatilla, Rhus Tox and Sulphur

Magnesia Carbonica: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1 Comment

Homeopathic medicine Magnesia Carbonica is prepared from magnesium carbonate. Magnesium carbonate is inactive in its crude form but when it undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance), it is converted into a highly beneficial homeopathic medicine Magnesia Carbonica. It is an important homeopathic medicine to manage various gastric issues, women-related problems, toothache, and facial neuralgia.

The ‘Magnesia Carbonica’ Constitution

It is suited to persons who are nervous, have excessive gas in abdomen and have sour-smelling sweat. It is also highly suitable for women who suffer from exhaustion and uterine problems. Lastly, it suits children with nervous, irritable temperament, and have smelly sweat.

Drug Action

The most marked action of this remedy is on the gastric system, women’s organs, and teeth. Besides, it acts well on the face and throat too.

Clinical Indications

Diarrhea, constipation, colic, belching, vomiting, acidity, heartburn, sore throat, delayed menses, leucorrhoea, toothache, neuralgia (nerve pain)

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Gastric Issues (Diarrhea, Constipation, Gas, Pain, Vomiting)

Magnesia Carb has its most important action on the gastric system. Firstly, it manages cases of diarrhea quite well. In such cases, the stool is watery, green and frothy. White lumps may be seen floating along with the stool. There could be mucus, and blood in the stool. Stool is accompanied by stinging pain and pressure in the abdomen. Distension of abdomen is noted as well. Before passing stool, pinching in the abdomen and rumbling is felt. After passing stool, burning is felt at the anus. This medicine can manage well, cases of constipation also. There is frequent urge to pass stool. The stool is dry, hard, crumbling type. It sometimes is hard like a stone. Stitching pain in the anus and rectum occurs. Next, it is a well-indicated medicine for children who are on breastfeed and are unable to tolerate milk. They either get stomach pain from milk intake or the milk passes undigested. Another complaint where it proves beneficial is gas in the abdomen along with rumbling, gurgling, and bloating. There may be cutting pain around the navel which is relieved by passing gas. It is also administered for abdomen pain, which gets better from doing a bending double exercise (touching feet with hands). This medicine is also given in case of sour belching, and vomiting of bitter food. Heartburn too may be felt. If heartburn, and sour belching occur specifically after intake of potatoes, milk or cabbage, then this medicine is very useful.

Key Indicating Features

Diarrhea when the stool is watery, green, frothy

Inability to tolerate milk in children who are on breastfeed

Cutting pain around the navel better from passing the gas

Pain in abdomen gets better from bending double

Heartburn and sour belching after intake of potatoes, milk or cabbage

2. Female Problems (Late & Scanty Menses, Vaginal Discharge)

It is a really suitable medicine for managing certain women-related issues. Firstly, its use is considered when the menses appear late and are scanty. The menstrual flow is dark, thick, and sticky. It is accompanied by dragging pains. Before and during the menses there is backache, and weakness. Menses may be preceded by a headache. Secondly, it is valuable in managing vaginal discharges (leucorrhoea). Women who need it complain of white vaginal discharge after periods. Before the discharge, pain is felt in the uterus. There may occur pinching pain around the navel. The discharge causes smarting vaginal pain, especially, while sitting or walking. Another very striking feature to use this remedy is sore throat, cold and nasal blockage before menses.

Key Indicating Features

Late and scanty menses with dark, thick, sticky bleeding

White vaginal discharge after periods

Sore throat, cold, and nasal blockage before menses

3. Dental Issues (Toothache, Wisdom Teeth Complaints)

Magnesia Carbonica is a benchmark medicine to administer toothache. The pain in teeth can be tearing, drawing or burning in nature. The pain may radiate from the teeth to the side of the head. It is useful when the pain in the teeth worsens at night and gets better from cold drinks. It also gets worse when one is resting, and one gets relief by walking. It can really manage well stinging pain in the teeth after eating. It is also well indicated to manage toothache during pregnancy. Lastly, complaints arising from eruption of wisdom teeth are wonderfully managed with it.

Key Indicating Features

Toothache gets worse at night time

Toothache better from cold drinks

Toothache gets worse while resting, and there is relief by walking

Stinging pain in the teeth after eating

Complaints arising from eruption of wisdom teeth

4. Face (pain)

It proves very effective in managing facial neuralgia (nerve pain). It is a good choice in case of left-side facial pain that is shooting in nature. It gets worse upon being touched, due to changes in temperature, and cold air exposure. It also gets worse at night. It gets better by walking.

Key Indicating Features

Left-side facial pain that is shooting in nature

Facial pain gets worse from cold air exposure, change of temperature and upon being touched

Facial pain gets worse at night

Facial pain gets better by walking

5. Throat Concerns (Sore Throat)

This medicine acts magnificently on the throat. It is mostly used in case of sore throat. It can be given when there is sticking or shooting pain in the throat that increases from excessive talking, and also while swallowing food. Burning sensation is felt in the throat along with this. Dryness, and roughness are also felt in the throat at times. There may be hawking of offensive green or cheesy mucus from the throat. A very peculiar complaint for which it is a top-listed medicine in homeopathy is a sore throat before menses.

Key Indicating Features

Sticking or shooting pain in the throat which gets worse upon too much talking and while swallowing

Sore throat which gets worse before menses

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from cold, wind, weather change, rest, and warmth of the bed

Relieving factors: Complaints get better in open air and from movement

Dosage

This medicine works well in both low, and high potencies. The potency is chosen individually on a case-to-case basis. Generally, in low potency it can be repeated often but in high potency frequent repetition should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Arsenic Album, Chamomilla, Merc Sol and Nux Vomica

It antidotes: Acetic Acid

Followed well by: Causticum, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Sepia and Sulphur

Bovista Lycoperdon: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 6 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Bovista Lycoperdon is of great clinical significance and can manage several skin complaints. Among these urticaria, eczema and acne tops the list. It also acts well on female genitals, especially, cases of heavy menses and vaginal discharge. Lastly, it works wonderfully well to control bleeding from various body parts.

The ‘Bovista Lycoperdon’ Constitution

This medicine is suitable for those who have a tendency to frequent bleeding from nose, and gums. It also suits children who have a stammering problem quite well.

Drug Action

Bovista has a marked action on the skin and female genitals. Its results are well-known on the circulatory system, and capillaries in which it helps manage bleeding from various body parts. It also acts well on the mouth, teeth, gums, nose, and gastric system.

Clinical Indications

Urticaria, eczema, acne, menstruation disorders, heavy menses, intermenstrual bleeding, leucorrhoea, ovarian cysts, haemorrhages, nose bleeding, corns, warts, abdomen pain, gas, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Skin complaints (Urticaria, Eczema, Itching, Corns, Warts, Acne)

Bovista is really suitable to treat several skin issues. Mainly its use is recommended to treat cases of urticaria. Urticaria refers to itchy, raised bumps (wheals) on skin appearing suddenly usually from an allergic reaction. It gives magnificent results in these cases. The most striking feature for its use is urticaria which has gotten worse from bathing. Other than this, its use is also suggested if urticaria worsens on waking in the morning. A very unique feature that may be present is urticaria accompanied by diarrhoea (loose stool). It is a wonderful medicine to help those suffering from eczema (skin inflammation causing itchy rash, dry patches, flakiness or blisters or cracks on the skin). In eczema, it can be administered in two scenarios. Firstly, it can be given when there is redness of skin along with itching, and burning. Secondly, it can be used in cases presenting thick moist crusts on the skin. There occurs eruption on the skin that itches, and emits fluid. Thick crusts form on these eruptions with collection of pus underneath. Another complaint where this medicine is quite helpful is skin itching that increases particularly as it gets warm. The itching is not relieved by scratching. Apart from these, it is well suited to treat cases of corns (hardened skin layers which develop from increased pressure or friction on skin mostly on the feet). It is also helps treat warts (small bumps on the skin caused by human papilloma virus). To use this medicine for the treatment of corns, and warts the most important symptom to look for is shooting pain in the affected area. Bovista is a best homeopathic medicine to treat acne (pimples) that results from use of cosmetics. It is also used to treat pimples that get worse in summers. Bovista is also indicated when blunt objects leave a deep impression on the skin. Next important feature for its use is intolerable itching at the tip of coccyx (tail bone). Lastly, it is a valuable medicine to relieve itching on the scalp that gets worse from warmth. There is desire to scratch scalp until sore.

Key Indicating Features

Urticaria worse from bathing

Urticaria accompanied with diarrhoea

Eczema with redness of skin along with itching and burning

Eczema with thick moist crusts on the skin

Skin itching that worsens on getting warm

Corns and warts with shooting pain

Pimples resulting from cosmetic use

Deep impressions being left on skin from blunt objects

Intolerable itching at tip of coccyx (tail bone)

2. Women Related Problems (Heavy Menses, Intermenstrual Bleeding, Leucorrhoea, Ovarian Cysts)

Various Women related issues can be treated wonderfully with this medicine. Firstly, it is useful in case of early, and heavy periods when there is more menstrual bleeding at night. Before the commencement of menses, painful bearing down is felt in the genitals. During menses, bruised pain in abdomen, thighs, and lower back can be felt. Secondly, it can be given in cases of intermenstrual bleeding. It is well-indicated when periods appear after a gap of every two weeks. The blood is dark, and has clots. Another complaint where Bovista works well is leucorrhoea (vaginal discharges). It is hugely beneficial in treating vaginal discharge that are either like white of an egg or green-coloured, and thick that leaves green spots behind. The discharge gets worse while walking, and also after periods. A very peculiar symptom which indicates the use of Bovista is diarrhoea particularly before and during menses. It can also effectively deal with cases of ovarian cysts (fluid filled sacs in an ovary).

Key Indicating Features

Early and heavy menses when bleeding is worse at night

Intermenstrual bleeding every two weeks of dark and clotted blood

Vaginal discharge that like white of an egg or of green coloured and thick leaving behind green spots

Vaginal discharge worse when walking and after menses

Diarrhoea before and during menses

3. Perspiration

Bovista is also predominantly used to treat cases of excessive sweating in axilla (armpit). Sweating in armpits with a smell of an onion or a garlic is classic feature for its use. Other than this it has the ability to manage cases where excessive sweating on chest occurs in the morning.

Key Indicating Feature

Sweating in armpits smelling like onion or garlic

4. Mouth (Dryness, Crusts)

It helps in case of excessive dryness in the mouth. One may have a feeling of as if there is sand in the mouth. In such cases, there is offensive smell in the mouth. Other than this, it is a valuable medicine in case of those who stammer. Lastly, it is used in case of soreness, and crusts at the corners of the mouth.

Key Indicating Features

Dry mouth with sensation of sand in the mouth

Soreness and crusts at the corners of mouth

5. Teeth, And Gums (Bleeding Gums, Toothache)

Bovista acts very well on the teeth, and gums. It is highly preferred in cases of bleeding gums, especially when one sucks one’s own gums by drawing in the inner walls of the mouth. It is also an important medicine to control bleeding after tooth extraction. It is also indicated to manage aching, and drawing pain in decayed teeth. It worsens in the evenings, and get better in warmth.

Key Indicating Features

Bleeding gums

Bleeding following tooth extraction

Aching drawing pain in decayed teeth, gets worse in the evenings, and gets better with warmth

6. Nasal Problems (Nose Bleeding, Blocked Nose)

Bovista has a marked action on the nose. This medicine can take care of cases of nasal bleeding (epistaxis). There are few major indications to use it in cases of nasal bleeding. It includes nose bleeding from an injury or bleeding in the early mornings during sleep. Additionally, it is also indicated when bleeding from nose occurs in drops when one blows his nose and upon sneezing. In women, if nose bleeding occurs along with irregularity in menses even then it is a major remedy. This medicine can also be used to treat cases of blocked nose that is worse when lying down attended with trouble in breathing. There may occur tough, ropy discharge or watery discharge from nose as well.

Key Indicating Features

Nose bleeding from injury

Nose bleeding in early morning during sleep

Bleeding from nose in drops when one blows nose and upon sneezing

Nose bleeding along with irregularity in menses

7. Gastric Issues (Abdomen Pain, Diarrhoea, Constipation)

Bovista is a very beneficial medicine for treating various gastric issues. It is useful in case of abdomen pain and the pain gets better after a meal.

Bending double exercise also relieves it. Other symptoms are gas in abdomen with bloating. Wearing tight clothes around the waist may make one uncomfortable. It is also administered in case of nausea that occur before breakfast. There may be empty burps. A sensation of lump of ice is felt in stomach. Another indication for the use of this medicine is diarrhoea among elderly people. It gets worse in early morning, and at night. It is a leading medicine to manage diarrhoea in women before, and during menses. This medicine can also be given to those suffering from constipation. It is administered in those cases when the first part of the stool is hard but subsequently followed by thin, and watery stool. Along with constipation there is gas and rumbling in abdomen.

Key Indicating Features

Abdomen pain gets better after a meal eating, and with bending double exercise

Diarrhoea in elderly people, gets worse in the early mornings and at night

Diarrhoea gets worse before, and during menses

Constipation — first part of stool is hard followed by thin, and watery stool

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse in hot weather, at night, during full moon, from cold food, wine, before, and during menses

Relieving factors: Complaints get better after a meal, taking hot food, and from bending double

Dosage

It can be used from low to high potency. In low potency, its repetition can be frequent. In higher potencies, frequent repetition is not recommended.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor

Followed well by: Alumina, Calcarea Carb, Rhus Tox, Sepia and Veratrum Album

It can be compared with some other remedies including Belladonna, Cicuta, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Staphisagria, Carbo Veg, Merc Sol and Pulsatilla

Top 8 Homeopathic Remedies for Urethral Stricture Treatment

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 895 Comments

Urethral stricture refers to narrowing of the urethra due to scar formation. The urethra is the lowermost part of the urinary tract through which urine passes out from the urinary bladder. Urethral stricture is more common in males than in females.

Homeopathy, which is a completely natural science of healing, can be very beneficial in the treatment of urethral stricture. In the beginning of homeopathic treatment, these medicines work to provide wonderful relief in signs and symptoms of urethral stricture, like straining to urinate, weak / split urine stream, frequent urge to urinate, interrupted urine and ensure that passage of urine becomes normal again and there is no pain in the process. Once the symptoms are alleviated, it aims to dissolve the scar in the urethra for long-term recovery.

In mainstream medicine, frequent dilatation and surgical intervention is often recommended in cases of urethral stricture. These procedures carry a risk of many side effects. Additionally, they offer temporary, short-term relief as there is always a chance that the stricture appears again. On the other hand, homeopathy treats it very gently and offers long-term relief without any adverse aftereffects. In many cases of mild to moderate intensity, one can get away with surgical intervention too. The earlier the homeopathic treatment is started, the higher are the chances that surgery won’t be required in such cases.

Homeopathy works as per the Law of Similimum, which means while selecting the homeopathic medicine for any individual case, a medicine is chosen which matches most closely with the symptoms of the individual. In urethral stricture cases as well, this law is applied. Once the medicine is finalised, the potency and dosage of that medicine is also decided as per homeopathic principles. The potency and dosage vary from case to case as per the age of the person, the intensity of symptoms and chronicity of the complaint.

Homeopathy is 100 % safe for treating urethral stricture as it uses medicines prepared from natural substances which do not have any chemicals or toxins in them.

Top 8 Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Urethral Stricture

The top ten homeopathic medicines for urethral stricture management are Clematis, Chimaphila, Cantharis, Thiosinaminum, Conium, Arnica, Cannabis Sativa and Merc Sol.

1. Clematis – For Weak Urine Stream, Straining To Urinate And Interrupted Urine Flow

Clematis is the best prescription to manage urethral stricture. This natural medicine can relieve many symptoms associated with urethral constriction. In cases needing it, there is feeble stream of urine with slow passage of urine. To pass urine, straining is required to initiate urine flow. An extreme constricted sensation is felt in the urethra while passing urine. The bladder does not empty in one go and the flow of urine starts then stops and starts again several times (interrupted urine stream). At times, urine is passed drop by drop. The patient always feels as if some urine is still left behind in the bladder. Dribbling of urine occurs after passing urine. Clematis helps in establishing the proper flow of urine in a stream. Frequency to pass urine also increases. Burning in urethra when passing urine also occurs. It is also helpful for all those patients of Urethral Stricture who have a history of gonorrhoea for a long duration.

When to use Clematis?

Clematis is a leading medicine to manage urethral stricture when urine flow is initiated with straining efforts and urine stream is weak and interrupted as well.

How to use Clematis?

In the beginning of the treatment, it is advised to use Clematis in 30C potency two to three times a day.

2. Chimaphila – For Thin / Split Urine Stream and Straining To Pass Urine

Chimaphila is of great help when urine stream is thin, like a thread or split urine stream. Additionally, a lot of straining is required to pass urine. In spite of the efforts, the urine passed is very less in quantity. A characteristic feature is patients needing it are able to empty the bladder when standing with feet set wide apart and body stooped forward. When such peculiar symptoms come to light, the selection of the correct medicine becomes easy. Besides the above, it can be used when there is frequent urge to urinate, like every one to two hours. Cutting and burning pain when passing urine may be felt.

When to use Chimaphila?

This medicine can be used for urethral stricture cases having thin or split urine stream with marked straining to pass urine.

How to use Chimaphila?

Its use is mainly recommended in the form of mother tincture (Q) that can be taken twice / thrice a day as per symptom severity.

3. Cantharis – For Pain Or Burning While Urinating

Cantharis is a very well-known and widely used medicine for various kinds of urinary troubles. It is beneficial in urethral stricture cases when the foremost complaint is pain or burning while passing urine. The burning or pain may even start before urination, and continue even after passing urine. Urine may be passed, drop by drop. The urge to pass urine is almost constantly present.

When to use Cantharis?

It is the best choice of medicine to manage pain or burning felt during, before or after urination in urethral stricture cases.

How to use Cantharis?

Its 30C potency can be repeated up to 3-4 times in a day. It is equally effective in 200C and 1M potency but these potencies should not be used without consulting a homeopathic doctor.

4. Thiosinaminum – To Dissolve Scars in Urethral Stricture

Thiosinaminum is known for its ability to dissolve scars formed anywhere in the body. Thiosinaminum can work wonders in Urethral Stricture cases where the scar tissue is formed in urethra due to any cause. The scar resolving power of this natural remedy cannot be matched by any other medicine. Pain while passing urine and increased urination at night are the main symptoms found in people needing this medicine.

When to use Thiosinaminum?

Thiosinaminum proves effective to dissolve a scar in urethral stricture cases, along with symptoms of painful urination and increased frequency to pass urine at night.

How to use Thiosinaminum?

Though it can be used in both low and high potencies, in the beginning, it is advised to take it in 30 C potency once or twice a day.

5. Conium – For Intermittent Urine Stream

This medicine can help patients of urethral stricture where the main trouble is the intermittent stream of urine. It takes a lot of time to complete the act of urination. The urine starts to flow and then stops, and this process of starting and stopping is repeated several times to completely drain the urine out. Burning pain after passing urine may be felt.

When to use Conium?

Its use is highly suggested for urethral stricture cases with interrupted urinary stream.

How to use Conium?

One may take Conium in 30 C power one or two times in a day.

6. Arnica – For Urethral Stricture With A History Of Injury Or Trauma

Arnica is a highly recommended natural medicine for its universal curing action in trauma and injury cases. Arnica can be given in cases of Urethral Stricture where history of an injury is found. Injuries basically caused by blunt objects, a blow or a fall are covered by this medicine. The patient needing Arnica usually complains of frequent urge to urinate and sore and bruised pain in urethra while urinating or otherwise.

When to use Arnica?

It is a highly recommended medicine to manage urethral stricture cases that occurred after an injury.

How to use Arnica?

Arnica 30 C can be used twice or thrice a day.

7. Cannabis Sativa – For Split Stream Of Urine

This medicine is useful when urination occurs in a split stream. Straining to pass urine is also required. Dribbling of urine occurs after urine flow ceases. Burning in the urethra when urinating appears.

When to use Cannabis Sativa?

This medicine can be considered in cases of urethral stricture cases having a complaint of split urinary stream, straining to urinate and dribbling of urine after passing urine.

How to use Cannabis Sativa?

This medicine is usually given in 30C potency once or twice a day.

8. Merc Sol – For Increased Frequency Of Urine And An Urgent Need To Urinate

Merc Sol proves effective in managing increased frequency of urine and urgency to pass urine. A person has to rush/ hurry to pass urine as the urge cannot be controlled. While urinating, the stream of urine is very weak. Urination is attended with burning pain.

When to use Merc Sol?

This medicine can be opted for managing frequent and urgent urination in cases of urethral stricture.

How to use Merc Sol?

Both the lower and the highest potencies of Merc Sol have proved to be efficacious with excellent results. However, initially, it is advised to use it in 30 C power one or two times a day.

Signs And Symptoms Of Urethral Stricture

The symptoms of urethral stricture include the following:

1. Weak/feeble urine stream and straining to pass urine

2. Spraying or splitting of urine stream: It means urine flow split and goes in two directions instead of one normal urine stream in one direction

3. Sensation as if urinary bladder is not completely emptied after passing urine

4. Increased frequency of urine and an urgent need to urinate

5. Interrupted/ intermittent urine stream: Urine starts and stops several times while passing it

6. Pain or burning when passing urine

7. Loss of bladder control, urethral discharge, swelling / pain of penis, pain in lower abdomen, urine passing out in drops are other symptoms

8. Dark urine, blood in urine/semen

9. Acute urine retention when a person is unable to urinate at all (it is serious condition and should be immediately treated)

Causes Of Urethral Stricture

The main cause behind urethral stricture is scar formation within urethra from an injury or instrumentation or surgery. The causes are enumerated as follows:

1. Trauma or injuryto the urethra: The trauma may follow any hit or blow on the urethra/ trauma to pelvis. Falling on the bar of a bicycle is very common injury that can lead to urethral stricture.

2. Instrumentation: Endoscopy, catheter introduction

3. Surgical operations (Post-operative Urethral Stricture): It may follow a prostate operation, kidney stone removal surgery, hypospadias surgery (to correct urethral opening position in penis)

4. Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and inflammatory conditions of the urethra (urethritis).

5. Sexually transmitted infections: Few infections include gonorrhoea and chlamydia infection.

6. Passage of kidney stone

7. Radiation therapy

8. Cancer of prostate or Urethra

9. Less commonly, urethral stricture can be congenital (present since birth) or occur from pressure by a tumour near urethra. In some cases, no cause can be ruled out.

Risk Factors

1. Males are more at risk as compared to females, to develop urethral Stricture

2. Having recent catheter use

3. Recurrent UTI (urinary tract infection) or STI (sexually transmitted infection)

4. Urethritis (inflamed urethra)

5. Enlarged prostate

Complications Of Urethral Stricture

Urinary retention, Urinary Tract Infection, Kidney stones, urethral fistula and Hydronephrosis (swollen kidneys from build-up of fluid inside them) are a few complications.

Investigations

1. Uroflowmetry Test: It measures the amount of urine passed out from the body and the speed of its passage, plus the total time taken to pass all urine

2. Retrograde urethrogram (RGU): In this case, an X-ray film is taken after injecting a contrast agent through penis opening. It will reveal location and length of stricture in urethra, if present.

3. Cystoscopy: A camera is inserted in the penis to view inside urethra and to look for a stricture

4. MRI, CT scan and Ultrasound: These are done to view urethra and adjacent structures

Bellis Perennis: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 6 Comments

Bellis Perennis is a natural homeopathic remedy derived from the plant Daisy. This plant belongs to family Composite. To prepare Bellis Perennis, the whole fresh flowering plant has to undergo potentization. It is a process of preparing homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal properties from a crude substance. Once turned into a medicine, it is the best medicine recommended to help in cases of injuries, trauma, sprains, strains, tendonitis, back pain, joint pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The ‘Bellis Perennis’ Constitution

It is a highly suitable medicine for overworked-labourers, especially gardeners and farmers.

Drug Action

The action of Bellis Perennis is majorly seen on the tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints and muscle fibers of blood vessels. Next, it also helps perfectly on the back, limbs, female organs, head, gastric organs, and skin. Its action is also noted in managing excessive fatigue and venous stasis.

Clinical Indications

Injuries, falls, trauma, sprains, strains, aching pains, sore pains, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain, joint pains, neuritis, neuralgia, tumors, bruises, backache, railway spine, pelvic pain, uterine prolapse, headache, indigestion, spleen disorders, boils.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. For Injuries (Injuries, Bruises, Nerve Injury, Sprains, Strains)

The first and foremost well-known action of this medicine is noted in helping cases of injuries. It is extensively used in managing certain injuries successfully. It is also well-indicated for managing injuries that occur from falls, blows, and accidents. It can work well in healing bruises as well. Bruise refers to black, blue or purple skin discoloration from damaged blood vessels under the skin creating a pool of blood underneath the skin that arises from an injury. It is helpful in case of both, recent injuries as well as managing long-term effects of chronic injury. This remedy is helpful in relieving bruised and sore aching pains, and soreness and swelling that have resulted from injuries. It is also a valuable medicine to manage cases of nerve injuries attended with excessive soreness. Cold bathing helps in relieving it. It works wonderfully in managing muscle pain that has resulted from trauma. It is a great medicine for managing sprains (injury to muscles or tendons) and strains (overstretched or torn ligaments) as well. It is mainly useful to relieve excessive soreness in such cases. This medicine can effectively deal with cases where tumors or cysts have formed due to an injury. It is an important medicine when there occurs injury to deeper tissues after major surgery. It is also known to be helpful for cases of trauma to pelvic organs from blows, kicks or surgery.

Key Indicating Features

Injuries occurring from falls, blows, accidents and bruises

Bruised, sore aching pains, soreness and swelling post injury

Nerve injuries attended with excessive soreness

Muscle pain from a trauma

Sprains and strains with excessive soreness

Injury to deeper tissues after major surgical work

Trauma to pelvic organs from blows, kicks or surgery

2. Back Complaints (Backache, Sprains, Railway Spine, Fall)

Bellis Perennis acts magnificently on the back to deal with certain back issues. It is a brilliant medicine to deal with cases of backache that results from straining, overlifting and from excessive physical labour. In most cases needing it, the pain is sore, aching in nature. It acts really well to treat sprains in the back accompanied by excessive soreness. It is a leading medicine in railway spine (symptoms occurring from concussion of spine typically from railroad accidents). Lastly, it proves highly effective in managing cases of injury occurring from fall on the coccyx (tail bone).

Key Indicating Features

Backache from straining, overlifting and from excessive physical labour

Sprains in back attended with excessive soreness

Railway Spine

Injury from fall on the coccyx (tail bone)

3. Limbs & Joints (Joint Pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Varicose Veins)

Next, it acts prominently on the limbs and joints. It is a valuable medicine for managing joint pains. The joints are also sore. The joints feel lame as if sprained. It also acts well in treating conditions caused by repetitive strains. It is a top-grade medicine to treat cases of CTS – carpal tunnel syndrome (in this syndrome median nerve is compressed resulting in numbness, tingling, and weakness in hands and arms). The wrist feels contracted as from wearing an elastic band. Lastly, this medicine manages varicose veins (swollen, enlarged, twisted veins) quite well. The guiding symptom for its use is bruised sore feeling in varicose veins.

Key Indicating Features

Sore and painful joints

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Varicose veins with bruised sore feeling

4. Female Problems (Pelvic Pain, Injury, Prolapse, Tumours)

Action of Bellis Perennis is well-marked on female organs as well. It is very beneficial in cases of pelvic pain that goes to the back. Here pain is cramping in nature. There also occurs sore pain in the uterus with a sensation as if uterus is squeezed. This medicine is also indicated in case of injuries, and blows to the pelvic organs. Uterus feels sore. A downward pressure is felt in the uterus. Its use is also highly recommended in cases of prolapse of uterus and vagina. Its use is further considered to help relieve soreness and aching pain in uterus after childbirth. Bellis Perennis is indicated to manage varicose veins during pregnancy. Lastly, it is of great use in cases of breast tumours that result from an injury.

Key Indicating Features

Pelvic pain that goes to the back

Sore pain in the uterus with sensation as if uterus is squeezed

Injuries and blows to pelvic organs, uterus feels sore

Prolapse of uterus and vagina

Soreness and aching pain in uterus after childbirth

Varicose veins during pregnancy

5. Head Complaints (Headache, Migraine)

With its action on head, Bellis Perennis proves effective in cases of headache. In cases needing it, the pain occurs from the back of head (occiput) to top of head (vertex). Bruised sensation and soreness is marked in the head. Headache getting better by holding the head tightly also indicates its use. This medicine also gives immense relief in migraine when accompanied with pain in eyes and watery secretion from the nose.

Key Indicating Features

Bruised sensation and soreness in head

Headache gets better by holding the head tightly

Migraine with pain in eyes and watery secretion from the nose

6. Gastric Concern (Soreness, Injury, Indigestion, Diarrhea, Enlarged Spleen)

By its action on the gastric system, this medicine can take care of various gastric issues effectively. Firstly, Bellis Perennis is indicated to help cases of soreness in abdominal walls. Secondly, it can be given for cases of rumbling and bloating in abdomen. It is a great medicine for managing injuries to abdominal organs. This medicine is further of special service in treating polyps in the intestines. It can next be used in cases of indigestion. There is pain and heaviness in stomach, with vomiting and acrid burps. It may be given in cases of diarrhea. It is useful for painless, foul-smelling loose stool with excessive gas. The condition gets worse at night. Lastly, its use is preferred for cases of sore, enlarged spleen. It is attended with sharp pain in spleen.

Key Indicating Features

Soreness of abdominal walls

Management of injuries to abdominal organs

Pain in stomach, heaviness in stomach, with vomiting and acrid burps

Sore, enlarged spleen with sharp pain

7. Skin Problems (Bruises, Boils, Itching)

Besides the above, Bellis Perennis acts well to relieve skin issues. To begin with, it can help in healing bruises. In cases needing it, bruises are attended with swelling and sensitivity to touch. Secondly, it can help cases of dry, cracked skin. Thirdly, it can be used in cases of boils (pus-filled painful lump under the skin). Here it works well when boils are accompanied by itching and burning sensation. Lastly, it can give great relief in skin itching. The itching gets worse from heat of bed and from hot bath. It gets better by cold application.

Key Indicating Features

Bruises attended with swelling and sensitivity to touch

Boils with itching and burning sensation

Skin itching worse from heat of bed and from hot bath, better by cold

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from injuries, from exertion, lifting, surgical operations, touch, from cold drinks, from warmth of bed, before storms, from cold wind and becoming chilled when hot

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from pressure, from continued motion

Dosage

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

Relationship with Other Remedies

It can be compared with medicines Arnica, Calendula, Hypericum and Hamamelis in case of injuries.

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

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 11 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Paeonia Officinalis is derived from a plant commonly known as ‘peony’. It belongs to family Ranunculaceae. To obtain homeopathic medicine Paeonia, fresh root of this plant particularly dug in spring undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that extracts and intensifies medicinal properties from a crude substance). This homeopathic medicine has great clinical importance to treat numerous anorectal conditions among which it is extensively used for treating piles, anal fissures and anal fistula cases.

The ‘Paeonia Officinalis’ Constitution

Paeonia is the most suitable medicine for those suffering from anorectal complaints. It suits those prone to ulcers, especially, on the lower body parts like legs, foot, rectum, and additionally skin ulcers.

Drug Action

This medicine shows works wonderfully on the rectum, and related complaints — mainly piles, fissures and fistula. Other than this, it acts well in cases pertaining to skin, limbs, eyes, and throat. Lastly, it helps manage certain sleep-related problems.

Clinical Indications

Anal disorders, piles, anal fissures, anal abscess, anal fistula, ulcers, varicose veins, nightmares.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1.Rectum Complaints (Piles, Anal Fissures, Anal Abscess, Anal Fistula, Ulcers)

To pick the prime area of action of this medicine, it would undoubtedly be the rectum. It settles various concerns pertaining to the rectum. It is the best remedy to treat piles. Piles are swollen, enlarged, inflamed veins in the anus and the lower rectum. It is most beneficial when there are large piles or piles that ulcerate. Those who need it for piles-related issues, complain of intense intolerable rectal pain during and after the stool. They have swelling around the anal area. Next, there is itching, burning and a biting sensation felt around the anal along with above-mentioned symptoms. Constipation too is present.

Secondly, it is of great value for anal fissures treatment. Anal fissures refer to crack or tear in the tissue that lines the anus. Here the characteristic feature to use it are anal fissures that ooze a foul discharge. The discharge causes a constant wet feeling in the anus area. There is also intense pain during and after stool. An accompanying factor is that the anus becomes sore. The sufferer may feel a smarting pain in the region. It is also highly recommended to treat anal abscess and anal fistula cases. Anal abscess is a lump that is filled with pus near the anus. Anal fistula refers to an abnormal passage or a tunnel that forms between the anal canal and the skin near the anus. Furthermore, it proves to be highly effective in cases of ulcers that form in the rectum, anus and perineum (area between anus and genitals). Ulcers are very painful, sensitive and ooze fluid in cases that require this medicine. The ulcers around the anus and perineum are covered with thick crust of purple colour. Last indication for using it is diarrhoea (loose stool) with thin, and frequent stool, and there is burning sensation in the anus after passing the stool. It may be accompanied by a chilly feeling. Abdominal colic (pain) may be experienced along with loose stool.

Key Indicating Features

Piles that are large, ulcerated with intense, excruciating, intolerable rectal pain during and after stool

Anal fissure with oozing of foul-smelling discharge, and pain during and after stool

Anal abscess, and anal fistula

Ulcers in rectum, anus, perineum with pain and oozing of offensive fluid

2. Skin (Ulcers, Itching)

Paeonia acts well on skin to treat ulcers, varicose veins and itching. It is an important medicine to deal with cases of skin ulcers. It works well when the ulcers form mainly on the lower body parts like legs, feet and toes. It is one of the best suited medicines when ulcers occur due to pressure. For example, bedsores also named as pressure sores that may develop in a person who spend a long time in the same position that puts prolonged pressure on a particular body part. Another example is shoe bite. It is a leading medicine for healing ulcers that form due to repeated pressure and rubbing of feet against an ill-fitted shoe. It is highly recommended to treat ulcers on perineum when it tends to ooze an offensive fluid. Next ulcers forming around the sacrum (bottom part of back) also heal well with this medicine. One can also use this medicine in varicose veins (swollen, enlarged, twisted, engorged veins due to back flow of blood in veins due to defective valves in veins). Lastly, it is helpful in managing itching on the calve area (back portion of the lower leg) if it gets better from rubbing. Itching on the head, limbs, and the chest with burning, and biting sensation is another important indication pointing towards its use.

Key Indicating Features

Ulcers on the lower body parts like legs, feet, toes, around sacrum

Bedsores

Shoe bite

Ulcers on perineum that ooze an offensive fluid

3. Limbs (Pain, Ulcers, Corns)

It acts well on the skin and can effectively deal with pain, weakness of legs, ulcers, and painful corns. It can be administered to manage pain in the knees (mainly on the right side), toes, fingers, wrist, upper arm and the ankles. The pain is usually crampy in nature. If the pain is in the fingers one feels shooting pain. In case of pain in the upper arm, it is administered mostly when the pain is felt on the right-side and radiates to the elbow.

In case of pain in the toe, the pain is sticking in nature along with swelling and contracted feeling. In the wrist, the pain is mostly felt on the left side and the pain is sticking, and griping in nature. Ankle pain is weary in nature that is felt mainly while sitting. Paeonia can be used to manage weakness in legs that hinders walking. It also helps treat ulcers on the legs and the toes. This medicine is of great use when ulcers form on the right leg with intense shooting pain. It is specifically indicated for ulcers on the big toe on the left side. Besides these, it gives good results in cases of painful corns (corns are thick, hard skin area forming mainly on feet due to excessive friction and pressure).

Key Indicating Features

Cramping knee pain on the right side

Right-side upper arm pain radiating to the elbow

Ulcers on the right leg, and left toe

Painful corns

4. Eyes (Dryness, Itching, Burning, Conjunctivitis)

By acting on the eyes, Paeonia can settle complaints including dryness, itching, burning and conjunctivitis. Its use is suggested to relieve dryness of the eyes and eyelids wonderfully. Smarting sensation in the eyes can attend with difficulty in opening the eyes. One may find great relief in itching and burning of eyes too with this remedy. It can manage conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva which is the membrane lining the eyeball and eyelid) cases when there is excessive eye watering.

Key Indicating Features

Dryness of eyes and eyelids

Itching and burning in the eyes

Conjunctivitis with profuse eye watering

5. Throat (Burning, Sticky Mucus)

Paeonia acts on the throat where it manages heated and burning sensation in throat. There can be scraping sensation in the throat as well that causes coughing and hawking. Swallowing is difficult too. It can offer relief in sticky mucus in the throat leading to hawking.

Key Indicating Features

Heat and burning in throat

Sticky mucus in throat resulting in hawking

6. Sleep Issues (Nightmares, Unrefreshing Sleep)

One may find this medicine quite helpful for certain sleep issues. Major among these is nightmares. Persons needing it have frightful dreams and may dream of ghosts, death of relatives, etc. It is of great service to a person who has had an unrefreshing sleep disturbed by multiple dreams. It can also give good results in case of restless sleep.

Key Indicating Features

Nightmares, frightful dreams, dreams of ghosts and dreams of death of relatives

Disturbed sleep from multiple dreams

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse during stool, from touch, pressure and movement

Dosage

Its use is recommended in both low and high potencies. If using it in low potency, then repetition can be done frequently. But in higher potencies frequent repetition should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Aloe Socotrina and Ratanhia

It can be compared with some other homeopathic remedies that includes Hamamelis, Silicea and Aesculus

Kalmia Latifolia: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 9 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Kalmia Latifolia is derived from the plant ‘mountain laurel’ also known as ‘calico bush’. It belongs to family Ericaceae. To obtain this medicine, fresh leaves of the plant in its flowering stage have to undergo potentization. It is a process of preparing homeopathic medicines which arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance. After this process, it is converted into a magnificent homeopathic medicine Kalmia Latifolia. Its use is highly recommended for managing neuralgia (nerve pain), joint pain, back pain, neck pain and certain heart issues.

The ‘Kalmia Latifolia’ Constitution

This medicine suits well people having predisposition to suffer from joint complaints and nerve pain. It is also suitable for persons who have certain heart-related issues.

Drug Action

Though this medicine acts well on many body parts, the most important ones are joints, back, neck, limbs, nerves and heart. The other parts where it shows its action include eyes, face, stomach and head.

Clinical Indications

Joint pains, neuralgia (nerve pain), back pain, neck pain, heart disease, angina pectoris, palpitations, headache, ptosis, trigeminal neuralgia, tobacco heart, stomach pain, diarrhea.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Back And Neck (Pain, Neuralgia – Nerve Pain)

This medicine has a well-defined action on the back and neck. Here it is highly effective in managing neck pain that radiates down the arm. Additionally, neck muscles are sore to touch as well as on movement. It has shown great clinical improvements in neuralgia cases when pain from the neck radiate to fingers particularly fourth and little finger, worsening in the early part of the night. Neck feels tender and stiff. Kalmia Latifolia is well indicated for Brachialgia cases in which a pinched nerve in the neck causes pain in the arm. It is a prominent medicine for pain specifically in the upper three dorsal vertebrae (these vertebrae lie below the base of neck) that extends to the shoulder blade. Besides these, it acts well on the lower back where it helps to relieve back pain when attended with heat and burning sensation. Pain increases from motion. There is weakness in the lower part of the back where spine curves at the waist. It gets worse in the evening in bed. Lastly, it is beneficial to manage back pain during menses.

Key Indicating Features

Neck pain radiating down the arm

Neuralgia means nerve pain when neck pain goes down specifically to fourth and little finger

Pain in upper three dorsal vertebrae (that lies below the base of neck) extending to shoulder blade

Lower back pain accompanied by heat and burning sensation

2. Limbs (Joint Pain, Neuralgia – Nerve Pain)

Kalmia shows prominent action on limbs as well. Here it can settle issues related to joints and nerves primarily. It works wonders in case of joint inflammation when there is redness, heat and swelling of the joints. The slightest motion worsens the pain. The pain can also increase in the evening and from exposure to cold wind. There may be pain in the shoulder, arm joints and wrist, especially the left one. Pain may be felt in the hips radiating to legs and feet, knees and in the ankles along with swelling. A peculiar feature is the sudden shifting of pain from one joint to the other. The pain is sharp and shooting type. Pain mostly begins in the upper limbs and then shifts to the lower limbs. Pain may also occur in a large part of the limb and then quickly shift to another part. This medicine also helps to give substantial relief in the deltoid muscle (triangular muscle in shoulder) pain, especially on the right side. Apart from the joints, it is a great nerve remedy. Kalmia shows tremendous benefits in managing neuralgia (nerve pain). Its use is considered for nerve pain that shoots down the limbs. Numbness and pricking sensation with weakness in the limbs is a classic symptom guiding its use. Limbs may feel cold too. It is the main medicine for pain felt along the ulnar nerve (this nerve travels from neck downwards near ulna bone which is a bone in the forearm towards the little finger side) radiating to the third and fourth fingers.

Key Indicating Features

Sudden shifting of pain from one joint to another

Neuralgia for nerve pain that shoots down the limbs

Numbness and pricking sensation with weakness in limbs

Pain along ulnar nerve radiating to third and fourth finger

3. Eyes (Pain, Iritis, Scleritis, Ptosis)

With its action on eyes, it proves helpful in cases of eye pain that gets worse from eye movement. There is a drawing sensation in the eyes along with stiffness that is felt when the eyeballs move. Its use is recommended for cases of Iritis and Scleritis. Iritis refers to inflammation of iris. Scleritis is inflammation of white part of the eye. The specific indication for using it is iritis or scleritis in cases associated with joint inflammation. Other than these, it can be given to manage itching in the eyes. This medicine is also successful for managing cases of ptosis (drooping of upper eyelid).

Key Indicating Features

Pain in eye worsening from eye movement

Drawing sensation in the eyes and stiffness on moving eyes

Iritis or scleritis in cases associated with joint inflammation

Ptosis

4. Face (Trigeminal Neuralgia, Facial Pain)

Trigeminal nerve

Further action of this medicine is on the face. Here it is preferred for treating trigeminal neuralgia (sudden severe pain in the face from pressure over trigeminal nerve or damage/injury to this nerve). It is the most helpful for right-sided neuralgia. Pain is shooting, pressing or sticking type in cases needing it. Pain may be attended with numbness. It gets worse from exposure to cold, while it gets better by eating. Another noteworthy indication of this medicine is nerve pain in the face after Herpes Zoster (a viral disease caused by varicella zoster virus, characterised by painful skin rash with blisters). Lastly it is valuable to manage pain in teeth of upper jaw.

Key Indicating Features

Trigeminal neuralgia of right side

Facial pain of shooting, pressing or sticking type that may be attended with numbness

Facial pain worse from cold exposure and better from eating

Nerve pain in face after Herpes Zoster

5. Head (Headache)

The most important feature based on which Kalmia is selected is headache beginning at sunrise, worsening at noon and leaving at sunset. A very unique symptom is relief from headache after profuse urination. The pain is felt in the front and the temples of the head that extends to the nape of the neck or to teeth. It also works well when pain begins in the nape of the neck and goes to the top of the head and face. Additionally, it is capable of relieving pain in head above the right eye (supra orbital pain). Vertigo may occur along with headache.

Key Indicating Features

Headache beginning at sunrise, worsening at noon and leaving at sunset

Headache gets better by profuse urination

6. Heart (Angina Pectoris, Pain, Tobacco Heart)

Kalmia is an important medicine for managing certain heart complaints. This medicine is well indicated for cases of Angina Pectoris (heart pain occurring from reduced blood supply to the heart), heart pain that is sharp, stabbing/burning/shooting type. The pain extends to the left scapula and arm. Pulse is slow and feeble. Its use is also indicated when there are palpitations, that get worse from leaning forward and better by sitting erect. It is attended with anxiety and difficult breathing. It is a leading medicine for managing heart-related issues that appear from excessive use of tobacco (tobacco heart).

Key Indicating Features

Heart pain of sharp, stabbing, burning, shooting nature radiating to left scapula and arm

Palpitations worse from leaning forward and better from sitting erect

Tobacco heart (heart-related problems resulting from excessive use of tobacco)

7. Gastric Problems (Stomach Pain, Loose Stool)

This medicine can tackle certain gastric issues as well. First among these is pain in the pit of stomach that worsens from bending forward and better from sitting erect. The pit of stomach is sore to touch. Kalmia is used to relieve cramping pain in stomach along with belching of wind. Kalmia can be given for loose stool when accompanied by stomach pain, nausea, weakness and dullness. Rest of its indications include obstructed gas with nausea, abdomen pain above the navel and sensation of weakness in abdomen.

Key Indicating Features

Pain in pit of stomach worse from bending forward and better from sitting erect

Loose stool attended with stomach pain, nausea, weakness and dullness

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse by bending forward, stooping, turning eyes, motion, from sunrise to sunset.

Relieving factors: Complaints get better by eating, sitting, in cloudy weather

Dosage

It can be used in both low and high potencies. Its frequent repetition can be considered in low potencies but in high potencies, frequent repetition of this medicine should be avoided. In case of heart problems, this medicine should only be taken after consulting a homeopathic physician and self – medication be strictly avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Aconite and Belladonna

It antidotes: Tabacum

Followed well by: Calcarea Carb, Lycopodium, Natrum Mur, Pulsatilla and Spigelia

It follows well Nux Vomica and Spigelia