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Cimicifuga Racemosa: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

Cimicifuga Racemosa also known as Actaea Racemosa is prepared from plant ‘black cohosh’. It belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. The roots of this plant are subjected to potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines) that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties. After this process, we get homeopathic remedy Cimicifuga Racemosa which is very helpful for managing certain mind-related issues (postpartum depression) and female problems as well as neck and muscle pain.

The ‘Cimicifuga Racemosa’ Constitution

This medicine is suited well to women of nervous, sensitive nature who feel chilly and have complaint of neck or back pain. It also particularly suits women going through menopausal period. Lastly, it is highly recommended for persons prone to get joint complaints.

Drug Action

The most prominent action of this medicine is seen on the mind, female genitals mainly uterus and ovaries, neck, back and muscles. Additionally, it acts well on eyes, head, limbs, and heart.

Clinical Indications

Depression, postpartum depression, menstrual disorders, ovarian disorders, breast complaints, puerperal fever, neck pain, back pain, cramps, muscle pain, headache, eye pain, photophobia, tremors, blemishes, heart disorders.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Mind (Depression, Postpartum Depression)

The foremost action of this medicine is noted on the mind. It is well-indicated for managing depression. The main symptom felt by persons needing it is sadness with a feeling as if a black cloud has spread all over everything. Everything seems dark and confused. There is a feeling as if something bad is going to happen. They exhibit indifferent behavior and have no interest in household matters. There is fear of death. Fear of going mad is also present along with headache. Persons who need it are nervous, restless and anxious. They may talk a lot shifting from one subject to the other. They may be suspicious too. It is one of the best medicines for cases of postpartum depression (occurring in a woman after childbirth). Apart from these, depression that occurs during menses or during menopause is also well treated with Cimicifuga.

Key Indicating Features

Depression with sadness and the feeling of a black cloud spread all over everything

Postpartum depression that occurs after childbirth, depression during menses or during menopause

2. Female Problems (Irregular Periods, Suppressed Periods, Leucorrhoea, Uterine / Ovarian Pain, Blemishes)

Cimicifuga has a wide action on female genitals. It is well-indicated for cases of irregular menses. The menstrual flow is dark with foul odor and varies in amount from scanty to profuse. Menses are heavy and painful. In this condition, generally the more the amount of menstrual bleeding, the more the pain. Mild backache accompanies and excessive weakness is felt in between periods. It also works well in cases of suppressed menses (amenorrhoea). It can be given for cases of vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) when attended with a sensation of weight in uterus. A very characteristic symptom for its use is pain across pelvis or uterine region darting from one hip to the other. It can be used for managing ovarian pain that goes upwards and down the front of the thigh. It also acts well on breasts where it is useful for managing burning sensation in breasts. Its use is highly recommended for inframammary pain (crease where the lower part of the breast joins the skin of chest), more on the left side. It is also an important medicine for managing cases of puerperal fever (uterine infection following childbirth). Lastly, young women having facial blemishes (discolored marks or spots) can be highly benefitted from it.

Key Indicating Features

Irregular menses with dark, offensive, scanty or copious menses

Painful menses, the more the flow of menstrual bleeding the more is the pain

Pain across pelvis or uterine region darting from hip to hip

Pain in ovary when pain goes upwards and down the front of the thigh

Infra mammary pain on left side

Facial blemishes in young women

3. Neck And Back (Pain, Stiffness, Sciatica)

This medicine acts wonderfully on neck and the back to help various related concerns. To begin with, it is very effective for managing pain and stiffness of neck. Pain is felt even when moving hands. The neck feels contracted. Stiffness is worse in cold air. Neck is sensitive to pressure. Further action is noted on treating lower back pain. It helps when pain in the lower back gets worse from movement and is relieved by rest. The pain is dull, heavy type or in some cases, pulsations are felt. It is also indicated when the pain from the lower back goes down the hips and thighs. Weight can be felt in the lower back that may extend to the entire body. Its use is also made in sciatica cases with sharp, shooting pain radiating down the leg from the lower back.

Key Indicating Features

Pain, stiffness, contraction in the neck

Lower back pain worse from motion and is relieved by rest

4. Eyes (Eye Pain, Photophobia)

With its action on the eyes, it can be of great help in managing eye pain. It acts well, especially for shooting or throbbing sort of eye pain. Its use is highly considered when there is pain in eyeballs or behind them. The pain increases from the slightest motion and the person finds relief by applying pressure. There is eye-watering besides pain in the eyeball. It may help to manage complaints of photophobia (sensitivity to light).

Key Indicating Features

Shooting or throbbing type of eye pain

Pain in eyeballs or behind it worsening from little motion and better from pressure

5. Head (Headache)

Cimicifuga is valuable to manage headache. The prominent indicating symptom to use it is headache resulting from worries, especially over study. When headache occurs from reflux uterine disease, then also it can prove to be beneficial. Persons needing it feel better in open air. Apart from these, it can relieve pain in the back of head (occiput) that radiates to back of neck.

Key Indicating Features

Headache resulting from worries esp over study

Relief in headache in open air

Pain in the back of the head (occiput) radiating to back of neck

6. Limbs (Muscle Pain, Cramps, Trembling)

It acts well on limbs and helps to settle down numerous issues. The most striking feature for prescribing it is pain in belly (middle and widest part) of muscle usually large muscles. Pain can be cramping, stitching type. It can effectively relieve pain in limbs and soreness, bruised sensation in muscles of limbs. Muscle pain gets worse from motion. Person may find relief from excruciating pain in the arms which worsens in the evening. It can alleviate cramps in calf muscles.

Another complaint where it gives magnificent results is cases of stiffness, pain, soreness and contracted sensation in Achilles tendon (this is a band of fibrous tissue that connects calf muscle to heel bone) mostly in the evening. Besides these, it is utilized for cases in which a person is unable to walk due to trembling in legs. Additionally, its action to manage trembling of hands while writing is also noteworthy.

Key Indicating Features

Pain in muscle of the belly, usually large muscles

Stiffness, pain, soreness and contracted sensation in Achilles tendon

Trembling in legs, the person is unable to walk

Trembling of hands while writing

7. Heart (Heart Pain, Palpitations)

Its valuable action is next noted on the heart. Here it is indicated for pricking by needles like pain. For angina pectoris (heart pain occurring from reduced blood supply to the heart) too its use is mentioned in homeopathic literature. However, self-medication with this medicine should be strictly avoided. It can be used when pain spreads over the chest and back extending down the left arm. It is also helpful for managing palpitations that occur from the least motion.

Key Indicating Features

Needle pricking like feeling in heart

Palpitations from least motion

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from cold, in morning, during menses, from motion,

Relieving factors: Complaints get better in open air, from continued motion, from rest, from wrapping up warmly

Dosage

It works well in both low and high potencies. When using in low potency it can be repeated often depending on the complaint. But if using in high potencies, it should not be repeated frequently.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Aconite

It can be compared with other homeopathic medicines including Pulsatilla, Sepia, Natrum Mur, Ignatia and Lilium Tigrinum

Argentum Metallicum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 8 Comments

The remedy Argentum Metallicum is derived from metal silver. When metal silver undergoes potentization as per homeopathic formula which is a process of arousing the latent medicinal properties from a crude substance, we obtain a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Argentum Metallicum. It is a suitable medicine mainly for managing hoarseness of voice, laryngitis and joint complaints.

The ‘Argentum Metallicum’ Constitution

This medicine is mainly suitable for tall thin people who have pale skin and irritable nature.

Drug Action

This medicine acts very well on larynx, bone, cartilage, ligaments, and joints. Its action is also well noted on head, nose, lungs, male and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Laryngitis, hoarseness, cough, joint disorders, cartilage disorders, hip joint disease, headache, exostosis, sneezing, cold, nasal polyps, nose bleeding, orchitis, emissions, gonorrhoea, ovaries disorder, ovarian cyst, uterine prolapse, cancer of uterus

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Throat complaints (hoarseness, laryngitis, pharyngitis)

Argentum Metallicum acts wonderfully well on the throat, and larynx. Here it is the best-suited medicine to manage cases of hoarseness of voice and laryngitis (inflamed voice box). There is inability to speak a loud word. This is accompanied with rawness and soreness in larynx. Public speakers and professional singers who have hoarse voice highly benefit from the use of this medicine. There is also alteration in the voice timbre. In some cases, there is loss of voice as well. Its use is also well-indicated in cases of chronic pharyngitis. There is hawking of grey jelly-like mucus from throat.

Key Indicating Features

Hoarseness of voice and laryngitis

Hawking of grey jelly-like mucus from throat

2. Respiratory Issues (Cough)

This medicine can also treat cases of cough very well, particularly, for cough triggered by laughter and results in expectoration of grey gelatinous mucus. It is also a suitable medicine when a tickling inside the throat excites cough. In most cases, cough is accompanied by a raw feeling in throat. Stitching pain occurs in the chest while talking, or in some cases while reading aloud. Those who need it may have a sensation of soreness and rawness in the chest.

Key Indicating Features

Cough worsens after a bout of laughter

Cough with expectoration of grey gelatinous mucus

Tickling in throat excites cough

3. Head (Headache, Exostosis)

This medicine manages headache quite well. The pain is dull in nature, and mostly present in the left side of the head, and is accompanied by a feeling of emptiness. An accompanying factor may be congestion of the head followed by redness of cheeks. The scalp may be very tender to touch. Its use is also recommended for cases of exostosis (extra growth of bone) on skull.

Key Indicating Features

Dull left sided headache

Emptiness feeling in head

Exostosis on skull

4. Nasal Complaints (Cold, Sneezing, Nasal Polyps, Nose Bleeding)

It gives excellent results in cases of chronic cold. The main indication to use it is continuous nasal discharge with sneezing ultimately leading to exhaustion. Nostrils may be blocked as well. It is also indicated for treating nasal polyps (non-cancerous, painless growths that develop on the lining of nasal passage or paranasal sinuses). It can be given in cases of nose bleeding with tickling in the nose.

Key Indicating Features

Cold with continuous nasal discharge & sneezing which leads to exhaustion

Nose bleeding with tickling in the nose

5. Limbs (Joint Pain, Writer’s Cramp, Numbness)

Argentum Metallicum acts well on the limbs, especially, the limb joints. It treats joint pain, especially, in the elbows and knees quite well. Burning, and lancinating pain is felt in the elbows and knees. At times, there may also occur pain in the knees while sitting. Other than this, it is useful to manage hip pain, especially, stitching pain which is mostly felt while walking.

Stiffness is felt in the hips in the morning. It can manage very well weakness in the legs, particularly, when the legs are shaky, and trembling is felt. Its use is also considered in writer’s cramps (muscle spasm or cramps in the hands and fingers while writing). Besides the above-mentioned problems, it can help manage ankle-swelling. This medicine can be used for pain in the feet as well. The pain is tearing in nature. While walking soreness in the soles is felt as if they are ulcerated. It can be administered in cases of numbness in the limbs also. The limbs feel stiff as well.

Key Indicating Features

Burning, and lancinating pain in the elbows, and knees

Bruised pain in the knees while sitting

Hip pain, especially, stitching in nature is felt while walking

Weakness of legs which feel shaky

6. Male Problems (Orchitis, Emissions, Gonorrhoea)

Among males, this medicine is mainly administered for managing pain in the testis. The pain may be present on right or left side of the testis. On the left side, mainly bruised pain is felt while on the right side, crushing pain is felt. It is a helpful medicine for orchitis cases. Orchitis refers to inflammation of testicles. It is also the best medicine to manage frequent seminal emissions at night. These occur without any sexual excitement and erections. Lastly, it is of much help in cases of gonorrhoea (a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae). In such cases, results are good when there occurs yellowish green discharge from urethra.

Key Indicating Features

Bruised pain in left testis

Crushed pain in right testis

Frequent seminal emissions at night without any sexual excitement & erections

Gonorrhoea with yellowish green discharge from urethra

7. Female Problems (Ovarian Cyst, Leucorrhoea, Uterine Prolapse)

This medicine is helpful in treating ovarian cysts and tumours. The ovaries feel large, and pain is mostly felt in the left ovary. It is also beneficial in cases of vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea). It is helpful when vaginal discharges are foul-smelling and has bloody water. It can also be administered in managing cases of uterine prolapse. Here it is applicable when pain occurs in left ovary and lower back that extends to the front. As per homeopathic therapeutics, it can be used in the management of cancer of the uterus as well.

Key Indicating Features

Ovarian cysts and tumours

Vaginal discharge that is foul smelling and there is bloody water

Uterine prolapse with pain occurs in left ovary and lower back that extends to the front

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse upon touch, pressure, using voice, cold damp, lying on back, talking, from sitting and stooping

Relieving factors: Complaints get better upon movement, in the open air and after drinking coffee

Dosage

Use of this medicine can be done from low to high potency. In low potencies it can be repeated often depending on the case presentation. Frequent repetition of this medicine is not recommended in higher potencies.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Merc Sol

It antidotes: Zincum Met, Palladium and Stannum Met

Followed well by: Calcarea carb, Pulsatilla and Sepia

It follows well Alumina and Platina

Homeopathic Treatment for Lipoma

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1,074 Comments

Have you felt that soft and smooth lump under your skin that slips away when you put a finger to examine it? There are fair enough chances that it is a Lipoma. It is a very common benign (non-cancerous) tumour, composed of fat cells developing under the skin. Lipoma is harmless, painless in most cases and people seek treatment just out of cosmetic concern. Homeopathic Medicines for Lipoma are made of natural substances which are completely safe without any side effects that provide a very effective treatment for Lipoma.

Homeopathic Treatment

There’s a general tendency to go in for a surgical removal of Lipoma even if there is no possible harm because of its presence. People move towards surgery for cosmetic reasons. Surgery is not a permanent solution and Lipoma can regrow even after surgery. But Lipoma is entirely curable with the use of internal homeopathic medicines without any application of external painful measures. Homeopathic medicines for Lipoma give effective recovery and there is no need to go in for a surgery. With the use of properly selected homeopathic medicines, not only do the Lipomas dissolve, but the body’s tendency to Lipoma formation is diminished from its root. The Homeopathic treatment for Lipoma always remains constitutional — constitution is basically the symptom picture formed by conjoining the mental and physical symptom peculiarities found in each individual case.

Homeopathic Medicines For Lipoma

The best homeopathic medicines for Lipoma treatment are Calcarea carb, Baryta Carb, Phytolacca, Lapis Albus, Uricum Acidum and Thuja.

1. Calcarea Carb – Top Grade Medicine for Lipoma

Calcarea Carb is the one of the top constitutional Homeopathic medicines to treat Lipoma. Calcarea Carb exhibits a marvellous action in dissolving abnormal growths in body including Lipoma, some other examples are polyps, fibroids, cysts. Calcarea Carb will help to gradually decrease the size of Lipoma and dissolve the lump by breaking down and dissolving the fat cells in it. This medicine can be of great benefit in dissolving Lipomas in those who are obese, fatty, and overweight. They may have tendency to sweat excessively especially on the head. Additionally, they can have marked sensitivity to cold air. Calcarea Carb is a leading medicine to help cases of Lipoma that have occurred from excessive alcohol drinking.

2. Baryta Carb

Baryta Carb is second on the list to treat Lipoma. Though mentioned at the second place, it is equally effective as Calcarea Carb when it comes to treating Lipomas. Though it can be given for Lipoma on any body part, Baryta Carb acts most effectively on Lipomas that occur on the neck. This medicine will shrink fatty lumps on neck wonderfully. The results here vary depending on the number of Lipomas, its size and time period.

3. Phytolacca

Phytolacca is the next best herbal medicine given in homeopathic literature to treat Lipomas. Those needing it may have single or multiple Lipomas. The skin is dry, rough and harsh. These kind of Lipomas appear in overweight people. Phytolacca is an anti-fat remedy which acts both ways, in reduction of weight as well as absorption of fatty tumours.

4. Lapis Albus

Lapis Albus is an effective medicine to help cases of abnormal lumps and tumours. It is recommended to treat cases of different kinds of benign as well cancerous tumours. Lapis Albus is mentioned in the book “Homeopathic Medical Repertory by Dr.Robin Murphy” under the list of indicated medicines to treat Lipomas. There is no specific indication of this medicine for Lipoma so it can be used in general to treat Lipoma based on therapeutic indication in this book.

5. Uricum Acidum

This medicine has shown great clinical improvements in Lipoma cases where they are large in size. It can dissolve large Lipomas quite effectively. This indication is inferred from information of a cured case of a large Lipoma recorded under this medicine use in a homeopathic book “ A Dictionary Of Practical Materia Medica By John Henry Clarke, M.D.). Talking in little detail about this case, a Lipoma as large as a man’s head located between abdomen and breast on left side has been cured with this medicine mentioned in above-mentioned book.

6. Thuja

Thuja is a general homeopathic medicine that is of great help in treating abnormal growths originating anywhere in the body. Thuja possesses a powerful ability to help in the complete dissipation of fatty accumulations. If a person with Lipomas has high blood cholesterol levels, Thuja is very beneficial.

What Are Its Signs And Symptoms?

Lipoma are slowly-growing lumps under the skin that are rarely harmful.

1. Incidence: Lipomas are very common and one out of every 1000 persons tends to get at least one Lipoma in their life. Males are more affected by Lipoma as compared to females.

2. Composition: All Lipomas are composed of fat cells but certain types also contain blood vessels and fibrous tissue along with fat cells.

3. Location: It can occur on any part of the body but the common sites are neck, shoulder, upper limbs, back, forehead and thigh. Rarely, these can form in bones, muscles or internal organs chances of which are very minute. These are dangerous if formed in internal organs like in gastrointestinal tract that may result in ulcer, bleeding and obstruction.

4. Number: Lipoma can be single or multiple. The presence of multiple Lipomas is known as Lipomatosis.

5. Shape: Lipoma can be round or oval in shape.

6. Size: The size of Lipoma usually vary between 1cm and 5cm, but in some cases may even grow more as large as 10 cm or even more. Such big Lipomas are termed giant Lipomas.

7. Pain / Painless: Lipoma in most cases is painless but in rare cases, pain may occur when a Lipoma presses on a nearby nerve or have nerve tissue present in it (called Neurolipoma). If a Lipoma has multiple blood vessels in it, even then can be painful.

8. On physical examination: Lipoma feel soft, doughy and move easily under skin when pressed with finger

What Is The Cause And Risk Factors Behind Lipoma?

Cause behind Lipoma is still unknown. Persons having a family history of Lipoma may be at risk that indicates genetic factors play a role. Lipoma may form at a site of injury as a research shows. This is termed post-traumatic Lipoma. Though it may affect persons of any age but is more common in age group between 40yrs to 60 yrs. In some rare cases, Lipoma may be present at the time of birth as well.

Risk Factors

Some medical conditions are known to increase risk of Lipomas. These include:

1. Hereditary / Familial multiple lipomatosis: This disorder is inherited that runs in families in which multiple Lipomas form on trunk and limbs.

2. Dercum’s disease (Adiposis dolorosa): Multiple painful Lipomas form on trunk, legs and arms. Besides, a person also feels fatigue.

3. Madelung’s disease (benign symmetric lipomatosis):Lipoma grows mainly on neck and shoulders and occurs in males who drink alcohol in excess. Though it occurs in alcoholics, those who do not drink alcohol can be affected as well.

4. Gardner syndrome: Multiple polyps form in the colon (large intestine) along with tumors in area other than colon like Lipoma osteoma (tumor made of bone that forms in the skull), desmoid tumours (growths in connective tissue).

Besides the above, the following reasons may increase the risk of Lipomas:

1. Family history

2. High cholesterol, lack of exercise and obesity

3. Diabetes and glucose intolerance

4. Liver disease and alcohol use disorder

What Are The Different Types Of Lipoma?

The Lipomas are classified under various types depending on the tissue found in microscopic study:

1. Conventional Lipoma: It’s the most common type containing white fat cells

2. Hibernoma: Lipoma is composed of brown fat

3. Angiolipoma: Lipoma contains fat and large number of blood vessels and are usually painful

4. Fibrolipoma: Made of fat cells and fibrous tissue

5. Spindle cell Lipoma: Lipomas have fat cells that are spindle (slender round rod) shaped that are longer as compared to their width.

6. Myelolipoma: There is presence of fat cells and tissue that produce white blood cells

7. Pleomorphic Lipoma: These Lipomas contain fat cells with different size and shape

8. Atypical Lipoma: Deep fat and larger number of cells are present

9. Chondroid Lipoma: These are deep-seated yellow lumps that occur particularly on legs of women

Lipoma vs Liposarcoma – Are These Same?

Though these two lumps mimic each other and can be mistaken during diagnosis as well but both are different conditions. Lipoma is a non-cancerous lump of fat cells under the skin while liposarcoma is a cancerous lump of fat tissues. In case of cancerous lump, it remains fixed which means it does not move on applying pressure, increases in size rapidly and is painful. While non-cancerous lump is soft, movable on pressure application, and painless. Researches suggest Liposarcoma does not develop from Lipoma and is classified as a different type of tumour. On the contrary in very rarest of rare cases, Lipoma may turn cancerous and few cases of Lipoma in kidney and bone have been reported.

How Is Lipoma Diagnosed?

1. Lipoma can be diagnosed simply by physical examination in most cases.

2. Biopsy: If the lump is painful, large, fixed and if it is suspected to be cancerous – biopsy (removal of part of tissue to be sent to laboratory for microscopic examination and other cellular / tissue study) may be advised to rule out of if it is Lipoma or liposarcoma.

3. Ultrasound, MRI or CT scan: In some cases, these tests may be recommended to check if this is a cyst or Lipoma and if the physician has doubts, or if Lipoma is large, seems to be deep rooted and fixed. These tests will also check how deep the tumour is, presence of blood vessels or if it is pressing any nearby nerve.

Hamamelis Virginiana: Homeopathic Medicine: Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 12 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Hamamelis Virginiana is derived from the plant ‘witch hazel’. It belongs to family Hamamelidaceae. The fresh bark of twigs and roots of this plant are potentized as per homeopathic formula that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties. Through potentization process, it becomes a very significant homeopathic medicine Hamamelis Virginiana. It is one of the best homeopathic medicines for treating cases of bleeding piles, varicose veins and controlling bleeding from various body parts (example nose, rectum, gums, etc).

The ‘Hamamelis Virginiana’ Constitution

This medicine is well suited to persons who have a tendency to suffer from complaints related to venous blood congestion, for example piles, varicose veins, etc.

Drug Action

Among its various actions, the two most prominent ones are to control hemorrhage (bleeding) from various organs and reduce venous blood congestion. Its main action is seen on veins of rectum where it is highly suitable to relieve venous congestion and treat bleeding piles and rectal bleeding. Another important action is noted on the veins of legs where it works wonderfully to reduce venous engorgement, abnormal blood accumulation in veins and treats varicose veins. Hamamelis Virginiana manifests its action on skin, nose, mouth, eyes, urinary organs and male and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Hemorrhages (bleeding), bleeding piles, rectal bleeding, dysentery, anal fissures, varicose veins, varicose ulcers, inflammation of veins, nose bleeding, bleeding gums, varicocele, orchitis (inflammation of testes), bruises, joint pain, sore pains, eye pain, black eye, iritis, conjunctivitis, intraocular hemorrhage, burns, menstrual disorders, ovaritis (inflammation of ovaries), vaginismus, hematuria (blood in urine).

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Rectal Complaints (Bleeding Piles, Rectal Bleeding, Dysentery, Anal Fissures)

Hamamelis has marked action on rectum where it helps to treat various concerns related to it. It has the highest affinity to treat bleeding piles. Piles are swollen and engorged, inflamed veins in anus and lower rectum. This medicine has shown great clinical improvements when piles bleed profusely. Due to bleeding, intense weakness is felt. It is attended with rawness and soreness of anus. There is fullness and a sensation of weight in rectum. Anal itching is also felt. Stool is constipated and hard. Hamamelis is also well indicated to control rectal bleeding of dark-colored blood from other reasons too, apart from piles. It is a brilliant medicine to help cases of dysentery that refers to intestinal infection causing loose stool with blood and mucus. In such cases, the characteristic feature is the passage of tar-like blood in stool in large amounts. The blood is dark or sometimes clots of blood with mucus is excreted in stool. There is cramping pain around navel before passing stool. Tenesmus (sensation of incomplete defecation even when nothing is left in rectum) is well marked. It is successfully used to manage ulcers in intestine with passage of dark blood. Another complaint where it is beneficial is anal fissures, with excessive pain while passing stool and burning at anus after passing stool.

Key Indicating Features

Bleeding piles that bleed profusely

Rectal bleeding of dark-colored blood

Dysentery with passage of tar-like blood in stool in large amounts

Ulcers in intestine along with passage of dark blood

Anal fissures with intense pain during stool and anal burning after stool

2. Limbs (Varicose Veins, Varicose Ulcers, Inflammation Of Veins, Joint Pain)

This medicine also acts on the limbs where it is most valuable to treat many problems. Among these, it has wide action on veins and it treats well cases of varicose veins (swollen, enlarged, twisted veins), varicose ulcers, and inflammation of veins. In varicose veins, the veins are hard and knotted. Here it is considered when there is excessive pain in the limbs with difficulty in moving about. There is dull dragging pain in legs. Hamamelis is also recommended in cases of varicose ulcers, stinging, burning, biting and pricking is marked. The ulcers are circular, black, and may discharge thin pus with bad smell or blood. For inflammation of veins (phlebitis), it is recommended when there is prickling pain. Besides veins, its action is also noted on joints and muscles. The joints and muscles feel sore. There is pain and stiffness in shoulders. Pain gets worse from motion. Elbow joint is stiff with dull pains. There is lancinating pain in wrist joint especially left side. Among muscles, there is pain in flexor muscles of hands, wrists and fingers. The right biceps muscle feels tender. There is soreness in thigh muscles as if bruised.

Key Indicating Features

Varicose veins that are hard, appear knotted with, dull, dragging sensation and pain in the limbs with difficulty in moving about

Varicose ulcers with stinging, burning, biting and pricking

Varicose ulcers that are circular, black-colored and discharge thin pus with bad smell or blood

Inflammation of veins with prickling pain

Soreness of muscles and joints

3. Eyes (Eye Pain, Black Eye, Iritis, Conjunctivitis, Intra – Ocular Haemorrhage)

With its action on eyes, Hamamelis settles complaints including eye pain, black eye, iritis, conjunctivitis. It is capable to relieve soreness in eyes. For cases of black eye (bruise around the eye from an injury to face or head), it can work wonders. It is effective for cases of iritis (the inflammation of the colored part of iris) and conjunctivitis (inflammation of transparent membrane lining the eyelid and eyeball). In case of inflammation, eyes look bloodshot (look red from congested blood vessels). It can also be given to manage headache from eyestrain.

Key Indicating Features

Soreness in eyes

Black eye

Iritis and conjunctivitis with bloodshot eyes

4. Nose (Nose Bleeding, Sneezing, Cold)

By acting on nose, Hamamelis has a great ability to manage complaints of nose bleeding. It can be used when nasal bleeding is profuse and attended with tightness at the bridge of the nose. A pressure is also felt in the forehead between the eyes. Other than this, its use is considered when there is sneezing with watery discharge from nose that causes burning in nose. Bad smell emanates from nose which also feels blocked.

Key Indicating Feature

Profuse nasal bleeding attended with tightness at the bridge of nose

5. Mouth (Bleeding Gums, Burns)

Hamamelis is of great help in treating bleeding from gums after tooth extraction. It is useful for cases where gums are spongy, sore, painful and bleed frequently and blood is dark-colored. The second important guiding feature to use it is burns on the tongue and lips. A metallic, bloody taste in mouth may accompany.

Key Indicating Features

Bleeding from gums after tooth extraction

Soreness and pain of gums with dark-colored bleeding

Burns on the tongue and lips

6. Male Problems (Varicocele, Testes Pain, Nightly Emissions)

This medicine can treat many male problems magnificently. Hamamelis is one of the best-suited medicine for treating varicocele (enlarged veins within scrotum). It also acts wonderfully to manage inflammation of testes (orchitis) and pain in testes. The testes are swollen, sore and pain gets worse from touch. The pain can be drawing, aching or excruciating type. This medicine is helpful for cases of emissions at night with sexual dreams. This is followed by sadness, weakness and pain in lower back. Its last indication is inflamed urethra (urethritis) with discharge of transparent mucus and pain.

Key Indicating Features

Varicocele

Inflammation of testes and pain worse from motion

Emissions at night with sexual dreams, followed by sadness, weakness and lower backache

6. Female Problems (Heavy Menses, Intermenstrual Bleeding, Ovaritis, Vaginismus)

In women, this medicine can be of great benefit to manage excessive menstrual bleeding of dark blood. There is soreness on abdomen, weakness and pain in lower back. This medicine is highly preferred for managing intermenstrual bleeding too. It acts well in cases of inflammation of ovaries (ovaritis). The pain in ovary can be cutting or tearing type along with swelling and tenderness. Its use is highly indicated for ovaritis resulting from a blow or an injury when soreness is felt in the entire abdomen. Additionally, it can effectively deal with vaginismus (spasm of vaginal muscles when something is trying to enter it) cases. Its use in treating sore, bleeding nipples is also noteworthy.

Key Indicating Features

Heavy menses with dark bleeding, sore abdomen, weakness and pain in lower back

Intermenstrual bleeding

Inflammation of ovaries and ovary pain of cutting or tearing type and swelling and tenderness

Ovarian inflammation after a blow or an injury with soreness in the whole abdomen

7. Urinary Issues (Blood In Urine, Kidney Pain)

Hamamelis is highly valuable for cases of hematuria (blood in urine). This is attended with a frequent urge to urinate. It is an important medicine for managing kidney pain as well. For using it here, the pain is mainly dull aching type.

Key Indicating Feature

Hematuria (blood in urine)

8. Skin (Bruises, Burns, Skin Ulcers, Chilblains)

Lastly, Hamamelis acts on skin to manage various concerns. It is a significant medicine to treat bruises. Bruises means black, blue or purple skin discoloration due to damaged blood vessels under the skin resulting in pooling of blood underneath the skin that typically arises from an injury. Its use is also done in burn cases to alleviate pain. Other than this, it is effective in treating skin ulcers with thin, watery pus having bad odor. Lastly, it is well indicated for chilblains that have turned blue.

Key Indicating Features

Bruises

Burns for pain relief

Skin ulcers with thin, watery pus having bad odor

Chilblains blue in color

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from motion, touch, from exertion and in open air.

Dosage

This medicine works well in both low and high potencies. The potency varies from case to case. In low potencies, it can be repeated frequently. Frequent repetition of high potencies should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Arnica, Camphora, China and Pulsatilla

Followed well by: Arnica

Gnaphalium Polycephalum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 15 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Gnaphalium Polycephalum is derived from plant commonly known as ‘old balsam’ or ‘cud-weed’. This plant belongs to family Compositae. This fresh plant undergoes potentization process (process to prepare homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal powers of a crude substance) to prepare homeopathic medicine Gnaphalium Polycephalum. This medicine is of great service in treating cases of sciatica when pain is attended with numbness. Sciatica refers to pain in lower back going down the hips, back of thigh, legs up to the feet along the path of sciatic nerve.

Drug Action

The foremost and most outstanding action of Gnaphalium is seen on the sciatic nerve. This medicine acts well on legs, joints and back as well. Besides these, its action is marked on the gastric system. Lastly, its action is noted on the female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Sciatica, numbness, backache, joint pains, gout, anterior crural neuralgia, diarrhea, cholera, colic, dysmenorrhea

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Limbs (Sciatica, Joint Pains, Cramps, Gout, Anterior Crural Neuralgia)

The action of Gnaphalium is most marked on the limbs. It acts magnificently to manage sciatica. Sciatica refers to a pain that travels along the path of sciatic nerve. The pain marks its beginning in the lower back and then it radiates down the hip, back of thigh, back of leg up to feet. Here the classic symptom indication for its use is pain along sciatic nerve when pain alternates with numbness or pain is followed by numbness. This key symptom is specifically kept in mind when Gnaphalium is recommended for sciatica cases. The pain along sciatic nerve is quite intense where this medicine is required. In limbs, it is the most effective on the joints. A very peculiar sensation when the sufferer needs this remedy is pain in the joints as if they lack oil. In general, pain gets worse from motion, stepping and better by flexing limbs on the abdomen. It is well-indicated to manage pain in the ankle, knee, hip, elbow and shoulder joint. Among these, its action is most prominent on the hip joint. The pain can be cutting, darting or dull in nature. In majority of cases requiring it, pain from the hip joint radiates up to the foot. This pain is worse when lying down, stepping and from motion. It is relieved by sitting in a chair. Gnaphalium is also indicated for cases of gout (inflamed, red, hot, painful, swollen joints from rise in uric acid levels in blood). It works best in case of pain in big toes from gout. Another characteristic indication guiding its use is cramps in the calves (muscle in the back of legs) and feet when in bed. Other than these it is suitable for cases of anterior crural neuralgia. It refers to pain in the front of the thighs from compression of crural nerve (this nerve originates from lumbar nerves and supplies the muscles and skin of front part of the thigh).

Key Indicating Features

Pain along sciatic nerve with pain alternating with numbness or pain followed by numbness

Pain in the joints with sensation as if they lack oil

Pain in the big toes from gout

Anterior crural neuralgia – pain in front of thighs from compression of crural nerve

2. Back (Backache, Numbness)

Another action of Gnaphalium is prominent on the back. It can be used in cases of lower back pain. Persons needing it have relief in this pain from lying on the back. In addition to this, numbness may be felt in the lower back. A sensation of weight is felt in the pelvis.

Key Indicating Features

Lower back pain which gets better from lying on the back

Lower backache accompanied by numbness in the lower back

3. Gastric Troubles (Gas, Colic, Diarrhea, Cholera)

This medicine also acts well on the gastric system. Firstly, it is helpful for relieving gas in the abdomen along with burps of wind and nausea. Secondly, it is beneficial for colicky pains in different parts of the abdomen along with sensitivity to pressure. It can be used in cases of diarrhea. Here it is given when the stools are pale when passed in the morning and day accompanied by irritable temper. It can also be given for copious, watery stool at night with nausea, pain in the bowels and excessive weakness. Lastly, it is well indicated for first stage of cholera (an infection of the small intestine occurring from intake of food or water contaminated with bacteria named vibrio cholerae) with vomiting and diarrhea.

Key Indicating Features

Gas in abdomen along with burps of wind and nausea

Diarrhea when the stools are pale when passed in morning and day accompanied with irritable temper

Copious watery stool at night with nausea, pain in bowels and excessive weakness

First stage of cholera with vomiting and diarrhea

4. Female Problems (Painful Menses)

Here this medicine is effective to manage painful menses (dysmenorrhoea). The guiding feature for its use is painful menses with scanty periods. Pain is most marked on the first day of menses. Fullness and weight in the pelvis is also felt.

Key Indicating Feature

Painful menses with scanty periods

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse in cold damp, from lying and walking

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from sitting in a chair and flexing limbs

Dosage

This medicine can be used in both low and high potency. The potency and repetition of this medicine varies for every individual case. As a general rule the low potencies can be taken frequently but high potencies should not be repeated often.

Relationship with Other Remedies

It can be compared with other remedies including Colocynth, Chamomilla, Ipecac, Merc Sol, Pulsatilla, Lycopodium and Xanthoxylum

Opium: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 21 Comments

This medicine is derived from plant ‘papaver somniferum’ belonging to family Papaveraceae via potentization. Potentization is a process that extracts and intensifies medicinal properties of a crude substance. This medicine is of great clinical significance in treating cases of constipation, sleeplessness and effects of fear.

The ‘Opium’ Constitution

This medicine is mainly suited to people with relaxed muscles and those who have are been habitual alcohol drinkers for a long time. It is also well-indicated for those in whom well-selected medicines produce no effect.

Drug Action

Action of opium is especially noted on gastric organs mainly rectum. It also acts well on the mind and nerves. It is a very effective medicine for managing sleep issues as well. Other than this, its action is noted on face, limbs, urinary organs and limbs.

Clinical Indications

Constipation, fear effects, sleeplessness, snoring, convulsions, delirium, hernia, drowsiness, colic, painful menses, paralysis, facial twitching, urine complaints

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Gastric Problems (Constipation, Diarrhea, Hernia, Vomiting)

Opium has a wide action on the gastric system. It has a prominent action on the rectum to help cases of constipation. There is intense constipation in cases needing it. The stool is passed in the form of hard, round balls which is the characteristic to use this medicine. Intense pain may be felt in the rectum. It can also be given for treating cases of diarrhea especially that follow some fright or sudden joy. The stool is fluid and frothy with anal burning. The stool has a very offensive smell. Stool may pass involuntarily from fright. Opium is a very useful medicine for cases of abdomen pain with passage of hard stool. Abdomen feels hard and bloated. This medicine is of great value for cases of umbilical or inguinal hernia. It can be used for cases of pressure and heaviness in stomach. Lastly, it is indicated for managing nausea and vomiting. The vomiting may be greenish or contains blood.

Key Indicating Features

Constipation with stool passed in form of hard, round balls

Diarrhea following fright or sudden joy

Umbilical or inguinal hernia

2. Sleep Issues (Sleeplessness, Drowsiness, Snoring)

Opium proves to be a very effective medicine to deal with certain sleep issues. It is a very suitable medicine for managing sleeplessness. Persons needing this medicine have acute hearing and noises coming from far away keep them awake. They are sleepy but cannot sleep. There is excessive restlessness with tossing in bed. On the other side, it can be given when a person has excessive drowsiness and goes into deep sleep. Its use is also recommended to manage jerking, and muscle twitchings happening during sleep. Lastly, it proves very beneficial for cases of snoring.

Key Indicating Features

Sleeplessness with acute hearing and noises coming from far away keeping the person awake

Jerking, twitching during sleep

Excessive drowsiness with deep sleep

Snoring

3. Mind Complaints (Fright, Delirium, Convulsions)

It is a highly suitable medicine for complaints that occur from fright, excessive joy or anger. It is further well indicated for dullness of mind where brain works slowly. A person lacks mental grasp and is unable to comprehend whatever he is reading. The role of opium in managing delirium is also very important. Delirium is sudden change in brain resulting in confusion, unclear speech, clouded thinking, difficulty in paying attention, distraction and disorientation. In delirium, it works well when there is muttering (speaking in a low voice) with red, puffed, swollen face, wide open eyes and excessive physical activity. This medicine is prominently indicated for convulsions (fits) which get worse from fright, anger, insult and for convulsions in sleep.

Key Indicating Features

Complaints from fright, excessive joy or anger

Delirium with muttering, red, puffed, swollen face, wide open eyes and excessive physical activity

Convulsions (fits) worse from fright, anger, insult and in sleep

4. Limbs (Trembling, Weakness, Paralysis, Twitching, Jerking)

With its action on limbs, opium offers help to manage trembling of limbs especially due to fright. It is well indicated for managing numbness in hands and legs. It is also valuable for management of weakness and paralysis of legs. Its use is lastly considered for cases of jerking and twitching (spontaneous muscle contraction) of limbs.

Key Indicating Features

Limbs tremble following fright

Weakness and paralysis of legs

Jerking and twitching (spontaneous muscle contraction) of limbs

5. Face (Twitching, Cramps)

If we talk of facial concerns, opium is an important medicine for muscle twitching on the face mostly at the corners of mouth. In general, the face is red, flushed and swollen. It is effective in managing cramping in the lower jaw. Lastly, it is of service in case of swollen, distended veins on face.

Key Indicating Features

Facial twitching mainly at the corners of mouth

Cramps in lower jaw

6. Urinary Problems (Retention Of Urine, Kidney Pain)

Opium also cures urinary problems. The main complaint where it serves the best purpose is retention of urine or involuntary urine after fright. It is also indicated for retention of urine in females after childbirth. It can be used in cases of kidney pain when pain radiates from the kidneys to the bladder, and in males to testicles. Last indication for its use is weak stream of urine and slow initiation of urine.

Key Indicating Features

Retention of urine after fright or after childbirth

Involuntary urine after fright

Pain radiating from kidneys to bladder, and testicles in males

7. Female Problems (Suppressed Periods, Painful Menses, Suppressed Lochia)

Women may find this medicine highly useful for managing certain problems. The foremost indication for its use is the suppression of menses due to fright. Another concern that it can treat well is of painful menses. It is suited when pain during menses forces the patient to bend double along with urge to pass stool. Lastly, its use can be considered when lochia (vaginal discharge that occur after childbirth and last for about four to eight weeks) is suppressed from fright.

Key Indicating Features

Suppressed menses from fright

Painful menses with bending double and urge for stool

Suppression of lochia after fright

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints are worse from fear, joy, heat, alcohol intake, odors and suppressed discharges

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from cold and from constant walking

Dosage

It can be used from 30 C to 200 C potency. Its action lasts for about 7 days. In low potency, one may repeat it often but in high potency, frequent repetition is not advised.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor, Belladonna, Ipecac and Nux vomica

Followed well by: Aconite, Antimonium Tart, Belladonna, Bryonia, Hyoscyamus, Nux Vomica, Nux Moschata and Sambucus

Top 10 Homeopathic Remedies for Prostatitis

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 154 Comments

Prostatitis refers to the inflammation of the prostate gland (this gland is located beneath the bladder that encircles the top part of the urethra which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body). When the tissue in and around the prostate gland becomes swollen, irritable, and tender, it indicates prostatitis. Pain in the genitals, pelvic area, perineum, groin, painful urination, and painful ejaculation are the prominent symptoms of this condition. Prostatitis is of various types mainly, bacterial and non-bacterial.

Homeopathy is a highly advanced healing system that offers a magnificent treatment for prostatitis. The homeopathic remedies for prostatitis are made of natural substances and are completely safe, with zero side effects. Homeopathic medicines for prostatitis aim to provide easy relief in its symptoms followed by rooting out the chronic problem. Homeopathic treatment can greatly help in managing acute prostatitis and can also provide a cure for chronic prostatitis. However, in acute cases, conventional treatment may be required when symptoms are severe. Here homeopathic medicines can be used along with that treatment for symptom management.

As prostatitis may arise from different reasons including infectious as well as non-infectious, so homeopathy works to treat the underlying basic cause for long-term relief and cure. It boosts the body’s self-healing mechanism to fight back the cause to help in a natural cure.

The foremost principle of homeopathy is to treat any health issue including prostatitis following an individualised approach. As per this law, the homeopathic medicines are prescribed based on the characteristic key symptoms in every individual case and not just merely on the basis of diagnosis. Excellent results occur only when medicines are prescribed as per this law. Hence, it is advised to consult a homeopathic practitioner for proper evaluation of every case individually to find the most suitable medicine prescription.

Homeopathy goes beyond just providing symptomatic relief as it further works at a deeper level at the root cause to gradually decrease the frequency and intensity of recurrent episodes of prostatitis and to give long-term relief in chronic cases. Homeopathic treatment can help in reducing dependency on conventional medicines, like the frequent course of antibiotics in chronic prostatitis. Regular use of homeopathic medicines as per guidelines and till the recommended period as suggested by a homeopath can bring a cure in majority of the cases.

Homeopathic Remedies for Prostatitis

Top 10 Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Prostatitis

Some of the most frequently recommended medicines for prostatitis are – Apis Mellifica, Clematis, Cantharis, Pulsatilla, Conium, Sabal Serrulata, Chimaphila, Thuja, Lycopodium and Nitric Acid.

1. Apis Mellifica – Top-Most Medicine For Prostatitis

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

When to use Apis Mellifica?

Apis Mellifica is very beneficial for providing relief from burning and stinging sensation while urinating, especially when passing the last few drops of urine.

How to use Apis Mellifica?

It can be used in low 30C potency. It can only be repeated twice a day when given in low power. It is also used in 200C but in order to do so one should carefully look for the symptoms.

2. Clematis – To Manage Genital Pain In Prostatitis

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

When to use Clematis?

This medicine can be considered to relieve pain in the testicle, scrotum, and the groin area. Usually, pain in the testicles gets worse from touching and walking.

How to use Clematis?

Though it can be used in various potencies, the most commonly used is its 30C potency. Clematis 30C can be taken two to three times a day for good relief.

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

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

When to use Cantharis?

The most striking feature for using this medicine is pain or burning sensation before, during and after urination along with a constant desire to pass urine.

How to use Cantharis?

Cantharis is best suited in 30C potency. It can be repeated 2 times a day in 30C potency.

4. Pulsatilla – To Manage Pelvic Pain And Perineum Pain

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

When to use Pulsatilla?

The use of Pulsatilla is suggested to help pelvic pain and perineum pain, especially after urination in prostatitis cases.

How to use Pulsatilla?

Pulsatilla 30C once in the morning and once in the evening can be taken to relieve this complaint.

5. Conium – To Manage Painful Ejaculation

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

When to use Conium?

This medicine should be opted to manage painful ejaculation in cases of prostatitis. It is also recommended for weak erections in prostatitis cases.

How to use Conium?

Its use is usually recommended in 30C potency that can be administered twice a day.

6. Sabal Serrulata – For Frequent Urine At Night

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

When to use Sabal Serrulata?

It is a key remedy prescribed for prostatitis with frequent urination at night that may be attended with a burning sensation.

How to use Sabal Serrulata?

Unless otherwise prescribed, it is to be taken in mother tincture (Q) form once or twice a day.

7. Chimaphila – When There Is Difficulty Starting Urine

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

When to use Chimaphila?

Chimaphila is suitable for prostatitis when too much straining to initiate urine is required.

How to use Chimaphila?

It is mostly administered in mother tincture (Q) form. It can be taken 2-3 times a day. Once the symptoms improve, frequent repetition of doses is not required. If there is no improvement, then it is best to seek professional guidance.

8. Thuja – For Frequent And Urgent Urination

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

When to use Thuja?

It is a remedy that is used in cases of prostatitis having complaints of increased frequency of urination and sudden desire to urinate, that cannot be controlled.

How to use Thuja?

Both the lower and the highest potencies of this medicine are credited with excellent results. But as it is a deep-acting remedy hence lower potency, 30C is usually preferred once or twice a day. Otherwise, 200 C or even higher potencies, have proved efficacious but not in too frequent doses.

9. Lycopodium – For Frequent, Difficult Urination With Backache

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

When to use Lycopodium?

It is best to take Lycopodium in prostatitis where there is increased frequency of urine, especially during the night along with backache.

How to use Lycopodium?

It can be taken one or two times a day in 30 C potency.

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

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

When to use Nitric acid?

This remedy is best suited to patients who complain of burning pain when passing urine and the urine has a very foul smell.

How to use Nitric acid?

Mostly, it works well in low potency i.e. 30C. Usually, the repetition of dosage is limited to once a day. Higher potencies are not recommended until discussed with a physician.

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

Cause Behind Prostatitis

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

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

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

Risk Factors For Prostatitis

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

1. A recent UTI or sexually transmitted infection

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

3. Pelvic injury

4. History of prostatitis

5. Enlarged prostate

6. Having a prostate biopsy

7. Pelvic floor muscle spasms

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

Types Of Prostatitis

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

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

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

4. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis (Non-bacterial prostatitis): In this type the prostate is inflamed but no symptoms are present.

Symptoms of Prostatitis

The symptoms vary according to the type. The symptoms of prostatitis include painful urination or burning sensation while passing urine, pain in genitalia (penis, testicles, scrotum), lower abdomen, pelvic region, groin or perineum (area between scrotum and rectum) and pain may spread to the back, frequent urination that gets worse in the night hours and an urgent desire to pass urine. Its other symptoms may include difficulty in initiating urination, weak urine flow, difficulty in emptying the bladder, and painful ejaculation. Fever, chills, and body aches occur in cases of acute bacterial prostatitis. The urine may be cloudy or have blood in it. Urine may be foul-smelling at times.

How to diagnose Prostatitis?

As the symptoms occurring in prostatitis may happen from various other urinary conditions like UTI (urinary tract infection), BPH (Benign prostate hypertrophy), etc so some tests are usually required to diagnose prostatitis. After checking the symptoms the doctor may suggest some tests to diagnose prostatitis. Among these, the most helpful test is ultrasound of the prostate gland which helps to reveal inflammation of the prostate gland if present. Other suggested tests are urine examination (urine routine and urine culture test) for checking for an infection and bacterial growth in urine and a blood test called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) that is raised in cases of enlarged prostate, prostatitis and prostate cancer.

Complications Of Prostatitis

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

Homeopathic Medicine: Kreosotum – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 9 Comments

This homeopathic remedy is derived from ‘beech wood kreosote’ (a product of distillation of wood tar). When this product undergoes potentization (process by which homeopathic medicines are prepared by arousing latent medicinal properties from a crude substance), we get a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Kreosotum. It is a wonderful homeopathic medicine primarily used for treating various female disorders and urinary complaints.

The ‘Kreosotum’ Constitution

Kreosotum is a suitable medicine for thin persons and persons disposed to being sad and irritable. It is suited to children who are poorly developed and suffer from malnutrition.

Drug Action

The most prominent action of this medicine is on the female genitals, urinary organs and teeth. Rest of its action is noted on ears, gastric system and skin. It has a marvelous tendency to check burning, excoriating and offensive smelling discharges. Its action in controlling hemorrhages (bleeding) is also highly noteworthy.

Clinical Indications

Leucorrhoea (vaginal discharges), vaginal itching, vaginitis, metrorrhagia (intermenstrual bleeding), PMS (premenstrual syndrome), dyspareunia (painful intercourse), warts, bedwetting, involuntary urination, hemorrhages, putrid odor, toothache, tooth decay, painful dentition, ear disorders, ulcers, colic, stomach disorders, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, cancer, eruptions

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Female Problems (Vaginal Discharges, Vaginal Itching, Intermenstrual Bleeding, Pms, Painful Intercourse, Warts)

This medicine has widespread action on female genitals and is well-indicated for treating numerous female problems. First of all, its use is highly recommended for managing vaginal discharge medically known as leucorrhoea. This medicine is selected for these cases when the vaginal discharge is yellow, that causes intense itching and burning in vagina and has a very offensive smell. It is worse between periods. Standing and walking also make it worse. It is better when sitting. Excessive weakness occurs with vaginal discharge. Its use is also considered for vaginal discharges consisting of bloody watery matter. It gives excellent result in vaginitis (inflammation of vagina) cases. Second prominent indication guiding its use is vaginal itching. There is excessive itching in vagina, after scratching soreness and burning is felt. Soreness in vagina is marked when urinating. There is swelling and heat in external genitals. Thirdly, Kreosotum can be given for cases of intermittent flow of menstrual bleeding. Females needing this medicine complain that the bleeding during periods is not continuous and it tends to come and go. It disappears while sitting and walking and occurs on lying down. The bleeding is excessive and lumpy type. Kreosotum is also recommended when menses comes early, is heavy and extend for a long time. Its use is suggested for metrorrhagia means inter-menstrual bleeding too. In such cases, the blood is dark, occurs in large clots with offensive smell. It works well in cases of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). In PMS, it is used when there is headache, irritability of mind, nausea and swelling in the body. This medicine is also known to be effective for cases of dyspareunia (painful intercourse). Females needing it complain of excessive pain and also burning sensation during sex . Kreosotum also manages well complaints of bleeding after intercourse. This medicine is also suitable for cases of warts on cervix. Headache before and during menses is yet another important feature. It is also known to play an important role in managing cases of cancer of uterus, vagina or cervix.

Key Indicating Features

Vaginal discharges that are yellow, acrid, offensive smelling and cause intense itching and burning in vagina

Vaginal itching with soreness and burning after scratching

Intermenstrual bleeding with dark offensive bleeding occurring in large clots

PMS with headache, irritability of mind, nausea and swelling in body

Pain and burning during intercourse

Headache before and during menses

2. Urinary Issues (Bedwetting, Urgent Urination, Offensive Urine)

This medicine also has prominent action on urinary organs. It is one of the main homeopathic medicines for managing bedwetting cases. Here guiding feature is involuntary urination in first part of the night. Another important complaint where it proves to be effective is urgency to pass urine. A person has to rush to pass urine when urge occurs. The frequency to urinate increases during day. Urine is profuse. It can also be given for involuntary urination on coughing. Urine is very offensive where this medicine is required. Urine may be brown and deposit white or reddish sediment.

Key Indicating Features

Bedwetting in first part of night

Offensive urine

3. Mouth And Teeth (Putrid Odor, Toothache, Tooth Decay, Painful Dentition)

It acts wonderfully on mouth and teeth to deal with various complaints effectively. It is mainly useful for managing putrid odor from mouth. The taste in mouth may be bitter. It is also helpful for spongy, soft, bluish red, bleeding, inflamed or ulcerated gums along with pus in them. For teeth, its use is considered for decayed teeth. The teeth are dark and crumbling. There may be blackish spots on the teeth. It is given when teeth decay as soon as they appear with spongy and bleeding gums. It proves very successful in controlling oozing of dark blood, slightly clotted after tooth extraction. It is effective for toothache in case of decayed teeth. The pain from the teeth extends to the side of head and inner ear. It also plays an important role in painful dentition in children. The child is restless, is sleepless at night with screaming and wants to be in motion all the time.

Key Indicating Features

Putrid odor from mouth

Soft, spongy, bluish-red, bleeding, inflamed or ulcerated gums along with pus

Decayed teeth with dark and crumbling teeth or blackish spots on the teeth

Quick decay of teeth as soon as they appear

Persistent oozing of dark blood, slightly clotted after tooth extraction

4. Ears (Noises In Ears, Itching And Swelling)

It acts well on the ears. Here it can be used for managing tinnitus with buzzing noises in ears and hardness of hearing. A characteristic feature to use it is buzzing, roaring or humming noises with difficulty in hearing before and during menses. It is applicable to manage itching in ears. Another valuable indication is swelling and inflammation of ears accompanied with burning and tensive pain.

Key Indicating Features

Buzzing, roaring or humming noises and difficult hearing before and during menses

5. Gastric Complaints (Ulcers, Nausea, Vomiting, Pain, Diarrhea And Constipation)

This medicine is well-indicated to deal with certain gastric complaints quite effectively. These mainly include burning in stomach, ulcers, nausea, vomiting, abdomen pain, diarrhea and constipation. It is effective for stomach burning which is temporarily better from eating. It can be of great help for stomach ulcers. There is gnawing, ulcerative pain in stomach. It is helpful for vomiting of food occurring many hours after eating. It can be given for managing cases of hematemesis (vomiting having blood) too. It is the best choice of medicine for nausea and vomiting occurring specifically before menses. Another indication for its use is contractive or shooting pain in abdomen. There may occur griping pain around the umbilicus, particularly before menses. Burning pain in intestine can be there. It works effectively to manage diarrhea during menses. It can help constipation cases as well when stool is difficult with burning and cramping rectal pain during stool. Lastly, its use is also indicated for management of stomach cancer.

Key Indicating Features

stomach burning which is temporarily better from eating

Nausea and vomiting before menses

Diarrhea during menses

6. Skin Problems (Itching, Eczema, Urticaria, Bleeding)

By acting on skin, it can settle various complaints. To begin with, it works very well to manage violent skin itching in evening time. Secondly, its use to treat eczema is a significant feature. It is indicated for eczema of face, eyelids, back of hands and joints. It is useful when urticaria (a skin disorder characterized by itchy wheals means raised bumps on skin mainly occurring from an allergic reaction) occurs after menses. Another complaint where its use is suggested is to control bleeding from small, wounds.

Key Indicating Features

Violent itching in evening

Eczema of face, eyelids, back of hands and joints

Urticaria after menses

Bleeding from small wounds

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse during dentition, during and after menses, during intercourse, in summer, and when lying down

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from motion, warmth, pressure and after sleep

Dosage

Depending from case to case, it can be used from low to high potency. It can be repeated often in low potency but in high potency, frequent repetition is usually not recommended.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Aconite, Nux Vomica and Ferrum Met

Followed well by: Arsenic Album, Belladonna, Calcarea Carb, Nitric Acid, Sepia and Sulphur

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

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 3 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Sanguinarium Nitricum is derived from nitrate of sanguinarin. The nitrate of sanguinarin undergoes potentization (a process in which medicinal properties from a crude substance are extracted). As a result, we get homeopathic medicine Sanguinarium Nitricum which is of great clinical significance. It is a prominently indicated homeopathic medicine to treat various nasal complaints especially nasal polyps and turbinate hypertrophy.

Turbinate hypertrophy

Drug Action

It is a great remedy and helps cure the mucus membrane of the nose. It also acts well on the throat, respiratory system, the eyes and the head.

Clinical Indications

Nasal polyps, cold, allergies, hay fever, post nasal drip, cough, bronchitis, asthma, sore throat, quinsy, pharyngitis, laryngitis and headache.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Nasal Complaints (Polyps, Turbinate Hypertrophy, Cold, Post Nasal Discharge, Hay Fever)

Sanguinarium Nitricum acts well on the mucus membrane of the nose and proves effective in resolving various nasal-related issues. The first and foremost complaint where it is used is nasal polyps. It gives magnificent results in cases of nasal polyps (soft, painless, non-cancerous growths that may develop on the lining of nasal passage or the paranasal sinuses). Sanguinarium helps to dissolve the polyp’s growth in the nose as well as helps relieve nasal blockage. Secondly, it can be administered in case of cold with copious watery discharge from the nose accompanied by pain in the nostrils, burning in nature. Also, an accompanying factor is ‘pressure-feeling’ at the base of the nose. Sneezing also occurs along with this. Profuse eye-watering (lachrymation) accompanies too. Soreness and rawness is felt in the nostrils. It can be used in cases of hay fever (nasal allergy / allergic rhinitis). It refers to a condition characterized by symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, nasal stuffiness and itchy, watery and red eyes arising from an allergic response to allergens for eg, dust mites, pollen.

Another prominent indication for its use is hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates (nasal turbinates are tiny structures inside the nose formed of bone covered with spongy mucus membrane). It offers help in the beginning of turbinate hypertrophy. Another important complaint in which it proves beneficial is stuffing of nose with mucus that is thick, yellow, and blood-stained. There may be little crust formation in the nostrils as well. Upon removing the crusts, bleeding follows. This medicine can prove to be extremely useful in cases of post-nasal discharge (mucus dripping from the back of nose into the throat). Those needing it in this complaint have excessive difficulty in dislodging the mucus that seems to be stuck behind the nose.

Key Indicating Features

Nasal polyps with nasal blockage

Cold with copious watery nasal discharge with burning pain and sneezing

Hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates in the beginning

Nasal stuffiness with thick, yellow, blood-stained mucus

Post nasal discharge with difficulty in dislodging the mucus

2. Throat Complaints (Sore Throat, Tonsillitis, Quinsy, Laryngitis)

Sanguinarium Nitricum acts well on the throat. Here it is mainly indicated to manage sore throat and tonsillitis. The throat feels rough, dry, constricted. Burning in the throat is also felt alongside. There is redness, roughness, soreness, rawness on the right tonsil. It is accompanied by pain. Swallowing becomes difficult. Excessive mucus is accumulated in throat. There is expectoration of thick, yellow mucus which tastes close to being sweet. Its use in managing quinsy (also called peritonsillar abscess refers to accumulation of pus behind the tonsil) is also recommended. It can be administered in cases of laryngitis. In such cases, there is deep, hoarse, changed voice.

Key Indicating Features

Rough, dry, constricted sensation in throat along with burning sensation

Redness, roughness, soreness, rawness on the right tonsil

Laryngitis with deep, hoarse, altered voice

3. Respiratory issues (cough, asthma, bronchitis)

Its action on respiratory system is also indicated. It is mainly helpful for managing cough. It is given when there is short, tickling cough with expectoration of thick yellow mucus having sweet taste. It is well indicated for asthma and bronchitis (inflammation of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs) cases. Persons who need this medicine feel as if thick mucus lines the air passages. Sense of suffocation also occurs. Tightness and burning sensation in chest is another symptom that is present. Pressure and mucus accumulation behind sternum (T-shaped bone that forms the front portion of the chest wall) is also present.

Key Indicating Feature

Short, tickling cough with expectoration of thick yellow sweetish mucus

4. Eyes (Watering, Pain, Redness)

Sanguinarium Nitricum helps manage eye redness, excessive eye watering and eye pain. It is useful for sore, aching and pressing pain in the eyes. Burning in the eyes is also present. The eyelids and conjunctiva is red. Excessive eye watering (lachrymation) is accompanied. Lastly, eye dimness as if a mucus film is spread oversight is an indication for its use.

Key Indicating Features

Sore, aching, burning, pressing pain in eyes

Eeye dimness with sensation as if a mucus film is spread over sight

5. Head (Headache)

By acting on head, Sanguinarium Nitricum works wonderfully for managing headache. Main indication for its use is burning pain in forehead and root of nose. It is attended with aching in eyeballs. It can also be used when there is pain above eyes (supraorbital region) that extends to forehead. A characteristic indication guiding its use is feeling of fullness in head that gets better when there is expectoration of thick, yellow sweetish mucus. A very unique feature that can be there is heat in forehead relieved by bathing in warm water. Soreness and aching all over the head can also be present.

Key Indicating Features

Burning pain in forehead and root of nose

Pain above eyes (supraorbital region) extending to forehead

Fullness in head better from expectoration of thick, yellow sweetish mucus

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse at night and touch, eye soreness is worse from pressure.

Relieving factors: There is relief in headache by expelling mucus from the nose.

Dosage

The dose and potency of this medicine varies from low to high as per the case details. In low potency, it can be used often but in high potency frequent repetition is not advised.

Relationship with Other Remedies

It can be compared with some other remedies including Arum Triphyllum, Kali Bichrome and Psorinum

Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines for painful Menses

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 28 Comments

Painful periods are medically known as dysmenorrhea. Slight pain or discomfort is normal during menses but it is not normal to have intense pain that interferes with daily routine activities. In the latter cases, the cause needs to be ruled out followed by its proper treatment.

Homeopathic remedies are highly successful in managing various gynecological complaints in women including pain during periods. Along with managing pain, these also manage attending complaints like nausea, vomiting, and heavy periods. Conventional mode mainly prescribes pain killers and hormonal birth control pills to relieve menstrual cramps. These medicines help to manage the pain during periods, but they offer temporary care as these do not address the underlying cause behind it, so the complaint can recur again and again. On the other hand, homeopathic treatment works in two phases. In the first phase, it helps to give initial relief in pain. In the next phase, it works to treat the root cause of the pain during periods which results in a gradual decrease in intensity of the pain each month till the time it goes away completely.

Homeopathic medicine for every case of painful periods is decided individually for every case. Many factors are considered before finalizing the prescription. These include the type of pain, any radiation of pain to the back, thigh or legs, modalities (worsening and relieving factors of pain), any associated complaints like nausea, vomiting, heavy bleeding, headache etc. and the cause behind it. Taking homeopathic treatment under a homeopathic doctor’s guidance leads to wonderful results in these cases.

Homeopathic medicines are completely safe to use. These are made of natural substances. They work gently to overcome this complaint with zero side effects.

Top 7 Homeopathic Remedies For Menstrual Pain

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

1. Magnesium Phosphorica: Top-Grade Medicine

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

When to use Magnesia Phosphorica?

It is a highly effective medicine for managing painful menses when pressure and warm applications like heating pad/hot water bottle over lower abdomen give relief.

How to use Magnesia Phosphorica?

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

2. Colocynth: For Menstrual Cramps Better Bending Double

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

When to use Colocynth?

This medicine should be given in cases of painful menses where pain increases from eating / drinking, while bending forward reduces the intensity of pain.

How to use Colocynth?

30C is the most frequently used potency of this medicine. It can be taken two to three times a day during periods as per the intensity of the pain.

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

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

When to use Belladonna?

This medicine should be considered in cases where there is marked pain in lower abdomen during meses, lower back and legs along with bearing down sensation in the uterus that gets worse on lying down.

How to use Belladonna?

It can be taken once or twice a day in 30C potency during menses.

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

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

When to use Sabina?

Sabina should be used when pain specifically occurs in the lower back and goes to the pubes during menses usually attended with heavy periods having clots.

How to use Sabina?

Though it can be used in different potencies, it is advised to start with 30C potency. It can be taken two or three times in 30C potency as per the severity of pain during periods. This medicine can also be used to dissolve fibroids and treat endometriosis for which this medicine needs to be taken for a few months. For using it to treat these medical conditions, kindly consult a homeopath for the right potency and dosage.

5. Sepia: For Painful Menses With Scanty Menstrual Bleeding

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

When to use Sepia?

Sepia can be used in case of painful periods along with scanty menstrual flow with prominent bearing down sensation in the pelvic area.

How to use Sepia?

In 30C potency, it can be taken once or twice daily to relieve pain and improve blood flow during periods. Its use can also be done to treat cases of uterine fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease, for this the potency and repetition vary, so it is advised to consult a homeopathic doctor before starting this medicine to treat these conditions.

6. Ipecacuanha: For Painful Periods With Nausea, Vomiting

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

When to use Ipecacuanha?

Its use should be done particularly when painful periods are attended with nausea and vomiting.

How to use Ipecacuanha?

Ipecac 30C can be taken once or twice a day during periods.

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

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

When to use Kali Carbonicum?

It is an ideal prescription for managing pain in the lower abdomen, lower back and hips during menses.

How to use Kali Carbonicum?
One may use it in 30 C potency once or twice a day during menses.

Types And Causes Of Dysmenorrhoea

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who Is At Risk Of Painful Menses?

1. Females less than 20 yrs age

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

3. Females having family history of painful menses

4. Heavy periods and irregular menses

5. Females who smoke

Symptoms Attending Painful Menses

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