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6 Natural Homeopathic Remedies For Muscle Pain And Aches

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 446 Comments

Homeopathic Remedies for muscle pain and aches

Muscle pain is medically known as myalgia. Muscle pain can be localised in one muscle or a few muscles or generalized, involving muscles all over the body. The pain can involve any muscle of the body but the main muscles that ache are deltoid muscle (muscle covering shoulder and upper part of outer side of the upper arm), muscles of the neck, muscles of the lower back, calf muscles (muscles of the back of the leg) and thigh muscles. Muscle pain can be attended with stiffness and weakness of the muscle area involved, and sometimes can be attended with fever. In some cases, rashes can appear on the skin. At times, redness and swelling at the affected area can also be seen.

Homeopathic medicines prove very beneficial in cases of muscle pain. The natural homeopathic remedies for muscle pain not only provide relief, but also strike at the root of the problem and cure muscle pain effectively. These are also completely safe with no side effects. In modern system of medicine, generally pain killers, pain relieving ointments / gels, or spraying of pain reliever is advised in cases of muscle pain. However, it only provides temporary relief and the real cause of muscle pain is not addressed. Here’s where homeopathy can be of real help that provides long-term relief and cure by targeting the underlying cause of pain.

Homeopathic medicines for muscle pain are decided for each case individually. The muscle involved, the type of pain, the cause of pain and the worsening / relieving factors are all noted down followed by its assessment to provide the best homeopathic medicine. Homeopathy gives magnificent results when the medicine is prescribed following this individualized approach. This way it aims to cure the muscle pain rather than simply providing temporary relief. For achieving remarkable results guidance from an expert homeopath is required and self-medication should be avoided.

Homeopathic treatment focuses on treating the root cause of muscle pain like overstraining, injury, inflammation, autoimmune process, etc. By treating the cause, there occurs gradual relief in pain and at one time the pain resolves completely. Both acute as well as chronic cases of muscle pain respond well to homeopathic remedies.

Homeopathic medicines for muscle pain suit persons of all age groups and are entirely safe to use. The best part of using homeopathic medicines is that these are of natural origin hence are free from any sort of toxic side effects.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines For Muscle Pain

The leading homeopathic medicines for managing muscle pain includes Rhus Tox, Bryonia, Arnica, Ruta, Magnesium Phos and Gelsemium.

1. Rhus Tox – Top-Grade Medicine

Rhus Tox occupies the top position when it comes to treating muscle pain. This medicine can be used to relieve muscle pain anywhere in the body. The key indication to use it is muscle pain getting worse at rest and better with movement. It is the best medicine to help cases of muscle pain arising from overuse of a muscle; over-straining or over-stretching of muscle — like muscle pain from doing excessive exercise;  pain in leg muscles from excessive running; pain in the muscles of the arm from carrying heavy weights; neck pain from prolonged working on computers; back pain from heavy weight lifting or a sudden jerky movement and so on. Rhus Tox can be used for pain in any muscle of the body. It is a wonderful medicine for muscular pain, along with stiffness, particularly in the neck which aggravates towards the evening. Secondly, Rhus Tox is very beneficial for muscle pain and stiffness in the lower back which gets worse on sitting and lying down, but moving about relieves it. It is a leading medicine to help cases of lower back pain due to straining of muscles from heavy weight lifting. This medicine also relieves pain in deltoid muscle (muscle covering shoulder and upper part of the outer side of the upper arm) where stitching pain is felt in the shoulders while lying down which gets better from movement.

When to use Rhus Tox?

This medicine can be used as the first line of treatment in case of muscle pain in any body part especially when arising from overuse, overstraining of muscles. The characteristic to use this medicine is muscle pain, along with stiffness, that gets worse at rest and better from movement.

How to use Rhus Tox?

Rhus Tox is most frequently used in 30C potency; initially, it can be taken three to four times a day. Once relief sets in, the dose should be reduced. If using in 200C potency, do not take it more than once a day.

2. Bryonia – For Muscle Pain On Movement

Bryonia is a brilliant medicine for muscle pain treatment. The key symptom to use this medicine is muscle pain which gets worse on movement and better by lying still. It is effective for neck muscle pain and pain in muscles of the lower back. Movement and stooping are not possible. Next Bryonia, is prominently indicated for pain and soreness of abdominal muscles from coughing.

When to use Bryonia?

Bryonia can be given in case of muscle pain which gets worse during movement, while relief sets in from lying down.

How to use Bryonia?

It gives excellent results in 30C potency. It can be taken two to three times a day as per the severity of the pain.

3. Arnica – For Sore Painful Muscles From An Injury Or Overexertion

Arnica is the most useful medicine when it comes to treat sore, painful muscles from an injury or overexertion. Muscle injury may occur from a traumatic fall or a blow against something hard. The affected muscle is very tender to touch along with pain. Besides, Arnica is also indicated for muscle pain in case of influenza (a viral infection affecting nose, throat and sometimes lungs).

When to use Arnica?

If you have suffered muscle pain from overexertion or an injury, Arnica is the best prescription for you. It is an infallible medicine in such cases bringing relief in pain, soreness along with aiding healing of injured muscle.

How to use Arnica?

Take it in 30C potency three to four times a day at a three-hour gap. When pain starts receding, reduce the dose to two times followed by once a day.

4. Ruta – For Muscle Pain Due To Strain (Pulled Muscle)

Ruta is a magnificent medicine to deal with cases of muscle pain from strain, which is overstretching or tearing of the muscle. Muscle pull can occur from using muscle the wrong way, overuse of muscle, or an accident. Persons needing it feel sore with aching bruised pain in the affected muscle area. This medicine helps in pain relief along with relaxation and healing of the over-stretched muscle.

When to use Ruta?

Ruta is most prominently indicated to manage muscle pain arising from overstretching or tearing of muscle.

How to use Ruta?

30 C potency of Ruta is the right choice to start with that can be used three to four times a day.

 5. Magnesium Phos – For Muscle Pain From Cramps

Magnesium Phos is the top-listed medicine to relieve muscle cramps – sudden involuntary muscle contraction (tightness). It works well for pain occurring from cramps in any body muscle, especially calves (muscle in the back of lower leg) and feet. In cases needing it, a person complains of cramps from prolonged exertion and also at night.

When to use Magnesium Phos?

This medicine is the perfect prescription for muscle pain due to cramps because of excessive exertion.

How to use Magnesium Phos?

The most frequently recommended potency of this medicine is 6X which comes in tablet form. Magnesium Phos 6X can be used three to four times a day as per intensity of the pain.

 6. Gelsemium – For Muscle Pain Along With Weakness And Heaviness

It is a natural medicine to manage muscle pain attended with heaviness and weakness in the affected part. Mostly, it helps with muscle pain in the limbs (arms and legs). The affected muscle area is sore to touch apart from being weak and heavy. It is a highly valuable medicine to manage muscle pain that occurs in influenza cases along with fatigue.

When to use Gelsemium?

Use of Gelsemium is suggested when heaviness and weakness in the affected area is marked along with muscle pain.

How to use Gelsemium?

Though it works well in both low and high potencies, it is better to begin with low potencies. Gelsemium 30C can be taken twice or thrice a day.

What Are The Causes Behind Muscle Pain?

Muscle pain can arise from any of the following reasons:

1. Overstretching, overuse / overstraining musclesfrom excessive physical activity, muscle tension; muscle cramp is the main reason behind muscle pain.

2. Injury or trauma to muscle including strains

3. Certain medical conditions:

a). Fibromyalgia: It is a chronic long-term condition in which there is widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness along with other symptoms including fatigue, irregular sleep patterns, loss of concentration and mood swings.

b). Chronic fatigue Syndrome: In this syndrome, a person suffers from extreme fatigue/exhaustion along with unexplained muscle pain, memory issues, loss of concentration and improper sleep.

c). Thyroid issues: Muscle pain can occur in both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

d). Certain Infections:  like flu (influenza), COVID – 19, Lyme disease

Flu: it is a contagious viral infection affecting nose, throat and lungs.

COVID – 19: It is a highly contagious viral infection caused by SARS – CoV -2 virus

Lyme disease: It is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia which is spread by ticks.

e). Autoimmune diseases (the diseases in which the body’s defence/immune cells start destroying the body’s healthy tissues out of a mistake). These include dermatomyositis and polymyositis.

Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disease causing a skin rash and muscle inflammation.

Polymyositis is a muscle disease causing muscle inflammation leading to muscle weakness and pain.

f). Polymyalgia rheumatica: It is a chronic inflammatory condition leading to pain and stiffness in muscles, mainly hips and shoulders.

g). Compartment Syndrome: It arises from pressure build-up in a muscle compartment. It results in obstructed flow of oxygen, blood and nutrients to the muscles, nerves and blood vessels resulting in its damage.

4. Electrolyte imbalance: Low potassium or calcium

5. Certain medicineslike statins, bisphosphonates, ACE inhibitors

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Top 6 Homeopathic Remedies for Joint Pains

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1,473 Comments

homeopathic remedies for joint pains

Pain in the joints is a very common complaint, ranging from mild to severe intensity, which can incapacitate a person from doing daily chores. The joint pain can be attended with other signs and symptoms such as stiffness, swelling, redness, heat, and decreased movement of the joints.

Homeopathy offers a highly commendable and side-effect-free treatment for cases of joint pains. As joint pains can arise from different causes like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, etc, homeopathy gives excellent relief by treating the root cause. Homeopathic medicines help to relieve joint pain along with managing other associated signs and symptoms like stiffness, swelling, redness, and heat in joints. These medicines aim to halt further inflammation of joints as well as prevent further joint damage. Homeopathic medicines not only work to provide relief in joint pains but also aim to cure the condition in the long run. In conventional treatment painkillers, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), and steroids are used as per the case demands. These medicines may have side effects from long-term use and may create dependency.

Homeopathy is effective for acute/chronic joint pain

Be it acute or chronic joint pain, homeopathy gives equally good results in both. It provides prompt relief in joint pains and its attending symptoms. In chronic cases, it reduces the frequency and the intensity of joint pain. With timely use of these medicines, the deformities and other complications related to joint pain and inflammation can also be prevented in most cases.

Symptomatic homeopathic medicine prescription

Homeopathic remedies for joint pains are selected on a symptomatic basis in every individual case. A thorough case-taking with in-depth symptom collection followed by proper evaluation is done to decide a homeopathic prescription for any case of joint pain. This individualized medication carries great scope to treat joint pains. In mild to moderate cases of joint pains, there are high chances of bringing a cure. However, in severe cases with deformities and other complications, relief of joint pain can be brought about but the damage already done to the joint cannot be reversed.

Homeopathic remedies are safe and natural

Homeopathy uses natural medicines mostly obtained from plants to treat joint pains, hence are very safe to use. These do not cause any adverse effects as they lack any type of chemicals or toxins in it. One can use these without any fear of side effects.

Homeopathy is suitable for persons of all age groups

Homeopathy suits persons of all age groups like children, adults, and the elderly. The set of homeopathic medicines for joint pain is similar for all age groups. But only the potency and the dose differ from person to person.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines for Joint Pains

The top six medicines for treating joint pains are Rhus Tox, Bryonia Alba, Arnica Montana, Actaea Spicata, Colchicum Autumnale and Pulsatilla.

1. Rhus Tox –  For Joint Pain Worse At Rest and Better On Movement

Rhus Tox is a physician’s first choice of prescription in cases of joint pain. It is prescribed when the joint pains are the most severe during rest and also on initial movement. However, it gets better after continuous movement. Although there are a number of other medicines that treat this symptom, no other medicine does it better than this medicine.

In patients who are in need of Rhus Tox, they complain of heat, swelling and stiffness in joints along with pain. Rhus Tox is also highly suitable to treat joint pains which are a result of overstraining, sprain and injuries.

When to use Rhus Tox?

This medicine is the best choice when joint pains are worse from rest and better from movement.

How to use Rhus Tox?

Though it can be used in both low and high potencies, initially 30C potency is good to go. Rhus Tox 30C can be taken three to four times a day as per the intensity of the symptom. Keep away from using its high potencies without consulting a homeopathic physician.

2. Bryonia Alba – For Joint Pain Worse By Movement and Better At Rest

Bryonia Alba, though placed in the second position, is just as effective as Rhus Tox, but the symptoms a person shows are different. Bryonia Alba is chiefly recommended when the pain increases by even the slightest movement and is relieved by complete rest. The joint pain may be stitching (local, sharp, sudden pain) or tearing (intense) type. Along with pain, joints can be red, hot, and swollen.

When to use Bryonia Alba?

It is indicated for cases of painful, red, swollen joints with worsening of joint pain by movement and relief by rest.

How to use Bryonia Alba?

Though it can be used in low or high power, it is mostly used in 30 C power. Bryonia 30C can be taken twice or thrice a day.

3. Arnica Montana – For Joint Pain After Injury; Overstrained Joints

Sourced from the plant ‘leopard’s bane’, it is the most prescribed medicine to manage joint pain from injury or overstrained joints. Persons needing it usually complain of sore bruised pain in joints as if beaten. They fear touching the affected joints because of intense soreness.

When to use Arnica Montana?

This medicine is apt for cases of joint pain with sore bruised pains following an injury.

How to use Arnica Montana?

It can be used in 30C potency three or four times a day initially, gradually decreasing the dose once relief sets in.

4. Actaea Spicata – For Pain In Small Joints, Especially Wrist

This natural remedy sourced from the root of the plant ‘baneberry’ is highly effective for pain in small joints, especially the wrist. The wrist becomes swollen and red with pain. It is also beneficial for relieving pain in other small joints as well, including ankles, fingers, and toes.

When to use Actaea Spicata?

It is best-indicated medicine for pain in small joints including the wrist, fingers, toes, and ankles. Pains are worse from touch and motion.

How to use Actaea Spicata?

One may use this medicine in 30C potency, once or twice a day for good results.

5. Colchicum Autumnale – For Joint Pain Caused By Gout

It is one of the best remedies for treating joint pain due to gout (joint Inflammation from high uric acid levels). It can be given to treat pain in any joint, but mostly helps if there is pain in the big toe due to high uric acid. There is unbearable pain if touched and the pain aggravates in the evening.

When to use Colchicum Autumnale?

Use of this medicine may be considered in cases of joint pains occurring from increased uric acid levels (gout).

How to use Colchicum Autumnale?

It may be used in 30 C potency once or twice a day.

6. Pulsatilla – For Shifting Type Of Joint Pains

Pulsatilla is a highly suitable medicine for managing shifting types of joint pains. In cases needing this medicine, the pain keeps moving from one joint to another quite rapidly. The joints feel beaten and are red and swollen too. There is worsening of pain from movement and also at night time.

When to use Pulsatilla?

Its use is highly suggested to manage shifting type of joint pains when pain keeps shifting from one joint to another quickly.

How to use Pulsatilla?

This medicine can be used in 30C potency once a day. Avoid using its high potencies without the doctor’s recommendation.

Note: You may take any of these medicines for 3 to 4 weeks’ time. To use it beyond that or to use it in potencies higher than above-recommended potencies, consult a homeopath.

What Causes Joint Pains?

Joint pains can occur due to various reasons as summed below:

1. Rheumatoid arthritis

It is an auto-immune disorder that causes pain, stiffness, swelling and decreased movement of the joint. An auto-immune disorder means damage to the body’s own healthy tissues by the immune cells out of a misdirected response. In rheumatoid arthritis, the lining of the joints is affected which can slowly lead to bone erosion and deformity. This disease tends to involve small joints (fingers in the majority of the cases) on both sides initially, and large joints may get affected with time. Joint deformity can appear in later stages. Primarily, it affects joints but later on can also affect other organs like eyes, lungs, heart, and skin as well. The most important symptom is stiffness in the joints on waking up in the morning lasting for an hour after which it gradually eases. Other symptoms are pain, swelling, warmth, and tenderness in joints.

2. Osteoarthritis

It causes degeneration of the joints that occurs from wear and tear of the protective cartilage present at the end of the bones. Cartilage covers the surface of bones where they meet to form a joint. The cartilage in joints functions to allow smooth gliding movement of bones as the joint straightens or bends. Osteoarthritis mainly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. The symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain in joints, stiffness, swelling and tenderness at the joint, grating sensation when the affected joint moves, and decreased movement of the joint. Bone spurs (extra tiny outgrowth of bones over the end of bones) may form around affected joints.

3. Gout

It refers to the inflammation of joints that arises due to the accumulation of urate crystals in joints when uric acid levels increase in blood. It results in swelling, pain, redness and tenderness of joints, especially the big toe.

4. Injuryis also a common cause of joint pain. It can result from overuse of the affected joint, overstrained joint, sprains (caused by overstretching or tearing of ligaments that connect two bones in a joint), or fracture.

5. Ankylosing spondylitis

It is a type of arthritis (joint inflammation) affecting the joints of the spine. The most common joint involved in it is the sacroiliac joint (joint between the base of spine and pelvis). The main symptoms are pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips. The pain is worse in the early morning and after periods of inactivity.

6. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

It is a type of arthritis that affects children under the age of 16 years. It causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling, and in some cases fever and rash on the trunk (any part of the body excluding limbs, neck, face, and head)

7. Bursitis

It refers to inflammation of the bursa (small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, muscles, and tendons near joints). It mostly affects the shoulders, hips, elbows and knees. It causes pain in the joint (pain worsens from pressure or movement), stiffness of joint and swelling, and redness over the joint.

8. Tendinitis

It means inflammation of tendons (bands that connect bones and muscles). It mainly happens from overuse and mostly affects heels, elbows and shoulders.

9. Avascular necrosis (AVN)

It refers to dead bone tissue resulting from a lack of blood supply. Though anyone can be affected by it, excessive use of steroids in high doses over a long time and excessive alcohol intake puts a person at risk. Though it can affect any bone, the head of the femur (a bone in the thigh) is the most commonly involved bone. In the early stage of AVN (Avascular necrosis), no symptoms may appear. As AVN progresses to further stages, pain in the affected joint begins usually on putting weight on it, later the pain may be even felt on lying down.

What Are The Symptoms?

Along with pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint. A grating sensation (harsh sound) on the movement of the joint may be felt at times. The affected joint may be sore from the inside and tender to touch from the outside which restricts the movement of the joint. This can lead to chronic joint deformities. If any kind of joint pain becomes severe, day-to-day activities get hindered. Due to joint pains, like rheumatoid arthritis, other organs like eyes, kidneys, and heart can also get affected and lead to complications.

Who is at risk?

Though joint pains can affect anyone, some factors increase the risk:

A person with a family history of joint pains is at high risk

Injury to any joint

Overuse of joints

Obesity

How to diagnose the cause of joint pains?

To diagnose the cause behind joint pains a detailed medical history, and physical examination followed by investigations are required. The investigations suggested include blood tests and imaging techniques varying from case to case as per the suspected cause. Among these initially, some blood tests are recommended. These include ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and CRP (C-reactive protein) both of which check for the intensity of inflammation, some tests to rule autoimmune disorders that might cause joint pain like rheumatoid factor, Anti CCp (anti-citrullinated protein antibody), ANA (antinuclear antibodies) test and also uric acid test (to check for gout).  Imaging techniques like X-ray of joint, MRI, and CT scan might be recommended afterward as per the case needs.

 

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Top 5 Homeopathic Medicines For Sprained Ankle

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 2 Comments

A sprain refers to twisting, overstretching, wringing or tearing of ligaments. A ligament is a tough fibrous tissue band that connects two bones in a joint and stabilizes the joint. Of all the joints in the body, the ankle joint is the most prone to sprains. A sprained ankle is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. The ankle connects the foot to the lower end of the leg. Three bones (tibia, fibula and talus), many tendons, ligaments, and muscles collectively participate to form the ankle joint. The main symptom of a sprained ankle is pain and tenderness of the ankle joint. There is pain in the ankle when weight is put on the foot, besides swelling. Bruising (black or blue discoloration due to bleeding under the skin from damaged blood vessels) on the ankle joint may be seen. Walking becomes difficult as the range of movement at the ankle joint becomes restricted.

Homeopathic treatment for sprained ankle involves internal healing. These medicines works to heal the injured ligaments and promote excellent recovery along with helping to reduce pain and swelling in the ankle. It also manages soreness, tenderness and bruising of the ankle. Homeopathic medicines are recommended for mild to moderate cases of ankle sprains. In severe cases involving complete tearing of ligaments, it is advised to take help from conventional mode of treatment as homeopathy has its limitation in treating such cases.

Homeopathic medicines act on ligaments and promote healing

Homeopathy has numerous medicines that show magnificent action on the ligaments and assist in its healing. These medicines focus to enhance the body’s self-healing forces to naturally stimulate the healing of ligaments in addition to symptom management. For this homeopathy uses well-selected medicines prescribed in highly diluted form that work on a deep level to ensure great recoveries in mild to moderate cases. Homeopathic medicines also offer help to treat arthritis of the ankle that may occur as a complication in some of the cases of sprained ankle.

Effective for both acute and chronic sprains

Homeopathy can treat both acute as well as chronic cases of sprain superbly. It aims to provide symptomatic relief as well as healing of the ligaments. The healing time depends on the grade of ankle sprain that may range from few weeks to few months. Homeopathy also play a marvellous role in treating the tendency of recurrent sprains by strengthening the ligaments in the long run.

Homeopathy is totally safe

Homeopathy is a great mode of alternative treatment that has been in use since ages with the advantage of being safe and totally side effect free due to use of natural remedies. Homeopathic medicines used for treating sprains are natural and no harmful effects have ever been noticed with their  use. These medicines can be safely used among persons of all age groups to promote safe, natural, gentle healing in the most harmless way.

Top 5 Homeopathic Medicines For Sprained Ankle

The highly recommended homeopathic medicines for sprained ankle include Arnica, Ruta, Rhus Tox, Ledum Pal and Bellis Perennis.

1. Arnica – For Managing Pain, Soreness, Swelling In Sprained Ankle

Arnica is a natural remedy to be used as the first line of treatment for cases of a sprained ankle. This medicine helps to relieve pain and soreness in the ankle. Along with this, it also works in reducing swelling and redness.  Lastly, it helps to heal bruised (blackish/bluish discoloration from damaged blood vessels under skin) ankle joint.

When to use Arnica?

In case of sprained ankle, Arnica should be given in the first place to reduce pain, soreness and swelling of ankle and promote healing.

How to use Arnica?

Arnica 30C can be used three to four times a day with a three-hour gap.

2. Ruta – For Ligament Healing And Managing Pain & Swelling

Ruta has a magnificent action on ligaments. This medicine helps in healing injured ligaments. It helps to bring pain relief and reduce swelling of the ankle. In cases where ankle joint has become weak and lame (unable to walk correctly due to injury), this medicine can prove very effective.

When to use Ruta?

This medicine should be given in every case of sprained ankle. This medicine works two ways – it helps to promote ligament healing and alleviate pain, and reduce swelling of ankles. How to use Ruta?

After taking few doses of Arnica 30C, one may start Ruta 30C. This medicine should be used about three to four times a day. When relief sets in, one may reduce the dosage.

3. Rhus Tox – To Relieve Ankle Stiffness

It is another top-listed medicine having prominent action on ligaments. It is well indicated to manage stiffness of the ankle joint. It also manages pain and lessens swelling of the ankle. Rhus Tox can also be considered in cases of arthritis (joint inflammation) of the ankle that may occur as a complication of a sprained ankle.

When to use Rhus Tox?

Rhus Tox should be used in cases having stiffness in ankle along with pain and swelling.

How to use Rhus Tox?

Though it can be used in different potencies for ankle sprains, however, initially it is recommended to take it in 30C potency. Rhus Tox 30C can be taken twice or thrice a day as per the intensity of the symptoms.

4. Ledum Palustre – For Ankle Pain On Stepping

This medicine is very effective to offer help when there is intolerable pain in the ankle on stepping (putting pressure on feet to walk). There is marked swelling on the ankle. Also recommended for persons who have a tendency of repeated spraining of ankles, this medicine strengthens ligaments to prevent frequent spraining.

When to use Ledum Pal?

Those who feel pain in the ankle while stepping due to a sprained ankle should go with this medicine.

How to use Ledum Pal?

Ledum Pal 30 C can be taken two or three times a day for good results.

 5. Bellis Perennis – To Reduce Intense Soreness

Bellis Perennis is a wonderful medicine showing remarkable action on ligaments. It is highly beneficial in cases having intense soreness (pain in the affected area on touching) in cases of sprains. In cases needing it, contracted sensation as from an elastic band around the sprained joint is felt as well.

When to use Bellis Perennis?

In cases of sprained ankle, this medicine should be considered to reduce intense soreness at the ankle joint.

How to use Bellis Perennis?

Bellis Perennis 30C can be used two to three times a day initially. When soreness decreases you may reduce its dosage.

Note One may use the above homeopathic medicines for about one to two weeks in case of mild to moderate ankle sprain. If symptoms persist, consult a homeopathic doctor for further evaluation and prescription.

What are the Reasons and Risk Factors that Lead to a Sprained Ankle?

Overstretching of the ankle ligaments far beyond their normal range of motion is the primary cause of a sprain. The ligament may be partially or entirely torn according to the extent of the injury. Walking on uneven ground, a mis-step; playing sports like football, soccer, and tennis; wearing high-heeled shoes, a fall or accidentally stepping on someone’s ankle while running or playing, are some risk factors.

Types Of Ankle Sprains?

There are two different types of ankle sprains – ‘inversion ankle sprain’ and ‘eversion ankle sprain.’

1. In inversion type of ankle sprain, the foot gets twisted inwards while the outer ligaments are stretched too far, resulting in pain on outer side of ankle.

2. In eversion type of ankle sprain, the foot gets twisted outwards. This causes the inner ligament to stretch too far and causes pain on the inner side of the ankle.

Grades/Degrees Of Sprained Ankle

There are three grades of sprained ankles depending on the amount of damage that the ligaments have suffered.

Grade 1: A mild ankle sprain where the ligament gets stretched but not torn, causing mild pain, swelling and stiffness around the ankle.

Grade 2: A moderate sprain where there is partial tearing of the ligament, causing moderate pain and swelling.

Grade 3: A severe sprain wherein the ligament gets completely torn, resulting in intense pain and excessive swelling with loss of motion.

 

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

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 10 Comments

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

The ‘Berberis Vulgaris’ Constitution

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

Drug Action

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

Clinical Indications

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

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

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

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

Key indicating features

To dissolve kidney stones

Shooting pain which spreads from kidney to the bladder

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

2. Back (Backache)

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

Key indicating features

Back pain worse while sitting or lying down

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

Sharp pulsating pain in sacrum

3. Limbs (Joint Pains)

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

Key indicating features

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

Stitching pain in the toes

Shoulder pain gets worse from movement and pressure

Heel pain of tearing, stinging type while stepping and walking

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

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

Key indicating features

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

Crawling sensation, stinging pain, itching in the genitals

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

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

Key indicating features

Pain in kidney down the thighs during menses

Vaginal discharge of greyish mucus

6. Liver Complaints (Liver Pain)

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

Key indicating features

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

Gallstones with marked pain

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

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

Key indicating features

Skin itching and burning worse from scratching

Skin pigmentation in circumscribed spots

Eczema particularly of anus and hands

Modalities

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

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

Dosage

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

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor and Belladonna

It antidotes: Aconite

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

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Is Jaw Cracking, Jaw Pain Troubling You? Try Homeopathic Remedies

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 2 Comments

Jaw pain is a very common problem experienced by a number of people. It may be accompanied by some other symptoms depending on the case. These include stiffness in the jaw, swelling or tenderness around the jaw, burning sensation around the jaw, clicking sounds on opening or closing the jaw, pain on the face while moving the jaw, headache, the pain in the ear, ringing in the ears and toothache.

Homeopathic medicines are very effective in managing complaints of jaw pain. These medicines help in reducing the intensity and frequency of the pain gradually. They also help relieve the accompanying symptoms like stiffness in the jaw, swelling or tenderness around jaw, pain in the face, headache and pain in the ear. Homeopathic medicines for jaw pain are natural hence are completely safe to use.

Homeopathic medicines offer significant relief in cases of jaw pain by addressing the root cause and it thus offers long-term relief. This not only provides us with immediate relief but also ensures there is no recurrence. It effectively alleviates jaw pain related to various conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder, arthritis, dental problems, sinus infection, cluster headache, trigeminal neuralgia.

Homeopathic medicines for jaw pain works wonders when administered as per the characteristic symptoms of each individual. Individualised medicines are administered carefully after detailed case analysis by a homeopath. These promote lasting effects and improve overall health of the patient. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine for jaw pain only after evaluating the reason behind it after consulting a doctor. These medicines can be taken only when the cause is mild to moderate. However, in case of a serious jaw pain caused by a heart attack, immediate intervention through conventional mode of treatment is non-negotiable.  Some of the symptoms like chest discomfort, difficulty in breathing, nausea, sweating or fainting along with jaw pain signal urgent help for which one should consult an allopathic doctor.

Homeopathic medicines for jaw pain have no side-effects. These medicines are prepared from natural substances and offer relief in a gentle way and can be used among people of all age groups with promised safety.

Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines For Jaw Pain

The top seven medicines for managing jaw pain are Rhus Tox, Silicea, Causticum, Hecla Lava, Spigelia, Alumina and Phosphorus.

1. Rhus Tox – Top-grade Medicine

Rhus Tox is a leading medicine that helps manage jaw pain. A patient may report with stiffness of the jaw along with pain. There is a feeling as if the jaw would break. There is a cracking sound in the jaw joint and its movement is audible. There can be cramping pain in the lower jaw near the ear. It may get better by applying something warm and also by pressing it. Lastly, it is administered for pain in the teeth that extends to the jaw and the side of the head.

When to use Rhus Tox?

Rhus Tox is topmost medicine to manage cases of jaw pain along with stiffness of jaw with sensation as if the jaw would break.

How to use Rhus Tox?

From low to high potency it works well in all potencies. Initially, it is best to use 30C potency two to three times a day.

2. Silicea – For Throbbing Toothache With Pain In Jaw

This medicine is administered when a person has a throbbing toothache with jaw pain. The jaw may have swelling too. It is also administered for rheumatic pain in the jaw that extends to the sides of the head.

When to use Silicea?

Silicea should be given to the patients who have jaw pain  and along with it there is pain in the teeth and swelling in the jaw.

How to use Silicea?

This medicine gives excellent results in 6X potency that can be used two to three times a day.

3. Causticum – For Jaw Pain When One Has difficulty in Opening Mouth

Causticum is a medicine best used for patients who have jaw pain along with difficulty in opening the mouth. For using it, the pain can be tensive or dragging. It is also indicated for arthritic and rheumatic pain in the lower jaw. A sensation of tension and swelling under the jaw is also indicative for its use.

When to use Causticum?

This medicine is of great help to manage pain in the jaw with considerable difficulty in opening the mouth along with tense sensation and swelling under the jaw.

How to use Causticum?

This medicine can be used in both low and high potencies. However, it is better to start with low potency like 30C once a day.

4. Hecla Lava – For Jaw Pain After Tooth Extraction

This medicine is beneficial for those who have pain in the jaw following tooth extraction. The accompanying symptom may be that the jaw becomes sore and swollen. Other than this, it is useful for managing toothache with sensitivity to pressure and swelling around the jaws.

When to use Hecla Lava?

Hecla Lava is an important medicine to help cases of jaw pain that occurs after tooth extraction.

How to use Hecla Lava?

This medicine can be used once or twice a day at 30C potency.

5. Spigelia – For Lower Jaw Pain Radiating To Ears

This medicine is recommended when there is pain in the lower jaw that extends to the ears. It may also extend to the temporal (sides) region of the head. In some cases, the pain may extend from the jaw to the neck. It is one of the best medicines for cases of facial neuralgia with above symptoms. Another indication for using it is pain in the lower jaw while chewing, with a feeling that the lower jaw has split from the joint.

When to use Spigelia?

This medicine works well for cases of pain in the jaw when pain radiates to the ears.

How to use Spigelia?

It can be used in low 30C potency once or twice a day. It can also be used in 200C potency but not more than once a day.

6. Alumina – For Jaw Pain While Chewing or Opening Mouth

It is one of the top medicines to help if jaw pain occurs while chewing or opening the mouth. Pain is tensive (stressful). Swelling of the jaw may be an accompanying factor. Along with this, there may be a sensation as if the lower jaw has shortened. Another indication for its use is, there is intense pain in the jaw and the cheeks.

When to use Alumina?

Alumina is administered to provide relief from the jaw pain that occurs while chewing or opening the mouth.

How to use Alumina?

It is advised to take Alumina 30C once a day.

7. Phosphorus – For Tearing Pain In Jaw Bones

Phosphorus is effective when there is a tearing type of pain in the jaw bones. The pain occurs mainly during the evenings. Those who need it feel enhanced pain while lying down. Jaw movement may offer relief in the pain.

When to use Phosphorus?

This medicine is useful for managing the tearing sort of jaw pain felt mostly during the evenings.

How to use Phosphorus?

Phosphorus can be used once a day at 30C power.

What Are The Causes Behind It?

Jaw pain can result due to various reasons. The most common cause behind the jaw pain is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder).  TMJ is a hinge joint, one on each side of the jaw that connects the jawbone to the temporal bones of the skull. This joint helps in jaw movement while talking, chewing or yawning. Any problem with this joint or in the muscles around this joint is referred to as TMJ disorder. This disorder can lead to jaw pain. TMJ disorder has many causes and some of them include an injury to the jaw, teeth grinding, arthritis, and muscle inflammation around the jaw. Apart from jaw pain, other symptoms of this disorder include pain in the face or around the ears, clicking/popping sound while opening the mouth, ringing in the ears, headache and dizziness.

The second cause for jaw pain is trauma to the jaw. It can occur from a blow on the face or if one falls directly on the face. Trauma may result in dislocated or a broken jaw.

Thirdly, jaw pain may follow a dental surgery during recovery period.

The next cause can be the dental problems. These include tooth damage, cavities, crowded teeth, misaligned teeth, dental abscess (a pocket of pus that can occur in any part of a tooth), gum disease, teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

Another cause is sinusitis or sinus infection which is the inflammation of any of the para-nasal sinus, the air-filled spaces in the skull. In case of infection or inflammation of these sinuses, there is excessive production of mucus that puts pressure on the jaw joint and can result in pain in the upper jaw. Its main signs and symptoms are thick nasal discharge, nasal congestion, dripping of mucus from the back of nose at the back of the throat (also called PND, means post nasal drip), pain, tenderness and swelling around the forehead, eyes, cheeks, nose and decreased sense of smell and taste.

Arthritis may also cause jaw pain. In case arthritis affects TMJ, it can result in the jaw pain. It includes osteoarthritis (wear and tear of the protective cartilage at the ends of bones), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease in which the immune cells mistakenly attack the lining of the membranes that surround joints and causes its inflammation and damage.)

Another reason is cluster headache. This type of headache mainly causes pain behind or around one eye and lasts for weeks or months, followed by a long period of no pain. In some cases, the pain can spread to the jaw.

Trigeminal neuralgia is also one of the causes for the jaw pain. It is a chronic painful condition affecting the trigeminal nerve and mainly arises when a blood vessel puts pressure on this nerve. Pain occurs on one side of the face, mainly on the jaw, cheeks, teeth, gums and lips.

Lastly, it can be a sign of heart attack. Though in case of heart attack, chest pain is the major symptom, in some of these cases, pain can be felt in the neck, back or the jaw. Jaw pain can occur on the left side during a heart attack, mostly in women.

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What Is Rectal Tenesmus? Signs, Symptoms And Homeopathic Treatment

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1 Comment

Rectal tenesmus refers to a feeling of incomplete bowel movements. A person feels the urge to defecate even if he/she has already defecated. There is a feeling of incomplete defecation even when all contents in the bowels have been expelled. It can be attended with pain and hard straining to pass just a little more stool during bowel movements.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy is very effective in managing cases of rectal tenesmus. Homeopathic medicines help in reducing the intensity and frequency of this complaint gradually. Along with tenesmus, these also bring improvement in its attending signs and symptoms. Use of homeopathic medicines is recommended in those cases where the intensity of the complaint is mild to moderate. In cases where symptoms are severe or point towards some serious cause (example colorectal cancer), it is advised to take immediate help from conventional mode of treatment.

Homeopathic Medicines For Rectal Tenesmus

1. Nux Vomica – Top-grade Medicine

It is one of the best medicines for treating cases of rectal tenesmus. Persons who need this medicine have frequent and ineffectual urge to pass stool. They go for defecation several times a day but have unsatisfactory stool and have a constant urge to pass stool. Soon after passing stool, they feel like going to the washroom again. It is a very effective medicine for tenesmus with constipation. The stool is very hard and dry in such cases. It can be blood-streaked too. Before passing stool, sometimes they have cutting pain around the navel. Sticking pain in rectum may occur after passing stool. Its use is also indicated when there is frequent urge to pass stool and the stool is slimy, watery and has blood. In such cases, small quantities of jelly-like mucus may also be present in the stool.

2. Merc Sol – For Rectal Tenesmus With A Never-Get-Done Feeling

This medicine is well indicated for cases in which there is rectal tenesmus with a never-get-done feeling. Persons requiring it have to nidulge in excessive straining for stool with relatively scanty stool being passed. The stool is also slimy, bloody and has mucus in it. It can be greenish. In some cases, undigested food is passed as stool which has sour smell. It is accompanied by pinching and cutting colic. Pain and burning in anus can also attend. Nausea and vomiting sometimes accompany. Lastly, it is indicated for ineffectual urge to pass stool with protruding piles.

3. Aloe – For Rectal Tenesmus And Excessive Passage Of Gas During Stool

It is prepared from the gum of the leaves of plant Aloe Socotrina. It belongs to family Liliaceae. It is a very effective medicine for rectal tenesmus and excessive passage of gas during stool. In cases needing it, there is a continuous urge to pass stool, and gets worse soon after eating and drinking. Along with this, a feeling of fullness and weight on the pelvis is felt.  A constant bearing down in the rectum occurs. Rumbling and gurgling in the rectum with the urgency to pass stool is also felt. Stool is lumpy, watery in cases needing it. A lot of mucus may pass in stool.

4. Merc Cor – When Mucus And Blood In Stool Attends

This medicine is well-indicated for cases in which tenesmus is attended with mucus and blood in the stool. The tenesmus is excessive and the stool is hot, scanty and contains shreds of mucous membrane. It also has an offensive smell. The colour can be yellow or green. Cutting and colicky pains may occur along with the above symptoms. The desire to pass stool is frequent and ineffectual with violent pain. Anal burning occurs while passing stool. Weakness is marked with the above symptoms.

5. Arsenic Album – For Tenesmus With Diarrhea

Arsenic Album is a beneficial medicine for cases in which there is tenesmus with diarrhea. For using it, the stool is loose, green, slimy and foul-smelling. Pieces of mucus may pass with it. Cutting pain in anus attends it with marked weakness. Besides, rumbling in intestine occurs. In some cases, the stool passes involuntarily. The last indication for using it is piles which is painful,  and swollen along with tenesmus. The pain in piles is stitching type.

6. Nitric Acid – For Tenesmus With Rectal Pain

It is a useful medicine for tenesmus with rectal pain. Mostly the pain in rectum is sharp splinter-like in nature with ineffectual urge to pass stool. The stool is putrid, loose with undigested food, along with passage of gas. It is mostly green with mucus, blood in stool may appear too. There is excessive straining to pass stool but little of it passes. It feels as if stool still remains in the rectum that could not be expelled. The anus feels raw and sore with this. Sometimes, cutting pain in anus and rectum is also felt. While passing stool, colic and nausea also occurs. Excessive exhaustion is felt along with these symptoms.

7. Lycopodium – For Tenesmus Of Rectum, Gas And Bloating

Lycopodium is prepared from plant Lycopodium Clavatum, commonly known as ‘club moss’. This plant belongs to family lycopodiaceae. It is a prominent medicine for managing cases in which there is rectal tenesmus, gas in abdomen and bloating. Persons needing it have straining while passing stool and tenesmus. With this, they have gas and bloating which is felt soon after eating even if they consume small quantity of food. The gas leads to pain in abdomen. While passing stool, they have burning, stinging sensation in rectum. A distressing pressure and pain in rectum is also felt.

8. Colchicum – For Scanty Stool With Tenesmus

This medicine is prepared from the bulb of plant Colchicum autumnale, commonly known as ‘meadow saffron’. It belongs to family melanthaceae of the liliaceae. It is valuable for cases having scanty stool with tenesmus. The stool may be greenish, yellowish or reddish. It contains white shreddy particles. Along with this, pain in anus occurs.

9. Capsicum – For Frequent, Small Stool With Tenesmus And Rectal Burning

This medicine is helpful for cases in which a person has frequent, little stool with tenesmus and burning in the rectum. The stool is greenish, frothy and may have blood and mucus in it. Before passing stool, there may occur cutting pain and colic due to gas, and twisting pains around the umbilicus. After passing stool, burning sensation occurs at the anus. Burning pain in rectum is well marked. Biting and stinging pain in anus may also accompany. Sometimes the tenesmus of rectum and bladder may be felt at the same time in cases needing Capsicum.

10. Colocynth – For Rectal Tenesmus And Colicky Pain In Abdomen

This medicine is prepared from the pulp of fruit Citrullus colocynthis, also called cucumis colocynthis and ‘bitter apple’. This plant belongs to family cucurbitaceae. It is beneficial for persons having rectal tenesmus and colicky pain in abdomen. Along with this, there is watery stool which is copious and strong smelling. Nausea and vomiting may also occur.

What Are The Causes Behind It?

It may arise from various reasons. First among them is IBD – inflammatory bowel disease (an autoimmune disease that causes long-term inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract). IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In case of Crohn’s disease, inflammation can occur in the lining of any part of digestive tract from mouth to anus. In this, deeper layers of the digestive tract are involved. In case of ulcerative colitis, there occurs inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine and rectum. In this, superficial lining of large intestine and rectum is involved.

Other than IBD, inflammation in the colon from infection (like a bacterial or viral infection), any non-infectious condition or radiation exposure can also lead to tenesmus. Another cause for it is diverticulitis; diverticula are small pouches that can form in the lining of the digestive system mostly in the lower part of the large intestine. When inflammation occurs in one or more of the pouches, then this condition is known as diverticulitis. Rectal tenesmus can also occur in case of ischaemic colitis (inflamed colon from decreased blood flow to it).

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) which is a disorder affecting the large intestine that leads to cramping, pain in abdomen, gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation or both, is another cause behind it. It can also arise in cases of diarrhea and constipation. An abscess in the rectum, prolapsed hemorrhoid, sexually transmitted proctitis which is rectal inflammation (example of sexually transmitted infections that can inflame rectum are gonorrhoea, syphilis and chlamydia) may be some of the other causes of rectal tenesmus. Lastly, it can be a symptom in case of colorectal cancer.

What Are The Other Signs And Symptoms?

It can be accompanied by some other signs and symptoms depending on the cause behind it. These include rectal pain, pain in abdomen, diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, mucus in stool, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, weakness fever and chills.

 

 

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How To Get Rid of Sinus Infection with Homeopathic Medicines

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 642 Comments

homeopathic remedies for sinus

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (air-filled cavities within the skull bone). Sinusitis usually results from infections, affecting the paranasal sinuses, which can be viral, bacterial, or fungal, and also allergies.

Homeopathy has proven to provide wonderful treatment for sinusitis cases. Homeopathy uses natural remedies free from any adverse effects, so they are thoroughly safe to treat sinusitis. Homeopathy provides superb symptomatic relief in sinusitis. This mode of treatment reduces sinus inflammation helps in thinning the accumulated mucus filling the sinus and aids its easy outflow to reduce sinus congestion and eases the sinusitis symptoms arising therefrom.

Homeopathy has much more to offer in sinusitis cases besides just providing symptomatic relief as it further aims to heal the root cause (like the tendency to chronic cold, or nasal allergies) behind sinusitis to give long-term relief. If homeopathic treatment is continued regularly as guided by a homeopathic physician, it can help in reducing dependency on conventional medicines like nasal sprays, courses of antibiotics and antihistamines and can also prevent the person from undergoing surgical intervention.

Homeopathy can treat acute, recurrent, and chronic sinusitis. In acute cases, it provides quick symptom relief, cuts short the course of inflammation, and aids in speedy recovery. In recurrent and chronic sinusitis, it works to decrease the intensity and frequency of episodes of sinus inflammation. It tackles the cause of origin like the tendency to recurrent cold and nasal allergies. Homeopathy improves immunity hence preventing chances of recurrent cold that can lead to sinusitis. In allergy cases, it moderates the overactive immune system which is often the cause of recurrent sinusitis. The homeopathic mode of treatment can completely cure chronic and recurrent sinusitis, though it may take some time.

Top 8 Homeopathic Remedies For Sinus Infection

Some of the leading remedies to treat sinusitis are Belladonna, Kali Bichrome, Silicea, Hydrastis, Pulsatilla, Natrum Mur and Hepar Sulph. Lemna Minor is the top-most medicine to treat nasal polyps that can be associated with sinus infection.

1. Belladonna – Top-Grade Medicine For Sinus Headache

Belladonna is a natural medicine sourced from the plant ‘deadly nightshade’. It is the most frequently used medicine for cases of sinusitis when headache is most marked. In cases needing it, pain and heaviness is marked in the forehead (frontal headache) due to sinus congestion. There is relief by binding the head tightly with cloth or applying pressure. This medicine is most prominently indicated for frontal sinusitis. It is also indicated for maxillary sinusitis as well. Belladonna is also suitable to manage sore throat and cough in cases of sinusitis. The cough is short and dry which gets worse at night. It is the best remedy for acute sinusitis.

When to use Belladonna?

It is a leading medicine for frontal sinusitis recommended mainly when frontal headache is causing trouble.

How to use Belladonna?

This medicine can be used in both low and high potencies. In low potency like 30C, it can be taken three to four times a day. Once the severity of the headache reduces, the dose should be decreased. When using high potency like 200C, its use is usually limited to once a day. 1M potency is also required in some cases, but to use it, consult a homeopathic physician.

2. Kali Bichrome – For Sinusitis With Post Nasal Discharge

Kali Bichrome is the best medicine for sinusitis where the most prominent complaint is post nasal discharge – PND (dripping of mucus from back of nose into the throat). The discharge is very thick, sticky, ropy mostly yellowish or greenish. Along with PND, there is headache in frontal region (forehead). Pain at the root of the nose is also present. Nose feels stuffed along with these symptoms. The bad smell from nose occurs due to accumulation of nasal discharge. In cases needing it, a history of recurrent cold may be found.

When to use Kali Bichrome?

It is highly recommended for post nasal dripping from sinusitis. Pain in the forehead and the root of the nose are also indicative to use it.

How to use Kali Bichrome?

The most commonly used potency of this medicine is 30C that can be taken twice a day. It will reduce sinus inflammation and reduce associated symptoms including PND, frontal headache and pain at the root of the nose.

3. Silicea – For Sinus Infections And Chronic Colds

Silicea is a highly recommended medicine for cases of sinus infections and chronic cold. The main symptom guiding its use is throbbing pain in the forehead especially over the right eye. There is relief in headache by pressing the head firmly or wrapping it up warmly. Other symptoms along with this include nasal blockage and thick pus-like discharge. The nasal discharge forms hard crusts; any attempt to loosen these crusts results in bleeding. There is a loss of smell and taste as well.

When to use Silicea?

Use of silicea should be considered for those who suffer from chronic cold and sinus infection. The symptoms to prescribe it are pain in forehead marked over right eye, nasal blockage and thick pus-like nasal discharge.

How to use Silicea?

Among various available potencies, Silicea works most wonderfully in 6X potency. Silicea 6X can be taken any time twice a day to four times a day as per the severity of symptoms.

4. Hydrastis – For Sinusitis With PND

This medicine is prepared from fresh root of plant ‘golden seal’. Like medicine Kali Bichrome, this medicine is also very beneficial for treating sinusitis with prominent PND (post nasal discharge). The discharge is thick, mostly yellow. Besides, sinus headache is present. Burning pain in the nose, sore throat, burning sensation in throat may attend above indications.

When to use Hydrastis?

This medicine can be used in sinusitis cases when main complaint is post-nasal thick yellow discharge.

How to use Hydrastis?

It can be taken in 30C potency two to three times a day for good results.

5. Pulsatilla – For Thick Yellow Or Green Nasal Discharge

Pulsatilla is a natural medicine for sinusitis prepared from ‘windflower’. The foremost indication to use it in sinusitis is thick yellow or green nasal discharge.  A characteristic feature is the discharge gets worse in a closed room and gets better in open air. The discharge may be very foul-smelling. Nostrils may be blocked as well, along with loss of smell and taste. This medicine is recommended for frontal sinusitis and maxillary sinusitis. Pain and heaviness is felt over the forehead when the frontal sinus is involved. In the case of maxillary sinus involvement, a tearing type of pain is felt in maxillary sinus (in the cheeks) that may extend to the ears.

When to use Pulsatilla?

For sinusitis, the key indication based on which it is prescribed is ‘thick yellow or green nasal discharge’.

How to use Pulsatilla?

Though may be used in different potencies, it is best to begin with  30C potency. Pulsatilla 30C can be taken once or twice a day. Higher potencies like 200C and 1M can also be considered afterward but only under the supervision of homeopathic expert.

 6. Natrum Mur – For Sinus Infections And Nasal Allergy

Natrum Mur is a good choice of remedy in cases of sinusitis where nasal allergy is associated. This medicine aims at treating nasal allergy when it is the root cause leading to sinus Infections. The symptoms of using this medicine are a watery discharge from the nose, sneezing, and pain in the head.

 When to use Natrum Mur?

Persons who suffer sinusitis as a result of nasal allergies are ideal subjects to use this medicine. This medicine works in treating nasal allergies (with watery nasal discharges) to prevent recurrent sinus infections.

How to use Natrum Mur?

Natrum Mur is very effective in 6X potency that can be repeated three to four times a day.

7. Lemna Minor – For Sinus Infections Complicated With Nasal Polyp

In some cases, nasal polyps are a contributing factor to sinus infection. A nasal polyp in a nasal cavity blocks the normal drainage of discharge. The collected discharge thus acts as a pool for infection-causing agents, leading to inflammation of the sinuses. Here, medicine Lemna Minor is the best medicine to help shrink nasal polyps to prevent sinus infections. It may take some time to shrink the polyps, but once done recurrent sinus infections are prevented.

When to take Lemna Minor?

If nasal polyps are obstructing mucus drainage and causing recurrent sinus infections, this medicine can work wonders. It will help in shrinking nasal polyps which are a contributing factor for sinus infections.

How to take Lemna Minor?

Lemna Minor acts best when taken in mother tincture (Q) form. 5-7 drops of Lemna Minor Q can be taken twice a day by dissolving in half a cup of water.

8. Hepar Sulph – Forsinusitis worse in cold weather

Hepar Sulph is the best choice of medicine to manage cases of sinusitis that get worse in cold weather and winters. Those who need it mainly complain of bad smelling discharge from the nose. A very important attending symptom is pain at the root of the nose in the morning time. Nose also feels blocked in the morning.

When to use Hepar Sulph?

The use of this medicine is highly recommended to manage sinusitis which is worse in cold weather and winters.

How to use Hepar Sulph?

Its 30 C potency is the most frequently used potency that can be taken once or twice a day. Its higher potencies are also available but that needs to be taken under supervision of a homeopathic physician.

Cause And Risk Factors Behind Sinusitis

Sinusitis results when there is blockage of sinus openings by mucus. There are certain factors and health problems that increase the risk of sinusitis.

1. Common cold (that can be caused by virus or bacteria) can cause inflammation of sinus and obstruct the drainage of mucus

2. Nasal allergies andupper respiratory tract infections

3. Nasal polyps arethe non-cancerous growths in nose or paranasal sinuses that block nose or sinus

4. Deviated nasal septum meanscartilage that divides the nose is not straight is causing nasal blockage

5. Weak immune system

6. A dental infection, cystic fibrosis (a genetic disease that causes a build-up of mucus which is thick, and sticky mainly in the lungs and pancreas), and smoking are some other contributory factors.

Pathophysiology Of Sinusitis

Paranasal sinuses are four pairs of hollow spaces in the skull. These are situated in cheekbones (maxillary sinus), forehead (frontal sinus), behind the bridge of the nose, and between the eyes (ethmoidal sinuses). Another set is situated in the upper region of the nose and behind the eyes (sphenoidal sinuses). All the sinuses have the same lining that is present in the nose. This lining produces mucus, which is drained out of the sinuses, through an opening in the nose. When a person has a cold or nasal allergy, there is increased mucus production and swelling of sinuses that can cause the drainage to get blocked. This results in the mucus being trapped in the sinuses, leading to the growth of bacteria and viruses.

Symptoms Of Sinusitis

The signs and symptoms of sinusitis include

1. Nasal discharge: Thick discharge that can be yellow, green, pus-like, or blood-stained

2.  Post-nasal dripping

3. Headache especially in themorning

4. Pain/pressure on head or face, swelling or tenderness on the face according to the sinus involved as given below:

In frontal sinusitis: It is felt on the forehead and above the eyes

In maxillary sinusitis: It is felt on cheeks, or upper jaw, teeth

In ethmoidal sinusitis: Pain or pressure is observed  behind the eyes and in medial canthi (corner of the eye where upper eyelid and lower eyelid meet towards nose side)

In sphenoidal sinusitis: Pain/pressure occurs behind the eyes and is felt in the top/ back of the head

5. Stuffy nose, making breathing through the nose difficult

6. Ear fullness/pain, decreased sense of smell and taste, cough, throat clearing, tiredness, bad breath are some other signs and symptoms

7. Fever (it may occur in acute sinusitis and is uncommon in chronic sinusitis)

The signs and symptoms are similar for acute and chronic sinusitis. However, the duration varies with chronic sinusitis lasting for three or more months.

How to diagnose sinusitis?

In cases suspected of sinusitis as per the symptoms, few tests help to confirm sinusitis. The mostsimple and frequently recommended test for diagnosing sinusitis is X-ray of paranasal sinuses (X-ray PNS). It is a non-invasive (means it does not involve inserting any instrument in the skin or body opening) test to diagnose sinusitis. It is an imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to get an image of paranasal sinuses and find out the presence of sinusitis. But it does not help to give much details and the cause of the problem. The next highly preferred test is CT scan (computed tomography scan). It gives intensive details of the nose and paranasal sinuses. CT scan is a diagnostic test to confirm sinusitis that gives a 3D view of sinuses. The next suggested test to diagnose sinusitis is nasal endoscopy. This test is done by an ENT doctor and involves inserting a thin tube into the nose that has a light and camera to have a clear direct view inside the nose and sinuses.

 

 

 

 

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What is Nocturia? Top Homeopathic Medicines For Treatment

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 7 Comments

Nocturia refers to an increased frequency of urination at night. A person suffers from it if he/she wakes up two or more times at night to void urine. If not treated, it can result in sleep deprivation, weakness, drowsiness, lack of concentration and mood changes during the daytime.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathic medicines are very effective to treat cases of nocturia. These medicines are very natural, gentle and safe that bring improvement by working on the root cause behind it. With these medicines, there occurs gradual decrease in the frequency of urine at night. Along with this, there also appears relief in its attending symptoms like burning sensation while urination, painful urination, and urgency to urinate. The prescription of homeopathic medicine for nocturia varies from case to case as per the symptoms of an individual. So it is advised to take medicine for treating nocturia under the supervision of a homeopathic physician. These medicines are recommended for mild to moderate cases but in severe cases and in case of some underlying serious disorders (compression of spinal cord, for example) it is advised to take help from conventional mode of treatment.

Homeopathic Medicines For Nocturia

1. Lycopodium – Top Grade Medicine

It is one of the best medicine in homeopathy for managing nocturia.  It is prepared from plant Lycopodium Clavatum commonly known as ‘club moss’. Persons needing it have frequent urination at night. The urine flow is also profuse at night, while during the day, they have less frequency and scanty urine. At night, the urine can be pale. The symptoms that can attend include heaviness over bladder, dull pressing or stitching pain in bladder. Burning sensation in the bladder during urination may be present.

2. Phosphoric Acid – For Frequent And Excessive Urine At Night

This medicine is well indicated when a person has to rise often at night to pass urine. The urine is passed in large quantities. During urination burning in urethra can be felt. Other than this, it is also indicated for cases in which there is constant desire to urinate and there is sudden irresistible urge to urinate.

3. Merc Sol – For Frequent Urine At Night And Urgent Urge For Urination

Merc Sol is a beneficial medicine when there is frequent urination at night and an urgent desire to urinate. In cases needing it, there is sudden urge to urinate and the person has to hurry to pass urine. The urine can be copious or scanty. Cutting, burning pain while passing urine can be felt. In some cases, there occurs involuntary urination at night.

4. Baryta Carb – For Irritation Of Bladder At Night

This medicine works well in cases of excessive irritation of bladder at night. Persons requiring it passes much urine at night. They have an urgent desire to urinate and are unable to retain it, if the bladder is not emptied immediately. It is one of the most suitable medicines for frequent urination in old age.  It is a very beneficial medicine for prostate issues.

5. Cantharis – For Frequent Urine At Night And Painful Urination

This medicine is helpful in treating cases in which there is frequent urination at night along with pain. The pain can be burning or cutting in nature. This may be felt before, during or after urination. There is also urgency to pass urine. The urge for urination occurs even when there is little urine in the bladder. Heaviness and soreness in the bladder may also be present. Sometimes the urine passed at night is cloudy with white sediment. It is a very effective medicine for treatment of urinary tract infection.  

6. Causticum – For Frequent Urination Day And Night

This medicine is beneficial in treating cases in which there is frequent urination day and night. Along with this, there is burning sensation in urethra while urinating. In some cases, itching of urethral orifice is felt. Sometimes there is involuntary dribbling of urine also. The urine may be thick white or dark brown.

7. Sarsaparilla – For Frequent And Profuse Pale Urine

It is prepared from dried rhizome of plant Sarsaparilla Officinalis, commonly known as ‘wild liquorice’.  This medicine is very useful to manage frequent and profuse pale urination at night.  Person needing it passes too much urine. Burning while urination may be there. Excessive pain at the conclusion of urination is another characteristic symptom that can be present.

8. Equisetum – For Frequent Urination And Bladder Pain

This natural medicine is sourced from the plant Equisetum Hyemale, also known as ‘scouring rush’. This medicine is helpful when there is frequent urine at night and bladder pain. The pain is dull in nature. The bladder may be painful if pressure is applied during urination. The urge to pass urine is sudden. Along with these symptoms, there can be a feeling of fullness in the bladder that doesn’t get better even after urinating.

9. Thuja – For Nocturia And Sudden Urgent Urge To Urinate

It is prepared from fresh green twigs of plant Thuja Occidentalis, commonly known by the name of ‘Arbor Vitae’. This medicine is significant for cases having frequent urine at night and urgent desire to urinate that cannot be controlled. Cutting pangs of pain are felt after urinating. A sensation of a drop running down the urethra is felt after urination.

10. Borax – When Urine Has A Pungent (Strong) Smell

This medicine is indicated for persons who pass urine several times at night which has a very strong smell. With this, there is urgent desire to urinate. The urine is hot. After urination, soreness and smarting in urethra is felt.

11. Calcarea Carb – For Nocturia And Foul Smelling Urine

It is an important medicine when there is nocturia and foul smelling urine. The urine smells sour where this medicine is required. Other than this, there is ineffectual desire to urinate. With this, there is cutting or stitching pain in the urethra. Before urination, burning sensation can be felt. The urine may be dark brown or milk-white. There may be whitish sediment in urine in some cases.

What Are Its Causes?

The causes behind nocturia are variable. It can simply arise from intake of excessive fluid or taking fluids close to bedtime, or taking alcohol and caffeinated drinks. In some people, it may be just a habit to wake up at night to pass urine. However, it can also arise from some medical conditions as follows:

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary tract — kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra, but mostly it occurs in urinary bladder and urethra. The symptoms include painful or burning urination, frequent urination or constant urge to urinate and urgency to pass urine.

2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlarged prostate gland which is a common condition in elderly men. Its common symptoms are frequent urination, nocturia, urgency to urinate, difficulty in initiating urination, weak urine stream and dribbling at the end of urination.

3. Inflamed prostate gland (prostatitis) causes pain or burning sensation during urination, nocturia, urgency to urinate, difficulty in initiating urine, dribbling urine, pain in groin, abdomen, blood in urine, pain in penis or testes.

4. Fourth is diabetes.

5. It can arise from an overactive bladder. In this condition, the bladder muscles start to contract involuntarily even with a small amount of urine in the bladder. It mainly causes symptoms like sudden urge to urinate, frequent urine, nocturia and involuntary urine passage immediately after an urge for urination is felt.

6. Tumours in the bladder or pelvic area and bladder prolapse can also lead to nocturia.

7. Other than this, it can happen in case of anxiety, obstructive sleep apnea (a serious sleep disorder in which breathing stops momentarily and then starts occuring several times during sleep), during pregnancy and  from use of certain medicines (eg, diuretics which are the drugs that increases urine flow). It can also be a symptom in case of heart or liver failure and some neurological disorders. These neurological disorders include Parkinson’s disease which is a nervous system disorder that affects part of the brain that controls body movements. It begins with tremor in one hand and causes stiffness, slow movement, impaired posture and balance. It can lead to several complications one of which is bladder problems. Second such disorder is multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease in which there is damage to the myelin sheath of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Next neurological disorder is Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder in which the brain cells gradually die that leads to memory loss, difficulty in thinking, reasoning and social skills. Last is compression of the spinal cord.

8. Elderly persons are more at risk. Though nocturia can affect persons of any age group, it is common in elderly people. As a person ages, production of hormone that concentrates urine is reduced, so he/ she is unable to hold urine until the morning.

9. In some cases, the urge to urinate at night does not wake a person, if a person wakes there is need to pass urine. This can arise in case a person has restless leg syndrome, depression, chronic pain that disturbs sleep.

 

 

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

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 3 Comments

Sabadilla Officinalis is sourced from plant Cebadilla. It belongs to the family melanthaceae (of the liliaceae). The seeds of the plant Cebadilla are subjected to potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties). Following this process, homeopathic remedy Sabadilla Officinalis is obtained which is of great service to treat nasal allergies, colds and recurrent sneezing.

Drug Action

This medicine principally acts on the mucus membrane of nose. Its action is also felt on lachrymal glands, throat, gastric tract, anus, head, eyes, skin and nerves.

Clinical Indications

Nasal allergy, sneezing, cold, runny nose, sore throat, lachrymation, blue rings around eyes, headache, itchy scalp, worm infestation, stomach pain, cough, earache, noises in ear, dry skin.

 Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Nose (Nasal Allergy, Sneezing, Runny Nose, Cold)

This medicine has an extensive action on the mucus membrane of nose. It treats complaints of nasal allergies, cold, influenza, runny nose, sneezing and nasal itching. It is one of the best homeopathic medicine for cases of nasal allergy also known as hay fever. It is a nasal condition in which cold-like symptoms occur, like runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes that happen from an over-reaction of immune cells to harmless substances like pollen, dust etc in a person having allergic tendency. Sabadilla is well indicated when there is runny nose, profuse watery nasal discharge along with sneezing. Tickling, tingling or itching in nose may be felt. Additionally, redness of eyes and watering from eyes may be there. At a given time, either of the two nostrils is blocked which causes difficulty in breathing. Snoring is experienced by the person. Next, frontal pain in head attends. Another peculiar indication for using this remedy is cold with runny nose/sneezing which get worse from strong odour like perfumes.

Key indicating features

Nasal allergy with runny nose, sneezing and nasal itching

Cold with frontal headache

Cold with runny nose/sneezing from strong odours

2. Throat (Sore Throat, Tonsillitis)

With its action on throat, it offers great help in managing cases of chronic sore throat. In most cases needing it, sore throat begins in the left side and then goes to the right side. The tonsils are swollen and inflamed. Pain in the throat is felt from empty swallowing. Cold air makes the complaint worse. Relief is noted by taking warm food or warm drinks. Stitching pain in throat is experienced while swallowing. There is feeling of a lump in the throat and person has constant desire to swallow it. Sometimes, a sensation of skin hanging loosely in throat is felt. Occasionally, it feels as if a morsel of food has got stuck in the throat leading to cough. The throat may feel dry or there can be tough phlegm in throat with need to hawk.

Key indicating features

Sore throat beginning on left side then going to the right side

Sore throat worse from cold air and better from warm drinks/food

3. Gastric Ailments (Worms, Stomach Pain)

Sabadilla is effective in dealing with gastric ailments. Firstly, it is used to treat worms, mostly tapeworms, pin worms and ascarides worms. It gives substantial relief in itching and crawling sensation felt in the anus due to worms.  It also helps in easing the burning sensation or pain felt in navel region. There may be changes in the bowel movement. The stool can be hard and scanty or there may occur diarrhea with loose, brown and frothy stool. Pinching pain around navel and loud rumbling can be felt before passing stool. There may be burning sensation in abdomen and rectum after passing stool.  Sometimes, blood passes with stool. There is excessive passage of gas. Other than these, Sabadilla is indicated to manage twisting/ turning type of pain in abdomen. Rest of the symptoms include bloating, cutting type of pain in the intestine, abdomen pain with a characteristic sensation of a ball moving in the abdomen, burning sensation in stomach and food pipe, and loss of appetite.

Key indicating features

Worm infestations include tapeworm, pin worms, ascarides worms

Itching, crawling sensation in the anus

Pain in navel region in cases of worms

4. Cough

This medicine has also shown clinical improvement in cases of cough. Sabadilla mostly helps in cases of dry cough that arises from roughness or scratchiness or scraping in throat. Coughing mostly worsens at night, as soon as a person lies down. In some cases, pain at the top of head (vertex) is felt along with cough. Sweating, vomiting and watering from eyes are other accompanying symptoms. Difficulty in breathing, burning sensation in chest and wheezing may also happen.  Sabadilla can also be given for cough that worsens from cold.

Key indicating features

Cough arising from roughness or scratchiness in throat

Cough worsening at night, as soon as one lies down and from cold

5. Ears (Earache, Noises In Ears)

This medicine also acts on ears where it is beneficial to manage cases of ear pain, noises in ears (tinnitus), itching in ears. Along with pain in the ear, there is pressure on the ear. Mostly stitching pain especially in left ear is felt. In case of tinnitus, a person hears humming or gurgling noises in ear. There can be difficulty in hearing too.

Key indicating features

Pain in ear with pressure sensation

Humming, gurgling noises in ears

6. Eyes (Redness Of Eyelids, Lachrymation, Blue Rings)

In case of eyes, Sabadilla can be given to manage redness of eyelids attended with burning sensation. Next, it can be used for excessive watering from eyes (lachrymation) while coughing, sneezing or walking in open air. It is also beneficial for cases of blue rings around the eyes.

Key indicating features

Redness and burning of eyelids

Lachrymation during sneezing, coughing and walking in open air

7. Head (Headache, Itchy Scalp)

Sabadilla is a useful medicine to manage headache. It is mainly preferred to manage headache that occurs with cold. The pain, in this case, is frequently experienced in frontal part of head.  There may be heaviness in the head usually in forehead and sides of head (temporal region) in case of nasal allergy. Next peculiar indication to use it is headache that follows excessive thinking or some intellectual thinking. The pain occurs on one side of the head or on alternating sides. It gets better by eating. Sabadilla can be given in cases of itching and burning on the scalp, crawling sensation can also be felt.

Key indicating symptoms

Headache in frontal part of head with cold

Headache from overthinking and intellectual work

8. Skin Complaints (Dry Skin, Crawling Sensation)

Last sphere of action of Sabadilla is skin where it is useful for dry skin. Burning sensation on skin can be present. It is also effective in managing crawling sensation like that of ants. Lastly, it works well in cases of thick, horny, deformed nails.

Key indicating features

Creeping, crawling sensation on skin

Thick, horny, deformed nails

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints are worse from cold air, cold drinks, strong odors, and mental exertion

Relieving factors: Complaints are better from warm food and drinks, heat, being wrapped up

Dosage

This medicine works well in both low and high potencies. In low potency like 30C, one may take it frequently around two to three times a day. But in high potency like 200C, 1M frequent repetition should be avoided.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor, Conium, Lachesis, Lycopodium and Pulsatilla

Followed well by Arsenic Album, Belladonna, Merc Sol, Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla

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Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines for Sciatica

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 140 Comments

Sciatica is a term used to describe pain that begins in the lower back and travels down the lower limbs traversing the root of the sciatic nerve. It is caused by irritation and compression of the sciatic nerve which is the largest nerve in the human body. It originates in the lower back and runs down the hips, back of the legs, and down to the feet. There is one sciatic nerve on either side of the body and any one of them may be affected when pain is experienced.

Natural and Safe

Homeopathy is a well-renowned system of healing that works wonders in treating various kinds of nerve pains including sciatica. Homeopathic medicines, which are natural and safe, work on the root cause of sciatica for complete, effective healing and cure. These can effectively manage sciatica pain and its other attending symptoms such as numbness, tingling and burning sensation.

Homeopathic medicines are selected individually for every case of sciatica to provide relief. Various factors are kept in mind while prescribing a homeopathic medicine in these cases such as the side of pain, the nature of pain, factors that make the pain worse or better, time when it increases or decreases, any associated symptoms like numbness or tingling and the underlying cause.

Relief in Acute/Chronic Sciatica

Homeopathic medicines can treat acute as well as chronic sciatica cases. In acute cases, homeopathic medicines offer immediate relief in symptoms. In chronic cases, it relieves the symptoms and helps to reduce the intensity and frequency of recurrent episodes of pain and other associated symptoms if the prescribed course of homeopathic treatment is followed for the recommended time. Being free of side effects, homeopathy has an advantage over the conventional method of treatment that uses painkillers, muscle relaxants, and corticosteroids in sciatica cases which carry the risk of side effects due to consumption over a long period. With the use of homeopathic medicines, the dependency on conventional medicines is reduced significantly.

Homeopathy works on treating the root cause of sciatica like disc bulge, disc degeneration, bony spurs, an injury, and muscle spasm to reduce the irritation or pressure on the sciatica nerve. This leads to excellent recoveries in sciatica cases. However, the results vary from case to case depending on the severity and chronicity of the complaints and the presence of complications if any.

In many cases of sciatica, surgery may be recommended. However, homeopathic consultation, if taken on time, could prevent surgical intervention in many cases of sciatica of mild to moderate intensity.

homeopathic medicines for sciatica

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines For Sciatica

Some well-recognized homeopathic medicines for sciatica are Colocynthis, Magnesium Phosphorica, Gnaphalium, Rhus Tox, Bryonia Alba and Hypericum.

1. Colocynthis – For Sciatica Of Left Side

Colocynthis is known to greatly benefit left-sided sciatica. It is indicated when a person complains of pain along the course of the left sciatic nerve. The pain starts in the lower back and radiates down the leg to the toes. In some cases, the pain is located in the left hip, or pain in the hip radiates to the knee. The pain may be drawing/tearing/ shooting in nature. In some cases, it may be lightning, shock-like, or cramping. Pressure application may provide relief. Lying on the left side also offers relief in some cases. Some persons requiring Colocynthis may also get relief from warm applications.

When to use Colocynthis?

Its use is advised in patients with left-sided sciatica pain especially when the pain is reduced by pressing the affected area and applying warmth.

How to use Colocynthis?

Colocynthis works wonders in 30C potency. This potency requires frequent repetition, 2-3 times in a day. It also works well in higher potencies like 200C and 1M but it is advisable to consult your homeopathic physician before using higher potencies.

2. Magnesia Phosphorica – For Sciatica Of Right Side

Magnesia Phosphorica is a reliable prescription for right-sided sciatica. The sciatica pain is cutting/ shooting/ stabbing or stitching in nature. Pain starts in the lower back and extends down the right hip, thigh, the hollow of knee and leg. Pressure or warm applications may offer relief. In some cases, uncovering the lower limb worsen the pain.

When to use Magnesia Phosphorica?

Magnesia Phosphorica is indicated for sciatica pain on the right side. The pain worsens while uncovering the lower limb and gets better with pressure and warm applications.

How to use Magnesia Phosphorica?

It can be referred to as a homeopathic pain reliever. It is commonly used in biochemical form in ‘6X potency’, and is taken in tablet form 3-4 times a day.

3. Gnaphalium Polycephalum – For Sciatica With Pain And Numbness

Gnaphalium Polycephalum is the most useful medicine for sciatica pain attended with numbness. It is also indicated where sciatica pain alternates with numbness. Folding thighs towards the abdomen provides some relief. Gnaphalium Polycephalum is also prescribed in sciatica cases where pain is confined to the calves and feet.

When to use Gnaphalium Polycephalum? 

This medicine is an undoubted effective treatment for sciatica when pain is accompanied with numbness.

How to use Gnaphalium Polycephalum? 

In the beginning, its use is suggested in 30C potency and can be repeated twice a day. Its higher potencies are also available but normally, higher potencies are not to be repeated very often.

4. Bryonia Alba – For Sciatica That Worsens While Walking

Bryonia Alba is the most effective homeopathic medicine for sciatica that gets worse while walking. The slightest motion may worsen sciatica in such cases. Lying down still provides some relief. Bryonia Alba is also prescribed when the person feels relief by lying down on the affected side. The hip and leg of the affected side may feel heavy. The pain is tearing in nature from the hip through the back of the thigh and into the calf.

When to use Bryonia Alba?

The main feature of using this medicine is sciatica pain getting worse with the slightest movement but gets better by rest.

How to use Bryonia Alba?

Its lower potency 30C can be used up to 3-4 times in a day.

5. Rhus Tox – For Sciatica That Becomes Painful With Rest

For sciatica pain that gets bad at rest or while sitting, Rhus Tox is the ideal prescription. Lying on the painful side could worsen the pain in such cases. Walking or movement of the affected limb offers relief. Along with severe pain, a burning sensation may be felt in the lower limbs. Rhus Tox also works wonderfully well in treating sciatica that arises from lifting any heavy weight. There is a cramp-like pain in the leg. The patient cannot sit in one position for a long time.

When to use Rhus Tox?

This medicine is prescribed based on the hallmark feature that sciatica pain is worse at rest and gets better with movement. Also, it is indicated for sciatica resulting from lifting any heavy weight.

How to use Rhus Tox?

Its 30C potency can be repeated up to 3-4 times in a day. It is equally effective in 200C and 1M potency but symptoms should be carefully monitored before using these potencies.

6. Hypericum – To manage sciatica occurring after an injury

Hypericum is top-grade medicine when it comes to managing sciatica occurring after an injury. persons who need this medicine often complain of sharp cutting pain in the lower back extending down the legs. A pricking sensation as if occurring from needles can be felt in the feet. In some cases, numbness can be felt in the leg on the left side.

When to use Hypericum?

This medicine can be used as first choice of medicine in cases of sciatica that results from an injury.

How to use Hypericum?

Among its different potencies one may begin with its 30C potency twice or thrice a day initially.

Note You may use the above-mentioned 30C potency after closely monitoring the symptoms but do not self-medicate with higher potencies i.e. 200C and 1M. If no improvement is observed, it is best to consult a homeopath to decide whether the change of potency is required or not.

Causes Of Sciatica

The causes of sciatica could be many, the main among these are as follows:

A disc bulge or a herniated disc: Disc bulge of lower spine can cause pinching, compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. This is the most common cause of sciatica.

Degeneration of the spinal disc: It is the natural wearing down of disc between the vertebrae of spine. This results in shortening the height of vertebrae and resulting in narrowing of nerve passageways (spinal stenosis).

Stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal: This can lead to reduction in the space available for the spinal cord and nerves.

Osteoarthritis: Bone spurs (pointed edges of bone) can form in spines in old age and can compress nerves of lower back. 

Spondylolisthesis: It is the slipping of a vertebra which makes it is out of sync with the one above it, as a result there is narrowing of the opening through which the nerve exits. The extended spinal bone can pinch the sciatic nerve.

Piriformis syndrome: Piriformis muscle is a small muscle that lies deep in the buttocks. Tightening or spasm of this muscle is called Piriformis syndrome that can put pressure and can irritate sciatic nerve.

Tumor in the spine: It causes the compression of sciatic nerve.

Symptoms Of Sciatica

Pain: Sciatica is characterized by pain that travels from the lower (lumbar) spine to the buttock and down the back of your leg. The lower back, buttock, and the back of your thigh and calf are likely to experience pain.

Numbness: There is numbness in legs, feet, buttocks, or lower back may feel numb or weak.

Loss Of Movement: There is less movement and pain that gets worse if the person makes an effort to move.

Pin Needle Sensation: One can experience a feeling of pricking by pins and needles in feet, toes, or legs.

Burning Sensation: Constant or episodic burning sensation down the leg.

Risk Factors For Sciatica

Injury: The chance of developing sciatica increases if you suffer a lower back or spine injury.

Age: The bone tissue and discs in the spine naturally deteriorate as you age. With normal ageing, changes and shifts in bone, discs, and ligaments can put the spinal nerves at risk of being hurt or pinched.

Obesity: Excess body weight can increase stress on the spine. This results in changes in the spine that trigger sciatica.

Prolonged Sitting: The chances of developing sciatica is more common in people who sit for long hours or have sedentary lifestyle than active people.

Diabetes: Your chance of developing nerve damage is increased by this disorder, which alters how your body uses blood sugar.

Smoking: The nicotine in tobacco can weaken bones, cause injury to the spine, and hasten the degeneration of vertebral discs.

Lack Of Proper Posture: Even if you are physically healthy and active, sciatica can still occur if you lift weights improperly or perform other vigorous strength training exercises.

How to diagnose cases of sciatica?

A doctor is able to diagnose sciatica based on the symptom picture and a physical examination. He may check for pain occurring while walking, or rising after squatting. He may also perform a very common test done to diagnose sciatica clinically i.e. SLR test (straight leg raise test). In this test, a doctor asks the sufferer to lie on the table on your back with straight legs. The doctor then slowly raises one leg at a time towards the roof and asks you to tell when you start feeling the pain. This test is considered positive if pain is felt between 30 and 70 degrees when the leg is raised. In cases with severe pain, the doctor may recommend X-ray or MRI to find the underlying cause, like disc herniation and nerve pinching.

 

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