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Homeopathic Medicine Calcarea Carbonica – Uses and Indications

Calcarea Carbonica is one of the major constitutional and polychrest medicines in homeopathy. It is prepared by the process of trituration of the middle layer of Oyster-Shells. By trituration, the oyster shell is converted into an excellent medicine possessing great therapeutic power. Calcarea Carb ranks among the top antipsoric medicines along with Sulphur and Lycopodium. It is one among many calcium salts that are used in homeopathy and works particularly well for ailments like joint pains, backache, and fractured bones that are slow to heal.

The ‘Calcarea Carb’ Constitution

This remedy suits people who have a leucophlegmatic constitution (presence of excessive water in the body). People suited to this remedy are fair, fatty, flabby and tend to sweat profusely on the head. They also tend to feel very chilly, catch a cold easily and have increased mucosal secretions. Children who have a large head, large features, pale skin, a chalky look, and who are fat with a large abdomen come under this constitutional type. They also have a tendency of copious sweating on the head and crave eggs and indigestible things.

Drug Action

This remedy has a very wide and deep sphere of action. The chief action is centered on the glands, skin, bones, pituitary and thyroid dysfunction, nasal complaints and female genitals. As a remedy, it is used in the treatment of fears and anxieties, OCD, chronic cold, tendency to catch cold, nasal polyps, loss of smell, epistaxis, nasal blockage, uterine fibroids, menorrhagia, sterility in females, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), vaginal discharges, itching in genitals in women, chronic sore throat with tonsillitis and enlarged adenoids, hypothyroidism, goiter, obesity, lipoma, hair fall, rickets, knee joint pain (osteoarthritis), spine curvature, dentition complaints (vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, slow teething), developmental delays, hydrocephalus, night terrors, open fontanelles, dyspepsia, constipation, diarrhea during dentition, vomiting, worms, milk allergy /milk intolerance, gall stones, umbilical hernia, tinea capitis, eczema capitis, warts, Barber’s Itch, profuse sweating, varicose veins.

Scope of Calcarea Carb as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. Complaints of the Mind

Calcarea Carb is very beneficial to treat cases of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with a marked fear of contracting germs and contagious diseases. It offers help in cases where there are great anxieties about the present, future and about health. The anxiety is attended with restlessness and palpitations, more so during the evening time. This remedy is also used to treat fears, where a person is plagued by thoughts of misfortune or terrible thing happening, fear of losing reason, fear that he/she is suffering from organic disease of the heart. Fear of death, monsters and of being alone may also be present. It is also useful in cases of mental dullness and weakness (particularly while studying). There is a great confusion of mind, difficult comprehension and difficult thinking. Sleeplessness from the rush of thoughts in the mind also indicates the use of this remedy. Apart from the above, this medicine is also indicated in obstinate, self-willed and irritable children. They are irritable without any cause and tend to be fretful, restless, stubborn and gets easily offended. They also cry easily at the smallest trifles.

2. Nasal complaints

This medicine is of great service in treating chronic colds. People who need this remedy tend to catch a cold easily with every change of the weather. The nasal mucous membrane is swollen and the nose is plugged with yellow, thick, offensive discharge. In some cases, blood may be mixed in the discharge. There may also be profuse discharge (clear like water), along with prickling and itching in the nose is present. The nose may also be markedly dry, with the dryness getting worse at night. It is also indicated for stoppage of the nose during the night, and the person is unable to breathe through the nose. It is also a top-listed medicine to treat nasal polyps and frequent episodes of nose bleeding which is profuse. This may also be attended with fainting. Use of this remedy is also considered in cases of loss of smell (anosmia).

3. Female Disorders

This remedy is highly recommended to treat a number of ailments in females. Perhaps the most prominent use is in the treatment of uterine fibroids, where the uterus feels low down with a bearing down sensation in the pelvis. Weight and pressure in the uterus are marked. The menses are also very profuse and bright red in color.
This remedy can also help rectify the complaint of menorrhagia where a female complains of early, very profuse and long-standing menses. In the case of vaginal discharges, this medicine is used when the discharges are white and milky. They are attended with itching and burning in the vagina. They tend to be worse before or after menses. Excessive debility appears with the vaginal discharges.
This medicine also helps treat pain during periods (dysmenorrhea). The pain is felt in abdomen and back, it resembles labor-like pains. Pain in hip bones is present, anxiety and restlessness, followed by fainting may arise in a few cases. It is also indicated for treating sterility in females. In such cases, females mostly complain of too early and too profuse menses. It also happens to be a wonderful medicine to treat itching of female genitalia. The itching is violent and attended with soreness of vulva. Burning and stitching in the genitals are also felt. This itching tends to get worse towards the evening or after going to bed. Apart from these symptoms, it is also indicated for uterine or vaginal polyps. Hair fall in females after childbirth is also a guiding feature to use this remedy.

4. For Sore Throat, Tonsillitis and Enlarged Adenoids

This remedy is highly effective for treating a chronic sore throat where there is a swelling of the palate, uvula, and tonsils. A stinging and pricking sensation is felt at the back part of the palate. Pain in the throat that extends to the ears is also present. The throat feels contracted and painful when swallowing. A lump-like sensation in the throat may be marked. Tickling, roughness, and scratchiness in the throat are present. In the case of tonsillitis, aphthae (ulcer) on tonsils may be present. This medicine is frequently used to treat a tendency of chronic tonsillitis when the tonsils get inflamed frequently from exposure to cold.
The next indication to use this medicine is enlarged adenoids in children who have low immunity and catch a cold with every change of the weather.

5. Thyroid and Goiter Issues

This is a top-most medicine to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and goiter. Complaints linked with hypothyroidism including weight gain/obesity (abdominal enlargement is most prominent), hair fall, chilliness, constipation, slowness, sluggishness, debility, profuse menses indicates the use of this medicine.

6. Bone and Joint Complaints

This remedy is very suitable to treat diseases of the bone and joints. It is a leading medicine to treat conditions like rickets, bone decay, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, weak ankles, knee joint pain (osteoarthritis) and spine curvature. In cases of arthritis of the knee, there is pain, swelling, heat and cracking in the knee joint. A tearing, drawing or stinging pain in the knee may be prominent, and the knee also feels lame and weak as if sprained.

7. Infants and Children

It is a highly suitable remedy used to treat a number of complaints in infants and children, like dentition complaints (vomiting diarrhea, irritability, slow teething), developmental delays (late appearance of milestones like learning to walk and talk), hydrocephalus, night terrors, obesity in children with large bellies, open fontanelles, tendency to take cold, enlarged/inflamed tonsils, enlarged adenoids, and a tardy development of bones.

8. Intestinal Troubles

This remedy has a wide scope of action to treat many gastrointestinal troubles like dyspepsia with heartburn and loud, sour belching. It is a significant medicine to treat diarrhea in infants during dentition. The stools are loose with a sour smell and may contain undigested, offensive, mixed, soft and lumpy particles. It is also useful to treat vomiting during dentition. Diarrhea and vomiting from taking milk may be present.
This medicine is also used to treat constipation where the first part of the stool is hard, followed by pasty and liquid stool. It also smells very offensive and is passed with much straining. Burning and tearing at the anus during stool may be felt. A complaint of worms complaints (mainly thread or pinworms, tapeworm, and ascarides) are indicative to use this medicine. Itching of the anus is marked in such cases. Crawling in the rectum and burning at the anus may also be present. In addition to the above, it is also beneficial to treat gall stones and umbilical hernia. Specific craving including those for eggs, indigestible things, chalk, pencils may be present. An aversion to milk and a general aggravation from drinking milk may also be there.

9. Skin Issues

This is a well-indicated remedy to treat many skin issues. For example, it is a highly effective remedy to treat Tinea Capitis. Tinea capitis is ringworm of the scalp. There are yellow scabs present on the vertex (top of the head). Next, it is used to treat eczema capitis where eruptions on the scalp appear. These are covered with a layer of crust and smell foul. This begins at the back of the head and then extends over the whole head. It is attended with itching, crawling and sore pain. The eruptions bleed when picked.
This medicine is also used to treat small warts on the skin. These warts are soft at the base with a hard upper surface. They are usually skin-colored and tend to itch and bleed.
Barber’s itch is the next condition treated effectively with this medicine. This medicine is also used to treat increased sweating, especially on the hands, scalp, and neck. The scalp sweating on the scalp is debilitating. It mainly appears during the evening or night and the pillow can become wet with sweat.

Dosage

This remedy is a deep-acting remedy that can be taken in potencies of 30C, 200C, 3X and 1M.

Relation to Other Remedies

Complementary medicines Calcarea Carbonica are Belladonna and Rhus Tox.
Medicines that follow well include Agaricus, Borax, Lycopodium, Nux Vomica, Phos, Pulsatilla, Silicea, Sepia.
Inimical medicines are Nitric Acid, Baryta Carb, Sulphur.
Antidotes are Bryonia, Camphor, China, Ipecac, Nux Vomica and Sepia.

Short Periods – 8 Effective Homeopathic Medicines

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 3 Comments

The normal duration of menstruation varies from woman to woman and can be anywhere between 3 to 7 days. Once in a while having a period that is shorter than normal is not a cause of concern. However, a decrease in the duration of a menstrual period for several months altogether in a female when compared to the usual pattern should be investigated. It is normal to have menstrual irregularities and change in the duration and flow of periods at puberty. This is because it takes time for the hormones to regularise a specific pattern for the first few years after menarche. It is also normal to face changes in menstrual flow and duration during the perimenopausal age. Homeopathic medicines for short periods or scanty periods help regularise the natural processes and treat the condition effectively.

Apart from these, short periods may arise from several hormonal problems and other factors that need to be corrected and treated to solve this problem. They mainly include PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and thyroid dysfunction. Other factors that contribute to short periods include breastfeeding, low body weight, stress, excessive exercise, eating disorders, use of OCP’s (oral contraceptive pills) also make changes in duration/flow of the menstrual period. Certain medications like NSAID’s (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs), antidepressants and thyroid medications also tend to shorten menstrual flow. Premature ovarian failure and Asherman syndrome are rare conditions in which short periods appear.

Homeopathic Medicines for Short Periods

The complaint of short or scanty periods can be effectively treated with natural homeopathy medicines. The top grade medicines to treat cases of short periods are Pulsatilla, Sepia, Conium, Viburnum, and Lachesis. The most suitable medicine among them is selected as per every individual case based on the characteristic features. Homeopathy medicines work at treating the root cause which is leading to a short duration of menses. Once the root cause is corrected the duration of periods is improved.

1. Pulsatilla – Top Grade Medicine to Treat Short Periods

Pulsatilla is prepared from a plant named Pulsatilla Nigricans commonly known by the name of pasque flower or windflower. The natural order of this plant is Ranunculaceae. Pulsatilla is top-listed medicine for treating complaint of short periods. The flow of blood is also scanty in addition to being short. The flow is most prominent in the daytime only in cases needing Pulsatilla. The flow may be dark or blackish in color. Pain during periods with cramps abdomen and vomiting may attend. Chilliness may be present during periods. Before and after periods vaginal discharge may be prominent.

2. Sepia – For Scanty Periods that Last for One Day

Sepia is the next well-indicated medicine to treat short periods. It is useful in females in whom periods last only for one day. Menses may be irregular too appearing early or late but last for short duration only. Bearing down pain in the pelvis during periods is a characteristic attending feature. During periods sadness, headache, nausea, vomiting and great prostration are felt. Yellowish, thick, profuse leucorrhea appear before and after menses.

3. Conium – For Short and Late Periods

Conium is a beneficial medicine to treat cases where periods are short and appear late. Sometimes menses don’t appear for two to three months altogether in females needing Conium. When they appear they are short and may be clotted. Drawing pain in legs during menses may be felt. Violent itching in the vagina may appear after periods.

4. Viburnum – For Short Periods that Last only for Few Hours

Viburnum is prepared from fresh bark of a plant named Viburnum Opulus. This plant has many common names including High Cranberry Bush, Cramp Bark, and Water Elder. The natural order of this plant is Caprifoliaceae. Viburnum is prominently indicated medicine for cases of short periods where flow last only for a few hours. Menstrual flow is also scanty, thin and light-colored where Viburnum is required. During periods, nausea, cramping pain and great nervous restlessness is felt. Before periods severe bearing down pains in uterus and drawing in anterior muscles of thighs are present.

5. Lachesis – For Short and Scanty Periods

Lachesis is useful for treating short and scanty periods. The menstrual flow is dark, black, dirty looking and lumpy. They also have an offensive odor. During periods labor-like pressure from loins downwards is felt. Bruised feeling in hips and Soreness about the pelvic region is also prominent. A tendency to have late periods may be there in some cases.

6. Apis Mellifica – For Short Periods that Last for One to Two Days

Apis Mellifica is beneficial to treat short periods that last for one to two days only. Violent, cramp-like pain appear during periods. Flow is scanty of dark, bloody mucus. The menses are accompanied by great weakness. Ovarian pain of cutting, stinging nature is felt especially on the right side during periods. Frequent urination is another symptoms arising during periods in cases requiring Apis Mellifica. It is a high-grade medicine to treat menstrual complaints linked with cysts, tumors, inflammation of the ovary.

7. Euphrasia – For Short Periods where Flow Lasts for an Hour

Euphrasia Officinalis is a plant commonly known by the name of Eye-Bright of the natural order Scrophulariaceae. Euphrasia is helpful for cases of short periods where flow lasts only for one hour. Periods have a tendency to appear late in females, the flow is scanty and the menses are painful in addition to being short and scanty.

8. Thuja – For Early and Short Periods

Thuja is prepared from fresh green twigs of a plant Thuja Occidentalis having common name Arbor Vitae of the natural order Coniferae. Thuja is indicated to treat cases where periods are very short and appear too early. Before menses, pain in left ovary, heat in head, profuse sweating, headache, and labor-like abdominal pains are present. During and after menses tiredness arise. Sleeplessness also tends to appear after menses.

9 Effective Homeopathic Medicines for Delayed Periods

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 57 Comments

The menstrual cycle in a female can range from 21 to 35 days, varying from person to person. Periods are considered to be delayed or late when they don’t begin even after 5 or more days from the date they are expected (as per the usual duration of her menstrual cycle). In some cases, the periods may even get delayed by weeks or months altogether. It is normal for the periods to be irregular or delayed in the initial months or year when they first begin (menarche). Delayed periods are also normal in women in the menopausal age. In some cases, delayed periods may also indicate pregnancy. Homeopathic medicines for delayed periods aim at removing the cause that is causing hindrance/suppression of periods.

Some other medical conditions that can cause periods to get delayed include hormonal imbalance, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), thyroid disorders, pituitary tumors, and several other diseases including diabetes, liver dysfunction, celiac disease. Other contributing factors include being overweight/underweight, extreme exercise, stress, use of oral contraceptive pills (they can bring changes in the normal menstrual cycle ) and some medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants.

Homeopathic Medicines for Delayed Periods

Homeopathy medicines are highly effective in treating cases of delayed periods. These are constitutional remedies that work at treating the root cause behind the condition to bring excellent results. The top grade medicines to treat delayed periods are Pulsatilla, Sepia, Natrum Mur, Conium and Senecio Aureus.

1. Pulsatilla – Top Grade Medicine for Delayed Periods

Pulsatilla is prepared from a plant named Pulsatilla Nigricans commonly known by the name of pasque flower or windflower. The natural order of this plant is Ranunculaceae. Pulsatilla tops the list of medicines for treating delayed periods. Uterine pains may appear from suppressed periods. When periods appear they may be profuse or scanty. Blood may be thin/thick and be dark or black in color. Chilliness along with these features may be present. Pulsatilla is a very helpful medicine for treating delayed periods during puberty and in the case of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).

2. Sepia – For Delayed Periods from Hormonal Imbalance

Sepia is highly beneficial to treat delayed periods from hormonal imbalance. It helps to correct the hormonal imbalance and treat menstrual irregularities wonderfully. Females needing Sepia have delayed periods. The flow may also be scanty and dark colored. The periods are preceded by violent pains in the abdomen and backache. Bearing down sensation in the pelvis is also a prominent attending feature. Pressure, heaviness or pain in ovaries may also be felt. Profuse yellow-green vaginal discharge may be present. Along with the above symptoms, sadness and irritability are marked before periods.

3. Natrum Mur – For Delayed Periods in Young Girls

Natrum Mur is a prominent medicine for delayed periods in young girls. Heaviness in the abdomen may be present from delayed periods. When the periods arise the flow may be scanty or profuse. They are pale, thin, watery. Anemia and general debility are marked. During menses sadness, headache and palpitations may appear.

4. Conium – For Delayed, Scanty and Short Periods

Conium is suitable for cases where menses are late, scanty and last for a short duration. Menstrual flow is clotted. Weeping, restlessness and anxiety and pains in breasts may appear before periods. In some cases skin rash precedes periods. During periods pain in the hypogastric region, legs and sharp pain in the back may be felt. Inflammation, enlargement, and pain in the ovaries may be present where Conium is indicated.

5. Senecio Aureus – For Cases with Sensation as if Periods would Appear but they Don’t

Senecio aureus is prepared from a plant named Golden Ragwort or Squaw-weed of the natural order Compositae. Senecio Aureus is valuable medicine for treating delayed periods. Females needing Senecio have a sensation as if periods are about to come but they don’t. Other general symptoms including sleeplessness and loss of appetite. Pain in back and shoulders may also appear. It is also highly useful for suppressed periods in young girls.

6. Lachesis – For Late and Scanty Periods

Lachesis is a helpful medicine for treating late and scanty periods. In cases requiring Lachesis, menses appear late and are dark, lumpy, acrid, dirty looking and offensive. There attends menstrual colic with scanty flow. Lesser the flow is the more the pain is. The pain is most marked in the left ovary. Vertigo and headache from suppressed periods may be there in some cases.

7. Graphites – For Late Periods attended with Violent Colic

Graphites is useful to treat late periods when attended with violent colic. There is stitching, shooting, griping pain in the abdomen, pain in hips and back. Stitching or burning pain in the vagina may be felt. Headache and nausea may also appear. Hands and feet are cold. When menses appear the blood flow is pale, dark or black colored. In some cases, leucorrhea arises instead of a regular period. In such cases, vaginal discharge occurs in gushes during the day or at night.

8. Kali Carb – Where Periods get Delayed by Several Months

Kali Carb is a valuable medicine to treat cases where periods are delayed by several months. Backache attends suppressed periods. When the periods arise they are pale, scanty and attended with soreness about the genitals. The menstrual flow may have a pungent odor. Chilliness and cramping pain in the abdomen, headache, weight in small of the back, nausea, and vomiting may appear with menses. Itching of vulva and violent colicky pains may precede periods.

9. Silicea – For Late and Profuse Menses

Silicea is indicated for cases of late and profuse menses. Suppressed periods are attended with pain in the abdomen. Acrid vaginal discharges, pain in the forehead may arise before periods. When menses arise they are profuse, strong-smelling and may be acrid. They also last for longer than usual duration. Icy coldness over the whole body may attend. Silicea is also indicated when a vaginal discharge of white color appears instead of menses.

7 Homeopathic Medicines to Manage Ovarian Pain

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 5 Comments

Ovaries are a pair of female gonads (part of female’s reproductive system) that produce ovum (eggs). Pain in ovaries may arise from various reasons and may be one-sided or both-sided. Ovarian pain can be attended with some other symptoms depending on the cause behind it like vaginal discharge, menstrual irregularities, nausea, vomiting, painful intercourse, burning with urination, frequent urination, lower backache, bloating.

Homeopathy offers a very natural and effective treatment for ovarian pain without any side effects. Homeopathy works deeply to treat the root cause behind ovarian pain to give long-term results. Along with ovarian pain, homeopathic medicines manage attending symptoms like vaginal discharge, irregularities in menstrual cycle, frequent urine, burning with urination, painful intercourse, etc. In conventional mode of treatment, ovarian pain is treated with medicines such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormonal pills, antibiotics depending on the cause behind it. These medicines can have side effects with long-term use. In some cases, surgery is also recommended for ovarian pain cases. But homeopathy treats ovarian pain naturally without any harmful effects and also helps to prevent surgical intervention in most cases of ovarian pain. However, it is to be noticed that in case of intense ovarian pain where some critical reason like ruptured ovarian cyst or torsion of the ovary is suspected, emergency medical help should be taken from conventional mode immediately.

Homeopathy treats the root cause

Homeopathy gives excellent results in cases of ovarian pain by treating the core problem. As known, there are various causes behind ovarian pain, so to completely cure this condition homeopathy targets to treat this root cause. Along with pain, homeopathy also manages associated problems arising as per the cause behind ovarian pain.

Personalized treatment

In homeopathy, the most suitable medicine for ovarian pain has to be selected from the list of different medicines for ovarian pain as listed in homeopathic therapeutics. Before starting medicines for ovarian pain, the reason behind it needs to be properly investigated. The cause and the individual symptoms in every case of ovarian pain are taken into consideration to finalize the medication for ovarian pain. It is best to get any case of ovarian pain evaluated by a homeopathic doctor for the best prescription. These medicines help to manage ovarian pain in cases where no critical/life-threatening cause is present for it.

Safe, natural, gentle homeopathic medicines

Homeopathic medicines are gentle, 100% safe to use due to their natural origin. They have zero side effects and can be used safely among women of all age groups.

Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines for Ovarian Pain

The top homeopathic medicines to treat ovarian pains include Apis Mellifica, Lachesis, Sepia, Belladonna, Colocynth, Medorrhinum and Podophyllum.

1. Apis Mellifica – For Ovarian Pain on Right Side

Apis Mellifica is a well-indicated medicine to manage ovarian pain on the right side. For using Apis the ovarian pain is burning and stinging in nature. However, it may also be a sharp, cutting, shooting or drawing pain. A feeling of weight, heaviness and bearing down in the ovarian region is felt. The pain from the ovarian region may extend down to the thigh. The pain may get worse on stooping and when beginning to walk. The right ovary is sore and tender on pressure. In cases needing Apis, the ovarian pain is seen to get worse before and during menses. Pain in the ovaries that gets worse from intercourse is also indicative of this medicine. There may be greater frequency of urination with the above symptoms in many cases. Burning may also be felt while urinating. Apis is a top-listed medicine for ovarian pain in cases of swelling, inflammation, enlargement, induration, and cyst in the ovaries.

When to use Apis Mellifica?

This medicine is best choice to manage right sided ovarian pain that can be burning, stinging, cutting, shooting or drawing type.

How to use Apis Mellifica?

It can be taken in 30C potency once or twice a day as per severity of the complaint.

2. Lachesis – For Ovarian Pain On Left Side

Lachesis is a prominent medicine to manage left-sided ovarian pain. In cases needing Lachesis, the ovarian pain may be sharp, shooting, stitching, pressing or burning in nature. The pain tends to get worse in the morning. The left ovary may be swollen, indurated and inflamed. The menses may be irregular and the menstrual blood is dark and smells foul. Pain in the left ovary is felt during menstruation and the lower abdomen is very sensitive to touch.

When to use Lachesis?

It is prominently indicated medicine for ovarian pain on the left side that gets especially worse in the morning.

How to use Lachesis?

Lachesis 30C can be used once a day, and in cases having less intense pain once or twice a week only.

3. Sepia – For Ovarian Pain With Vaginal Discharges

Sepia is a beneficial medicine for ovarian pain attended with vaginal discharge. There is a dull, stinging or burning pain in ovaries. Pressure and sensation of heavy weight appear in ovaries. Congestion is felt in the ovarian region. Vaginal discharge is yellow or green in color. The discharge is profuse, lumpy and fetid. It causes itching of vulva and vagina. Marked bearing down in pelvis accompanies. Sepia is also valuable to treat ovarian pain along with menstrual irregularities.

When to use Sepia?

This medicine is of great use to help cases of ovarian pain along with vaginal discharge (leucorrhea) of yellow or green color.

How to use Sepia?

Both the low and high potencies of this medicine are credited with excellent results. But as it is a deep-acting remedy hence initially low potency, 30C is usually preferred once a day. Otherwise, 200 C or even higher potencies may also be used but not very frequently and always under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor.

4. Belladonna – For Ovarian Pain During Menses

Belladonna is a very helpful medicine to manage ovarian pain during menses. The pain may be throbbing or stitching in nature. A burning sensation is also felt in the ovaries. Drawing pain in the pelvic region may be present along with uneasiness and sensation of weight in the uterine region. Jarring also tends to worsen the ovarian pain in cases needing Belladonna.

When to use Belladonna?

Belladonna should be considered to manage cases of ovarian pain felt during menses mainly for throbbing or stitching type of pain.

How to use Belladonna?

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

5. Colocynth – For Cramping Pain In Ovaries

Colocynth is a useful medicine to manage cramping pain in ovaries. The ovaries feel as if they are squeezed, and a deep stitching pain is felt in the ovaries. Excessive restlessness appears with the above symptoms. The pain makes the patient bend double. Pressure and warm drinks help relieve the pain.

When to use Colocynth?

Colocynth is an effective medicine when it comes to manage cramping pain in the ovaries that gets better by applying pressure over the ovarian region and from bending double.

How to use Colocynth?

The most commonly used potency of Colocynth is 30C which can be taken two to three times a day.

6. Medorrhinum – To Manage Ovarian Pain during Ovulation

Medorrhinum is a highly valuable medicine to manage ovarian pain during ovulation. There is a sensation of distension in the ovary with a feeling as if it would burst. The ovaries are sore, and heat is felt in the ovarian region. A drawing sensation in the ovaries along with vaginal discharge may appear. The discharge is acrid, excoriating and has a fish-like odor.

When to use Medorrhinum?

This medicine should be opted to deal with ovarian pain felt during ovulation usually with vaginal discharge having smell associated with fish.

How to use Medorrhinum?

This medicine is recommended in high potencies in infrequent doses. Initially Medorrhinum 200C can be used once a week or once in fifteen days only.

7. Podophyllum – For Ovarian Pain That Radiates Down The Thighs

This medicine offers help in cases of ovarian pain where pain radiates down the thighs. Dragging pain ovaries is felt in the ovaries. Bearing down in the abdomen, back and ovarian pain running down to the thighs during periods is treated well with Podophyllum. It is also indicated in case of ovarian pain with delayed menses.

When to use Podophyllum?

This medicine is best suited to manage ovarian pain extending down the thighs.

How to use Podophyllum?

Podophyllum 30C can be used once or twice a day.

Causes of Ovarian Pain

The main reasons of ovarian pain include:

1. A part of menstrual pain/dysmenorrhea(pain felt in uterus, ovaries, back).

2. Ovulation– Ovulation refers to the process of an egg’s release from the ovary around the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. Some women tend to feel pain in the ovary during ovulation (known as Mittelschmerz pain.) The pain can be one-sided or be present on both sides. It also may be attended with vaginal discharge, bleeding, and nausea.

3. PID(Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) – It is an infection that has spread to the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes. It mainly arises from sexually transmitted bacteria that have ascended the genital tract from the vagina and cervix. Apart from pain, PID may have other symptoms that include, an abnormal vaginal discharge, irregular bleeding, nausea, vomiting, painful intercourse, burning with urination, fever, and chills.

4. Ovarian cysts– They are fluid-filled sacs or pockets that form on the surface of an ovary. Most cysts don’t show any symptoms. When symptoms arise they include pelvic pain, bloating / fullness in the abdomen, frequent urination, and changes in the menstrual cycle. Ovarian cysts carry a risk of rupturing in which sudden and severe abdominal pain is felt along with fever and vomiting. It may also lead to shock. So immediate help from the conventional system should be taken in any case of suspected ovarian cyst rupture.

5. Endometriosis– A disorder in which the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This tissue can grow in the ovaries too. Other accompanying symptoms of endometriosis include painful periods, excessive bleeding, painfand ul intercourse.

6. Ovarian Remnant Syndrome– In this condition, ovarian pain arises after a recent surgery on the ovaries, due to some of the tissue being left behind in the ovaries.

7. There is a possibility that a medical condition in another organ can cause referred pain in the ovaries. Such conditions include appendicitis, kidney stone, ectopic pregnancy, constipation, urinary tract infection (UTI).

8. Other reasons include ovarian torsion and ovarian cancer.

9 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Fibromyalgia

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 56 Comments

Fibromyalgia is a long-term disorder characterized by widespread pain in the body, accompanied by general fatigue. There may be sleep issues, memory issues (brain fog) and depression. A person suffering from fibromyalgia tends to have pain in specific areas of the body (known as tender points) that are extremely sensitive and painful. Even the slightest pressure on the tender points can cause pain. This unexplained pain that goes on for more than three months at a stretch is diagnosed as fibromyalgia.

Homeopathy medicines offer a natural treatment for fibromyalgia and help alleviate the symptoms and treat the problem for long-term relief. Complaints of pain, weakness, sleep issues, brain fog – all can be managed wonderfully with these medicines. The traditional treatment for fibromyalgia involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), anti-seizure drugs, pain relievers and antidepressants. As evident, these methods are palliative (only treat the pain) and mask the symptoms instead of addressing the root of the problem. Long-term use of these can cause some severe side effects as well. But, on the other hand, homeopathic medicines have no side effects and are safe for use.

Symptomatic treatment

Homeopathic treatment for fibromyalgia is given according to the symptoms in every individual case. A detailed case history is taken in every case that includes symptoms on both physical and mental level. Then the case is evaluated as per the homeopathic principles. Based on that, homeopathic prescription is done. This properly prescribed medicine works on every aspect of the case and provides remarkable results.

Homeopathy Treats the root cause

Homeopathic medicines work on the core of the problem to address the underlying cause. Due to this reason, it works beyond just symptom relief. It aims for complete cure in cases of fibromyalgia. Initially, with homeopathic medicines the intensity of the symptoms reduces and with a complete course of treatment as prescribed by a homeopath, gradually the symptoms resolve completely and cure sets in.

Homeopathy is natural mode of treatment

The best part of opting homeopathic treatment for fibromyalgia is that it has zero side effects due to natural medications. It works in a very gentle, safe and harmless way to ensure natural recovery.

Top 9 Homeopathic Medicines for Fibromyalgia

Rhus Tox, Arnica, Kali Phos, Bryonia, Magnesia Phos, Arsenic Album, Coffea Cruda, Ignatia and Phosphoric Acid are the top remedies for fibromyalgia.

1. Rhus Tox – Effective Medicine For Managing Pain In Fibromyalgia

Rhus Tox is a top-listed medicine for treating fibromyalgia. It is indicated in cases where there is widespread pain in the body. The pain is present in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments and can be tearing, shooting, stitching in nature. The pain gets worse at rest and better by movement. Along with pain, there is marked stiffness in the body. Back pain is very prominent, and it gets better with movement. Rhus Tox is also indicated for numbness and a prickling sensation in the limbs.

When to use Rhus Tox?

Rhus Tox is an excellent medicine to manage pain in different body parts along with stiffness in case of fibromyalgia. A key feature is worsening of pain at rest and better from movement.

How to use Rhus Tox?

It works well in all potencies. Initially, it is best to use it in 30C potency two to three times a day. High potencies should be used under the supervision of a homeopathic expert.

2. Arnica – For Sore Pain Worse From Touch

Arnica is a natural medicine for fibromyalgia used in cases of sore, bruised pains in the body that get worse from touch. The affected part is highly sensitive to touch, and the person feels afraid to touch the painful parts. The body feels lame and sore as if beaten. Fatigue, numbness, and tingling of limbs may be present. A history of injuries is usually present in people needing this medicine.

When to use Arnica?

This medicine is highly suitable to manage sore bruised pain in body parts that gets worse from the slightest touch in cases of fibromyalgia.

How to use Arnica?

This medicine is usually used in 30C potency that can be taken once or twice daily.

3. Kali Phos – For Fatigue, Tiredness And Sleep Issues

Kali Phos is a wonderful remedy to treat marked tiredness, fatigue and sleep issues in cases of fibromyalgia. There is severe weakness and the whole system feels drained out. The affected person gets easily fatigued and has body aches. Exertion worsens the condition. Sleeplessness is another major issue that is treated well with this medicine. A prickling sensation in the hands and feet and fibromyalgia linked with stress are also indicative of this remedy.

When to use Kali Phos?

Kali Phos is an effective medicine to manage tiredness, weakness and complaint of sleeplessness in cases of fibromyalgia.

How to use Kali Phos?

Usually its biochemic form is preferred in 6X potency that can be used two to three times a day.

4. Bryonia – When Pain Gets Worse from Movement

Bryonia is a very beneficial medicine for fibromyalgia when pain gets worse from motion. Lying down and absolute rest offers relief in pain. The type of pain varies from sharp, stitching, bursting, sore to tearing in nature. Pressure causes pain on tender points. Stiffness also attends the pain.

When to use Bryonia?

Its use should be considered in cases of fibromyalgia with pains that increases from movement and get better from rest.

How to use Bryonia?

Among its various potencies, it is best to begin with 30C potency twice or thrice a day.

5. Magnesia Phos – When Warmth Relieves Pain

Magnesia Phos is a prominent medicine for fibromyalgia cases where warmth relieves pain. The pains in the body are mostly shifting in nature, changing from one place to the other frequently. The character of the pain is mostly sharp and shooting. Light touch tends to worsen the pain, and there is a pain in the neck, lower back, and lower limbs. The pains also tend to radiate from the point of origin. Restlessness and extreme weakness are present, and cold tends to worsen the pains.

When to use Magnesia Phos?

This medicine should be opted to manage pain that gets better from warm applications in cases of fibromyalgia.

How to use Magnesia Phos?

This medicine gives the best results in 6X potency and can be taken two to three times a day.

6. Arsenic Album – For Marked Tiredness, Weakness

Arsenic Album is a useful medicine for fibromyalgia with marked tiredness, weakness, and fatigue. The key indications for using this medicine include sudden weakness, excessive tiredness, exhaustion from slight exertion, burning pain in the body in areas like the back and limbs. Use of this medicine is also considered in cases of fibromyalgia when intense anxiety (particularly about health) and restlessness are present. All the complaints are seen to get worse during night.

When to use Arsenic Album?

This medicine is very helpful for cases of fibromyalgia with tiredness, weakness along with anxiety, restlessness.

How to use Arsenic Album?

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

7. Coffea Cruda – For Sleep Issues

Coffea Cruda is a medicine used to treat sleep issues in fibromyalgia. The person needing this medicine has severe insomnia (sleeplessness). It is indicated in cases of restlessness and disturbed sleep. Hypersensitivity towards pain is another common feature.

When to use Coffea Cruda?

This medicine is highly recommended to help manage sleeplessness in cases of fibromyalgia.

How to use Coffea Cruda?

It is advised to use Coffea Cruda 30C once or twice daily.

8. Ignatia – For Fibromyalgia with Depression

Ignatia is a herbal medicine for fibromyalgia and depression. A history of some emotional shock like loss of a loved one, or any major grief or disappointment may be present in people needing this medicine. Symptoms of depression like sadness, weeping, desire to be alone are well marked along with mental and physical exhaustion.

When to use Ignatia?

This medicine is of great help for cases of fibromyalgia attended with depression with marked sadness and weeping spells.

How to use Ignatia?

It proves effective in 30C power that can be taken once or twice a day.

9. Phosphoric Acid – For Fibromyalgia With Brain Fog

Phosphoric Acid is indicated for fibromyalgia where a person suffers from extreme brain fog. The person needing this remedy finds it difficult to collect thoughts, faces difficulty to concentrate on a task and comprehend things. In most cases, a history of some grief or sorrow may be present. Issues of sleeplessness and extreme weakness may also be present with the above symptoms.

When to use Phosphoric Acid?

This medicine suits well cases of fibromyalgia with marked brain fog with difficulty in concentration and intense weakness.

How to use Phosphoric Acid?

Phosphoric Acid 30C can be taken once a day.

Causes Behind Fibromyalgia

No clear mechanism explains the cause of fibromyalgia. The most common theory suggests that people who have fibromyalgia are in fact, suffering from some problem with the pain reception. Such people develop an increased sensitivity towards pain. Their body’s tendency to feel pain is higher as compared to others. In other words, we can say that they have low threshold levels to tolerate any painful condition.
The most common factors responsible for this increased sensitivity to pain are serotonin, Substance P (a peptide) and nerve growth factors. In fibromyalgia, there is a low level of serotonin which plays a vital role in inhibiting pain signals. Further, there are high levels of Substance P and nerve growth factor present, which spread the pain signals. All these factors together lead to central sensitization of the brain, causing hypersensitivity to pain and chronic pain. So, the individual suffering with fibromyalgia will experience more pain in the same injury as compared to someone who does not have fibromyalgia.
Due to central sensitization, the patient tends to develop hypersensitivity to touch or to the things which generally do not cause pain. Their brain is in a constant state of high reactivity. That is why they also experience pains, even if touched gently. Because of central sensitization, the pain tends to get worse if the individual is going through some psychological or physical stress like anxiety, depression, injury/trauma or sleeplessness. This central sensitization can develop due to multiple factors in people with fibromyalgia, like after an injury/trauma or surgery, depression, insomnia, and some genetic factors.

Triggering Factors

Family History – A person with a family history of fibromyalgia is at risk to develop it.

Gender – Women are more at risk of developing fibromyalgia. According to NIAMS (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases), between 80 to 90 % diagnosed cases of fibromyalgia are women, and the female hormone estrogen has been linked to this.

Age – Fibromyalgia is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 50 years.

Other Diseases – People with certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, are at an increased risk to develop fibromyalgia.

Sleep Disorders – People with sleep disorders including sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome tend to develop fibromyalgia.

Infections – Infections caused by certain viruses tend to trigger or worsen fibromyalgia. These viruses include the Epstein-Barr virus, influenza virus, and viruses that cause hepatitis B and C. Apart from this, Lyme disease caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi is also linked with fibromyalgia.

Trauma – Physical or mental trauma can trigger fibromyalgia. Physical injury mainly in the cervical spine is linked with fibromyalgia. Emotional trauma like a divorce or the death of a family member/ loved one is another trigger factor noted in cases of fibromyalgia.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

1. Pain is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia. The pain associated with fibromyalgia often is widespread and is described as a constant deep, dull ache. However sometimes throbbing, sharp, shooting, burning pains can also be present. The pain is present in the muscles, tendons, ligaments and around the joints. Exercise tends to worsen the pain. Numbness and tingling sensations and stiffness upon lying in the same position for too long are other symptoms.

A person with fibromyalgia has tender points, which are about nine pairs of specific points in the body which when pressed cause intense pain.
As per the guidelines of American College of Rheumatology guidelines, a person is said to have fibromyalgia when at least 11 of these 18 tender points are painful when a certain amount of pressure is applied on them. The tender points are located around the back of the neck, front of the neck, hips, elbows, lower back, upper back knees, chest, and shoulders.

2.Fatigue (tiredness) is another major complaint in people who have fibromyalgia. Even after sleeping for long hours, people with fibromyalgia feel tired and drained out. Some people describe this fatigue similar to that experienced during the flu. The person feels too tired to do simple, everyday things.

3. Most people with fibromyalgia havesleep issues. They may have difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep. Some may experience poor sleep quality in the form of light or easily disturbed sleep. Sleep disturbances arise due to a pain that wakes the person frequently at night. Sleep disturbance may also be linked with other sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea that many people with fibromyalgia tend to have. Feeling lazy and weak in the morning is also very common.

4. Fibro-fog and cognitive problems are other symptoms of fibromyalgia wherein a person has difficulty paying attention, focussing and concentrating on mental tasks. Remembering information, learning new things, and following conversations also becomes difficult.

Apart from the above, other symptoms and related conditions include headaches, depression, anxiety, tingling, prickling, numbness, burning sensation in hands, feet, arms, legs, pain in lower abdomen, painful periods in women, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

It is often difficult to diagnose fibromyalgia because of the lack of a specific investigation. Further, its symptoms (mainly pain) mimic many other conditions. A diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made when the patient experiences widespread pain in the tender points of the body for a minimum of three months for no specific reason.

Clinical Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

There are no lab tests that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Certain tests are done to rule out other conditions that have symptoms (mainly chronic pain) similar to fibromyalgia. These include a rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP ( anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide), ESR, CBC (complete blood count), and thyroid function test.

Thuja – Homeopathic Medicine: Its Uses, Indications, and Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 97 Comments

Thuja is a plant remedy prepared from fresh green twigs of a plant Thuja Occidentalis commonly known by the name of Arbor Vitae. The natural order of this plant is Coniferae. Arbor Vitae is an evergreen plant that attains a height of ranging from 20 to 50 feet. This plant exists in large number in the upper zones of North America, from Pennsylvania northwards. It blossoms from May until June and matures its fruit in autumn.
As a homeopathic remedy, it is primarily used for ailments related to the skin, reproductive organs, and anorectal disorders.

The Thuja Constitution

Individuals requiring Thuja have a hydrogenoid (excessive water in the body) constitution. Rain and damp, cold weather that increases the number of molecules of water in the system worsens the symptoms in them. It suits strumous and sycotic persons, those with lax muscles and light hair. It is also suitable for persons with lymphatic temperament who are fleshy with a dark complexion, black hair, and unhealthy-looking skin.

Drug Action

This remedy majorly acts on the mucus membrane of the genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, on the skin, glands, blood, mind, and brain. Its use is also indicated for wart-like growths upon mucous membranes and the skin. This remedy has an antibacterial action and is widely used to treat gonorrhea. It is considered to be a medicine that works particularly well on left-sided ailments of the body.

Clinical Uses

Thuja is used to treat conditions like warts, moles, skin pigmentation (chloasma), freckles, fungal infections like ringworms, ill-effects of vaccination, hair and scalp infections, nail problems, gonorrhea, balanitis, prostate issues, urethral stricture, piles, anal fissures, anal fistula, constipation, tooth complaints, ovarian cysts, ovaritis, uterine fibroids, hirsutism, recto-vaginal fistula, lumps and tumors, fatty tumors, ganglion, eye tumors, styes, polyps, depression, delusions, and fears.

The Scope of Thuja as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. Skin Problems

Thuja is of great service in treating many complaints of the skin.

WARTS: It is highly effective to treat warts appearing anywhere on the skin, on male / female genitals, and on the anal area. Warts may be small or large, jagged, cauliflower-like, flat or horny. They may ooze moisture and also bleed. The color of warts may be brown, dark or red, and they may be hard or soft. They may have burning, itching, and pain too including sore, sticking, stinging type of pain. They may appear singly, isolated or in multiple crops/groups. They may also be inflamed and sensitive to touch.

FRECKLES: It is also a highly beneficial remedy to treat moles and freckles, particularly light-brown freckles. The facial skin seems greasy/oily in cases requiring this remedy.

PIGMENTATION: It is an effective remedy to treat skin pigmentation with dirty brownish discoloration on the face or any part of the body. It also treats fungal infections of the skin and ringworms very effectively.

2. Ailments in Males

GONORRHEA: It works well in cases of gonorrhea in males where there is swelling of the urethra with scalding on urination. Along with this watery discharge of yellow/green color from the urethra is present.

WARTS ON GENITALS: This remedy can also be used to treat warts on prepuce, penis, scrotum. They may be small or pedunculated, and dry.

BALANITIS: The third indication for using Thuja in cases of male afflictions is balanitis. Here the glans is covered with red sores which are highly sensitive. Burning between the prepuce and glans penis may also be present.

PROSTATE ISSUES: It is also prominently indicated to treat prostate issues where there is a complaint of frequent urination. Sudden urgency to urinate is marked, and the stream of urine may be small and forked in some cases.

3. Ailments in Women

Thuja is a highly recommended medicine to treat a number of ailments in females. Uterine fibroids, warts, ovarian cysts and painful periods are some of the ailments where this remedy works very well.

OVARIAN PAIN: Left-sided ovarian pains that are cutting or shooting in nature, pain in the left ovary indicate its use. Pain from the left ovary may also radiate to the groin and left leg. Left ovary is inflamed. Burning pain in the left ovary, especially during periods, is marked. The burning pain tends to get worse while walking with a desire to lie down.
It is also an important remedy to treat warts on the female genitalia – vulva, vagina, and cervix. Stinging pain may be present in warts, and they may also bleed.

UTERINE POLYPS: In cases of uterine polyps, this medicine is indicated where excessive menstrual bleeding and intermenstrual bleeding is present. Vaginal discharge, back pain and tiredness of legs accompany.
In addition to the above, it also treats the complaint of unwanted facial hair (hirsutism) in females.
It is also a prominently used medicine to treat cases of rectovaginal fistula in females.

4. Ano-Rectal Disorders

Thuja is a significant medicine to treat many anorectal complaints, like constipation, piles, fissures, and fistulas.

CONSTIPATION: It is useful to treat constipation where there is obstinate constipation and the stool comes in the form of hard balls. The anus feels constricted, hard stool is followed by soft stool, and in some cases, the stool is covered with blood. Pain in the rectum may appear while passing stool. There is soreness and burning at the anus throughout the day. Burning or sticking in the anus, painful stitches in the anus (as from a needle), smarting pain in the anus are some other attending features.

PILES: It used to treat piles in cases where pain while passing stool is present. Burning at anus especially while walking is marked.

FISSURES: It is used to treat fissures of the anus. In such cases, the anus is highly sensitive and painful to touch. Burning and itching at the anus are also present.
Apart from the above, Thuja is widely used to treat anal fistula and warts around the anus. Highly offensive sweat around the anus may be present with the above complaints.

5. Urinary Complaints

Thuja is helpful to rectify many urinary complaints associated with inflammation/infection of the urinary tract, stricture of urethra and prostate issue. The urinary symptoms managed with this medicine are cutting pains after urination, burning pain in the bladder and urethra. Its use is also considered when the stream of urine is forked and small, where there is frequent urination (especially at night), and where there is a sudden urgency to pass urine.

6. Complaints of the Mind

This remedy is useful to treat depression, fears, and delusions. There is depression with sadness, aversion to company, attended with irritability, loathing of life and self-contempt. Many of the fears may be present when this remedy is indicated, including fear of getting an infection, fear of germs, fear of strangers, fear of death, fear of getting a venereal disease.

7. Ill-effects of Vaccination

Many troubles arising from vaccination including skin rash, stomach ailments, neuralgia, conjunctivitis, growths at the site of vaccination can be treated with this medicine.

8. Lumps and Tumours

Thuja is an effective anti-sycotic medicine. Fatty tumors, ganglion, eye tumors (styes, tarsal tumors), breast tumors, uterine tumors, polyps (of ears, vocal cords, uterus) all are within the range of treatment.

9. Problems of Hair and Scalp

It is a very helpful remedy to manage hair fall. It also helps to treat dry and split hair, thin, lustreless, brittle hair, premature greying of hair and white scaly dandruff.

10. Conditions Affecting the Nails

Thuja is useful to treat fungal infections of nails, particularly in cases where the nails are discolored and soft, out of shape and distorted. The nails may get dry or brittle, and crumble or break. It is also used to treat ingrown toenails.

11. Dental Complaints

Use of Thuja is also suggested to treat tooth complaints like decay/caries especially when the root decays but the crown remains sound. It also helps in cases of crumbling and yellowing of teeth. Toothache better by pressure and a toothache that worsens before and after menses also indicate the need for this medicine.

Dosage

As a remedy, Thuja can be used from 30 C to 1M potency. The repetition and potency vary from case to case.

Relation to Other Remedies

Complementary medicines – Arsenic album, Natrum Sulph, Sabina, Silicea, and Medorrhinum.
Medicines that follow Thuja well are – Nitric Acid, Calcarea Carb, Lycopodium, Pulsatilla, Sabina, Silicea, and Sulphur.
Antidotes – Camphor, Chamomilla, Pulsatilla, and Sulphur

Nux Vomica – Homeopathic Medicine: Its Uses, Indications, and Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 76 Comments

Nux Vomica is a plant commonly known by name Poison Nut of the family Loganiaceae. The seeds of the plant are used to extract the medicine. This plant grows in China, East India, Burma, and Australia. It has small flowers and orange colored fruits. The fruits contain numerous ash gray colored seeds that are coated with fine, silky downy hairs. As a homeopathic remedy, it is majorly used for treating gastric ailments, rectal ailments, anger management, urinary troubles, liver complaints, migraine, sexual complaints in males, sleep issues, and respiratory complaints.

Preparation

Nux Vomica as medicine is prepared from seeds of a plant poison nut. Trituration of the seeds is done to extract the medicine for use in homeopathy.

The Nux Vomica Constitution

In homeopathy, it is believed that every person has a particular constitution. This is the composition, structure, physical makeup and nature of a person.
Nux Vomica is suited to thin, active, energetic, ardent, careful, impatient, zealous persons with dark hair and disposed to get offended and irritable often and are spiteful and malicious. They are impatient, nervous, disposed to be quarrelsome and getting angry easily. Next, it suits literary, studious persons doing much mental work having a sedentary life, with gastric, abdominal complaints. It is also suited in drunkards prone to gastric ailments, indigestion. An oversensitivity to external impressions is frequently noticed. A tendency to chronic indigestion, gastric ailments and piles are usually seen.

Clinical Indications

Piles, constipation, indigestion, acidity, heartburn, migraine, sleeplessness (insomnia), asthma, colds, liver complaints, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, kidney stones, alcoholism, hangover headaches, umbilical hernia, inguinal hernia, drug abuse, tobacco addiction, anger management.

The Scope of Nux Vomica as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. Rectal Complaints

Nux Vomica is a very effective medicine to treat rectal complaints. In the case of rectal complaints it is indicated to treat constipation, diarrhea, piles, dysentery, and prolapse of rectum. The key indication for using Nux Vomica in constipation is frequent ineffectual urging for a stool but passing little quantity at a time. A constant uneasiness is felt in the rectum with frequent small evacuations. The stool is always insufficient and unsatisfactory with a feeling as if some part still remained in the rectum. A sensation as if the stool is not finished prevails. The stool is very hard, dry and knotty. Nux Vomica is highly preferred for treating constipation in infants, adults, elderly people, in women during pregnancy and person living a sedentary lifestyle. It is considered in diarrhea that arises in the morning, after rising, from indigestion, from taking alcoholic drinks, after drastic medicines and from prolonged drugging. Here stool is thin, brown, dark watery and offensive. Before and during stool, a cutting pain around the umbilicus is felt. The pains get better after passing stool.
It also helps rectify diarrhea in infants. Its use is also made in cases of alternating diarrhea and constipation. Nux Vomica helps to regularise the bowel movements. In cases of piles, it is useful for blind piles and itchy piles. There is burning, cutting, sticking, smarting at the anus. Slightest touch worsens the pain. Itching at the anus is worse at night keeping the person awake. Application of cold water at the anus offers relief in piles complaint. Piles during pregnancy or after parturition (delivery) are also indicative to use Nux Vomica. Apart from all these Nux Vomica is also given for dysentery. There is a discharge of blood with the slimy, watery, putrid, painful stool. Small quantities of jelly-like mucus pass with stool. Stool may be greenish in color. There is marked tenesmus, (a feeling of constantly needing to pass stools). Next indication for Nux Vomica is prolapse of rectum. Prolapse of rectum due to constipation majorly guides towards its use.

2. Gastric Troubles

Nux Vomica is an excellent digestive remedy for treating indigestion and acidity. The major symptoms for using it include – heartburn, sour bitter belching, water brash, nausea and vomiting with much retching. Pain in the stomach is also present. Vomiting gives relief in the pain for a while. Tension and fullness in the stomach gets worsen after eating. Burning in the stomach also attends. The stomach area is sensitive to pressure and person cannot bear tight clothing due to this. Excessive gas is present in the abdomen that is incarcerated or obstructed. Abdominal fullness, distension, rumbling is marked. Distension is worse after eating or drinking. Belchings gives relief. Abdominal colic arises. Pain in the abdomen is violent, drawing tearing in nature most times about the navel. Pain is worse from eating anything. Colicy, cutting pain in the abdomen with nausea is marked. Gastric ailments from taking alcohol, coffee, tobacco, highly spiced food are wonderfully treated with Nux Vomica. Dyspepsia from worry, anxiety and mental stress is also corrected with Nux Vomica. Nux Vomica is also a great anti-inflammatory medicine for the stomach. Its use is highly considered in gastritis with burning pain in the stomach and vomiting of everything taken, even in the smallest quantity soon after taking it. Motion sickness from traveling in the car also indicates its use. Nux Vomica is also a significant remedy for hernia – inguinal and umbilical. It is also prominently indicated for an umbilical hernia in infants.

3. Sleep Issues

Nux Vomica is an excellent medicine for insomnia (sleeplessness), mainly where maintaining sleep is the major trouble for the person. There is a rush of thoughts in mind causing insomnia. In daytime drowsiness is present. Tiredness and weakness are also present. Sleeplessness arising from abuse of coffee or tobacco or alcoholic drinks is indicative to use Nux Vomica. Mental strain leading to sleeplessness is also helped with Nux Vomica. Another feature for using Nux Vomica is talking during sleep. Complaint of loud snoring during sleep is also addressed wonderfully with this medicine. Nux Vomica also helps in cases of nightmares frightful dreams, anxious dreams, dreams about accidents.

4. Mental Complaints

Nux Vomica is frequently used for anger management. The person needing Nux Vomica gets offended very easily and explode with anger. They also have a spiteful and malicious disposition. They tend to be quarrelsome. They often scold and insult other people. They are highly irritable, headstrong, ill-humored and anxious and wishes to be alone. Along with anxiety, they have suicidal thoughts and tend to be jealous. They can’t bear criticism or minor contradiction is intolerable. They tend to criticize others, find faults in others and demands perfection. They reproach others for their faults. Usually, they are very careful, nervous, ambitious, workaholic zealous with fiery excited temperament. They are oversensitive to all external impressions including noise, smell, and light. It also helps in dealing with ailments arising after continued mental exertion and from disappointed ambitions. It is also useful in obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are extremely fastidious in nature.

5. Sexual Complaints in Males

Nux Vomica is also beneficial for treating a number of sexual complaints in males. It is frequently used for treating erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. Next, it is suitable for the complaint of orchitis. The testicles are swollen and very sensitive to touch. Sharp, drawing or constricting pain is felt in the testes. Heated sensation in testicles attend. Pain gets worse from pressure and motion. Pain also worsens at night time causing restless sleep or sleeplessness at night on account of pain. Nux Vomica is also suggested to treat hydrocele. Next complaint where Nux Vomica offers help is spermatorrhea with weakness, backache, and irritability. Emissions during sleep with sensual dreams and exhaustion is also treated well with this remedy. Apart from this, it is helpful for treating chronic prostatitis and gonorrhea. In the case of gonorrhea thin discharge with burning on urinating are present.

6. Liver Ailments

Nux Vomica helps to rectify many of the liver ailments. Here, Nux Vomica is prominently indicated for an enlarged liver, fatty liver, jaundice, and hepatitis. The liver is swollen, sore and tender to pressure. Sticking, shooting, stinging, stitching, sharp or throbbing pain in the liver is felt. Motion worsens the pain. Tightness and constriction in the liver area is also present. Diarrhea and vomiting appear from liver complaints. Loss of appetite and aversion to food appears. Liver weakened from excessive alcohol intake, drug abuse also points towards the use of this remedy. Apart from above, Nux Vomica is preferable medicine for gall stones.

7. Headache

Nux Vomica is a highly suitable medicine for treating headache. Firstly it is recommended for migraine. Migraine from gastric troubles attended with nausea and acid vomiting indicates its use. Nux Vomica is also recommended for a headache that worsens from mental exertion or from anger. Headache from abuse of coffee, from light and noise, and from eating highly spiced food is also attended well with this medicine. Next, its use is suggested for headache from constipation. Hangover headaches also indicate its use.

8. Nasal and Respiratory Complaints

In the case of nasal complaints, Nux Vomica is given for coryza. There is stuffy nose or discharge of acrid nature from the nose. This majorly arises from cold air exposure. Nose blockage worsens at night time. Violent sneezing attends. This is most noted in the morning. Fluent coryza after rising is another key feature for its use. Intolerable itching in nose arises. Nose and frontal sinus may be inflamed. Headache attends nasal catarrh. Oversensitivity to strong odors is most times present. Its use is also made in cases of asthma. There is a suffocative sensation, oppressed breathing. Marked chest constriction and heavy load at the chest is felt. To it attends loud, whistling respiration with a severe cough. Very severe asthmatic attack after midnight appears. Asthma worsening from cold air also suggests its use. Apart from this, cough from gastric troubles and tobacco abuse are also treated wonderfully with Nux Vomica.

9. Urinary Troubles

Nux Vomica is indicated for treating kidney stones. There appears pain in kidney area. Pain may radiate to thighs. Walking worsens the pain. Relief by lying on the back appears. There appears constant urging to urinate. Burning and tearing pain while passing urine appears. Blood in the urine may be noted. Nausea, vomiting and ineffectual urging for stool is a major attending feature

Dosage

Nux Vomica can be used from 30 C to 1M potency. It is a short-acting remedy and its action lasts from 1 to 7 days approximately. The repetition and potency vary from case to case.

Relationship with Other Homeopathic Medicines

Sepia, Kali Carb, and Sulphur are complementary medicines to Nux Vomica.
Ignatia Amara and Zincum Met are inimical (interrupt the action of) to Nux Vomica
Its antidotes are Aconite, Arsenic Album, Chamomilla, Coffea Cruda, Opium, Pulsatilla and Thuja Occidentalis

Top 6 Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Body Pains and Aches

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 185 Comments

Body aches are very common these days. It can occur from various reasons from mild to serious ones. It may simply arise from exertion, lack of sleep, stress or from different medical reasons, like viral/bacterial infections and arthritis (joint inflammation), among many other issues. The intensity and frequency of pain differ from case to case. The type of pain – aching, sore, cutting, tearing, sharp pain –varies from person to person.

Homeopathic remedies are very effective in treating body pains and aches. As body pain may arise from various sort of reasons, so for curing it that root cause has to be identified and treated. So in these cases, homeopathic medicines give excellent results by healing the internal cause behind it. Along with relieving body aches, these medicines also help in managing the attending symptoms like stiffness, soreness, fever and weakness. In conventional mode, pain killers, NSAIDs (non – steroidal anti – inflammatory drugs), steroids are being utilised to manage body aches as per the cause behind it that may have adverse effects from long-term use. While homeopathic medicines for body pains are a natural substitute for conventional medicines. These medicines help to reduce dependency on allopathic medicines to a great extent.

The selection of homeopathic medicine for body aches depends on the characteristic symptoms in every individual case. So homeopathic prescription varies from case to case and similar medicine is not prescribed in every case of body aches. This is as per the law of individualization in homeopathy.

Homeopathy is recommended for both acute and chronic cases of body aches. By following a regular course of homeopathic treatment as prescribed by a homeopathic physician, most of the cases of body aches recover completely. However, the time taken for complete healing depends on the duration and intensity of the problem.

The best feature while using homeopathic medicines for treating body pains is that they are free from side effects. This is because they are made from naturally occurring plants and substances that do not cause any harmful reaction.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines for Body Pains and Aches

The top medicines for body pains and aches are Rhus Tox, Arnica Montana, Bryonia Alba, Magnesium Phosphorica, Gelsemium Sempervirens and Eupatorium Perfoliatum.

1. Rhus Tox – Topmost Medicine

Rhus Tox is a natural medicine that has proved to be the best in treating general body pains and aches. This medicine is prescribed for patients in whom the body aches become worse in resting position and get better by walking. The body pains are accompanied by anxiety and restlessness. The patient feels a need to constantly move to get relief. The body aches trouble a person when a person gets up to walk after rest but as the patient walks, the pain goes on decreasing gradually. Marked stiffness always accompanies body aches. This medicine is specific if the body pain starts after getting wet in rain. Its use is highly recommended in those body pains that are a result of overexertion, overstraining or overstretching of muscles, and joint inflammation.

When to use Rhus Tox?

It is a marvellous medicine for managing body aches that get worse at rest and better from motion. The body aches can be related to overexertion, muscle pain or joint pain.

How to use Rhus Tox?

It is available in different potenices from low to high potency, initially it is advised to take it in 30C potency two to three times a day.

2. Arnica Montana – For Injury-Related Bodyaches

Arnica Montana is also an excellent medicine for body aches. This medicine has the great ability to reduce body aches which occur due to injuries either recent or old. Joint pains that result from injury can be treated with this remedy. This medicine is used where excessive, bruised type of aching of the body is present. The whole body feels sore as if beaten. The patient requiring Arnica finds it difficult to lie down calmly in bed. The bed feels hard on which he lies, which makes him constantly change his/her position in bed. The whole body feels lame. Arnica can very effectively treat the soreness and body aches due to overexertion.

When to use Arnica Montana?

It is a highly effective medicine for managing sore, bruised, aching body aches resulting from an injury either recent or old ones when the body feels as if beaten.

How to use Arnica Montana?

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

3. Bryonia Alba – For Body Aches When Muscle Or Joints Are Affected

This medicine gives excellent results when body pains result from either muscular or joint involvement. The prominent symptom guiding the use of this medicine is – worsening of the body pains on the slightest motion. The body pains get better on absolute rest. Every part of the body is painful to touch. An increased thirst for large quantity of water is always present in patients requiring this medicine.

When to use Bryonia Alba?

It is the best choice to manage body aches related to muscles or joints when pains are worse from slight movement and better from rest.

How to use Bryonia Alba?

The potency of this medicine differs from case to case from low to high. Low potencies like 30C can be taken two to three times a day. Use of high potency like 200C is limited to once a day.

4. Magnesium Phosphorica – For Body Aches Better From Warm And Pressure

Magnesium Phosphorica is used for a wide range of body pains and aches. The main indications for its use are relief in pain from warm application and pressure application to the affected parts of the body and worsening by cold air exposure. The body pains can be shooting, cutting or stitching in nature.

When to use Magnesium Phosphorica?

It is an apt medicine for cases of body aches in which there is relief from warm application and pressure while there is worsening of pain from cold air exposure.

How to use Magnesium Phosphorica?

Most of the time, it is prescribed in 6X potency and can be taken three to four times a day as per pain severity.

5. Gelsemium Sempervirens – For Body Aches Attended With Weakness, Dullness And Drowsiness

Gelsemium Sempervirens is a wonderful natural medicine for treating body aches that are accompanied by dullness, drowsiness and weakness. The whole body feels tired. Pain is mostly present in the neck, back and lower limbs. The body pains are attended with weakness even from slight exertion. This medicine can also help in relieving the neck and shoulder pain with headache.

When to use Gelsemium Sempervirens?

It is a well-indicated medicine to manage body aches attended with marked weakness, tiredness, dullness and drowsiness.

How to use Gelsemium Sempervirens?

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

6. Eupatorium Perfoliatum – For Body Pains And Aches During Fever

Eupatorium Perfoliatum is the best natural medicine for treating body pains during fever. This is mainly given where severe and general bone pains predominate. This medicine gives quick relief in the body aches during fever like malaria or influenza. The patient feels as if the whole body is broken.

When to use Eupatorium Perfoliatum?

It is a highly suitable medicine to deal with body aches occurring during fever.

How to use Eupatorium Perfoliatum?

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

Causes behind body aches

The causes may include exertion, vitamin D and calcium deficiencies, low potassium levels, lack of sleep, and injuries. Various medical conditions lead to body aches. First is fever. Second is arthritis which means inflammation of the joints. Third is fibromyalgia which causes widespread pain in different body parts at specific tender points attended by tiredness, memory issues, and sleep problems. The fourth cause can be Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) which causes marked weakness along with muscle / joint pains, sleeplessness, and poor memory. Other causes may include anemia (lack of sufficient red blood cells to carry enough oxygen to body tissues); lupus (an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks and inflames the healthy tissues and organs of the body that leads to a butterfly-shaped rash on the face and may cause joint pains, fever, tiredness, chest pain, dry eyes and memory loss; Lyme disease which is a bacterial infection spread by tick bites; myositis (inflammation of muscles); and fluid retention.

Homeopathic Remedies for Bed Sores

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 83 Comments

Bed Sores are commonly seen in persons who are immobilized and stay in bed or wheelchair for a long time. They do not change their position often and this results in damage to the skin and the underlying tissues because of the constant pressure on skin for a long duration. Bed Sores are also known as pressure sores or Decubitus Ulcers. When a person lies in bed for a long time — due to medical conditions like paralysis, spinal problems and several others — the skin is constantly pressed between the bones and the bed. As a result, the blood supply to skin is hindered, resulting in skin damage. Persons who involuntarily pass urine or stool are also prone to develop Bed Sores due to constantly moist skin. Elderly people and diabetics too are more likely to develop Bed Sores, which are mostly formed on the skin over bony prominences. Bed Sores are commonly seen on heels, hips, sacrum, elbows, shoulder blades and spine. Natural remedies are very beneficial in treating Bed Sores. These homeopathic medicines for bed sores are completely safe with zero side effects and treat Bed Sores effectively by providing relief from pain and curing blisters and pus in ulcers.

Signs and Symptoms of Bed Sores

In the beginning, Bed Sores show their presence as red skin area which soon turns bluish or purplish due to diminished blood supply. The patient experiences itching and pain. In the next stage, blisters appear on skin. When these eruptions of varying size containing fluid burst out, ulcers appear on the skin. The ulcers then start to find a way into deeper tissues. If the condition deteriorates, damage to deeper tissues, including muscles and even bones, may occur. Pus discharge or foul odour discharge is a warning sign and it needs immediate attention.

Top Homeopathic Medicines for Bed Sores

Arnica, Apis Mellifica, Carbo Veg, Arsenic Album, Silicea, Hepar Sulph, Paeonia, and Pyrogen are the top remedies for bed sores.

1. Arnica: For Bed Sores with Black and Blue Spots on Skin

Arnica is the best natural medicine for treating Bed Sores when the skin turns bluish or blackish in appearance. The colour changes are due to marked stasis of blood because of the constant pressure on the affected part. The bluishness is accompanied by marked soreness. The patient complains of bruised and sore feeling in the affected part and feels as if the bed is too hard to lie on. Along with soreness, the patient may also complain of itching. In such conditions, Arnica is the ideal Homeopathic prescription to reduce blood stasis and hence, the black or blue spots. The soreness and itching diminish with its use. Apart from these effects, Arnica also acts as a preventive medicine against pus formation that occurs in late stages of bed sores.

2. Apis Mellifica: For Rose-Colored Bed Sores with Burning Sensation

Apis Mellifica is the ideal natural remedy for Bed Sores where the skin appears rose coloured. There is a marked burning sensation in the spots. The patient complains of pain in the spots and it gets worse by touch. The condition also gets worse in a warm room or from heat of bed. The desire is to be in open air or uncover the affected parts to reduce the pain and burning. The pain may be of a stinging kind.

3. Carbo Veg: For Bed Sores with Blue Spots and Coldness of Affected Part

Carbo Veg is of great help for treating Bed Sores when the skin is bluish with coldness. Excessive sweat may also be present along with the coldness. The person needing Carbo Veg has bluish-coloured Bed Sores due to stagnation of blood in capillaries. Because of stagnated blood, there is imperfect oxidation, resulting in Bed Sores with a bluish tint. Apart from bluishness, coldness and sweat, the other complaint is itching. The itching most of the times gets worse by warmth. Itching may also be mostly experienced towards evening time. Bleeding from the sores is also narrated by a few patients. Marked weakness forms a part of the total symptom picture.

4. Arsenic Album: For Bed Sores with Offensive Discharge

Arsenic Album is the top natural remedy for Bed Sores where ulcers have formed with discharge of an offensive character. The discharge from ulcers is extremely putrid. Pain in ulcers, especially of a burning nature, is dominantly present. The pains in majority of cases get worse at night. Cold may also worsen the pain and burning in ulcers. The person also seems weak. Homeopathic medicine Arsenic Album efficiently helps in clearing the putrid discharge and ulcers as well as reducing the burning pain.

5. Silicea and Hepar Sulph: For Bed Sores with Pus

Silicea is a natural medicine that always stands out in the treatment of various medical conditions associated with formation of pus. Silicea is a very powerful and efficient medicine to get rid of pus discharges. It can be prescribed in all cases of Bed Sores with discharge of pus. Hepar Sulph is the remedy when the pus discharge is bloody. There is extreme pain and sensitiveness in the ulcer. The person needing Hepar Sulph may also have a burning and stinging feeling in the ulcers. So, while Silicea is selected when only pus oozes out of ulcers, Hepar Sulph is the best remedy when blood oozes out along with pus from ulcers.

6. Paeonia: For Bed Sores on Sacrum and Coccyx

Paeonia is the most efficient natural medicine for Bed Sores that show their presence on the skin covering sacrum and coccyx. Ulcers are present with pain and sensitiveness, Itching and pain in ulcers may also be felt and are effectively controlled by Homeopathic medicine Paeonia.

7. Pyrogen: For Bed Sores tending towards Sepsis

Sepsis is a very critical condition also called blood poisoning. In Sepsis, the septic or poisonous matter appears in blood and spreads to the entire body. In such cases of extreme Bed Sores where the infection has gained access to blood, Pyrogen is a very beneficial medicine. The patient shows symptoms of increased pulse rate and high fever with shivering. The skin is cold and sweaty and there is a presence of deep ulcers with horribly offensive discharge.

6 Homeopathic Medicines for Sore Muscles

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 19 Comments

Muscles are a bundle of fibrous tissue which helps move the body by contraction. Stretching muscles beyond their tensile strength make them sore. Primary causes behind sore muscles are overstretching, overexertion, strenuous exercise, heavy weight lifting, and trauma. Muscle soreness is of two types – acute muscle soreness, and delayed onset muscle soreness. In acute muscle soreness, muscle pain is experienced during and immediately after exercise. In delayed onset muscle soreness, muscle pain is felt several hours to a few days after excessive exercise. The symptoms of sore muscles are pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the muscle. Using the muscle worsens the pain, and resting it brings relief. Homeopathic medicines for sore muscles is very beneficial. Muscle soreness arising from different causes is dealt with effectively with these medicines.

Treatment Options for Sore Muscles

Conventional treatment involves the use of non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs which relieve pain by preventing the body’s cyclooxygenase enzymes from working. These enzymes make hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which contribute to pain and inflammation. NSAIDs are most often prescribed for arthritis and for the pain resulting from muscle sprains, strains, back and neck injuries, and menstrual cramps. Some commonly seen side effects can include nausea, stomach pain, bleeding and ulcer formation. NSAIDs also increase the risk of cardiovascular problems and they can interact with drugs prescribed for heart diseases such as blood thinners, antihypertensive drugs, and aspirin. Homeopathic treatment for sore muscles is very beneficial. Muscle soreness arising from different causes is dealt with effectively with homeopathy medicines. These medicines help persons with sore muscles caused by overstretching, overexerting, or injuries.

Mind-body therapies are treatments that are meant to help the mind’s ability to access the functions and symptoms of the body. Relaxation techniques can help in the discomfort related to chronic pain.
Acupuncture is also thought to decrease pain by increasing the release of chemicals that block pain called endorphins. When stimulated, these nerves cause a dull ache or feeling of fullness in the muscle. The stimulated muscle sends a message to the central nervous system causing the release of endorphins. Endorphins along with other neurotransmitters block the message of pain from being delivered to the brain.

Homeopathic Medicines for Sore Muscles

Rhus Toxicodendron, Arnica Montana, Bryonia Alba, Cimicifuga, Gelsemium, Sanguinaria Canadensis are the top remedies used to treat muscles soreness.

1. Rhus Toxicodendron – For Sore Muscles Due to Weightlifting

Rhus Toxicodendron, also known as Poison Ivy is a flowering shrub whose leaves are used to make the medicine. It belongs to the family Anacardiaceae and is commonly found in parts of Asia and Eastern North America. The main actions of the remedy are on the inflammatory conditions, skin and rheumatic pains of the body. Rhus Tox is a beneficial remedy for the treatment of sore muscles caused due to lifting heavy weights. Stiffness, along with sore and painful muscles is also seen. Application of something warm over the affected part may offer some relief. There is also some soreness of the condyles of the bones. The cold fresh air is not tolerated and it makes the skin painful. Tenderness is also felt in the affected muscles.

2. Arnica Montana – For Sore Muscles Due to Trauma

Arnica Montana (also known as Wolf’s Bane) is a flowering plant of the Asteraceae family, the dried flowers of which are used to prepare the remedy Arnica. It is commonly found in the European region. Arnica is a well-indicated remedy for injury to the skin or for pain and swelling associated with bruises, aches, and sprains in the muscles. Sore muscles as a result of trauma respond well to Arnica. It is also a good remedy for the sore muscles after previous injuries. There is a sore, lame and bruised feeling in the body. The patient may feel the pain in various muscles as if resulting from being beaten. Touching the affected body part worsens the pain as muscles are tender. Arnica is also used for sore muscles caused by influenza.

3. Bryonia Alba – When Slight Motion Worsens the Pain

Bryonia Alba or White Bryony is a perennial climbing herb found in parts of Europe and Northern Iran, of the family Cucurbitaceae. The dried root of this plant is used to prepare the homeopathic remedy. Bryonia has its affinity towards dryness of all mucous membranes of the body, aching in single muscle and the serous membranes of the organs. Bryonia Alba is best suited in cases of sore muscles when relief is brought about by only absolute rest. The slightest motion of the affected part worsens the pain. People requiring Bryonia feel relief when pressure is applied to the affected part. Lying down on the affected part also makes the soreness of the muscles better.

Other Important Remedies

4. Cimicifuga

Cimicifuga is a beneficial medicine for sore muscles affecting the central bulge of the large muscles. In such cases, the application of something cold worsens the pain. Cimicifuga is an excellent medicine for sore muscles caused by excessive muscle exertion, like dancing or long, continuous running, etc. Pain in the muscles of the neck from overwork like typing is also treated well with this remedy.

5. Gelsemium

Gelsemium is a beneficial medicine for the sore muscles. It is used in cases of extreme weakness and fatigue accompanying muscle soreness. In such cases, the patient gets relief by lying down or resting. Gelsemium helps to relieve the pain in the muscles as well as the weakness along with it. Gelsemium also works well for sore muscles caused by influenza.

6. Sanguinaria Canadensis

Sanguinaria Canadensis is a useful medicine for soreness and pain in the deltoid muscle. Along with being painful, the deltoid muscle is also very stiff. The pain worsens on lifting the arm and usually aggravates at night time. Sanguinaria works well for deltoid pain on the right side.

Types of Muscle Soreness

Muscle soreness is of two types:

Acute muscle soreness is the pain felt in the muscles immediately after a vigorous physical stimulus. The pain appears within a minute of contraction of the muscle and disappears within two or three minutes or up to some hours after the muscle’s relaxation.
Accumulation of chemical end products of exercise in muscle cells, such as H+, tissue edema caused by the shifting of blood plasma into the muscle tissue during the process of contraction, muscle fatigue (the muscle tires and cannot carry out contraction any more), and acute muscle soreness reflects one form of exercise-induced muscle damage.

Delayed onset muscle soreness is exercise-related muscle pain. It develops after excessive and unaccustomed exercise after the muscles fail to relax within 48-72 hours. It is prevalent if that exercise has an eccentric component where the muscles are contracting whilst lengthening – eg downhill running, long-distance running.

Causes of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

DOMS is caused by muscle strains. The trauma results in an inflammatory response with intramuscular fluid and as a result the electrolyte shift. Biochemical markers such as creatine kinase and lactic dehydrogenase are found in the blood of the sufferers. Swelling, pain is thought to be the reason why muscle strength and function is impaired in the patients.

Symptoms of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

The classic symptoms of this soreness describe a dull muscle ache that develops 24 to 48 hours after a strenuous exercise. It is localized to the affected muscles and results in muscle stiffness as well as tenderness. Passive stretching will increase the symptoms which is one of the reasons why stiffness develops. This condition can also result in a short-term loss of muscle strength, a reduced range of motion and possible swelling of the affected muscles. Continuous movement may improve the symptom of stiffness over time.

How do Muscles get Sore?

One of the consequences of vigorous exercise is an accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles. Lactic acid is a normal byproduct of the metabolism, but it can irritate the muscles thus causing discomfort and soreness. Muscle soreness associated with an exercise is known as delayed onset muscle soreness. It can make it difficult to walk, reduce the strength, or cause discomfort for a couple of days. However, lactic acid is removed from muscle from just a few hours to less than a day after a workout, so it isn’t the cause of the soreness experienced days after a workout. The swelling in the muscle that results from an influx of white blood cells, prostaglandins (anti-inflammatory cells), and other nutrients and fluids that flow to the muscles to repair the damage and are known to be the cause of a prolonged soreness. The swelling and inflammation can build up for days, thereby becoming the main reason for muscle soreness getting worse after 2-3 days.

Managing and Preventing Sore Muscles

To minimize the development of muscle soreness, the following suggestions should be kept in mind:
Take it slow and gradually build up the amount of exercise at one time.
Be aware of the amount of eccentric exercise being included in the workouts.
Long distance runners should incorporate eccentric quadriceps training into their training to avoid soreness.

It is advisable to avoid aggressive exercise during the recovery phase. This is due to the muscle’s reduced capacity to cope up with the shock absorption, in-coordination, and the contraction intensity. Cycling has been shown to temporarily ease the pain.
Using an ice pack in case of an acute injury, or if there is a swelling of the muscle area and it feels warm, can help soothe the muscle. Wrap up an ice pack in a thin towel and place it on the sore muscles for about 15 minutes.
A massage will help to relax the very tight sore muscles and soothes muscle aches. However, this should not be done in cases of an acute injury.
Stretching your muscles for about 10 minutes after a rigorous workout to prevent sore muscles and warming up the body with simple movements like arm swings before exercise can help avoid soreness.
In the case of soreness, do not stop exercising completely. The fact that we experience muscle soreness after a workout is a sign that the muscles have been stretched and are slowly getting better. By using the muscles (with light activity) we can speed up the elimination of lactic acid buildup in the muscles.
Build up eccentric exercises slowly. Eccentric contractions occur when the muscles lengthen under tension. Walking or running downhill are also examples of eccentric training. Increasing the intensity gradually is seen to have relieved the intensity of pain.
Lastly, a warm bath may loosen the tightened muscles and boost up the blood circulation, thus providing temporary relief.