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Duodenitis refers to inflammation of the duodenum. Duodenum is the first section of the small intestine just below the stomach and is followed by other two sections of the small intestine (jejunum and ileum respectively.) Homeopathic remedies for duodenitis help reduce the inflammation of duodenum and halt its further progression. 

The food from stomach after mixing with the stomach acid enters into the duodenum for further digestion. In duodenum the food mixes with bile and digestive juice of the pancreas.
Afterwards absorption of the nutrients like vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, fat and also water from the food start there. Duodenitis may be acute or chronic in nature. In acute duodenitis the inflammation appears suddenly and remains for a short time while in the chronic one inflammation appears gradually and tends to remain for some months or years together.  

Homeopathic Remedies for Duodenitis

The cases of duodenitis can be effectively treated in the homeopathic system of medicine. They are effective for both acute (recent) as well as chronic (long standing) cases of duodenitis. These medicines aim to treat the root cause behind it and bring excellent recovery. They also help to relieve its symptoms including stomach pain, burning, cramping in the stomach, nausea, vomiting and stomach fullness in a magnificent way. Both intensity and frequency of symptoms are controlled with its use. These medicines are of natural origin so treat it safely with zero side effects. 

Lycopodium – For Marked Stomach Pain 

Lycopodium is prepared from a plant Lycopodium Clavatum commonly known as club moss. This plant belongs to family lycopodiaceae. This medicine is useful when there is marked pain in the stomach. The pain is highly variable in nature from case to case. It can be constricting, cramping, gnawing, griping, cutting, pressing, boring, tearing, burning or stitching type. The pain from the stomach may also extend through to back. The stomach pain can get worse from sitting bent over. Stomach may be sensitive to pressure too. Another symptom that is prominent is pressure and heaviness in the stomach. This is felt after eating even a little quantity of food. The stomach gets bloated and full from slight food. There is excessive formation of gas in the abdomen. Vomiting of sour nature may accompany above symptoms in some of the cases.

Baryta Mur – For Cramping Pain and Heated Sensation in Stomach

Baryta Mur is a well indicated medicine when there is cramping pain and heated sensation in the stomach. The heated sensation can extend to chest from stomach. The pain may be cramping or burning in nature. Heat sensation in the stomach is there that can extend to the chest. Retching and vomiting  most of the time appears with this. Another complaint that is present is the heaviness of the stomach. Pressure in the stomach after eating food is felt. The appetite is also lost. People needing this medicine also have complaints of chronic indigestion. On investigation the duodenum appears inflamed, dark red and is highly congested. 

Arsenic Album – For Prominent Burning Sensation in Stomach 

Arsenic Album is a very beneficial medicine when burning in the stomach is prominent. The person needing it has severe burning in the stomach as if coals of fire are lying there. It is also indicated when there is pain in the stomach from taking even slightest food or drink. Vomiting may attend burning and pain in the stomach. Vomiting may be of clear water, bile or it may also be bloody in a few cases. Apart from this fullness, pressure or weight in the stomach as from a stone is felt. Stomach may also be tender to pressure along with above symptoms.

Arsenic Sulf Flavum – For Violent, Persistent Vomiting

Arsenic Sulf Flavum is also a useful medicine where a person complains of burning in the stomach. It is attended with vomiting. The vomiting may be violent and persistent in cases needing it. Indigestion is also present.  

Colocynth – To Relieve Cramping in the Stomach

Homeopathic medicine Colocynth is prepared from pulp of fruit of a plant Citrullus colocynthis commonly called as bitter apple. This plant belongs to the natural order cucurbitaceae. It is an excellent medicine for cases where cramping in the stomach is marked.  Persons needing it have worsening of the cramps by taking little food or drink. They feel relief in the cramps by bending double or hard pressure. Apart from cramping it can also be used in cases where the pain is cutting or tearing in nature. Stomach fullness may attend cramps and pain.

Magnesium Phos – When Cramping in Stomach is Better by Warmth and Pressure

Magnesium Phos is also a very helpful medicine when cramping pain in the stomach is a prominent symptom. There is relief by warm application or pressure to the stomach in cases requiring it. It also helps cases with griping, drawing cutting, shooting pain in the stomach. Nausea and vomiting may attend stomach pain. Along with above symptoms, fullness and bloating in the stomach may also be felt.

China – For Bloating in the Stomach

Homeopathic medicine China is prepared from dried bark of a plant Cinchona Officinalis commonly known as peruvian bark. This plant belongs to family rubiaceae. It is a well indicated medicine when there is bloating in the stomach after eating. A heavy pressure and weight is felt in the stomach after consuming a small quantity of food. Abdomen may also be bloated. Vomiting of sour fluid may appear. Appetite is lost with above complaints.

Nux Vomica – For Fullness in Stomach after Eating 

Nux Vomica is also a prominent medicine when there is fullness in the stomach after eating. With this stomach may be distended. Stomach may also be sensitive to pressure. Sometimes there is constant pain in the stomach. In some cases there is a burning sensation in the stomach. Vomiting of food and sometimes blood may attend these symptoms. There is loss of appetite. There may be a history of excessive alcohol intake or drug abuse in persons who require this medicine.

Ipecac – For Relieving Constant Nausea and Vomiting 

Ipecac is prepared from the dried root of a plant Cephaelis ipecacuanha that belongs to family rubiaceae.The nausea and vomiting is constant in cases needing it. Vomiting may be of white, glairy mucus, watery fluid, sour fluid or dark liquid. Along with this cutting, pressing, cramping pain in the stomach may accompany. Appetite is lost in many cases needing it.

Uranium Nitricum – For Cases where Duodenal Ulcers are Formed 

Use of Uranium Nitricum is highly considered in cases where ulcers have developed in the duodenum. The key features to use it are sharp pain in the stomach, burning in stomach and nausea, vomiting. Abdomen bloating, belchings may attend to it. Recurrent vomiting of blood is another important feature.

Graphites – For Duodenal Ulcers with Constrictive / Burning Sensation in Stomach

It is also indicated for duodenal ulcers cases. In cases needing it there is constrictive pain or burning sensation in the stomach. Along with this there is prominent vomiting that follows soon after eating. Fullness and pressure in the stomach may accompany this.  

Causes and Risk Factors 

The most common cause behind duodenitis is infection by a bacterium called  Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. The infection is spread through contaminated food and water. Its transmission happens through direct contact with vomiting, saliva or other body fluids of a person infected with this bacteria. This bacteria disrupts the mucus barrier which protects the duodenal lining from stomach contents that are acidic. This damage to the mucus barrier put a person at increased risk of inflammation in duodenum.

The next common reason behind duodenitis is long term use of NSAIDs i.e. non – steroidal anti inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen. 

Apart from these, some other causes and risk factors are:

Drinking excessive alcohol. 

Crohn’s disease – An inflammatory bowel disease – IBD, that can cause inflammation in any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus including duodenum. It is a disease of autoimmune origin.

Smoking

Trauma or injury to the duodenum.

Certain viral infections.

Celiac disease – An autoimmune disease in which eating gluten which is a protein found in the wheat, barley and rye leads to damage in the small intestine from an immune response.

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy done for cancer treatment also predispose a person.

Recent surgery in the small intestine. 

Intense stress caused by major surgery.

Swallowing toxic /poisonous substances. 

Symptoms 

Duodenitis does not cause symptoms in each and every case. When they appear they include stomach pain, burning or cramping in the stomach and in some cases  the stomach pain going through to the back. Other symptoms that tend to appear in such cases include nausea, vomiting, a bloated feeling in stomach, indigestion, sensation of fullness in the stomach that appears soon after beginning to eat and loss of appetite. If it is left untreated for a long duration then there is a risk that it  can lead to an ulcer in the duodenum.

Sometimes the stool may look black or vomiting may look like wet coffee ground particles that happen if there is some internal bleeding. While in some cases the stomach pain gets very intense. These are serious symptoms that can arise in some cases and they can be life threatening thus immediate help from conventional mode of treatment should be taken in such cases. 

Bulimia Nervosa also simply called bulimia is a serious life threatening disorder in which a person binge eats, or  eats an excessive quantity of food in one sitting followed by self induced vomiting or purging (evacuating bowels by use of laxative, enemas) to get rid of consumed food, shed calories and prevent weight gain. Laxatives are substances that loosen stool and increase bowel movement and enemas is a procedure in which fluid is injected into the in rectum to empty bowels. The sufferer may also use drugs to lose weight, or exercise excessively, follow strict dieting or fasting in between the episodes of binge eating. Homeopathic medicines for bulimia nervosa like Lycopodium and Calc. Carb can effectively help manage the disorder. 

The sufferer mostly has a normal weight needed as per the age and height or sometimes they are overweight. They have a fear of gaining weight and are not satisfied with their body shape and weight. They have constant thoughts in mind about an ideal body shape and weight they should have sometimes influenced by as shown on media, magazines or from pressure from society, family.

As per diagnostic criteria adopted by DSM-5 (DSM = Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to diagnose bulimia nervosa, a person must have repeated episodes of binge eating followed by excessive or inappropriate measures taken to avoid weight gain and this should happen for at least once a week for a consistent period of 3 months and the sufferer should be over concerned about his / her body weight, shape and physical appearance.

Homeopathic Medicines for Bulimia Nervosa

Treatment with well selected constitutional medicines in homeopathy carry a great scope to recover from this condition. The constitutional medicine is a remedy selected after considering the totality of an individual’s symptoms both psychological as well as physical symptoms including overall personality and behaviours. These medicines are selected individually for every person after detailed case analysis. These medicines mainly work on treating its root cause which is mostly psychological in origin. These medicines are excellent to bring recovery in mild to moderate cases. However in severe cases where life threatening complications have arrived like severe electrolyte imbalance, major heart or kidney problems then urgent help from conventional mode of treatment should be opted.   

1. Lycopodium – For Bulimia with Bloated Abdomen

Lycopodium is prepared from plant Lycopodium Clavatum commonly known as club moss belonging to the family lycopodiaceae. It is a suitable medicine when bulimia is there with a bloated abdomen. Persons needing it have excessive hunger and eat a lot, the more they eat the more the urge to eat increases. Sour belching and heartburn are other complaints they often face. They have a poor self esteem and low self confidence levels. They are also very concerned about their image. 

2. Calcarea Carb – When Person having Bulimia is Overweight

This medicine is suited to people in whom the appetite is increased to a great extent and who are overweight. With an increase of appetite they may also have complaints of exhaustion, weakness. They usually feel weak when walking or when climbing stairs. They do not want to do any exertion or other work. They may also have distended, hard abdomen and heartburn. The glands in the neck may also be swollen among them. The females may have complaints of suppressed periods along with above symptoms. 

3. Staphisagria – Suitable for with Low Self Esteem, Poor Confidence 

This medicine is prepared from seeds of plant Delphinium staphisagria also called stavesacre. This plant belongs to family ranunculaceae. It is best suited for treating bulimia in people who have low self esteem, poor confidence level and have traits of self pity. They feel they are worthless. They also are very sensitive to the opinions of other people about them and what other people say to them with a tendency to get easily offended. They also feel depressed and eat large quantities of food. They mostly have a tendency to binge on sweets. Following eating excessive food they feel guilty for it. 

4. China – For Episodes of Binge Eating at Night with Weakness

Homeopathic medicine China is prepared from dried bark of plant Cinchona Officinalis also commonly called Peruvian bark. This plant belongs to family rubiaceae. This medicine mostly helps when there are episodes of excessive eating mainly at night time. People needing it also feel weak and have low energy levels. Digestive complaints are also prominent among them that mostly includes bloated abdomen, gas and loose stool (diarrhoea).

5. Ignatia – For People who are Sad or Depressed 

Ignatia is prepared from seeds of plant Ignatia Amara also called St. Ignatius Bean. This plant belongs to family loganiaceae. It is most beneficial to treat bulimia in persons who are sad, worried, depressed or have a history of some grief. They may also have sudden mood swings. It also suits persons who have traits of perfectionism or obsessions and who are over concerned with their appearance. They are hard on themselves when it comes to weight and have a desire to have an ideal body image. They may also have low self esteem and have some sort of frustrations in their lives. 

6. Natrum Mur – For People with Sensitive Nature or Depressed Mood

Its use is also indicated for persons who are sensitive or have depressed moods with increased intake of food. They may also have weakness and tend to get exhausted easily. The skin is dry in them. The sexual desire is also reduced among them. Females needing it may have irregular or absent periods. 

7. Sacharum Album – For Bulimia with Obesity

Sacharum Album is especially used when there is bulimia with obesity. People needing it do compulsive eating. Soon after eating the appetite returns with an empty feeling in the stomach. They also lack energy and feel weak. Their skin is also extremely dry.

8. Antimonium Crudum – For People with Chronic Indigestion and Bulimia

Antimonium Crudum is a useful medicine for persons who have an excessive appetite and eat food beyond how much their stomach can digest. They suffer from chronic indigestion and have distended abdomen with rumbling. They also have heartburn and nausea. A peculiar finding in them is a thickly coated white tongue. Another complaint that they face is excessive weakness. There is also a tendency to grow fat in persons needing it. 

Risk Factors

The real reason for bulimia is not known yet. However, there are certain factors that are thought to play a role in its development and increase its risk.

Genetic factors 

People having a family history of bulimia are at risk to develop the same pointing towards the possibility of a genetic link involved in its development. 

Emotional and psychological complaints

People having depression, anxiety disorders are at risk of it. Certain personality traits like having low self – esteem, self critical nature, having anger issues, impulsiveness or thinking negatively about themselves, over striving for perfection, over concern about body size, weight and shape put a person at its risk. People having a history of some mental trauma in past and long term psychological stress are also predisposed to develop it. People who are sensitive and influenced by social media are also at risk. 

Women and girls are more at risk to develop bulimia as compared to men and boys. It is estimated that females are nine times more at risk of it as compared to males.

Bulimia mostly tends to affect people of late teenage and early adulthood age groups.

People who were overweight / obese in childhood or in teenage are at risk of bulimia.

Dieting is another risk factor for developing it. Most people having bulimia goes on a strict low calorie diet between episodes of excessive eating (binging). This can trigger a desire to again binge and purge

Decreasing levels of chemical serotonin in the brain is also thought to play a role as per some researches.

Symptoms

The main symptom of bulimia is eating excessive quantities of food in one go with inability to control oneself to stop it followed by forcible vomiting to avoid weight gain. Some people having it tend to use laxatives, enemas, diuretics to avoid weight gain. Few excessively exercise or use herbs to lose weight. While many tend to do fasting or take low calories diets on a strict basis between episodes of excessive eating. They have a fear of gaining weight and always keep on thinking about one’s body shape and weight. They tend to avoid eating in front of others and go to the bathroom soon after eating. Other symptoms include having negative self – image, always thinking they are fat and keeps complaining about it to others, depressed mood and mood swings. Their teeth may be damaged or the teeth are stained from stomach acid, the glands in the neck and face may be swollen. There may also arise swelling on hands and feet and there may be sores / calluses on the knuckles of hands. They may feel exhausted, weak, have unhealthy or dry skin and have gastric troubles (like constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, heartburn, bloating, constipation) or have low sex drive (libido). In women the periods may get irregular or absent. 

Complications

The complications are several and some are severe and life threatening. Complications in cases of bulimia include electrolyte imbalance, digestive issues (like stomach ulcers), esophagitis – inflamed esophagus (food pipe), rupture of esophageal wall, hyperglycaemia (low blood sugar levels than the normal) following vomiting. Other complications that can arise include severe gum disease or tooth decay, dehydration, kidney failure, heart problems (rapid heartbeat, irregularity of heartbeat, palpitations or in severe cases heart failure). Infertility is another complication that can arise. The person may also have poor self esteem, or faces difficulty with social life, may develop anxiety, depression or indulge in abuse of alcohol or drugs or they may also develop self harming tendencies, suicidal thoughts / attempts.  

Valley fever, also called coccidioidomycosis, refers to a fungal infection caused by coccidioides fungus (coccidioides immitis or coccidioides posadasii). Homeopathic remedies for valley fever help effectively treat symptoms like fever, cough, chest pain, headache, joint pain, muscle ache, fatigue, chills, night sweat and skin rash. 

This fungus is generally found in soil in the regions of southwestern United States (mainly California and Arizona) and parts of Mexico, Central and South America. When the soil is disrupted like by the wind, by farming then the spores from the fungus fly in the air. 

These tiny spores can be taken miles away by the wind. These fungi spores then can be inhaled by a person and enter lungs causing valley fever, also called acute coccidioidomycosis. It is a non-contagious disease that means it doesn’t spread from person to person.   

Homeopathic Remedies for Valley Fever

Homeopathy has a great scope to manage cases of valley fever. The homeopathic medicines help boost the body’s immunity to fight with fungal infection and bring natural recovery. Homeopathic medicines are most helpful for mild to moderate cases of valley fever. In severe and advanced stages with complications one must consult a pulmonologist (a physician who specializes in treating diseases of the respiratory system).

For Cough

Belladonna – For Dry Cough

Belladonna is prepared from plant deadly nightshade that belongs to family solanaceae. It is a wonderful medicine for managing dry cough. Persons needing it suffer from short, dry coughs with tickling in the throat. The cough continues day and night. While coughing, a stitching type of pain may be felt in the chest. Most of the time headaches are also experienced. In addition to this fever arises with burning heat in the body.

Drosera – For Dry, Irritative Cough

This medicine is prepared from a plant named Drosera Rotundifolia commonly known as round-leaved sundew. This plant belongs to the family Droseraceae. It is an excellent medicine to help manage dry, irritative, deep hoarse cough. There appears repeated attacks of such coughing rapidly one after the other in cases needing it. This makes breathing difficult. Cough most times is seen to worsen at night time on lying down. Sometimes coughing is followed by vomiting.

Spongia – For Dry Cough

Spongia is also well-indicated for coughs which are absolutely dry. The cough is dry, barking, deep resonating and is worse from inspiration. There may be relief from taking warm drinks. All the air passages feel extremely dry. Suffocation and difficulty in breathing may be felt with above symptoms.

Bryonia – For Chest Pain with Cough

Bryonia is prepared from the root of the plant Bryonia Alba having the common name white bryony and wild hops. This plant belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is a leading medicine to manage chest pain with cough. The chest pain is usually sharp, stitching in nature for using it. The pain is worsened from deep breathing and during coughing. Cough is mainly dry, hard. Another peculiar feature to use is blood streaked, brick / rust coloured sputum. Person may have a fever with predominating chills. Joint pains and muscle pains may also appear with above symptoms. Here they have worsening of pain from motion and relief from rest. Most times pains experienced by them are sharp, tearing in nature. Bryonia is also a top listed medicine to manage pneumonia. 

Phosphorus – For Bloody Sputum with Cough

Like Bryonia, Phosphorus is also helpful for cases where bloody sputum appears with cough. Cough is mainly dry with tickling in the throat. It is worse at night that disturbs sleep. Cough also tends to worsen in cold air. Sometimes there is purulent sputum (pus in sputum.) Stitches in chest, oppressed breathing, tightness and heated sensation in the chest are few other symptoms that may attend. This medicine is also indicated to manage pneumonia cases where lower left lung is specifically affected. 

Arsenic Album – For Cough with Shortness of Breath

It is a very effective medicine to manage cases where cough is attended with shortness of breath. The symptoms most times tend to worsen at night time. With these thick yellow green or frothy expectoration may be present. Chest tightness is also complained about. Marked anxiety and restlessness attend. Extreme exhaustion, weakness is present. Fever with chills and icy coldness of the body appears with above symptoms.

Antimonium Tart – For Loose, Rattling Cough

This medicine is very useful to manage cases where loose rattling cough is present. In these cases the lungs feel full of mucus with much rattling. But very little mucus is expectorated. The expectoration consists of thick, white mucus. Suffocation and shortness of breath may also attend. 

Pulsatilla – For Loose Cough with Yellow Green Expectoration

Pulsatilla is prepared from plant Pulsatilla Nigricans commonly known as wind flower of ranunculaceae family. It offers much help for cases of loose cough with yellow green expectoration. It is copious, thick and lumpy.  Cough is worse in the morning. There is relief in coughing by going in the open air. 

For Fever

Aconite – With Alternate Coldness and Heat 

Aconite can be taken when a person feels alternate coldness and heat in the body. Cold stage is most marked among these. During a cold stage a person feels as if cold waves are passing through him especially in the back. This is followed by dry burning heat that extends from face or head along with excessive thirst for cold water. With above symptoms excessive restlessness is present.

Belladonna – With Dry Burning Heat 

Belladonna is considered in cases where a person feels dry burning heat in the body. It is intensely hot like fire. The head and face appear the most hot. The face is markedly red and flushed. Sweating may follow heat. Sweat most times appears only on the covered parts. Headache is also present.

Gelsemium – For Fever with Chills and Weakness

Gelsemium works well when there is fever with chills and weakness. Chills move up and down the back. Chills are so intense as to cause shaking. During fever dizziness, drowsiness also appears with weakness. Muscle aches and soreness is yet another attending feature.

Merc Sol – For Fever with Much Sweating

It is indicated for fever with excessive sweating day and night. Sometimes the sweat is offensive, sour. These complaints are attended with great weakness. Sometimes there is chilliness that is worse in the evening and night. Chillness may alternate with flushes of heat.

Silicea – Top Grade Medicine for Night Sweat

Silicea is highly beneficial medicine for managing night sweat. It appears soon after sleeping. The sweating is copious and is attended with weakness. The sweat smells foul. Persons needing it may also face complaints of chilliness and shivering.

For Weakness

Arsenic Album – For Extreme Weakness

Arsenic Album offers great help to manage intense weakness in these cases. Persons requiring it feel exhausted even from little exertion. The weakness gets worse at night time mostly. With this marked anxiety and restlessness also appears. Other attending features are coughing, difficulty breathing, and fever with chills.

Gelsemium – For Excessive Fatigue with Dullness and Drowsiness

This is a wonderful medicine to manage fatigue accompanied with dullness and drowsiness. There is extreme tiredness, malaise sometimes with dizziness. With this fever, chills, muscle aches and dull headaches are prominently present.

Carbo Veg – For Intense Weakness with Fainting

It is an excellent medicine to manage cases where a person is intensely weak, exhausted and faints easily from this. There is debility and weakness immediately following slightest exertion. With above symptoms there may be icy coldness of body 

For Headache

Belladonna – For Relieving Pulsating Headache 

It is an excellent medicine to bring relief in headache which is mainly throbbing, pulsating in nature. For using it the pain is most times present in the sides of the head. Head also feels congested with the sensation of rushing blood to head. Head may be sensitive to cold air. The pain tends to worsen from noise, jar and light. Relief may be felt by pressure. 

Gelsemium – For Relieving Dull Headache

It is a very helpful medicine to relieve dull headaches with flu like symptoms in these cases. The pain is usually present in the back portion of the head where it is needed.  Heaviness of eyelids may also appear. Along with headache muscle soreness in neck and shoulders is also present. With these fever with shaking chills and weakness also appears.

For Joint and Muscle Pains

Rhus Tox – Top Grade Medicine for Joint & Muscle Pain

Rhus Tox is highly beneficial for persons having joint pains. They may also have marked stiffness in joints with pain. The joints are also swollen and hot. There is worsening in pain at rest. They feel relief in pain from motion. Warm applications also help to give relief in pain. It is also suitable to manage muscle pain in a very effective manner. 

Arnica – For Painful Muscles

Arnica is prepared from plant Arnica Montana commonly called fallkraut. This plant is a member of family composite. It is significant medicine to manage muscle pain. There are mostly sore, bruised pains as if beaten. There is fear to touch the affected part from pain and soreness. 

Magnesium Phos – When Muscle Pains are Worse at Night

It works well when there is muscle pain which is worse at night time. There is relief from warm applications and also by pressure. Sometimes the pain is wandering in nature that shifts from one place to another. 

For Skin Rash

Apis Mellifica – For Skin Rash and Painful Eruptions

Apis Mellifica is helpful when there is red skin rash or painful eruptions. The pain is usually stinging, burning kind. The rash may be itchy too. Itching can worsen from warmth in bed. The skin may be also sensitive to touch.

Natrum Mur – For Skin Rash with Blisters

Natrum Mur is indicated for managing skin rash with blisters having watery content. Along with this there may be headaches and great weakness. Weakness is most worse in the morning. There is tiredness with sleepiness. 

For Managing Symptoms of Pneumonia

Bryonia – For Cough, Chest Pain , Bloody Sputum

It is a wonderful medicine when there is pneumonia with cough, chest pain and bloody sputum. The cough is dry where it is needed. The chest pain is sharp, stitching in nature that is worse from deep breathing and coughing. With this there is high fever.

Antimonium tart – For Excessive Mucus Rattling in Lungs

This medicine works in cases of pneumonia with excessive rattling of mucus in the chest.  There is difficult expectoration of white mucus. The breathing is much more difficult. With cough there appear intense  pains in the sides of the chest.

Hepar Sulph – With Purulent Expectoration like Pus

Hepar Sulph is indicated when there is copious pus-like, offensive sputum is expectorated. With this there is excessive cough, and slight fever. Decrease in appetite and weight loss appear with these symptoms.

Risk Factors 

Anyone can get this fungal infection and develop valley fever. But certain people are at most risk of this infection. These include people who live in areas where Coccidioides fungi are usually found or someone who has recently moved in such areas.
People who are in jobs like construction, agriculture, archaeology that exposes them to dust in such areas and also people who have weak immune systems or have diabetes are at risk too. Apart from this elderly people (mostly aged 60 years and above) and pregnant women are at risk.

Symptoms 

Its symptoms are described as per the stage. First, the initial stage is acute coccidioidomycosis. If the infection does not resolve completely here then it becomes chronic coccidioidomycosis. If the infection travels from lungs to other body parts then it is disseminated coccidioidomycosis.

1. Acute Coccidioidomycosis

This is the initial form. In many cases no symptoms arise. When they appear they are like the flu. The symptoms tend to appear one to three weeks after exposure. The symptoms vary in intensity from mild to severe and include fever, cough, chest pain, headache, fatigue, joint pain, muscle ache, chills, night sweat and skin rash. The skin rash usually appears on legs but may also appear on arms, chest, back. The skin rash may have red painful bumps, pimple-like eruptions or blisters.  

Usually  acute coccidioidomycosis is mild in most cases and symptoms subside in a few weeks. However in some cases the infection may turn severe and progress to chronic or disseminated coccidioidomycosis. The severity and recovery depends on general health or immunity of the person and the number of fungus spores inhaled.

A person who doesn’t develop any symptoms of valley fever comes to know that he has infection only when skin or blood test for this fungus comes to be positive or during a routine chest x – ray residual areas of this infection, nodules are visible.

2. Chronic coccidioidomycosis

If the acute infection doesn’t improve entirely then it may develop into a chronic type of pneumonia  (inflamed air sacs in lungs from an infection). This mostly happens in people with weak immune systems. Its symptoms include low grade fever, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, cough, blood tinged sputum.

3. Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis

It is rare though the most serious form of this infection. This type occurs on spread of infection from lungs to other body parts. These parts include skin, bones, heart, brain, liver, and meninges (three protective membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord). Its signs and symptoms develop depending on the body part affected. The symptoms include nodules under the skin, ulcers on skin, painful and swollen joints (mainly knees or ankles), painful lesions in the spine or other bones and enlarged lymph nodes. It can also cause meningitis which is a severe fatal infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Complications

First is intense pneumonia. In many cases there is full recovery from pneumonia. But in some persons mainly those having weak immune system there may develop severe from of pneumonia with respiratory failure.
Second complication is rupture of the nodules of the lungs. In very few cases nodules develop in the lungs that resolve with time. In some cases they tend to rupture leading to difficulty to breath and chest pain.
Last  is disseminated disease. As explained above it is the most serious complication where this fungus spreads from lungs to other body parts that can turn fatal.

Hydrocephalus, also known as water on the brain, refers to a condition in which there is too much build up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain.  Homeopathic medicines for hydrocephalus only play a supportive role in managing the symptoms and should be considered only with conventional treatment.

These ventricles are the cavities within the brain where lies the choroid plexus that produces CSF. This fluid flow through ventricles and eventually flows in spaces that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It provides nutrients to brain and also act as shock absorber in case of any jolts and hit to the head. This fluid undergoes a cycle of constant production and reabsorption. When this fluid exceeds a normal amount then it increases the size of ventricles and puts pressure on the brain and can cause brain damage. Though it mostly occurs in infants, children and elderly people over 60 years of age, it can occur at any age including younger adults. 

Homeopathic Medicines for Hydrocephalus

They provide symptomatic management in such cases. There are numerous natural homeopathic medicines to manage this condition which are selected based on an individual’s symptoms. Some of these medicines are described below. None of these medicines should be used by self medication. One should opt for its use after consulting a homeopathic specialist who after taking case details doing its analysis can best judge the medicine required as per each individual case.

1. Apis Mellifica – Top Grade Medicine 

It is a leading homeopathic medicine to manage acute cases of hydrocephalus. It is especially suited to manage hydrocephalus in children. It is prominently indicated for acute cases (of recent origin). The head appears large and the eyes are prominent in children who need it. Sometimes they have a squint in one or both the eyes. They appear very irritable and restless and may cry or scream suddenly. They are lethargic, have weakness and low energy levels. Their sleep is excessive and deep. They may have dullness in their heads and may bore their head in the pillow.  In few children, pain in the head especially the back part of the head is present. Heated sensation in the head is also noted. Nausea can attend above symptoms. They can scream sharply in sleep.  Another symptom that they may have is trembling and jerking of limbs. In some of them scanty urine or suppression of urine can accompany above symptoms. Seizures in hydrocephalus also indicate its use. It is also the best indicated medicine for hydrocephalus and meningitis.

2. Calcarea Carb – When Head Appears to be Too Large 

Calcarea Carb is a well-indicated medicine for managing cases of hydrocephalus in which the head is too large. It mostly helps chronic cases (means present from long duration) of hydrocephalus. The children needing it may have delayed closing of fontanelles along with head enlargement. They usually have a tendency of excessive sweating over the head. They may have weight loss. They may also show delayed growth or delayed learning to talk and walk. 

3. Cina – When Child is Very Irritable

Cina is prepared from plant Cina Maritima of family compositae. It is beneficial for children who are very irritable and cross. They may cry a lot and strike those around them. They are restless too. They also have a desire to be carried. With this they frequently turn their head from one side to another. They may cry in sleep. They may have an attending inflammation of the brain.

4. Helleborous – When Child Rolls Head from Side to Side

This medicine is prepared from the root of plant Helleborus Niger commonly known as Black Hellebore, Christmas Rose or snow – rose. It belongs to family ranunculaceae. Its use is considered in cases where a child rolls head side to side frequently day and night. He also screams a lot. He may have trembling hands. His eyes have a vacant look and sometimes squinting eyes may be noted. Deep sleep is another symptom that is present. Next symptoms he has is impaired vision and speech difficulty. He may have inflamed meninges too with hydrocephalus.

5. Ipecac – With Nausea and Vomiting

This medicine is prepared from the dried root of plant Cephaelis ipecacuanha that belongs to the family rubiaceae. It is a valuable medicine to manage cases in which a child has nausea and vomiting. The fontanelle may be open in them. Their faces look pale. The back of the head and neck may be  sore.

6. Phosphorus – When Child is Dull and Sleepy

This medicine is well indicated for cases where a child is dull and very sleepy. He tends to sleep all the time, has marked weakness and low energy levels, and may also vomit a lot. 

7. Digitalis – For Sudden, Sharp Cries 

Homeopathic medicine Digitalis is prepared from plant Digitalis purpurea which belongs to the family scrophulariaceae. It is indicated for children having sudden sharp cries. With this they have vomiting on eating anything. Their eyes are sunken, dim and pupils are dilated or have squint. Their head may fall backwards from weakness of neck muscles. Other symptoms that indicate its use are boring head into pillow, involuntary urination, scanty urination and loss of vision.

8. Lycopodium – For Pain in Back of Head

Lycopodium is prepared from plant Lycopodium Clavatum commonly known as club moss. This plant belongs to family lycopodiaceae. It works well in children having pain in the back of head especially in the upper part. It can be followed by unconsciousness. They also feel heaviness in the head. Other symptoms that they frequently have include sleepiness, speech problems and screaming out in sleep.

9. Artemisia Vulgaris – With Presence of Seizures (fits)

It is prepared from the fresh root of the plant mugwort of family compositae. It is a helpful medicine when seizures are there in case of hydrocephalus. In cases requiring it the seizures occur frequently with bending of head backward or sideways. Unconsciousness can occur after seizure. Apart from this it is indicated when there is sharp, shooting pain or heaviness in head and confusion of mind. 

10. Calcarea Phos – With Open Fontanelles

Calcarea  Phos is useful for both acute as well as chronic hydrocephalus cases where a child has open fontanelles. Along with hydrocephalus meningitis can be present. It is also indicated for cases of congenital hydrocephalus (present since birth).

11. Kali Iodatum – With Squinting of Eyes

This medicine is beneficial when squinting of eyes is present along with other symptoms. These symptoms include crying, vomiting, trembling of limbs on the left side. Sometimes seizures are present. It is also indicated for blindness in these cases. 

12. Merc Sol – For Decrease of Memory, Imagination, Reasoning Skills

This medicine is given when there is diminution of memory, imagination, reasoning skills. Along with this head is enlarged. Shrieking, heaviness of head, weakness, nausea and vomiting are present.  There may also be dullness and sleepiness with this. Seizures can also be there. Another symptom that can accompany is involuntary urination. Meninges can be inflamed too with fluid build up in the brain.

13. Apocynum – With Loss of Eyesight

This medicine is indicated when there is loss of eyesight. With this forehead is projected and there is difficulty in thinking. Involuntary motion of one arm and leg often attends these symptoms.

Causes 

Hydrocephalus results when there is an imbalance between amount of CSF produced and amount of CSF absorbed into the bloodstream. Firstly, it can happen if there is an obstruction in the normal flow of CSF within the ventricles or from ventricles to space surrounding the brain (Non-communicating/obstructive hydrocephalus.)
Secondly, It can arise if there is improper absorption of this fluid (Communicating/non-obstructive hydrocephalus.)
Thirdly, in very rare cases it can happen if CSF is produced at a higher speed than it is being absorbed.

Hydrocephalus can occur before a baby is born (means congenital) or can develop shortly after birth. Associated reasons include a birth defect called neural tube defect in which the spinal column doesn’t close properly and an opening remain in  it, aqueductal stenosis (in which the passage between the third and fourth ventricles of  brain is narrow that hinder drainage of CSF), certain Infections (like rubella and syphilis) in the uterus during pregnancy, bleeding in the brain ventricles during delivery or soon after it. The reasons in infants (babies less than one year) and among all other age groups include central nervous infections like meningitis, trauma / injury to the brain, bleeding in the brain, tumours of the brain or spinal cord. In some cases no reason can be found behind hydrocephalus.

Symptoms 

The symptoms of hydrocephalus vary as per the age of the sufferer.

1. Infants (child less than 1 year of age)

In infants the signs include a rapid increase in head size, bulging of fontanel (soft spot in the skull) on the top of head. The head may appear unusually large with this and the eyes are fixed downward (sometimes called sunsetting of eyes). With this the babies may be highly irritable, fussy, cranky and have poor appetite. Other symptoms that they may show are excessive sleepiness, vomiting, seizures / fits, decreased muscle tone and strength. Babies born with this condition (congenital hydrocephalus) can have permanent brain damage causing long-term complications like learning disabilities, vision problems, speech problems, memory problems, epilepsy and problems with physical coordination. 

2. Toddlers and Older Children

The signs and symptoms that can appear in toddlers and older children are an unusually large head, eyes that are fixed  downward, changes in facial appearance, headache, blurred / double vision, squint of eyes. They may have high pitched cries, excessive sleepiness, low energy levels, irritability, seizures, lowered appetite, nausea or vomiting, muscle spasms. They may have poor coordination and have problems with walking, speech or other acquired skills till date, or may have loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence). A child may have delayed growth, have personality changes, difficulty concentrating, reduced performance in school.

3. Young and Middle-aged Adults

The symptoms in these people are chronic headache, tiredness, loss of coordination, problem with walking, difficulty in concentration and  a drop in memory that affect performance at job, vision changes and bladder problems (including frequent urination or loss of bladder control.) 

4. Older Adults (aged 60 years or above)

Symptoms in elderly include frequent urination or loss of bladder control, memory loss, problems with reasoning skills, poor coordination, balance issues, and problems with walking.

Periodontitis refers to a serious infection of the gums in which the soft tissue surrounding the teeth is damaged. If not properly treated in time, it progresses further to a stage where destruction of bone supporting the teeth arises. This can cause loosening or falling out of teeth. Periodontitis is also called gum disease or periodontal disease. Homeopathic remedies for periodontitis helps treat symptoms like swelling, painful and tender gums, bleeding from gums, and bad breath.      

Homeopathic Remedies for Periodontitis 

Homeopathic medicines are very safe and effective to manage cases of periodontitis. These manage its symptoms in an excellent manner. These medicines are most helpful when taken in early stages and help in halting its further progression. In severe cases (where the gums have receded excessively with loosening of teeth), homeopathy plays a supportive role along with dental treatment. The most prominent homeopathic medicines along with its indicating symptoms for managing this condition are described below. One should opt using any of these medicines under supervision of a homeopathic specialist after proper case analysis. 

1. Merc Sol – Top Grade Medicine 

Merc Sol is a top listed medicine for cases of gingivitis and periodontitis. The main indicating features for its use are very red, swollen, inflamed, soft, spongy gums that are very sensitive and painful to touch. This may be attended with burning sensation in gums. Along with this the gums also bleed easily even on slightly touching them. A very offensive odour from mouth appears with  above symptoms. Excessive salivation and metallic taste in the mouth are other attending symptoms. It is also indicated for cases where gums are destroyed and when gums recede from the teeth. Following this, the teeth feel long, get loose from the gums and tend to fall out. 

2. Silicea – For Marked Swelling of Gums

This medicine is effective when there is intense swelling of gums. The gums are very sore, painful, sensitive and bleed easily, and are painful to little pressure. Pain in the teeth can also accompany this. Another symptom that appears is the feeling that the teeth are too long. Looseness of teeth can also arise.

3. Natrum Mur – For Bluish, Red and Swollen Gums

Natrum Mur is a very beneficial medicine for cases where gums are bluish red and swollen. They are painful too and pain is mostly burning, smarting type. The pain is felt usually while eating. Sometimes there may also appear pain in teeth when chewing.

  4. Phosphorus – For Gums that Bleed Easily

This remedy is most helpful for cases that present with easy bleeding from gums. In such cases the bleeding arises especially from touching the gums. Pain in teeth, mainly throbbing type with sore, swollen gums may accompany this. Another prominent symptom along with above is loosening of teeth in gums. 

5. Carbo veg – For Receding Gums

This medicine is well indicated when the gums recede from the teeth and as a result teeth become loose. The teeth also feel elongated. Persons needing it complain of soreness, pain and sensitivity in gums. They also have complaints of easy bleeding from gums especially when sucking or cleaning them. 

6. Kreosote – For Offensive Smell from Mouth

This medicine works well for cases with very offensive putrid odour from the mouth. On examining, the gums appear bluish red, inflamed. They are soft, spongy and sometimes destroyed. Easy bleeding from gums may also be present in addition to above symptoms.

7. Hepar Sulph – When Gums are Swollen and Tender 

Hepar Sulph is valuable medicine for people who have swollen, tender gums. Their gums are painful to touch. The gums may bleed in them. The teeth can become loose. Offensive breath is another symptom that they complain of.

8. Lachesis – When Gums are Bluish and Swollen

This medicine is useful when gums are bluish and swollen. There may be pain in gums that worsen from taking warm drinks. The gums are spongy and bleed often. The teeth may feel long with above symptoms.

9. Sepia – For Dark Red, Swollen Gums

For using this medicine the main feature is dark red and swollen gums. This is frequently accompanied with excessive pain in gums. Burning sensation can appear with this. The gums may bleed and get loose in many cases requiring this medicine.

10. Staphisagria – When Gums Bleed on Cleaning Teeth

This medicine is prepared from seeds of the plant Delphinium staphisagria. commonly known as Stavesacre. This plant belongs to the family Ranunculaceae.  Persons needing it mainly complain of bleeding from gums on cleaning teeth. They also notice bleeding from gums on pressing them. Apart from this they experience pain in gums. Their gums are sore, sensitive and have pain on touching. Some of them have spongy, receding gums.

11. Calcarea Carb – For Very Painful Gums 

Calcarea Carb is another prominent medicine for cases of periodontitis. It is indicated when the gums are very painful. For using it the pain can be pulsating, stitching, shooting or throbbing in nature. Gums are red, swollen, inflamed, sensitive and tender to touch. The gums may be destroyed. Foul odour from mouth is felt with these symptoms.

12. Merc Cor – For Looseness of Teeth

Merc Cor is indicated for cases where looseness of teeth is present. They are painful and even fall out. The gums are purple, red, swollen, and spongy. They are also tender and may also bleed easily. 

Causes 

Poor dental hygiene is the most common cause behind periodontitis. Many types of bacteria are normally present in the mouth that are harmless. When a person doesn’t brush and clean the teeth in a proper manner, these bacteria multiply and overgrow and build up on teeth forming plaques (which refers to a sticky film formed of bacteria). This plaque can be removed by proper brushing and flossing teeth but it has a tendency to form again quickly. If the plaque remains on the teeth for a long time, minerals get deposited by the bacteria in these plaques. It further causes its hardening under the gum line which is called tartar. Brushing and flossing can’t remove this tartar and a dental treatment is required. 

If this tartar is not removed, it further favours growth of more bacteria. This in turn causes gum inflammation (gingivitis which is mild gum disease) from an immune response. If it is not treated here, then the condition progresses and pockets form between the gums and teeth that get filled with bacteria. With time these pockets become deeper. If still left untreated, then this infection causes damage to the gums. In this process destruction of bones that support the teeth also gets destroyed resulting in falling out of teeth.

Risk Factors 

The main factors that increase the risk of periodontitis are gingivitis, smoking (major risk factor), keeping poor oral hygiene and tobacco chewing. Other factors that enhance the risk include type-2 diabetes, hormonal changes in women (like occurring during menopause or pregnancy), obesity, improper nutrition like vitamin C deficiency, some medications that cause dryness in mouth, conditions that cause low immunity and genetics (means a person having a family history of periodontitis is at risk of developing the same).

 Stages of Periodontitis

 Stage I – Gum Inflammation or Gingivitis

In this bleeding while brushing teeth, dark red ,swollen gums, discolouration on teeth appears and plaque may form (it is a build up of bacteria and food debris on teeth). 

Stage II – Early Periodontal Disease

In this stage gums recede from teeth and small pockets form between gums and teeth. Bacteria tend to collect in the pockets formed. Bleeding during brushing is present in this stage and some bone loss may start.

Stage III – Moderate Periodontal Disease

In this stage the teeth begin to loosen because of the loss of supporting bone. Receding of gums, bleeding for gums and pain around the teeth is present here.

Stage IV – Advanced Periodontal Disease

In this stage destruction of the connective tissue which keeps teeth in place starts. Eventually the gums and attached bones get destroyed. Intense pain while chewing, bad breath and bad taste in mouth appear and teeth may fall out.

Signs and Symptoms 

In case of periodontitis, the gums are swollen, red / purplish that can be sensitive, tender to touch. Easy bleeding from gums like on brushing teeth appear with this. A person may also have bad breath (halitosis) and foul/metallic taste in the mouth. Plaque or tartar may build on the teeth. The gums tend to recede away from the teeth which can make teeth look more elongated than normal. Following this there may appear a gap between teeth or the teeth may get loose in gums. There may occur change in the way they fit in gums upon biting or they pain while chewing. The teeth may eventually fall out of the gums.

Complications

Its complications include tooth loss, painful gum abscess. If the bacteria enters the  bloodstream through gum tissue, it can cause diseases in other  body parts like respiratory or heart disease. 

Dystonia is a movement disorder in which muscle contractions/spasm appear involuntarily leading to slow and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. It can affect any part of the body. Homeopathic remedies for Cranio-Facial dystonia work towards reducing the intensity as well as frequency of the signs and symptoms in such cases.

  

Facial dystonia can affect just one muscle, a group of muscles or muscles of the whole body. Sometimes the movement may cause pain. In some cases tremors may accompany dystonia. In dystonia the brain’s way of processing movements is disturbed leading to extra movement or extra force (muscle contraction).
When dystonia affects the muscles of the head, face and neck areas then it is referred to as cranio – facial dystonia. The intensity to muscle contractions can vary from mild to severe in it.

Homeopathic Remedies for Cranio-Facial Dystonia

Homeopathy holds a great promise in managing cases of cranio – facial dystonia.  These medicines act as a muscle relaxant and hence reduce the muscle spasms / contractions and manage its signs and symptoms. Homeopathic medicines are selected based on the signs and symptoms presented in each individual case.

1. Zincum Met – Top listed medicine

Zincum Met is a leading nervous-constitution medicine that is indicated to treat a number of dystonia including cranio-facial dystonia. It works magnificently to control muscle twitchings. Here it is well indicated for treating spasms and twitching in muscles of the face. The twitchings are quite strong and noticeable. Next it is suitable to treat twitching in the upper lip. It is also prominently indicated to treat twitching of eyelids. With eyelid twitching photophobia i.e. sensitivity to bright light may be present in cases needing it.

2. Agaricus – Another Prominent Medicine

Agaricus is the next significant medicine for cranio – facial dystonia. Its use is considered for twitching in facial muscles located specifically in the right cheek. Its second indication is spasm in the mouth causing clenching of jaw. Other than it is an excellent medicine to treat twitching of eyelids and spasmodic closure of eyelids. Lastly twitching in lips and tongue can be treated wonderfully with it.

3. Cicuta – For Severe Facial Twitches

This medicine is prepared from the fresh root of plant Cicuta Virosa commonly known as water Hemlock. It belongs to family Umbelliferae. 

It is very beneficial for treating twitching in facial muscles that are of severe intensity. The twitchings can be severe enough to make the face appear distorted. Another guiding feature to use it is difficulty in speaking from lack of control on muscles of mouth and tongue. It is also useful when there is tight pressing of jaws together from muscle spasm.

4. Belladonna – For Twitches in Facial Muscle, Eyelids

Belladonna is a natural medicine prepared from a plant known as deadly nightshade that belongs to family Solanaceae. Belladonna is a wonderful medicine for twitches of muscles of face and eyelids. Persons needing it have continual eyelid twitching and trembling. They are also troubled by twitching in the muscles of the face and jaw. They may face difficulties in speech. They may have tight closing of jaw, clenching of teeth or have lower jaw drawn backward. In addition to this they may have facial spasms causing grinning (smiling broadly) movement of mouth. They may have red, hot flushed faces with these symptoms. Lastly they may suffer from twitching, trembling of tongue.   

5. Stramonium – When Mouth is Drawn to One Side

It is another medicine of plant origin prepared from thorn – apple. It also belongs to family solanaceae. Stramonium is mainly used when the mouth is drawn to one side from muscle spasm. It is also used when the mouth is closed from muscle spasm. Apart from this it is helpful when there is chewing motion of mouth from twitches. Hanging down of lower jaw from spasms is another indication to use it. Lastly a characteristic feature to use is distortion of the left side of face from contractions of facial muscle that causes cheeks and mouth to be drawn upward.

6. Mygale – For Constant Twitching of Facial Muscle

Mygale is an important medicine to manage cases where the twitching of facial muscles is almost constant. Facial twitches cause opening of the mouth and eyes in quick succession. There also appears difficulty in putting out tongue from mouth from facial twitches.

7. Opium – For Twitches Around the Mouth

Opium is significant medicine to treat twitches appearing around the mouth. The twitches are mostly located at the corners of the mouth and may cause distortions of mouth. Trembling / shaking of tongue may also appear. It also covers trembling, twitching and spasms of muscles of face. 

8. Gelsemium- For Contracted Muscles Causing Difficulty in Speaking

Gelsemium is prepared from bark of the root of plant Gelsemium Sempervirens commonly known as yellow jasmine. This  plant belongs to the family Loganiaceae. Gelsemium is a wonderful medicine when a person faces difficulty in speaking from contraction of facial muscles especially around the mouth. Jaw pain may also be felt. Sideways movement of the lower jaw from lack of control over it is another feature suggestive of its use.

9. Hyoscyamus – For Facial Twitches with Grimaces (ugly or contorted expressions)

Hyoscyamus is prepared from plant Hyoscyamus Niger commonly known as Henbane. The natural order of this plant is Solanaceae. It seems to help cases of facial twitches with grimaces (ugly or contorted expressions). with this there may be shaking of tongue in a to and fro movement. There is also a tendency to bite tongue when talking.

10. Tellurium – For Facial Twitches on Left Side

Tellurium mostly helps with twitchings on the left side of the face. Persons needing it mostly have drawing upwards of the left sided corner of mouth. This is noted mainly when talking.

11. Mezereum – For Twitchings on Right Side of Face

Mezereum is prepared from fresh bark of plant Daphne Mezereum having the common name spurge olive. This plant has natural order Thymelaeaceae. It works well in cases of twitchings on the right side of face. The twitchings are frequent and very troublesome. They are most marked in the cheek muscles on the right side. It is also helpful when there are continuous painful twitching in cheeks and eyelids.

12. Cubeba – When Mouth Twitches while Speaking or Smiling

Cubeba is indicated when there is one sided twitching of the mouth. The mouth twitches appear while speaking or smiling. At that time the mouth gets twisted to one side.

13. Kali Mur – For Facial Twitchings while Eating

Kali Mur is useful for cases in which facial twitchings appear while eating. The twitchings are located in the muscles of the lower jaw. An increased sensitivity of the whole face may attend the above features. Apart from above another feature indicating its use is twitchings in the corners of eyes.

14. Moschus – When Twitching Causes Chewing Motion of Lower Jaw

The key feature to use Moschus is facial twitchings causing chewing motion of lower jaw. With this a person feels tension in muscles of face with sensation as if they are too short.

15. Secale Cor – For Spasms and Twitching of Tongue

Secale Cor is beneficial for spasms and twitching of tongue. The person who requires it has movements of projecting of the tongue from mouth. It causes difficulty with speech. It can also lead sometimes to biting of the tongue.

More On Cranio-Facial Dystonia 

Cranio-facial dystonia can be further classified into –

1.Blepharospasm 

2.Hemifacial spasm

3.Oromandibular dystonia 

4.Meige syndrome

1. Blepharospasm – In this there appears abnormal involuntary blinking, twitching or tight closure of eyelids.

Reason

What exactly is not known yet. However genetics and heredity are also thought to play a role in causing it. Certain factors like bright light, alcohol intake, excessive caffeine , stress, fatigue can trigger eyelid twitching. It can be a sign included in certain eye conditions like uveitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, dry eyes, photophobia . Sometimes brain disorders can cause eye twitching, these disorders include parkinson’s disease, bell’s palsy, multiple sclerosis and tourette syndrome.

Symptoms

Its main symptoms are uncontrollable blinking, twitching of eyelids that may progress to eyelids being tightly shut. Dryness in the eyes, sensitivity to bright light, blurring of vision may appear with these symptoms. Sometimes the twitches may radiate to the nose, face and occasionally to the neck. 

2. Hemifacial spasm – It is characterised by involuntary twitching of muscles on one side of the face.

Reason

The facial muscles are controlled by a seventh cranial nerve called facial nerve. Hemifacial spasms mostly appear from irritation. compression, injury or damage to this facial nerve. Pressure on the facial nerve (at the point where it leaves the brain stem) by a blood vessel is the most important cause behind it. Rarely tumours putting pressure on the facial nerve can cause it. Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis that affects one side of the face) can also contribute to it. But in many cases no cause is identified behind it, this is referred to as idiopathic spasm. They are common in women as compared to men. Left side of the face is more commonly involved in it.

Symptoms

In this in the beginning there appear slight involuntary twitches in the eyelid on one side. As the time progresses, the twitches extend to other parts of the face including cheek, mouth, lips, chin, jaw and neck on the same side. Eventually it can spread to all the muscles on one side of the face. The muscles in the forehead and neck are most affected in the last. When muscles of the mouth area are affected then it can sometimes pull the mouth to one side. Sometimes the entire face can be pulled to one side when all the muscles of the face are involved. Initially the twitches are mild that even go unnoticed. With time the twitches become more pronounced and noticeable. The twitches can even continue in sleep.

As the condition intensifies, other symptoms like difficulty in hearing, noises in ear (tinnitus), pain in ear may appear with above. 

3. Oromandibular dystonia – In this there appear forceful muscle contractions in the face, mouth, jaw or tongue.

It may lead to difficulties with opening and closing the mouth. It also affects speech and chewing often. Sometimes it is also referred to as cranial dystonia. The dystonia affecting facial muscles and lips in musicians who play wind instruments is called embouchure dystonia. Dystonia affecting the tongue is called lingual dystonia. 

Reasons

Oromandibular dystonia can arise from some disorders like wilson disease (a genetic disorder causing excessive copper to build up in the body) and certain drug exposure. it can also be inherited usually with generalized dystonia. This dystonia is also more common in women as compared to men.  It mostly affects people of age group between 40 and 70 years of age.

Symptoms

The symptoms include involuntary opening and closing of mouth, clenching / tight pressing (shutting) of jaw, deviation of lower jaw toward one side or to the back, involuntary movements in the face, lips or tongue, uncontrollable pulling of tongue or mouth in different positions . This mostly arises when people are using their mouths like while talking or eating, making speech and swallowing difficult respectively but it can appear even at rest sometimes. Few other symptoms are facial grimacing, lip pursing or sucking and teeth grinding. Trauma to the lips and tongue may appear from uncontrollable, involuntary mouth closing and opening. Anxiety and tiredness tend to worsen the symptoms.

4. Meige syndrome – In this oromandibular dystonia appears in combination with blepharospasm.

It is also known as Brueghel Syndrome. In this the symptoms of both oromandibular dystonia as well as  blepharospasm occur together. The reason behind Meige syndrome is unknown. However it is thought to be caused by the interaction of certain genetic and environmental factors.

Pathophysiology behind dystonia

How dystonia exactly arises is not clearly understood till date. However it is believed that dystonia arises due to damage or improper functioning of the basal ganglia. It is the area of the brain responsible for beginning muscle contractions. Additionally there may be abnormalities in the brain’s way of processing information and generating commands to cause body movement.

Epstein – Barr virus (EBV) is counted among the members of the herpes virus family that are known to cause infections in human beings. It is one of the common human viruses in the world. It is mostly well known to cause infectious mononucleosis (also known as mono), though it can cause many other illnesses. Homeopathic medicines for EBV can effectively help in symptomatic management of the infection. Research to find the connection between EBV and other health conditions like autoimmune diseases (eg lupus, multiple sclerosis) and certain cancers (eg. Burkitt’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, gastric cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer).

Homeopathic Medicines for EBV

Homeopathic medicines boost the immunity of body to fight with the infection and manage symptoms naturally. The symptoms of EBV infection that can be managed well with homeopathic medicines are feeling tired, sore throat, swollen tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in neck or armpit, headache, skin rash, muscle pain /soreness. 

1. Arsenic Album – To Manage Tiredness 

Arsenic Album is a leading medicine to manage complaint of tiredness in these cases. It is helpful where person feels tired even from slightest exertion. Tiredness is most felt by them when moving around. The tired feeling compels a person to lie down. The complaint is worse mostly at the night time. Restlessness attends to it in most of the cases.

2. Kali Phos – For Weak, Tired Feeling

Kali Phos is next medicine for managing weakness and tiredness. Persons needing it have weakness on both mental and physical spheres. They are extremely exhausted and lack strength to do any thing. In all such persons it proves highly effective to boost body energy levels and regain strength.

3. Gelsemium – For Weakness, Dullness, Drowsiness

Gelsemium can be highly beneficial for people who feel weak, dull and drowsy all the time. Along with this they also feel pain and soreness in the muscles. Sometimes they experience dull headache. The pain is mostly felt in back of the head. A sensation of band around the head is also felt. With this heaviness of eyelids is also present.

4. Carcinosin – For Chronic Fatigue in Mononucleosis

Carcinosin is also indicated for managing chronic fatigue in mononucleosis. Persons requiring it feel weary and fatigued always. This may be attended with trembling especially in the morning time. It works both in recent and long standing cases of mononucleosis.

5. Belladonna – For Sore Throat and Tonsillitis

Belladonna is highly recommended to manage sore throat and tonsillitis. The throat is red, the tonsils are swollen, red, enlarged, inflamed and painful where it is needed. Along with this the swallowing is difficult even for liquids. Throat feels dry and can be attended with a sensation of lump in it. Fever may also be present. 

6. Hepar Sulph – For Tonsillitis with Pus Points

Hepar Sulph is well indicated to manage tonsillitis with pus points on it. With this there is intense pain in the tonsils. Pain is mainly stitching type in most of the cases. The pain gets worse while eating food. The pain tend to radiate to ears from the throat. A feeling of a plug of mucus in throat is frequently felt. There may be hawking of thick, yellow mucus from the throat. 

7. Merc Sol – For White Patches of Pus on Tonsils

Merc Sol is another significant medicine for cases of inflamed tonsils covered with white pus patches. Persons needing it feel soreness, pain, burning and smarting sensation in the throat. The swallowing is also difficult in them. The pharynx is also bluish red usually with presence of ulcers. Along with this saliva is increased and offensive odour from mouth is usually present.

8. Phytolacca – For Sore Throat and Tonsillitis with Marked Burning Pains

Use of Phytolacca is mainly considered for sore throat and tonsillitis with marked burning pains. In cases needing it the throat is inflamed and appears dark red or bluish red.  The tonsils are also swollen with dark – red appearance. With this intense burning pain as from hot coals is experienced in throat and tonsils. The pain from throat may shoot to ears while swallowing.

9. For Reducing Lymph Node Swelling

Many homeopathic medicines can be helpful alleviating lymph node swelling in EBV. The most prominently indicated ones  include Calcarea Carb, Conium, Merc Sol and Phytolacca. These medicines helps to reduce swelling of lymph nodes.

10. Belladonna – To Relieve Headache

Belladonna is a wonderful medicine to relieve headache. The headache is mainly throbbing type for using it. It is most worse in the sides of head ie. The temporal region. Head feels congested along with heated sensation. In many cases pain may get worse from slightest light and noise. Pressure can give relief in the headache. 

11. Glonoine – For Marked Congestive Headache

Glonoine is beneficial to manage marked congestive headache. Persons needing it have throbbing, pulsating pain in head with a sensation as if it would burst. The pain may be felt in the forehead, sides of head or top of the head. Head also feels heavy especially in the forehead region. The pain may worsen from movement. Sleep may relieve the headache for a while.  

12. Rhus Tox – For Managing Muscle pains / Soreness

Rhus Tox is top listed medicine for managing muscle pains / soreness. For using it the pain and soreness may be present in any of the body muscle. Persons who require it mostly feels worsening of pain from rest. They get better by motion and exercise. Along with pain they may also feel stiffness in the body. 

13. Sulphur – To Manage Skin Rash

Sulphur can be given to manage skin rash. The rash is most times itchy where it is needed. The itching tends to get worse at night time. The skin is usually dry with rash in cases needing it. Along with this there may be heat / burning sensation on the skin.  

14. Ailanthus – For Skin Rash in Patches

Ailanthus is considered when the skin rash appear in patches. There may be purplish spots on the skin, blisters on skin or sometimes small bumps on skin. With this low fever may be present. Excessive weakness also appears with this. The tonsils are inflamed with above symptoms. Sometimes the tonsils are studded with multiple ulcers. The throat is also dark, red and swollen.

Transmission of EBV

EBV is contagious and spreads from person to person through bodily fluids 

(mainly saliva.) So one can get the virus by kissing someone who’s infected with EBV. It can also be transmitted through sharing toothbrushes, utensils or any other item contaminated with the virus from recent use by someone having active EBV infection. Apart from saliva, it can also spread through blood carrying this virus, like during blood transfusion. It can also be transmitted through organ transplant from someone having EBV infection. Lastly it can spread via infected semen during sexual contact. An infected person can pass the virus to others soon after contracting it even before experiencing any of its symptoms. As long as the virus remain in active phase (for weeks or months) in someone’s body he / she can spread it to others. But when the virus gets inactive (goes in dormant/ latent state) it can’t be passed to others. If it re – activates again even then it can again be spread to others. 

Pathophysiology

On exposure to the EBV the virus multiplies in the epithelial cells of pharynx.  After that it multiplies in the B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).  Following this abnormal, enlarged (atypical) lymphocytes develop when CD8 postive T cells respond to the infection. After primary infection, EBV remains in B lymphocytes for lifetime.

Symptoms of EBV 

EBV infection is mostly asymptomatic. In children, usually there are little to no symptoms present. The symptoms mainly appears in teens and adults. After contracting the virus, it can take around 4 – 7 weeks for the symptoms to appear. The symptoms includes feeling tired, fever, sore throat, swollen tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in neck or armpit, headache, skin rash, loss of appetite, muscle pain /soreness, enlarged spleen and liver swelling. These symptoms usually remain for around 2 – 4 weeks except for tired feeling which can continue for longer for few more weeks or months. After active phase of infection the virus goes in an inactive phase (latency) in body and remain in body throughout life. Sometimes it can reactivate but most times don’t lead to symptoms. But in some cases upon reactivation initial symptoms of EBV appears again usually in people having a weak immune system.

Most common disease that EBV can cause is mononucleosis but not everyone having EBV develops it. Its not a serious disease but symptoms of it can be intense to prevent a person from doing normal activities for several weeks and months. Mononucleosis is also known as the kissing disease because it can spread by kissing someone having EBV in the saliva. Another name for it is  infectious mononucleosis and glandular fever. The most common symptoms of mononucleosis are fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes in neck or armpits and feeling tired.

Complications

The complications include extremely swollen tonsils that can block breathing, rupture of spleen, myocarditis (inflammation of heart muscle), anaemia, decrease in platelet count, liver inflammation (hepatitis), meningitis (inflammation of meninges – the protective membranes that cover brain and spinal cord), Guillain-Barre syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system).

Investigations 

Most of the EBV infections can be diagnosed just by the presenting symptoms. But sometimes tests are recommended where symptom picture is not clear. First test done where it is suspected is monospot test. But the Center for Disease Control doesn’t recommend the Monospot test for general use because of false-positive and false-negative results and it is not specific for EBV infection. Some other blood tests that are more specific to detect antibodies to EBV are done. These include Viral capsid antigen , Early antigen and EBV nuclear antigen tests. People who do not have antibodies to viral capsid antigen are susceptible to infection. Presence of antibodies anti -VCA  IgM to  Viral capsid antigen  and no antibody to EBV nuclear antigen points to a new or recent infection. Detection of antibodies to both VCA and EBV nuclear antigen represents past infection 

Apart from this white blood cell count to check for increased number of white blood cells (lymphocytes) or abnormal – looking lymphocytes  may be checked. Lastly  platelets count may be checked  (that can be decreased) and liver function tests may be done to check any abnormality. Homeopathic Medicines for EBV help treat the condition in a safe, natural manner.