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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.

Water is a critical component of the human body. Around 70% of the human body is made up of water. All body tissues, organs, and fluids, like blood and lymph, are made up of water. The regulation of water in the body is a complex mechanism and is carried out by different organs of the body. Management of water helps in maintaining the water within reasonable limits despite the amount of water taken by the person or the climatic conditions outside. Any disturbance in the regulatory mechanisms can lead to water retention in the body. When the retention of water in the body tissues or tissue cavities exceeds the desired amount, it is known as edema. Water retention can be generalized, which means that it is present in the whole body; or it can be limited to one body part, like pedal edema where water retention is seen only in the ankles. Homeopathic treatment for water retention is very beneficial. A thorough investigation in each case of water retention is a must to rule out the involvement of any major organ before the beginning of the treatment.   

In mild cases, medicines for water retention can be prescribed along with changes in diet and lifestyle. But in cases where retention is associated with disorders of major organs, treatment helps in managing the case. In such instances, treatment can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine to offer support to the patient. Medicines for water retention not only help in providing symptomatic relief but also assist in the treatment of underlying causes. Treatment for water retention is very safe since the medicines are prepared with natural substances. They have no side effects and can be used safely for all age groups.

Homeopathic Treatment for Water Retention

Some prominent medicines for water retention are Acetic acid, Apocynum, Apis Meliffica, Cardus Marianus, Digitalis, Fluoric Acid, and Terebinth. These medicines should be prescribed by individual symptoms in every given case. Homeopathy treatment for water retention should be taken under the supervision of a homeopath only, and self-medication should be avoided.

Causes and Types of Water Retention

Temporary water retention is the result of issues like the patient’s diet. Excessive intake of salt or sodium in the diet and deficiency of proteins and vitamin B complex are some causes of water retention. Another factor is the person’s lifestyle, which includes having a job that requires long periods of sitting down or standing. Water retention also occurs in bed ridden or immobile persons. Long flights may also lead to water retention. Medications like hormone replacement therapies, oral contraceptive pills, drugs for diabetes, anti inflammatory drugs, and drugs for heart disorders also cause water retention. In females, water retention commonly develops before the menstrual cycle. It is temporary and most likely due to hormonal imbalance. Water retention is also common during the last phase of pregnancy. It is due to the pressure put by the uterus on circulation and subsides after childbirth. Other medical conditions which lead to the retention of water are thyroid disorders, allergies to food, insect bites, disorders of the lymphatic system, deep vein thrombosis affecting lower limbs, congestive cardiac failure, kidney failure, and cirrhosis of the liver.

Types of Water Retention

There are two types of water retention. Cases, where depressions or pits are formed on the swollen part on exertion of pressure by the finger tips, is known as pitting type of water retention. Pitting type of water retention is seen in systemic disorders like a cardiac failure, liver failure, or kidney failure. Non-pitting edema is where no depressions form. It is a characteristic feature of water retention due to lymphatic and thyroid disorders.

Signs and Symptoms of Water Retention

Symptoms vary from mild to severe depending on the underlying cause and the organs involved. Water retention usually occurs on the feet, ankles, legs or hands. Here are some situations that lead to the retention of water.

1. Persons having a high sodium diet, sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, or long flights may experience water retention in the ankles or lower limbs. This retention is temporary and subsides with a little movement or leg elevation.
2. In cases where the person has to stand for a long time, the blood from the lower limbs cannot get pumped to the heart since the valves of the veins get incompetent. It leads to dilatation of the veins of the legs or varicose veins. In such cases, there is pain and heaviness in the legs. There may be skin changes like the development of skin eruptions or ulcers.
3. In congestive cardiac failure, the retention is usually on the legs, feet, and ankles. Along with this, other symptoms like tiredness, weakness, and an increased heart rate appear.
4. Retention may be present in the lungs, or pulmonary edema, leading to a chronic cough and breathlessness.
5. In cirrhosis of the liver, the retention appears on the abdomen and legs.
6. In kidney failure, there is puffiness around the eyes and swelling on the legs.
7. In disorders of the lymphatic system, the retention, or lymphoedema, is usually localized. Swelling may be present on the affected limb.
8. Persons having hypothyroidism may experience swelling and puffiness around the eyes and face. Water retention may be present on the feet and legs.

Stomach ulcers are sores or ulcers arising in the lining of the stomach. They are also known as gastric ulcers. In a majority of the cases, stomach ulcers are caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori bacterium. Another frequent cause is long term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s). Homeopathic medicines for stomach ulcers help to heal the sores in the stomach and prevent the tendency towards stomach ulcers in the chronic phase.   

Tobacco smoking, drinking alcohol and stress are the risk factors that predispose a person to stomach ulcers. The protective mucus lining of the stomach is reduced due to the above causes. This allows the acid content of the stomach to eat away the inner tissue lining, resulting in ulcer formation.

Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers

The major symptom of stomach ulcers is pain/burning in the epigastric region. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloating, loss of appetite, weight loss and hematemesis (vomiting of blood).

Homeopathic Medicines for Stomach Ulcers

Homeopathy offers a very safe and effective treatment for stomach ulcers. Homeopathic medicines for stomach ulcers primarily help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms of stomach ulcers in the acute phase. Homeopathic medicines for stomach ulcers are selected as per individual symptoms that vary from person to person. Argentum Nitricum,  Nux Vomica, Kali Bichromicum, Lycopodium, Carbo Veg, Hydrastis, Phosphorous, and Graphites are the top remedies for stomach ulcers.

1. Argentum Nitricum – For Stomach Ulcers with Radiating Pains

In my experience, Argentum Nitricum rates among the best medicines for stomach ulcers. This medicine is well indicated when sharp ulcerative or burning pain is felt in the stomach and radiates to other regions of the abdomen. The pain is sometimes gnawing in nature. Symptoms such as belching, nausea, vomiting may also appear along with these radiating pains. Abdominal distension may also be present in such cases where Argentum Nitricum will prove one of the most effective medicines for stomach ulcers.

2. Nux Vomica – For Stomach Ulcers where Eating Worsens Pain

Nux Vomica has shown the most satisfactory results in stomach ulcer cases where pain in the stomach is felt from eating even the smallest amount of food. The stomach region is also sensitive to touch in such cases. Nux Vomica is also one of the best-suited medicines for stomach ulcers where spicy food, coffee, tobacco, and alcoholic drinks worsen the symptoms. Tightness and pressure may be felt in the stomach after eating. Nausea, vomiting, eructations, flatulence, and heartburn may accompany the above symptoms.

3. Kali Bichromicum – For Ulcers in Stomach

Kali Bichromicum is another of the top grade medicines for stomach ulcers. I have seen amazing recoveries in gastriculcer cases with Kali Bichromicum. It is indicated in round ulcers with a feeling of heaviness in the stomach soon after eating. The food seems to sit in the stomach like a load. Appetite is low in cases where Kali Bichromicum will work as one of the most effective Homeopathic medicines for stomach ulcers.

4. Lycopodium Clavatum – For Boated Abdomen

Lycopodium has proved itself as the most useful among medicines for stomach ulcers where the main symptoms are burning, constrictive pains attended with marked flatulence and fullness/bloating of the abdomen. Bloating starts soon after eating. A person in need of Lycopodium may get relief in pain from taking warm water. Farinaceous food like cabbage and beans worsen the symptoms. Lycopodium Clavatum is known among the best medicines for stomach ulcers with any of the above-mentioned symptoms.

5. Carbo Veg – For Stomach Ulcers

Carbo Veg is another of the prominently indicated medicines for stomach ulcers. It is most helpful when burning pain in the stomach is accompanied by sour belching or heartburn. The pain may extend from the stomach to the back. The epigastric area may also be sensitive and tender to touch. Eating the smallest amount of food, even light food, worsens the symptoms in such cases where Carbo Veg will prove the most effective among Homeopathic medicines for stomach ulcers to heal the condition.

6. Hydrastis Canadensis – For Stomach Ulcers with Weight Loss

In my clinical practice, Hydrastis has proved extremely effective in treating stomach ulcers where they are accompanied by weight loss and emaciation. A key symptom is a constant sore feeling in the stomach. Cutting and sharp pain in the stomach may also be present in cases where Hydrastis works as one of the most effective medicines for stomach ulcers. Weakness and a loathing of food in epigastrium are other symptoms to look out for. Hydrastis is also one of the major medicines for chronic gastritis.

7. Graphites – For Stomach Ulcers with Vomiting after Eating

In case of ulcers with vomiting immediately after eating food, Graphites has shown the most promising results among medicines for stomach ulcers. Constrictive and burning pain in the stomach is experienced after eating. Excessive belching, the taste of ingesta is also an attending symptom in such cases where Graphites is prescribed as one of the most reliable medicines for stomach ulcers.

8. Phosphorus – For Stomach Ulcers where Cold Drinks bring Relief

Phosphorus is rated among the most reliable medicines for stomach ulcers where having a cold drink relieves pain. Burning in the stomach after eating is complained of. Along with this, sour, bitter belching may also be experienced in such cases. Phosphorus is made its place among the top rated Homeopathic medicines for stomach ulcers with the above symptoms.

At certain times, bleeding from gums can arise from brushing the teeth harshly and roughly. Wearing ill-fitting dentures and improper flossing can also lead to bleeding from gums. However, bleeding from gums that appear frequently can be a sign of gum disease or a more serious condition. It is therefore important to identify the reason behind frequent bleeding from gums. The common gum diseases where bleeding from gums can arise include gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (serious gum infection). Deficiency of vitamins, including vitamin C or vitamin K, may also lead to bleeding. Thrombocytopenia (deficiency of platelet cells that aid the clotting of blood) is another cause. Bleeding from gums can also appear during pregnancy due to the sensitivity of the gums that arises from hormonal changes. Taking blood thinners may also cause bleeding of gums. Hemophilia (a disorder in which blood doesn’t clot normally due to a lack of blood-clotting proteins) and Leukemia (blood cancer) are some of the serious causes of gum bleeding.

Homeopathy offers excellent treatment for cases of bleeding gums. Homeopathic medicines for treating bleeding gums are of natural origin and are very safe to use. They aim to treat the root cause behind bleeding gums to ensure a good recovery. Homeopathic medicines, along with managing bleeding gums, also help to manage associated complaints of gum swelling, pain, sensitivity, tenderness, and pus discharge from the gums wherever present.

As bleeding gums can arise from several causes, for long-term relief this cause needs to be treated. Homeopathy goes to the core of the problem and targets the underlying cause in every case. Thereby, it aims to provide cure rather than just providing temporary relief. Homeopathy yields wonderful results in acute as well as chronic cases of bleeding gums.

Homeopathic medicines for bleeding gums are prescribed for every case of bleeding gums individually. By following homeopathic treatment as per guidelines of a homeopathic doctor for prescribed time duration, most cases recover completely. The results vary as per the chronicity and severity of the complaint.

Homeopathic medicines offer safe treatment in cases of bleeding gums, as they do not have any adverse side effects. This is due to the reason that homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural substances like plants, minerals, etc. These are free of any toxins and act very gently and naturally in cases of bleeding gums.

Top 8 Homeopathic Medicines for Bleeding Gums

The top-grade medicines that are highly beneficial to treat bleeding gums are Merc Sol, Hamamelis, Kreosote, Phosphorus, Bovista, Silicea, Hepar Sulph and Carbo Veg.

1. Merc Sol – For Bleeding Gums in cases of Gum Infection/Inflammation (Gingivitis)

Merc Sol is a top-grade medicine to treat bleeding from gums in cases of gum infection/ inflammation (gingivitis). The gums are red, swollen and sore (painful to touch) in cases where Merc Sol is required. Swelling of the gums is most marked at night. A burning sensation is also felt in the gums with swelling and pain. The gums are spongy, receding, and may be partly destroyed with the loosening of the teeth. A fetid, putrid odor from the mouth is prominent. Copious saliva is present in the mouth. A characteristic metallic taste in the mouth is also felt along with the above symptoms.

When to use Merc Sol?

The use of this medicine is suggested to manage bleeding from gums with swelling and pain in gums in cases of gum infection and inflammation.

How to use Merc Sol?

Among its various available potenices, it is mostly recommended in 30C potency that can be taken once daily.

2. Hamamelis – To treat bleeding gums when blood is dark fluid

Hamamelis is a beneficial medicine for bleeding from the gums when blood is dark. The gums are sore, swollen, and spongy. They are also painful. Weakness and exhaustion may cause bleeding from gums, in many cases needing Hamamelis.

When to use Hamamelis?

Hamamelis is well indicated to manage dark-colored bleeding from gums.

How to use Hamamelis?

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

3. Kreosote – For Bleeding Gums from Inflammation

Kreosote is another well-indicated medicine for bleeding gums from gum inflammation (gingivitis). The gums are bluish-red, soft, puffy, inflamed and may be ulcerated. Bleeding from gums is dark red and slightly coagulated. Toothache and decaying of the tooth may also be marked.

When to use Kreosote?

This medicine is the best choice to deal with bleeding gums with bluish red, soft, and inflamed gums.

How to use Kreosote?

It is advised to use Kreosote 30C once a day.

4. Phosphorus – For Gums That Bleed On Touching

Phosphorus offers help for bleeding from gums that appears from even slight touching of the gums. The bleeding from gums is profuse in nature. The teeth may loosen from the gums. Gums may be inflamed and ulcerated too. Phosphorus is also indicated for persistent bleeding that follows tooth extraction.

When to use Phosphorus?

Phosphorus should be used to manage bleeding from gums on touching gums.

How to use Phosphorus?

It gives the best results in 30C power that can be taken once a day.

5. Bovista – For Cases of Easily Bleeding Gums

Bovista is a well-indicated medicine to manage the complaint of easily bleeding gums. A person needing Bovista tends to have frequent episodes of bleeding from gums. Bleeding from gums occurs often in them from sucking. The bleeding may be marked at night in cases where Bovista is indicated. Bovista is also helpful in controlling bleeding that follows tooth extraction.

When to use Bovista?

Bovista is an important medicine to help cases of bleeding gums that occur frequently.

How to use Bovista?

Bovista 30C once a day is recommended dose initially.

6. Silicea – For Gums that Ooze Blood and Pus due to Gum Infection

Silicea is a significant medicine for gums that ooze blood and pus due to gum infection. The gums are sore, inflamed, and very sensitive. Gums become painful on applying the slightest pressure. The the teeth may become loose along with the above symptoms. The tooth may decay, especially at night. Pain may be throbbing or tearing in nature.

When to use Silicea?

This medicine is highly valuable to treat cases of gum infection with oozing of blood and pus from gums.

How to use Silicea?

6X is the most preferred potency of this medicine that can be taken twice or thrice a day.

7. Hepar Sulph – For Bleeding and Tender Gums

Hepar Sulph is helpful to treat cases of bleeding and tender gums. The pain and bleeding from the gums appear from a slight touch. Throbbing type of pain is prominent in the gums. Ulcers also appear on the gums. Bitter taste in the mouth may be present.

When to use Hepar Sulph?

Hepar Sulph should be selected for cases of bleeding gums attending with pain in gums from the slightest touch.

How to use Hepar Sulph?

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

8. Carbo Veg – For Bleeding Gums upon Cleaning Teeth

Carbo Veg is useful for cases of bleeding of gums arising from cleaning teeth. The gums are sensitive and painful. Pain in the gums is mostly felt while chewing. Gums may also be ulcerated. There may be an attending complaint of receding of gums and loosening of teeth, in most cases needing Carbo Veg.

When to use Carbo Veg?

This medicine offers help in cases where bleeding from gums occurs on cleaning the teeth.

How to use Carbo Veg?

Initially, Carbo Veg 30C can be used two to three times a day. Once relief starts, the dose should be reduced.

Ingrown toenails (also known as onychocryptosis) refers to a condition where the side of a toenail grows into the surrounding soft skin around the nail fold. This growth causes pain, swelling, and tenderness in the corner of the nail. The most commonly affected part is the big toe, but ingrown toenails can develop on any foot. An ingrown toenail can reoccur if not treated properly. Homeopathic treatment of ingrown toenail involves stimulating the body’s natural restorative process to help ease the pain and symptoms associated with the condition. Unless treated adequately, the condition can become a recurring problem.   

Homeopathic Treatment of Ingrown Toenail

Homeopathic medicines for the treatment of ingrown toenails include Magnetis Polus Australis, Graphites Naturalis, Nitric Acid, Silicea and Myristica Sebifera.

1. Magnetis Polus Australis – For Ingrown Toenail with Pulsating Pain

Magnetis Polus Australis is the medicine indicated when there is an extreme pain in the ingrown toenail coupled with sharp, pulsating pain and intense soreness around the affected part.

2. Graphites Naturalis – For Ingrown Toenail in case of Thick Nails

Graphites commonly known as Black Lead Plumbago is derived from the crushed grain of purest black lead. This remedy was proved by the founder of homeopathy Dr. Samuel Hahnemann as a very effective remedy for skin complaints and ingrown toenails. Graphites Naturalis is a medicine that is used to treat ingrown toenails in cases where the nails are thick and rough.

3. Nitric Acid – For Ingrown Toenail with Splinter-like Sensation

Nitric acid is one of the popular remedy belonging to the mineral kingdom. This remedy is prepared by blending sodium nitrate and sulphuric acid. The use of Nitric Acid is indicated when the ingrown toenails cause a splinter-like sensation in the nail. The nails in such cases are curved, yellow or distorted.

4. Silicea and Myristica Sebifera – For Ingrown Toenail with Pus Discharge

Silicea commonly known as Pure flint is a leading homeopathic remedy of mineral kingdom and is derived from chemical compound silicon dioxide. The word Silica is originated from the Latin word Silex denoting Silicon Oxide. This remedy is well indicated for the ailments attended with pus formation. Myristica Sebifera is derived from Brazilian plant Ucuba belonging to the family Myristicaceae. This remedy is a great antiseptic and has great efficacy in treating ulcerative and suppurative conditions of cellular tissue and periosteum. Myristica Sebifera quickens the process of suppuration and shortens the period. This remedy is great in healing inflammatory and suppurative stages.
Silicea and Myristica Sebifera are the medicines indicated in cases of ingrown toenails when there is an infection with pus discharge in the affected nails. These medicines help relieve pain and clear up the discharge and are used widely for homeopathic treatment of ingrown toenail.

5. Teucrium Marum Verum – For Suppuration of Nail Groove

Teucrium Marum Verum is commonly known as Cat Thyme. Cat thyme plant belonging to the genus of the mint family is a very fragrant plant which is native of Spain and Western Mediterranean. This homeopathic remedy is prepared from freshly harvested part of the plant which is chopped gently and crushed. The final product is then macerated in alcohol. This homeopathic medicine helps in treating ingrown toenail successfully when accompanied by a suppurated toenail.

6. Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum – For Ingrown Toenail with Nail Infection

Hepar sulphuris calcareum commonly known as calcium Sulphide is a remedy prepared from oyster shells.
This remedy is usually indicated when ingrown toenail is followed by toenail infection. There is severe splinter-like pain in the affected area. It also helps to hasten the suppuration and shorten the period. When pus discharged is thick, yellow and offensive this remedy is best indicated.

Side Effects of Conventional Treatment

The conventional treatment for an ingrown toenail employs the use of oral antibiotics like erythromycin, cephalexin in the treatment of ingrown nail caused due to cellulitis or nail infections. The most common listed side effect of these antibiotics are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, vaginal itching, headache, rash.

Surgical options include wedge resection, matrixectomy, and Vandenbos procedure. These surgical interventions can definitely help you to get rid of ingrown nail immediately but there are chances for it to reoccur as well. During these surgeries usually, a tourniquet is used on the toe and a deep incision is made which often requires stitching and scar formation. Hence these procedures are quite invasive and painful. Treatment of ingrown toenail in homeopathy involves the use of certain homeopathic medicines that help reduce the pain, swelling, and tenderness around the skin surrounding the toenail. These medicines also help clear off pus discharges in case of Ingrown nails. As they are developed from natural substances, they are safe and show no side effects.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Factors predisposing a person towards developing ingrown toenails include wearing tight or ill-fitted footwear, trimming of the toenails either by cutting the nails too short or leaving the edges sharp, injury to the toenail, naturally curved toenails, genetic susceptibility, nail plate trauma which usually occur by dropping objects on the toenail or stubbing the toenail. Other causes can include using feet extensively during athletic activities (ballet, football, kickboxing ) in which repeatedly kicking of object or pressure on feet for long periods is involved can cause protrusion of the toenail which can lead to the injury of surrounding flesh resulting in an ingrown nail. Abnormally shaped nail bed, nail deformities caused by diseases or genetic susceptibility and improper foot hygiene such as not keeping feet clean or dry are other factors.

Risk Factors

Risk factors that may predispose the person to develop an ingrown nail are obesity, diabetes, kidney, thyroid and heart problems (which may cause foot and leg swelling), onychomycosis i.e fungal infection of nails, bony or soft tissue tumors of toes, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of feet), too small or too large shoe gear, abnormal gait and poor foot mechanics such as pronation, toe or foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes and flat foot, congenital toenail deformity abnormally long toes.

Signs and Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

Surrounding skin of the affected nail is painful, swollen and red and the affected part is usually tender. An infection may develop in the tissue surrounding the nail, leading to yellow or white pus discharge. The big toe gets affected in a majority of cases, either on one or both the feet.
Overgrowth of skin around the toe is common.

Complications

An untreated ingrown nail can cause a nail infection which can further progress to a foot ulcer, open sores, loss of blood flow to the infected area, scarring of surrounding skin and nail borders.
An ingrown nail can also progress to tissue decay and tissue death at the site of infection (cellulitis).
Diabetes can complicate ingrown nail as even small cut, scrape may quickly become infected due to lack of blood flow and nerve sensitivity.
Toenail infection due to the ingrown nail can progress to the bone causing infection (osteomyelitis).
Lichen planus can also be one of the complications for ingrown nail as in about 10 percent of cases it causes ridging, grooving, splitting and thinning of nails.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of ingrown nail requires taking into account all possible causative factors and medical history.
An ingrown toenail can also be diagnosed with X-ray to show how deep the nail has grown into the skin.
X-Ray can also identify ingrown nail which was caused by injury.

Management of Ingrown Toenail

Some natural ways to treat ingrown nails may include:

1. Soaking the foot in warm, soapy water 2-3 times a day helps in keeping the area clean and free of bacteria. This can be very beneficial in softening the skin of the affected area, which can make it easier to draw out the toenail from the skin.
2. Direct application of apple cider vinegar diluted with purified water or foot soak in warm water with a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar can help in conditioning ingrown nails to fight bacteria.
3. Avoiding heels, tight shoes and wearing comfortable footwear can reduce down the pressure on the affected area. This can promote fast healing of the affected area.
4. Use of Essential oils such as tea tree oil, lavender oil can provide natural pain relief from an ingrown nail by ultimately giving affected area a healthy environment to heal.This may also help in remarkable reduction of inflammation.

Adenomyosis is a condition where endometrial tissue of the uterus grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. Women having a history of operation like cesarean section, an operation to remove fibroids, and women in the age group of 40 to 50 are at most risk for adenomyosis. Homeopathy for adenomyosis can help reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms of the disease.    

The reason behind adenomyosis is not clearly known yet but there are many theories to explain the cause of adenomyosis. One theory suggests that the endometrial tissue might be deposited in the muscle layer of the uterus during birth that tends to grow during adulthood. Next theory says inflammation of uterus following childbirth may result in adenomyosis. This is due to a break in the confined boundary of the cells that lines the uterus. As per another theory, adenomyosis arises from direct invasion of endometrial cells into the muscle layer of the uterus that may be due to incisions made during surgeries like cesarean section.

Symptoms of Adenomyosis

Some women having adenomyosis may not have any symptoms of the problem. In cases where symptoms do appear, they include heavy periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, severe cramps/pain during periods (dysmenorrhea), bloating, painful intercourse, and spotting between periods.

Homeopathy for Adenomyosis

Homeopathy is highly useful for symptomatic management of adenomyosis. The symptoms including heavy/prolonged menstrual bleeding, pain during periods/intercourse, and spotting between periods can be managed effectively with homeopathy.

1. Sabina – To Manage Heavy, Bright, Red Menstrual Flow

Sabina is prepared from young, fresh tops of the branches of a plant Sabina Officinalis of the natural order Coniferae. Sabina is highly beneficial to manage complaint of heavy periods in adenomyosis cases. Females needing Sabina complains of very copious menstrual flow that tends to have heavy clots. The blood is bright red in color and flows in gushes. The menses may also last for a longer duration and are frequently attended with pain and colic. The characteristic pain goes from sacrum to pubes. In some cases, intermenstrual bleeding also appears.

2. Thlaspi – For Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding

Thlaspi is prepared from a plant Thlaspi Bursa Pastoris of the natural order Cruciferae. Thlaspi is very beneficial to manage prolonged menstrual bleeding in cases of adenomyosis. The menstrual bleeding may prolong for ten to even fifteen days where Thlaspi is indicated. The bleeding is also profuse with clots. Uterine colic appears during menses. Marked exhaustion attends excessive bleeding. The next periods start without recovery from the previous one. Sometimes the menstrual bleeding is profuse in every alternate month.

3. Ustilago – For Heavy, Dark Menstrual Flow

Ustilago is an excellent medicine to manage heavy menstrual flow dark in color in adenomyosis. Sometimes long black stringy clots pass with the dark blood. The blood may also have an offensive odor. Motion tends to worsen the flow and the menses are also prolonged. Extreme pain may attend menstrual flow.

4. Trillium Pendulum – For Bleeding between Periods

Trillium Pendulum is prepared from the fresh root of a plant named Three-leaved Nightshade of the natural order Smilaceae. Trillium Pendulum works effectively to manage the complaint of bleeding between periods in cases of adenomyosis. For using Trillium, the menstrual flow appears at every two weeks duration. The blood is profuse and gushes out of the uterus and is bright red in color. This may cause the woman to faint. A bearing down pain in the pelvis is also felt. Pain in the hips and small of the back is also marked with a sensation as if they will fall into pieces.

5. Calcarea Carb – For Early, Profuse and Prolonged Periods

Calcarea Carb is a well-indicated medicine for treating early, profuse and prolonged periods in adenomyosis. Pains of cutting nature appear in the uterus during periods. Pain in the back also arise. Nausea may attend with the pain during periods. In some cases, headache and vertigo may be felt during periods. Anemia may be present due to frequent and profuse periods of long duration.

6. Colocynthis – For Severe Cramps during Periods in Adenomyosis

Colocynthis is prepared from the pulp of the fruit of plant Citrullus Colocynthis of the natural order Cucurbitaceae. It is very useful for managing severe cramps or pain during periods in adenomyosis. The pain tends to get worse after eating or drinking. Relief in the pain is obtained by bending double or by hard pressure where Colocynthis is indicated. The abdomen may be distended with a sensation of distress along with uterine colic. In cases requiring Colocynthis, the uterine pain may also begin to be felt before the periods. Great restlessness attends the menstrual colic.

7. Magnesia Phos – For Painful Periods

Magnesia Phos is another effective medicine for treating painful periods in adenomyosis. To use Magnesia Phos, the uterine pain may be cramping, drawing, darting, shooting, lightening like or cutting in nature. Warm applications tend to relieve the pain in cases needing Magnesia Phos. Along with uterine colic, a bruised sensation in the abdomen may also be felt.

8. Viburnum – To Manage Uterine Pain Radiating down Thighs

Viburnum is prepared from fresh bark of plant Viburnum opulus commonly named as High Cranberry of the natural order Caprifoliaceae. Viburnum is beneficial to manage uterine pain radiating down thighs in cases of adenomyosis. The entire pelvic region feels full and congested. Pain in the back also arises along with nausea. The menstrual flow is profuse and contains large clots. The blood may also be offensive.

9. Sepia – For Painful Intercourse

Sepia is considered in cases of adenomyosis to manage the complaint of painful intercourse. There may also be a tendency of early and copious periods. During periods, there may be a bearing-down pain in the pelvis and small of the back. Burning or shooting pain in the uterus may also be felt.

Inflammation of fallopian tubes is known as salpingitis. It is a type of pelvic inflammatory disease that can be acute or chronic. The inflammation is in most cases bacterial (majorly gonorrhea and chlamydia.) The fallopian tubes get infected if an infection travels past the vagina and the cervix.

The risk factors for salpingitis include having an STI (sexually transmitted infection), having unprotected intercourse with someone suffering from STI and having multiple sexual partners. In rare cases, salpingitis can follow IUD insertion and abdominal procedure done during childbirth, appendicitis etc. Homeopathic treatment for Salpingitis boosts the disease-fighting mechanism of the body to fight with the infection and resolve the problem naturally.  

Homeopathic Remedies for Salpingitis

Homeopathy is highly effective in cases of salpingitis to reduce the inflammation of fallopian tubes. Symptoms including abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during periods/intercourse, lower back pain, spotting between periods and frequent urination tend to improve with homeopathy.

1. Merc Sol – For Yellow-green Vaginal Discharge

Merc Sol is a well-indicated medicine for treating salpingitis with yellowish or greenish vaginal discharge. The discharge tends to get worse after periods in most cases where Merc Sol is indicated. The discharge is also acrid in nature causing itching and smarting/biting pain in the genitals. Itching worsens from contact of urine. After scratching violent burning follows. The discharge may be noted more at the night time.

2. Kreosote – For Offensive Vaginal Discharges

Kreosote is helpful for cases of salpingitis when putrid, offensive vaginal discharges are present. The discharge may be white or yellow and causes itching. It tends to get worse during standing and walking and there is an increased desire to urinate frequently. Exhaustion, fatigue, and weakness in the legs may be present. Kreosote also helps treat inter-menstrual bleeding in cases of salpingitis where the blood is dark and has an offensive odor.

3. Sepia – To Manage Painful Intercourse

Sepia is an excellent medicine to manage the complaint of painful intercourse in cases of salpingitis. The pain is very intense. Along with pain, yellowish colored, fetid lumpy vaginal discharges may be present. These discharges are more during the daytime. They also tend to get worse after urination. Fullness and heaviness in the abdomen are also felt along with the above symptoms.

4. Colocynthis – For treating pain during periods in salpingitis

Colocynthis is prepared from the pulp of a fruit of a plant Citrullus Colocynthis or Bitter Apple, of the natural order Cucurbitaceae. Colocynthis is a prominent medicine for treating pain during periods in salpingitis. The pain is cramping or colicky in nature, the abdomen be distended, and the pain gets worse by eating or drinking. Extreme nausea and vomiting may attend the pain. Bending over double tends to relieve the pain.

5. Silicea – For Spotting between Periods

Silicea is a useful medicine for salpingitis to manage the complaint of spotting between periods. There may be attending vaginal discharges that are profuse, yellow-colored and of excoriating nature. Violent itching and burning tend to arise from discharges which tend to worsen at night.

6. Pulsatilla – When Back Pain attends Leucorrhea

Pulsatilla is prepared from a plant Pulsatilla Nigricans Wind Flower of the natural order Ranunculaceae. Pulsatilla is helpful for salpingitis when back pain attends leucorrhoea. There are thick, cream-like vaginal discharges that are burning in nature. There may be extreme pain during periods that spreads to the pelvic region, small of back and thighs. It is attended with great restlessness and pressure and heaviness felt in the abdomen. There may also be vomiting along with the pain.

7. Staphisagria – For Frequent Urination

Staphisagria is prepared from seeds of a plant Delphinium Staphisagria or Stavesacre of the natural order Ranunculaceae. Staphisagria is beneficial to manage complaint of frequent urination in salpingitis cases. The urine may either be scanty or copious varying from case to case. Pressure upon the bladder is felt with sensation as if it did not empty. Sometimes burning is felt during and after passing urine. The genitals may also be sensitive that is worse on sitting. Vaginal discharge may attend with itching in the vulva.

8. Hydrastis – For Thick Yellow Vaginal Discharges

Hydrastis is prepared from the fresh root of plant Hydrastis Canadensis of the natural order Ranunculaceae. Hydrastis is indicated for salpingitis when the vaginal discharges are thick and yellow. The discharges are tenacious and profuse. They also tend to cause itching and have an offensive odor.

9. Medorrhinum – For cases with a history of Gonorrhoea

Medorrhinum is a top listed medicine to treat pelvic infections including salpingitis. Its use is indicated for cases of salpingitis having a history of gonorrhea infection. The symptom to use Medorrhinum is acrid, itchy and excoriating vaginal discharges. The discharges are thick and have a peculiar fishy odor. This medicine also helps to manage intense pain during periods.

Symptoms of Salpingitis

The symptoms of salpingitis include abnormal vaginal discharge having unusual color or smell; pain during periods/ovulation/intercourse; lower back pain; abdominal pain; spotting between periods; frequent urination; nausea; vomiting; and fever. Few long – term complications may arise in cases of untreated salpingitis. These complications include – scarring/adhesion and blockage of fallopian tubes; ectopic pregnancy, abscess in the fallopian tube; infection in uterus and ovaries.