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Top Homeopathic Medicines For Burning In Eyes

Burning eyes means a burning sensation, irritation or stinging in the eyes.

It can be attended with other signs and symptoms depending on the cause behind it. These include itching in eyes, dry eyes, grittiness (feeling of some small particle like grain of sand in eyes), tears, red, sore eyes and discharge from the eyes. In some cases, nasal symptoms may also be present. These include runny nose, sneezing, nasal blockage and PND (post nasal discharge means dripping of mucus from posterior nares in the back of the throat).

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can be very effective in managing complaint of burning in eyes. Homeopathic medicines gradually reduce the intensity of burning and also manage its attending symptoms. Such symptoms include itching in the eyes, dry eyes, eye discharge, tearing and red eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine for this complaint under supervision of a homeopathic physician. In case bleeding/ pus discharge from eyes attends or when there is severe eye pain, sensitivity to light, sudden changes in vision, double vision, light flashes, spots or floaters (liquid or gel-like liquid) in front of the eyes along with burning sensation in eyes, then it is strictly advised to take urgent help from conventional mode of treatment as these can indicate some serious causes related to the eyes.

Homeopathic Medicines For Burning Eyes

1. Euphrasia – Top-grade Medicine

It is a natural medicine prepared from a plant Euphrasia Officinalis, commonly known by the name of ‘eye – bright’. It is a prominent medicine for managing cases of burning in the eyes. In cases needing it, watering from the eyes attends burning. Other than this, a sensation of dust or sand in the eyes may be felt. In some cases, dryness in the eyes is present. Itching may accompany. Other than this, there may occur swelling of the eyelids. Along with this, there is itching, burning, redness in the margins of eyelids. Sometimes nasal symptoms attend. These include sneezing, runny nose and nasal irritation.

2. Belladonna – For Burning In Eyes And Redness

It is a natural medicine prepared from plant ‘deadly nightshade’. This medicine works well in cases having burning and marked redness in the eyes. Persons who need it also feel pricking in the eyes. Itching and dryness in the eyes attend it. Itching and burning is also felt in the eyelids. Sometimes hot tears from eyes can flow. It is a very effective medicine for cases of conjunctivitis.

3. Pulsatilla – For Burning Eyes And Discharge From Eyes

This medicine is prepared from a plant Pulsatilla Nigricans, commonly known as ‘wind flower’. This plant belongs to family ranunculaceae. It is a well-indicated medicine for cases presenting with burning eyes and thick yellow discharge from the eyes. Along with this, eye itching is marked. The itching leads to rubbing and scratching. A pressing sensation in the eyes can attend. There may be grittiness in the eyes. Dryness of eyes occurs along with the above symptoms. It gets worse in the evening. Other than this, there is redness and swelling on margins of eyelids. It is a well-indicated medicine for iritis and conjunctivitis cases.

4. Apis Mellifica – For Burning, Stinging In Eyes

It is a prominent medicine to manage burning and stinging in eyes. Stinging sensation is also felt in eyes. The conjunctiva looks bright red. Profuse flow of tears accompanies it. Eye itching and soreness is the next attending symptom. The eyelids may be swollen and puffy along with these symptoms.

5. Sulphur – For Burning And Sensation Of Sand In Eyes

Sulphur is a beneficial medicine for those having burning sensation and grittiness in eyes. There may be inflammation in eyes or eyelids. Pricking pain in the eyes is also a major complaint. Itching in the eyes is also felt with these symptoms. There is watering from the eyes in the morning which is followed by dryness.

6. Aconite – For Burning Eyes With Dryness

This medicine is prepared from plant Aconitum Napellus, commonly known as ‘monkshood’. It belongs to family ranunculaceae. It is helpful for cases in which there is burning in the eyes along with marked dryness. There is relief by throwing cold water on eyes. Redness in eyes and inflammation is also present. Dryness and burning is also felt in the eyelids where this medicine is required. Eyes are sensitive to air along with above symptoms.

7. Natrum Mur – For Burning And Itching In The Eyes

Use of this medicine is considered when there is burning and itching in the eyes. The burning sensation is most marked in the evening. Sometimes grittiness in eyes is felt in the morning. It is a well-indicated medicine for cases of blepahritis. In such cases, the eyelids are red, sore with burning sensation.

8. Arsenic Album – For Burning In Eyelid Margins

This medicine is indicated when burning sensation is present in the margins of eyelids. Along with this, there is soreness on internal surface of lids. The eyelids can be swollen. The edges of lids are painful if you move them. There is grittiness in eyes in the evening causing rubbing of eyes. Next, the inner eyelid margin may be red. Dryness can attend it.

9. Allium Cepa – For Eye Burning And Nasal Symptoms

Allium Cepa is a valuable medicine when there is burning in eyes. With this a biting and smarting sensation (feeling like pin -pricks) in eyes may be felt too. It feels as if there is smoke in front of the eyes, there is desire to intermittently rub the eyes. Other than this, the eyes are red and watery. Along with these, there occur nasal symptoms like runny nose and frequent sneezing.

10. Merc Sol – For Burning And Profuse Watering From Eyes

Merc Sol is an important medicine when there is burning in the eyes along with profuse watering from eyes. Biting and burning in eyes is mostly felt in open air. The eyelids are sensitive to cold, heat, touch in cases that need it. The eyelids may be inflamed, red, swollen and thick where Merc Sol is required.

What Are The Causes Behind It?

It can arise due to various reasons.

In many cases, it can occur due to environmental pollutants like dust, smoke, smog or from exposure to excessively cold or hot air. In some cases, it can arise from eye strain as after excessive screen time on computer or mobile. In such cases, additional symptoms that can arise include dry eyes or watery eyes, double vision, and sensitivity to light.

In other cases, it can occur from some medical reason as given below.

It firstly includes conjunctivitis, also known as ‘pink eye’. It means inflammation of the conjunctiva which is a thin clear layer that covers white part of the eye. It can occur from an infection that can be viral or bacterial or from an allergic reaction to pollen, chemicals, etc. In this condition, burning in the eyes can attend its other signs and symptoms that include redness of the eyes, discharge from eyes, itchy eyes, excessive tears and gritty sensation in eyes.

Second cause can be allergies. These can be triggered by exposure to allergens like dust, smoke, pollen, etc. Along with eye signs and symptoms like burning, itchy eyes, red eyes, watery discharge from eyes, it may be accompanied by nasal symptoms too. These nasal symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, PND, sore throat and coughing.

Next, it can arise in case of common cold and flu.

Burning in the eyes can also be due to dry eyes. It can arise from allergies, exposure to smoke, excessive screen time on computers, diabetes, use of certain medications (like anti-histamines, anti-depressants and some drugs used for treating high blood pressure) or from some types of arthritis. Dry eyes can occur either from decreased production of tears or from production of poor quality tears. In addition to burning eyes, it can cause light sensitivity, redness of the eyes, scratchy sensation in the eyes, mucus in and around the eyes.

Ocular rosacea can be also a cause. It refers to inflammation of the eyes affecting those having a skin condition called rosacea (rosacea affects the face which causes redness, flushed face with prominent blood vessels and pus-filled eruptions). In ocular rosacea, there is burning in the eyes along with other symptoms like itchy eyes, irritation in the eyes and eye redness.

Next reason is pterygium (a triangular-shaped tissue flap that grows on the conjunctiva of the eye)

Another cause is blepharitis (means inflammation of the eyelids). It can lead to burning in the eyes along with itching of eyelids, watery eyes, flakiness around eyes, light sensitivity and sticking of the eyelids.

FOOD ALLERGIES AND HOMEOPATHY

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 505 Comments

Ever heard of someone developing a life-threatening allergic reaction from something as small as a peanut? Someone suffering an asthma attack just after taking a spoonful of cooked mushrooms? Or a severe attack of migraine triggered by black pepper? These may sound strange, but true!

Food allergy is the reaction of the immune system that occurs immediately after eating a certain food. If one has food allergy, the immune system overreacts to a particular protein found in that food. Coming in contact with even a little amount of that particular food can trigger symptoms. Some people may experience severe symptoms from a food allergy, including the potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction (swelling of the throat, airways become narrow blocking breathing). Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening reaction that can impair breathing and send the body into shock; reactions may simultaneously affect different parts of the body (for example, a stomach-ache accompanied by a rash).

Many people think the terms ‘food allergy’ and ‘food intolerance’ mean the same, but they do not. Food intolerance is an adverse food-induced reaction that does not involve the immune system. Lactose intolerance is one example of food intolerance. A person with lactose intolerance lacks an enzyme that is needed to digest milk sugar. When the person eats milk products, symptoms such as gas, bloating and abdominal pain may occur.

Although an individual may be allergic to any food, such as fruits, vegetables and meats, these are not as common as the following eight foods which account for 90 per cent of all food-allergic reactions: Milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts (walnut, cashew, etc.), fish, shellfish, soya and wheat.

Homeopathic Treatment For Food Allergy

Homeopathic treatment of food allergies can be very beneficial as it treats food allergies by optimising the overcharged immune system. Though the treatment may require a more serious approach, most of the allergies can be treated with homeopathy. Homeopathy views food allergies as an expression of a disturbance in the patient’s healing system. Food allergies are not a disease to be cured in themselves, but a reflection of an underlying imbalance.

Food sensitivity or intolerance can be treated by homeopathic medicines that are specific to that particular problem. For example, homeopathic medicine Silicea for milk intolerance in infants, when even the mother’s milk disagrees; Zingiber for diarrhea that sets in after eating melons; Antim crudum for headache that comes after eating fruits.

Homeopathic Medicines For Food Allergies

1. Calcarea Carb – For Milk Allergy

Calcarea Carb is an important homeopathic medicine for milk allergy when there is vomiting after consuming milk. There is nausea, distension of abdomen, cutting pain and diarrhea. In some cases, there may be a cold sensation in the abdomen.

How And When To Take Calcarea Carb?

If symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and loose stools appear after consuming any milk product, calcarea carbonica can be taken. Low potency (30C), can be taken 2-3 times in a day. High potency 200C can be taken once in a day if expected results are not seen after taking low potency. It is advisable to consult an experienced homeopath before administering 1M or higher potency.

2. Colchicum – For Allergy From Egg

Colchicum is a well-known homeopathic medicine used for gastrointestinal ailments arising after eating eggs. It is the best remedy for distension of the abdomen with gas and loud flatus. There are frequent tasteless burps with pressing/ tearing/ cutting or stitching pain and cramps in stomach. The patient cannot bear the smell of food, it causes nausea and vomiting. The stool contains white large particles in large quantities with mucus-like rice water. All the symptoms of Colchicum are relieved by bending forward.

When And How To Use Colchicum?

It is used in case of stomach pain or feeling of pressure on the stomach with heaviness and continuous rumbling of gas. The recommended dosage in most of the cases is 30C which can be used up to 2-3 times in a day.

200C and 1M are considered very high potencies. The suggested dose of 200C is once in a day, not to be repeated frequently. It is best to consult an experienced homeopath as self-medication should not be done in high power dosage.

3. Urtica Urens – Homeopathic Remedy For Shell Fish/Fish Allergy

Urtica Urens is a top-ranked homeopathic medicine for treating shell fish allergy. There is violent itching with burning and stinging pain on skin. Sometimes along with itching, swelling all over rashes are formed known as hives. The skin looks red, raised and requires constant scratching. The eruption and itching disappear as soon as the patient lies down and reappear immediately after rising. The complaints get worse by water, touch, air, rising up and disappear after lying down.

When and How to use Urtica Urens?

This remedy can be used in rashes or hives which arise after consuming fish/shell fish. Symptoms mainly categorise with intense skin itching, followed by burning. It can be taken 2-3 times in a day in 30C potency. Higher potencies such as 200C and 1M can also be used but it is best to seek professional help before using them.

4. Lycopodium – For Wheat Allergy

Lycopodium offers a homeopathic cure for wheat allergy when consumption of wheat products triggers a gastric reaction. It comprises of symptoms like bloating, burping (tasting sour) and flatulence. It is well indicated for weak digestion with burning burping and bitter taste in mouth.

When and How to take lycopodium?

It is a remedy that is used in wheat allergy with a much-bloated abdomen, heartburn, waterbrash (acid reflux from stomach upwards to the throat) and noisy flatulence. Both the lower and the highest potencies are credited with excellent results. But as it is a deep-acting remedy hence lower potency, 30C is usually preferred, 2-3 times in a day. Otherwise 200C potency or higher dose, has proved efficacious, but should not be taken too frequently.

5. Apis Mellifica – For Skin Issues In Food Allergy

Apis Mellifica is a wonderful medicine for treating Urticaria (rashes of round, red welts) on the skin where itching is severe. It is a great remedy when hives develop due to milk allergy. The body is covered with large, elevated bumps accompanied by stinging, burning, pricking or itching. The wheals (red, swollen marks) are painful, tender, hot and extremely sensitive to touch with stinging pain. There is also violent itching and burning in the wheals. The person needing Apis Mellifica may experience worsening of symptoms by warmth and relief by cold applications.

When and How to take Apis mellifica?

The symptoms such as hives/wheals/ bumps caused due to specific foods are largely benefitted by Apis. The complaints include rapid swelling of the affected area along with stinging pain, burning, itching and redness. The lower potency 30C works well in these conditions and can be repeated 2-3 times in a day. A careful analysis should be done before using it in 200C and 1M potencies and should not be frequently repeated if the symptoms doesn’t seem to get better.

Common Food Allergens

In adults, they include:

Peanuts

Tree nuts, such as walnuts

Shellfish, including shrimps, crayfish, lobsters and crabs

For children, the food allergens that most often cause problems are:

Eggs

Milk

Peanuts

Types Of Food Allergies

Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome

Also termed as oral allergy syndrome, pollen food allergy syndrome affects many people having hay fever. In this condition, a protein found in certain nuts, spices, fresh fruits and vegetables can trigger an allergic reaction that can cause itching in the mouth. In serious reactions, it can lead to throat swelling or anaphylaxis.

Proteins in certain fruits, vegetables or nuts cause the reaction as they are similar to allergy-causing proteins found in certain pollens. This is an example of cross reactivity.

Exercise-Induced Food Allergy Syndrome

In this condition after eating certain foods, there is itching, a person may faint and can get ‘hives’ or even anaphylaxis when body temperature goes up after exercising. One can prevent it by avoiding eating anything for a few hours before exercising.

Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES)

Also referred to as delayed food allergy, it is a severe condition causing vomiting and diarrhea after consuming food allergen, like milk, soy and grains. FPIES mostly develops in infancy when the baby is introduced to solid food.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

In this condition, there is inflammation of esophagus (food pipe). It occurs due to allergy or sensitivity to particular proteins found in foods. Many people with this condition have a family history of asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis or food allergy.

Symptoms Of Food Allergy

The symptoms that the allergic individual produces are individual in nature. They can range from a mild asthmatic attack to a severe life-threatening allergic response anaphylaxis.

– If people are allergic to a particular food, for example, they may first experience itching in the mouth as they start to eat food.

– After the food is digested in the stomach, abdominal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or pain may start.

– When the food allergens enter and travel through the bloodstream, they can cause a drop in blood pressure.

– As the allergens reach the skin, they can induce hives or eczema, or when they reach the lungs, they may cause asthma.

– All of this takes place within a few minutes to an hour.

Other symptoms include

– Shortness of breath

– Wheezing,

– Repetitive cough

– Shock or circulatory collapse

– Tight, hoarse throat; trouble swallowing

– Swelling of the tongue, affecting the ability to talk or breathe

– Weak pulse

– Pale or blue colouring of skin

– Dizziness or fainting

Most food-related symptoms occur within two hours of ingestion; often they start within minutes. In some very rare cases, the reaction may be delayed by four to six hours or even longer. Delayed reactions are most typically seen in children who develop eczema as a symptom of food allergy and in people with a rare allergy to red meat caused by the bite of a lone star tick.

Pathophysiology Of Food Allergy

Our immune system uses two components to deal with food allergies. One of these is immunoglobulin E (IgE), a type of blood-moving protein known as an antibody. The other is mast cells, which are found in all body tissues but are particularly prevalent in the digestive tract, nose, throat, and lungs. When you eat a food to which you are allergic to for the first time, certain cells produce a lot of IgE to counter the allergen in the food. IgE is released and adheres to the surface of the mast cells. Although you won’t have an allergic reaction just yet, your body is prepared to do so.

The allergen reacts with that IgE the time you consume the meal containing the allergen, causing the mast cells to release histamine and other substances. These compounds will produce different symptoms depending on the tissue they are in. Additionally, some food allergens can enter your bloodstream because they aren’t destroyed by the cooking heat, stomach acids, or other food-digesting enzymes. They can then spread throughout your body and trigger allergic reactions. The timing and the place are impacted by the digestive process. Your mouth can start to itch. Then, you can have symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain. Blood-borne food allergies can lower blood pressure. They can cause hives ( reddish bumps on skin) when they reach the skin.

Risk Factors Of Food Allergy

1. Family history: Risk of having food allergy increases if one has a family history of asthma, hives, eczema or allergies, like hay fever.

2. Age: Food allergies are more common in children, especially infants. As a child grow older, the digestive system matures and the body is less affected by the food that triggers allergy.

3. Asthma: Asthma and food allergy commonly occur simultaneously. When they occur symptoms of both are severe.

4. Other allergies: If one is having a particular type of allergic reaction like hay fever, one is more prone to risk of developing food allergy.

Dr. Vikas Sharma is a Chandigarh-based homeopathic doctor. He has been practicing homeopathy for the last 13 years.

How To Deal With Puffy Eyes In Homeopathy?

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 3 Comments

Puffy eyes means swelling around the eyes medically known as periorbital puffiness. Puffy eyes may be due to various reasons. In many cases, puffy eyes is a temporary condition (for example, from excessive crying, lack of sleep) and resolves on its own without any treatment but in some cases, it can be an indication of a medical condition (for example, allergies, conjunctivitis) that requires treatment or orbital cellulitis which needs immediate medical attention.

Homeopathy is very beneficial to treat cases of puffy eyes. Homeopathic medicines work to reduce the swelling around eyes by targeting the root cause behind it. Side by side it also attends well any accompanying symptoms present in a particular case. The cases of mild to moderate intensity where no serious cause is linked with puffy eyes respond wonderfully to homeopathic medicines. But homeopathy does not offer help in cases where swelling is intense, or occurs along with certain symptoms (like high fever, eye pain, sudden vision changes / vision loss, bleeding from eyes, sudden swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue, breathing problem and bulging eyes) indicating a serious ailment or when it is linked with a serious cause (like eye injury, cellulitis, anaphylaxis, cancer). In these cases, it is strictly advised to take help from conventional mode of treatment on urgent basis.

Homeopathy fights the underlying cause

As the causes vary for puffy eyes from case to case, homeopathic medicines target the cause behind it which brings excellent results. Relief appear gradually with homeopathic treatment in cases of puffy eyes but it results in long-term management of complaint rather than temporary help. The duration of complete treatment varies from case to case. It is advised to take homeopathic medicine under the guidance of a homeopathic doctor and never self-medicate. He will decide whether the case is within the treatable parameters of homeopathy depending on the cause, if not, he will guide you toward timely conventional treatment.

Prescription after detail case evaluation

In homeopathy, not every case is provided with the same medicine always. Rather the best medicine that will suit a given case is decided for every case individually. For this homeopathic doctor evaluates the case deeply to finalise the medicine from the long list of homeopathic medicines recorded in homeopathic therapeutics for treatment of puffy eyes. This way the properly selected medicine serves best help to provide relief. To get top results, a complete course of treatment needs to be followed under the guidance of a homeopathic expert.

Natural homeopathic treatment mode

As widely known, homeopathy is a natural healing science so it has zero side effects. Homeopathic medicine works naturally to treat the root cause of puffy eyes to bring great relief. These work very gently in the most harmless manner in all the cases.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathy is very beneficial to treat cases of puffy eyes. Homeopathic medicines work to reduce the swelling around eyes by targeting the root cause behind it. These medicines are recommended for mild to moderate cases where no serious cause is linked with puffy eyes. In cases where swelling is intense, or occurs along with certain symptoms (like high fever, eye pain, sudden vision changes, vision loss, bleeding from eyes, sudden swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue, breathing problem and bulging eyes) indicating some serious ailment or when it is linked with some serious cause (like eye injury, cellulitis, anaphylaxis, cancer), it is strictly advised to take help from conventional mode of treatment on urgent basis.

As the causes vary for puffy eyes from case to case, it is advised to take homeopathic medicine under the guidance of a homeopathic doctor and never self-medicate. Homeopathic doctor can prescribe medicine after evaluating the case. He will decide whether the case is within the treatable parameters of homeopathy depending on the cause, if not, he will guide you toward timely conventional treatment.

Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines For Puffy Eyes

1. Apis Mellifica – Top Grade Medicine

Apis Mellifica is a leading medicine in homeopathy for managing cases of puffy eyes. In most cases needing it, the eyelids are swollen, puffy and red. It is accompanied by a burning sensation and tight skin around the eyes. Though the swelling may be present around or under the eyes, mostly swelling is marked under the eyes like under-eye water bags. It is one of the best medicine for puffy eyes in case of allergies. In some cases needing it, there may be inflammation of conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is red and hot tears flow. Sensitivity to light may also be there. Other than the above, it is well indicated for puffy eyes in case of blepharitis. The eyelids are swollen and become thick with stinging pains.

When to use Apis Mellifica?

Apis Mellifica is a top medicine to manage puffy eyes with swelling especially under the eyes that can be attended with burning sensation in eyes.

How to use Apis Mellifica?

It works well in both low and high potencies. Initially, it is best to take it in 30C potency one to two times a day.

2. Kali Carb – For Marked Swelling Above The Eyes

This medicine is prominent for managing swelling above the eyes. It is present between the eyebrows and the upper lid. It is also helpful in managing cases of swelling of eyelids from blepharitis. In some cases, along with swollen eyes, there is redness on the edges of eyelids. There may be watering from eyes also. The eyelids may be sticky in the morning.

When to use Kali Carb?

Kali Carb is a wonderful medicine for puffy eyes with most prominent swelling above the eyes.

How to use Kali Carb?

Kali Carb can be taken once a day in 30C power.

3. Euphrasia – For Swollen Lids With Watery Eyes

Euphrasia works well for swollen eyelids with watery eyes. Besides, conjunctiva can be red. Burning may be felt on the margins of the lids . A feeling of dryness on the margins of the eyelids is another accompanying symptom. Nasal discharge may also be present.

When to use Euphrasia?

Its use is recommended for cases of swelling of lids attended with marked watering from eyes.

How to use Euphrasia?

This medicine can be used in both low and high potencies. In 30C potency, it can be used two to three times a day. While if using 200C potency, then only one dose per day is recommended.

4. Rhus Tox – For Puffy, Itchy Eyelids

It is a very beneficial medicine for cases in which there are puffy eyes along with itching of lids. A biting and prickling sensation in lids can attend it. There is also shooting type of pain around the eyelids. Sometimes there is dryness in the eyes and heat in the eyelids.

When to use Rhus Tox?

Rhus Tox suits well cases of puffy eyes when there is itching on eyelids in addition to swelling.

How to use Rhus Tox?

In the beginning, it is suggested to use it in 30C potency once or twice a day. Its higher potencies are also available but they should be used under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor.

5. Allium Cepa – For Swelling Around Eyes And Allergies

It is an important medicine for cases in which there is swelling around the eyes as a part of nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis). The symptoms of allergies that are present include excessively itchy eyes, watering from eyes, sneezing and runny nose. Next, there can be pain in the forehead.

When to use Allium Cepa?

This medicine should be selected for puffy eyes associated with allergies with symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose.

How to use Allium Cepa?

Usually it is utilized in 30C potency two to three times a day.

6. Merc Sol – For Swollen Lids Along With Eye Watering And Burning

This medicine is indicated for cases in which there are puffy eyes along with blue rings around eyes. Frequent itching is felt in the eyes. Next, there can be sensitivity to light. In some cases, inflammation of eyes may be present with pressing burning pain.

When to use Phosphorus?

Phosphorus should be considered to manage cases of puffy eyes with bluish rings around eyes along with itchy eyes and sensitivity to light.

How to use Phosphorus?

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

7. Phosphorus – For Puffy Eyes And Blue Rings About Eyes

This medicine is indicated for cases in which there are puffy eyes along with blue rings around eyes. Frequent itching is felt in the eyes. Next, there can be sensitivity to light. In some cases, inflammation of eyes may be present with pressing burning pain.

8. Pulsatilla – For Swollen, Red Eyelids

Stye

It is a natural medicine that proves helpful when the eyelids are swollen and red. Along with this, there can be sensation of dryness and burning heat in eyes. In cases needing it, there is a tendency of formation of stye (a localized infection of an oil gland in the eyelid margin) mainly on the upper lid.

When to use Pulsatilla?

Pulsatilla is useful for puffy eyes accompanied with redness of lids and dryness, heated sensation in eyes.

How to use Pulsatilla?

One may take this medicine once a day in 30C potency.

Cause Behind Puffy Eyes

Puffy eyes are common in aged people. As a person ages, there occurs weakening of the tissues and muscles around eyelids. It results in falling of the normal fat (that helps to support the eyes) in the lower eyelid. This makes lids look puffy. There can be accumulation of fluid in lower eyelid with ageing which increases swelling. Next temporary cause is excessive crying. In the process of reabsorbing excessive liquid from the eyes, some of it is retained in the tissue under the eyes which makes it look puffy temporarily.

Other than the above reasons, it can simply occur from not taking enough sleep, excessive rubbing of eyes, poor diet and sun exposure. Puffy eyes can be hereditary. Mostly puffy eyes happen due to fluid retention in tissue around the eyes.

Following are the medical conditions that are related to it.

1. Allergies: The first medical condition that can lead to it is hay fever also known as allergic rhinitis. It can cause swollen under-eyes in addition to other symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy nose, red eyes, watery and itchy eyes, cough and post-nasal discharge. Allergy may also be from reaction to some food, chemical, insect bite, etc.

In some cases, it may occur from a severe life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) that needs immediate medical help because it can be fatal if not attended to immediately. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that causes swelling of the throat and tongue, difficulty in breathing, sudden drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and loss of consciousness mostly along with hives, which is a skin condition characterized by itchy, raised bumps on skin.

Hives

2. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the transparent membrane called conjunctiva lining the white part of the eyeball and eyelid. It can cause swelling of eyelids along with other symptoms, like redness in eyes, itching in eyes, eye discharge, excessive tears from eyes and grittiness in eyes (feeling of particle of sand in the eye).

3. Dermatitis is also one of the cause. In dermatitis there occur inflammation of the skin with red, itchy rash.

4. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the edges/margins of eyelid. Swollen eyelids can attend other symptoms like itchy eyelids, red eyes, watering from eyes, burning or stinging in the eyes, grittiness in the eyes, and sticking of the eyelid.

5. Orbital cellulitis is a serious condition in which there occurs infection of the soft tissues and fat within the eye socket. It needs urgent medical help as it can result in permanent vision loss and other severe complication like meningitis which is inflammation of the protective membranes that covers the brain and spinal cord.

6. Droopy eyelids (ptosis) is also a cause for it.

7. Another cause is nephrotic syndrome which is a kidney disorder in which excessive protein leaks in the urine.

8. It may also occur in case of grave’s eye disease (thyroid eye disease) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

9. Next it may happen from stye. Other causes are black eye from an injuryand fracture of bony orbit.

10. It may also arise in cases of sinusitis (inflammation of mucous membranes lining the paranasal sinuses).

11. In females, it may be a fallout of PMS (premenstrual syndrome).

12. Apart from the above, in rare cases it can be from eye cancer.

What Other Symptoms May Occur With Puffy eyes?

Puffy eyes may occur along with other eye symptoms depending on the cause. These include itching in eyes, eye discharge, dry eyes, sensitivity to light, excessive tears from eyes, redness of eyes and dark circles around eyes.

In some cases, puffy eyes occur along with nasal symptoms as in allergic rhinitis. These include sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, post-nasal drip. In some cases, sore throat, fatigue, headache and cough may also be present.

There are some serious symptoms which accompany puffy eyes that need urgent medical care, like high fever, bleeding from eyes, eye pain, sudden vision changes, vision loss, sudden swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue, breathing problem and bulging eyes with pain, redness and fever.

More About Paresthesia And Its Homeopathic Treatment

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 4 Comments

Paresthesia refers to abnormal sensations like tingling, prickling, burning, numbness, sensation of pricking by pins or needles that occur mostly in hands, fingers, arms, legs, feet and toes. Everyone might have experienced it once in a while, like one may have felt it from sitting cross-legged for too long or from sleeping with the arm under the head. It happens because of the pressure on nerves. It is temporary and vanishes by removing the pressure on the affected nerve. However, in some cases, paresthesia is persistent and may be due to some medical health condition that requires treatment.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can help in effectively managing complaints of paresthesia. Homeopathic medicines can manage well the symptoms like numbness, tingling, pin needle sensation, burning and weakness in limbs in such cases. With use of these medicines, gradual relief occurs . Homeopathic medicines are recommended in these cases when the symptoms are mild to moderate and no serious cause is linked with it. In case the symptoms are intense, or these symptoms are attended with other symptoms like difficulty in walking, loss of bladder/bowel control, slurred speech, difficulty in breathing, confusion, dizziness, loss of consciousness, paralysis or in case some serious cause like stroke, immediate help from conventional mode of treatment should be taken. It is recommended to take any homeopathic medicine for paresthesia under supervision of a homeopathic physician who can guide the best suitable medicine after complete case evaluation, or in case he finds some serious ailment where homeopathy cannot help, he can refer conventional treatment. In no case should self-medication be done.

Homeopathic Medicines For Treating Paresthesia

1. Kali Phos – To Manage Numbness

It is a top-grade medicine to manage numbness in the hands and feet. The numbness may be marked in the finger tips, may also be present in arms and legs. This medicine is also beneficial to manage prickling sensation in hands and feet. Lastly, it offers help for cases having burning sensation in soles of feet and toes.

2. Zincum Met – For Numbness And Tingling

It is a helpful medicine for cases having numbness and tingling sensation. The tingling is present in one of the limbs in cases needing it. It is useful when numbness occurs in lower limbs. Excessive weakness can accompany it.

3. Hypericum – For Numbness, Tingling And Burning Sensation

It is prepared from a plant Hypericum Perforatum with the common name ‘St. John’s Wort’. This medicine is very effective in managing numbness, tingling, burning sensation in limbs. It is one of the best medicine for managing cases of nerve damage from trauma/injury. Along with above symptoms, a person needing it may also have sharp, excruciating pain. Besides, it is a well-indicated medicine for managing cases of carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS).

4. Arsenic Album – For Managing Burning Pains And Weakness

This medicine is firstly very helpful in managing burning type of pain in the limbs. Secondly, it is useful for cases having weakness in limbs. Other than above, tingling in fingers is also indicative of using this medicine.

5. Agaricus – For Prickling In Toes

This medicine works well in cases of prickling in the toes. A crawling sensation may also occur. Shooting pain in toes can sometimes attend it.

6. Causticum – To Manage Weakness In Limbs

This medicine is prominently indicated for managing weakness in limbs along with heaviness in the limbs. Other than this, it is helpful in managing numbness in hands. Lastly, it is a suitable medicine for managing carpal tunnel syndrome.

7. Gnaphalium – To Manage Sciatica And Numbness

It is prepared from plant Gnaphalium polycephalum commonly known as ‘old balsam’, a sweet-scented everlasting flower. Use of this medicine is recommended to manage numbness attending sciatica pain. Persons who need it have cutting or darting pain along sciatic nerve. They have worsening of pain by walking and relief by sitting.

8. Picric Acid – For Pin Needle Sensation In Limbs

It is an important medicine for managing pin needle sensation in the limbs. Persons who require it may also have numbness in limbs. Limbs may feel weak and the feet become cold.

9. Paris Quadrifolia – To Manage Numbness In Fingers And Neck Pain

This medicine is prepared from the plant Paris Quadrifolia having common name ‘One berry’ and ‘Herb Paris’. This medicine suits cases in which there is numbness (asleep sensation) in fingers and neck pain. In cases requiring it, pain in the neck may extend down till the fingers. Heaviness in nape of neck can attend it. The pain gets better by taking rest.

10. Kalmia – For Numbness, Prickling In Limbs

It is another medicine in homeopathy which helps cases having numbness and prickling in limbs. It is prepared from fresh leaves of plant Kalmia Latifolia, commonly known as ‘mountain laurel’. Sometimes weakness in limbs may be a common complaint where this medicine is required. Additionally, coldness in limbs may be there. In some cases, there is pain in the neck that radiates down the arms.

11. Carboneum Sulph – For Tingling Sensation As From Electric Current

This medicine is effective for cases of tingling sensation in the limbs as from an electric current. Other than this, it also offers help to manage numbness of the fingers with inability to hold small objects.

12. Phosphorus – For Numbness In Hands And Feet

Use of this medicine can be done in case of numbness in hands and feet. The numbness can also be present in fingers and toes. Lastly, it is indicated to manage weakness in arms.

13. Oxalic Acid – For Numbness And Tingling

This medicine is also indicated to manage numbness and tingling in limbs. It is very useful when there is numbness starting from shoulders and ending in fingertips. Sharp pain in limbs may attend sometimes.

Causes Behind Paresthesia

First cause behind it is compression, irritation or inflammation of the nerve roots (this is referred as radiculopathy). This can happen from herniated spinal disc (a condition in which the soft jelly like center of inter-vertebral disc pushes out through a tear in its tough exterior). Next, this can result if the spinal canal gets narrow also called spinal stenosis (it refers to narrowing of the spinal canal that results in pressure on spinal cord and nerve roots). It can also arise if there is some mass that causes compression of the nerve. When radiculopathy happens in cervical spine, means the portion of spine in neck, then it is known as cervical radiculopathy (its symptoms includes paresthesia of the upper limbs, neck pain and weakness in arms and hands). When it occurs in lumbar region, means portion of spine in lower back, then it is known as lumbar radiculopathy (its symptoms includes sciatica that occur from pressure over the sciatic nerve that causes pain in the lower back radiating down the hip, back of thigh, legs, feet and paresthesia in leg or foot). Carpal tunnel syndrome is also one of the causes behind paresthesia in hands and fingers that arises from pinched medial nerve in the wrist.

Second major cause for paresthesia is nerve damage. The main cause for nerve damage is diabetes. Next reason is injury/trauma to nerve. It may also occur due to deficiency of Vitamin B12, B1 and B6. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is yet another reason for paresthesia. Injury from repetitive movement putting stress on nerves may also lead to it. It may also occur if a person is suffering from a kidney or liver disease.

Other than these, it may occur in case of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes joint inflammation resulting in pain, swelling and stiffness in joints. It mostly starts from small joints and involves larger joints afterward. Multiple sclerosis is an an autoimmune disorder in which there occurs damage to the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Brain tumour or tumour that develop near a nerve can be another cause for paresthesia. Certain infections like shingles ( a viral infection caused by varicella – zoster virus), Lyme disease (a tick-borne, infectious disease which is caused by a bacteria of the type borrelia known as Borrelia burgdoferi) may also cause it. Paresthesia can be caused by exposure to chemicals, heavy metals, use of some medications like chemotherapy drugs, some antibiotics, high blood pressure, high levels of vitamin D, and alcoholism. Lastly, paresthesia can occur in case of a stroke which means an interruption in blood supply to part of the brain resulting in deprivation of oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue and causing death of brain cells. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical help.

What Are Its Symptoms?

It mostly affects hands, feet, arms and legs though any body part can be affected. Its symptoms are numbness, tingling, prickling, pin needle sensation, burning, sensation of affected part falling numb temporarily, weakness, and coldness. These symptoms may be attended with pain. It may result in disruption in daily activities. The complications that can arise include disability, permanent loss of sensation and paralysis.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Dry Nose

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 4 Comments

Dryness in the nasal passage is medically known as rhinitis sicca. It can be uncomfortable yet harmless, and rarely serious. The inner membrane of the nasal passage secretes mucus daily. It lubricates the nasal cavity, moisturises the air so that it smoothly passes through the respiratory tract and traps dust, irritants and the germs that we may breathe in. If mucus production is not adequate or it dries up, it results in dry nose.

Homeopathic Management

Complaint of dry nose can be effectively managed with use of homeopathic medicines. These medicines help by working to treat the root cause, as a result nasal dryness gradually decreases. The attending signs and symptoms like nasal congestion, itching, burning in nose, redness, swelling and pain in nose, scabbing inside nose, recurrent sneezing also get managed with these medicines. Homeopathic medicines are prepared from naturally occurring substances so are very safe to use without any side effects. These medicines can be used in most cases of nasal dryness but in case of nasal dryness along with high fever, excessive difficulty in breathing, uncontrolled bleeding from nose, urgent help from conventional mode of treatment is advised.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Dry Nose

1. Sticta – Top-Grade Medicine

Sticta is a leading medicine in homeopathy for managing cases of dry nose. Persons needing it have excessive dryness and pain inside the nose. They may have nasal secretions that dry up quickly and forms scabs in nostrils. These are difficult to dislodge and cause nasal stuffiness. The nose feels obstructed; it gets worse at night which disturbs sleep. There is a feeling of stuffiness at the root of the nose. There can be excessive sneezing and loss of smell.

2. Kali Bichrome – For Nasal Dryness And Pain At Root Of Nose

It is a very effective medicine for cases having nasal dryness and pain at the root of nose. The nose feels constantly blocked. Swelling and burning sensation in the nose is felt. Its use is also indicated when the nose is filled with dry, hard crusts that can be blood-tinged. There can be discharge of ropy mucus from the posterior nares (post nasal discharge). Foul smell in nose may also be present along with the above symptoms.

3. Calcarea Carb – For Dry Nose At Night

This medicine is helpful for managing cases in which there is dryness in the nose at night. Nostrils may have soreness and ulceration. The root of the nose may be swollen. It is also useful when there is offensive yellow discharge from the nose. Frequent sneezing from itching/tingling in the nose can accompany these symptoms.

4. Sambucus – For Nose Dryness With Difficult Breathing Through Nose

It is a natural medicine prepared from fresh leaves and flowers of a plant Sambucus Nigra, commonly known as ‘elder’. It belongs to family caprifoliaceae. This is a prominent medicine for managing nose dryness with difficulty in breathing through the nose. In cases needing it, the nose is dry and obstructed. In some cases, nose is blocked with thick tenacious mucus. Sambucus is the most commonly indicated medicine for nasal dryness in babies.

5. Ammonium Carb – For Excessive Dryness Of Nose

It is a well-indicated medicine for cases in which nose is extremely dry. There is marked blocking of nostrils that forces a person to breathe from the mouth, especially at night. There can be swelling, pain and sensitivity in the nostrils. Sometimes, there is bleeding from nose in the morning.

6. Natrum Mur – For Nasal Dryness And Sneezing

This medicine works well in cases in which nasal dryness and sneezing are present. In some cases needing it, loss of smell and taste can be there. Scabs in the nose occur sometimes. There may be burning and soreness in the nose. It is also a suitable medicine for managing cases of alternate fluent and dry coryza.

7. Silicea – For Dryness In Nose With Crusts

It is a well-indicated medicine for cases having dryness of the nose with crust formation. The nose feels blocked from hardened mucus in it. There can be hard, dry masses of mucus in the nose in the morning with an offensive smell. Itching in the nose can attend it. It is also indicated for cases having alternate dry and fluent coryza. History of long-term coryza may be present in the cases needing it.

8. Graphites – For Dry Nose With Loss of smell

Graphites is an important medicine for managing cases in which there is dryness in the nose along with loss of smell. Dryness in nose may be sometimes painful. There can also be dry scabs in the nose. It is accompanied by soreness, cracks and ulcers in the nostrils. In some cases, there is discharge of thick yellowish offensive mucus from the nose.

9. Petroleum – For Dryness and Burning In Nostrils

It is an important medicine to manage dryness and burning sensation in the nostrils. The nostrils can be cracked and ulcerated too. Next, there can be swelling in the nose with pain at the root of the nose. There may occur scabs or discharge of mucus and pus from the nose.

10. Belladonna – For Dry Nose With Frontal Headache

This medicine is prepared from the plant ‘deadly nightshade’. Use of this medicine is considered when there is dryness in the nose accompanied by frontal headache. Frequent sneezing may be present along with it. Swelling, redness and inflammation in the nose may be marked too. Pain may be felt on touching the nose. In cases needing it, dryness in the larynx, trachea may also be present along with dry nose.

What Are Causes Of Dry Nose?

1. Dry nose may simply be due to environmental factors like low humidity levels (from very hot or cold climates), excessive use of air conditioners or blowing the nose very frequently.

2. In other cases, it may also result from colds or nasal allergies and long-term nasal inflammation.

3. It may arise from use of certain medications(for example, antihistamines, antibiotics, prolonged use of nasal sprays, nasal decongestants).

4. Some women may get it from hormonal changes during menopause.

5. High blood pressure and dehydration may also result in a dry nose.

6. Tobacco smoking is another reason that can lead to dry nose.

7. In some cases, it can occur from some medical conditions. These conditions includes atrophic rhinitis and sjogren’s syndrome. Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that affects the mucous membranes and glands (that secrete moisture) of eyes and mouth which leads to decreased tears and salivation. The main symptoms of this syndrome are dry eyes and a dry mouth. Dryness in the nose and skin may be felt sometimes. Atrophic rhinitis refers to chronic inflammation in the interior of nose resulting in atrophy of nasal mucosa.

What Are The Other Signs And Symptoms?

Dry nose may be attended with other signs and symptoms depending on the underlying cause. These include nasal congestion, itching, burning sensation in nose, redness, swelling and pain, scabbing or crust formation inside the nose, bleeding from nose, change in smell or alteration in the smell, recurrent sneezing and breathing from the mouth. In case it is attended with high fever, nasal bleeding that doesn’t stop, weakness, extreme difficulty in breathing, urgent medical help should be taken.

What Are Its Complications?

Irritation in the nose and respiratory discomfort can lead to disturbed sleep. Dry nose increases chances of infection in the nose and rest of the respiratory tract (this is because dry nose makes it unable to trap the germs that can enter from nose due to lack of mucus production in nose). Constant dryness of nose may lead to nose bleeding. Other than this, sore throat, pharyngitis, laryngitis and sinusitis may occur. Sore throat means irritation, scratching sensation or pain in the throat. Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynx (back of the throat). Laryngitis refers to inflammation of the larynx (voice box). Sinusitis means inflammation of the mucous membranes that lines the para nasal sinuses (air-filled spaces surrounding the nasal cavity).

Aurum Met – Homeopathic Medicine: Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 15 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Aurum Met is prepared from metal ‘gold’. Gold is inactive in its crude form but when it undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance), it is converted into a highly beneficial homeopathic medicine Aurum Met. It is a top-grade medicine in homeopathy for managing depression, bone complaints and various heart issues.

The ‘Aurum Met’ Constitution

It is recommended for persons who are depressed, restless, anxious type with marked anxiety about future and having weak memory. This medicine is well suited to girls at puberty and women who get nervous, as well as to elderly people with heart disease.

Drug Action

Aurum Met acts on various body parts. Among these, the most prominent action is seen on mind, bones and heart. Rest of the organs where it acts well includes head, eyes, ears, nose and male and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Depression, bone affections, exostosis, bone pain, bone inflammation, bone decay, high blood pressure, heart complaints, ear disorders, otorrhoea (ear discharge), ozaena, headache, testes affections, hydrocele, orchitis, infertility, suppressed menses, vaginismus.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Mind (Depression)

Aurum Met has its foremost action on the mind. The indication of utmost importance for using it is depression. For persons suffering from depression, this medicine can work wonders. The persons needing it have intense depression. They remain sad and have a feeling of hopelessness all the time. They feel themselves to be worthless, of no value and feels forsaken. They frequently criticize themselves. For them, the future seems to be dark. They have lost all love for life and desire death. They have suicidal thoughts, slightest contradiction is unbearable to them. They show sudden fits of anger at the slightest contradiction. Certain sort of fears are well marked in them like fear of death and even a small unwarranted sound or noise makes them fearful. This medicine is of great value to manage complaints related to the mind resulting from grief, fright, contradiction, disappointment in love matters, etc. Next indication is mood swings when crying alternates with laughing. Persons needing it may be generally oversensitive to smell, pain, taste, hearing and touch.

Key indicating features

1. Intense depression with suicidal thoughts

2. Feeling of self – worthlessness with self-criticism

3. Sudden anger from least contradiction

2. Bones (Bone Decay, Pain, Inflammation And Exostosis)

Aurum Met has a remarkable action on bones. Here it serves great help to manage various bone-related issues. Firstly, the main complaint where it proves highly effective is bone decay (necrosis, caries of bone). It offers help especially to manage cases where there is decay of bones of nose, palate, face or of lower limbs. The bones involved are sore, complaint is worse at night and better in open air. Another major complaint where it has marked utility is bone pain. It works magnificently for bone pains that are particularly worse at night. The bones that are usually painful include skull bones, nasal bones, facial bone, bones of wrist, hand and arms. The skull bone pain worsens after lying down. Nasal bones are painful to touch. In bones of arms, pain is cramp like or tearing type. Aurum Met is also well indicated for inflammation of bone with pain at night. It mainly works well in case of inflammation of bones of face. Besides, its use is considered in cases of exostosis also known as bone spurs which means growth of extra new bone on the surface of existing bone. It can be used for dissolving extra bony growths on skull, pelvis, bones of arms or legs.

Key indicating features

1. Caries or decay of bones of nose, palate, face or of lower limbs

2. Bone pain at night time

3. Extra bony growth (exostosis) on skull, pelvis, bones of arms or legs.

3. Ears (Noises In Ear, Ear Discharge, Meniere’s Disease, Decay Of Mastoid Process)

This medicine works well on ears and settles many complaints. To begin with, it is useful for noises in ears (tinnitus) of buzzing, humming or roaring type. There may be difficulty in hearing too. It is next indicated for managing Meniere’s Disease (an inner ear disorder characterized by noises in ears, hearing loss and vertigo). Another complaint where it is used is ear discharge (otorrhoea) that is very offensive (foul smelling). Pus discharge from ear is marked. Apart from these, Aurum Met is an important medicine to help cases of decay of mastoid process (a prominence of temporal bone of skull behind the ear). In such cases, Aurum Met helps to reduce ear discharge. Additionally, it is helpful to relieve itching, burning and pricking sensation in ears.

Key indicating features

1. Noises in ears buzzing, humming, roaring in nature

2. Offensive ear discharge

3. Decay of mastoid bone (a prominence of temporal bone of skull behind ear) with ear discharge, itching, burning, pricking in ear

4. Nose (Discharge, Inflammation, Decay Of Nasal Bones)

With its action on nose, it is capable of treating numerous problems. Its use is mainly recommended to manage offensive nasal discharges of pus and blood. Secondly, its effect to manage inflammation of nose is well known. It gives good results in ozaena cases. Ozaena also known as atrophic rhinitis indicates a long-term inflammation of nose resulting in atrophy (reduction in size or shrinkage) of nasal mucus lining and the underneath bone. Furthermore, it can treat cases of decay of nose bones with pus-like, blood-stained discharge having foul odour. There is marked pain in nasal bones of boring type (which goes from outside to inside), especially at night. Aurum Met is also recommended for persons with sensitivity to strong odour.

Key indicating features

1. Offensive nasal discharges, of pus matter and blood

2. Ozaena/ atrophic rhinitis (chronic inflammation of nose leading to atrophy means shrinkage of nasal mucus lining and the underneath bone)

3. Decay of nose bones with foul pus matter, blood-stained discharge and boring pain in nasal bones

5. Head (Headache, Bone Pain, Boils)

Aurum Met is effective in managing headache. It gives good results in headache that worsens at night. The pain is felt on the forehead, sides and top of head. It is relieved in open air. Fullness, heat and congestion is felt in the head. Its action in treating one-sided pain on forehead that is burning/stitching/ beating type is the other noteworthy feature. It may be attended with nausea or vomiting. This medicine can also deal with pain in the bones of the head that goes up to the face and gets worse on lying down. It is of great value for treating exostosis (extra bony growths) on the bones of skull accompanied by boring type of pain. Another notable indication to use Aurum Met is boils (pus-filled lumps) on the scalp.

Key indicating feature

1. Headache at night time

2. Bone pain in face radiating to face, worse lying down

3. Extra bony growth on scalp bones

6. Male Problems (Hydrocele, Orchitis, Balanitis, Epididymitis)

In males, this medicine proves to be effective for treating hydrocele, especially in children which causes pain in the testes along with swelling and hardness. Orchitis (inflammation of testes) cases respond well to this remedy. Aurum Met is also indicated when there is atrophy (shrinkage or reduced size) of testes. Other complaints which it treats are balanitis (inflammation of glans penis), itching of scrotum and ulcers on scrotum.

Key indicating features

1. Hydrocele mainly in children

2. Inflammation of testes (orchitis) and of glans penis (balanitis)

3. Atrophy of testes

7. Female Problems (Suppressed Menses, Vaginal Discharge, Prolapse Of Uterus Vaginismus, Infertility)

Females may find this medicine very useful for managing certain problems. These include suppressed menses (amenorrhea), vaginal discharge, prolapse of uterus, vaginismus and infertility. It is helpful when menses are late. The flow is scanty. Aurum Met proves beneficial for managing vaginal discharge that is thick, white or yellow, and increases on walking. Aurum Met treats cases of prolapse of uterus attended with back pain and heaviness in the abdomen which gets worse during menses. Shooting/ drawing or bruised pain is felt in the uterus. This medicine also treats vaginismus in which vagina is very sensitive and involuntary contraction of vaginal muscles happens when some thing tries to enter it. Final yet an important use of Aurum Met is to treat infertility cases attended with depression.

Key indicating features

1. Vaginal discharge which is thick, white or yellow, increase on walking

2. Uterine prolapse with backache and heaviness in abdomen

3. Vaginismus (involuntary contraction of vaginal muscles when something is trying to enter it)

4. Infertility accompanied by depression

8. Heart (High Blood Pressure, Heart Pain, Endocarditis, Fatty Degeneration Of Heart, Hypertrophy Of Heart)

This medicine shows wonderful action on heart. It is one of the leading medicines in homeopathy for treating high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also recommended for palpitations of heart with a feeling of rush of blood to the chest. Aurum Met is an important medicine for valve lesions of arteriosclerotic nature. Arteriosclerosis is thickening and stiffening of arteries resulting in restricted blood flow to tissues and organs. It is well indicated for heart pain radiating to left arm and fingers. Besides, it is well-indicated for cases of endocarditis (inflammation of inner lining of heart), fatty degeneration of heart and hypertrophy of heart.

Key indicating features

1. High blood pressure

2. Fatty degeneration of heart and hypertrophy of heart

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints are worse from mental exertion, at night, winters, in cold weather, cloudy weather, alcohol use

Relieving factors: Complaints are better in cool, open air, walking and cold bathing

Dosage

It can be used in both low and high potencies. It can be repeated frequently in low potency but high potencies are usually advised not to be taken frequently.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Belladonna, China, Cocculus Indicus, Coffea Cruda, Cuprum Met, Merc Sol, Pulsatilla and Spigelia

It antidotes: Merc Sol and Spigelia

Followed well by: Nitric Acid, Aconite, Belladonna, Calcarea Carb, China, Lycopodium, Merc Sol, Pulsatilla, Sepia and Syphilinum

Aloe Socotrina – Homeopathic Medicine: Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 17 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Aloe Socotrina is prepared from the gum of the leaves of plant Common aloes which belongs to family Liliaceae. The gum of leaves of this plant is potentized as per homeopathic formula that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties. After going through the potentization process, it becomes a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Aloe Socotrina. It is a leading homeopathic medicine for managing the complaint of piles and diarrhea (loose stool).

The ‘Aloe Socotrina’ Constitution

Aloe Socotrina suits elderly people who are weak and suffer from diarrhea and abdomen pain. It is also recommended for persons who have been drinking beer for a long time.

Drug Action

This medicine has a significant action on rectum. It is suitable to manage complaints occurring from portal congestion (rise of blood pressure in portal venous system that includes veins coming from stomach, pancreas, spleen, intestine which merge into the portal vein that branches in small vessels and travel to liver). It acts well on the veins of the abdomen. Its action in liver, pelvis and large intestine is also well marked. Besides these, Aloe Socotrina acts well on the back, head, urinary system, skin and male and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Piles, diarrhea, proctitis, anal fistula, colitis (inflammation of large intestine), anal fistula, anal itching, cholera, fecal incontinence, abdomen pain, gas, bloating, backache, headache, skin itching, enlarged prostate, involuntary urination, uterine prolapse.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Rectum (piles, loose motion, fistula, inflammation of rectum and large intestine)

Aloe Socotrina has a wide application on the rectum, it can effectively settle numerous complaints including piles, diarrhea, proctitis (rectal inflammation), colitis (inflammation of large intestine), anal fistula, anal itching, rectal prolapse, cholera and fecal incontinence.

It has shown great clinical improvements in cases of piles (swollen, enlarged veins in or around the anus or in lower rectum). Here it works best for protruding hemorrhoids which refers to internal piles that protrude outside the anus. They are blue in color and appear like a bunch of grapes and are very sore and tender to touch along with heat. Applying cold water may be soothing. A person may also feel a sharp pain in the anus and rectum due to piles. The burning sensation is also felt along with pain. A constant bearing down in the rectum is a prominent symptom that can attend. Though majorly used for protruding piles, it also has an affinity to treat piles that bleed excessively and quite frequently.

It is also effective in treating diarrhea cases. In such cases, there is a watery lumpy stool and sudden urge to pass stool soon after eating or drinking. The urge to pass stool may remain constant. Sometimes there is urge to pass stool, but only gas passes. In some cases, stool is bright yellow, thin, mushy with undigested food particles in it. There is a feeling of fullness in the pelvis. Person may feel cramping pain in abdomen before and during passing stool. Sometimes they experience pinching in abdomen before passing stool. Rumbling and gurgling are felt in rectum. With loose stool excessive gas, rectal pain, rectal heaviness, burning in rectum and chilliness can occur. Aloe Socotrina can also be administered to people suffering from early morning diarrhea where person has to rush out of bed to pass stool. Use of this medicine is also recommended when there is blood and mucus-like/jelly-like lumps with stool. Other peculiar indications for using it are diarrhea that occurs from drinking beer, and in hot damp weather.

This medicine is successfully used in cases of inflammation of rectum (proctitis), or inflammation of large intestine (colitis). Its use is suggested for anal fistula and rectal prolapse. Furthermore it works very well to alleviate itching and burning sensation of anus that prevents sleep. It can be given to manage cholera (infection of small intestine caused by bacteria vibrio cholerae) cases. The last yet another important complaint where it is indicated is faecal incontinence (involuntary leakage of stool). It is indicated when stool escapes without notice when passing gas.

Key indicating features

Piles protruding, appear like bunch of grapes

painful, sore, tender piles better from cold water application

Diarrhea with sudden urge to stool soon after eating or drinking

early morning diarrhea

Diarrhea in hot, damp weather

passing jelly like mucus in stool

inflammation of rectum and inflammation of large intestine

involuntary passage of stool when passing gas

Anal fistula

2. Gastric Issues (Pain In Abdomen, Gas, Bloating)

This medicine has a marked action on gastric system. It is beneficial for abdomen pain which gets better by passing gas. It also helps in cases of navel pain which gets worse by putting pressure. There is excessive gas, bloating, heaviness, fullness in abdomen. Aloe Socotrina can be used to relieve abdomen pain felt before and during stool. It works wonders to alleviate twisting griping type of pain in abdomen with a desire to sit in bent forward position. Other indications for using it includes burping that can be sour, bitter, or tasteless, along with nausea with headache. Aloe Socotrina can also be given to manage nausea and gas, along with headache after eating.

Key indicating features

abdomen pain better from passing gas

navel pain worse from pressure

nausea, gas accompanied with headache after eating

3. Liver complaints (liver pain)

Aloe Socotrina can rectify certain liver issues also. This medicine can be prescribed for managing liver pain. The pain aggravates while standing, and deep breathing. Pain can be sharp or stitching type which may extend from the liver to the chest sometimes. There is pain, fullness, heat, and pressure in the liver. There is jaundice with heaviness in liver. The tongue is coated and there is foul breath.

Key indicating features

pain while standing, and from deep breathing

stitching pain in liver extending to chest

4. Back (lower back pain)

Aloe Socotrina is of great help in managing lower back pain in lumbar region during movement. A characteristic feature to use it is back pain which alternates with headache and piles. This medicine can also settle pain or heaviness felt in sacral region when person feels pain while sitting and feel better by walking. Not only this, it can be given for back pain that occurs in case of prolapse of uterus too.

Key indicating features

lower back pain in lumbar region worse from movement

pain in sacral region, worse from sitting, better from movement

back pain associated with uterine prolapse

5. Head (headache)

Aloe is also known to have effect on head, where its foremost action is to manage headache. In most cases needing it, the pain is felt across the forehead, along with heaviness in and around eyes. A person may also feel nausea along with headache. There is worsening of pain from heat, while it gets relieved by cold applications and closing the eyes. Aloe Socotrina also effectively deals with headache caused by the insufficient passage of stool along with abdomen pain. Headache alternating with back pain or pain in intestine are also some other symptoms requiring it.

Key indicating features

headache which gets worse by heat, better by cold applications

headache gets better by closing eyes

headache due to insufficient passage of stool

headache alternating with back pain or intestine complaints

6. Skin (itching, pimples)

Aloe is also a solution to some skin complaints. Itching that occurs in winters is a classic symptom indicating its use. It covers itching of legs well. On scratching, it becomes painful and sensitive. It is a wonderful medicine for treating pimples on abdomen.

Key indicating features

itching in winters

pimples on abdomen

7. Urinary system (urgent urination, involuntary urination)

Aloe Socotrina is highly recommended for persons who have to rush to pass urine and it cannot be retained. Burning sensation is felt while urinating. It is beneficial for cases of the involuntary passage of urine in elderly people suffering from an enlarged prostate gland.

Key indicating features

urgency in passing urine

involuntary passage of urine (urinary incontinence) in elderly people and enlarged prostate gland

8. Male Problems (Enlarged Prostate, Involuntary Erections, Itching Of Prepuce)

This medicine can manage enlarged prostate along with involuntary urine passage. Other problems it can address are premature ejaculation, itching of the prepuce, increased sexual desire, and erection after urinating.

Key indicating features

enlarged prostate causing involuntary urine passage.

itching of prepuce

erection after urination

9. Female Problems (Uterus Prolapse, Early Menses)

For females, it is prescribed for managing uterine prolapse. There is heaviness in the uterine region and pelvis, weakness, labor-like pains in the back, and groin radiating to legs. There may occur colic followed by vaginal discharge of bloody mucus. It can be used for managing complaint of early, prolonged and copious menses.

Key indicating features

uterine prolapse with heaviness in uterine and pelvis; labor like pains in the back; groin radiating to legs

early, prolonged and copious menses

Modalities

Worsening factors: complaints get worse from heat, hot dry/damp weather, summer; on standing, walking; early morning

Relieving factors: complaints get better by cold applications, passing gas, and in cool open air

Dosage

Aloe Socotrina works well in both low and high potencies. The potency is selected individually in every case. In low potency like 30C, it can be repeated frequently. When used in high potencies, the repetition should be done with care under the supervision of a homeopathic physician.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor, Nux Vomica, Lycopodium and Sulphur

Followed well by Kali Bichrome, Sepia, Sulphuric Acid and Sulphur

Baryta Carbonica – Homeopathic Medicine: Its Use, Indications and Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 52 Comments

Baryta Carbonica is prepared from barium carbonate. With potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that bring out its medicinal properties), barium carbonate is converted into a highly beneficial homeopathic medicine Baryta Carb. It is prescribed to treat numerous health issues like developmental delays in children, autism spectrum disorders, memory issues and concentration issues in children. It is a leading medicine to treat tonsillitis, enlarged prostate gland and hair loss.

The ‘Baryta Carbonica’ Constitution

Though it can be given to persons of any age group, it is best suited to children and elderly people. Its use is mainly recommended for those children having retarded growth, both mentally and physically. For the elderly, its use is considered when degenerative changes in brain, heart and blood vessels show up early.

Drug Action

This medicine acts on many body organs, like the mind, tonsils, throat, scalp and prostate gland. It shows prominent action on ears, skin, urinary organs, heart and male and female genitals. It works well on different glands, mainly swollen, enlarged and hardened glands, mainly enlarged glands in neck, enlarged tonsils, enlarged prostate gland; swollen parotid gland and axillary glands (under the arm).

Clinical Indications

Developmental delays, autism, concentration issues, dullness of mind, weak memory and forgetfulness, tonsillitis, sore throat, quinsy (abscess in between one of the tonsils and wall of throat), baldness, parotitis, hearing difficulty, tinnitus, enlarged prostate, amenorrhoea, cysts, lipoma, foot sweat, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, palpitations, wens (boils)

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Complaints Of The Mind (Developmental Delay, Autism, Poor Concentration, Dullness Of Mind, Weak Memory And Forgetfulness)

Baryta Carb shows remarkable action on the mind. It is a highly recommended medicine to treat cases of developmental delay in children. It is also a top-listed medicine for managing cases of autism. Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder that results in problems pertaining to communication, and social interaction. It also results in restricted and repetitive patterns of unwanted behavior. This medicine can be of great help in cases of delayed speech among children or late learners or children who begin walking late. It also plays an important role when the child is unable to connect words to objects. There is also difficulty in coordination. This medicine also helps children who have poor concentration and helps improve their attention span among them.

Other than these this medicine benefits in cases where a child has a dull mind and weak mental grasp, has difficulty in learning new things and can’t remember things easily. In general, such children are very shy, bashful and cowardly. They hide behind furniture in front of strangers or keep their hands on their faces and peep through fingers.

They fear the stranger. They have aversion to play and desire to sit in corner and do nothing. It is also an effective medicine for those with weak memory and forgetfulness, especially among the elderly.

Key indicating features

1. developmental delay in children

2. late learning & delayed talking & walk among children

3. poor concentration among children

4. dull mind and weak mental grasp, difficulty in learning and remembering things

5. shy, bashful and coward children who have fear of strangers (xenophobia) and avoid them or hide behind furniture upon seeing them

6. weak memory and forgetfulness especially among the elderly

2. Throat Issues (Tonsillitis, Quinsy, Sore Throat, Parotitis)

Baryta Carb acts wonderfully on the throat. It is very suitable to treat cases of tonsillitis. Those having tendency to recurrent tonsillitis can be highly benefitted from this medicine. There is predisposition to catch cold easily resulting in inflammation of the tonsils. In cases who need it, the tonsils are enlarged, swollen, inflamed with swollen veins. This medicine is also a leading medicine for managing cases of quinsy (inflammation of the throat especially an abscess in the region of the tonsils). Quinsy also known as peritonsillar abscess refers to pus collection behind the tonsils. It’s also used for sore throat. There is stitching or smarting pain in the throat. The pain in the throat gets worse upon making swallowing motion (though nothing is being swallowed). The sufferers can only swallow liquids. Burning sensation is also felt in the throat. There is increased salivation. One begins his morning with a sticky mucus. Its use is also recommended to treat cases of parotitis (inflammation of parotid gland which is a salivary gland). The parotid gland is swollen and tender in cases when this medicine is required.

Key indicating features

1. Tonsillitis with enlarged, swollen, inflamed tonsils with swollen veins

2. Recurrent tonsillitis occurring every time when exposed to cold

3. tendency to catch cold easily

4. management of quinsy (pus behind tonsils)

5. Parotitis (inflamed parotid gland)

3. Scalp Complaints (Baldness, Wens)

Baryta Carb is an excellent medicine for managing cases of hair fall. It is highly suitable for managing complaints of baldness (hair loss) in young men. It gives good results when used in the very early stage of baldness. In the advanced and late stages, it may not yield fruitful results. In most cases needing it, hair loss is most prominent on the top of the scalp. Baryta Carb works well to manage crawling sensation (like crawling ants) on the scalp. The scalp is very sensitive to touch. Apart from these, it is a leading medicine to help treat wens (boils) on scalp. Wens are non-cancerous cyst on the scalp that contains fatty secretion of a sebaceous gland.

Key indicating features

1. early stages of baldness (hair loss) in very young men

2. hair loss from the top of scalp

3. crawling sensation on scalp

4. wens on scalp

4. Ear Complaints (Difficult Hearing, Tinnitus, Eruptions)

This medicine proves beneficial for various ear-related complaints. Firstly, it can be used in cases of difficult hearing, especially in elderly people. Second main indication of its use is tinnitus (noises in ears in the absence of any external source). The sufferer may hear buzzing, roaring or crackling noise inside ears. This medicine can be next used in cases of hard knotty swelling behind the ears. Lastly, it can help to treat eruptions that may occur on or behind the ears.

Key indicating features

1. difficult hearing especially in elderly people

2. Tinnitus with buzzing, roaring or crackling noises in ears

3. hard knotty swelling behind the ears

4. eruptions on or behind the ears

5. Male Problems (Enlarged Prostate, Impotency, Premature Ejaculation)

Males may find this medicine quite useful to treat various problems among which prostate issues arethe most prominent. It is an important medicine for managing cases of enlarged prostate gland. It is well indicated to manage cases of sexual weakness, impotency (inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse). The desire for sex is also reduced. It can also be given in cases of premature ejaculation. Another complaint where it is prominently indicated is hardened testicles. There is excessive sweating around the scrotum.

Key indicating features

1. enlargement of prostate gland

2. impotency (inability to achieve or maintain an erection)

3. decreased sexual desire

4. premature ejaculation

5. hardened testicles

6. Female Problems (Amenorrhoea, Scanty Menses, Atrophy Of Breast And Ovaries)

Baryta Carb helps to manage some of the female problems as well. It can be given in cases where menses are suppressed (amenorrhoea). It can be used for cases of scanty menses and short duration of menses where menses last only for one day. Before menses, there may occur pain in teeth, swelling in cheeks, pain in abdomen and back. Another very important indication for its use is atrophy (reduction in size) of ovaries or breasts.

Key indicating features

1. suppressed menses or scanty and short menses

2. atrophy of ovaries or breast

7. Urinary Issues (Frequent Urine, Urgency To Urinate)

Baryta Carb has a marked action on urinary organs to deal with various urinary issues. The foremost indication for its use is an increased frequency of urine. There is frequent urination especially at night due to marked irritation in bladder. It can offer a great benefit to elderly people who complain of frequent urination. There is also an urgency to urinate where a person is unable to retain urine. After urination, dribbling (slow flow of urine in drops) may occur. There may be a burning sensation while urinating. A very characteristic feature that guides its use is the protrusion of hemorrhoids (piles) during urination.

Key indicating features

1. increased frequency of urine, especially at night

2. frequent urination in elderly people

3. urgency to urinate where person has to rush to urinate

4. protrusion of piles on urinating

8. Skin (Itching, Cyst, Lipoma, Whitlow)

This medicine is very effective in managing skin itching at night time. Scratching or rubbing does not relieve itching. Needle-pricking/ crawling sensation over skin may also be felt. it is a top-listed medicine for managing cases of lipoma (lump of fatty tissue growing beneath the skin). Baryta Carb is best suited for managing cases of fatty tumors around the neck. Its use is also recommended to treat cysts (a lump filled with fluid, semi-solid matter or gaseous material) and whitlows (infection of thumb or fingertips caused by herpes simplex virus).

Key indicating features

1. skin itching and tingling at night

2. lipoma, cyst

3. whitlow (infection of thumb or fingertips)

9. Perspiration

Use of this medicine is highly recommended for excessive sweat on feet. It has a fetid(extremely unpleasant) smell. Its use is also considered when sweating occurs on single body areas, like one hand or one foot. Besides these, Baryta Carb can be administered when there is a tendency to sweat specifically on one side of body. Complaints arising from suppression of foot sweat can be wonderfully tackled with this remedy.

Key indicating features

1. excessive foul-smelling foot sweat

2. sweating on one side of body

3. complaints resulting from suppressed foot sweat

10. Heart Complaints (High Blood Pressure, Arteriosclerosis, Palpitations)

For heart complaints, this medicine can be used for the management of high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also a valuable medicine for cases of arteriosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of arteries). Lastly, it works well to manage palpitations that are violent and felt mainly when lying on the left side.

Key indicating features

1. high blood pressure

2. palpitations when lying on left side

Modalities

Worsening factors: complaints are worse from cold air, mental exertion, suppressed foot sweat, washing, and when thinking of the symptoms

Relieving factors: complaints are better in warm atmosphere, and when walking in open air

Dosage

Use of this medicine can be done from low to high potency. Most frequently used is 30C potency. This medicine is slow acting that bears repetition well.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Antimonium Tart, Belladonna, Camphor, Dulcamara, Merc Sol and Zincum Met

Followed well by: Conium, China, Lycopodium, Nitric Acid, Psorinum, Pulsatilla, Sepia, Sulphur and Tuberculinum

Glonoinum – Homeopathic Medicine: Its Uses, Indications and Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 23 Comments

Hoemopathic remedy Glonoinum is derived from nitroglycerine which is inert in its crude state. When it undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines which arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance), it is converted into a highly valuable homeopathic medicine. It is a widely recommended medicine in homeopathy for cases of throbbing, bursting, congestive and sun headache.

The ‘Glonoinum’ Constitution

This medicine is most suitable to nervous people and also to sensitive women. Persons needing it feel tired, with no desire to do any work, are very irritable and prone to get congestive headaches.

Drug Action

The most important action of this medicine is seen on head and heart where it helps complaints caused from sudden congestion and rush of blood to head and heart. Other than this it acts well on eyes, ears, face and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Headache, sun headache, menstrual headache, heart disorders, angina pectoris, high blood pressure, palpitations, suppressed menses, hot flushes, stroke, eye pain, eye floaters, photophobia, earache, meniere’s disease, noises in ears, trigeminal neuralgia, facial pain, facial flushing.

Scope as a Homeopathic Remedy

Head (headache)

It has prominent action on the head where it acts wonderfully to manage headache. It is one of the best medicines to manage throbbing, bursting, congestive type of headache. There is intense congestion of the head with a rush of blood to the head. Heat is felt in the head with this and the face appears red. Eyeballs may feel protruded with headache. Throbbing is most intense in the temples of head (means sides of head between forehead and ear). Nausea and vomiting may occur with pain. Headache gets worse from walking, shaking and stooping. The sufferer feels relief from a headache from sleep. The headache may also get better in open air and from pressure. There is a sensation of enlargement of the head. Heaviness of the head is marked. One can feel a shock-like sensation in the head synchronously with a pulse.
It has shown great clinical improvements in cases of headache that is worse from sun exposure. Sun headache (headache that increases and decreases with sun) is a very peculiar symptom to use this remedy.
Next, its use is indicated headache from high blood pressure with flushed face and palpitations.
It can also be prescribed for cases where pain begins in the back of head (occiput) and base of the brain and from there extend to the eye and temple region.
Another characteristic to use it is headache that occurs around the menstrual cycle (before, during or after menses). In homeopathic therapeutics its utilization is also mentioned for cases where one is suspecting a stroke (a medical emergency in which reduced or interrupted blood supply to the brain causes death of brain cells). Next it is indicated to manage pain in the forehead over eyes that is worse from using eyes and doing some mind related work.

Key indicating features

Throbbing bursting, congestive type of headache
Sun headache that increases and decreases with sun
Headache from high blood pressure with flushed face and palpitations
Headache occurring around menses (before, during or after menses)

Heart (heart pain, angina pectoris, high blood pressure)

Action of Glonoinum is marked on the heart. It is a significant medicine for managing high blood pressure (hypertension).
It is also indicated for heart pain, and angina pectoris (heart pain from reduced blood supply to the heart). People needing it have heart pain that radiates to the back and in between the shoulders. Heart pain from stooping is a prominent feature to use it. Fullness, heaviness, heat, pressure in the heart region is felt. There can be palpitations of the heart with trouble breathing. With this there may occur headache pulsating in nature marked in forehead and between temples. There is increased pulse rate and heat in the face.

Key indicating features

High blood pressure
Heart pain radiating to back and in between shoulders
Heart pain from stooping
Palpitations with difficult breathing

Female problems (hot flushes, menopausal complaints, headache)

This medicine is well suited to manage certain female problems. Its use is preferred for some of the menopausal complaints. First prominent indication is hot flushes that occur daily during menopause. Next characteristic is headache and pressure in head during menopause. Besides these it is indicated for nausea and vertigo during menopause. Use of this remedy is considered for managing headache around menses as well. The pain in the head can be there before, during or after menses. It also works well if there is pain, congestion or fullness of head when menses do not appear and are suppressed. The pain is throbbing or tearing in nature and face, eyes may be red. If a headache occurs after profuse menses, this medicine can prove very effective there too. Lastly, this medicine is beneficial for lower back pain during menses.

Key indicating features

Hot flushes, headache, nausea, vertigo during menopause
Headache before, during or after menses and from suppressed menses
Headache after copious menses

Eyes (pain, floaters)

This medicine also has an effect on eyes where it is useful for eye pain. For using it the pain can be aching, bursting or drawing in nature. Stitching, sharp pain or soreness in eyeballs can be present. Heat in eyeballs and lids is marked. Second important indication for its use is eye floaters with black spots before eyes. It also works well if there are sparks, flashes of light before eyes. Other than these it is well indicated for managing photophobia (sensitivity to bright light), dimness of vision with vertigo and supraorbital neuralgia (pain above the eyes).

Key indicating features

Aching, bursting or drawing pain in eyes
Eye floaters with black spots, sparks, flashes of light before eyes

Ears (noises, pain, meniere’s disease)

For ears, this medicine can be successfully used to manage noises in ears (tinnitus) when it is of ringing, cracking type. With this there is fullness in the ears. It can be used for throbbing ear pain. There may be hardness of hearing. It is a valuable medicine to manage cases of meniere’s disease (an inner ear disorder with symptoms like hearing loss and vertigo).

Key indicating features

Ringing, cracking noises in ears
Throbbing pain in ear
Meniere’s disease

Face (trigeminal neuralgia, pain in face)

This medicine serves great help to manage trigeminal neuralgia (severe electric shock like facial pain from pressure over trigeminal nerve or due to its damage) of the left side face. It can also alleviate facial pain accompanied with twitching of facial muscles. Next indication is pain in the temple of the head radiating from the decayed tooth. This medicine can manage facial flushing, redness and heat in the face.

Key indicating features

Left sided trigeminal neuralgia
Pain in face with twitching of facial muscles
Facial redness, flushing and heat

Modalities

Worsening factors: complaints are worse in sun, hot weather, shaking, motion, suppressed menses

Relieving factors: complaints are relieved from lying still, in open air

Glonoinum Dosage

This medicine can be used from low to high potencies. It is a short acting medicine and its action lasts for about one day. It can be repeated frequently in low potencies but in high potencies its frequent repetition is not advised.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Aconite, Camphor, Coffea Cruda and Nux Vomica

This medicine can be compared with some other homeopathic medicines including Veratrum Viride, Belladonna, Amylenum Nitrosum, Opium and Stramonium

Swollen Lips – Causes and Homeopathic Treatment

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 11 Comments

Lip swelling also referred lip edema means enlargement of the lip caused by build up of fluid under skin of lips or inflammation within the lip tissue. There are various causes for swollen lips among which some are minor but some can be severe and serious that require urgent medical attention. The duration of lip swelling varies from case to case. In some cases, the lip swelling may remain for little time but goes away quickly but at times, it may remain for long time.

What are the reasons for Swelling of Lips?

Most common cause behind lip swelling is allergies. Allergy refers to an overreaction of immune system in response to a substance to which a person might be allergic. In an allergic reaction a chemical known as histamine is released that results in swelling as a part of an inflammatory response. The allergic reaction may occur from eating certain food items ( some examples are fish, eggs, shellfish, peanuts, wheat, soy). Environmental allergies are also common where a person can have an allergic reaction to some substances present in environment like dust, pollen, molds and pet danders. Lip swelling allergy may also occur from some drugs like penicillin, anticonvulsants. It may occur from allergic reaction to insect bites, stings or some cosmetic use. It may also occur from anaphylaxis which is a serious allergic reaction that needs immediate medical treatment. Few of its signs and symptoms are swelling in throat / tongue, difficulty in breathing, low blood pressure, skin reactions like hives, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a weak and rapid pulse, dizziness or fainting

Another cause for lip swelling is Angioedema . It is a condition in which swelling occurs under the skin. It can result from allergic reaction or hereditary conditions. Though swelling in this condition may occur on any of the body part but is common on lips and eyes.

Thirdly it may arise from an infection. The infection can be bacterial, viral or fungal. Some of the examples of infection that can cause it includes herpes simplex infection (a viral infection that causes herpes and can appear in many body parts including mouth). Cheilitis (Means lip inflammation in which lips may swell along with dry, red, itchy lips. Other than infection cheilitis may also be caused by eczema, prolonged lip picking, irritation or reaction from some substances like lip cosmetics), cellulitis (a serious bacterial infection affecting the inner layers of the skin).

Next reason is an injury to the face mainly around the mouth. The injury may be from blunt object, bite , from dental appliances or it may be a cut or from burn.

Other than above it may also occur from contact dermatitis (a red, itchy rash resulting from a direct contact with a substance or from an allergic reaction to it), from severe sunburn, hot spicy food and oral surgery.

In some cases it may occur from blood transfusion reaction, fluid retention during pregnancy, preeclampsia (a complication that can occur in pregnancy in which the blood pressure is raised along with signs of damage to other organs like liver and kidneys) and lip cancer.

Apart from above there are some of the rare reasons for this. It firstly includes Granulomatous cheilitis which is a rare condition in which occurs a lumpy swelling in the lips. Cheilitis glandularis that is a rare inflammatory condition affecting the lips. The exact cause for it is not known but this condition is linked with lip injury, smoking and UV exposure. Last is Miescher-Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome In this condition the lips swell along with weakness / paralysis of the facial muscle and fissured tongue.

Signs and Symptoms of Swollen lips

Depending on the cause behind lip swelling different signs and symptoms may attend it. These include redness, soreness of the lips, heat around the lips, cracked lips and sensitive tender lips. Sometimes there may be eruptions on lips (the eruptions can be blisters means fluid filled or pustular means pus filled).

In some cases runny nose, sneezing, watery, itchy eyes, nasal congestion may be present. Stomach pain, nausea, cough, skin rash, hives (a skin rash characterised by itchy wheals means bumps on the skin usually from an allergic reaction) may also be there in some cases. Sometimes serious symptoms can accompany and are indicative of life threatening condition. These includes general swelling over body, blue lips or fingernails, throat tightness, hives, fever with redness, swollen tongue and breathing difficulty.

Homeopathic management for Swollen lips

Homeopathic medicines are very beneficial for managing cases of swollen lips. These medicines help to reduce swelling of lips. Along with this these also manage any related pain, itching, dryness, cracks and eruptions on the lips. These medicines offer help by working to treat the root cause behind it. Use of any homeopathic medicines should be done under supervision of a homeopathic physician and self medication should be avoided. Homeopathic medicines for swollen lips are recommended only for mild to moderate cases. But in case of severe swelling, or when attended with some symptoms like blue lips or fingernails, throat tightness, general swelling over body, hives, fever, swollen tongue, breathing difficulty urgent help from conventional mode of treatment is strictly advised. In addition to this Homeopathy is not recommended when swollen lips are occurring from serious causes for example severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, cellulitis, cancer, preeclampsia.

Homeopathic medicines

1. Apis Mellifica – Top grade medicine

It is a leading medicine in homeopathy for cases of swollen lips. In cases needing it the lips are swollen, red with heat. Mostly upper lip is affected. The lips are dry and rough. They may also be tender. There is burning or stinging type of pain in the lips. Prickling in lips is yet another symptom that can attend. It is one of the best medicine for swelling in cases of allergies.

2. Belladonna – for swollen lips with burning sensation

This medicine is prepared from plant named as deadly nightshade. It belongs to family solanaceae. It is indicated for swelling of lips along with burning sensation. The lips may be dry with this. Sometimes there is hardness in lips also. Lips may look dark red with this. Shooting type of pain in lips can occur. In some cases there may be eruptions with red circular margin on the lips and in the mouth corners.

3. Natrum Mur – for swelling of lips and blisters (fluid filled eruptions)

It is a very effective medicine for persons in whom lips are swollen and there are fluid filled eruptions (blisters) on lips. Burning sensation is marked in the blisters. The lips are red with eruptions. Smarting pain may occur with this. In some cases that require it cracks and ulceration may be there on lips and corners of mouth. The lips may be dry, cracked and there may be bleeding scabs on lips.

4. Arsenic Album – for swollen upper lip

It is a prominent medicine for cases in which there is swelling on the upper lip. Burning and stinging precede it. Itching may be present with this. Dryness and cracks on lips may occur.

5. Sepia – for swelling of lower lip

This medicine is well indicated when there is swelling of the lower lip. The lower lip is also cracked. It is an important medicine for managing this complaint in case of herpes. Other than above it is indicated for moist scaly eruptions on the lips.

6. Bryonia – for swollen, dry lips

It is prepared from root of plant Bryonia alba commonly known as White Bryony or wild hops. It belongs to family cucurbitaceae. Use of this medicine is considered when the lips are swollen and are dry, parched, cracked. On upper lip redness and heat can be there along with swelling. Apart from above its use is recommended for swelling of lips with eruptions. A burning and biting sensation is felt in the eruptions.

7. Arum Triphyllum – when lips are swollen with cracks, bleeding

It works well in cases having swollen lips with cracks and bleeding. Burning sensation is also felt with this. lips are very sore and and there may be peeling off the skin from lips.

8.Nitric Acid – for swollen itchy lips

It is an important medicine for helping cases of swollen itchy lips. In cases that require it, blisters or ulcers may be present on the lips. Stitching pain as from splinters may be felt in upper lip on touching. The lower lip can be dry, cracked and sore where it is needed

9.Merc Sol – for swollen lips with eruptions

It is useful medicine for cases in which there is swelling of lips with eruptions. There are pimple eruptions on lips with yellow crusts. Burning is felt in these. Lips may be dry, cracked or ulcerated in some cases. On touching pain is felt in the lips.

10. Hepar Sulph – for swollen upper lip painful to touch

This medicine is valuable for case having swollen upper lip which is also painful to touch. Pimples with soreness and smarting pain may be present on the lip. In some cases white blisters appear on the lips.