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Croup which is also known as “Laryngotracheobronchitis” is an infection of the upper airway that occurs in younger children. It is usually caused by a virus that causes inflammation and swelling of the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tubes (that carry air to and from the lungs). This swelling leads to cough and other signs and symptoms of this condition. There is also an obstruction of the airway, a typical barking cough, difficulty in breathing and hoarseness of voice. Homeopathic remedies for Croup are of natural origin and hence are very safe to use for children and have no side effects.

It is a very common condition. It mostly occurs in younger children. The age group most affected with this is from 6 months to 5 yrs of age. But in rare cases it can even occur in children up to 15 yrs of age. It affects boys more commonly than girls. 

Types

1. Viral Croup

It usually results from a viral infection. The most common virus that causes it is parainfluenza virus (types 1 and 2). This virus is responsible for causing infection in around 80 % of these cases.  Apart from this other viruses that can cause it includes adenovirus, influenza virus A & B, metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus. A child may get this infection directly from breathing the air droplets infected with cough or sneeze by an infected child. Other than this it can also spread indirectly. In this case it can occur in a child after touching any object (like toys) / any other surface (which is contaminated with the virus from droplets of cough / sneeze of an infected child) and afterwards touching his / her nose, eyes or mouth without washing and cleaning them properly.  

2. Bacterial Croup

Other than viruses, croup can also be caused by a bacterial infection which is rarer but more severe than the viral one. Most times initially viral infection occurs that causes croup and is followed by secondary bacterial infection in these cases. The bacteria involved includes Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae.

3. Spasmodic Croup

This type is believed  to arise from allergies like from pollens or from reflux (in which the stomach contents back flow in the food pipe). It occurs all of sudden mostly in the middle of night. Fever doesn’t occur commonly in this type.

Symptoms

It usually begins as a cold. Initially there occurs runny nose, sore throat and mild fever. If the inflammation and this condition progresses, then there occurs the next set of symptoms. It mainly includes barking coughs that sound like dog bark or a seal. The cough tends to get worse from crying, anxiety and agitation. Next symptoms are hoarseness of voice, noisy breathing or a high – pitched sound while breathing produced from obstructed air flow (stridor), labored breathing and difficulty in breathing. The symptoms of croup are often worse at night time. Mostly croups are mild and self limiting that lasts less than a week. One must seek immediate medical help if there occurs bluish or grayish skin around the nose, mouth or fingernails pointing towards cyanosis;  noisy / high – pitched breathing sounds during inhaling as well as exhaling; difficult breathing; has difficulty in swallowing; is anxious, listless,  delirious, agitated or restless.

Some of the uncommon complications include bacterial tracheitis (inflammation of trachea that is caused by a bacteria), pulmonary edema (accumulation of fluid in the tissue and air spaces of the lungs) and pneumonia ( an infection which causes inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs)

Homeopathic Remedies For Croup

Homeopathy carries a great scope to manage cases of croup. The homeopathic medicines for treating it are of natural origin and hence are very safe to use for children and have no side effects. These medicines aim to boost the self healing mechanism of the body that will help to fight with the infectious agent and aid natural recovery. These medicines reduce the inflammation, swelling present in the larynx, trachea, bronchial tubes and provide relief in the symptoms. These help to manage barking cough, hoarseness of voice, noisy breathing and difficult breathing when in mild to moderate intensity. But in cases where the symptoms are severe, breathing difficulty is very intense or there is bluish or grayish skin around the nose, mouth or fingernails due to cyanosis, in that case urgent help from conventional mode of treatment is advised. 

1. Spongia – Top Grade Medicine

It is a leading medicine to treat cases of croup. The cases needing it present with dry, rough and barking coughs. It is a short and irritating type.  Cough is present day and night but may worsen at night time. Child needing it may wake up at night with a violent harsh cough and quick respiration. With the above symptoms, difficulty in breathing is there. Next attending feature is sharp whistling in the chest. Noisy breathing is also there. A sensation of roughness or burning may be felt in the larynx. Hoarseness of voice is present along with above symptoms. In these cases constriction in the larynx  during sleep may also be felt. Additionally there is fever with dry skin, red face and excessive thirst. There may be cold preceding the cough.

2. Sambucus – When Fluent Coryza Is Followed By Cough

It is the next prominent medicine for treating cases of croup. It is prepared from fresh leaves and flowers of plant Sambucus Nigra commonly known as elder. This plant belongs to the family caprifoliaceae. It is indicated when fluent coryza is followed by cough. For using it the cough is dry, rough, hollow, deep, suffocative. The child needing it cries with every cough.  He also has whistling respiration with an open mouth. It worsens during rest, at midnight and from cold air. The child wakes suddenly at night and sits up from suffocation. There is also voice hoarseness with sticky mucus in the larynx.

3. Drosera – For Deep, Hoarse, Barking Cough

This medicine is prepared from plant Drosera Rotundifolia commonly known as round leaved sundew. It belongs to the family droseraceae. It is well indicated for deep, hoarse, barking coughs. It is a dry, irritative type. The spells of cough follow each other quickly. Cough worsens from talking. In children requiring it the cough usually begins particularly at night soon the head touches the pillow. A tickling sensation or dryness in the larynx is also felt.

4. Hepar Sulph – For Loud, Barking Cough, Noisy Respiration

This medicine is well indicated for loud, barking cough and noisy respiration. Cough is also harsh, deep, rough and scraping. Some mucus rattling may attend the cough. Hoarseness of voice also appears. The hoarseness is almost continuous. At times there is loss of voice. Difficulty breathing also occurs. Fever is there along with above symptoms. A great sensitivity to cold air accompanies.  In most cases the symptoms worsens after midnight or towards morning. It is also indicated for attack of croups after influenza.

5. Arsenic Album – For Croup With Hoarseness, Difficult Breathing

This medicine is recommended for hoarseness and difficult breathing in these cases. For using it hoarseness is present during the day. Difficult breathing is present at night. It is attended with suffocation. Larynx is inflamed and sensitive to pressure. Dry cough, short and hacking cough appears with above symptoms.

6. Aconite – When Cough Awakens The Child From Sleep

This medicine is prepared from plant Aconitum Napellus commonly known as monkshood. It belongs to family ranunculaceae. It is beneficial when cough awakens the child from sleep. Cough is dry, short, barking, whistling and suffocating. It is also indicated for loud croaking coughs that worsens during expiration. The child grasps his throat during coughing. It worsens from exposure to cold air. Voice is husky. The larynx is inflamed, sensitive to touch.

7. Antimonium Tart – For Rattling Cough And Difficulty In Breathing

This medicine offers great help when there is a rattling cough and difficulty in breathing. Cough occurs in attacks with hoarseness. Air is expelled with a barking sound. Breathing noise is sharp, rough, whistling type.

8. Phosphorus – For Barking Cough Day And Night

Homeopathic medicine Phosphorus is valuable to treat cases in which barking cough continues day and night. Cough is also dry, short, tickling, hacking or loose. Expectation may occur which is stringy in nature and has a salty taste. Continuous irritation may be felt in the larynx and trachea. There is also pain, roughness, dryness and burning in the larynx. Hoarseness of voice also occurs. Fever is present along with above symptoms.

9. Bromium – For Rough, Barking, Suffocative Cough

This medicine is useful when there is rough, barking, suffocative cough. With this there is marked hoarseness. Larynx is painful with this.  There is much rattling in the larynx when coughing. Whistling, croupy sounds with breathing are present.

10. Kali Bichrome – For Croupy Cough With Yellow Expectoration

This medicine is helpful for croupy cough with expectoration of yellow phlegm. It is stringy, tenacious in nature. Difficult breathing also attends. Another accompanying symptom is pain and soreness in the larynx.  Fever and a runny nose may be present with a cough. Most times the cough is worse in the morning time.

Albuminuria refers to a condition in which albumin (a type of protein) abnormally passes in the urine. Albumin is a major type of protein made in the liver that normally circulates in the blood. Homeopathic medicines for albuminuria mainly play a supportive role in managing such cases.

Albumin is the most abundant and significant protein in the blood circulation. It helps in maintaining the right amount of fluid flowing throughout the body and acts as a carrier for fatty acid, thyroid hormones and steroids. The protein should remain in blood and never enter urine under normal circumstances. But when the protein albumin abnormally seeps in the urine it is referred to as albuminuria. 

The kidneys function to filter the blood in the body. When blood passes through the kidneys it keeps the things required by the body like protein but eliminates the things not needed out of the body as urine. The kidneys have got glomeruli which act as filters. When functioning normally, the protein cannot pass through the filter and enter urine  or a very little trace of protein can pass in urine. But in case of damaged kidney excessive albumin can leak out of the kidneys into urine. 

Causes

Some of the conditions that cause a temporary increase of albumin in urine includes dehydration, stress, intense physical activity, cold weather, fever and side effects of some medications. 

Furthermore, the medical conditions that can lead to rise of albumin levels in the urine. First among them is diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure – B.P.), kidney inflammation – nephritis, glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the glomeruli which are the structures made of tiny blood vessels in kidneys that filter blood), nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disorder in which body to pass too much protein in urine).  physical trauma to the kidneys, cardiovascular disease like endocarditis (inflammation of the endocardium which is the inner layer of the heart). These medical conditions need urgent medical help as these can result in severe complications like kidney failure. 

People with diabetes, high blood pressure, elderly people above age of 65 yrs, individuals having family history of kidney disease are at high risk of albuminuria. Such people need to get tested for urine albumin quite frequently so that any kidney damage is detected and managed in time and further complications be prevented.

Types Of Albuminuria

Microalbuminuria

It denotes the start of kidney damage with moderate increase in the albumin levels in the urine. When kidney damage is slight the albumin passes in urine in small  quantities ( around 30mg to 300mg within the twenty four hour time frame ).

Macroalbuminuria

When kidney function is greatly affected there is excessive passing of albumin in the urine denoting macroalbuminuria.  The kidney allows passage of large amounts of albumin into the urine (more than 300 mg within the twenty four hour time frame). It indicates a serious kidney condition.

Signs 

It is mostly asymptomatic in the beginning stages. But when there is passage of a large amount of albumin in urine, there maybe some signs that give an indication towards it. First among them is urine having whitish foam or urine looking frothy. Next sign is swelling of the ankles, hands, eyes, face, legs, belly. The swelling occurs when abundant albumin passes in urine and results in low levels of protein in the blood. The low protein levels in blood leads to movement of fluid through the blood vessels walls into tissue. 

Homeopathic Medicines for Albuminuria

Cases of albuminuria need immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications. Homeopathic medicines mainly play a supportive role in managing cases of albuminuria. These medicines can be used along with conventional treatment for halting its further progression. Additionally they help in reducing oedema (swelling ) linked with it. Other than these homeopathic medicines also work towards managing  associated symptoms like burning / painful urine, frequent urine, scanty urine, kidney pain. Albuminuria can have serious effects on the body and can lead to kidney damage. So one should use homeopathic medicines along with conventional treatment, that too under supervision of a homeopathic physician and never self prescribe any of these medicines.

1. Apis Mellifica – Top Grade Medicine for Albuminuria

Apis Mellifica is a leading medicine for albuminuria. In cases needing it urine is frothy. Urine is also scanty. It can also contain blood. Urine is hot and can have an offensive smell. Along with this there is marked oedema. Here swelling is present on the face, hands, legs, and there is puffing of eyelids. Burning while urinating may also be present. Other than this sudden pain along the ureter can occur frequently. It is also considered for albuminuria with nephritis.

2. Terebinthina – For Early Stages of Albuminuria

This medicine is well indicated for early stages of albuminuria. Along with albumin, blood can also appear in urine where it is required. Pain, especially dull, aching type over kidney region may also be felt. There is swelling of lids, face and feet along with above symptoms. The urine is scanty and appears cloudy. Urine may also be fetid. It is also a prominent medicine for cases of nephritis.

3. Calcarea Arsenicosa – For Frequent Urine with Excessive Albumin in Urine

It is a significant medicine for cases with frequent urine and excessive amounts of albumin in urine. People requiring it pass urine almost every hour. There is burning while urination and urine is scanty. Along with this great sensitivity of the kidney region to pressure is present. Swelling over the face and back of hands is also there. It is also a well indicated medicine for albuminuria during pregnancy.

4. Merc Cor – When Urine is Scanty and Have Albumin and Blood

Merc Cor is a valuable medicine for cases where urine is scanty and contains albumin and blood. Urine is also hot, burning. There is frequent urge to urinate. Urine passes with pain and sometimes in drops. Swelling of the face is also there.

5. Nitric Acid – For Albuminuria with Pressure in Kidney Region

This medicine is indicated for albuminuria with pressure in the kidney region. Urine is highly offensive in cases needing it. Urine appears turbid. Along with albumin urine may also contain mucus, pus and blood. There is frequent urging to urinate with scanty discharge. Oedema of feet, excessive weakness and nausea are other complaints that can attend. 

6. Cantharis – For Albuminuria and Burning, Painful Urine

Cantharis is a very beneficial medicine when there is albuminuria and burning, painful urination. The pain and burning can be felt before, during or after urination. It is a top listed medicine for nephritis with blood in urine. Persons who need it may have pain in the kidney area. Kidney region may also be sensitive to the slightest touch. They have frequent urges to urinate but pass only scanty urine. The urine is turbid and scanty. It may appear cloudy during the night with white sediment. Urine may also contain blood and cylindrical casts.

7. Plumbum Met – When Urine is Scanty and Contains Albumin, Oxalate, Epithelial Cells, Hyaline Casts

Plumbum Met is used when urine is scanty and contains albumin, oxalate, epithelial cells, hyaline casts. It may also contain RBC’s (red blood cells). Along with this there is excessive oedema (swelling) of eyelids. Intense weakness can accompany these symptoms.

8. Dulcamara -For Albumin in Urine, Swelling and Kidney Pain

This medicine is prepared from fresh green stems and leaves of plant Solanum dulcamara having the common name Woody Nightshade and Bitter – sweet. This plant belongs to family solanaceae. It is indicated when the urine contains albumin and there is swelling in body tissue and pain in the kidney region. Along with this there is a constant desire to urinate. Urine is turbid, scanty, offensive and may contain  tough, jelly – like, white or red mucus. 

9. Ferrum Iodatum – For Albuminuria, Diabetes

 This is a well indicated medicine for albuminuria and diabetes. There is swelling of lower limbs where it is required. There may also be pain in the kidney , especially the left side. The urine is frequent and profuse. It may be  thick and have milky / white sediment.

10. Helonias – For Kidney Pain with Albuminuria 

This medicine is prepared from the root of plant Helonias dioica also known as Blazing Star. This plant belongs to family melanthiaceae. Its use is suggested when there is kidney pain with albumin in urine. Other than this weight and burning sensation is felt in the kidneys. The right kidney may be sensitive. There is frequent urge to urinate and burning scalding pain can be felt when urinating. 

11. Uranium Nitricum – For Albuminuria and Constant Pain and Soreness in Nack

The indicating feature to use this medicine is albuminuria and constant pain and soreness in back. With this the urine is profuse and can be painful. It can be milky and have specific ammoniacal odour. There is frequent urination mainly at night. Excessive weakness and heaviness / pain, weariness in legs are few other accompanying symptoms.

12. Chimaphila – For Advanced Stage of Albuminuria

This medicine is prepared from plant Chimaphila Umbellata commonly known as Pipsissewa and Ground Holly. It belongs to the family pyroleae. This medicine is indicated for the last stages of albuminuria. In cases needing it constant pain is felt in the kidney region. Urine is  scanty, fetid, very thick and contains albumin.  Sometimes urine contains thick, ropy, bloody mucus. There is frequent desire to urinate with scanty urine. Scalding and smarting pain is felt during and after urination.

Filariasis is a parasitic infection caused by filarial worms  (any of a group of parasitic worms belonging to family Filariidae.) This infection is transmitted through bite of an insect (like black flies and mosquitoes)  who are carrying this infection. This condition is prevalent in areas of Africa, Asia, Central and South America and in India. Homeopathic Medicines for Lymphatic Filariasis can be taken along with conventional treatment for symptom relief. 

The mosquitoes that spread this infection through the larva of this worm, when they bite a person who is already carrying worms of this infection. These infected mosquitoes then can pass the larva of these worms to another healthy human being through a bite. When an infected mosquito bites healthy human beings the larva of these worms sticks on their skin from where they find a way in his/her body. In the body they enter into lymph vessels through blood stream and grow into adult worms.
Adult worms live in the lymphatic vessels and these worms have a lifespan of around 5 to 7 years in the human body during which they tend to produce millions of microscopic larvae thereby causing disturbance in normal functioning of the lymphatic system. The  lymphatic system functions to maintain fluid balance in the body and help in fighting infections. Any disturbance in this system leads to fluid buildup and swelling of the tissue and also results in lowered immunity. Among hundreds of species of filarial worms around 8 to 9 are known to cause infections in human beings.

Classification and Symptoms of Filariasis

This parasitic disease is classified depending on the body area affected by these worms. 

1. Firstly, it includes lymphatic filariasis that affects lymphatic system and lymph nodes and causes elephantiasis. The worms that cause it are – Wuchereria bancrofti (most common cause) , Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. 

In case of lymphatic filariasis a disease called elephantiasis mainly occurs. In this disease the filarial worm lodges in the lymphatic system causing its damage and blockage and hinders the flow of lymph through lymphatic vessels. This results in backup of the lymphatic fluid, which causes swelling. 

Many people having this infection may not show symptoms in initial stages. In others it causes lymphedema build up of fluid in soft tissue of limbs from blockage in lymph system. Elephantiasis occurs when the filarial worms gets lodged in lymphatic system and blocks flow of lymph. In people whom symptoms appear mainly include swelling and abnormal enlargement of the legs, arms, breasts or genitals (mainly scrotum in males and vulva in females). Among these sites the legs are the most commonly affected area in elephantiasis. Swelling may be attended with pain. The skin becomes thick, dry, tough and hard that resembles an elephant’s skin hence given the name elephantiasis. The skin may have cracks also. The skin also gets darker than normal, and sometimes gets pitted and ulcerated. There may be difficulty to move the affected body parts resulting in disability. Elephantiasis also cause psychological effects and the sufferer may get emotional distress, anxiety and depression due to worry about their ugly and disfiguring appearance

In some people fever and chills may be present. People with elephantiasis also have impaired immune function which makes them quite prone to get secondary bacterial infections of the skin. The symptoms in elephantiasis develop very gradually and it may take around years to develop. In the infected persons, the signs and symptoms of this condition may not come up until the disease has reached its last stage.

2. Second is subcutaneous filariasis is the one where the subcutaneous skin layer (layer immediately under the skin) and eye are affected. The worms involved in this type are loa loa, onchocerca volvulus and Mansonella streptocerca. The symptoms that occur in this are skin rash, river blindness and hyperpigmented or depigmented spots on the skin
3. Lastly, it includes serous cavity filariasis in which the serous cavity of the abdomen is infected. This one is caused by its worm types called Mansonella perstans and Mansonella ozzardi. In this skin rash, abdomen pain, joint inflammation (arthritis) and ascites (fluid build up in abdomen) arise.

Homeopathic Medicines for Filariasis (Elephantiasis)

Homeopathic medicines mainly offer a supportive role to manage lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) symptomatically. They boost the body’s natural healing mechanism to fight with its infectious agent and improve the lymph flow in the lymphatic system. They help to manage swelling, thickness, hardness and cracks of the skin in these cases. The homeopathic medicine for a given case of this condition is  selected after detailed case taking and its analysis. So, it is advisable to start any homeopathic medicine for this condition after consulting a homeopathic physician and to avoid self medication.

1. Hydrocotyle Asiatica – Top Grade Medicine 

This medicine is prepared from plants having the common name Indian Pennywort. This plant belongs to the family Umbelliferae. It is a top listed medicine for managing these cases. Persons needing it mainly have intense thickening of the affected skin. There may be pricking pains present along with this. They can also have excessive itching on the skin. Sometimes there is presence of copper coloured eruptions on the skin also.

2. Silicea – When it affects Legs, Feet and Hands

Silicea is next prominently indicated medicine for managing such cases. Its use is mainly recommended to manage its cases when legs, feet and hands are affected. Both the feet and legs are involved in cases that require it. The lower part of the thigh is also affected along with the above. Other than this it is also indicated when elephantiasis affects scrotum in males (causing swelling called hydrocele). 

3. Elaeis Guineensis – For Swelling and Hardening of Skin

This medicine is prepared from the fruit of a plant called Aouara or Avoira. It belongs to family palmaeceae. It is well indicated for these cases when there is swelling, and hardening of the skin. Most times it is indicated for swelling of the left leg. This leg is also rough and itchy. Skin is also thickened. 

4. Arsenic Album – To Manage Swelling of Lower Limbs and Pain

Arsenic Album is a useful medicine to manage swelling of the lower limbs and pain in such cases. On feet along with swelling hardness and burning of the skin can be there where it is required. Along with this sometimes on the skin brownish white spots may be present. The skin is dry and rough and looks very dirty. Other than above its use is also considered to manage ulcer on leg. Here ulcer covered with grey crust and an inflamed margin is the key feature to use it. Sometimes around the edges of ulcers pus filled eruptions may also be present.

5. Petroleum – For Cases with Rough, Thick, Hard Skin

This is a very beneficial remedy for managing conditions where skin is very rough, thick and hard. It also looks very dirty. Cracks can also be present on the skin.  brown spots on the skin can be present too. The skin is very sensitive and painful in most cases that require its use. Along with this there is marked swelling of the leg on the left side. It may have a purplish color and ooze watery substance. On drying large scabs forms on it. Itching and burning are also felt in it.

6. Merc Sol – For Managing Ulcers on the Skin 

This medicine offers help to manage skin ulcers. In cases needing it there are irregular shaped ulcers with undefined borders  on the skin. They are painful also . Mostly pricking or cutting type of pain is felt in them. Sometimes there may be bleeding from these ulcers also.

7. Natrum Carb – Another Medicine to Manage Ulcer on Skin

It is also valuable medicine to manage skin ulcers. Swelling is marked with ulcers where it is indicated. Burning sensation may be present in it. Sometimes pricking sensation and pulsation are felt in them. Pus which is yellow and have an offensive smell  may appear from it

Some Rare Remedies for Elephantiasis 

1. Bixa Orellana 

This medicine is a herb native to South America. Its use is therapeutically indicated for managing cases of elephantiasis in homeopathy.

2. Calotropis Gigantea 

It is another natural medicine present in homeopathic literature for managing these cases. It is prepared from root bark called Mudar or Yercum of family  asclepiadaceae. This medicine has been successfully used in elephantiasis treatment as recorded in homeopathic books.

3. Rauwolfia Serpentina

This is also a plant based natural medicine for elephantiasis management. For using this medicine mainly odema (swelling) is present around the ankle, upper limbs. 

4. Stillingia Sylvatica 

This medicine is prepared from the root of a plant commonly known as Queen’s delight. This plant belongs to the family euphorbiaceae. Ulcers on skin, itching and burning on skin are few complaints that it can manage.

5. Hippozaeninum and Pyrarara

Hippozaeninum and Pyrarara are yet other  therapeutically indicated medicines in homeopathy for elephantiasis management.  

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

Treatment Options for Sore Muscles

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

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

Homeopathic Medicines for Sore Muscles

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

1. Rhus Toxicodendron – For Sore Muscles Due to Weightlifting

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

2. Arnica Montana – For Sore Muscles Due to Trauma

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

3. Bryonia Alba – When Slight Motion Worsens the Pain

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

Other Important Remedies

4. Cimicifuga

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

5. Gelsemium

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

6. Sanguinaria Canadensis

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

Types of Muscle Soreness

Muscle soreness is of two types:

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

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

Causes of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

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

Symptoms of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

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

How do Muscles get Sore?

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

Managing and Preventing Sore Muscles

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

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

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

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

Homeopathic Treatment for Water Retention

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

Causes and Types of Water Retention

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

Types of Water Retention

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

Signs and Symptoms of Water Retention

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

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