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Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition marked by persistent fatigue and widespread body pain. People with this disorder may also experience depression, sleep disturbances and difficulty in concentrating (often called brain fog). People affected by this disease have tender points, highly sensitive spots on the body, where application of even mild pressure can trigger pain. When such unexplained pain continues for over three months, it may be diagnosed as fibromyalgia. Homeopathic medicines offer a natural way of easing symptoms of fibromyalgia such as tiredness, sleep difficulties, pain and cognitive issues. Conventional modes generally treat this disease by recommending nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain relievers, antidepressants and anti-seizure medications. These treatments mask the symptoms and may carry potential side effects with long-term use. In contrast, homeopathic remedies aim to work on the root cause without causing any side effects.

Symptom-based approach

Homeopathic management of fibromyalgia is tailored to the affected person’s specific symptoms. A detailed case history, covering both physical and emotional discrepancies, is taken to assess the intensity of the problem as per homeopathic principles. Based on this evaluation, a personalized remedy is selected. When chosen appropriately, the remedy addresses the problem areas of the sufferer.

Homeopathy treats the root cause

Homeopathic treatment tries to address the deeper cause that is manifesting itself in the form of symptoms, rather than focusing only on relief superficially. After taking homeopathic medicines under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor, one can feel that the intensity of the symptom lessens, and with consistent treatment, the symptoms resolve completely and cure sets in.

A natural, gentle option

Homeopathic remedies are mild and are used by many seeking a natural, low-risk approach to manage fibromyalgia symptoms. The medicines are prepared in highly diluted forms and are taken well by the body, offering a safe and mild complementary care.                                                                                                                         

Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines for Fibromyalgia

Rhus Toxicodendron, Arnica Montana, Kali Phosphoricum, Bryonia Alba, Magnesia Phosphorica, Arsenicum Album, Coffea Cruda, Ignatia Amara, Phosphoric Acid and Gelsemium Sempervirens are considered among the most commonly used homeopathic remedies for fibromyalgia.

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

Rhus Tox is the best remedy for fibromyalgia, especially when pain is widespread across muscles, tendons and ligaments. The pain may be shooting, stitching or tearing type. The pain is more when the body is at rest, while there is improvement when there is movement of the body. There is marked stiffness and pain in the back, which is relieved by movement. Prickling sensation or numbness may be felt in the limbs.

When to use Rhus Tox?

Ideal when fibromyalgia pain and stiffness worsen while in rest position, but the condition improves with continued movement.

How to use Rhus Tox?

Effective in all potencies, the starting dose is 30C, taken two to three times daily. Higher potencies should be taken under the guidance of a homeopathic practitioner.

2. Arnica Montana – When Pain Aggravates by Touch

Arnica is recommended when the body feels sore, bruised and highly sensitive to touch. The condition becomes so bad that the person fears contact. The body may feel lame and sore as if beaten, accompanied by numbness or tingling. A past injury is often revealed in cases where Arnica is useful.

When to use Arnica?

Best suited for fibromyalgia with sore, bruised pain with the sufferer sensitive even to a gentle touch.

How to use Arnica?

Arnica 30C may be taken once or twice daily.

3. Kali Phosphoricum – For Fatigue And sleep Issues 

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

When to use Kali Phos?

Kali Phosphoricum is a wonderful remedy to treat marked fatigue and sleep issues in cases of fibromyalgia. The body feels weak and drained out. The affected person gets fatigued easily and feels body aches persistently. As a result, any kind of exertion worsens the condition. Sleeplessness is another major issue that is treated well with this medicine. A prickling sensation in the hands and feet are also indicative of this remedy.

How to use Kali Phos?

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

4. Bryonia Alba – When movement Induces Pain 

Bryonia Alba is a very effective medicine for fibromyalgia when pain gets trigerred by any kind of movement. Complete rest by lying down brings relief. Pain may be sharp, sore, bursting or stitching type in nature. Any kind of pressing causes pain on tender points. Some people may feel stiffness in the body.

When to use Bryonia Alba?

It is recommended in cases of fibromyalgia with pains that increase from movement and get better by taking rest.

How to use Bryonia?

It is best to begin with 30C potency twice or thrice a day.

5. Magnesia Phos – When Warmth Brings Relief 

Magnesia Phosphorica is an important medicine to treat fibromyalgia where warmth relieves pain. The pains in the body shift from one place to the other frequently. The character of the pain is mostly sharp and shooting. Slight touch tends to worsen the pain. One feels pain in the neck, lower back, and lower limbs. The pains also tend to radiate from the point of origin. The person feels restless and very weak, and cold tends to worsen the pains.

When to use Magnesia Phos?

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

How to use Magnesia Phos?

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

6. Arsenic Album – For Acute Tiredness, Weakness

Arsenic Album is a very useful medicine for fibromyalgia with noticeable weakness, tiredness, and fatigue. This medicine can be used if there is sudden weakness, excessive tiredness, exhaustion from slight exertion, burning pain in the body in the limbs and back. This medicine can alsobe administered in cases of fibromyalgia when intense anxiety (particularly about health) and restlessness are present. All the complaints observably aggravate during the night.

When to use Arsenic Album?

This medicine is administered for cases of fibromyalgia with weakness, tiredness, along with anxiety and restlessness.

How to use Arsenic Album?

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

7. Coffea Cruda – For Disturbed Sleep 

Coffea Cruda is a medicine administered to treat sleep issues in fibromyalgia. Those who need it have severe insomnia (sleeplessness). It is indicated in cases of restlessness and disturbed sleep. Hypersensitivity towards pain is another common feature.

When to use Coffea Cruda?

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

How to use Coffea Cruda?

It is advised to use Coffea Cruda 30C one to two times a day.

8. IgnatiaAmara – For Depression along with Fibromyalgia 

Ignatia Amara is a herbal medicine for both for fibromyalgia with depression. A history of some emotional shock like loss of a loved one, or any major grief or disappointment may be present among those who need this medication. Symptoms of depression like weeping, sadness, desire to be alone are quite noticeable along with physical and mental exhaustion.

When to use Ignatia Amara?

This medicine is wonderful for cases of fibromyalgia accompanied by depression with visible sadness and weeping spells.

How to use Ignatia  Amara?

It is effective in 30C potency that can be administered one to two times daily.

9. Phosphoric Acid – For Brain Fog Aling with Fibromyalgia 

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

When to use Phosphoric Acid?

This medicine suits well those who have fibromyalgia and have noticeable brain fog with difficulty in concentration and there is severe weakness.

How to use Phosphoric Acid?

Phosphoric Acid 30C can be administered once a day.

10. Gelsemium Sempervirens – For Dizziness, Drowsiness, Dullness And Trembling  

It is also one of the top medicines for fibromyalgia with red-line symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, dullness and trembling. There is complete relaxation and prostration of the muscles, along with lack of muscular coordination. Cramps may in the forearm muscles are noticeable, and even the slightest exercise makes the person tired.

When to use Gelsemium?

Works well when there is visibly seen exhaustion and muscular weakness

How to use Gelsemium?

This medicine can be administered with 30C power, one or two times daily. Higher potencies such as 200C, 1M can be use but after seeking advice from a qualified homoeopath.

Causes That Lead To Fibromyalgia

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is still not fully clear. The most widely accepted belief is that people with fibromyalgia have abnormalities in how their body processes pain signals, leading to increased pain sensitivity. Their pain threshold is lower, meaning thereby that they feel pain more intensely than others.

 This heightened sensitivity is believed to be linked to imbalances in certain chemicals and nerves. People with fibromyalgia tend to have low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps block pain signals, and high levels of Substance P and nerve growth factor, both of which amplify pain messages. Together, these changes lead to central sensitization, a condition where the brain becomes over reactive to pain stimuli. As a result, individuals with fibromyalgia feel more pain from the same injury than someone without the condition.

Central sensitization also explains why patients may feel pain from gentle touch or things that typically wouldn’t hurt. The brain is in a constant state of high reactivity. Stress—whether emotional or physical—such as depression, trauma, anxiety, injury, or lack of sleep, can aggravate this sensitisation. Many factors may trigger its progress, including past physical trauma or surgery, insomnia, emotional stress, and genetic predisposition.factors.

Triggering Factors

Underlying Diseases – Conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and osteoarthritis raise the risk of fibromyalgia.

Certain Infections – Epstein-Barr virus, influenza virus, hepatitis B and C, and Lyme disease (cause by bacteria Borrelia)—may activate or aggravate fibromyalgia.

Sleep Disorders – Issues like sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome can contribute to it.

Trauma – Both emotional (such as death or divorce) and physical trauma (especially cervical spine injuries) can trigger it.

Family History – Having a relative suffering rm fibromyalgia increases its likelihood .

Gender – Women are more prone to fibromyalgia. According to NIAMS, 80–90 per cent of diagnosed cases occur in women, possibly influenced by the presence of estrogen.

Age – Most diagnoses occur between ages of 20 years and 50 years.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

1. Pain:  Pain is the most prominent symptom. It is usually widespread and described as a constant deep ache, though it may sometimes feel throbbing, sharp, shooting or burning. Pain affects muscles, tendons, ligaments and areas around the joints. Physical activity often increases the pain. Other related symptoms include numbness, tingling and stiffness after staying in one position too long.

People with fibromyalgia also have specific tender points—nine pairs of spots in the body that cause severe pain when pressed. According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia can be diagnosed when at least 11 of these 18 tender points are painful under applied pressure. The tender points are located around the back of the neck, front of the neck, hips, elbows, lower back, upper back knees, chest, and shoulders.

 2.Fatigue (tiredness) : Fatigue is another major complaint. Even after long hours of sleep, patients feel exhausted and drained. This tiredness is often compared to the Fatigue experienced during a flu episode. Simple daily tasks may feel overwhelming.

3. Problem in sleeping: Most people with fibromyalgia can’t sleep easily. They have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or may experience light, non-refreshing sleep. Pain frequently wakes them at night. Sleep disturbance may also be connected with other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome that many people with fibromyalgia tend to have. Morning tiredness, laziness and weakness are also commonly seen.

4. Fibro-fog : Fibromyalgia can cause cognitive difficulties, often referred to as “fibro-fog.” This includes trouble concentrating, focusing, remembering information or learning new things. Many also find it hard to follow conversations or stay attentive.

Other Symptoms 

Additional issues may include anxiety, headaches, tingling, numbness, burning sensations in limbs, depression, painful menstrual periods, abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

Diagnosing fibromyalgia is challenging, as there is no specific test for it and many symptoms resemble other conditions. Typically, a diagnosis is carried out when a person experiences widespread pain in tender areas for at least three months without an identifiable cause.

Clinical Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

There is no laboratory test that directly confirms fibromyalgia. However, doctors may advise tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. These may include:

— Rheumatoid factor

— Anti-CCP (anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide)

— ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)

— CBC (complete blood count)

— Thyroid function tests

Significance of healthy lifestyle changes in Fibromyalgia

 Lifestyle modification plays a major role in managing fibromyalgia, by calming the over sensitive nervous system. Daily gentle, and light exercises help in relaxing muscles. Introducing meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and exercises and deep breathing helps manage stress and preventing overstimulation of mind. Maintaining a good, consistent sleep schedule helps in reducing day-to-day fatigue.

Along with this healthy, light diet further helps manage the symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Fibromyalgia a psychological disorder?

No, Fibromyalgia is not a psychological disorder.

2. Is fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome the same?

No, the two conditions aren’t the same. In chronic fatigue syndrome, there is unexplained, extreme fatigue and tiredness that does not go away with rest. On the other hand, fibromyalgia presents with widespread musculoskeletal pain along with tiredness, tender points on the body, and irritable sleep.

3. What are the frequent triggers of fibromyalgia?

Triggering factors can be any stress, mental or physical exertion, mechanical trauma, weather changes, hormonal changes and poor sleep patterns.

4. Does lifestyle modification alone cure fibromyalgia without taking any medication?

Lifestyle modification alone cannot cure fibromyalgia. It can only help manage the symptoms or reduces flare-ups. But medication is needed.

5. Does homoeopathy act like a painkiller in fibromyalgia, and does it help with other symptoms as well?

Homeopathy does not act as a painkiller like other conventional medicines. Homeopathic medicines not only works on symptoms of pain but also on the rest of the non-connected symptoms of a patient.

6. Is homoeopathy effective in giving long-term relief in fibromyalgia?

Yes, it is safe to use homeopathic treatment on long term basis, but only under the guidance of a qualified homeopath.

7. How long does homoeopathy take in bringing relief?

Treatment duration varies on a case-to-case basis depending on its intensity, frequency and chronicity of complaints. It usually takes 10-15 days to get relief from the symptoms. A minimum duration of 4-6 months is generally required for proper improvement.

8. Do homoeopathic medicines act as a sleep-inducing drug?

No, Homoeopathic medicines are not sleep-inducing pills, when correctly administered under the guidance of a homeopath physician.

9. Is it safe to administer homoeopathic medicines to children?

Yes, it is completely safe to give homeopathic medicines to children, but only when are prescribed by a qualified homeopath.

Runny nose/rhinorrhea refers to fluid discharge from the nose. Runny nose can be attended with sneezing in many cases. This may occur due to various reasons among which allergic rhinitis and cold are most important. Depending on the cause behind runny nose and sneezing, some other symptoms may also attend like stuffy nose, cough, itchy, watery, red eyes, post nasal discharge or PND which refers to dripping of discharge from the back of the nose into the throat, headache, tiredness, and fever.

Homeopathic mode of treatment carries a great scope to manage cases of runny nose with sneezing. Homeopathic medicines work on correcting the underlying cause behind it to bring wonderful results. These are natural remedies that treat this condition with zero side effects. Along with runny nose and sneezing, they also help to manage any associated symptoms like itching in the nose, itchy and watery red eyes, reduced sense of smell, headache, post nasal discharge and cough. In mainstream medicine, generally anti-allergic medicines, antibiotics, nasal sprays are recommended for such cases as per the case presentation. These are temporarily helpful and may have some side effects as well. But homeopathy is free from side effects and offers long-term results in these cases.

Homeopathic medicines promise great results in cases of runny nose and sneezing. These help in complete recovery and cure in most of the cases of mild to moderate intensity. This is due to the fact that they address  the root cause behind it. These can effectively help in cases of allergic rhinitis, cold, non-allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. It is advised to follow a complete course of homeopathic treatment for a recommended time period as per guidelines of a homeopathic doctor to get best results.

Homeopathic medicines to treat cases of runny nose and sneezing are of natural origin. These medicines treat such cases naturally by boosting the natural healing mechanism in the body. This will help to fight with the associated cause naturally and overcome it in a safe manner with zero side effects.

Homeopathic medicines for treating cases of runny nose and sneezing are selected based on the characteristic symptoms in every individual case. So, it is advised to take any homeopathic medicine under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor and avoid self–medication in any case. In severe cases, in cases attended with high fever and when this complaint arises from serious causes like COVID-19, it is advised to take help from conventional mode of treatment as homeopathy has limitations to help such cases.

Top 8 Homeopathic Medicines For Runny Nose And Sneezing

The topmost homeopathic medicines to treat runny nose and sneezing are Natrum Mur, Arsenic Album, Allium Cepa, Sabadilla, Aconite, Gelsemium, Arsenic Iodatum and Euphrasia.

1. Natrum Mur – Top Recommended Medicine

Natrum Mur is the topmost homeopathic medicine for managing cases of runny nose and sneezing. In some cases needing it, there may be alteration between runny nose and nasal blockage. The sneezing episodes get worse in the morning on rising from bed along with watery discharge from the nose. There is irritation in the nose and watery discharge from the eyes. Headache can attend it in some cases. There may be loss of smell and taste along with the above complaints. There may be cough from a tickling sensation in the throat pit. It is a magnificent medicine to treat cases of allergic rhinitis.

When to use Natrum Mur?

Natrum Mur is the best choice of homeopathic medicine to manage runny nose and sneezing, especially the one that gets worse in the morning when one wakes up and it is the most prominent medicine to treat allergic rhinitis.

How to use Natrum Mur?

This medicine gives excellent results in 6X power. Natrum Mur 6X can be taken three to four times a day as per symptom intensity.

2. Arsenic Album – For Runny Nose And Sneezing With Burning In Nose

Arsenic Album is the other prominently indicated medicine to help cases of sneezing and runny nose. In cases needing this medicine, the discharge causes burning sensation in the nose. The nasal discharge causes irritation on the upper lip. There is itching in the nose. The nasal complaints get worse in open air. There is relief in complaints by staying indoors. The nose feels blocked with fluent nasal discharge. Weakness may be felt along with the above complaints. Besides, there may be hoarseness of voice.

When to use Arsenic Album?

This medicine should be considered to manage sneezing and runny nose with burning sensation in nose worse outdoors and better indoors.

How to use Arsenic Album?

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

3. Allium Cepa – For Runny Nose, Sneezing And Eye Watering

This medicine is of great help in managing cases of runny nose, sneezing along with watery discharge from the eyes. Burning sensation is felt due to the nasal discharge in the nostrils and upper lip. Headache can attend runny nose.  A lump sensation is felt at the root of the nose. The nose feels blocked. There may be hoarseness of voice and coughing. Along with the above, itching is felt in the eyes. Burning sensation in the eyes with an urge to rub the eyes can also be felt. The eyes become red.

When to use Allium Cepa?

This medicine should be preferred to manage runny nose and sneezing along with itchy, watery eyes.

How to use Allium Cepa?

Though it can be used in both low and high power, it is more frequently used in 30 C power that can be repeated twice or thrice a day.

4. Sabadilla – For Runny Nose Sneezing And Forehead Pain

Sabadilla is a well-indicated medicine for cases of runny nose, sneezing attended with pain in the forehead. Runny nose gets worse from the smell of strong odors. There is nasal stuffiness of one or the other nostril. Itching or tickling occurs in the nostrils with an urge to rub the nose. The nose feels stuffed. Sneezing is quite intense. Sneezing is followed by watering in the eyes. Eyes become red.

When to use Sabadilla?

Use of Sabadilla is suggested to treat runny nose, sneezing attended with pain in the forehead especially when runny nose is worse from strong odors.

How to use Sabadilla?

Sabadilla 30C can be taken one to two times a day.

5. Aconite – For Runny Nose, Sneezing From Sudden Exposure To Cold Air

Aconite is a leading medicine for managing runny nose and sneezing that occurs from sudden exposure to cold air. There is discharge of hot water from the nose. The nose is red and swollen. Pain is felt at the root of the nose. Runny nose is accompanied by headache. Sensitivity to smell is present along with above complaints.

When to use Aconite?

It is a wonderful choice of medicine for treating runny nose and sneezing resulting from sudden cold air exposure.

How to use Aconite?

This medicine is available in different potencies from low to high, however initially it is advised to take 30C potency once or twice a day.

6. Gelsemium – For Runny Nose, Sneezing With Weakness

This medicine can be used when runny nose, sneezing is attended with weakness. Nasal discharge causes redness and soreness of the edges of nostrils. Sneezing is worse in the morning where this medicine is required. Tingling sensation is felt in the nose. Fullness is felt at the root of the nose. There may be dull headache and fever along with the above complaints.

When to use Gelsemium?

This medicine is recommended for managing sneezing, runny nose when accompanied with weakness.

How to use Gelsemium?

Gelsemium works well in 30C power that can be used one to two times a day.

7. Arsenic Iodatum – For Thin, Burning Watery Nasal Discharge With Sneezing

This medicine works well when there is dripping of thin, burning, watery discharge from the nose along with sneezing. The burning discharge causes redness of the upper lip. There is irritation in the nose that causes a constant urge to sneeze. Along with the above, post nasal discharge (dripping of fluid from the back of the nose into the throat) may be present sometimes.

When to use Arsenic Iodatum?

Arsenic Iodatum is of great help in managing thin watery nasal discharge that causes burning in the nostrils along with sneezing.

How to use Arsenic Iodatum?

Arsenic Iodatum 30C can be utilized once a day.

8. Euphrasia – For Runny Nose, Sneezing And Watery Red Eyes

Euphrasia is a highly valuable medicine for managing cases of runny nose, sneezing and watery, red eyes. Watering from the eyes causes marked burning in the eyes. A gritty sand-like sensation in the eyes can also be felt. Heat and sensitivity is also felt in the nose. Cough with expectoration may attend it in the morning. The nose may feel blocked at night.

When to use Euphrasia?

Use of Euphrasia is advised for managing runny nose, sneezing along with redness, watering and burning in eyes.

How to use Euphrasia?

In 30C potency, this medicine can be used two to three times a day. When using 200C potency, it should be taken just once a day.

Causes

The first and the most important reason behind it is allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis refers to a set of nasal symptoms and also some eye-related symptoms resulting from an over-reaction of the immune system to inhaled allergens like dust mites, pollen, moulds, pet dander, etc. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sneezing, runny nose, blocked nose, itchy, watery and red eyes. Secondly, runny nose and sneezing may also result from dry air exposure and pollution. Other causes include cold and flu. Common cold indicates a viral infection of the nose and the throat that occurs due to infection by rhinoviruses though other viruses like adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus may also be the cause. It causes thin nasal discharge initially (in later stages, the discharge tends to get thick and yellow or green), sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, body aches and low grade fever. Flu is a respiratory infection caused by influenza virus. It results in runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. Other symptoms are stuffy nose, cough, headache, tiredness, fever and muscle aches. Another cause behind runny nose and sneezing can be non-allergic rhinitis (vasomotor rhinitis). In this condition, there is inflammation inside the nose and the symptoms are just like that of allergic rhinitis but here allergies are not the reason as in case of allergic rhinitis. Some of the known triggers behind non-allergic rhinitis are cold air, air pollution, spicy food, stress, use of certain medicines (for example aspirin, ibuprofen) and perfumes. Another cause can be sinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses i.e. air-filled spaces in the skull). Besides the above, it may result from COVID–19 (an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus).

Fatigue refers to feeling exhausted and tired. Some people may experience tiredness along with muscle pain. This may happen due to various reasons. It could be a part of aging, lack of proper sleep, dehydration, mineral deficiencies and low vitamin levels of certain vitamins like vitamin D. While in others, it could be arising from an underlying medical condition. The most important medical conditions include fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Fibromyalgia refers to pain in different body parts (specific tender points where the slightest pressure leads to pain) along with general tiredness, and fatigue for more than three months without any known cause. Besides, there may be problems in sleep and memory, along with depression. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) refers to a condition in which there occurs persistent feeling of tiredness both physically and mentally for at least 6 months, hindering routine activities without any underlying medical condition. Along with tiredness, other symptoms that may be observed include poor memory, sleep issues, poor concentration, joint or muscle pain, mood swings and depressed feelings. It is also known by other names such as myalgic encephalomyelitis and systemic exertional intolerance disease (SEID). It can also occur in cases of influenza, hypothyroidism and myositis.

Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. This can cause body aches and tiredness along with its other main symptoms of runny/stuffy nose, sore throat and fever. Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid in which the thyroid gland does not secrete enough thyroid hormones.  Hypothyroidism can result in fatigue and muscle pain along with its other important signs and symptoms including weight gain, sensitivity to cold (cold intolerance), constipation, puffy face and hands, dry thin hair, sleepiness and heavy menses in females.

Myositis means inflammation of the muscles that may arise from various reasons like an injury, infection and autoimmune (autoimmune means the destruction of body’s own healthy tissues by the immune cells out of a misdirected response) conditions and can cause muscle pain, muscle weakness along with tiredness.

Another reason for fatigue could be Lyme’s disease which is a bacterial infection caused by bacterium Borrelia and spreads by ticks. The last reason could be polymyalgia rheumatica. This refers to an inflammatory disorder resulting in pain and stiffness of the muscles and mainly affects the shoulders, hips, neck and arms. It could be accompanied with general symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss and mild fever.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can be of great help in managing fatigue along with muscle pain. Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that bring improvement in these cases by working to treat the root cause behind it. Once root cause is treated, there occurs excellent relief in fatigue with muscle pain. Along with these, any attending symptoms like memory issues, poor concentration and focus issues, sleep issues, depression feelings if present can also be well managed with these medicines. The most suitable homeopathic medicine for cases of fatigue with muscle pain is selected as per the characteristic symptoms in every individual case. Hence it is advised to get your case evaluated by a homeopathic physician for the right prescription. In no case, self-medication should be done.

Homeopathic Medicines For Fatigue With Muscle Pain

1. Gelsemium – Top Recommended Medicine

Gelsemium tops the list of homeopathic medicines to manage fatigue along with muscle pain. In cases needing it, there occurs pain in the muscles attended with soreness (sensitivity to touch). Pain is most marked in the muscles of the limbs (i.e. arms and legs). The limbs feel heavy and tired. The muscles also feel weak. The muscles of the back and the neck may also be painful. There is a general feeling of exhaustion and tiredness along with the above complaints. There is excessive drowsiness and dullness. Along with the above symptoms, there is exhaustion of the mind, poor concentration and focus in doing any work. Gelsemium is a well-indicated medicine for fatigue that occurs during influenza and even after recovering from this illness.

2. Rhus Tox – For Muscle Pain, Stiffness And Tiredness

Rhus Tox is a highly effective medicine for managing muscle pain, stiffness and tiredness. There is intense weakness in the entire body. It is attended with a constant desire to lie down or sit due to weakness. Persons needing it feel so weak as if they have not taken enough sleep. They do not feel like rising up in the morning due to weakness. They suffer from muscle pain, especially in the neck region, back, shoulders, arms and thighs. The muscles are also sore to touch and stiff. Soreness and stiffness get better from exercise. The nature of the muscle pain can be shooting, tearing or stitching type. The pains get worse at night time. Rhus Tox is a prominently indicated medicine when there is muscle pain from overuse or overstraining of the muscles.

3. Arnica – With Marked Soreness (Pain On Touch) Of Muscles

Arnica is the next very beneficial medicine to manage muscle pain and fatigue. Persons needing this medicine have pain in the muscles along with excessive soreness which means pain on touch. It feels as if the sufferer has been beaten up. The soreness gets worse after overexertion. Pain is most marked in the back and limbs. All the limbs feel heavy. The bed on which the person lies down feels very hard. There is marked weakness all over the body in general along with pains. The pain makes the sufferer lie down. Along with this, there is sleepiness. Arnica is also well indicated for managing sore painful muscles in cases of influenza.

4. Bryonia – For Muscle Pain Worse From Little Movement

It is a useful medicine for muscle pain that gets worse from the slightest movement and better from rest. Pain is more prominent in the muscles of the neck and lower back. Lower back pain gets worse from stooping, sitting and standing. The affected muscles feel hard. The neck and back muscles also feel stiff. Due to stiffness in the back, the person stands and walks in a stooped posture. Weakness and tiredness is present which gets worse from walking.

5. Lactic Acid – For Pain, Soreness Of Muscles Of Back, Chest And Limbs

Lactic Acid is indicated when there is pain and soreness (pain on touch) of muscles especially those in the back, chest and limbs. Along with this, there is fatigue and tired feeling over the entire body. There is difficulty in standing from weakness. Pain is felt in the limbs while walking. The whole body trembles while walking, along with weakness.

6. Magnesia Phos – For Muscle Pains And Cramps

This medicine is highly suitable for muscle pains and cramps. The pains keep shifting from one body part to another where this medicine is required. The pain gets worse at night. They get better by resting. The nature of pain varies and can be cutting, shooting, stitching or stabbing type.  The pain is accompanied with excessive tiredness and sweating.

7. Arsenic Album – For Intense Fatigue With Anxiety and restlessness

This medicine is useful when there is intense fatigue. Person needing this medicine wants to lie down all the time due to weakness. Slightest exertion and even walking and standing results in marked exhaustion in them. Anxiety and restlessness may be felt along with the other complaints. Piercing sort of pain is felt in muscles. The limbs also feel weak, tired with a need to lie down.

Chest congestion refers to accumulation of excessive mucus in the bronchi (airways that lead from trachea to lungs) and the lungs. This results from an overproduction of mucus when mucus membranes get irritated and inflamed from a viral or bacterial infection. Production of excessive mucus is the body’s way to expel the infectious agent from the body. In some cases, chest congestion can be attended with breathing difficulty. Other accompanying symptoms can be cough, mucus expectoration (that varies in color and can have offensive smell), chest pain, wheezing (a whistling sound from the chest occurring during breathing usually deep breathing), chest tightness, fatigue (tiredness) and fever.

Chest congestion with breathing difficulty can result from different reasons. First among these is cold and flu. Flu and cold are respiratory infections that are usually caused by virus. Flu occurs when a person is infected with influenza virus. Cold occurs from different virus infections, for example rhinovirus and parainfluenza virus.

Other causes of chest congestion include asthma and bronchitis. Asthma refers to a respiratory condition in which there is narrowing of airways along with swelling and production of mucus in excess. It results in breathing difficulty, wheezing sound from the chest and coughing. Bronchitis indicates inflamed lining of the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. Chest congestion with breathing difficulty can also arise from allergies like, dust allergy and pollen allergy.

Another reason can be pneumonia (the inflamed air sacs of lungs with fluid build-up resulting from an infection). Further reasons include emphysema (a condition resulting from damage of the air sacs of the lungs) and bronchiectasis (permanent widening and thickening of the bronchial tubes of the lungs that allow bacteria and mucus to get accumulated in lungs). Apart from respiratory illnesses, heart complaints can also result in chest congestion along with breathing difficulty. For example, in some cases, congested chest and difficult breathing might be symptoms of a heart attack which is a medical emergency that needs urgent medical help from conventional mode of treatment.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can be very helpful for managing cases of chest congestion with breathing difficulty. Homeopathic medicines are prepared from naturally occurring substances that can be very beneficial for such cases. Homeopathic medicines work on the root cause of the health issue to bring excellent results. They help to reduce the intensity and frequency of this complaint gradually. Along with this complaint, they can manage other accompanying signs and symptoms like cough, wheezing, expectoration and chest pain. These medicines are very safe to use without any side-effects. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine under supervision of a homeopathic physician. Self – medication should not be done in any case. Homeopathy is recommended for cases of mild to moderate intensity. In cases having severe intensity of this complaint and when it arises from some serious cause like pneumonia, heart issues, homeopathy is not recommended and an immediate help from the conventional mode of treatment should be taken as homeopathy has a limitation in helping such severe and serious cases.

Homeopathic Medicines For Chest Congestion With Breathing Difficulty

 1. Arsenic Album – Top Grade Medicine

Arsenic Album is a top recommended medicine to manage cases of chest congestion with breathing difficulty. In cases needing it, the chest feels constricted. Wheezing (whistling sound from chest) is also felt. The chest oppression and breathing difficulty gets worse at night on lying down. It is attended with marked anxiety and restlessness. There is cough also. Along with this, frothy expectoration also occurs. At times thick yellow, grey or green expectoration is observed varying from case to case. Sometimes, vomiting also occurs soon after consuming any food or drink. Burning sensation is felt in the chest along with above complaints. One feels a load on the upper chest. It is one of the best medicines for managing asthma and bronchitis cases. A general weakness is well marked along with above signs and symptoms.

2. Hepar Sulph – With Thick Yellow Expectoration

This medicine is very effective when there is thick yellow expectoration with congested chest and difficult breathing. The phlegm expectorated has bad smell. Difficulty in breathing is worse when lying on the left side.  Tightness is felt in the chest. There is marked rattling cough. It gets worse from exposure to cold air and consuming cold drinks. Cough gets better by wrapping up warmly. A sensation of dust is felt in the throat.  Wheezing is also there along with above symptoms.

3. Antimonium Tart – With Rattling Cough And Excessive Mucus In Chest

Antimonium Tart is the best choice of medicine when there is rattling cough with excessive build-up of mucus in the chest. In cases requiring this medicine, the lungs seem to be full of mucus but only a small quantity is expectorated. The expectorated phlegm is very thick and white. There is difficulty in breathing. Cough gets worse after eating. Pain in the chest may occur with these symptoms. Cough and breathing difficulty is relieved by lying on the right hand side. Breathing also gets better by burping. Antimonium Tart is the most prominent medicine for managing bronchitis cases.

4. Ipecac – With Chest Constriction Worse From Least Movement

Ipecac is a well-indicated medicine when there is a constricted feeling in the chest which gets worse from the least movement. This feeling is accompanied with difficult breathing. There is gasping for air and the sufferer rushes to open a window for breathing. There is suffocative cough. It is attended with nausea and vomiting. There is vomiting of white mucus. In some cases, ropy mucus is expectorated. Cough occurs after a meal. While coughing, pain is felt in the abdomen, chest and the head.

5. Silicea – With Chest Pain On Deep Breathing

Silicea is useful when there is chest pain on deep breathing along with chest congestion and breathing difficulty. A stitching pain is felt in the chest in cases needing this medicine. Tight feeling is felt around the chest. There is cough with thick and yellow lumpy phlegm expectoration having an offensive smell. The phlegm may also be like pus and sometimes blood-stained. Cough gets worse on lying down. It is also bad while talking, and from taking cold drinks. Difficulty in breathing is worse when lying on the back and also when walking fast.

6. Pulsatilla – With Yellowish Green Expectoration

This medicine is of great use when there is yellowish green expectoration. The expectoration is worse in the morning. In cases needing it, there is chest congestion and breathing difficulty along with the above complaint. Breathing difficulty worsens when lying on the left side. The person needing it feels worsening of the complaint in a warm room and has a desire for fresh open air to get relief.

7. Bryonia – With Chest Pain

This medicine is indicated for cough, breathing difficulty, chest congestion along with chest pain. The chest pain gets worse from movement, coughing and deep breathing. The person needing it holds the chest when coughing. Chest pain gets better by applying pressure. Breathing difficulty is worse after eating or drinking any thing. Person has to sit up due to difficulty in breathing. Expectoration like lumps of jelly may occur along with the above symptoms.

Anosmia is a condition in which a person loses his/her sense of smell. The odor molecules in the air surrounding us enter our nostrils, and are detected by the olfactory receptors. These receptors send a signal to the brain center via a nerve where the smell is identified, this is how we identify different smells and odors. Loss of smell makes a person unable to perceive pleasant odors (like fragrances) and also sense danger situations that can be detected by smelling (like gas leakage or smoke). Our sense of smell also plays a significant role in how food tastes, and so anosmia can also lead to a loss of taste (ageusia) and lack of interest in eating. A person may suffer from partial or total loss of smell (conditions known as hyposmia and anosmia respectively). Loss of smell can be present since birth, in such a case a child is born without any sense of smell. Anosmia may be temporary or permanent depending upon the cause behind it.

Homeopathy offers natural and effective treatment for anosmia. These medicines are suitable to treat anosmia in people of all age groups. Since these medicines are made of natural substances, they treat the condition in a safe manner. They treat the root cause of anosmia to bring about excellent recovery. Homeopathy is recommended for treating cases of both partial and total loss of smell.

Homeopathic treatment is based on the totality of symptoms. So homeopathic medicines while treating anosmia also manages the attending symptoms. These give remarkable relief in accompanying symptoms like nasal blockage, post nasal discharges, nasal discharge, sneezing etc. This way homeopathy offers a great solution simultaneously to all issues related to anosmia at the same time.

As anosmia occurs from various causes such as nasal allergy, chronic cold, sinusitis, so to treat it from its root, the cause needs to be identified and treated. Homeopathy works in such a manner that it addresses the root cause and aids great recovery. If a person follows a complete course of homeopathic treatment under the guidance of a homeopathic doctor, complete recovery occurs in most cases of anosmia. The results vary depending on the chronicity of the problem, the cause behind it and the response of the individual to homeopathic medicines.

Among the different available homeopathic medicines to treat anosmia, the most suitable medicine is finalised after a thorough assessment of the detailed symptoms of the individual. The potency, dose, repetition of medicine is also done individually for every case as per homeopathic principles. With individualized treatment, wonderful results follow.

Homeopathy treats anosmia very safely and gently with natural remedies. There are no chances of any side effects of these homeopathic medicines.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines for Anosmia

The top indicated homeopathic medicines for anosmia include Natrum Mur, Silicea, Pulsatilla, Calcarea carb, Kali Bichrome and Lemna Minor. 

1. Natrum Mur – For Anosmia With Nasal Allergies

Natrum Mur is an effective homeopathic medicine for anosmia due to nasal allergies, along with nasal discharge that looks like egg white. Other features include nose blockage that makes breathing difficult and violent sneezing (especially during the morning). A very specific squirming sensation of a worm crawling in nostrils may be present along with the symptoms mentioned.

When to use Natrum Mur?

Its use is highly suggested to deal with cases of loss of smell linked to nasal allergies with intense sneezing and nasal discharge.

How to use Natrum Mur?

Among its different potencies 6X is most commonly recommended. Natrum Mur 6X can be taken three to four times a day as per case severity.

2. Silicea – For Anosmia Linked With Chronic Cold

Silicea is a well-indicated homeopathic remedy for anosmia where the person suffers from chronic cold. The people needing Silicea have a history of yellowish, chronic, offensive, fetid nasal discharge prior to loss of smell. For using Silicea, the symptoms that may be present along with a loss of smell include a burning sensation, dryness and the presence of hard crusts in the nostrils. In some cases, soreness and itching in the nostrils may also be present.

When to use Silicea?

Silicea is a great choice of medicine for handling cases of anosmia associated with tendency of chronic cold with bad smelling yellow discharge.

How to use Silicea?

Silicea is mainly used in 6X power two to three times daily.

3. Pulsatilla – For Loss Of Smell With Loss Of Taste

Pulsatilla is a wonderful medicine for anosmia attended with loss of taste. In some cases, the person may experience loss of appetite. Other attending features include thick greenish nasal discharge and sneezing. The symptoms tend to worsen indoors and get better in open air. In some cases, itching in nostrils may be felt mostly in the evening. Nose blockage in the evening while going to bed is another symptom that may be noted.

When to use Pulsatilla?

Its use is recommended where loss of smell along with loss of taste is present with thick green discharge from the nose.

How to use Pulsatilla?

The potency of this medicine differs from case to case from low to high. Usually, it is used in 30C potency that can be taken one to two times a day.

4. Calcarea Carb – For Anosmia And Nasal Blockage

This medicine offers great help when there is loss of smell and nasal blockage. Nasal blockage makes breathing through nose difficult especially at night. There may be nasal dryness while in some cases yellow-colored nasal discharge flows. It also offers best help when loss of smell is linked with nasal polyps.

When to use Calcarea Carb?

Calcarea Carb should be considered in anosmia cases where blockage of nose is marked with difficulty in breathing through the nose.

How to use Calcarea Carb?

It is advised to take Calcarea Carb 30C once a day.

5. Kali Bichrome – For Anosmia with Sinusitis

Kali Bichrome is a natural homeopathic medicine for anosmia that is linked with sinusitis. The main symptoms that indicate the need for Kali Bichrome include constant stuffiness in the nose, stringy/sticky/ropy nasal discharge and fullness at the root of the nose. A sinus headache also appears along with nasal symptoms. Other accompanying symptoms include a tickling sensation in the nostrils and postnasal discharge of mucus.

When to use Kali Bichrome?

It is the best choice of medicine to help cases of loss of smell occurring in persons who suffer from sinusitis with sticky/ropy nasal discharge.

How to use Kali Bichrome?

This medicine can be taken in 30C potency once or twice daily.

6. Lemna Minor – Homeopathic Cure for Anosmia with Nasal Polyps

Lemna Minor is an important homeopathic medicine for anosmia in cases of nasal polyps. The person requiring this remedy experience loss of smell, obstruction in nostrils, and frequent sneezing attacks. The other symptoms include a thick, viscid or excessive purulent (pus-like) discharge from the nose. The nasal symptoms tend to get worse in damp surroundings and rainy weather.

When to use Lemna Minor?

Lemna Minor is the most helpful medicine when it comes to treat loss of smell linked with nasal polyps.

How to use Lemna Minor?

It is frequently given in mother tincture (Q) form. Lemna Minor Q can be used one to two times a day.

Symptoms Attending Anosmia

Depending on the cause behind anosmia, a person shows symptoms like nasal discharge, post nasal drip, sneezing and nasal blockage.

Persons having anosmia may also have loss of taste

Complete loss of smell may make it difficult to sense a dangerous circumstance and take measures to stop it, for example if there is gas leakage from cylinder or fire, a person suffering from anosmia may be unable to sense it and seek help.

Sometimes loss of smell may lead to depression.

Causes Of Anosmia

The reasons behind anosmia are variable. Anosmia may arise due to swelling in the nose, blockage in the nose that hinders odors reaching the top of the nose or due to damage to brain /olfactory nerve (that sends signal of smell from nose to brain) /olfactory receptors.  However, in approximately 20 per cent of the cases, anosmia has no cause (a condition known as idiopathic anosmia). The causes of anosmia are summed below:

Causes related to nasal irritation or congestion:

1. Sinusitis (acute or chronic) –Inflammation of the lining of paranasal sinuses

2. Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) – Nasal allergy where inhalation of allergens like dust mites, pollen leads to symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itching in nose or eyes, watering from the nose

3. Common cold – Viral infection of upper respiratory tract

4. Influenza – Viral infection of respiratory tract caused by influenza virus

5. Non-allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis – In this condition, symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis appear, but without any known cause.

6. COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) – An infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus

Causes related to blockage / obstruction of nasal passage– Anosmia

1. Nasal polyps – Soft, non-cancerous growths in the lining of nasal passage or paranasal sinuses

2. Tumours in the nose

3. DNS (deviated nasal septum) –  Displacement of thin wall separating right and left nasal passage to one side.

Causes related to damage to brain or nerve

1. Ageing

2. Parkinson’s Disease – A nervous system disorder characterized by hand tremors, slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, impaired posture and balance

3. Alzheimer’s Disease – A neurological disorder that leads to decline in memory, forgetfulness and problems with thinking, reasoning and communication

4. Brain tumours

5. Multiple sclerosis – A disease in which myelin sheath of nerve cells gets damaged which impairs communication between brain and the rest of the body parts

6. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), diabetes, head/brain injury, epilepsy (tendency to get fits)

7. Chemical exposure that causes burns inside nose, certain medicines (like antibiotics, antihistamines)
8. Zinc deficiency, poor nutrition

9. Smoking, alcohol misuse

10. In some cases a baby is born with anosmia, then the condition is called congenital anosmia.

Anosmia linked with COVID-19

Loss of smell is one of the prominent symptoms of COVID-19 but the mechanism behind it is unknown. It is also one of the earliest and the most common symptom reported in COVID-19. This symptom is the most prominent predictive factor for COVID-19. Researches are still trying to find the underlying mechanism behind it. A research has found that COVID-19 does not cause permanent anosmia.