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Do homeopathic medicines contain steroids or are steroids being used while preparing medicines? Many homeopaths have been asked such questions for long. A simple answer to this is NO. It is just a misbelief that homeopathic medicines contain steroids. These claims defame the homeopathic system of medicine. In this article, we will discuss this issue in more detail. But firstly, let us try to find out what steroids are and what their side effects are.

Are steroids natural or manmade?

Steroids are generally natural chemicals and hormones produced inside the human body naturally for normal physiological functions. These are secreted by the adrenal cortex, testis, and ovaries in the body and by the placenta during pregnancy. Steroids produced by the adrenal cortex are called corticosteroids which includes glucocorticoids such as cortisol and mineralocorticoids and those produced by ovaries and testis are termed sex steroids which include androgens, estrogens, and progestogens.

But steroids are also laboratory-made medicines of two types – corticosteroids and anabolic androgenic steroids. Corticosteroids are a type of anti-inflammatory drugs that doctors prescribe to reduce inflammation promptly in the body. These work by slowing down or suppressing the body’s immune system and reducing the production of chemicals that are causing the inflammation. These are used in treating many health issues like rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, asthma, lupus, multiple sclerosis, myositis, vasculitis, etc. Some examples of corticosteroids are prednisone, cortisone, and methylprednisolone. Anabolic steroids are man-made types of testosterone prescribed by doctors in cases where testosterone is not produced in the body in the right amount leading to medical problems and when a person has muscle mass loss from diseases like AIDS, cancer, etc. These steroids help build up muscles and prevent muscle breakdown.

Side effects of steroids

Though steroids may be life-saving in many health conditions, their overuse is linked with many side effects some of which can be life-threatening. The side effects depend on the type of steroids used, dose and for how long these have been used.

Use of corticosteroids can lead to weight gain, puffiness of the face, difficulty in sleeping, increased appetite, nausea, unwanted hair growth on areas like the face, increased blood sugar levels, rise in blood pressure, blurred vision, mood swings, acne and reduced immunity with increased susceptibility to catch infections because of suppression of the immune system. Their prolonged intake makes one prone to weakening of bones leading to breakage i.e. osteoporosis, muscle weakness, slow growth in kids, diabetes, and adrenal insufficiency which is a life-threatening condition.

Use of anabolic steroids can result in fluid retention, facial hair, male pattern baldness, stunted growth in teenagers, mood swings, aggression and changes in menstrual cycle in females. Due to their overuse, the body may stop producing testosterone leading to decrease in sperm count, reduced size of testicles, breast growth in men and infertility. Their long term consumption can damage the heart, liver and kidneys, and lead to high LDL (low density lipoprotein) increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

What is homeopathy and what types of medicines it uses for healing?

Homeopathy is a 200-year-old system of medicine founded by German physician Dr Samuel Hahnemann based on the law of ‘Similia Similibus Curentur’ or ‘like cures like’.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), homeopathy is the second largest medical system in the world. It is being practiced in over 84 countries. This globally trusted healing system is used by over 50 crore people worldwide. Homeopathy healing system is well-recognized under AYUSH which includes five alternative healthcare systems i.e. Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.

Homeopathy is capable of healing many acute and chronic health issues. The medicines used in homeopathic treatment of diseases are all 100 percent natural medicines mainly sourced from plants and minerals with no chemicals or toxins. To date, no side effects have been noticed from the use of these medicines. Prescription of steroids is not allowed in homeopathy and no homeopathic medicine contains any steroid in any form. Only qualified allopathic doctors are allowed to prescribe steroids as required in some cases.

Homeopathy has abundant natural effective medicines, it does not require steroids

Homeopathy itself is a complete healing system highly enriched with a plenty of natural medicines that are very effective in managing health ailments. These can help as great anti-inflammatory medicines with zero side effects as well as no chance of suppression of the immune system. So, why would a homeopath use any steroid as homeopathy is itself blessed with safe, natural remedies that can do only good and no harm.

Quick homeopathic action may raise doubts

Whenever immediate relief in acute conditions occurs with homeopathic medicines, one might anticipate that these medicines may contain steroids as steroids work very quickly beyond imagination. There is also a belief that homeopathy works very slowly and quick relief can never happen with it, so how did I get instant relief? People who raise such doubts are not well versed with homeopathy and its principles, the types of medicines used in it so they might believe homeopathic medicines contain steroids.
Homeopathy works slowly is also a myth. The fact is that when homeopathic medicines are selected accurately based on homeopathic principles with the correct dose and potency, they can work significantly faster than one may think. They start acting as soon as these are absorbed on the tongue with the help of nerve endings. In acute cases like diarrhea, cold, cough, headache, and earache, the signs of improvement may be evident sooner as compared to chronic cases where it may act gradually. How fast these medicines act varies from case to case as per the nature of the disease, the chronicity of the complaint, and individual response to medicine.

If homeopathic medicines contain steroids, there would have been side effects as well

It is a well-known fact that the use of steroids can lead to multiple side effects as mentioned above. So, in case homeopaths would use steroids, then their side effects must follow the use of any homeopathic medicine. But none of these side effects have been ever reported with the administration of any homeopathic medicine.

Laboratory tests to find out presence of steroids in homeopathic medicines

Colorimetric method of testing steroids

A false positive result in this test may raise a question that homeopathic medicines contain steroids. Hence this test should not be followed to confirm steroid presence in homeopathic medicines.
This test is an old method to detect the presence of a steroid in a substance that uses tetrazolium blue salts. A highly-colored compound called Farmazan is produced in the substance on which this test is done if it contains steroids. The presence of a reducing sugar in a substance may lead to a false positive result. Homeopathic pills contain reducing sugars so there is always a chance that the medicine will give a false positive result. Further homeopathic medicines have a slight amount of dispensing alcohol that can give false positive results as well. Such tests cannot be followed for steroid confirmation in homeopathic medicines and pills.

What other tests can be followed for confirmation of steroids? 

The authentic tests to confirm the presence of steroids in homeopathic medicines include the thin-layer chromatography method, the Liebermann Burchard test and the UV absorption method. These tests are the most accurate tests for confirming steroids in any substance. Homeopathic medicines will never show a positive reaction in this test. Also to be noted that only FDA-approved laboratories should be chosen for testing homeopathic medicines as not every laboratory is equipped with appliances to carry out testing.

Conclusion: From the above discussion, it is very clear that homeopathy is a very natural healing system based on fixed principles. Neither do homeopathic medicines contain steroids nor do homeopaths prescribe steroids. We must never believe any hearsay lacking proof in this regard and look for facts in every case before getting convinced about the veracity of any rumors.

Alopecia barbae is a form of alopecia areata which affects hair follicles of the beard. Alopecia areata is a condition in which hair falls out in small, coin – sized, round spots/ patches. Alopecia areata tends to affect the scalp though it can also affect areas like beard, eyebrows etc. Alopecia areata is among the most common forms of hair loss seen by dermatologists. When it affects the beard area, it is referred to as alopecia barbae. Alopecia areata is considered to be an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune disease the immune cells by mistake tend to attack and destroy the body’s healthy cells and tissues. In case of alopecia areata the immune cell attacks hair follicles. Homeopathic medicines for alopecia barbae help in a very natural way by moderating the immune system which is causing the damage to hair follicles. 

Causes

As described above alopecia barbae is autoimmune in origin in which the immune cells due to a misdirected response attack the hair follicles in the beard region. Misdirected responses of these cells lead to weakening of the roots of hair causing patchy hair loss. Immune cells are the cells that normally help to fight and exclude infectious agents like bacteria, virus, parasites etc. from the body. But in alopecia barbae these cells consider the hair to be something foreign and harmful for the body thus begins the destruction process as a part of self defence.
Genetics is also thought to play a role in causing alopecia barbae. So people having someone in the family having complaints of alopecia are at high risk to develop the same.
Other than this if a person himself or someone in his blood relation has asthma, allergies or some autoimmune disease (like lupus, psoriasis, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes) are at increased risk of alopecia barbae.

Apart from the above, stress either on psychological level or physical level is also associated with alopecia. Stress, anxiety , depression are linked with it. It can also get triggered with use of certain medicines. Next this condition can arise from hormonal imbalance.
Imbalance between testosterone, androgen and dihydrotestosterone hormones can cause hair loss from the beard. Increased production of a female hormone estrogen can also interrupt normal growth patterns.
Excessive intake of alcohol and smoking are also linked with this hair loss. Smoking mainly causes shrinking of blood vessels which reduces the flow of blood to face and can lead to hair loss from the beard area. Alopecia barbae mostly affects males between the age of 30 yrs and 40 yrs.

Symptoms 

Among all the hair follicles of beard each and every individual hair follicle goes through a growth phase, resting phase and falling phase which is independent of any other hair follicle. So when a hair follicle is in resting phase it eventually falls out which is normal. With time new hair grows in its place. It is absolutely normal to lose a few hair strands daily due to this natural cycle that each and every hair follicle follows. But if the hair is losing from beard in bunches and additionally new growth is not occurring then it may be an indication of alopecia barbae needing treatment.

Alopecia barbae begins as hair loss occurring in small circular patches. The hair present at the edges of these spots may be white. Touching the skin from where hair has come out usually feels smooth but in rare cases it can be rough too. These bald spots on skin may be inflamed, red along with irritation sometimes. Near to the bald patch exclamation mark hair can be present. These hairs are thick at the top and narrower or thin close to base or as they enter skin.

Initially hair loss in this begins in areas along the jawline. The hair loss can occur in the area around the cheek, mouth, chin or neck region. Itching, tingling, burning sensation and pain can appear on the particular area of beard before loss of hair occurs. There may be one or multiple patches of hair loss varying from case to case. The patches are small in beginning that enlarges with time and also the patches tend to overlap each other as time progresses. A person can also lose all hair from beard in this condition. The speed at which hair loss occurs varies from case to case. In some cases hair loss appears suddenly in a few days and while in others it can be seen to occur over a few weeks. In some cases the hair loss is limited to the beard area while in others hair loss can also be present on the scalp along with beard.

Homeopathic Medicines for Alopecia Barbae 

Homeopathy offers a very effective treatment for cases of alopecia barbae. these medicines firstly aim to halt the further increase in the size of bald spots already present and also the formation of any new patch of hair loss in the beard area. Next they help in regrowth of new hair in the bald patches in the beard. The homeopathic medicines being prepared from naturally occurring substances treat these cases in a very mild, gentle and safe way without any side effects. They also help in treating any associated hair loss occurring from scalp, moustache area and even eyebrows if present along with hair loss from beard. 

1. Fluoric Acid – Top Grade Medicine for Hair Loss in Spots

Fluoric Acid is one of the leading homeopathic medicines for treating cases of hair loss that occurs in spots. In cases needing it the hair gets dry, breaks and falls out in spots. Tendency of hair to get mat at the end can be present where it is needed. It is well indicated for hair loss triggered specifically after typhoid fever

2. Phosphorus – Excellent Remedy for Hair Loss in Patches

Phosphorus is another very effective medicine for cases where hair loss is appearing in well defined patches. For using it hair loss can be present on both the beard area and the scalp. Roots of hair can be dry and have turned gray in cases requiring it. In case of scalp the hair loss is copious and hair comes out in bunches. In these cases itching on the scalp is also prominent.

3. Natrum Mur – For Abundant Hair Loss from Beard

This medicine is well indicated for males having complaints of abundant hair loss from the beard area.  The face in them may be oily and greasy. Itching eruptions especially on the chin can be present in them. Other than alopecia areata in beard its use is also recommended for excessive hair loss from beard area in case of barber’s itch (folliculitis means infection / inflammation of hair follicles that affects beard area of men.) Next it helps cases where hair fall is present from moustache and from scalp. Here hair fall mainly occurs from the forepart of head and sides of the head and scalp is very sensitive to touch. Lastly it is indicated for hair fall occurring from genital area in men.

4. Calcarea Carb – For Hair Loss and Dry Hair

Use of this medicine is considered when the hair is dry and falls in spots. For using it hair loss is present in the beard, sides of head and top of the head. Pain at the root of hair may accompany it. Great sensitivity of the scalp and a cold sensation in the head can be present along with hair loss from the scalp.

5. Phosphoric Acid – For Hair Loss that Follows after Grief 

This medicine is highly valuable for cases of hair loss from beard or scalp that occurs after some sort of grief and sorrow. In many cases hair is very thin and lustreless. It also helps when hair loss appears specifically after fever. Premature greying of hair can be another concern in people who need this medicine. 

6. Kali Carb – For Hair Loss on Beard, Scalp and Eyebrows

This medicine is prominently indicated for hair loss from beard, scalp and even eyebrows. In cases needing it the hair is brittle and dry. In the case of the scalp it is used when hair falls mainly from the sides of the head along with burning and itching on the scalp.

7. Graphites – For Hair Loss from Beard and Moustache Area

It is a useful medicine for males who complain of hair loss from beard and moustache area. Skin of the face is usually dry. They may have eruptions covered with scabs on the face. Other than above it is also indicated for smooth and shiny bald spots on the head.

8. Aurum Mur – For Hair Fall from Beard and Scalp

Aurum Mur is a significant medicine to treat cases where hair fall is present from the beard area as well as scalp. Itching and tickling on the face may attend. Sometimes stitching pain is present in the face. In some cases additional hair fall may also be present from eyebrows.

Galactorrhea refers to flow of milky discharge from the nipples which is not related to normal milk secretion that appears with childbirth and breastfeeding. It is not a disease but can point towards some other health condition. Mostly it tends to occur in women between the ages group 20 to 35, but it can also appear in men, newborns and infants (babies less than 1 yr age) too. Homeopathic medicines for galactorrhea can help gradually reduce the milk flow in these cases.

Reasons 

Common causes of galactorrhea for both men and women include the following: 

Galactorrhea usually arises from excessive prolactin hormone. Prolactin is a milk hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Prolactin helps in regulating periods in non pregnant women; promoting breast growth during pregnancy and helps in lactation means production of milk for breast feeding. Excessive prolactin and galactorrhea  can occur from following reasons: 

Prolactinoma ( a benign means non – cancerous tumour that forms in the pituitary gland and leads to overproduction of the hormone prolactin.) 

In females the prolactinoma can cause galactorrhea in addition to other symptoms that includes irregular menstrual periods or absent periods; painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness, low sex drive, fertility issues, acne (pimples), excessive hair growth on the face and body.

In males, this tumour can cause low libido (low sex drive), erection issues, enlargement of breast (gynaecomastia), low sperm count, decrease in facial and body hair and galactorrhea though it is rare. 

Headaches, visual disturbance and low bone density can occur in both males and females from prolactinoma.

Side effects of certain medicines can lead to galactorrhea. This some antidepressant (eg, paroxetine), antipsychotics like risperidone and high blood pressure medicine (eg methyl dopa); using opioid medicines (like fentanyl.)

Underactive Thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Use of herbal supplements like fenugreek, fennel seeds; 

Some medical conditions including chronic kidney disease; some types of lung cancer, liver disorder like cirrhosis

Stress

Chest wall injuries / surgeries.

In some cases no cause can be ruled out behind galactorrhea, such cases are referred to as idiopathic galactorrhea (it may be arising from increased sensitivity of  breast tissue  to prolactin hormone in the blood. In case the sensitivity is high galactorrhea can occur even when prolactin level in blood lies within normal range.)

In women

In women other than above causes taking birth control pills (oral contraceptive pills) can be another cause for galactorrhea. This can arise from imbalance of hormones caused by these birth control pills. It can also happen from excessive breast stimulation during sexual activity or from self examining of breast at very small intervals and nipple manipulation.

In men

In men, it can arise from low  testosterone apart from above reasons. It remains the common reason behind galactorrhea in males. This also results in breast enlargement in males (gynaecomastia). When this is the cause they may also experience erectile dysfunction and decrease sexual desire in them.

In newborns

Galactorrhea can occur in newborns too. This tends to happen from increased oestrogen levels in the mother that can enter the placenta and get into the baby’s blood before birth. It can also lead to enlarged breast in babies and also milky nipple discharge.

Signs and Symptoms 

The main sign of galactorrhea is a discharge of white  milky fluid from the nipple. It can be constant or appears at some intervals and can be slight or heavy flow. In some cases it tends to come out itself and in others on pressing the nipple. Either one or both the breasts can be affected in this. Other associated symptoms that can arise include irregular menstrual cycle, headaches or vision problems.

Homeopathic Medicines for Galactorrhea

Homeopathy offers very natural and effective treatment for cases of galactorrhea. These medicines bring excellent results in these cases by working towards regulating the hormonal levels in the body which is the main reason behind galactorrhea. They also help in treating any associated menstrual irregularities when present in any case. These medicines being of natural origin are very safe to use among females of all age groups. 

1. Pulsatilla – Top grade medicine for galactorrhea cases

Pulsatilla is a natural medicine prepared from plant Pulsatilla Nigricans commonly known as wind flower and pasque flower. This entire fresh plant when in flower is used to prepare homeopathic medicine. This plant belongs to family ranunculaceae. It is a top listed medicine for treating cases of galactorrhea. Its use is indicated when non pregnant females have milk in breast along with marked fullness of breast. The females needing it may also have menstrual irregularities along with this. The menses can occur too late or too early in them. The menstrual flow also varies from scanty to profuse. The menstrual blood can be thick, clotted or thin and can be black coloured. It is a top listed medicine to treat cases where milk like fluid starts to flow from the breasts of girls before puberty.

2. Asafoetida – For Galactorrhea with Congested Breast

This medicine is prepared from gum resin obtained by incision from the living root of Asafoetida plant. This plant belongs to the family umbelliferae. This is a very helpful medicine when there is milk secretion in a non pregnant woman. Along with this the breasts are congested and distended.

3. Merc Sol – For Milk Fluid Secretion during Menses

Merc Sol is a prominently indicated medicine for females who are full breast with milk during menses. They also have pain in the breast with this. Sometimes they have milk in the breast instead of menses. It is one of the leading medicines for galactorrhea in females during puberty. Apart from above it is also indicated for boys who complain of galactorrhea.

4. Cyclamen – When Milk Flow Occurs after Menses

Cyclamen is a natural medicine prepared from the root of plant Cyclamen Europaeum commonly known as sow – bread. This plant belongs to family primulaceae. The indicating feature to use it is milk in non pregnant females after menses. Along with this the breast is also swollen. In some cases the breast is painful, hard having a stitching sensation in it along with discharge of milky fluid. In some cases needing it menstrual irregularities may be present. This can be attended with headache, blindness or fiery spots before the eyes.

5. Borax – When Milk is Thick in Galactorrhea

It is the next well indicated medicine to treat cases of galactorrhea. Its use is suggested when the discharged milk is too thick. It is also very profuse. Females needing it may also have low sex drive. Apart from above infertility issues may also be present in females who require it.

6. Belladonna – For Heaviness and Hardness of Breast

Belladonna is a natural medicine prepared from a plant named Deadly Nightshade. This plant belongs to family solanaceae. It is also a beneficial medicine when the milk fills in the breasts of females who are not pregnant. The milk starts flowing out of the breast in copious amounts. Along with this, there is heaviness and hardness of breast. 

7. Lycopodium – Natural Medicine for Galactorrhea

This medicine is prepared from plant Lycopodium Clavatum commonly known as club moss. This plant belongs to family lycopodiaceae. It is another excellent medicine for cases of milk discharge from nipples in non lactating females. Additionally they may have tendency to have late periods. Another complaint that they may have is low libido ( decrease desire for sex). Lastly they can have dryness of vagina that lead to painful intercourse.

8. Phosphorus – For Amenorrhoea (absent periods)

The main indicating feature to use Phosphorus is absent periods with milk in breast of non pregnant women. Females who require it may also have tendency to late periods but with very copious flow. The menses may also last for long period of time in them.