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Homeopathic Remedies for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe and complex mental health condition in which a person fails to understand or to differentiate between reality and unreality. It is mainly characterized by delusions and hallucinations. Delusions are fixed, false beliefs that cannot be shaken even when a reason is given against such beliefs. Hallucinations are sensory perceptions that occur in the absence of external stimuli like hearing a voice or seeing an image that is not present in reality. Disordered thinking and abnormal social behavior also accompany these characteristic features.

There is a vast scope for the treatment of many such psychological complaints with homeopathy. Homeopathic medicines are found to be very effective in treating Schizophrenia. Being of natural origin, they are free from any toxic side effects and are safe to use. Apart from safety, homeopathic medicines for schizophrenia are also not habit-forming, and one can withdraw their use once recovery begins. Homeopathic medicines act deeply and aim to work on correcting the root cause of the disease. Delusions of varying kinds, hallucinations, and the other accompanying features of Schizophrenia are treatable with natural homeopathic medicines. Due to the use of these medicines, the intensity of symptoms is seen to reduce gradually and there is a sense of general well-being.

Homeopathic Medicines For Schizophrenia

There is a huge list of homeopathic medications to treat Schizophrenia, and the remedies are selected symptomatically depending on a case-to-case basis. The top-ranked homeopathic medicines for Schizophrenia are Lachesis, Anacardium Orientale, and Hyoscyamus Niger. The keynote symptoms of these homeopathic remedies are as follows:

1. Lachesis – Top-Grade Medicine

Lachesis is the top recommended medicine for schizophrenia treatment. Certain delusions are mainly indicated for the use of this medicine. These include the patient’s delusion about having been poisoned by someone, being harmed, or being followed by enemies. There is suspicion to an extreme degree towards everything. The sensation of being under the control of some superhuman power is yet another unique feature in persons needing Lachesis. Another delusion could be there are robbers in the house. In some cases, there is a delusion that she is dead and people are preparing for her funeral. A wish to isolate themselves, aversion to work, and a marked loquacity (excessive talking) are also present among such subjects. There is disorganized speech and continuous talking marked by quick jumping from one subject to another unrelated subject. Repetition of the same words over and over again is also present in the speech.

2. Anacardium Orientale – For Auditory Hallucinations

Anacardium Orientale is an important medicine for Schizophrenia where a person hears voices. The voices are mostly of spirits or dead people. A few patients narrate that the voices say that they are going to die soon. Some patients say that the spirits call their names, and command them to follow them. Some patients state that the voices inside them speak in abusive language. Those who need it experience delusion as if the mind and body are separated and delusion of being double or having two wills. A very unique delusion that may be present is that on one shoulder an angel is sitting commanding and doing good things, and on the second shoulder a devil is sitting asking to commit bad things. Other accompanying features are extreme sadness, absent-mindedness, suspicion, indifferent behaviour, and lack of interest in anything. Forgetfulness, aversion to work, desire to swear and curse, and talking in phrases that make no sense are also some characteristic symptoms that may be present. Another unique feature is the feeling that everything is a dream, and nothing is real.

3. Hyoscyamus Niger – For Delusion Of Being Poisoned And Seeing Absent Persons

Hyoscyamus Niger is useful in cases where the patient thinks someone is going to poison them. In most cases, as a result, they avoid eating or drinking offered by others. There is also a suspicion that family members are keeping a watch over them all the time. Sometimes the patient does things that appear foolish. Laughing loudly at everything is also distinctly present. An impulse to strike and bite others may also arise along with delusions. Excessive and hurried talking, and unintelligible muttering can also appear. One may make strange and funny gestures like a clown dancing. The next important symptom to use this medicine is when a patient says he is able to see people who are not actually present.

4. Stramonium – Where Patients Talk with Imaginary Spirits

Stramonium works well in cases of Schizophrenia where the patient thinks that they can talk with spirits. Patients who need this remedy say that they are under the influence of these spirits. They may also say that they are in communication with God. They carry out conversations with imaginary people. A feeling of restlessness accompanies talking to spirits and imaginary people. Delusions about the presence of multiple people in the room may also arise though none are there in reality. The patient sees people coming out of all corners of the chamber. Patients who hear voices that scold them are also treated well with Stramonium. Another delusion that points towards using Stramonium is a firm belief by the sufferer that he is going to die soon. As a consequence, they start to give directions for their funeral. A constant praying and recitation of religious rhymes also predominantly appear with the above features.

5. Platina – For Schizophrenia Accompanied By Delusions Of Grandiosity

Platina is a high-grade homeopathic medicine for Schizophrenia with delusions of grandiosity. Patients who need Platina think of themselves as superior to others, and of great value to humanity. They believe that they are better than everyone else, and that all others are insignificant in comparison. Even the closest family members seem to be of no value and inferior to them. They exhibit great pride and are extremely critical of others.

6. Baryta Carb – For Suspicion That A Person Is Being Talked About

Baryta Carb is helpful in treating Schizophrenia where sufferers have a high suspicion that other people are talking about them. There is also a feeling that they are being made fun of and people are always laughing at them. Other symptoms that accompany are difficulty in concentration and confusion of the mind. Childish behaviour is also common among patients who need the medicine — Baryta Carb.

7. Plumbum Met – For Delusions Of Conspiracies Of Being Murdered

Plumbum Met is administered for Schizophrenia among those suffering from delusions of others conspiring to murder them. These individuals think everyone around them is a murderer and their life is in danger. Sadness, melancholy, restlessness, anxiety, aversion to talking, and absent-mindedness also prevail.

8. Thuja Occidentalis – For Sensation Of Being Under Superhuman Control

Thuja Occidentalis is of help in cases where the patient feels as if he is under the control of some superhuman power. The patient has a vacant look with staring eyes and may talk in a hasty way or use the wrong words while talking. They are also sad, irritable, and suffer from insomnia. They are usually unable to manage daily life tasks.

9. Calcarea Carb – For Delusions Of Being Followed By Someone All The Time

Calcarea Carb is administered for Schizophrenia with a delusion of being followed by someone all the time. Along with this, there is the fear that something bad is going to happen. Fear of misfortune and of losing reasonableness in one’s life is also present. Anxiety, high irritability without any reason, and the constant fear of death also appear.

10. Kali Bromatum – Where Persistent Sleeplessness Attends Delusions

Kali Bromatum is a medicine for Schizophrenia where there is persistent insomnia accompanied by delusions. The delusions are of varying kinds. They mainly include delusions of conspiracy, and of persecution (as if someone is conspiring against them or pursuing them). Symptoms of depression, which include profound melancholy, indifference to life, and uncontrollable weeping, are also present. Such patients fear talking to people. Another marked symptom is a feeling of being singled out as the only person for divine wrath.

11. Cannabis Indica – For Disorganized Speech

Cannabis Indica is a very useful medicine for Schizophrenia with the presence of disorganized and incoherent speech, with the tendency to stammer. A person who needs Cannabis Indica begins speaking but is unable to complete a sentence. They forget words while talking. A lot of ideas tend to crowd their brain, and they get lost in thought and/or are unable to fix their attention on one subject. Uncontrollable laughter may arise when the patient laughs at every word spoken to him. They even laugh at serious matters. They, however, have the persistent fear of becoming insane.

12. Medorrhinum – When Nothing Seems Real

Medorrhinum is a medicine for Schizophrenia when nothing seems real, and the person feels everything is a dream. This is accompanied by feelings of anxiety and of always being in a hurry. Patients are also impulsive, and cruel and tend to use abusive language. As night approaches they are overwhelmed by the fear of someone following them. They have delusions of people looking at them from behind the furniture. Apart from the above symptoms, sudden mood changes may also be present. A very characteristic feature is that patients constantly think that they have done some unpardonable sin and are going to hell, so they keep praying.

13. Aurum Met – To Manage Depression

This medicine is of great value to manage depression in such cases. Those who need it have intense sadness, and hopelessness along with predominating suicidal thoughts. They feel as if life is a burden, and the future is all dark. They indulge in self-criticism. There is a desire to die, and such people constantly talk of self-destruction and suicide.

Reasons Behind Schizophrenia

1. The exact reason behind Schizophrenia is still not clear to the medical fraternity. However, a combination of genetic, and environmental factorsseems to play a vital role in making a person prone to developing Schizophrenia. It most commonly begins in teenage or early adulthood.

2. It is also thought that some imbalance in chemicalsused by the brain(neurotransmitters dopamine, glutamate, serotonin) for communication between one nerve cell to another nerve cell and losing connections in some brain areas may play a role behind its cause.

Risk Factors

There are certain factors that increase the risk of schizophrenia such as:

Family history of schizophrenia
Certain viral infections to the mother during foetal development, malnutrition, stress, exposure to toxins during foetal life, and having gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia increases the risk of schizophrenia in baby
Infections and autoimmune diseases that affect the brain
Prolonged stress for long time periods
Using psychotropic drugs like cannabis
Some factors like childhood trauma, abuse in childhood, dysfunctional families, death of mother/father, unemployment, being bullied or any deep insult in the past may increase the risk of schizophrenia in a person who has a predisposition for it.

Symptoms Of Schizophrenia

1)Positive/psychotic symptoms: These means symptoms related to actions and thoughts not based on reality

A). Hallucinations: Sensory perceptions that occur in the absence of external stimuli like hearing a voice or seeing an image that is not present in real. a). Mainly auditory hallucinations occur in schizophrenia, in which the sufferer hears voices in the absence of any sensory stimulus.

b) Hallucinations related to smell, taste, and vision may also occur though these are not common.

B). Delusions: It is a firm belief in something with a lack of evidence to support it. a) Delusions are mainly persecutory in nature. In these delusions, patients feel that someone is plotting to harm them, someone is spying on them, they are being followed by someone, or someone will poison them. b) A delusion as if someone is controlling their thoughts or is keeping a watch on them is also a prominent feature among some of those who suffer. c)Delusion that they are very important or have excess fame.d) Delusion of possessing extraordinary powers e) Delusion that another person is in love with you.

3. Disorganized Speech: Disorganized speech and confused thoughts are present. The sufferer may give an answer to a question that has no link to the asked question. Senseless talking, jumping from one subject to the other quickly while talking. Speaking in a monotone, and saying meaningless words may also arise. They may also feel as if some external source is controlling their thoughts or think that they have some extraordinary powers.

4. Negative symptoms: These refer to not showing normal behaviour by persons having schizophrenia: It includes social withdrawal, losing interest in life activities, weak expression of emotions (not sad on sad occasions or not happy on happy occasions), lack of facial expressions, fewer to no gestures, lack of emotions, lack of motivation, neglect in maintaining personal hygiene.

5. Other symptoms are difficulty in recalling things, confusion of thoughts, poor concentration, moving slowly, writing excessively but meaninglessly, difficulty in making decisions, changes in sleeping patterns, and suicidal thoughts.

6. Catatonia:In some cases, the sufferer may stop talking with the body fixed in a particular position for long hours.

Complications

If not treated certain complications can arise such as:

Anxieties, obsessive-compulsive disorder, aggression, depression, suicidal thought or attempt, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse are a few things that may complicate Schizophrenia.

Diagnosis

1.There are no lab tests to diagnose schizophrenia. It is diagnosed by ruling out other mental health conditions and substance-induced psychosis. Certain tests may be carried out like MRI, and CT scan to check for changes in brain structure; blood tests to rule out other causes of symptoms.

2. A detailed psychiatric evaluation and symptom study is required to diagnose schizophrenia

3. Criteria given in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

(DSM-5) may be used to diagnose schizophrenia. As per this manual two diagnostic criteria have to be present for one month with a major impact on social or occupational functioning for minimum of six months. Among these one symptom is to become hallucinatory, one remains in delusion and disorganized speech and the second symptom is to be some among negative symptoms or disorganized or catatonic behaviour.

Top 9 Homeopathic Medicines To Get Relief From Phantosmia

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Phantosmia or olfactory hallucination means smelling imaginary odors that are not present in reality. Most of the time, phantosmia occurs from mild problems that are not very worrisome, and relief sets in some time. However, in rare cases, a serious medical condition like brain tumour or stroke can be the cause that needs urgent medical attention. Different kind of smells may be experienced in phantosmia cases. Some examples include rotten smell, smell of something burning, chemical smell, metallic smell etc. The smell may occur in one nostril or both the nostrils. The smell may be persistent or occasional, varying from case to case. It is of two types i.e. peripheral phantosmia and central phantosmia. When the causes are associated with nose conditions, then it is known as peripheral phantosmia. When the causes are linked to brain conditions then it is referred to as central phantosmia.

Phantosmia can be due to different reasons like sinusitis, nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis and COVID–19. Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the para-nasal sinuses (air-filled spaces surrounding the nasal cavities). Nasal polyps refer to benign i.e. non–cancerous growths that develop on the lining of the nose or paranasal sinuses. Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, indicates an overreaction of the immune system to an allergen like dust mite, pollen, etc. that results in symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, stuffed nose, and itchy, watery and red eyes. COVID – 19 refers to a highly contagious disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. Other causes are migraine, dental problems, schizophrenia and depression. Migraine indicates one-sided headache which is throbbing type and is often attended with nausea and vomiting. Schizophrenia indicates a mental health condition characterized by hallucinations and delusions, and also affects thinking, emotions and behaviour. It may also occur after a head injury. Brain tumours, seizures (a medical condition arising from uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain), Parkinson’s disease (a nervous system disorder starting with tremoring of the hands at rest followed by other symptoms including slow movement, abnormal gait, stooped posture, slurred speech, etc) may also lead to phantosmia. Stroke can also be a reason of phantosmia. It is a medical emergency in which interrupted oxygen supply to the brain causes the death of brain cells. Besides the above medical reasons, phantosmia may occur as a part of aging, from smoking and also from the use of certain medicines.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic mode of treatment is very effective in managing cases of smelling imaginary odors (phantosmia). In this mode, natural medicines are used to manage phantosmia. These medicines are entirely safe to use with no side effects as these are prepared from naturally occurring substances. Homeopathic medicines gradually bring relief by targeting the root cause behind it. Homeopathic medicines are selected for every individual case separately after detailed case evaluation. So one must take homeopathic medicine under the supervision of a homeopath and avoid self-medication. In cases where a serious cause is linked with phantosmia like brain tumor, stroke etc. one should take help from conventional mode of treatment as homeopathy has limitations in treating such serious cases.

Homeopathic Medicines For Relief In Imaginary Odors

1. Phosphorus – For Imaginary Foul Smells

Phosphorus is a prominent medicine for managing cases having imaginary foul smells. In cases needing it, there is long-term inflammation of the nasal membrane. Nasal discharge alternates with nose blockage. The discharge is greenish-yellow and may be blood-stained at times. There may be incessant sneezing that may lead to headache. In cases needing it, nasal polyps may be present that tend to bleed easily.

2. Graphites – For Bad Smell Like Something Getting Burnt

This medicine is highly effective in managing cases where a person experiences bad smell like of something getting burnt. The person suffers from cold with the discharge of thick, yellow mucus from the nose. Offensive pus-like discharge may be noted. There is blockage of the nose along with nasal discharge. Crusts may be present in the nostrils. Pain may occur in the nostrils especially while blowing out the nose.

3. Anacardium Orientale – For Burnt Smell In Morning

This medicine is also suggested when there is an imaginary odor of something burnt. The condition is worse in the morning on rising. Runny nose with sneezing may be present. There may be watering from the eyes. The nostrils are painful. Besides the above, this medicine is also indicated to manage cases of perverted smell.

4. Arsenic Album – For Bad, Offensive Smell In front Of Nose

Arsenic Album is a very beneficial medicine for managing bad, offensive odor in front of the nose. Along with this, there may be profuse discharge from the nose. Nose feels blocked even with watery nasal discharge. Frequent sneezing occurs. Burning sensation is felt in the nose. Itching is also felt in the nostrils. There is excessive weakness along with the above complaints.

5. Sepia – For Fetid Smell Like Rotten Eggs

This medicine is indicated for managing cases who feel a fetid smell like that of rotten eggs. Long-term nasal discharge may be experienced. Thick green discharge from the nose is prominent. Foul-smelling crusts get discharged from the nose in some cases. There may be post nasal discharge (PND) means the dripping of mucus from the back of the nose into the throat. This discharge is lumpy. Pressive type of pain at the root of the nose accompanies the above complaints.

6. Pulsatilla – For Foul Smell Like Of Old Nasal Discharge

Pulsatilla is yet another medicine to manage imaginary foul smells. The smell feels like that of an old nasal discharge in the nose. Thick yellowish-green nasal discharge flows which is a characteristic feature for the use of this medicine. There is more discharge indoors, but relief in open air. The sinus lining is inflamed (sinusitis). The nose feels swollen. Itching is felt in the nostrils in the evening.

7. Veratrum Album – To Manage Imaginary Smell Of Smoke

Veratrum Album is of great use in cases where a person experiences imaginary smell of smoke. It is accompanied by frequent sneezing. The nose feels dry and the tip of the nose feels icy cold.

8. Senega – For Imaginary Odor Like Pus

Senega is an important medicine to help cases of imaginary odors with smell like pus. Along with this, there is violent and continuous sneezing. The head feels heavy. Profuse thin watery fluid flows from the nose. A feeling of sniffing pepper is felt before the onset of watery nasal discharge.

9. Psorinum – For Managing Imaginary Smell Of Blood

Psorinum is a helpful medicine when there is an imaginary smell of blood. There is burning sensation in the nose followed by thin nasal discharge. There may be dripping of mucus from the nose into the back of throat (post nasal dripping). This disturbs sleep at night. The mucus may dry up in the nose which is difficult to expel.

How to get rid of Visual and Auditory Hallucinations with Homeopathy?

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Hallucinations refer to false sensory experiences related to sound, sight, smell and taste in the absence of external stimuli. These experiences are created by the mind and are not actually present. A person having auditory hallucinations hears voices, sounds or noises that do not exist in reality. In the case of visual hallucinations, a person sees things or people who are not present nearby.

Hallucinations can occur because of various reasons. Among these, schizophrenia is one of the most common and important causes. It refers to a mental health condition in which the sufferer becomes unable to differentiate between real and unreal. He/she tends to develop fixed false beliefs called delusions or starts feeling sensory perceptions in the absence of external stimuli, like imagining some person being around though none is present or hearing a voice that is not actually there. Some other symptoms that can attend are delusions and hallucinations. Other symptoms include confused speech, senseless talking, social withdrawal, sensation of being controlled by a superhuman power, lack of emotions and changed sleep patterns. Delirium refers to a sort of confusion that develops quickly resulting in reduced attention, concentration and awareness due to disrupted brain activity.

Another cause of hallucinations can be dementia which is a term used to describe memory loss, reduced thinking and reasoning ability. Other reasons could be anxiety and depression, excessive alcohol intake and use of drugs like cocaine, and marijuana. It can also occur in case of seizures (fits), migraine (one-sided throbbing headache usually attended with nausea and vomiting), high fever and kidney/liver failure. Lastly, the use of certain medicines like medicines used to treat depression, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy can lead to hallucinations.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic medicines carry a great scope in managing cases of visual and auditory hallucinations. These medicines help in gradually decreasing the symptoms of hallucinations. These medicines work at a deep psychological level to bring great recoveries in such cases. The best part of using these medicines is that they are free from side effects. These are also non-habit forming. Homeopathic medicines for hallucinations are prescribed on a person-to-person basis differing in every case, so it is advised to get any case of hallucinations evaluated by a homeopathic physician for the right medicine. Self-medication should be avoided in any case.

Homeopathic Medicines for Managing Hallucinations

1. Anacardium – For Auditory Hallucinations

Anacardium is one of the best medicines to manage auditory hallucinations. This medicine is suited to persons who tend to hear the voices of persons, spirits or dead people. A very prominent symptom is the feeling of a demon sitting on one shoulder asking to do bad things and an angel sitting on the other shoulder directing the person to do good deeds. They may also hear voices saying that he/she is going to die. A very unique symptom that can attend is a feeling as if the body and mind are separate. A feeling of being under superhuman control can also prevail. The affected persons have a tendency to use bad language, curse and swear. They may get angry over small issues and show violent behavior.

2. Veratrum Album – For Visual Hallucination

Veratrum Album is suitable for those who see persons near them constantly. It appears to them that the room is full of people though nobody is present in real life. The sufferer even talks to them. It can be attended with crying or laughing. Sleeplessness tends to trouble the sufferer. Besides, this medicine is recommended when a person has a feeling of misfortune and runs around the house screaming or sitting, brooding constantly and weeping. In cases needing it, a tendency to get violent may occur along with the above complaints. It is attended with a tendency to hit persons standing nearby or cut and tear things. The sufferer may also develop a tendency to run away.

3. Stramonium – For Both Visual And Auditory Hallucinations

This medicine is indicated for both visual and auditory hallucinations. In case of visual hallucinations, persons needing it feel as if there are ghosts or animals present around. It feels as if they are jumping or running towards them. They may also see strangers around them though nobody is present. They may also see people coming out from all the corners of the room. They may see insects like cockroaches, beetles, and bed bugs. A sensation of snakes under and around them can also be present. Sometimes, black objects are seen. It is also indicated for persons who imagine horrifying images causing terror. Lastly, they can see cats, dogs, rats coming towards them.

In cases of auditory hallucinations, the symptoms guiding its use are hearing voices and talking with persons not actually present in the room. They may also speak with spirits. An important attending symptom that sufferers could have is feeling of being tall or double or some part of the body missing. In cases needing it, religious mania can be present with constant praying. Sudden mood changes from joy to sadness can occur. A constant movement of hands can be present. The hallucinations may lead to fear, fright and violent behavior.

4. Cannabis Indica – For Hallucination With Hearing Of Bells Or Music

This medicine is well-indicated for auditory hallucinations where a person hears multiple bells ringing. He may also hear music. He may also hear someone calling out to him. An additional symptom that can attend is the feeling of the body becoming larger and larger. There may also be a sensation of having two existences. Besides, memory may become weak and concentration may decrease. Sometimes uncontrollable laughter occurs with initiation of laughing bouts at every single word that the sufferer hears. A fear of becoming insane may persist.

5. Belladonna – For Visual Hallucinations Of Ghosts And Frightful Images

This medicine proves effective in cases where person sees ghosts or frightful images. They may see monsters, ugly faces, and insects too. They fear them and wish to run away from them. In some cases, they see black animals in front of them. They are very restless. They tend to bite, hit others, and may tear things in front of them to pieces. Their hands can be in constant motion as if trying to catch something suspended in the air.

6. Hyoscyamus – When Sufferer Sees Persons Or Snakes Around

This medicine is beneficial in cases where the sufferer assumes persons who are not actually there, to be physically present in front of him/ her. The sufferer imagines as if the persons nearby are making efforts to hold him and he needs to escape from them. He/she may talk to oneself, imaginary people or dead ones. The affected person talks excessively, more than usual, in a hurry about things that make no sense. He may cry and laugh alternatively. Besides human beings, they may see snakes creeping towards them. Some fears may be present in the mind, apart from the above symptoms. There is a fear of being poisoned, bitten by animals or sold away.

7. Opium – When Person Sees Ghosts And Frightful Animals

This medicine is helpful for cases where a person sees ghosts and frightful animals. Besides, there is a feeling as if the body parts are very large. There may be excessive talkativeness. Hallucination of some masked people coming near may also be felt.

Stramonium: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

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Homeopathic medicine Stramonium is derived from the plant Thornapple. This plant belongs to the family — Solanaceae. This fresh plant undergoes potentization (process to prepare homeopathic medicines that arouse medicinal powers of its crude form) to prepare the homeopathic medicine — Stramonium. It is the best medicine to manage cases of schizophrenia and stammering.

The ‘Stramonium’ Constitution

This medicine suits youngsters mostly children very well, especially the ones who complain of mania, delirium, or chorea.

Drug Action

The most important action of Stramonium is on the mind and the brain. It also acts well on the mouth, head, eyes, and limbs.

Clinical Indications

Schizophrenia, delusions, mania, stammering, delirium, chorea, epilepsy, fears, meningitis, headache, strabismus

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Complaints Of The Mind & Brain (Schizophrenia, Delirium, Mania, And Fear)

The foremost action of Stramonium is on the mind. It is one of the best medicines to help manage cases of schizophrenia (a mental health condition in which various hallucinations and delusions occur and that affect thinking, emotions, behavior, and decision-making quality of a person). Hallucinations mean seeing or hearing things that do not exist for real. Delusions refer to fixed, false beliefs not based on reality. It suits well cases of paranoid schizophrenia in which delusions and hallucinations are marked. Those who need this medicine have terrifying hallucinations. They see ghosts, and animals jumping sideways or running at them. Another characteristic feature is hearing voices and talking with spirits. There may occur delusions about their identity. The sufferer believes he is suddenly taller, sees himself double or some of his/her body parts go missing. A very important indication pointing its use is religious mania. Those who need it keep praying constantly and do inspiring talk. Its use is also prominently indicated for cases of delirium (sudden change in the brain leading to confused thinking, emotional disturbance, and reduced awareness about the environment). It is used when during delirium there is excessive talking all the time that is confusing and unclear, singing, laughing, and a desire to escape. It can be given in cases of mania. In such cases, its use is indicated when a person having mania curses and gets violent, tears clothes with teeth. Besides these, Stramonium is known to help with certain fears. It is useful in managing fears including fear of the dark, of being alone, and of shining objects. It is also a great medicine in case one fears water, medically termed hydrophobia. The sight of water tends to bring on spasms in those who need it.

Key Indicating Features

Paranoid schizophrenia

Terrifying hallucinations when people see ghosts, animals jumping sideways or running at them

Hallucinations of hearing voices, and talking to spirits

Religious mania is where a person keeps praying constantly

Delirium with excessive talking all the time that is unclear, singing, laughing, and desire to escape

Mania with cursing, violence, and tearing of clothes with teeth

Fear of the dark, of being alone, and of shining objects

Hydrophobia (fear of water)

2. Mouth (Stammering, Increased Salivation, Teeth Grinding)

Stramonium acts well on the mouth. It is highly recommended for treating cases of stammering. Those who need it have to exert themselves really long and hard before they can utter a word. It helps in cases of too much salivation. In those who require it, the saliva is sticky. The person constantly spits saliva. Besides, it is beneficial in treating those who keep grinding their teeth.

Key Indicating Features

Stammering, a person has to exert to begin uttering a word

Too much salivation with constant spitting

Grinding of the teeth

3. Head (Headache, Meningitis, Hydrocephalus)

It manages well cases of headaches. It is effective in managing headache that worsens from the sun. There occurs boring pain in the head preceded by unclear vision. In some cases, there occurs throbbing in the forehead and in the right temple. Sometimes the headache occurs in both temples that shoot to the back of the head (the occipital region). Nausea and vomiting may occur with the headache. It is effective for those who suffer from a periodical headache that locates over either eyebrow on the forehead beginning around 9 am until noon. Heat is felt in the entire head. This medicine is well-indicated for meningitis (inflammation of membranes that covers the brain and spinal cord). Here it is used when the eyes are red and inflamed accompanied by dilated pupils, headache, nausea, frequent lifting of the head from the pillow, and delirium. It can be used for managing hydrocephalus cases (fluid build-up in the ventricles of the brain). In such cases, the guiding features to use it are excessive talkativeness, teeth grinding, staring look, convulsive motions of the head and frequent raising up of the head.

Key Indicating Features

Headache due to exposure to the sun

Boring pain in the head preceded by an unclear vision

Periodical headache over either eyebrow on the forehead beginning around 9 am until noon

Meningitis with red, inflamed eyes, dilated pupils, headache, nausea, frequent lifting of the head from the pillow, and delirium

Hydrocephalus with excessive talkativeness, teeth grinding, staring look, convulsive motions of the head, and frequent raising up of head

4. Eyes (Strabismus, Eyeball Pain)

Stramonium is also good for the eyes. It is an excellent medicine for treating cases of strabismus (squint). Its action in managing diplopia (double vision) is also marvellous. Its use is also considered in the case of hallucination where everything looks jumbled to the sufferer. Objects may look crooked, small, large, or black. A very peculiar feature is pain in the eyeball from the change of light, especially while going from dark to light or vice versa. There is excessive sensitivity to daylight. Visual illusions are present. When one looks at an object a person feels he sees rats, dogs, cats, or insects in continuous motion. The black colour may seem grey. The objects may seem multiplied and in different colours. Another indication for its use is excessive watering from the eyes (lachrymation) with headaches. Lastly, it is well-indicated when convulsions (fits) occur from bright light exposure, the sight of water or a mirror.

Key Indicating Features

Strabismus (squint)

Hallucinations where everything looks jumbled to the sufferer, objects may look crooked, small, large, or black

Eyeball pain from the change of light, when going from dark to light or vice versa

Visual illusions – objects may seem like rats, dogs, cats, or insects in continuous motion, and black colour may seem grey

Convulsions (fits) from bright light exposure, the sight of water or mirror

5. Limbs (Chorea, Twitching, Hip Joint Pain)

It is helpful in managing cases of chorea (involuntary unpredictable body movements from muscle contractions). There is irritability, sensitiveness, and inclination to bouts of weeping and alternate laughing before the onset of chorea symptoms. Trembling occurs in one or more limbs. Twitching occurs either in a single muscle or a group of muscles mainly in the upper body part. When chorea triggers from fright, this medicine is of great help. There appears creeping sensation in limbs followed by violent movements. In most cases, the movements occur in the left arm and right foot. It is also well indicated when there occurs constant motion of hands and arms as if spinning. It is useful for managing the trembling of hands and arms. Its use is also considered to manage hip-joint pain on the left side. It works magnificently in cases of abscess (a lump containing pus) of the left hip joint with excessive pain. Stramonium is also valuable to manage creeping sensations in thighs, feet, and toes. It can be administered in cases of paralysis of lower limbs as well. Twitching in hands and feet can be managed well with this medicine.

Key Indicating Features

Chorea preceded by irritability, sensitiveness, and an inclination to both weep and laugh

Twitching in a single muscle or group of muscles mainly in the upper body part

Chorea triggered by fright

Creeping sensation in limbs followed by violent movements

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from looking at shining objects, the surface of water, sun exposure, fright, touch, and pressure

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from bright light, in company, and warmth

Dosage

Its use is recommended in thirtieth and lower potencies in general. The potency is selected per every individual case based on the symptom presentation.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Nux Vomica, and Camphor

It antidotes: Merc Sol and Plumbum Met

Medorrhinum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Editor 4 Comments

Medorrhinum is a deep acting polychrest medicine that acts on various body parts, and is highly valuable to treat several health issues. It is mostly administered to treat complaints arising from suppressed gonorrhoea. It is a well suited medicine for women suffering from pelvic disorders. Its use in treating joint complaints is also noteworthy. It is also well suited to children who have stunted growth. For cases of warts, especially on genitals, it proves to be a great medicine.

Drug ActionThis medicine has a widespread action on various body parts. It acts quite well on the brain, female, and male genitals. Next, it acts well on the nose, urinary organs, back, skin, limbs, joints and respiratory organs.

Clinical Indications

Memory weakness, various fears, drug-abuse, obsessive compulsive disorder, vaginitis, leucorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, ovary pain, inflammation, cysts, fibroids, sexual abuse, warts, gonorrhoea, prostate enlargement, itching, cold, sinusitis, bedwetting, cystitis, nephritis, urethritis, cough, asthma, backache, joint pains

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Complaints Regarding Brain (Memory Weakness, Various Fears, Drug Abuse, OCD)

Medorrhinum acts wonderfully on the brain. It is a brilliant medicine in cases of weak memory. Those who need it are very forgetful. They tend to forget names of closed ones even sometimes their own, words, spellings, and initial letters. They make mistakes in reading, and writing. They are forgetful while talking, and lose the thread of conversation often. It is magnificent medicine to manage cases of fear, anxiety, and panic attacks. Main fears that are present in those who require it include fear of dark, enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), misfortune, cancer, and sexually transmitted diseases. Those who need it are anxious, sensitive, nervous by their very nature. They are always in great hurry. Its use is also suggested for cases of depression. There is sadness, tearfulness and such people keep dwelling in the past. Suicidal thoughts may occur. There is hopelessness about recovery. In many cases there may occur frequent mood swings. Happiness alternates with sadness. It also has an affinity to manage cases of schizophrenia (a mental health condition characterized by various hallucinations, and delusions and that affects thinking, emotions, behavior, and decision making quality of a person). It is of great use to tackle cases of drug abuse and alcoholism. Its use is also suggested in cases of OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder (mental health condition in which the sufferer has constant unwanted thoughts and fears leading to repetitive behavior). There is fear of contamination, germs and the person keeps washing hands due to fear of contamination.

Key Indicating Features

Weak memory and forgetfulness

Forgetfulness of names of closed ones even sometimes own, words, spellings, and initial letters

Fear of dark, enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), misfortune, cancer and sexually transmitted diseases

Drug abuse and alcoholism

Obsessive compulsive disorder, fear of contamination, germs and washing hands again and again

2. Female Problems (Vaginitis, Leucorrhoea, Dysmenorrhoea, Ovary Pain, Inflammation, Cysts, Fibroids, Sexual Abuse)

It is very effective in treating several women related problems. It is of great clinical significance in treating warts on female genitals. It is a valuable medicine for treating vaginitis (vaginal inflammation). The main indication is vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) which is thick, having fishy odour that causes burning and excoriation. There is marked vaginal itching too. Rubbing relieves it. Washing with lukewarm water also soothes the itching. Next, it can manage well painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Those women who need it experience intense labour like painful periods. It gets better by pressing feet against a support. Another complaint in which case it gives good results is heavy menses. It is used when the menses are heavy, offensive, dark and clotted. Other than this it can be used in cases of intermenstrual bleeding (metrorrhagia) especially during menopausal period. Its use is also recommended to manage ovarian pain. It gets worse on the left side. Pain is drawing in nature. It gets better from pressure. It is well suited to women having chronic inflammation of ovaries, fallopian tubes or have ovarian cysts (fluid filled sacs), fibroids (non – cancerous growths in uterus). Its use is also highly considered in cases of infertility in females. Complaints that occur after sexual abuse in women can be managed with this medicine. Lastly, it is administered to women who have excessive sexual desire or have sexual perversions.

Key Indicating Features

Warts on female genitals

Vaginitis with thick discharges from vagina of fishy odour that causes burning and excoriation

Vaginal itching, gets better from rubbing, and washing with lukewarm water

Painful periods with intense labour like painful periods with drawing up of knees

Heavy periods with offensive, dark and clotted blood

Inflammation of ovaries, fallopian tubes, ovarian cysts, fibroids

Infertility in females

3. Male Problems (Gonorrhoea, Urethritis, Prostate Enlargement, High Sex Drive)

Males may find this medicine quite useful in treating some of the health concerns. Firstly, it is an important medicine to manage gonorrhoea (a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae). It is indicated when there is a thin, transparent urethral discharge mixed with white mucus staining clothes yellow. Secondly, it is helpful to manage urethritis with marked soreness of urethra. Thirdly, it is used in cases of enlarged prostate gland with frequent painful urination. This medicine is very suitable to control men with high sex drive. Those men who need it have intense sexual fantasies, intense erections day and night, and behaviour that points towards sexual desire. It is also preferred in cases of sexual perversions.

Key Indicating Features

Gonorrhoea with thin, transparent urethral discharge mixed with white mucus staining clothes yellow

Urethritis with marked soreness of urethra

Enlarged prostate gland with frequent painful urination

Men with high sex drive and intense sexual fantasies, intense erections day and night, and behaviour indicating sexual desire

Sexual perversions

4. Limbs (Joint Pain, Restless Legs, Cramps, Leg Pain, Burning)

This medicine acts quite well on the limbs and the joints. It helps manage pain and stiffness in any of the body joints. Another remarkable indication for its use is deformity of finger joints with large puffy knuckles. It is also administered in cases of pain, swelling and stiffness of ankles. Another complaint in which it gives excellent results is restlessness of the legs, and people cannot keep them still. There are cramps in the legs that get better by stretching. It can also be given in cases of pain in the legs especially felt while walking. The legs feel very heavy and walking may get difficult. Lastly, it can deal effectively in cases of burning sensation in hands and feet.

Key Indicating Features

Pain and stiffness in any of the joint of body

Deformity of finger joints with large puffy knuckles

Restlessness of legs, person cannot keep them still

Burning sensation in hands and feet

5. Back (Backache, Neck Pain)

It manages backache very well. It is usually given when there is pain in the back along with burning sensation in the spine. The burning starts in the neck, and goes down the spine. There is also soreness, and tenderness in the spine. It is also well-indicated for lower back pain that arises from straining caused by lifting. This medicine can be used for neck pain as well. The pain in neck goes to either side, shoulder, and down the back. There is a drawing sensation in the neck. Spasms (involuntary muscle contraction) in neck muscles may occur too.

Key Indicating Features

Backache along with burning sensation in the spine

Back pain that occurs from straining caused by lifting

Neck pain which goes to either side, shoulder, and down the back

6. Nasal Problems (Sinusitis, Hay Fever)

It has wonderful action on nose and paranasal sinuses. It proves to be highly effective in managing cases of sinusitis. Here it is prominently indicated for thick, yellow green nasal discharge, post nasal discharge that is thick and yellow. It is also indicated for managing allergic rhinitis/ hay fever (an allergic condition arising from response to allergens for eg, dust-mites, pollens resulting in symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose, and itchy, watery, and red eyes). This medicine is prominent in cases in which there is a constantly runny nose. Along with this there is marked burning pain in nostrils, crawling in left nostril, itching in nostrils, and an obstructed sensation at the root of the nose.

Key Indicating Features

Sinusitis with thick, yellow green nasal discharge or post nasal discharge that is thick, and yellow

Allergic rhinitis with constantly runny nose, burning and itching in nostrils, and obstruction at root of nose

7. Urinary Concerns (Bed-wetting, Kidney Pain, Cystitis, Urethritis, Nephritis)

This medicine can be given to treat certain urinary issues as well. It is useful to treat bedwetting that occurs at night. Those who need it tend to pass excessive amount of strong smelling dark urine in bed at night. It is also well indicated to manage cystitis (bladder inflammation) and urethritis (urethra inflammation). It is also accompanied by burning pain. It also helps in kidney pain. The kidney pain gets worse when one rises after stooping. This pain gets better upon passing urine. It is also indicated for nephritis (inflammation of kidneys) cases. In those who need it, scalding occurs during urination. The urine may stain clothes dirty brown.

Key Indicating Features

Bedwetting at night – passage of excessive amount of strong smelling dark urine

Kidney pain worse when rising from stooping

Kidney pain better by passing excessive urine

8. Skin Issues (Warts, Itching)

Medorrhinum has marked action on the skin. This medicine is mainly indicated to treat warts (fleshy bumps on skin caused by human papilloma virus) on skin. It is most helpful in cases of small pedunculated warts. It proves very beneficial to manage skin itching. There are no eruptions on the skin. One feels like scratching skin until it bleeds. The itching increases at night. Itching is continuous in many cases. Itching also gets worse when one just thinks about it. This medicine also works well when itching occurs specifically over the left side of the body. This medicine also offers help to relieve pricking sensation on the entire body.

Key Indicating Features

Small pedunculated warts on skin

Skin itching worse at night

Itching worse when thinking of it

9. Respiratory Problems (Cough, Asthma)

This medicine also acts well on the respiratory system. It is useful in managing cough. The cough is dry, hacking type. It gets worse when one eats sweets. A characteristic feature is that one gets relief from coughing by lying on the stomach. Its use is also recommended to manage asthma cases. The guiding feature for its use is that the asthma gets better by lying on the abdomen with the protruding tongue. The sufferer has cough with wheezing and whistling in chest occurring when lying on the side or the back. There is desire to take a deep breath. There may be ropy mucus that is difficult to expectorate.

Key Indicating Features

Cough worsens from eating sweet things

Cough gets better by lying on the stomach

Asthma better by lying on abdomen and protruding tongue

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse in damp and cold weather, 3:00 am to 4:00 am, from sunrise to sunset, when one thinks of the complaints

Relieving factors: Complaints get better at seashore, in fresh air, bending backwards, lying on the abdomen

Dosage

Use of this medicine is recommended in high potencies. This medicine should not be repeated frequently.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Ipecac

Followed well by: Sulphur and Thuja

It can be compared with medicines including Natrum Sulph, Thuja and Pulsatilla

Kali Bromatum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 4 Comments

The remedy Kali Bromatum is derived from potassium iodide. To prepare this medicine, potassium iodide undergoes potentization. It is a process of preparing homeopathic medicines by arousing the medicinal properties from a crude substance. With this process, potassium iodide is converted into a very important homeopathic medicine Kali Bromatum. Use of this medicine is recommended in cases of pimples, schizophrenia, sleeplessness and memory weakness.

Drug Action

Action of this medicine is well marked on skin and mind. It can also handle well cases of sleeplessness and nightmares. Additionally, it acts well on limbs, male and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Pimples (acne), eczema, psoriasis, sebaceous cyst, schizophrenia, delusions, memory weakness, aphasia, depression, sleeplessness, nightmares, night terrors, sleepwalking, locomotor ataxia, impotency, ovaries disorders, vaginismus, uterine fibroids,

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Skin Problems (Pimples, Eczema, Psoriasis, Sebaceous Cyst)

Kali Bromatum acts magnificently on skin. It yields wonderful results in cases of pimples (acne). Pimples either simple, hard, bluish red or pus-fille,d all can be successfully treated with it. This medicine can be used for pimples on face especially on cheeks and forehead, chest and shoulders. There is itching in the pimples. These pimples may leave scars too. Pimples that appear in young people during puberty can be managed well with this medicine. Females who have worsening of pimples before menses can also be benefitted from this remedy. Its use can also be considered in cases of acne rosacea (a skin condition characterised by redness, flushing of face with prominent blood vessels that may be attended with pimples on the face). This medicine is valuable to treat eczema on legs. In such cases there is oozing from the eczema rash. Another complaint for which it is highly useful is psoriasis (an autoimmune condition with inflammatory patches on the skin covered with silvery white scales). Lastly, it is an important medicine for cases of sebaceous cyst (small fluid filled sac beneath the skin).

Key Indicating Features

Pimples – simple, hard, bluish red or pus filled

Pimples on face especially on cheeks and forehead, chest, shoulders

Pimples leaving scars

Pimples worse before menses

2. Mind Complaints (Schizophrenia, Delusions, Memory Weakness, Aphasia, Depression)

Kali Bromatum has widespread action on mind. It can effectively deal with many of the complaints related to mind. Among these, first comes schizophrenia. It is a chronic brain disorder in which there occur delusions, hallucinations,and disordered thinking which impairs daily functioning. Delusions are fixed, false beliefs that contradict reality. Hallucinations refer to seeing, hearing or smelling things that appear to be real but do not exist in reality. Kali Bromatum is well indicated when there occur delusions of being pursued (of being followed or chased). The delusions of conspiracies (a secret plan to do something harmful) may also be prominent and the sufferer feels his/her life is under threat. It is also indicated for hallucinations of sight where sufferer sees horrible visions. Secondly, this medicine is useful for cases of weak memory. There may occur confused thoughts. Forgetfulness is marked in the morning when one wakes up. Mistakes may occur when speaking or writing. It is also indicated for amnesia cases (kind of memory loss). It can also help manage cases of aphasia (a language disorder affecting person’s ability to communicate in which ability to speak, write, express and understand language are affected). Kali Bromatum is mainly indicated when a person forgets how to talk and has to be told the word before he can speak. There may also occur inability to express oneself. Another characteristic for its use is nervousness and restlessness. A person cannot sit still and moves about constantly. A peculiar feature is constant motion of hands and fingers. Further its use can be done in case of certain fears. These include fear of being poisoned, of being alone, of own shadow and of getting mad. Apart from these, it proves beneficial for treating cases of depression. Here the guiding feature for its use is depression with persistent sleeplessness and delusions. There may occur fits of uncontrollable weeping, fear of impending destruction and dislike for life. Sadness is marked in the morning on waking up.

Key Indicating Features

Schizophrenia with delusions of being pursued, of conspiracies or hallucinations of sight of horrible visions

Weak memory, forgetfulness in morning on waking, doing mistakes when speaking or writing

Aphasia when a person forgets how to talk and has to be told the word before he can speak

Nervousness, restlessness, inability to sit still and constant motion of hands and fingers

Fear of being poisoned, of being alone, of own shadow, of getting mad

3. Sleep Issues (Sleeplessness, Nightmares, Night Terrors, Sleepwalking)

For some sleep issues, Kali Bromatum proves to be very effective. It gives remarkable results in cases of sleeplessness (insomnia). It is best suited for sleeplessness that occurs from grief or worries. It is also suitable when sleeplessness occurs while recovering from some acute health problem. It is of great value in treating night terrors in children. Horrible dreams appear. There occurs moaning, crying in sleep or the child wakes up screaming. This medicine is also well-indicated for cases of teeth grinding in sleep. Apart from these, it can help in case of sleepwalking (somnambulism) in children.

Key Indicating Features

Sleeplessness from grief or worries

Sleeplessness during recovery period from some acute health problem

Night terrors in children

Teeth grinding in sleep

Ssleepwalking (somnambulism) in children

4. Limbs (Fidgety Hands, Trembling Hands, Locomotor Ataxia)

This medicine is well known for treating cases of fidgety (restless) hands. Here it is used when there is constant motion of hands and fingers. Additionally, it is given in cases of trembling of hands during voluntary motion. Another complaint where it is prominently indicated is weakness of legs with inability to stand erect. Other than this, it is indicated for cases of locomotor ataxia (lack of control over coordination of voluntary movements). Here it works well when there is staggering, uncertain gait.

Key Indicating Features

Fidgety hands with constant motion of hands and fingers

Staggering uncertain gait in locomotor ataxia

5. Male Problems (Effects Of Sexual Excesses, Impotency)

Here Kali Bromatum is prominently indicated to manage effects of sexual excesses. These includes numbness, tingling in limbs, memory loss and impaired coordination. This medicine is indicated to manage impotency (inability to obtain or maintain erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse). It can be given when impotency occurs with decreased sexual desire, sadness, memory loss, and nervous weakness. Contrary to this, it is also indicated for excessive uncontrollable sexual desire in men with constant erections at night.

Key Indicating Features

Numbness, tingling in limbs, memory loss, impaired coordination from sexual excesses

Impotency with decreased sexual desire, sadness, memory loss, and nervous weakness

Excessive, uncontrollable sexual desire in men with constant erections at night

6. Female Problems (Heavy Menses, Itching, Vaginismus, Cyst, Fibroid)

Kali Bromatum is of great service to manage some health issues in females. First among these is heavy menses (menorrhagia) accompanied with increased sexual desire. On the other hand, it is also indicated when a female has loss of sexual desire and has an aversion to sex. It can effectively deal with cases of itching of external genitals. There is irritation, itching and tingling in external genitals. This medicine could be of great help for cases of vaginismus (tightening of muscles of vagina when something is trying to enter it) as well. Besides, it is indicated for treating ovarian swelling, ovarian cysts. It is also helpful in treating uterine fibroids (non – cancerous growths in uterus).

Key Indicating Features

Heavy menses accompanied with increased sexual desire

Loss of sexual desire and an aversion to sex

Irritation, itching and tingling in external genitals

Ovarian swelling, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from anger, fright, grief, worry, at night, in summer, and from lying down

Relieving factors: Complaints get better when busy

Dosage

Use of this medicine can be done in both low and high potencies. In case of low potencies, it bears repetition well. When using it in high potencies, one should avoid its frequent repetition.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor, Nux Vomica and Zincum Met

Followed well by: Cactus

It can be compared with other medicines including Aurum Met, Borax, Kali Phos, Hyoscyamus, Gelsemium and Zincum Met

Anacardium Orientale : Homeopathic medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1 Comment

This homeopathic medicine is derived from the plant ‘marking nut’ or ‘Malacca bean’. It belongs to family Anacardiaceae. For preparing homeopathic medicine Anacardium Orientale, the layer between the shell and kernel of the heart-shaped nut of this plant undergoes potentization (a process to prepare homeopathic medicines by arousing medicinal properties of a crude substance). In homeopathy, Anacardium is extensively used for treating cases of schizophrenia, weak memory and forgetfulness.

The ‘Anacardium Orientale’ Constitution

It is prominently recommended to people who have delusions and hallucinations. This medicine also suits persons suffering from mental and physical exhaustion, and depression. It also suits elderly people mainly those having memory issues.

Drug Action

It acts best on medical problems related with the mind, especially schizophrenia. Apart from the head, it works on the head, gastric system, skin, muscles, nerves and limbs.

Clinical Indications

Schizophrenia, delusions, hallucinations, weak memory, fears, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, stomach pain, nausea, headache, skin diseases, warts, eczema, lichen planus, writer’s cramp

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Mind Complaints (Schizophrenia, Delusions, Hallucinations, Weak Memory, Fears, Alzheimer’s Disease)

This medicine has broad action on problems related to the mind. The complaint for which it is the most frequently used and effective is schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition affecting thinking, emotions, behaviour and decision-making ability of a person. In this condition, various kind of hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that do not exist in reality) or delusions (fixed, false beliefs not based on reality) occur. The main symptom that guides use of this medicine for schizophrenia is auditory hallucinations. A person hears voices of persons faraway, dead people or of spirits. A specific voice may be heard that says that the sufferer is going to die. There are some specific delusions that guide its use. It firstly includes delusion that on one shoulder an angel is sitting and on another a demon is sitting telling good and bad things respectively. A person feels as if he has two wills among which one orders him to do something what other refuses to do. Another delusion is that of being under superhuman control. Anacardium can be given for delusions as if everything is a dream and a feeling that the mind and body are separate. Those needing it are very suspicious. They may also indulge in senseless talk. They can show strange behaviour. They may laugh at serious matters and become serious when there is something to laugh about.

Other than schizophrenia, it is one of the best homeopathic medicines to deal with cases of memory weakness and forgetfulness. Here a person forgets names of those around him, forgets what has been seen. Absent-mindedness is also there. It is well-indicated for management of cases of senile dementia (memory loss in elderly people). Another use of this medicine is management of Alzheimer’s disease. It is a brain disorder in which the death of brain cells results in memory loss and gradually destroys thinking, behaviour and social skills to an extent to interfere with daily life.

Another sphere where it shows excellent results is different kind of phobias (fears). Among these, it is a top most medicine to deal with fear of examinations in students. Also it can help cases of fear that some misfortune is about to happen, fear of future and fear of being poisoned. A particular fear of paralysis also indicates its use.

Other than the above, persons having brain fatigue (tiredness) may find this medicine quite useful. For example, students who feel nervous after over-study and exhaustion benefit greatly from its use. Those needing it, do not wish to work, they just want to lie down or sit.

Lastly, it is indicated for cases of depression. People needing it are anxious and worried that they may suffer from a serious disease. They have a feeling of being forsaken and feel helpless. They get offended easily and become angry about little things and get violent. They may use bad language too. Persons having a history of having suffered humiliation, abuse either physical or verbal or sexual abuse can find this medicine very effective.

Key Indicating Features

Schizophrenia with auditory hallucinations when person hears voices of persons faraway, dead people or of spirits

Delusion that on one shoulder an angel is sitting telling good things and on another a demon is sitting telling bad things

Delusion of having two wills among which one orders him to do something while the other refuses

Delusion of being under superhuman control

Memory weakness and forgetfulness, Alzheimer’s disease

Fear of examinations in student

Brain fatigue (tiredness), nervous exhaustion after over study

2. Gastric Issues (Stomach Pain, Nausea, Difficulty in passing Stool)

Anacardium is capable of resolving gastric issues wonderfully. It is well-indicated for stomach pain which gets better from eating. Those needing it have weak digestion. They feel fullness and distension in the abdomen. It can alleviate pain around navel area with sensation of a dull plug being pressed in the intestine. Rumbling in abdomen in the navel area is present. It helps in managing nausea especially in the morning. There is an empty feeling in the stomach. Vomiting and belching accompanies nausea. It also acts well on rectum. There is difficulty in passing stool even when it is soft. There is ineffectual desire to pass stool. Rectum feels powerless. A plug sensation in rectum is felt. It can also be given for relieving anal itching. Bleeding with stool may occur in some cases needing it.

Key Indicating Features

Stomach pain that gets better from eating

Pain around navel region with sensation of a dull plug being pressed in the intestines

Difficulty in passing stool even when soft

A plug sensation in rectum

3. Head (Headache)

With its action on head, it gives substantial relief in headache. There is a pressing sensation as from a plug in head. Foremost indication for its use is headache worse from mental exertion. There is relief in headache by eating. It gets better by taking some sleep. There is heat in head accompanied by icy coldness of hands and feet. Another notable indication is headache that occurs from strong smell.

Key Indicating Features

Headache from mental exertion

Headache better by eating

Headache better from falling asleep

Headache from strong smells

4. Skin Complaints (Eczema, Blisters, Warts)

It is mainly recommended for treating eczema, particularly when attended with mental irritability. There is violent itching and scratching worsens it. It can deal with skin blisters (fluid-filled bumps on skin) effectively, when they discharge a yellow transparent fluid. It is a well-known medicine to treat warts (rough, hard bumps on skin causes by human papilloma virus). It is specifically indicated for warts on palms of hands. Lastly, its use is considered in cases of lichen planus (an autoimmune inflammatory skin condition characterized by small flat topped purple-colored bumps on skin).

Key Indicating Features

Eczema with mental irritability

Blisters that discharge yellow transparent fluid

Warts on palms of hands

5. Limbs (Cramps, Writer’s Cramps)

Anacardium also acts on limbs to deal with certain issues. Firstly it is an important medicine for cramps in calf muscles. Persons needing it feel pain in the calf muscles when rising up from a seat and also from walking. They may have cramps in toes as well that extend to the heel and calf muscles. Secondly, it is also indicated for writer’s cramp (disorder in which there occurs muscle spasm or contraction in hands when writing) cases. Thirdly, it is known to be helpful in relieving stiffness of legs with a feeling that they are bandaged. There may be burning sensation in the soles of feet and legs where it is required.

Key Indicating Features

Cramps in calf muscles when rising from a seat and also from walking

Writer’s cramp

Stiff legs with sensation as if they are bandaged

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from mental exertion, anger, fright, from motion, in open air and from talking

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from eating, rubbing, heat and in the sun

Dosage

Its use is recommended from 6C to 200 C potency. The potency selection varies from case to case. As a general rule it can be repeated frequently in low potency but in high potency should not be taken frequently.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Clematis, Croton Tiglium, Coffea Cruda, Juglans Cinerea, Ranunculus Bulbosus and Rhus Tox

Followed well by: Lycopodium, Pulsatilla and Platina

Hyoscyamus Niger: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1 Comment

Hyoscyamus Niger is a homeopathic medicine derived from the plant ‘henbane’ and ‘hog-bean’. It belongs to Solanaceae family. When this plant undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that arouse medicinal powers of a crude substance), we get homeopathic medicine Hyoscyamus Niger of great clinical significance. It is a leading homeopathic medicine for managing cases of increased sexual desire, mania of obscene (related to sexual matter) nature, muscle twitchings, jerking, etc.

The ‘Hyoscyamus Niger’ Constitution

This medicine suits people who get nervous or irritated easily, and are anxious by nature.

Drug Action

The main action of this medicine is seen on the mind and brain. It acts well on muscles, male and female genitals, respiratory system, urinary organs and limbs.

Clinical Indications

Nymphomania, sexual mania, mania, nymphomania, delirium, schizophrenia, alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, bronchitis, pneumonia, cough, chorea (neurological disorder), convulsions, epilepsy, hydrophobia, toothache, sleep disorders, syphilophobia

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Action On Mind And Brain (Lasciviousness, Nymphomania, Sexual Mania, Mania, Delirium, Schizophrenia, Alcoholism, Alzheimer’s Disease)

The most prominent and broad action of Hyoscyamus Niger is seen on the mind and brain. It can effectively manage various complaints related to mind and brain. Among these the leading feature that guides its use is lasciviousness which is a strong desire for sex. Those needing this medicine talk excessively about sex-related topics or sing amorous songs that express desire for sexual activity. They tend to fondle genitals, may take off clothes and expose genitals. It is the best homeopathic medicine for nymphomania (increased sexual desire in women).

Hyoscyamus Niger is well-known for treating cases of schizophrenia (a mental health condition affecting thinking, emotions, and behavior). Different kind of hallucinations occur like seeing or hearing things that do not exist, or delusions (fixed, false beliefs not based on reality). Those needing it suffer from some specific types of delusions, like delusion of being poisoned, being sold or being bitten, being stalked, etc. There is marked suspiciousness in them. They may be particularly suspicious of a plot being made to harm them. Another alarming symptom is talking with imaginary or dead people.

Another main indication for administering Hyoscyamus Niger is delirium (sudden change in brain leading to confused thinking and emotional disturbance). It can be given in cases of muttering delirium in which the sufferer’s speech is not understandable. There is decreased response to environmental stimuli and carphologia (lint picking of clothes or bed linen). Along with delirium, weakness is also marked. Hyoscyamus Niger is also well indicated for delirium when attended with restlessness with sudden jumping out of bed, moving from one place to another, constant talking, jerking of limbs, wild staring look. Use of this medicine can also be thought of in cases of delirium tremors that occurs in people who are trying to quit alcohol. The guiding features to use it here are delirium with aversion to light, constant talking, trembling of whole body and sensation as if a snake is wriggling towards the sufferer. Along with this, there is desire to escape, loss of appetite and sleeplessness.

Further it is an important medicine for managing mania when there is urge to bite, strike, quarrel, scold, kill and tear clothes. It is also best suited for cases of erotomania (the sufferer believes that someone is in love with him/her when there is no such thing). There may be a tendency to expose genitals.

This medicine is suitable for getting rid of certain fears. These include fear of being poisoned, being alone, water (hydrophobia), and syphilophobia (fear of being infected with syphilis i.e. a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria treponema pallidum).

Cases of Alzheimer’s disease (brain disorder where the death of brain cells occurs that leads to memory loss and gradually destroys thinking, behaviour and social skills) can also be well managed with this medicine.

Besides, Hyoscyamus Niger is a valuable medicine for cases of convulsions (fits). Here, it is given when there is clenching of fist during fits. Before convulsions, vertigo occurs, and the fit ends in deep sleep. It is a top-listed medicine for convulsions in children that occurs from fright.

Lastly, it is well-indicated for managing cases of alcoholism and drug addiction.

Key Indicating Features

Lasciviousness

Desire to fondle genitals and take off clothes and expose genitals

Nymphomania

Schizophrenia

Talking with imaginary or dead people

Delirium attended with lint-picking of clothes or bed linens, restlessness, constant talking, jerking of limbs

Mania with urge to bite, strike, quarrel, scold, kill and tear clothes

2. Male problems (increased sexual desire, lasciviousness)

Males may find this medicine highly useful for treating certain concerns. Firstly, it is highly suitable to manage increased sexual desire. Males needing it have a strong desire for excessive sexual activity. There is marked lasciviousness, which means they behave in a manner indicating increased urge for sexual activity. They may take off clothes and expose genitals frequently.

Key Indicating Features

Increased sexual desire

Lasciviousness with tendency to take clothes off and expose genitals frequently

3. Female Problems (Nymphomania, Intermenstrual Bleeding)

This medicine is also well-indicated to manage certain health concerns in females. It is a prominent medicine for cases of nymphomania in which there is excessive and uncontrollable sexual desire in females. They also show signs of lasciviousness like uncovering sexual parts. Secondly, it is useful for managing some problems during menses. These include headache, nausea and bedwetting during menses. It also helps complaints of trembling of hands and feet, and excessive sweating during menses. The menstrual bleeding may be heavy with bright red blood. Lastly, it is beneficial for managing intermenstrual bleeding (metrorrhagia). Its use is considered when during intermenstrual bleeding, the blood is bright red and there are cramps in the whole body.

Key Indicating Features

Nymphomania i.e. excessive and uncontrollable sexual desire in females

Trembling of hands and feet; excessive sweating during menses

Intermenstrual bleeding with bright red blood and cramps in whole body

4. Respiratory Issues (Cough, Bronchitis, Pneumonia)

With its action on respiratory system, it manages cases of cough well. Cough is dry spasmodic type and it seems to occur from a dry spot in the larynx. There is tickling in the throat which incites cough. Coughing occurs at regular intervals that shakes the entire body. Cough causes weakness along with sweating. Persons needing this medicine have worsening of cough from lying down and relief from sitting up. Eating, drinking and talking also worsen the cough. Hyoscyamus Niger works well in cases of bronchitis (inflamed bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs) especially when cough is dry and persistent. It can be used to manage pneumonia (inflammation and infection of air sacs of lungs). Here it is useful when cough is dry or rattling that worsens at night and is attended with weakness. There may occur expectoration of mucus that tastes salty or is blood-stained.

Key Indicating Features

Dry cough that occurs from dry spot in larynx or from tickling in the throat

Cough worsens from lying down and gets better by sitting up

Worsening of cough from eating, drinking and talking

5. Urinary Complaints (Bedwetting, Urine Retention)

Hyoscyamus also acts well on urinary organs. It is a great medicine to manage involuntary urination. It also effectively deals with cases of bedwetting, especially in children having a brain-related medical condition. It is also well indicated for cases of retention of urine in women, specifically after childbirth. Its use is also indicated when there is frequent urination of clear water-like urine.

Key Indicating Features

Bedwetting especially in children having brain trouble

Retention of urine in women, specifically after childbirth

6. Limbs (Twitchings, Cramps, Chorea)

This medicine works wonderfully on complaints including muscle twitchings (involuntary muscle contractions), cramps, trembling, chorea (involuntary unpredictable body movements from muscle contractions). It can effectively deal with muscle twitching of face, limbs, hands and feet. Cramps in calf muscles and toes can be magnificently relieved with it. Its use is also recommended for complaint of trembling of hands and feet. For chorea, it can be given when every muscle from eyes to toes starts twitching.

Chorea

Key Indicating Features

Muscle twitching of face, limbs, hands and feet

Cramps of calves and toes

Chorea when every muscle from eyes to toes twitches

7. Dental Problems (Toothache, Teeth Grinding)

This medicine can effectively deal with some dental issues too. The foremost indication for its use is grinding of teeth in children during convulsions (fits). Grinding is so harsh that it causes loosening of teeth. Hyoscyamus Niger gives good results in cases of pain in gums that follows tooth extraction. Its use is recommended to manage toothache that is worse in cold air. The pain in teeth may be throbbing, drawing or tearing kind that extends to the forehead. Pain is intense attended with jerking of hands, arms, fingers and facial muscles. This medicine can be of great help in cases of pressing together of gums during dentition. In such cases, children involuntarily put their fingers in their mouth.

Key Indicating Features

Teeth grinding or pressing of gums together during dentition

Toothache attended with jerking of hands, arms, fingers and facial muscles

8. Sleep Issues (Sleeplessness, Jerking)

This medicine has given great clinical results to treat sleep issues as well. The main indicative feature for its use is sleeplessness with restlessness and muscle twitching. The second guiding feature is waking out of sleep with fright. This medicine can work wonders in cases where children cry or laugh during sleep. If convulsions occur during deep sleep, Hyoscyamus gives good results. Jerking in sleep is also wonderfully dealt with by this medicine. Lastly, it helps in cases where involuntary limb movements occur during sleep.

Key Indicating Features

Sleeplessness with restlessness and muscle twitching

Crying or laughing during sleep in children

Jerking in sleep

Involuntary limb movement during sleep

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse after an emotional bout, fright, jealousy, touch, cold air, and when lying down

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from warmth, stooping, and from sitting up

Dosage

Its use can be done from sixth to 200C potency. In low potency, its frequent repetition can be done but in high potency it should not be taken often.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Belladonna, China and Stramonium

It antidotes: Belladonna and Plumbum Met

Followed well by Belladonna, Pulsatilla, Stramonium and Veratrum Album

It can be compared with other remedies including Belladonna, Agaricus, Stramonium, Gelsemium

Effective Homeopathic Medicines For Hallucinations

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 22 Comments

Hallucinations are sensory perceptions experienced in the absence of external stimulus. For example a person with this can hear a voice which is not actually present or see an image which doesn’t exist in reality and is created only by his/her mind. Homeopathic medicines for hallucinations help to target the root cause behind it and manage the complaint quite well.

These can be related to any of the five senses. These can be heard, smelled, seen, felt or tasted. These can be accompanied by aggressive behaviour, depression, anxiety and headache.

Types

Auditory Hallucinations

These are the most common type of hallucinations among all the types. In this a person hears sounds (like hissing, whistling etc) or voices, music which are not there in reality. Sometimes he may hear someone telling / commanding him to do certain things. The voices he hears may be familiar or can be unfamiliar. They may be heard in a friendly or aggressive tone. Perception of sound is termed elementary hallucinations while perception of the voices or music is known as complex hallucinations.

Visual Hallucinations

Persons having these types see things in the environment that are not actually present. For example, they may see a person, an animal, an object, light or colours which are not present in the environment and no other person can see as they don’t exist in reality. Seeing colours, geometric shapes, lights are termed as simple visual hallucinations while seeing life like images eg., persons, animals or objects are referred to as complex visual hallucinations

Olfactory hallucinations

In this type a person smells something which is not actually there. This type is also called phantosmia. For example he may smell a foul unpleasant odour, or some odour of something rotten, spoiled or burnt.

Gustatory hallucinations

These are related to a sense of taste where a person feels a taste of something in the mouth that has not been eaten. Mostly there are unpleasant strange tastes in the mouth like metallic taste.

Tactile hallucinations

In this a person feels something or someone has touched them or they may feel some movement in the body. Some examples of it are feeling as if bugs are crawling on the skin, someone has touched the body, or organs in the body are moving around.

General somatic sensation

In this a person feels as if his/her body is mutilated, disfigured, torn or some internal organs are removed from the body. There may also be a perception as if some animal has invaded the internal organ or his flesh is decomposing.

Causes

It can be caused by multiple reasons.

Firstly, it can arise from various psychological conditions among which the most common is schizophrenia (a psychological disorder in which reality is interpreted abnormally and the sufferer have hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking). Next such conditions include delirium (abrupt changes in the brain resulting in confused thinking, reduced awareness of the environment and emotional disruption) and dementia (A category of brain diseases which causes decreased ability to think and remember severe enough to affect daily functioning).

Secondly, it can result from drinking excessive alcohol, taking drugs like cocaine and drugs that induce hallucinations (hallucinogens). Some of the examples of hallucinogens include LSD, dimethyltryptamine (DMT).

It can also occur from taking medicines for some health conditions. Some examples are certain medicines used for treating epilepsy, depression, parkinson’s disease and psychosis.

Apart from above it can also arise from lack of sleep. Other than this it can be linked with seizures (fits), migraine, anxiety, depression, high fever, postpartum (means after child birth) mental health disorders, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, head injury, kidney/liver failure, brain cancer, vision problems, vision loss and hearing loss.

Homeopathic Medicines For Hallucinations

Homeopathic medicines can be of great help in managing the cases of hallucinations. These medicines target the root cause behind it and manage the complaint quite well. The homeopathic medicines are recommended for cases of mild to moderate intensity. In such cases with help of these medicines the intensity and frequency of complaint gradually reduces but in cases of severe intensity it is advised to take help from conventional mode of treatment. There are no specific medicines in homeopathy for this complaint and the medicine needed for a case is selected as per the symptom present in every individual case. So it is advised to take any homeopathic medicine after consulting a homeopathic physician who can after detailed case analysis find the medicine that will best suit a given case. In no case self medication should be done.

Anacardium – For Auditory Hallucinations

It is a natural medicine prepared from a layer of nuts between the shell and kernel of plant Anacardium Orientale commonly known as marking Nut. It belongs to family anacardiaceae. It is a leading medicine for cases where auditory hallucinations are prominent. It is indicated when a person hears voices of persons far away. Sometimes he may hear voices of dead people or spirits. In some cases the voices may be specifically saying that he is going to die. Other than this it is indicated for hallucination as if a demon is sitting on one shoulder commanding him to do offensive things while on the other shoulder an angel is sitting that is commanding him to do good things. Along with above symptoms there may be excessive anger from slightest cause with tendency to use foul language. It is a top listed medicine for cases of schizophrenia with auditory hallucinations.

Stramonium – For Visual As Well As Auditory Hallucinations

This medicine is prepared from a plant known as thorn – apple. This plant belongs to family solanaceae. Firstly it is beneficial when there are visual hallucinations. Here it is indicated for persons who see animals (cats, rats and dogs), ghosts, horrifying images, black objects and strangers. These terrify, frighten them. They may also see people coming out of all corners of a room. Next it is well indicated where a person says he sees god and is communicating with god. Thirdly it is helpful for auditory hallucinations where a person hears voices and talks with absent persons or spirits. It is also useful when a person hears scolding voices and also when he hears music. Along with above symptoms there is sudden mood changes from joy to sadness. Uncontrollable anger may be also present.

Lachesis – For Hallucination Of Fire

This medicine is indicated for cases where a person has hallucination of fire mainly at night time. Persons needing it may have chronic depression. Here intense sadness and anxiety are present. Violent anger can also be there. Apart from above it is a leading medicine for cases of schizophrenia.

Veratrum Album – For Visual Hallucinations

It is prepared from root stocks of plant White Hellebore that belongs to the family melanthiaceae of liliaceae. Persons requiring this sees many people crowding in a room. They carry conversation with them. There may be violent anger outburst with this attended with desire to strike others. Other than this it is considered in cases where a person sees god and communicates with god.

Cannabis Indica – Where A Person Hears Music

This medicine is beneficial for cases in which a person hears music. It is valuable when a person hears numberless bells ringing sweetly. Lastly it is indicated where a person feels that someone is calling him. Some of the attending symptoms include absent mindedness, poor concentration and uncontrollable laughter.

Belladonna – Where Person Sees Ghosts And Animals

This medicine is prepared from plant deadly nightshade. This plant belongs to family solanaceae. This medicine is of great help for hallucination in persons seeing ghosts and animals. They also see monsters, hideous faces and insects. In the case of animals they often see dogs, wolves and black animals. Its use is also done for persons who see fire. Restlessness, mania with biting, spitting on others, striking, tearing things are some of the symptoms that can accompany.

Thuja – For Hallucination Of Some Animal In Abdomen

It is prepared from fresh twigs of plant Thuja Occidentalis having the common name Arbor Vitae. This plant belongs to family coniferae. It is specifically indicated for cases where hallucination as if there is some animal in the abdomen is marked. Person needing it feels movements in the abdomen as if something alive is lying in it. Other than this it also works well where a person has hallucination of some strange person present on his side.

Anhalonium Lewinii – For Visual Hallucinations

This medicine is prepared from plant mescal buttons of family cactaceae. It is also indicated for visual hallucinations. It is considered for persons who see monsters in front of them. They may also have sadness and dullness. Sudden mood changes can be there. They have loss of contact with the outside world.

Pulsatilla – For Olfactory Hallucinations

This is a medicine which is considered when a person have hallucinations of imaginary smells

Cina and Staphysagria – For Gustatory Hallucinations

Both these medicines are indicated for hallucinations of taste.

Effective Homeopathic Medicines For Pica

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 9 Comments

Pica is a disorder that refers to compulsive eating of non – food items or non – nutritive things by a person. For example, a person having pica may eat chalk, sand, ice, paper etc. Homeopathic medicines for Pica offer a natural solution for cravings and for mild to moderate cases of pica.

Causes

Pica can arise in cases of nutritional deficiencies like that of iron and zinc. Mostly it is associated with iron deficiency anaemia. In such cases may be the body is demanding non food items to fulfil the nutritional demands of the body due to deficient nutrients. Sometimes in case of children who eat dirt, sand and other non food items doesn’t indicate pica and may be it is just a child’s way of exploring his / her surroundings with senses. Next it can occur during pregnancy. Pica can also be seen in persons having some psychological condition. Few examples of these conditions include OCD – obsessive compulsive disorder (A psychological disorder in which a person has compulsions to repeatedly perform certain activities / behaviours or have repeated unwanted thoughts in mind) and schizophrenia (it is a serious psychological disorder characterised by abnormal interpretation of reality, hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking). Persons with autism, intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities are also at high risk of pica. Other than above it can be present in people belonging to certain nations where eating clay is common and is also acceptable. Also in people of some cultures eating certain non – food items is considered to have some healing properties so considered normal. Lastly people may eat non food items just because they like the taste and texture of them and enjoy and relish eating them.

Symptoms

The main symptom of pica is eating non food stuff and it is diagnosed when this habit persists for at least one month duration. People with pica tend to eat a variety of non food items. Some common ones are ice, clay, chalk, dirt, sand, soap, hair, coins, buttons, paper, paint, burnt matches, cigarette ashes and metal pieces. Some people with pica may eat their nose pickings, ear wax, wool, stones, wood, glass, paper clips, mucus, vomit, even their faeces or in some of the cases faeces of animals.

In some cases pain in the stomach, blood in the stool, diarrhoea (loose stool) and constipation may arise. They may also have damaged teeth from eating indigestible things.

Complications

The nature of complications depends upon the type of thing eaten by the person. Eating certain things like ice doesn’t lead to any complication when the diet of a person is normal. But serious complications can occur in case a person eats other dangerous items like paint that may contain lead and cause lead poisoning. Some other complications of this condition include breaking of the teeth, choking, stomach ulcers, parasitic infections, blockage in intestines and injuries to the throat and GIT (gastrointestinal tract).

Homeopathic Medicines For Pica

Homeopathy offers a natural solution in cases of pica. The use of homeopathic medicines is recommended for some of the cravings (as given below) and for mild to moderate cases of pica in which no serious complication is present. Homeopathic medicines are selected individually for every case depending upon the type of craving and the attending symptoms that are present. These medicines work towards reducing the cravings for non food items gradually. They are helpful for people of all age groups. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine for treating pica under supervision of a homeopathic physician after detailed case analysis. In serious cases with attending complications it is strictly advisable to take help from conventional mode of treatment.

Calcarea Carb – Top Grade Medicine

It leads the chart of homeopathic medicines for treating cases of pica. Its use is mainly recommended for persons who tend to eat non food things like chalk, dirt, sand, slate and coal. Next there may be craving for eating pencils in them. Other than this desire for eating raw potatoes, flour and soap may be present where this medicine is required.

Alumina – Another Prominent Medicine For Craving Of Indigestible Things

Alumina is next well indicated medicine for desire to eat indigestible things. Its use is considered for persons who crave to eat chalk, tea or coffee grounds, charcoal. Next it is used in cases where desire to eat white rags, or dry rice is there. In cases needing it constipation may be present. The constipation is severe and the stool may be hard or even if it is soft is passed with great straining. The stool may not be passed daily and the person has no desire for it until there is a large accumulation.

Nitric Acid – With Desire For Lime, Chalk, Earth

It is another beneficial medicine for cases where desire for lime, chalk, slate or earth is present. Along with these cravings there may be some gastric complaints. In such conditions there may be diarrhoea with little stool. The stool may be yellow or green and pass with a lot of gas. Blood or mucus may also pass in the stool.

Cina – Another Important Medicine For Desire For Indigestible Things

This is a natural medicine prepared from plant Cina Maritima also known as Artemisia maritima. This plant belongs to family compositae. It is also very significant medicine for persons who crave indigestible things. Persons who need this medicine have pale faces with bluish appearance around the mouth and dark rings under the eyes. Twisting pain around the navel can also be complained about by them. Sometimes there are pinching, cramping pain in the abdomen. There is marked irritability in children who need this medicine. They are very cross and desire to be carried all the time.

Silicea – For Desire To Eat Mud

This medicine is beneficial for persons who have a desire to eat mud. They have loss of appetite and they have aversion to eating cooked food. Constipation may be present with this. Here there is great difficulty in passing the stool. The stool when partly expelled from the anus recedes back in the rectum. When stool is passed it is followed by burning and smarting sensation at the anus. Additionally the abdomen may be hard, distended and bloated. A tendency of excessive sweating on head and feet may be present where this medicine is required.

Tarentula Hispanica – For Desire Of Sand, Raw Food And Ashes

This medicine is indicated for cases where desire for eating sand, raw food and ashes is specifically present. Along with this there is loss of appetite with refusal to eat. Violent burning sensation in the abdomen may also attend. Sometimes there is sharp pain felt in the navel region.

Cicuta – For Desire Of Charcoal Or Chalk

This medicine is prepared from fresh roots (gathered at flowering time) of plant Cicuta Virosa commonly known as Water Hemlock. This plant belongs to the family umbelliferae. It is valuable medicine for cases where a person craves and relishes eating charcoal and chalk. The sense to differentiate edible things from inedible ones is lost. Along with this there may be abdomen pain, distension and vomiting.

Nux Vomica – When There Is Craving For Eating Chalk

This medicine is helpful when there is a desire to eat chalk. A prominent attending symptom to this is constipation with ineffectual urge to pass stool. Here a person has frequent urge for stool but passes only a small quantity of stool at a time. Soon after evacuating bowels the desire for stool is again felt. Along with this pain and sensation of weight in the abdomen is felt. This tends to get worse from eating. The stomach area is also sensitive to touch. Stomach bloating, nausea, vomiting with excessive retching are other attending symptoms.

Veratrum Album – For Craving Of Ice

This medicine is prepared from the root stocks of plants known as White – flowered Veratrum or White Hellebore. It belongs to the family melanthaceae of the liliaceae. This medicine suits persons who have cravings specifically for eating ice. Additionally they may suffer from diarrhoea. In this condition they have frequent stool. Stool is watery greenish, profuse, gushing and mixed with flakes. Stool is offensive. It is accompanied with cold sweat on the forehead.

Lac Felinum – For Desire To Eat Paper

This medicine is particularly useful when there is a desire to eat paper. Persons needing it may also complain of soreness and sensitiveness of stomach region. Heated sensation is also felt in the stomach by them. There is loss of appetite with these symptoms.

Phosphorus – When There Is Desire For Ice And Dry Rice

This medicine is well indicated for persons who crave for ice and dry rice. Along with this they may complain of burning pain in the food pipe and stomach. Stomach may be inflamed in them. Diarrhoea may also be present in them. In this case the stool is watery, copious and attended with excessive weakness. The stool occurs soon after eating anything. Persons needing it may also be anaemic.