Search Results for: sinusitis

Nasal Polyps – Causes, Symptoms and Homeopathy

Nasal polyps are soft, painless, non-cancerous growths that move freely and arise from the mucous membrane of the nose or paranasal sinuses. They are caused due to allergies and recurrent nasal infections.

Homeopathy has an applaudable natural treatment for nasal polyps with zero side effects. Homeopathic medicines treat nasal polyps to achieve two outcomes. First, they provide symptomatic relief for complaints like nasal blockage, nasal discharge, loss of smell, etc. Second, the use of homeopathic medicines stops the increase in the size of nasal polyps, followed by the gradual shrinking of their size. The latter is accomplished by uprooting the underlying root cause that predisposes a person to nasal polyps. Homeopathic medicines strengthen the immune system which keeps recurrent nasal infections at bay. In some cases, they moderate the overactive immune system to prevent frequent allergy episodes.

Use of anti-allergens

Use of nasal spray, antihistamines and antibiotics is very commonly recommended for symptom management under the conventional mode of treatment. However, these offer only temporary relief and also carry the risk of possible side effects and can also be habit forming. Homeopathic medicines, on the other hand, offer long term relief in nasal polyps symptoms without any worry of dependency. If homeopathic treatment is followed regularly as guided by a homeopathic physician, it can be discontinued once the desired results have been obtained.

Alternative to surgical procedure

Homeopathy is a very safe and highly effective alternative option to surgery to treat nasal polyps. Generally, one would want to avoid surgery; even if one opts for it, it does not guarantee a permanent cure. In many cases, nasal polyps tend to regrow as the root cause remains untreated. Here, homeopathy is a great alternative which shrinks nasal polyps gently, safely and naturally. Surgery should only be considered as an option in complicated cases that fail to respond to non-surgical medical treatments.

Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines for Nasal Polyps

Some top-rated medicines for treating nasal polyps are Lemna Minor, Teucrium Marum, Sanguinaria Nitricum, Calcarea Carb, Allium Cepa, Kali Bichromicum and Phosphorus.

1. Lemna Minor – Best Homeopathic treatment for Nasal Polyps

In the list of all major homeopathic medicines for nasal polyps, Lemna Minor occupies the top rank. In my clinical practice, I have found Lemna Minor very effective in curing nasal polyps. Lemna Minor is indicated when nasal blockage is very intense from nasal polyps. Loss of smell (anosmia) may also be present. The nasal turbinate may also show marked swelling. Person may complain of thick, profuse, yellow-white nasal discharge. Foul smell from nose may also accompany. Polyps that typically worsen in wet weather, indicate the use of Lemna Minor.

When to use Lemna Minor?

Lemna Minor is highly recommended for managing nasal blockage and loss of smell from nasal polyps.

How to use Lemna Minor?

It is used in mother tincture (Q) form generally. Lemna Minor Q can be taken once or twice a day.

2. Teucrium – Homeopathic Medicine for Post-Nasal Polyps

Teucrium is a well-indicated homeopathic medicine for post-nasal polyps. I usually prescribe this medicine when nasal polyps lead to the obstruction of nose on the side a person lies down on. Other symptoms that indicate its use are – There is much sneezing and blockage of nostrils. Crawling sensation in nose may also be felt. Sense of smell is lost. Large offensive crusts may pass from nose. Person may also complain of abad taste inthe throat. Hawking of mucus from the throat also appears.

When to use Teucrium Marum?

The key feature of using this medicine is the blockage of nose on the same side on which a person lies down.

How to use Teucrium Marum?

It can be used in different potencies from low to high as per severity of the complaint. Initially it is advised to use Teucrium in 30 C potency two times a day for good results.

3. Sanguinaria Can – For Right-sided Nasal Polyps

Sanguinaria Can is the next best homeopathic medicine of great help in treating nasal polyps. It shows great affinity to treat nasal polyps on the right side. A person who needs a prescription for Sanguinaria Nitricum shows watery, nasal discharge ora burning nature. Other features are pressure over the root of the nose, plugged sensation in nostrils, enlarged nasal turbinates, sneezing and yellow, bloody mucus discharge from the nose.

When to use Sanguinaria Nitricum?

Sanguinaria Nitricum is an ideal medicine for cases of right-sided polyps along with watery nasal discharge and blocked nose.

How to use Sanguinaria Nitricum?

This medicine can be used in 30 C power one or two times a day.

4. Calcarea Carb – For Left-sided Nasal Polyps

Calcarea Carb is an extremely suitable medicine for left-sided nasal polyps. This prescription is given to persons who complain of a blocked nose on the left side. Other attending features are fetid smell and yellow discharge from the nose. In the morning, dryness in the nose may be felt. Sneezing, markedly in the morning time, may also attend. Persons given Calcarea Carb tend to catch a cold easily, with the slightest change in weather.

When to use Calcarea Carb?

It is particularly indicated for left-sided nasal polyps with nasal blockage and yellow, smelly nasal discharge.

How to use Calcarea Carb?

Both low and high potencies of this medicine work well, however, it is advised to begin with 30 C potency once a day initially. To use high potencies like 200C, 1M consultation from a homeopathic doctor is required.

5. Allium Cepa – For Constant Sneezing in Nasal Polyps

In the case of nasal polyps with constant sneezing, Allium Cepa offers the perfect treatment. An attending feature is the watery discharge of burning, acrid nature from the nose. The nasal discharge corrodes the upper lips. Headache may also persist along with fluent coryza. Some feel there’s a lump at the root of the nose. Nose stoppage may also be observed.

When to use Allium Cepa?

This medicine can be selected to manage nasal allergy symptoms like intense sneezing and burning watery nasal discharge present in nasal polyps cases.

How to use Allium Cepa?

It is recommended to take Allium Cepa 30 C twice or thrice a day depending on symptom severity.

6. Kali Bichromicum – For Post-Nasal Discharge

For postnasal discharge in nasal polyps cases, Kali Bichromicum is selected. The post-nasal discharge is thick, lumpy, and ropy . It is attended with much hawking. Marked pressure at the root of the nose is a common complaint. A fetid smell from the nose is another concern. Violent sneezing in the morning may accompany the above features. Kali Bichromicum is also a prominent medicine for treating nasal polyps from chronic sinusitis.

When to use Kali Bichromicum?

The characteristic feature indicating the use of this medicine is thick, lumpy, ropy nasal discharge in nasal polyps cases. One may also opt for use when nasal polyps are linked with long-term sinusitis.

How to use Kali Bichromicum?

This medicine can be used in 30C potency one or two times in a day.

7. Phosphorus – For Bleeding Nasal Polyps

Phosphorus is a very effective medicine for nasal polyps that bleed easily. Apart from the bleeding, the condition is accompanied by coryza with dull headache and sneezing which worsens with strong odors. A blocked nose early in the morning is a sure sign that Phosphorus will work. Also, in cases where coryza and dryness of the nose alternate, Phosphorus is the best medicine.

When to use Phosphorus?

This medicine is prescribed usually in cases of nasal polyps that bleed often.

How to use Phosphorus?

It is suggested to take this medicine in 30C power. The dosage should not exceed one dose a day. Do not use its high potencies without a physician’s consultation.

Managing Nasal Polyps

As much as finding the allergens that cause nasal polyps, avoiding these allergens that one is susceptible to is important. Staying away from irritants like dust, strong odors, cigarette smoking, and pollution will also help.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any risk factors that predispose one to nasal polyps?

Risk factors like chronic nasal infection or inflammation, sinusitis, and nasal allergies play an important role in making one prone to nasal polyps. It needs mention here that not everyone with the above risk factors will develop nasal polyps even though they would be likely to develop the condition. Various other diseases that are associated with nasal polyps are asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic fungal sinusitis, and aspirin sensitivity.

2. How do I know I have nasal polyps?

There are several symptoms unique to nasal polyps, the most prominent among these being a stuffy nose. Other signs accompanying the nasal blockage include breathing through the mouth, loss or decrease of the sense of smell, snoring, post nasal drip, sneezing, runny nose, headache, feeling of pressure in the forehead. Polyps that are small in size show no symptoms at all.

3. What medical investigations do doctors propose for nasal polyps?

Investigations for nasal polyps include nasal endoscopy, CT scan or MRI. In addition to this, skin prick tests to detect allergic factors are also done.

4. Are nasal polyps of different types?

There are two types of nasal polyps. These are antrochoanal polyps and ethmoidal polyps. The antrochoanal polyp arises from maxillary sinus and is single and unilateral (one-sided). The ethmoidal polyps are usually multiple, bilateral and arise from ethmoidal sinus, the middle turbinate lateral wall of the nose, mainly from the middle meatus.

5. Can sinusitis cause nasal polyps?

Yes, sinusitis i.e. inflamed mucous membrane of paranasal sinus can lead to nasal polyps. Sinusitis is one of the major risk factors behind nasal polyps. However, all cases of sinusitis do not lead to nasal polyps. Why only a few having sinusitis develop nasal polyps is still a matter of study.

6. Is turbinate hypertrophy another name for nasal polyps?

No, nasal polyps and turbinate hypertrophy are not the same thing. Turbinates are the normal structures i.e. curled bones located bilaterally inside the nose. They play an important role in heating and filtering the inhaled air. While nasal polyps are soft, painless growths arising from the mucous lining of the mucous membrane of the nose or paranasal sinus. However, the major risk factors for both turbinate hypertrophy and nasal polyps are recurrent nasal infections and nasal allergies.

7. I snore at night, could it be from nasal polyps?

Snoring is a symptom of nasal polyps. But, snoring in isolation can be attributed to other causes as well. Few other causes of snoring include enlarged adenoids, deviated nasal septum, obesity leading to bulky throat tissue and elongated uvula. A CT scan or MRI will confirm whether the nasal polyps are causing snoring or other factors are in play.

8. Do nasal polyps bleed?

Yes, nasal polyps can bleed, but not in every case.

6 Homeopathic Remedies for Stuffy and Blocked Nose

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 745 Comments

Breathing is a continuous second-by-second process, and it’s no wonder then that a blocked nose is as irritating as a medical condition can get. Blocked nose is a very common complaint that can affect a person of any age group. The nose can be partially or completely blocked, and it can be blocked on one side or both sides varying from case to case. A blocked nose can be attributed to various reasons. It can be caused by cold, flu for a week or two but if it persists for more long time then it could be from some other health conditions. First among these is nasal polyps (soft, non-cancerous growths in the nose), the second is nasal allergies. Another reason can be a deviated nasal septum (DNS) in which there is a displacement of the wall separating the nostrils to one side. Further causes includs sinusitis (inflammation of tissue lining the paranasal sinuses) and hypertrophy of nasal turbinates (the enlargement of bony structures inside the nose). Enlarged adenoids (the enlargement of the tissue present at the junction of the back of the nose and throat) are an important cause of blocked nose in kids. The nose can be blocked in isolation or in conjunction or alteration with nasal discharges. Some other symptoms may also attend like sneezing, headache, post nasal discharge, cough, loss of smell depending on the cause.

Homeopathy is a very effective mode of treatment for nasal blockage cases. Homeopathic medicines, which are made of natural substances are completely safe with no side effects, are best for the treatment of a blocked nose. They function on the core of the issue for effective cure in blocked nose. Simultaneously, symptoms like nasal discharge, sneezing, post nasal discharge, headache, cough, loss of smell are also cured. The instant reaction when a person has a blocked nose is to pop in over-the-counter pills or take a nasal spray / nasal decongestant, but relief with these is temporary. There can be a relapse even after you think you are out of the blocked nose phase. However, natural homeopathic remedies for blocked nose not only ensure relief from symptoms but also roots out the cause of the blocked nose.

Homeopathy addresses root cause

Homeopathic medicines aim to treat the root cause in every case of blocked nose for complete cure rather than just providing relief for the time being. It can effectively treat nasal blockage causes like allergies, cold, sinus infections, nasal polyps, hypertrophy of nasal turbinates, and enlarged adenoids. Once the underlying cause is targeted, relief in blockage follows and gradual cure occurs in few months.

Prescription as per case characteristics

These homeopathic medicines are not selected and prescribed as per only one symptom of nose blockage, but a complete case study is done to select the right medicine to get rid of the problem. The most suitable medicine is chosen after analysing the characteristic symptoms in each individual case. The symptoms that are taken note of are the side of nose blockage, the time at which the blockage is at its peak, peculiar worsening and relieving factors, any attending symptoms like nasal discharges, the character of nasal discharge, sneezing, headache, post nasal discharge. Individual medicine prescription leads to excellent recovery in cases of nasal blockage.

Homeopathy is safe and natural

Homeopathic medicines for treating stuffy, blocked nose are prepared from naturally occurring substances. Due to this reason, these medicines are 100 % safe and effective. These medicines are suitable for persons of all age groups. These medicines work gently in the most harmless way in cases of blocked nose.

Top 6 Homeopathic Remedies For Blocked Nose

Ammonium Carb, Lemna Minor, Natrum Mur, Kali Bichrome, Sambucus and Agraphis Nutans are the top remedies to treat stuffy, blocked nose.

1. Ammonium Carb – Effective medicine for Blocked nose at night

Ammonium Carb is a leading medicine to manage blocked nose at night. There is inability to breathe through the nose leading to mouth breathing. Along with blockage, watery discharge may flow from the nose along with a burning sensation. A constant urge to sneeze may also attend.

When to use Ammonium Carb?

It is a highly beneficial medicine to help cases of stuffy blocked nose at night.

How to use Ammonium Carb?

This medicine can be used in both low and high potencies. In most cases, 30C potency is selected to start with the treatment that can be taken two to three times a day.

2. Lemna Minor – For Blocked Nose due to Nasal Polyp

Lemna Minor is the top natural remedy for the removal of nasal blockage due to polyps. The symptoms guiding its use are nasal stuffiness and loss of smell with difficulty in breathing. Posterior nasal dripping also accompanies nasal blockage. A few persons experience nasal discharges, while in others, the nasal cavity remains dry. Another symptom is an offensive odor in the blocked nose. Lemna Minor is also the most effective remedy for the polyp that worsens in wet weather.

When to use Lemna Minor?

Lemna minor is the most prominent homeopathic medicine to treat nasal blockage linked with nasal polyps.

How to use Lemna Minor?

It proves to be most effective in Q (mother tincture) form. Lemna Minor Q can be taken once or twice a day

3. Natrum Mur – For Blocked Nose linked to cold and Nasal Allergies

In cold and nasal allergies, the best natural homeopathic remedy is Natrum Mur. It is mainly prescribed when there is blocked nose alternating with watery nasal discharge. There is intense sneezing especially marked in the morning. Loss of smell and taste attend the above complaints, along with watering from the eyes.

When to use Natrum Mur?

Natrum Mur is an effective medicine to manage blocked nose associated with cold and nasal allergies when nasal blockage and watery nasal discharge occur alternately.

How to use Natrum Mur?

It gives excellent results in 6X potency that can be taken three to four times a day.

4. Kali Bichrome – For Blocked Nose Due To Sinusitis

Kali Bichrome is a highly recommended medicine for blocked nose due to sinus inflammation. Kali Bichrome is selected when the main symptoms are nose blockage with posterior nasal discharge. Extreme nose stuffiness is felt at the root of the nose. There is thick, sticky, ropy yellow, greenish nasal discharge. There is difficulty in breathing besides loss of smell.

When to Kali Bichrome?

Kali Bichrome suits well cases of nasal blockage in sinusitis along with post nasal discharge and thick ropy, sticky, yellow-green nasal discharge.

How to use Kali Bichrome?

Among its various potencies, it is best to begin with 30C potency once or twice a day.

5. Sambucus – For Nasal Blockage with Excessive Dryness of Nasal Cavity

Sambucus is the best medicine for nose blockage with extremely dry nasal cavities. One gets a suffocating feeling, and there is difficulty in breathing due to blockage that forces the person to sit up. Mostly at night, the person wakes up from sleep due to suffocation and difficulty in breathing. Sambucus is also very beneficial for kids having nasal blockage.

When to use Sambucus?

Sambucus is a great choice of medicine to manage blocked nose with marked dryness in the nostrils.

How to use Sambucus?

One may take this medicine two to three times daily in 30C power.

6. Agraphis Nutans – For Nasal Blockage Due To Enlarged Adenoids

For managing nose obstruction due to enlargement of the adenoids. Agraphis Nutans is a wonderful medicine. The blockage is felt at the root of the nose mostly where this medicine is required. There is a tendency to suffer from cold from exposure to cold winds. Additionally, the tonsils may get enlarged.

When to use Agraphis Nutans?

This medicine should be considered in cases of nasal blockage in children when it is associated with enlarged adenoids.

How to use Agraphis Nutans?

It is advised to use Agraphis Nutans 30C once or twice a day.

Treating Adenoids With Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 150 Comments

Enlarged Adenoids and Homeopathy

Is your child having difficulty in breathing from nose during sleep? Have you noticed him snoring too often? Is he having recurrent sore throats and middle ear infections? Is your child a mouth breather? If most of your answers are yes then there is a great possibility that he could be having Enlarged adenoids. This enlargement of adenoids can affect your child’s health in many ways. ; Ranging from recurrent upper respiratory infections to hearing deficits. Homeopathy has a lot to offer for the treatment of enlarged adenoids. A well-focused homeopathic treatment can save your child’s adenoids from a surgeon’s knife.

What Are Adenoids

Adenoids are small structures made of lymphoid tissue (this is the same tissue off which the throat tonsils are made up of) present at the nasopharynx (where the back of the nasal passage and the throat meet). Their primary function is to produce lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are a part of our body’s natural defense system and destroy the microorganisms that enter our system. Thus adenoids are a part of our immune system.

Why Do adenoids get Enlarged

Adenoids tend to get enlarged whenever there is an infection in upper respiratory area. Once the infection is over, adenoids get back to their normal size.If the infections are recurrent ,the adenoids go into a chronic state of enlargement. Although tonsils can be easily viewed in an open mouth, adenoids are not directly viewable. Enlarged adenoids can only be detected by an x-ray or by the symptoms shown by the child. Symptoms of enlarged adenoids are easily recognizable .The most common symptom is that of difficulty in breathing through the nose .This is most predominant at night when the child is sleeping. Disturbed nasal breathing in kids with enlarged adenoids shows up in two ways-Snoring and breathing through the mouth . If during the day time the child is showing the signs of mouth breathing ,the enlargement of adenoids is usually severe. The most worry some symptom is that of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea refers to a condition where the child has breathing pauses during sleep .This sleep disturbance manifests itself in the day time by paroxysmal drowsiness and difficulty in concentration in the kids .Other symptoms of enlarged adenoids may include bad breath and dry mouth. Increase in the size of adenoids leads to pressure changes on the Eustachian tube causing hearing difficulties and recurrent middle ear infections. Another complication that usually arises out of enlarged adenoids is recurrent infections in the sinuses – often called as sinusitis.

Homeopathic medicines for Adenoids

Whether it be the tonsils or the adenoids, homeopathic philosophy has always believed in preserving these helpful body tissues. Homeopathy offers an excellent treatment for enlarged adenoids and complications arising from it. Homeopathic medicines Agraphis Nutans , Calcarea carb , Sambuccus Niagra and Calcarea flour lead the Homeopathic table in treating Enlarged adenoids. Agraphis is very handy when along with enlargement; the hearing of the child is also affected. While treating for adenoids the overall immunity of the child needs to be carefully looked at, as recurrent infections can lead the child into vicious cycle of enlarged adenoids and upper respiratory Infections. Frequent Infections issues can be dealt effectively by homeopathy by prescribing Constitutional homeopathic medicine.

Top 11 Homeopathic Medicines for Headaches

There are more than 100 types of headaches. Among them, the most common types are migraine, tension headache, sinus headache, and cluster headache. A person may feel a headache in only one part of the head or more than one region. The various regions include the frontal (forehead), temples (sides of the head), vertex (top of head), and occiput (back of the head). In some cases, the pain starts from a particular area of the head and then reaches another area.

The homeopathic mode of treatment carries a great scope to treat cases of headache. Both chronic as well as recent headaches can be treated wonderfully and naturally with homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic medicines not only provide relief in acute headache cases but also aim to treat the root cause behind it for a complete cure in chronic headaches. Along with headache, any attending symptoms like nausea, vomiting, flashes of light in front of the eyes, nasal discharge, nasal congestion, eye-watering also get well managed with these medicines. In conventional treatment, usually pain killers are prescribed to get relief from headache. These medicines give only temporary relief. They can be habit-forming and also carry the risk of side effects.

Homeopathy treats different headaches differently

Homeopathy is highly recommended to treat many types of headaches. With regular use of homeopathic medicines for the period as guided by a homeopathic doctor, the intensity and frequency of the recurrence of headache seem to gradually decline. Homeopathy is recommended only when there is no serious cause behind the headache. So it should be kept in mind that in cases of serious causes (like very high blood pressure, meningitis, ruptured aneurysm), immediate help from conventional mode should be taken.

Individualized Medication

Homeopathic medicines are always prescribed keeping the individual in mind. Many factors are kept in mind to finalize the homeopathic prescription. These mainly include the side of the headache, the location of the headache (like side, back, top or front of head), time of the day or night, the worsening and relieving factors for the headache, the attending symptoms, and also the cause behind the headache. Such individualized homeopathic treatment tends to bring great recoveries in headache cases.

Safe, natural medicines

Homeopathic medicines for treating headache are of natural origin and hence are highly safe to use among persons of all age groups. They have no side effects at all. Even with long term use, no adverse effects have been noted.

Top 11 Homeopathic Medicines for Headache

The top 11 well-known homeopathic remedies for managing headache are Belladonna, Glonoinum, Natrum Mur, Iris Versicolor, Kali Phos, Kali Bichromicum, Epiphegus, Sanguinaria Canadensis, Spigelia Anthelmintica, Carbo Veg and Ruta Graveolens.

1. Belladonna – Top Ranked Medicine for Headache

Belladonna is a top-listed medicine for headache. It is a natural medicine prepared from a plant named Deadly Nightshade of the natural order Solanaceae. For using this medicine, the nature of pain in the head remains throbbing and pulsating type. Fullness in the head may also be felt. Pains come suddenly and tend to cease suddenly. Pain is most marked on the sides of the head (temporal region). Along with headache, there is redness of the eyes and face. Headache triggered from light is also indicative of using Belladonna. Besides, headache that are triggered by noise or exposure to cold air are also treated well with this medicine. Applying pressure over the head, tight bandaging or wrapping up the head relieves pain in most cases needing Belladonna.

When to use Belladonna?

Its use should be considered in throbbing, pulsating type of headache most marked on the sides of the head usually triggered from bright light, noise and cold air exposure.

How to use Belladonna?

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

2. Glonoinum – For Congestive Headache Triggered From Sun Expsoure

Glonoinum is the next highly effective medicine for headache. Glonoinum is a top-listed homeopathic medicine for headache from sun exposure. Its use is highly recommended for summer headaches. It is mainly helpful in case of a headache that is congestive in nature. There is a sensation as if all the blood in the body has surged to the head with extreme congestion. There is also a constriction in the vessels of the head. Throbbing, bursting sensation is felt in the head. The person feels every pulsation in the head. Extreme fullness is felt in the head with a feeling as if it would burst. Heat is felt in the head with severe pain in the forehead, and throbbing in the temples. Vertigo may arise along with flashes of heat on the face, head, and throbbing headache. The face appears red, flushed with heat. Headache may get worse from motion or jar. In most cases needing Glonoinum, the headache is relieved by sleep.

When to use Glonoinum?

Its use is highly recommended for congestive headache with bursting sensation in the head triggered from sun exposure.

How to use Glonoinum?

Both 30C or 200C potency of this medicine give amazing results. In the beginning two to three doses of this medicine in 30C potency can be used per day.

3. Natrum Mur – For Headache In Females Around Menses Or Due To Sun Exposure

Natrum Mur is the next well-indicated medicine for treating headache. Natrum Mur is a very beneficial medicine for headache in women around the menstrual cycle. The woman needing this remedy has a headache immediately before/after menses or during menses. It is also a suitable medicine for headache from sun exposure. Headache from sunrise till sunset is attended well with this medicine. The nature of headache is throbbing in nature usually with heat in the head. In some cases, there is a sensation as if many little hammers are being knocking in the head. Headache is the most marked in the forehead. Headache due to eye strain caused by reading is also indicative to use this medicine. Natrum Mur is also useful for headache where profuse watering from the eyes or disturbed vision occurs. Headache beginning with blindness or zig-zag dazzling, like lightning in eyes, is another characteristic feature to use this medicine.

When to use Natrum Mur?

The use of this medicine is highly suggested to manage headache in females that gets worse around the menstrual cycle. It is also recommended to manage headache from sun exposure and for headache from sunrise to sunset.

How to use Natrum Mur?

Its use is preferred in 6X potency and can be taken twice or thrice a day.

4. Iris Versicolor – For Headache Attended With Nausea And Vomiting

Iris Versicolor is prepared from a plant commonly named Blue Flag of the family Iridaceae. It is an excellent medicine for headache accompanied with nausea, vomiting. Vomiting is mainly bitter, sour in nature. Burning in the gastric tract is also present. The headache may be dull, shooting, and throbbing in nature. Other symptoms that may appear includes blurring of vision before headache, vertigo and constriction in the scalp.

When to use Iris Versicolor?

Opt its use when headache occurs along with attending nausea and vomiting.

How to use Iris Versicolor?

It can be used in 30C potency once or twice a day.

5. Kali Phos – For Tension/Stress Headache

Kali Phos is a very useful medicine for tension/stress headache. To use Kali Phos, the symptoms to look for include nervous headache, a sensation of weight in the back of the head, and weakness. There is pain across the forehead and in both the temples. The sensation of a band around the forehead just above the eyes is frequently felt. Sensitivity to noise also attends headache. There is marked tiredness along with headache. Stress headache triggered by stress, anxiety and emotional disturbance is a key pointer to use this medicine. The individuals needing Kali Phos are anxious, sad and full of worries. Kali Phos is also well-indicated for a headache that arises from mental exertion as in students.

When to use Kali Phos?

This medicine proves effective in cases of headache from stress, tension and headache arising from mental exertion like excessive studies.

How to use Kali Phos?

It is mostly used in 6X potency. Kali Phos 6X can be taken three to four times a day as per the intensity of symptoms.

6. Kali Bichromicum – For Sinus Headache

Kali Bichromicum is a very effective medicine for treating a sinus headache. The person needing this remedy has pain in the forehead above the eyes, with stoppage of the nose. The pain may be dull, or throbbing in nature. Frontal sinus feels congested. Another characteristic feature is mucus dripping in the throat from the posterior nares. In some cases vertigo, shooting pain at the root of the nose and thick yellowish-greenish discharge from nose also appears.

When to use Kali Bichromicum?

This medicine is the best solution for the cases of headache from sinus inflammation with pain marked in forehead above the eyes.

How to use Kali Bichromicum?

To start with, one can take this medicine in 30C power twice or thrice a day.

7. Epiphegus – For Headache from Exertion

Epiphegus is a helpful medicine for headache from exertion, mental/physical exhaustion. Epiphegus is prepared from a plant named beech drop of family Orobanchaceae. Pain is usually felt on the sides of the head (temporal region). The nature of pain is pressing type. The pain may radiate to the back of the head. A unique attending feature is increased saliva with constant spitting with headaches.

When to use Epiphegus?

It is suitable for cases of headache resulting from exertion, either physical or mental.

How to use Epiphegus?

It is advised to use Epiphegus 30C once or twice a day.

8. Sanguinaria Canadensis – For Headache on the Right Side

Sanguinaria Canadensis is a prominent medicine for right sided headache. This medicine is prepared from a plant commonly named bloodroot of the natural order Papaveraceae. Pain starting from the back of the head and then ascending up and locating over the right eye is the characteristic feature to use this medicine. Sleep or lying quietly in a dark room relieves the pain in most cases needing this remedy. Headache arising from fasting are also treated well with Sanguinaria Canadensis.

When to use Sanguinaria Canadensis?

The key indication for using this medicine is pain beginning from back of head radiating upwards and locating over right eye.

How to use Sanguinaria Canadensis?

It works most wonderfully in 30C potency that can be taken once or twice a day.

9. Spigelia Anthelmintica – For Left-Sided Headache

Spigelia Anthelmintica is prepared from a plant named Pinkroot of the family Loganiaceae. It is a useful medicine for left-sided headache. Headache located over the left side temporal region, forehead, and eyes are indicative symptoms of this medicine. Most people needing this remedy have pain that begins in the back of the head, extends up and settle over the left eye. The nature of pain is violent, throbbing and pulsating. Stooping may worsen headache in some cases. Pain in the eyeballs may attend the above symptoms that are seen to be aggravated from eye movement.

When to use Spigelia Anthelmintica?

The characteristic of using this medicine is a pain in the back of the head that extends upwards and finally settles over the left eye.

How to use Spigelia Anthelmintica?

It is best to start in 30C potency that can be taken once or twice in a day.

10. Carbo Veg – For Headache from Excessive Flatulence/Gas

Carbo Veg is an effective medicine for headache from excessive flatulence/gas. In addition to headache, there is bloating in the abdomen especially the upper abdomen. Belching (putrid, sour in nature), and heartburn may also attend. In some people, water brash may also appear.

When to use Carbo Veg?

This medicine can be prescribed to manage headache associated with excessive gas and bloating in the upper abdomen.

How to use Carbo Veg?

This medicine can be used in 30 C power two to three times a day.

11. Ruta Graveolens – For Headache From Eyestrain

Ruta Graveolens is a highly valuable medicine for headache arising from eyestrain. This medicine is prepared from a plant commonly called ‘garden rue’ belonging to the natural order Rutaceae. There is headache in the forehead due to eye strain arising from excessive reading, sewing, etc. The nature of pain may be aching, pulsating or stitching in nature. Heat in the eyes may also be present along with the above symptoms.

When to use Ruta Graveolens?

It is highly recommended to use this medicine for managing headache related to eyestrain.

How to use Ruta Graveolens?

It is suggested to take this medicine in 30C power one to two times daily.

Causes of headache

The headaches may arise either from an underlying medical condition or without an underlying medical condition. Depending upon the cause, headaches are classified into primary and secondary headaches.

1. Primary headaches

Primary headaches arise from overactivity of structures in the head that are sensitive to pain. Changes in chemical activity in the brain also play a role in primary headaches. Primary headaches do not relate to any separate underlying medical condition. Following are the common type of primary headaches:

-tension / stress headache

– migraine

– cluster headache

2. Secondary headaches

Secondary headaches are the ones that arise from an underlying medical condition. Secondary headaches are often a symptom of a disease. The reasons for secondary headaches include

– sinusitis / sinus infection

– high Blood Pressure

– Cervicogenic headache (headaches caused by problems with the nerves, bones, or muscles in the cervical spine (neck).

– gastrointestinal disorders

– dental complaints

– temporal arteritis

– post-traumatic (head injury)

– influenza

– Alcohol-induced hangover

-meningitis, encephalitis

Common Types of Headache

1. Migraine

Migraine refers to headache causes throbbing, pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. The pain is severe and is often attended with nausea and vomiting. The cause of migraine is not clearly understood. However, genetics and environmental factors tend to play a role in migraine. There are many well-known triggers for the migraine attack. The major ones include stress, bright lights, noises, food (like fatty food, chocolates, caffeinated drinks, marinated food, cheese, fermented food), smoking, alcohol intake, MSG (monosodium glutamate), sun exposure, loss of sleep, strong odors, and tiredness. In addition to these hormonal fluctuations during menses or during menopause or during pregnancy can also trigger a migraine.

The symptoms of migraine include a one-sided headache. The major attending features include nausea, vomiting, aversion to light, noise, and talking. Some people experience a few symptoms before the migraine attack which helps them foresee that a migraine attack is about to come (aura). These symptoms include – seeing flashes of light, zig zags before eyes, dim vision, blurring of vision, numbness/tingling/pin needle sensation in the arms or around the mouth.

2. Cluster Headache

Cluster headache is a severe headache in which there is pain around one eye (periorbital headache). The pain comes in clusters (group) during which one or more than one episode of headache appears daily. The headache during the cluster period mostly appears at precisely the same hour each day. The duration of each episode of headache ranges from 15 minutes to 3 hrs. The cluster period lasts for weeks or months. This cluster period is followed by a period of remission during which no headaches appear at all. The remission period varies from months to years together. The reason behind a cluster headache is yet not known. A family history of cluster headache puts a person at risk.

Symptoms of cluster headache include one-sided pain located in or around the eye. This pain may radiate to the head, face or neck. Watering from the eye, swelling of eye, redness of the eye, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and drooping of eyelids on the same side as the pain are a few accompanying symptoms.

3. Tension headache

In tension headache, diffuse dull pain in the head appears which is described as a tight band-like feeling around the head. The reason behind the tension headache is not well known yet. However, contraction of the muscles of the head, scalp, and neck are thought to play a role in tension headache. There are certain trigger factors that can lead to muscle contraction and give rise to a tension headache. Few trigger factors include stress, anxiety, fatigue, cold, sinus infection, sun exposure, poor posture while sleeping/sitting, and eyestrain. Symptoms of a tension headache include dull, aching pain in the whole head with a tight band-like sensation around the head. Besides, pain in the neck and shoulders may attend. Muscles in the neck, scalp, and shoulders also feel tightened. Head pain seems to get worse as the day passes. Tiredness usually attends to the above symptoms.

4. Sinus headache

Sinus headaches appear from the congestion of the paranasal sinus that locates behind your eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead. Sinus headaches most commonly appear when sinus becomes inflamed from allergies or from infection. In sinus headache, a constant pain/pressure in the forehead or the bridge of your nose is felt. The pain usually gets worse on moving the head suddenly coughing or leaning forward. A few symptoms tend to occur which include a runny nose or green/ yellow nasal discharges, stuffy nose, decreased sense of smell, facial swelling, pressure in ears, and feverish feeling.

How serious is a headache?

Most cases of headache are mild, and usually not a reason for big concern. They tend to resolve well in time. However, in some cases, the reason behind headache may be a serious condition like meningitis, critically high blood pressure, ruptured aneurysm, brain tumor. So every case of headache should be thoroughly analyzed to rule out any serious condition in the very beginning.

Cold sensitivity & Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 2 Comments

Cold Weather Sensitivity and Homeopathy

With the advent of winters, most of us are happy to ‘see off’ those sweltering hot days of summer. But for some, cold weather brings in, its own set of woes and miseries. People who are sensitive to cold temperature are majorly affected by this season. Recurrent Cough, colds and sinusitis are the most common ailments for those who are sensitive. For some the sensitivity to cold weather is so high that even a whiff of cold air is enough to trigger an attack, which could last for weeks or months. If you are one of those who suffer from months of miseries with cough cold, and sinusitis every winter, Then Homeopathy offers a great hope for you. Homeopathy understands and cures this idiosyncratic combination of your cold sensitivity and body’s propensity to develop such stuffy colds.

This cold sensitivity can affect one in many ways. It can range from simply feeling colder than others to respiratory issues like stuffy colds, sinusitis, chronic cough, bronchitis and asthma. Just a mild exposure to cold can trigger a complete sequence of events. There are patients that even at the least exposure to cold air e.g. moving the hand out of the quilt at night or sleeping without a warm head cap at night can lead to weeks of incapacitation. Well, the extent to which one is affected varies a lot. It depends on their level of intolerance and other factors such as genetic tendencies, age, nature of jobs, etc.

Homeopathy has a great armory to deal with cold weather sensitivity. To start off ,Aconitum Napelus commonly known as Aconite is great homeopathic medicine to treat all affections that start with after an exposure to cold air .My advice for all those who suffer from this cold weather sensitivity would be to carry this medicine in your pocket. It is very useful in the first few hours of the exposure when the symptoms have just started e.g. runny nose, headaches shivering etc. Few doses of aconite would be sufficient enough to completely abort the attack of cold. Chronic stuffy colds and sinusitis are also very effectively treated with homeopathy. Silicea kali Bichrome and Pulsatilla are few of the medicines that are very useful in treating these forms. Barking type of cough that starts in kids suddenly after an exposure in kids is best treated with Hepar Sulp and Spongia. People who have their feet sensitive to cold and can never seem to get them warm , homeopathic medicines Calcarea Carb and Silicea can do wonders for them.

The best part of homeopathy is that it can cure ones constitutionally sensitivity to cold weather. In this form of treatment (which is often called as constitutional treatment ) prescription is based on the study of ones complete constitution which includes the physical and the mental makeup .This usually is a prolonged treatment and would require a season or two before any sustainable results are achieved. The most important homeopathic medicines that are used in this form of constitutional treatment are Tuberculinum, Silicea, Calcarea Carb and Psorinum. As Constitutional treatment requires a detailed study of the various aspects of the constitution and uses deep acting medicines it is advisable to take the help of a professional homeopath.

Cold sensitivity & Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 38 Comments

Cold Weather Sensitivity and Homeopathy

Pulsatilla for Women

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 428 Comments

Pulsatilla is a delicate, perennial plant that has been used since the 18th century for ulcers, cataracts, and depression. In homeopathic use, it is an important plant remedy used to treat a wide variety of conditions. More commonly used as a female remedy, it suits people with an adaptable, indecisive, peaceful temperament.

It is commonly known by the name windflower, pasque flower, and anemone pratensis. It belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. It commonly grows in Central and Northern Europe and some parts of South of England. Use of pasque flower has been made since ages mainly for eye complaints. In ancient times, ‘Dioscorides’ remarked it as a remedy for a headache and ophthalmia (eye inflammation). After its proving by Dr. Hahnemann in the year 1805, it has been employed to treat many ailments in homeopathy. It is a polychrest medicine, and in homeopathy, it is primarily used for treating diseases related to female organs, eyes, nose, ears, GIT, and sleep issues.

Preparation

Homeopathic medicine is prepared from the fresh windflower plant when in flower. This plant is collected and made it into a pulp which is then soaked in alcohol. It is then strained and diluted. Following this, it undergoes the process of succussion for making potencies for homeopathic use.

The ‘Pulsatilla’ Constitution

It is suited to women of a kind, affectionate, imaginative, extremely excitable, gentle, bashful personality with a yielding disposition. Sadness and weeping spells frequently appear among them. They are indecisive, slow, plethoric, nervous, have a changeable disposition. They are easily led and easily persuaded, easily moved to laughter or tears.

Scope as a Homeopathic Medicine

1. For Female Disorders

This remedy has a marked action on the ovaries and uterus and effectively helps treat many female disorders.

It is a top grade remedy for menstrual irregularities and is indicated in cases where the periods do not arrive in a proper cycle. They may appear late or early with no fixed pattern, and there may be inter-menstrual bleeding. As a remedy, it helps regulate menses and is considered to be a prime remedy for treating menstrual irregularities in girls during puberty. It also helps women who are anemic and suffering from menstrual problems.

In cases of amenorrhea, where the menses are late or suppressed, it helps establish the menstrual flow. The key indication to use this medicine here is a feeling that the menses would appear, but they fail to do so. Along with suppressed periods, pain in the uterus, nausea, and vomiting may be present. Difficult or painful urination and periods that are short and where the flow is scanty (oligomenorrhea) are other indications.

2. Natural PCOS Treatment

In cases of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, it works to moderate the hormonal levels and help the body dissolve the cysts to correct menstrual irregularities.

3. Leucorrhoea (Vaginal Discharges)

Leucorrhoea or abnormal vaginal discharge is also treated well with this remedy. Its use is best indicated in cases where the vaginal discharge is creamy, thin, thick mucus or milky colored. The discharge may be acrid and cause itching and burning in the vagina. There may be associated back pain, weakness, and exhaustion.

4. PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

It is frequently used in cases of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) TO manage symptoms like irritability, sadness, low mood, weeping spells, and mood swings.

5. Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhoea)

This remedy is used to treat the pain associated with periods in women. Symptoms like cramping, cutting, or spasms in the uterus, nausea, and vomiting can be treated with this medicine. The menstrual flow in such cases is usually black and coagulated. The woman may experience excessive restlessness, toss around in bed and have a pale face. Chilliness along with uterine colic, a sense of heaviness in the abdomen, thigh pain, and backache are other indicative symptoms. Some women may also have diarrhea and strain while passing stools.

6. Ailments During Pregnancy

It is indicated for ailments like morning sickness and varicose veins that some women experience during pregnancy. It may also be used in cases of abortion from fright, puerperal mania (a rare mood disorder), and uterine infection causing fever post childbirth.

7. Mental Complaints

It has proved to be an effective remedy for treating complaints related to the mind. It is frequently used to treat cases of depression in people who are very sensitive and emotional. A person in need of this remedy would typically be sad, have frequent spells of crying, be excessively irritable, and need constant consolation. When prescribed correctly it can also help a person overcome long-standing or silent grief. It is also a remedy used to treat mood swings where a person switches their mood from sadness to happiness and from laughter to weeping at the blink of an eye. It is also prominently indicated for claustrophobia (fear of closed, small, narrow spaces) and fright.

8. Gastrointestinal Problems

It is a well-indicated for treating many gastrointestinal ailments like indigestion caused by consumption of fatty, greasy food, milk, and cream. The main indication for using this remedy for digestive ailments is gas in the abdomen, pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. It is also used to treat milk allergies and lactose intolerance.

9. Complaints of the Eye

It is highly effective for treating a number of eye complaints. It works well in cases of conjunctivitis where there is thick, yellow, profuse discharge from the eyes. Itching and burning in the eyes and sticking together of eyelids while sleeping are some associated symptoms. It also works well to treat styes on the upper eyelid, and keratoconus.

10. Complaints of the Ear

It is considered to be an excellent remedy for ear infections, and conditions like otitis externa, and otitis media. It is indicated in cases where there is a discharge of thick, yellow, yellowish – green, bland pus from the ears (which may be blood-stained in some cases). A deep itching in the ears, a sensation of the ears being locked and pain in the ears are other symptoms. It helps manage the different types of earaches, ranging from shooting, stitching, tearing or pulsating type. It is also an excellent remedy for tinnitus (noises in the ear) and associated noises like tinkling, ringing, roaring, sounds of wind, rushing water or humming nature.

11. Nasal Complaints

It has a marked action on the mucous membranes of the nose. It is well suited to treat cold, nasal catarrh, coryza. Thick yellow or yellowish greenish nasal discharge, nasal obstruction especially in the evening, sneezing and itching/tickling and soreness in the nostrils are some other symptoms that indicate the need for this remedy in cases of sinusitis. Its use is considered in treating frontal and maxillary sinusitis with symptoms like a thick discharge from the nose and a headache. It is also a well-indicated for loss of smell (anosmia).

12. Sleep Issues

Various sleep issues can be taken care of with this medicine. It offers help in cases of sleeplessness where a person has trouble falling asleep. The person may have many ideas and thoughts going through the head at bedtime that prevent sleep. It helps calm the mind and promotes sleep. It can also help with daytime drowsiness as a result of restless sleep.

13. Cough

It is majorly used in cases where a cough is loose with yellow or yellowish green expectoration. It also indicated in cases of short, dry, hacking cough with scraping, itching, scratching in the throat.

14. Urinary Complaints

It is used extensively to treat urinary incontinence that occurs while coughing, laughing, and sneezing, and for conditions like cystitis and urethral stricture.

15. Varicose Veins

It is widely used for the treatment of varicose veins where the veins appear bluish and are painful. The person needing this remedy may experience heaviness, cramping, and a tensed, drawing sensation in the legs.

16. For Males

In males, it is indicated for the treatment of orchitis, varicocele, hydrocele, and prostatitis. It helps to reduce symptoms like pain, soreness, swelling, and burning sensation in the testicles. It helps treat orchitis that follows a mumps infection. It also helps treat gonorrhea where there may be a thick, yellow or yellowish – green discharge from the urethra. In cases of prostatitis, it helps to treat the frequent, ineffectual urging to urinate, pain in bladder and pressure in the perineum.

Dosage

Use of this medicine is recommended in potencies varying from 30 C to 1M depending upon the case. Low potencies can be repeated frequently while in case of high potencies frequent repetition is avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

The complementary medicines are Silicea, Lycopodium and Kali Sulph.
Asafoetida, Chamomilla, Ignatia and Nux Vomica are antidotes.

An Account of the Remedy in Its Own Words

Homeopathy acknowledges certain groupings of body-mind symptom patterns that a person has and which correspond with the sensitivity of a particular medicine. It takes into account information about the person’s body type, temperament, disposition, and behavioral tendencies to determine the appropriate medicine. Remedies, as homeopaths realize, step forth as personalities. These become creatures of temperaments, have likes and dislikes, cravings and aversions and sensitiveness to human interaction. The medicines speak out their terror, real or imaginary – their strange obsessions, etc. Here is an account of the medicine (an important homeopathic medicine) describing its medicinal virtues and the characteristics of the patient. Of course, the words are of this writer.

Commonly called the windflower, I was ignored for millions of years in the pastures of Europe before my master Samuel Hahnemann brought out the best in me. I call him my master because it was only he who first realized my immense medicinal power.

If ever there was a medicine that would cater to the most sensitive lady around, I would be the one. I am most often a remedy for women who are submissive and clinging in nature and also whom their surroundings and people they happen to be with at that time very easily influence. There is nothing positive or assertive about her, and the last person who sees, or advises her, is the one whose opinion she accepts. Her moods are a big problem for her. She can be on the verge of ecstatic frenzy one moment and well in the doldrums the second moment. With lots of decision-making problems, she lives up to my plant name windflower, as it is changeable like the wind.

She can weep very easily. Laughter and tears are both very near the surface with my patient and are apt to succeed each other. She is very tenderhearted, and her feelings are very easily hurt, she is inclined to be fretful and too full of care. If she has no trouble of her own, she is ready to condole and weep with any of her friends who may be afflicted. But she craves and needs sympathy in her troubles from someone, even when she knows that the recital of her real or fancied wrongs and the receipt of the sympathy that she longs for, will make her cry. When she is blue, she will tell you that she feels as if a good cry would make her feel better. It will. She longs for fresh air. Closed and tight places suffocate her.

I am best suited for her gynecological disorders. She is very irritable and days and weeks before and after her periods arrive, at times there are hardly any days in a month when she is back to her normal self. And those acne, headaches and agonizing pains in her abdomen, legs and back during her period days are more than she can tolerate, like in PMS (premenstrual syndrome).

Key Indications

Amenorrhea, leucorrhoea, menses irregularities, ovarian inflammation, ovarian cyst, PCOS, Acne, catarrh, colds, conjunctivitis, cough, diarrhoea, painful periods, earache, otitis media, ear disorders, eye disorders, fears, feet painful, heel pain, freckles, heartburn, hydrocele, moles, mumps, pregnancy complaints, prostatitis, sinusitis, smell loss, styes, urinary incontinence, uterine prolapse, vaginitis, varicose veins.

Sinus problem & homeopathic treatment

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 524 Comments

COME winter and it is time for all the cold-related illnesses. Sinusitis happens to be one of them. Although its occurrence is not always related to cold and can happen any time of the year, for those who are sensitive to the least chill in the air, sinusitis may be just round the corner. Homeopathic treatment can be of great help to those who suffer from sinusitis often during winter.

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses (hollow spaces) in our skull. These hollow spaces are linked to the nose from inside. The anatomical presence of these cavities makes our skull light for our neck to bear it. Sinuses also provide the resonance to our tone when we speak. So, the presence of the sinuses is not a problem but it is their inflammation (sinusitis) that causes distress. Inflammation can be acute, recurrent or of chronic nature. [Read more…]

Cold sensitivity and Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 74 Comments

You dread winters! Because cold makes life hell for you – runny nose, sneezes, headache, stuffed-up feeling, and that cold damp feeling in the feet. Your defences are also too high, with a muffler wrapped around your head all day long, layers of woolens, more than a pair of warm socks, still nothing seems to keep you warm and if you thought that’s only the way to beat out your sensitivity, believe me you are totally wrong. Homeopathy may just be the right choice for you. A well-directed homeopathic treatment can actually help reduce and cure your sensitivity towards cold and disorders associated with it. In homeopathy we call it a “chilly constitution” and certain specific medicines are there for it.

Medically speaking, slow metabolism is one of the main causes for cold intolerance. Some people (often very slender women) do not tolerate cold environments simply because they have minimal body fat and are unable to keep warm. General poor health, faulty diet and medical conditions such as anorexia nervosa, hypothyroidism, AIDS and other chronic illness can also lead to intolerance.

Be it the lack of warmth in the body or symptoms that sensitive individuals develop, homeopathic medicines such as Silicea, Calcarea Carb offer a big promise in their treatments. Personally, I would rank Silicea ahead of other medicines in treating cold intolerance. Silicea is an invaluable constitutional remedy, and is indicated in the over-sensitive, imperfectly nourished (generally), not for want of food, but because of imperfect assimilation. There are very high levels of cold intolerance. Nothing makes the Silicea patient feel warm and take cold easily, especially from uncovering the head or the feet.

The main indication for Silicea is that no matter how hard the patient tries, feet don’t seem to get warm and also there is an increased cold intolerance on the head. Least exposure seems to bring on a severe headache, only to be relieved by warm applications. Chronic conditions – sinusitis, cold, asthma, bronchitis and cough caused in such oversensitive individuals – are effectively treated with Silicea. Calcarea Carb is very useful in constitutions where metabolism seems to slow down; it is indicated in cold intolerance associated with hypothyroidism and one of the main indications for the use of Calcarea Carb is constant sensation of cold damp feet.

Sinus Problems and Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 81 Comments

Sinusitis and Homeopathy … Dr. Vikas Sharma

THAT a cold is just a simple disease and would pass away without causing any harm is a misconception. Many a times this simple cold gets converted into a chronic disorder. Sinusitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the nasal sinuses-hollow cavities within the cheekbones found around the eyes and behind the nose.

The primary functions of these sinuses are to warm, moisten and filter the air in the nasal cavity. They also play a role in our ability to vocalise certain sounds.

Sinusitis, which is common in winter, may last for months or years if inadequately treated. It can affect the nose, eyes or middle ear, and may be indicated by profuse, thick, coloured nasal drainage, bad-tasting post-nasal drip, cough, head congestion and an accompanying headache. Symptoms may also include a plugged-up nose, a feeling of facial swelling, toothache, constant tiredness, and occasionally fever.

There are two types of sinusitis. Acute sinusitis, is often caused by a bacterial infection and usually develops as a complication five to 10 days after the first symptoms of a respiratory infection such as the common cold.

Then there is chronic sinusitis, which may also be caused by bacterial infection. Although colds are the most common cause for acute sinusitis, those with allergies may also be predisposed to develop this problem.

As always, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To avoid developing sinusitis during a cold or allergy attack, keep your sinuses clear by: