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

Are steroids natural or manmade?

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

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

Side effects of steroids

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quick homeopathic action may raise doubts

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

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

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

Laboratory tests to find out presence of steroids in homeopathic medicines

Colorimetric method of testing steroids

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

What other tests can be followed for confirmation of steroids? 

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

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

Sinus infection refers to infection of the paranasal sinuses (air–filled spaces present in the skull bone) from infection by bacteria or viruses. A sinus infection (sinusitis) can result in various kind of symptoms with toothache being one among them. Sinus infections can cause pain in the upper teeth due to the involvement of the sinuses that are located near the mouth. Its infection can put pressure on the nerves supplying the sinuses, gums and teeth. Sinus toothache is felt in multiple teeth at a time and not just one teeth. Besides toothache, other symptoms of sinus infection include headache, nasal discharge, blocked nose, facial pain, post nasal discharge (PND), cough, tenderness near the nose, forehead or eyes, earache and loss of smell and taste. Among the infection of different paranasal sinuses, toothache generally occurs from an infection in the maxillary sinus.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy carries great scope in treating cases of toothache that results from sinus infection. Homeopathic medicines gradually decrease the frequency and intensity of this complaint. Along with managing toothache, they also work wonderfully in managing any associated signs and symptoms like nasal discharge, blocked nose, post nasal discharge (PND), headache and facial pain. These work magnificently in these cases by reducing the inflammation of paranasal sinus by fighting the infectious agent. The best part of using homeopathic medicines is that they work in the most natural way to treat a condition without any side effects. The most suitable homeopathic medicine for treating these cases is selected after detailed case analysis based on the individual’s symptoms. So, it is advised to always consult a homeopathic physician before taking any homeopathic medicine. Avoid self-medication in any case.

Homeopathic Medicines For Toothache From Sinus Infection

1. Silicea – Top Recommended Medicine

Silicea is a highly recommended medicine to manage various sinusitis-related complaints. It is also very helpful in managing toothache in such cases. In cases needing it, pain in the teeth gets worse at night which hinders sleep. Along with toothache, there is tearing type of pain in the head. There is excessive salivation in the mouth. Pain from the teeth spreads over the whole cheek. Other sinusitis symptoms include headache, blocked nose, offensive smelling nasal discharge usually green or yellow-colored, loss of smell and taste.

2. Hepar Sulph – To Manage Throbbing Type Of Toothache

Hepar Sulph is the next useful medicine for treating sinusitis. This medicine is recommended if the person complains of toothache and pain gets worse after eating and from drinking cold drinks. It can manage throbbing type of pain in the teeth. Persons needing this medicine complain of nasal blockage in the morning, crust formation in the nose, yellow sticky nasal discharge and a burning sensation in the nose. Besides pain inside the nose, one feels pain at the root of the nose. There may be post nasal discharge tinged with blood.

3. Kali Bichrome – For Toothache Better By Pressure

Another medicine to manage sinusitis-related problems is Kali Bichrome. It can be used in managing toothache that gets a little better by applying pressure momentarily. The pain is usually stitching type. It is best suited for sinus infections to manage post nasal discharge. The discharge is thick, sticky and ropy. In cases needing this medicine, there is thick, lumpy, sticky, ropy discharge from the nose. It is greenish or yellowish colored. The nose feels obstructed. Fetid smell emanates from the nose from the accumulation of nasal discharge. Pain and pressure at the foot of the nose is also prominent. Sinus headache is felt in the forehead above the eyebrows.

4. Merc Sol – For Toothache Marked In Daytime

Merc Sol is useful for managing toothache most marked in the day time. The pain gets better at night. There is increased salivation. The pain from the teeth extends to the side of the head. This medicine is also recommended for managing throbbing pain in upper jaw which gets worse at night. There may be swelling on the face, besides sneezing, and profuse nasal discharge. Nostrils are inflamed and swollen from the inside. At times, crusts form inside the nose that bleed on cleaning the nose. Besides, there is pain in the forehead, cheeks and ears. This pain is tearing type.

5. Belladonna – To Manage Throbbing Pain In Teeth

This medicine is of great help when there is throbbing type of pain in the teeth. The pain is attended with earache. Besides these complaints, the face is red with heated sensation. Belladonna is a top-grade medicine for helping cases of sinus headache. Other symptoms include mucus discharge from nose tinged with blood, frequent sneezing and tickling sensation in the nose.

6. Pulsatilla – When Toothache Is Worse On Eating

Pulsatilla is an effective medicine to manage toothache that gets worse on eating. Pain also increases from taking warm food/drink specifically. A draught of cold air brings relief. Pain is mainly marked in teeth on the right side of the face. The pain gets worse in the evening. The severity of the pain makes it difficult for a person to sit quietly. The pain may extend to the ears and sides of the head. Besides toothache, there are other sinus-related complaints like yellow-green discharge from the nose, alternate nasal discharge, nose blockage and frontal headache. Tearing type of pain is felt in the maxillary sinus in cheeks that may extend to the ears.

7. Spigelia – For Right Sided Toothache

This medicine is recommended when there is pain in teeth on the right side of the face. The pain is not felt during the day but begins at night when one rests the head on the pillow. It is useful when the pain is throbbing in nature. Burning pain is felt in the malar bone. The face may be swollen. There is nasal discharge, itching in the nose and post nasal drip as well.

8. Lycopodium – For toothache with swollen cheeks

Lycopodium is a beneficial medicine to manage toothache along with swelling of the cheek. It gets worse from warm drinks. Pain may increase from the slightest touch. Toothache gets worse at night. With this thick, yellow nasal discharge occurs from the nose. Headache in the forehead is also prominent. The nose feels blocked with trouble breathing at night.

9. Natrum Mur – For Pain In Teeth Extending To Ears

This medicine is well suited for managing pain in teeth that extend to ears. The cheek is swollen. The pain increases after eating. Pressure is felt in the teeth. There is profuse nasal discharge which alternates with nose blockage. At times, there is clear mucus discharge from the nose. There is excessive sneezing every morning. Burning sensation is felt in nasal bones and cheek area. There is also soreness in the nostrils. Loss of smell and taste is another prominent feature where this medicine is required. Besides the above complaints, pressure is felt on the forehead. It gets worse while bending the head down. Applying pressure over the head relieves this complaint. In some cases, there is pain in eyeballs along with the forehead.

Neck injuries may vary from mild to severe. Any of the structures in the neck may be affected due to a neck injury like muscles, tendons (bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones), ligaments (bands of tissue that connect one bone to another), bones, joints, or nerves. The symptoms of neck injury may include pain in the neck (the pain may radiate to the shoulders, arms, and even hands), stiffness of the neck, difficult neck movement, limited range of neck movement, tenderness of the neck, tingling or numbness in arms or hands; weakness in the arms, hands, or fingers, headache and dizziness. Among the different types of neck injuries, the first type of injury includes neck sprains and strains. A sprain in the neck refers to overstretching or tearing of the ligaments present in the neck. Strain in the neck indicates overstretched or torn muscles or tendons in the neck. The strain can occur from various reasons like sleeping in the wrong posture, excessive exercise involving the neck, etc. A sprain on the neck can occur from sudden injury due to physical activity involving the neck or an accident. Neck injury may also occur from falling, car accidents or while playing sports like football. Other types of neck injuries include whiplash injury. It refers to a neck injury occurring from quick back-and-forth movement of the neck occurring with great force usually seen in rear-end car accidents. Besides accidents, it may also occur from a fall or in sports accidents or from physical abuse when being hit on the neck.

Next type of injury is overuse injuries of the neck resulting from long working hours on the computer or repetitive activities involving the upper body and arms. Disc herniation is another type of condition that may occur due to neck injury. This is a condition in which soft jelly-like internal matter of the disc bulges out of the tough exterior part. This usually occurs from wear and tear damage to the disc but can also result from sudden injury. Another neck injury is cervical spine fracture. Though rare, it is a serious injury that needs immediate medical help.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can be very effective in managing cases of neck injuries. These medicines promote wonderful healing of injured neck structures along with pain management. Along with pain, these medicines also manage its attending symptoms like stiffness of the neck, tenderness of neck, headache, tingling/numbness/weakness in the arms or hands. Homeopathic medicines are recommended for cases of neck injury that have mild to moderate intensity. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine for cases of neck injury under the supervision of a homeopathic physician and avoid self-medication. In cases of severe cases of neck injury like fracture in the cervical spine, it is strictly advised to take urgent help from conventional mode of treatment.

Homeopathic Medicines For Neck Injury

1. Rhus Tox – For Managing Strains, Sprains Of Neck And Whiplash Injuries

Rhus Tox is a top-recommended medicine for managing cases of sprains and strains in different body parts including the neck. This medicine helps in healing the muscles, tendons and ligaments that have become overstrained or sprained. It is indicated when there is excessive pain and stiffness in the neck. The neck feels tense. Stiffness and tension in the neck are worse while moving the neck. There is relief in stiffness by massage and warm application on the neck. There is worsening of pain from turning the neck. Rhus Tox is well indicated for cases where the neck is strained from lifting heavy weights. It is also one of the best homeopathic medicines for managing cases of whiplash injuries.

2. Hypericum – For Neck Injury From A Fall

Hypericum is a natural remedy that is highly effective in managing neck injury that occurs from a fall. In cases needing it, the slightest neck movement causes intense pain to make the sufferer cry. The movement of the arms also causes intense pain. There is intense sensitivity of the cervical vertebra (7 bones stacked one over the other in the neck spine) to touch. Headache can also occur in some cases along with the above symptoms. Hypericum is also a useful medicine for cases of spine injury that causes pinched nerves leading to needle-like pains. Just like the above medicine, Hypericum is also a prominent medicine for helping cases of whiplash injuries.

3. Arnica – For Neck Injuries From Falls, Blows and Strains

Arnica is a very important medicine for managing cases of injury occurring from fall or blows and also cases of strains. This medicine helps manage cases of recent neck injuries as well as injuries that occurred a long time ago. In cases needing it, there is pain and marked soreness of the neck. The neck is intensely painful even to the slightest touch.

4. Bryonia – When Neck Pain Is Worse From Neck Movement

This medicine is highly beneficial for neck injuries when neck pain becomes worse from neck movements. There is stiffness in the neck. The pain and stiffness get worse from touch. It becomes more painful from moving the head towards the shoulders. Drawing sensation in the side of the neck can also be present where this medicine is needed.

5. Ruta – For Managing Sprains And Strains In Neck

Ruta is a medicine of great value when it comes to managing cases of sprains and strains. In cases needing this medicine, there is drawing pain in the neck and the shoulder blades. A tense feeling also appears in the neck. Next, a pressure sensation is felt in the neck and the shoulders as well.

6. Magnesium Phos – To Manage Sharp, Shooting Pains In The Neck

This medicine can be considered for managing sharp, shooting pain in the neck. The pain may keep shifting to different areas of the neck. The pain may also be felt in the back of the head along with the neck. The neck is sore to touch other than the above symptoms.

7. Calcarea Carb – For Overstraining Of Neck From Lifting Objects

Calcarea Carb is a useful medicine for cases of overstraining of the neck from lifting objects. In cases requiring this medicine, marked stiffness and rigidity are felt in the neck. Along with this, there is headache also. The pain is felt till the top of the head. A burning sensation may be felt in the neck which radiates to the back of the head. It remains the whole day and stops when going to sleep at night.

8. Causticum – For Neck Pain Extending To Front Of Head

Causticum is indicated when there is pain in the neck that extends upwards and to the frontal part of the head. The pain is tearing in nature in most of the cases. The neck is also very stiff. The neck muscles feel as if bound tightly. This is attended with a limited range of neck movement.

9. Kalmia – When The Pain From Neck Radiates Down To Fingers

This medicine is of great use for cases where pain from the neck radiates down to the fingers. Initially, the pain gets worse at night. There is stiffness in the neck also. The neck muscles are sore to touch and there is pain on moving the neck. The pain from the neck may move up to the head in some cases.

Increased sensitivity to strong odors is medically known as hyperosmia. Some people have a sharp sense of smell by birth and they perceive smells strongly, this is due to genetics. However, in some persons increased sensitivity to strong odors develops later on in life and can be associated with some medical conditions. Strong odors become highly intolerable in them and may result in nausea. In some, it may trigger a few complaints including runny nose, sneezing, headache, dizziness, vomiting, cough, skin rash, asthma attack and fainting as well. In some cases, it may also lead to irritability, concentration problems, anxiety issues and depression too. The sensitivity to strong smells can be persistent or occur sometimes varying from case to case. A person can have sensitivity to the smell of different products. Some examples of products that a person can have high sensitivity to include perfumes, chemicals, air fresheners, etc. Increased sensitivity to strong odors may occur during pregnancy mainly in the first trimester due to hormonal changes. Several medical conditions can be associated with increased sensitivity to strong odors. First among these is migraine (one-sided headache often attended with nausea and vomiting). A person might feel increased smell sensitivity before the onset of a bout of migraine headache and also during headache. It goes away after the headache is over. In some, sensitivity may even remain between two migraine episodes. The second cause behind sensitivity to strong odors is epilepsy (brain disorder with a tendency to have recurrent seizures). Before onset of a seizure attack, a person can have increased smell sensitivity in the aura stage. Increased sensitivity to strong odors may also be felt in cases of Lyme’s disease. It is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria borrelia. This infection spreads from a bite by a tick which carries this bacteria. In around 50 percent of the cases of Lyme’s disease, it is a major symptom noted besides the other symptoms. Persons who are suffering from Type 1 diabetes that is not controlled well can experience increased sensitivity to smells.

Another reason can be Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease is an illness in which adrenal glands are unable to produce some hormones like cortisol and aldosterone. In this disease increased sensitivity to smell might occur in addition to other symptoms like excessive tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, joint pain, muscle pain, dark skin areas, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, hair loss, nausea, diarrhea and depression.

Increased sensitivity to strong odors is also linked with some other disorders including Lupus, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Tourette’s syndrome. Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the healthy tissues and organs in the body get inflamed, damaged by the immune cells of the body. Some of the signs and symptoms of this disease include butterfly-shaped rash on the face, joint pains, fatigue, fever, headache and memory loss. Sensitivity to odors may attend these complaints. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder in which brain cells die off resulting in memory loss and decline in thinking, behaviour and social skills. Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system that starts with hand tremors at rest. After this, other complaints arise like a stooped posture, stiffness of the muscles, impaired balance, diminished expressions on the face, changes in speech and reduced arm swing while walking. Tourette syndrome is a disorder characterised by uncontrollable repetitive movements and vocal sounds called tics. In some cases, increased sensitivity to strong odors may occur without any cause.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy offers a highly effective treatment for complaint of sensitivity to strong odors. Homeopathic medicines gradually help in reducing the intensity and frequency of this complaint. Complaints like headache, sneezing and cough that arise from strong odors can also be well managed with these medicines. They help to overcome this issue in a very gentle and natural manner with zero side effects. As this complaint can arise from various causes, it is advised to consult a physician to rule out the cause behind it and take proper treatment. Always consider taking any of the homeopathic medicines under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor and never self-medicate.

Homeopathic Medicines For Increased Sensitivity To Strong Odors

1. Phosphorus – For Headache, Cough And Sneezing From Strong Odors

Phosphorus is a leading homeopathic medicine to manage various complaints resulting from sensitivity to strong odors. Firstly, this medicine is of great use for cases in which headache occurs from strong odors. In cases needing it, there is headache over one eye or on one side of the temple area.  Strain in the eyes may attend headache. It is very effective in managing cough resulting from exposure to strong odors. A tickling sensation is felt in the throat that excites cough. Dryness and a burning sensation is felt in the throat in some cases. Cough is dry and can be accompanied with a headache. Head feels as if it would burst. Lastly, this medicine is highly beneficial for managing sneezing resulting from exposure to strong odors.

2. Colchicum – For Increased Sensitivity To Odor Of Cooking Food

This medicine is well indicated for cases where marked sensitivity to odor of cooking food is present. Next it is useful for cases when there is increased sensitivity to smell of eggs, fish and meat. Nausea occurs from smell of these food products. The person may even faint. There is aversion to eating food. Smell or even the sight of the food may be a source of irritation. Strong smells disturb their temper of mind.

3. Sabadilla – With Nasal Discharge And Sneezing

This medicine can be considered when there is sensitivity to strong odors along with sneezing and nasal discharge. The nasal discharge is excessive and watery. Itching and tickling is felt in the nose. Pain in the forehead can attend the above complaints. Sabadilla is also one of the top medicines where there is sensitivity to smell of garlic which becomes intolerable.

4. Sepia – For Headache From Strong Odors

Sepia is a helpful medicine for managing headache arising from strong odors. Along with headache, there is aversion to every kind of food and even the smell of food is unbearable. An empty feeling in the stomach attends headache. Nausea and vomiting can occur during headache.

5. Nux Vomica – When There Is Fainting From Strong Odors

Nux Vomica is well indicated for cases where there is sensitivity to strong odors that often leads to fainting. The smell of tobacco is the most intolerable. Persons needing it might also have increased sensitivity to light and noises in addition to that of smell.

6. Hepar Sulph – For Increased Sensitivity To Smell With Vertigo

This medicine is a useful medicine for increased sensitivity to smell attended with vertigo. Vertigo may be accompanied with nausea and a tendency to fall. In cases needing it itching in the nostrils with sneezing can also be present. Next, there can be heat or burning sensation in the nose.

7. Ignatia – For Sensitivity To Smell Of Tobacco

This medicine is suitable for cases of sensitivity to the smell of tobacco. Those needing it suffer headache from the smell of tobacco. Pain usually appears in the back of the head (occiput). There is relief in pain from warm application and also from eating.