Saving Your Child from a Tonsil Surgery with Natural Homeopathic Medicines

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 138 Comments

Inflammation of tonsils, on one side or both, is known as tonsillitis. Tonsils refer to oval-shaped masses of lymphoid tissues lying in the back of the throat, one on either side. Tonsils have a protective role and act as the first line of defense by trapping germs like bacteria and viruses that one may have inhaled or ingested, which enter the throat and cause an infection. Tonsils produce lymphocytes which kill the virus/bacteria entering the throat. In the process of fighting such infections again and again, the tonsils also become vulnerable to infection, and at some point, they also get infected and inflamed.

Homeopathy has proven to be very effective in cases of tonsillitis time and again. Homeopathy is a highly advanced science that takes the inside-out approach to all diseases, including tonsillitis, starting from the root cause and with time, curing the condition without the need for surgical intervention. Tonsillitis is treated wonderfully by homeopathy by following a two-step treatment process. In the first step, homeopathic medicines are given to treat the acute symptoms of tonsillitis. In the second step, homeopathy treats the chronic tendency toward recurrent tonsillitis. Homeopathic medicines improve the body’s immunity and make it strong enough to fight infection quickly.

Homeopathy works magnificently in acute/chronic tonsillitis

Homeopathic medicines work equally well in acute tonsillitis as well as in cases of chronic/recurrent tonsillitis. Opting for homeopathy at the very beginning of acute tonsillitis helps to soothe throat pain, reduces tonsil inflammation, and cuts short the recovery period of tonsillitis. Homeopathy aids natural recovery by boosting the body’s healing mechanism to fight infection-causing agents and getting rid of it naturally. In chronic recurrent cases, the primary aim of homeopathic medicines is to build a child’s immunity and prevent recurrent infections that lead to frequent tonsillitis. With the use of homeopathic medicines, the frequency and intensity of frequent tonsil inflammation decreases gradually.

Personalised homeopathic treatment

There are no particular medicines that can be used in every case of tonsillitis just based on its diagnosis. In every case, the suitable medicine is selected from numerous medicines for tonsillitis given in homeopathic therapeutics. The individual characteristic symptoms are given importance based on which the prescription is done in every case. So homeopathic medicine varies from one case to another. Also, the medicine varies for acute and chronic cases. So it is advised to always consult a homeopathic doctor for medicine prescriptions and avoid self-medication.

Homeopathy does not cause side effects

Homeopathy is a great choice to treat cases of tonsillitis as it does not lead to any harmful side effects. The medicines used to treat these cases are very natural and, hence, are very safe to use. These are highly diluted medicines that work wonderfully in persons of all age groups. As kids are more prone to tonsillitis, homeopathy is the safest treatment method as it works in a very gentle way to effect a cure. These are also easy to administer to children as they are given in the form of sweet pills. In conventional mode, mostly antibiotics are used in treating tonsillitis that do not treat the root cause and can have many side effects. Whereas the use of homeopathic medicines as prescribed by a doctor targets the root cause behind tonsillitis and its regular course helps to reduce the dependency on antibiotics to a great extent.

Homeopathy can help prevent surgical intervention

Homeopathy is a very great alternative to surgery in tonsillitis cases. With the regular course of homeopathy as guided by a homeopathic physician in many cases of mild to moderate tonsillitis, homeopathy has shown excellent results and helped avoid surgery.

Top 8 Homeopathic Medicines For Tonsillitis

The 8 most prominently indicated medicines for tonsillitis treatment in homeopathy are Belladonna, Merc Sol, Hepar Sulph, Calcarea Carb, Psorinum, Merc Iodatus Ruber, Merc Iodatus Flavus and Streptococcinum.

1. Belladonna – For Acute Tonsillitis With Red Swollen Painful Tonsils

Belladonna is the top recommended medicine for treating acute tonsillitis. The key indication for its use is red, swollen enlarged tonsils with marked pain. The pain is worse while swallowing mainly liquids and the throat remains dry. Fever with intense heat in the body accompanies the above symptoms. Heat, constriction (tightening), and lump in the throat may also be felt.

When to use Belladonna?

For acute tonsillitis, it is an infallible medicine to be used when tonsils are red, and swollen with excessive throat pain.

How to use Belladonna?

One may take this medicine in 30C potency three to four times a day in the beginning at a minimum three-hour interval. When relief ensues, gradually reduce the dose to two times a day.

2. Merc Sol – For Pain In Tonsils Extending To Ears

Merc Sol is an extremely effective medicine for treating tonsillitis with pain in the tonsils extending to the ears especially when swallowing. The nature of pain is mainly stitching type. On examination of the throat, the tonsils look dark red and ulcers or white spots on the tonsils can be present. Excessive salivation is also observed. A foul odour from the mouth is present.

When to use Merc Sol?

Merc Sol is an ideal prescription for cases presenting with tonsil pain radiating to ear while swallowing along with increased salivation and foul breath.

How to use Merc Sol?

This medicine works wonders in 30C potency. Use of Merc Sol 30C should be limited to once or twice a day.

3. Hepar Sulph – For Infected Tonsils and Quinsy

Hepar Sulph proves very successful in treating infected tonsils with pus points on tonsils and Quinsy (also known as peritonsillar abscess in which pus accumulates behind the tonsils). The symptoms to look out for using it are stitching pain in the throat and pain from throat radiating to the ear. There is intense pain while talking or swallowing. Sensation of a lump or splinter (a sharp piece of glass or wood) stuck in the throat is felt. The person may hawk up yellow mucus.

When to use Hepar Sulph?

The use of Hepar Sulph is considered in cases where tonsils are infected with pus points on tonsils or pus collection behind tonsils (Quinsy).

How to use Hepar Sulph?

Though it can be used in various potencies, 30C is most preferred. Its use is recommended in mild to moderate cases. It is best to take this medicine for infected tonsils or Quinsy only after consulting a homeopath who can best judge if the condition is mild and controllable with homeopathic medicines or severe, requiring help from conventional mode. In severe cases with extremely enlarged tonsils (with excessive pus behind them) blocking the throat, drainage of pus urgent help should be taken from allopathic mode of treatment

4. Calcarea Carb – To Treat Recurrent Tonsillitis

Calcarea Carb is an excellent medicine for treating recurrent tonsillitis. After recovery from acute tonsillitis phase, this medicine can be used as an intercurrent remedy (treatment for some chronic disease that is hindering the cure of some other ailment) to treat the tendency to have recurrent tonsillitis. An indicative symptom for the use of Calcarea Carb is the tendency to catch cold frequently. Even slight exposure to cold air affects the throat and tonsils in cases needing this remedy.

When to use Calcarea Carb?

Calcarea Carb is mainly prescribed to treat the tendency to have recurrent tonsillitis. It will help to build immunity to fight throat infections naturally.

How to use Calcarea Carb?

It can be used in low (30C) as well high potencies (like 200C and 1M). The dose varies from case to case. Usually in 30C potency, it can be used once or twice a week. But high potencies are usually given on a weekly (once a week) basis or in some cases fortnightly (one dose every 15 days). It’s best to consult a homeopathic expert for righthe t potency selection and repetition of this medicine.

5. Psorinum – To Treat Tendency To Recurrent Infected Tonsillitis

Psorinum is very effective in boosting immunity to prevent recurrent infected tonsillitis (tonsillitis with pus points on tonsils) and Quinsy (pus accumulation behind tonsils). These medicines reduce susceptibility to recurrent throat infections. Those needing it have markedly swollen tonsils, pain with swallowing, and thick mucus in the throat. Along with this, there is foul-smelling salivation and hawking of cheesy mucus bits having a bad smell and taste. There is recurrent pus formation behind the tonsils.

When to use Psorinum?

It can be used in persons who suffer from infected tonsillitis repeatedly.

How to use Psorinum?

Psorinum is mainly used in 200C or even higher potencies like 1M. It is a slightly strong medicine, so it is used just once or twice a month usually. For correct potency and dose, kindly consult a homeopathic doctor.

6. Merc Iodatus Ruber – For Left-sided Tonsillitis

Merc Iodatus Ruber is a majorly indicated medicine for treating left-sided tonsillitis. Indications for its use are swollen tonsils with dark red fauces (area between the cavity of mouth and pharynx) on the left side, the sensation of a lump in the throat, and disposition to hawk.

When to use Merc Iodatus Ruber?

A person having left-sided tonsil inflammation can take this medicine.

How to use Merc Iodatus Ruber?

30C potency of this medicine twice a day is the right dose to begin with.

7. Merc Iodatus Flavus – For Right-sided Tonsillitis

Merc Iodatus Ruber is prominently indicated for tonsillitis of the right side. The guiding features pointing towards its use are swollen tonsils on the right side, sticky mucus in the throat and constant inclination to swallow. Other symptoms that may arise are the feeling of a lump in the throat with relief setting in by taking cold liquids.

When to use Merc Iodatus Flavus?

This medicine is specific for tonsillitis on the right side.

How to use Merc Iodatus Flavus?

The usual recommended dose is two times a day in 30C potency.

8. Streptococcinum – For Managing Strep Throat

Streptococcinum is a specific medicine for managing strep throat infections. The symptoms of using this medicine are enlarged, swollen tonsils, infected tonsils, and recurrent tonsillitis. The tonsils may get infected with purulent (pus) matter.

When to use Streptococcinum?

This medicine is specifically prescribed for managing cases of strep throat along with conventional mode of treatment. As strep throat has severe symptoms and may lead to serious complications, it is best to use this medicine only after consulting a homeopathic practitioner.

How to use Streptococcinum?

This medicine should not be self-prescribed. It is advised to consult a doctor for its prescription who after studying the case history thoroughly will recommend its potency and repetition.

Note The above medicines can be taken in mild to moderate cases of acute tonsillitis for about a week. If the condition does not improve, it is advised to consult a homeopathic physician to decide the further course of action. In case of a sore throat with a very high fever, extreme difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in breathing and speaking, extreme weakness, pus formation on/ behind tonsils or in case of strep throat, do not self-medicate and take urgent help from a doctor.

Causes Behind Tonsillitis

Viral infections: Tonsillitis mainly arises from viral infections, like influenza virus, adenovirus (responsible for causing common cold and sore throat), rhinovirus (that commonly cause common cold), parainfluenza virus, enterovirus, Epstein – Barr virus.

Bacterial infection: Tonsillitis may also be the result of a bacterial infection. The most common bacteria that cause tonsillitis is Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Infection of tonsils with this bacteria is popularly called strep throat leads to inflammation and pain in the throat and tonsils. Strep throat is highly contagious and spreads quickly from one person to another through cough, touch, or sneeze. It is very common in school-going children and among teenagers. Major complications may arise in strep throat infection if not treated properly well in time. These include rheumatic fever (inflammatory condition affecting joints, heart nervous system and skin) and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation).

Bacteria other than this however can also cause tonsillitis, for example, staphylococcus aureus, chlamydia pneumonia, mycoplasma pneumonia,etc.

Signs And Symptoms Of Tonsillitis

The main signs and symptoms include red, swollen tonsils along with pain in the throat which is the first indicating feature of tonsillitis. The pain usually gets worse while swallowing. The pain may be one-sided or appear on both sides depending upon which tonsil is involved. The other symptoms that may attend are difficult swallowing, fever, bad/fetid breath, headache, scratchy voice, ear pain, and neck pain. White/yellow pus spots may also appear on the tonsils. The glands in the neck may be swollen and tender. In chronic cases, tonsil stones (debris collection on tonsils) may form. In young kids, excessive drooling of saliva, increased irritability/fussiness, vomiting, low appetite, and stomach pain can be observed.

Types Of Tonsillitis

Acute Tonsillitis: In this type, the symptoms remain for 3 to 4 days but in some cases may linger for 2 weeks.

Follicular tonsillitis

Follicular tonsillitis: In some cases, acute tonsillitis may progress to follicular tonsillitis in which the crypts (tube-like invaginations from the surface epithelium of tonsils) get filled with debris and pus. It presents as yellow or white spots at the opening of the crypts on the tonsils which gives a follicular appearance. In the case of chronic follicular tonsillitis, the crypts get filled with infected cheesy matter.

Chronic Tonsillitis: A person suffers from acute tonsillitis multiple times in a year for short periods

Recurrent Tonsillitis: The symptoms last for a longer time, more than two weeks.

Risk Factors

Though tonsillitis can affect anyone but certain factors increase the risk

1. Young age: Tonsillitis is more common among young children. Very young children are at high risk of tonsillitis from viral infection and those between 5 yrs to 15 yrs are prone to get tonsillitis from bacterial infections. However, tonsillitis can occur at any age though chances are less as compared to children. The reason is the immune function of tonsils declines after puberty which may be the reason for reduced chances of tonsillitis in adults.

2. Germ exposure: Excessive germ exposure in children puts them at risk of tonsillitis. Children remain in close contact with the same age group in school, parks, playways, etc which exposes them more to virthe us/bacteria that causes tonsillitis.

How Does Tonsillitis Spread?

Tonsillitis is very contagious and spreads from one person to another via direct contact. A person with tonsillitis can spread the infection spreading agents in the air as well as nearby objects every time he coughs or sneezes. Tonsillitis may also spread via direct inhalation of the air droplets carrying infection-causing agents or indirectly by touching these infected objects and then touching the nose/mouth with the same hands. One may also contract tonsillitis via kissing an infected person or sharing utensils of a person having tonsillitis.

Complications Of Tonsillitis

Complications associated with tonsillitis include

1. Middle ear infection

2. Difficulty in breathing

3. Obstructive sleep apnea: Breathing is disrupted during sleep

4. Peritonsillar abscess: The collection of pus behind the tonsils is referred to as peritonsillar abscess, also known as Quinsy. It is a rare, but very serious complication of tonsillitis. It can grow large and block the throat resulting in difficult breathing and swallowing. If not treated, the infection can spread to the neck, chest, or lungs.

5. Tonsillar cellulitis: Spread of infection deeply to nearby tissues

6. In tonsillitis with group A streptococcal bacteria i.e. strep throat infection, the serious complications include rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

ALLERGIC RHINITIS & HOMEOPATHY TREATMENT

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 807 Comments

DO you suffer from bouts of frequent sneezes, itchy and runny nose? Do you often wake up sneezing in the morning? Does sneezing and runny nose occur during a particular weather or when there is change of weather? Or, do you wheeze or do your eyes feel itchy with sneezing and runny nose? If you have some or all of these symptoms then you may be suffering from nasal allergy.Nasal allergy, also called allergic rhinitis or hay fever or pollinosis, is an allergic reaction of the body (mainly the upper respiratory tract and eyes) to certain substances – allergens – that we breathe in. The main allergens are pollens, molds, animal dander and dust.Allergy is nothing but an over-sensitisation of our defence system. This means that our immune system (defence system) starts reacting to a substance which is otherwise harmless to our body. In other words, it is a misdirected immune attack.Pollens are usually the main culprits.Homeopathic treatment is based on the principle of “like cures like”. This means if a substance that in its raw state produces a disease condition also has the ability to treat similar symptoms when given in diluted and activated (potentised) form.Thus, a lot many plants whose pollens are the known culprits for this kind of allergy are being used in homeopathy to treat allergic rhinitis. By giving a substance that has similar manifestations, homeopathy is able to optimise the already over-sensitised immune system.Two medicines which represent new advance in homeopathy are Galphimia Glauca and Histaminum Hydrochlo-ride.A US study found Galphimia Glauca to be highly effective in treating allergic rhinitis. Many other very effective plant-based medicines have also been introduced during the last few years: Cardiospermum Halicacabum and Amni Visnaga, for example. Conventional homeopathic medicines like Allium Cepa , Sabadilla , Arundo Mur, Ambrosia and Aralea are also very effective. It is important to remember that homoeopathy is a system where the treatment is based on the patient’s individual symptoms. Thus, each medicine has its own important place in treating allergic rhinitis. It may take a season or two to completely cure allergic rhinitis.With growing industrialisation, our bodies are changing according to the environment .A BMJ (formerly British Medical Journal) report has it that one in six people in the industrialised world suffers from seasonal pollen allergies. Pollution does not cause allergy directly, but is supposed to increase the sensitivity to pollens. In Japan, it was found that the sensitivity to pollens was high in people living in areas with high levels of diesel exhaust particles in the environment. Genetic factors are also supposed to play a role in developing nasal allergy.

ANXIETY AND ARGENTUM

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 6 Comments

MY friends call me a scary little bird. They think I live in a world full of fear, irrational impulses and a forsaken feeling. I am always in a state of worry. The question “what if?” constantly nags me. What if my car breaks down? What if I get late for my exam? Frankly, I suffer from a severe anticipation anxiety – a meeting with my boss gives palpitations, trembling, a cramping pain in the abdomen and at times a strong urge to pass stool. Avoiding crowded places, parties, narrow streets and alleys have become a compulsion; looking down even from the second floor sends shivers down the spine. Acrophobia (fear of heights) – that’s what I believe it is called. To tell you the truth, I am an agitated Argentum Mind. Oops! Forgot to mention an important symptom…. I am very forgetful.

Remedies, as we homoeopaths learn to realise, step forth as personalities. They haunt us in buses and queues, and confront us in our patients. They become creatures of temperaments – mental and physical. They have likes and dislikes, cravings and aversions. Sensitiveness to meteoric conditions as well as to human interaction and environment are well known. We realise their terrors, real or imaginary; their strange obsessions! And in a measure as this is so. We are able to apply them with success for the relief of persons of such idiosyncrasies and distress. Argentum Nitricum (silver nitrate)leads the homoeopathic table for treating what is called generalised anxiety disorder or anxiety neurosis. No other medicine in homoeopathy covers so strongly the symptoms of anxiety disorder.

First Aid In Winters

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD Leave a Comment

In winters, ailments like chilblains, cold, headache and fever usually catch us all of a sudden. In such situations, the right homoeopathic medicine, that too prescribed well in time, can be of great help. So, why do we not have our own first-aid homoeopathic kit at home? Here are three important medicines that can be used as first aid in winters when proper medical help is not possible.

Aconite the first choice

Well, if ever there can be a real antidote to the ill-effects of cold, aconite is the one.

After an exposure to cold, when the first symptoms show up, is the time to use aconite (runny nose, sneezing, itchiness in the throat or nose, shivering, etc). It is also very effective in controlling breathing difficulties after such a cause. Believe it or not, if you are quick enough to antidote your exposure within the first hour or so, aconite can abort the attack within no time.

Aconite is indicated after an exposure to dry cold weather, cold air, etc. It is also very useful when the symptoms are noticed due to perspiration having been checked by sudden exposure to cold. Remember that aconite is only indicated in the first few hours of exposure when the symptoms have just started occurring. Three doses of aconitum napelus 30c spaced at an interval of 10 minutes should serve as a proverbial stitch in time.

How to stay warm

The simple principle: Never go out without adequate clothing, however briefly. Avoid your clothing getting wet, through sweat or water. Dry it as soon as possible if this happens

Dress up in layers: Dressing up in several layers of clothes (preferably woollens) can significantly help in reducing the loss of heat. Remember that three light shirts are warmer than one thick one Double or triple your pair of socks if you suffer from cold feet.

Cover your nose: We lose one-thirds of our body heat by our head and 50 per cent of that is actually lost by the nose.

So cover your nose and you will really feel the difference. Don’t forget covering your head too.

Belladonna the surest bet

All those who have used or studied homoeopathy know how sure one is while using belladonna when symptoms of inflammation set in after an exposure.

Although its stage comes after aconite, it can be used directly if one hasn’t had the opportunity to use aconite. Belladonna is indicated when inflammation sets in. Cardinal symptoms of inflammation, as we are taught, are heat, redness, swelling and pain. For example, it is indicated in conditions such as fever after exposure, sore throat (congested, painful and red on examination), headache and all other inflammatory conditions that occur due to exposure. Three doses of 30c potency of belladonna repeated after an interval of every hour should suffice.

Agaricus for chilblains

Winters are a menace for those who suffer from chilblains. Chilblains are a painful abnormal reaction of the small blood vessels in the skin when exposed to cold temperatures. Chilblains appear as small itchy, red areas on the skin. These are common on the toes, but can also affect the fingers and the face (especially the nose and the ears). Three doses of agaricus 30c in a day for a period of four days should be sufficient to control the suffering.

If one finds limited or no relief after using the prescribed medicines, make sure that you consult a professional. The above mentioned first-aid medicines should be used only when actual medical help is not readily available

RA : RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS : TREATMENT WITH HOMEOPATHY

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 78 Comments

Homeopathy has been found to be very effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis mainly because it is an autoimmnue disorder – which basically means that the body’s own defences start eating up the joint tissue.

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