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Top 8 Homeopathic Medicines for Acne

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 52 Comments

homeopathic-medicines-for-acne

Acne, medically termed as acne vulgaris and commonly called pimples, is a skin problem that mainly affects the face and is common among teenagers. Acne is a result of the clogging of pores with dead skin cells and oil (sebum). Though acne usually impacts the face but may also affect the shoulders, upper chest, and back.

Homeopathy offers a safe, natural, outstanding treatment for acne cases. Homeopathic medicines provide huge relief by reducing the production of excessive oil by the overactive sebaceous glands. They also help treat any associated bacterial infection if present.

Action of Homeopathic Medicines in Acne

First, homeopathic medicines obstruct any further progression of acne, along with simultaneous healing. Second, these help relieve pain, itching, and burning sensations in acne. Next, any pus or bleeding from acne is also well controlled with these medicines. Further homeopathic medicines make sure to clear any scars/acne marks present along with the acne. With regular use of homeopathic medicines, the frequency and intensity of acne outbreaks are also cut down gradually.

Holistic Homeopathic Healing

Homeopathy does not work just on the surface of the skin; it goes deep inside to treat acne. For proper treatment, the root cause needs to be identified and addressed. Ointments are commonly prescribed in mainstream medicine that may temporarily reduce inflammation, pain and itching and suppress acne. There is a chance the acne may reappear with more intensity if one stops the medicines. But homeopathy, rather than suppressing the acne, focuses on the root cause and completely relieves the patient of the disease.

Individualized Homeopathic treatment

Homeopathy is the best mode of treatment for acne since it does not have any side effects and always heals in the most gentle and natural way. These medicines are prescribed taking into consideration the cause and type of acne and other associated symptoms after a thorough in-depth analysis of the case. The homeopathic prescription varies from individual to individual. So, it is advised to take homeopathic medicines for acne after consulting a qualified homeopath for the best possible results.

Top 8 Homeopathic Medicines for Acne

The top 6 homeopathic medicines to treat acne are Hepar Sulph, Belladonna, Silicea, Berberis Aquifolium, Kali Bromatum, Sulphur, Pulsatilla and Eugenia Jambosa.

1. Hepar Sulph – Best medicines For Pus-Filled Acne

It is the most frequently used remedy to treat pus-filled acne. Medically, these are called pustular acne. It is a highly reputed medicine with proven effectiveness time and again. Even if there is pricking pain in acne, this is the go-to medicine. Though it works well for people of any age group, it is most suitable for young people. This medicine also offers excellent results in cases of acne that bleeds.

When to use Hepar Sulph?

It is an ideal prescription for treating pimples filled with pus.

 How to use Hepar Sulph?

In the beginning, it is best to use it in a 30C potency one or two times daily.

 2. Belladonna – For Red, inflammed Acne

This naturally obtained medicine is most preferred when pimples are red. Along with the pimples, the face becomes red and shiny. There is increased sweating on the face. Though pimples may surface on any part of the face, they usually appear on the chin and the corners of the mouth, where Belladonna is required.

 When to use Belladonna?

It is a highly preferred medicine for red-colored pimples with a red, flushed face.

 How to use Belladonna?

This medicine can be administered in both low and high potencies. Initially, it is safe to take this in 30C potency two times a day. Potency can be raised after consulting a qualified homeopath.

3. Silicea – For Pus-Filled And Cystic Acne

This remedy is also highly effective for pus-filled pimples and cystic acne (painful, pus-filled bumps forming deep under the skin due to infection and inflammation from blocked pores in the skin). This medicine helps to dry the pus-filled acne, aiding prompt healing. It also works well on pimples that cause an itching and burning sensation that worsens in the daytime.

When to use Silicea?

This medicine is best for those with pus-filled pimples or cystic acne.

How to use Silicea?

This medicine is usually prescribed in 6X potency. Silicea 6X can be administered three to four times daily, depending on the severity of the problem.

4. Berberis Aquifolium – for Acne with Scarring and Pigmentation

 Berberis Aquifolium is a well-administered homeopathic remedy for acne associated with pimply, rough, and scaly skin. It is especially useful when eruptions appear on the scalp, face, and neck. This remedy is indicated in cases of chronic acne with persistent redness, pustules, or inflammatory lesions, often accompanied by irritation and dryness. Berberis Aquifolium also supports the healing of acne marks and post-inflammatory pigmentation, promoting clearer and healthier skin.

 When to use Berberis Aquifolium?

Berberis Aquifolium is indicated in chronic acne with pimples that are rough, scaly, or pustular, often appearing on the face, scalp, or neck.

How to use Berberis Aquifolium?

One can initiate with a 30C potency, once or twice a day.

5. Kali Bromatum – For large, painful, nodular acne

It is the key medicine to treat acne breakouts on the face, chest, and shoulders. It can be used for simple/hardened acne or when acne contains pus. This acne may look bluish red and can be itchy too. It is also an excellent medicine for acne that leaves scars.

When to use Kali Bromatum?

Its use is highly recommended for pimples all over the face, shoulders and the chest. The same goes for pimples that leave scars. In both cases, it is a perfect remedy.

 How to use Kali Bromatum?

One may be prescribed this medicine one to two times a day as per the intensity of the complaint.

6. Sulphur – For Itchy Acne

This medicine is of unmatched value when it comes to treating pimples that turn itchy, particularly at night. Though acne may appear on any part of the face, if it is prominent on the forehead, sulphur is the best remedy. Such pimples may be inflamed and painful to touch. Lastly, it is suitable to treat comedones, commonly called blackheads (the blockage of pores with oil, dead skin cells present on the forehead and the chin).

When to use Sulphur?

This medicine can be mainly administered to treat itchy pimples.

 How to use Sulphur?

Sulphur 30C can be administered once a day and no more. It is a strong medicine, it should be used with caution.

7. Pulsatilla – For Pimples In Young Girls

Pulsatilla is a natural medicine sourced from a plant called ‘wind flower’. It is the most suitable medicine to treat acne in adolescent girls. It is also a leading medicine used mostly to treat acne associated with any sort of menstrual irregularities.

 When to use this Pulsatilla?

This medicine can be used to treat acne in adolescent girls at puberty. And in such cases, acne is linked with menstrual irregularities.

 How to use this Pulsatilla?

This medicine can be administered in 30C potency once a day.

8. Eugenia Jambosa – For Indurated and Hormonal Acne

 Eugenia Jambosa work wonders for simple as well as indurated acne, especially when pimples are painful, tender, and sore around the lesion. It is particularly useful in cases of hormonal acne, where breakouts worsen around the menstrual cycle and may be associated with menstrual irregularities. Eugenia is also indicated in acne rosacea with marked redness and vascular congestion. This remedy helps address deep-seated inflammation, reduces pain and induration, and supports regulation of underlying hormonal imbalance, especially in acne affecting the chin and jawline.

When to use Eugenia Jambosa?

It is administered for painful, tender, and deep-seated acne.

 How to use Eugenia Jambosa?

It can be initiated with 30C potency one to two times daily.

Higher potencies such as 200C, 1M can be used only under the guidance of a qualified homeopath.

Note: You may use any of these medicines for about 2 to 3 weeks. To use them beyond this period, seek consultation from a qualified homeopath. It is also strictly advised not to take high potencies of any of these medicines without consulting a homeopath.

What causes Acne?

The primary cause of acne is the rise in the level of the hormone androgen in the body. Androgen levels rise around the age of adolescence. Androgen activates the sebaceous (oil) glands under the skin and makes them grow bigger and produce excess oil. The hair follicles get plugged with this oil and dead skin cells, giving the bacteria a chance to thrive and cause acne.

Trigger / Worsening Factors For Acne

 Stress: Stress triggers acne. A stressful mind causes hormonal fluctuation that leads to increased production of oil by the sebaceous glands. The result is an acne break-out.

Dietary factors: The relationship between diet and acne is not yet clear, but some evidence supports that certain food products can worsen acne. These are high glycemic products (like white bread) and dairy. High glycemic products break down quickly and are rapidly absorbed, resulting in high blood sugar. The spike in blood sugar levels can lead to inflammation which can cause acne. Also, it can affect hormone levels which, in turn, affect the activity of oil glands in the skin and lead to acne.

Oil-based skin cosmetics: Skin cosmetics which are oil based are also one reason why acne is caused.

Lack of sleep:  Inadequate sleep is linked to acne though it is not directly a cause. Sleep deprivation leads to stress that causes cortisol levels to rise, which in turn makes the skin produce more sebum, resulting in acne.

Hormonal changes, irregular menstrual cycles: In women acne may be a part of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) along with menstrual problems. So if acne and any menstrual problems occur at the same time, get proper consultation to rule out PCOS

Use of drugs: Cortisone and hormone replacement pills are a few of them which can cause acne.

Gastric issues such as constipation can trigger acne

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can adults also get acne?

Acne begins around puberty and gets worse during adolescence. The 12 to 25 years age group is most vulnerable with 80-90 percent chance of getting the disease. Yet, acne before puberty is not unheard of. Also, there are those who continue to suffer this condition way past their teens and through their adult years. Hormonal imbalance is usually the culprit.

2. What makes women more likely to get pimples or acne?

The androgen hormone which mainly causes acne rises during adolescence. In women, however, several other hormonal changes take place during menses, pregnancy, and menopause, all of which have the potential to set off acne.

3. Can the same medicines be used to treat acne in men as for women?

Homeopathy works just as well in men who suffer from acne. What will work for women will work for men too. General medicines like Sulphur, Hepar Sulph and Kali Bromatum are used based on specific symptoms.

4. My mother had acne, does that mean I, too, will have it?

Yes, heredity does influence acne to an extent. A person having a positive family history of acne has an 80 percent chance of getting it. There is also, however, the 20 percent chance that one may not get it. Acne is caused by the enlargement of sebaceous glands under the influence of androgens, mainly during adolescence.

5. Is acne contagious?

Acne is not contagious. In other words, direct or indirect contact with a person with acne or pimples will not pass on the condition.

6. Does acne always cause itching?

Acne can be itchy, but not in every case. Mainly, cystic acne is known to cause itching

7. Can dandruff cause acne?

Dandruff is a condition characterized by flakes on the scalp. Dandruff may arise due to excessively dry or excessively oily scalp. When these flakes shed off and fall on the face, they can clog pores and cause pimples. However, such pimples are mostly found in the forehead region.

8. Will taking vitamin or mineral supplements help manage acne?

Yes, taking vitamins and minerals daily can help manage acne. But they are not substitutes for medicines. They can manage acne, not treat it. Vitamin A, vitamin E and zinc are helpful supplements. These can be taken along with natural medicines, but strictly in doses prescribed by a homeopathic doctor.

9. Will treating blackheads help my condition?

Yes, clearing out blackheads in time can prevent acne. For treating blackheads, homeopathy essentially falls back on medicines, such as Sulphur and Eugenia Jambosa.

 

Call Dr. Sharma's Clinic - From United States and Canada call 703-659-0873. Patients From rest of the world and India call +91-6283487321

Pulsatilla for Women

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 430 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.  Pulsatilla

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.

Call Dr. Sharma's Clinic - From United States and Canada call 703-659-0873. Patients From rest of the world and India call +91-6283487321

Treating Phobias With Homeopathy

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 35 Comments

will it be beyond belief if someone told you that he or she feared his or her own voice? More astonishing, if a homoeopath had a specific medicine for this symptom listed in his book! Along with 400 different fears with near specific remedies, you will find this symptom in the Complete Repertory. Unquestionably, the instance exemplifies homeopathy’s perception or understanding of the intricacies of the mind. More common fears are social phobia, agoraphobia (fear of open spaces or crowds), claustrophobia (fear of closed places) and acrophobias (fear of heights). Social phobia, also called social anxiety disorder, involves overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations.

People with social phobia have a persistent, intense and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions. The fear may be so severe that it may interfere with work or school, and other ordinary activities. Many people with social phobia recognise that their phobia is an exaggeration. But they may be unable to overcome it. They often worry for days or weeks in advance about a dreaded situation. Argentum Nitricum, Lyssin and Gelsemium lead the homeopathic table in treating social and agorabhobias.

Claustrophobic individuals are fearful of closed and narrow spaces, making themselves unfit for travelling in tunnels and lifts and working in basements. Homoeopathic medicines, Lycopodium and Pulsatilla, are asked for treating this situation.

Life can be very distressing for people suffering from acrophobia (fear of heights). It can be seen in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic “Vertigo’. Poor Madeliene! For sure, a dose of Argentum Nitricum would have changed the course of the story – yes, perhaps!

Treating phobias requires a deep insight into the case; do consult your homoeopath before using any of these medicinesprofile pic

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