Lachnanthes Tinctoria is prepared from plant commonly named as ‘spirit weed’. It belongs to family Hemodoraceae. This homoeopathic remedy is prepared from the whole plant via potentization. It is a process of preparing homeopathic medicines that extracts and arouses medicinal properties from crude substance. This medicine is of special service in treating cases of neck pain, neck stiffness and torticollis (a painful condition arising from involuntary contraction of neck muscles resulting in twisting of head to one side).

Drug Action

The most favourable action of this medicine is seen on the neck. Other than this, its action is noted on upper back, head, eyes, throat, gastric system and skin.

Clinical Indications

Stiff neck, wry neck, torticollis, headache, sore throat, cough

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Neck And Upper Back Complaints (Stiff Neck, Pain In Neck, Torticollis, Burning In Shoulder Blade)

The chief action of Lachnanthes is centred on the neck. It is the top most medicine to manage cases of painful and stiff neck. It gives great relief in neck pain and stiffness. Persons needing it have neck pain with a feeling as if the neck is dislocated. It is felt especially when turning the neck to the side or bending the head backward. The pain and stiffness may spread over the entire head and down the nose. It has a considerable clinical reputation in managing cases of torticollis. Torticollis is stiff, painful neck resulting from an involuntary contraction of neck muscles that leads to twisting of head to one side. Its use is considered when there is intense stiffness in neck along with drawing of head to one side. In most cases that require Lachnathes, the head is drawn to the right side. Its action is also marked on the upper back. Here it is particularly helpful in managing burning sensation in the right scapula (also called shoulder blade which is is a triangular bone that lies in upper back one on the either side). It is also well indicated when there is a sensation of wetness between shoulder blades as from cold sweat. There may also occur a sensation of a piece of ice lying on the back between shoulders.

Key Indicating Features

Neck stiffness and neck pain as if neck is dislocated

Torticollis with intense neck stiffness and drawing of head to one side especially right side

Burning sensation in the right scapula

A sensation of wetness between shoulder blades as from cold sweat

A sensation of piece of ice lying on back between shoulders

2. Head complaints (headache)

The action of this medicine is seen on the head. Here it is mainly indicated to manage cases of headache. It is prominently indicated for pain in the right side of head. The pain is bursting or splitting type, it may extend to jaw. The pain gets worse from movement of body or head. The least noise causes headache. Sometimes there is tearing pain in head that gets worse from vomiting. Tearing may be marked in forehead from left to right side. Another very characteristic feature for its use is head feeling enlarged. It gets worse from the least noise. Further, it helps cases where the bridge of the nose feels pinched.

Key Indicating Features

Right side headache bursting or splitting type extending to jaw

Tearing pain in head worse from vomiting

3. Eyes-Related Problems (Lachrymation, Burning, Floaters, Twitching)

Coming to eye problems, this medicine proves effective in complaint of violent lachrymation (eye watering) and burning in the eyes. The vision may be unclear as if there are clouds before the eyes. This medicine is also valuable to manage floaters in front of the eyes. It works well in cases of yellow spots or grey rings before the eyes. Its use is mainly considered when a small grey spot runs in front of the left eye when reading or writing. It can also be used in cases where eyes feel heavy and a person is not able to open his eyes. Lastly, it can be given in cases of twitching of upper eyelids worse when closing eyes.

Key Indicating Features

Excessive eye watering and burning in eyes

Eye floaters with yellow spots or grey rings before eyes

Small grey spot running before left eye when reading or writing

Twitching of upper eyelids worse when closing eyes

4. Throat Issues (Dryness, Soreness)

If we talk of throat issues, then Lachnanthes is effective for dry, rough throat. Its use is recommended when dryness is most intense during night. It is accompanied by bouts of coughing. Dryness of throat may lead to sleeplessness. The roughness in throat is attended with pricking sensation while swallowing. Throat is sore along with short cough. Itching in throat may be felt while swallowing.

Key Indicating Features

Throat dryness on awaking during night with coughing

Roughness in throat with pricking sensation when swallowing

Sore throat along with short cough

Itching in throat while swallowing

5. Gastric Concerns (Gas, Pain)

Another area of action of Lachnanthes is the gastric system. It is helpful for cases of excessive gas in abdomen. There is fullness in abdomen with rolling of gas and also escape of wind from the anus. With its action on rectum, it proves effective in managing frequent stool with passage of gas. Another notable feature to use this medicine is a constant stitching pain in the anus in the morning.

Key Indicating Features

Fullness in abdomen with rolling of gas and passage of gas per anus

Constant stitching pain in the anus in the morning

6. Skin Complaints (Itching, Burning, Pimples, Stinging)

Lastly, it acts well on skin. It is mainly helpful to help relieve skin itching. It gives substantial relief when itching on skin occurs at night along with burning. It gets worse from scratching. It is also of great value in managing pimples. Here it can effectively heal pimples that contain a watery fluid. Besides these, it may be used in managing stinging and tingling sensation on legs, thighs, feet and arms.

Key Indicating Features

Skin itching and burning at night worse from scratching

Pimples with watery fluid

Stinging and tingling sensation on legs, thighs, feet and arms

Dosage

This medicine works well in both low and high potency. Its potency is selected as per the individual case presentation. The low potencies can be taken often, but high potency should be taken in infrequent doses.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Lachnanthes can be compared with medicines including Bryonia, Cicuta, Actaea Racemosa, Fel Tauri and Gelsemium in case of neck pain.

Formica Rufa is a renowned medicine in homeopathy to treat cases of nasal polyps.  It is also well suited to manage cases of joint inflammation, and pain, especially, when there is sudden pain. It also tends to shift from one part to another. Pain has a tendency to wander from left side of the body to right and then again back to left side. In cases of gout, it gives promising results.

Drug Action

The most prominent action of this medicine is on the nasal mucus membrane and joints. Other than this, it acts well on gastric system, skin, ear, and eyes.

Clinical Indications

Nasal polyps, cold, joint pains, gout, diarrhea, spleen pain, hives, tinnitus, earache

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Nasal Problems (Polyps And Cold)

Formica Rufa acts magnificently on the nasal mucus membrane. Its acts well in treating nasal polyps, and cold. Nasal polyps are best treated with this medicine. They refer to soft, non-cancerous, painless growths that tend to develop on the lining of nasal passage or paranasal sinuses. It arises mainly from long-term inflammation of the lining of nose or paranasal sinuses. Formica Rufa has given great clinical results in cases of nasal polyps. It acts very effectively to shrink the nasal polyps growth, and often prevents surgical intervention in these cases. In case of cold, it works well to manage sneezing, and watery nasal discharge. The nose feels stuffed.

Key Indicating Features

Nasal polyps

Sneezing, runny nose and nasal stuffiness

 2. Joint Complaints (Joint Inflammation, Pain, Gout)

Formica Rufa acts very well on the joints. It manages joint inflammation and its related symptoms wonderfully. It proves very effective when joint inflammation, and pains come on suddenly along with restlessness. Joints on the right side are more affected as compared to the left. The pain tends to wander from one part to the other. There is worsening of joint pain upon movement, and relief when pressure is applied. Nodes may be present near the affected joints. The pain mainly occurs on the right elbow, and wrist. Pain may also occur in hip joint. It is a bruised type of pain that gets worse at night. Pain in the knee joint is also felt. It gets worse while walking. It is a highly valued medicine in treating cases of gout (joint inflammation from high uric acid levels). Its use is also well indicated in case of chronic gout with joint stiffness.

Key Indicating Features

Joint inflammation, and pain appearing suddenly, along with restlessness

Joint pain gets worse upon movement & better when pressure is apploed

Chronic gout with joint stiffness

3. Gastric Issues (Pain, Diarrhea, Spleen Pain)

Its acts quite well on the gastric system, and proves beneficial in a lot of ways. To begin with, it offers huge relief in cases of pain around the umbilicus felt before stool. There may be excessive gas in the abdomen, and one may feel gas remaining stuck in the abdomen. Secondly, it is useful in treating cases of nausea, and vomiting that occurs with headache. The vomiting carries yellow mucus, and a bitter taste. It can be used in cases of burning sensation in stomach accompanied by a feeling of weight and oppression. This medicine can also be administered in cases of diarrhoea. This medicine works well in case of loose stool with tenesmus (an ineffectual constant urge to pass stool even if bowels are already empty). Pain in bowels before stool is felt in this condition. Besides, it is an important medicine in managing dull pain in the region of spleen.

Key Indicating Features

Pain around the umbilicus felt before stool

Nausea and vomiting of yellow bitter mucus with headache

Loose stool with tenesmus (an ineffectual constant urge to pass stool even if bowels are already empty)

Dull pain in spleen region

4. Skin Complaints (Hives, Itching, Excessive Sweating)

Hives

By acting on the skin, Formica Rufa proves effective to manage complaint of hives. Hives refers to raised itchy wheals (bumps) on the skin triggered usually from an allergic reaction. It is also indicated to manage itching of skin attended with redness and burning sensation. Lastly, its use is considered when there is excessive sweating, especially during night.

Key Indicating Features

Hives

Itching, redness and burning of skin

Profuse sweating at night

5. Ear-related Problems (Tinnitus, Polyps, Earache)

One may find this medicine beneficial to treat tinnitus (noises in ear in the absence of any external source). It is well indicated to manage ringing and buzzing sort of noises in ear. Hardness of hearing can accompany it. Formica Rufa is also recommended for treating polyps in the ear. Another complaint where it seems to help is earache in both the ears felt in the morning on getting up. The pain may be pressing in nature attended with heated sensation. The right ear may be sensitive to touch externally.

Key Indicating Features

Ringing and buzzing type of noises in ear

Polyps in ears

Earache in both the ears in morning on getting up

6. Eye Complaints (Iritis, Twitching, Pterygium, Pain)

Formica Rufa is also known to help in treating  certain eye-related complaints as well. This medicine can be used to manage rheumatic iritis means iris inflammation (iritis) when related to joint inflammation. It can be given in cases of twitching of the upper eyelid. Its use is also recommended to treat cases of pterygium (an abnormal tissue growth on conjunctiva). Last indication to use it is pain in the eyes felt on waking up.

Key Indicating Features

Rheumatic iritis (iris inflammation in case of joint inflammation)

Twitching of upper eyelid

Modalities

Worsening factors: complaints are worse from cold, dampness, and cold washing

Relieving factors: complaints are better from rubbing, pressure and warmth

Dosage

The recommended potency of this medicine is between 6C to 30 C. The repetition varies from case to case.

Relationship with Other Remedies

It can be compared with other remedies including Arsenic Album, Bryonia, Urtica urens, Dulcamara and Apis Mellifica.

The remedy Calcarea Fluorica, also known as Calcarea Fluorata, is derived from calcium fluoride. It is one amongst the 12 biochemic medicines in homeopathy. When calcium fluoride is potentized according to homeopathic formula which is a process of arousing medicinal powers of crude substance, it is converted into a very beneficial homeopathic medicine Calcarea Fluorica. Among the various health concerns that it can treat well, the most prominent ones are hard lumps/knots, extra bony outgrowths (bone spurs) and varicose veins.

Drug Action

A foremost action of this medicine to dissolve extra bony outgrowths. Another highly important action is to dissolve hard lumps/knots in different body parts. The most prominent action of this medicine is seen on the bones and teeth. The other main action is on breast, neck, back, limbs, joints. Lastly, it acts well on rectum, and skin.

Clinical Indications

Bone spurs, exostosis, hard lumps/nodes, dental problems, toothache, gumboils, breast knots, goitre, varicose veins, ganglion, backache, scoliosis, ulcers, piles, anal fissures, anal itching, synovitis

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Bone Complaints (Extra Bony Growths, Bone Tumors, Bone Suppuration)

Calcarea Fluorica acts wonderfully on the bones. It is highly valuable to manage certain bone complaints magnificently. It is a principal medicine to treat exostosis (extra growth of bone on an existing bone) cases. Cases of extra bony growths call unmistakably for use of Calcarea Fluorica. Other than exostosis some other names for this extra growth of bone includes bony spurs and osteophytes. Use of this medicine can be done in any case of extra bone growths occurring from different reasons. Exostosis resulting from an injury to bone is also indicative of its use. This medicine is very powerful to dissolve the extra bony outgrowths. Coming to another complaint where it proves to be highly effective is bone tumours. Another use of this medicine is seen in relieving a hard swelling on the jaw bone. Lastly, it is indicated for managing cases of suppuration of bone. Suppuration means pus discharge.

Key Indicating Features

Extra bony growths – exostosis, bone spurs, osteophytes

Hard swelling on jaw bone

Suppuration (pus discharge) of bone

2. Dental Complaints (Deficient Enamel, Toothache, Gumboil)

It acts wonderfully on the teeth and gums. Firstly, it is prominently indicated for cases in which the enamel on teeth is deficient. Secondly, it is beneficial for toothache. Here it is indicated when pain in teeth is felt if any food touches the teeth. Lastly, its use is recommended for cases of gumboils (a pus-filled bump on gums). In such cases, it works well when there is a hard swelling on gums.

Key Indicating Features

Deficient enamel on teeth

Toothache when any food touches teeth

Gumboil with hard swelling

3. Female Problems (Breast Knots / Lumps, Uterine Prolapse)

If we talk of women problems, then the foremost complaint for which it is most importantly indicated is hard knots in the breasts. It is a top-grade medicine to dissolve hard knots/lumps in breasts. It can be given to manage cases of prolapse of uterus. In such cases, its use is considered when there is bearing down and dragging pain in uterus and thighs.

Key Indicating Features

Hard knots in breast

Uterine prolapse with bearing down and dragging in uterus and thighs

4. Neck And Back Concerns (Goitre, Backache)

Another action of Calcarea Fluorica is noted on the neck and back. In case of neck, it is mainly indicated for cases of goitre (lump in front of neck from an enlarged thyroid gland). It is also indicated for hard lymph nodes in neck presenting with stony hardness. It is helpful in managing lower back pain. It gives good results in case of lower backache occurring from strains. Those needing this medicine have worsening of this pain after rest which gets better from continued motion and from warmth. Along with backache, burning may be felt in the back. Tiredness is also felt in the lower back along with restlessness. This medicine is also considered in managing cases of scoliosis (sideways curvature of spine).

Key Indicating Features

Goitre (lump in front of neck from enlarged thyroid gland)

Lower backache occurring from strains

Back pain that worsens after rest and better from continued motion and from warmth

5. Limbs And Joints (Varicose Veins, Ganglion, Synovitis)

Action of Calcare Fluorica is also well marked on the limbs and joints. In case of limbs, this medicine has a great clinical reputation in treating cases of varicose veins on legs. It has shown excellent results in cases of ganglion (a fluid-filled lump developing on a joint or tendon). It works best in case of ganglion on the back of wrist. If we consider joints, it is well indicated for case of cracking in joints, synovitis (inflammation of synovial membrane lining the joint) of knee joint. Lastly, it is of value in cases of enlarged joints of fingers from increased uric acid levels (gout).

Key Indicating Features

Varicose veins on limbs

Ganglion on back of wrist

Synovitis of knee joint

Enlarged joints of fingers from high uric acid levels

6. Rectal Issues (Piles, Anal Fissures, Anal Itching)

With its action on rectum, it proves to be a highly effective medicine for cases of piles (swollen, enlarged veins in or around anus or in lower rectum). The characteristic for its use is piles with pain in the lower back in sacral region. The piles may be bleeding or non – bleeding type. Constipation is present along with piles. This medicine is also valuable to manage cases of anal fissures (tear in the mucosa lining the anus). There is extremely sore crack in the anal lining in cases needing it. Besides these it can be used in cases of anal itching from pin worms. It is worse at night waking the patient.

Key Indicating Features

Piles with pain in the lower back in sacrum

Anal fissure with extremely sore crack in the anal lining

Anal itching from pin worms

7. Skin Problems (Hard Lumps, Dry Cracked Skin, Ulcers, Adhesions)

Lastly, its action is marked on the skin to help with certain skin issues. To begin with, it is suitable to treat cases of lumps that are stony hard. For this complaint, it is a leading medicine in homeopathy. It is well indicated for healing cracked, dry and hard skin. Its use is highly preferred to heal cracks or hard skin in the palms of hands. Further, its use is recommended in case of ulcers that secretes thick yellow pus. The margins of ulcers are hard, elevated. Calcarea Fluor is next indicated in cases of adhesions that form after operation.

Key Indicating Features

Lumps with stony hardness

Cracked, dry, hard skin

Cracks or hard skin in the palms of hands

Ulcers secreting thick, yellow pus

Adhesions forming after operations

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from rest, beginning to move and changes of weather

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from warm applications, continued motion, by rubbing and from warm drinks

Dosage

This medicine can be used from third to twelfth potency. Among these the most frequently used is 6X potency. It can be repeated three to four times a day varying from case to case depending on the symptoms.

Relationship With Other Remedies

1. Calcarea Fluorica can be compared with remedies Conium in case of hard knots/ lumps.

2. It can be compared with medicine Hecla Lava when it comes to dental issues and complaint of bone spurs.

3. In case of backache, its comparison is done with medicine Rhus Tox.

4. Lastly, comparison of this medicine is done with medicine Silicea in cases of bone suppuration (pus formation).

The remedy Millefolium is derived from the plant Millefolium Achillea which is also known as ‘yarrow’ belonging to family ‘Composite.’

This whole fresh plant undergoes potentization (a process of preparing homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal properties from a crude substance). Once it goes through this process, it is converted into a very useful homeopathic medicine Millefolium. It is one of the best homeopathic medicines to control bleeding from various body parts, especially when it is of bright red colour.

The ‘Millefolium’ Constitution

This medicine suits children and the elderly quite well. It is also suitable for women suffering from anemia.

Drug Action

The principal action of this medicine is to control bleeding (hemorrhage) from different body parts (eg: from nose, rectum, stomach, lungs, uterus, skin). The bleeding is of bright red color in all such cases. Its action is marked on nose, rectum, and female genitals. It is also administered in case of problems on the skin, limbs, head, and respiratory system.

Clinical Indications

Haemorrhages (bleeding), nose bleeding, bleeding piles, dysentery, heavy menses, dysmenorrhoea, suppressed menses, leucorrhoea, bruises, wounds, varicose veins, headache, hemoptysis, tuberculosis

 Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Nasal Complaints (Nasal Bleeding)

Millefolium controls bleeding from various body parts including the nose medically known as epistaxis. It is accompanied by congestion in the head and chest. It can also be used in case one has stuffy nose. Lastly, it is helpful in managing a sort of piercing pain from eyes to the root of the nose.

Key Indicating Features

Nasal bleeding with congestion to head and chest

Piercing pain from eyes to root of the nose

2. Rectal Problems (Bleeding Piles, Dysentery, Warts)

‘Millefolium’ has a wonderful action on the rectum. The most important complaint where it proves highly effective is bleeding piles (swollen, enlarged veins in or around anus or in lower rectum). It is administered when there is profuse bleeding from piles. It is also very useful in managing dysentery (infection of intestines that causes loose stool which contains blood and mucus). This medicine is considered when there is dysentery with marked blood and tenesmus (frequent, ineffectual urge to pass stool even when bowels are already empty). If someone has bleeding from warts in the anus area, this medicine can help settle it down as well.

Key Indicating Features

Profuse bleeding from piles

Dysentery with marked blood and tenesmus (frequent, ineffectual urge to pass stool even when bowels are already empty

Bleeding from warts of anus

Bleeding from intestine following much exertion

3. Female Problems (Heavy Menses, Suppressed Menses, Leucorrhoea)

This medicine has shown great clinical improvements in various women-related problems. To begin with, it is extensively used to manage heavy periods when bleeding is of bright red colour. The periods last for prolonged duration. An accompanying factor during the periods is colic pain. Tendency for early periods is also there. Bleeding from uterus after excessive exertion is also suggestive of its use. For heavy menses and intermenstrual bleeding attended with congestive headache, Millefolium is highly recommended. Another significant indication is infertility among women with heavy menses. Women who have suppressed menses accompanied with colicky abdominal pain can highly benefit from this medicine.  It is also well indicated in managing vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) among girls.

Key Indicating Features

Heavy periods with bright red blood lasting for prolonged duration

Bleeding from uterus after excessive exertion

Heavy menses & intermenstrual bleeding with congestive headache

Suppressed menses accompanied with colicky abdominal pain

Vaginal discharges in children

4. Skin Issues (Bruises, Wounds, Vesicles)

Millefolium acts really well on the skin. It is a highly recommended medicine in managing bruises (blackish or bluish discoloration on the skin due to injured blood vessels near the skin). It is also capable of managing bleeding from wounds. Its use is preferred in treating several vesicles (fluid-filled bumps) on skin that are pea-sized of brown colour that discharge offensive fluid. Lastly, it can deal with wounds that occur after operation of stones in the bladder.

Key Indicating Features

Bruises

Bleeding from wounds

Several pea-sized vesicles on skin of brown color discharging offensive fluid

Wounds after operation of stones in bladder

5. Action On Limbs (Varicose Veins, Sprains, Achilles Tendon Pain)

Millefolium really acts well on the veins of the limbs. Its use is highly recommended in managing varicose veins (swollen, enlarged, twisted veins most commonly in legs), particularly that occur during pregnancy. These may bleed as well. These may be painful or painless. It is suitable in dealing with cases of sprains (overstretching or tearing of ligaments means the fibrous tissue which connects two bones together) and effects from falls. Besides these, its action is to manage Achilles tendon (this tendon is a tough fibrous band that connects calf muscle in the back of leg to the heel bone) pain. It is more prominent to help cases of pain in right sided Achilles tendon as if occurring from blow or sprain.

Key Indicating Features

Varicose veins during pregnancy

Pain in right-sided Achilles tendon as if occurring from blow or sprain

6. Head (Headache)

It really helps manage headache. It is successfully used for headache that gets worse from taking coffee. Headache is dull type. It also gets worse from stooping. Sometimes throbbing is felt in head and face. Along with pain in head, twitches may occur in the eyelids. In some cases, the headache is very violent and the sufferer strikes the head against the wall.

Key Indicating Features

Headache worse from taking coffee

Headache with twitching in eyelids

Violent headache with striking of the head against the wall

7. Respiratory Problems (Coughing Of Blood)

Lastly, some respiratory concerns can be dealt with successfully with this medicine. The foremost indication to use it is in case of lung complaints with coughing of blood (hemoptysis) that is bright red in color. This serves as the most prominent marker for use of Millefolium. It gives substantial relief in cases of cough accompanied by frequent spitting of blood. It may be accompanied by palpitations and oppression of the chest. Blood spitting in tuberculosis or coughing blood after an injury is also indicative of its use.

Key Indicating Features

Lung complaints with coughing of blood which is bright red in color

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from exertion, lifting, stooping, suppressed discharges, in the evening, at night, and from lying down

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from bleeding, heavy exercise

Dosage

It can be used from low to high potencies and also in mother tincture form. Its duration of action is just between one to three days, so it can be repeated frequently if it is being used in low potencies. But in high potencies, one should avoid frequent doses.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Arsenic Iodatum and Arum Maculatum

It can be compared with homeopathic medicines Hamamelis and Ipecac (in its action of controlling bleeding)

Physostigma Venenosum is a natural homeopathic medicine derived from plant Calabar bean also known as ‘ordeal-bean’. It belongs to family Leguminosae. This medicine is prepared from the beans of this plant through potentization (A process of preparing homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance). It is one of the best homeopathic medicine to manage certain eyes complaints. These majorly includes myopia, glaucoma, astigmatism and blepharospasm.

Drug Action

The foremost action of this medicine is on the eyes. It also acts well on the head, ears, nose and gastric system.

Clinical Indications

Eye disorders, myopia, astigmatism, glaucoma, blepharospasm, eye floaters, headache, diarrhea, constipation, piles

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1.Eye Complaints (Myopia, Glaucoma, Eye Floaters, Astigmatism, Blepharospasm, Photophobia, Night Blindness, Lagophthalmos, Exophthalmos)

Among various actions of Physostigma, if we have to pick the most prominent one then that would be on the eyes. It acts magnificently on the eyes and deals effectively with numerous eye-related problems. To begin with, it is a highly beneficial medicine for cases of myopia. Myopia, also known as near sightedness and short-sightedness, is a vision condition in which the sufferer can see near objects clearly but farther objects are blurry. It can be of great help in cases where myopia is increasing. Secondly, it is a well-indicated medicine for cases of glaucoma (a condition that causes damage to the eye’s optic nerve). It is prominently indicated for glaucoma that follows after an eye injury. It is useful to manage cases of muscae volitantes (eye floaters). Here its use is primarily considered when there occur black spots or flashes of light before eyes.

This medicine can further help in symptom management of astigmatism cases. Astigmatism is a vision problem that arises from an error in shape of cornea or lens. Physostigma can also be given in cases of twitching of eyelid muscles medically known as blepharospasm. It is also effective in managing eye pain felt after eyeball movement. It can be used for sharp shooting or drawing pain in eyes. There is pain as well as soreness in eyes when eyeballs are moved from side to side. This medicine’s other action is to help cases of photophobia (sensitivity to bright light) and profuse lachrymation (eye-watering). Besides these, it is indicated for managing cases of night blindness (inability to see well at night or in poor light). Rest of its indications include lagophthalmos (inability to fully close the eyelids) and exophthalmos (bulging or protruding eyeballs).

Key Indicating Features

Increasing myopia (a vision condition in which the sufferer can see near objects clearly but the farther objects are blurry)

Glaucoma after an eye injury

Eye floaters with black spots or flashes of light before eyes

Astigmatism (a vision problem that arises from error in shape of cornea of lens)

Twitching of eyelid muscles (blepharospasm)

Night blindness (inability to see well at night or in poor light)

Lagophthalmos (inability to fully close the eyelids)

Exophthalmos (bulging or protruding eyeballs)

2. Head (Headache)

The action of Physostigma is also well marked on the head. It is of great help in managing headache. The guiding feature to use it is headache that worsens from the least mental exertion. It also gets worse at night. Along with pain, there is sleeplessness. There is no headache in the morning. The pain is marked over both the eyes. With this there is great difficulty in raising the eyelids. The headache can begin from the back of the head (occiput) and pass forward or vice versa. This medicine can be given to manage a pressure sensation on the top and the temples of the head. The pressure from the top of the head extends to the back of head.

Key Indicating Features

Headache worsens from the least mental exertion

Headache worsens at night along with sleeplessness

Headache is marked over both eyes with great difficulty in raising eyelids

3. Ear Problems (Earache, Tinnitus)

Physostigma acts well on the ears. Firstly, it helps to relieve earache. It works well in cases of sharp, shooting ear pain. A crawling sensation may be felt in the left ear. Secondly, it is a suitable medicine for cases of tinnitus (noises in ear without any external source of sound). Its use is recommended for ringing, buzzing or hissing noises in the ears. The ears feel blocked and stuffed up too. In some cases, there is sensitivity to every sound.

Key Indicating Features

Sharp, shooting pain in ears

Ringing, buzzing or hissing noises in ears

4. Nose (Cold, Fever Blisters, Twitching)

For treating nasal complaints, this medicine is mainly applicable to manage cold. The guiding feature to use it is easy–flowing nasal discharge attended with burning, smarting, itching, tingling in the nostrils. Nasal stuffiness is present. It suits well cases of fever blisters (fluid-filled bumps that arise due to an infection from herpes simplex virus) around the nose. Twitching of muscles of nose is yet another indication for using this remedy.

Key Indicating Features

Nasal discharge along with burning, smarting, itching, tingling in the nostrils

Fever blisters around the nose

Twitching of muscles of nose

5. Gastric Issues (Stomach Pain, Diarrhea, Constipation, Piles)

Physostigma is suitable for managing some gastric concerns too. It can effectively help cases of stomach pain that is felt after eating. The stomach is sensitive to pressure as well. It is beneficial for soreness and bloating in navel region. It is also a good medicine to relieve colicky pain in abdomen during loose motion which gets better by extending legs. This medicine can be given in cases of loose motion. Here its use is considered for soft, thin, profuse, yellowish stool or lumpy stool mixed with watery discharge. Its use can be done in constipation cases also arising from lack of tonicity of intestines. Lastly, a prominent indication for using it is piles (swollen, inflamed veins in the anus or the lower rectum) occurring in women after childbirth.

Key Indicating Features

Stomach pain felt after eating

Soreness and bloating in navel region

Colicky pain in abdomen during loose motion better by extending legs

Piles in women after childbirth

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from motion, jar, falls, misstep, pressure, heat and cold, lying on left side and change of temperature

Relieving factors: Complaints get relieved by closing eyes, from sleep, lying on right side or on abdomen and in cool open air

Dosage                                                                         

One may use this medicine in low as well as high potencies, depending on case presentation. The general rule to be followed is that low potencies can be repeated often while higher potencies should not be repeated frequently.

Relationship with Other Remedies

It can be compared with some other homeopathic remedies including Agaricus, Belladonna, Curare, Conium, Gelsemium, Passiflora and Solanum

Homeopathic medicine Muriaticum Acidum is derived from Hydrochloric Acid. To obtain this homeopathic medicine, Hydrochloric Acid is potentized (potentization refers to the process of preparing homeopathic medicines by arousing the medicinal powers of a crude substance). It is a highly recommended medicine to treat rectal problems, especially piles that are sore, tender, and cases of typhoid fever.

Drug Action

Muriaticum Acidum acts wonderfully on the rectum and treats numerous complaints among which sore, tender piles stand out as the most prominent. It works magnificently to manage cases of typhoid fever. Other than this, its action is well-marked on the gastric system, mouth, tongue and skin.

Clinical Indications

Piles, typhoid fever, diarrhea, dysentery, rectal prolapse, stomatitis, dry tongue, mouth ulcers, stomach disorders, stomach ulcers, gas, acidity, belching, bedsores, ulcers, eczema, freckles.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1.Rectal Complaints (Piles, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Rectal Prolapse)

Among various body parts, Muriaticum Acidum acts best on the rectum. It is one of the best medicines to manage piles. Piles are swollen, inflamed veins in the anus or the lower rectum. It is the most effective in those cases of piles that are sore and become highly sensitive to even a slight touch. The piles protrude like bunch of grapes, look bluish or purple. It is accompanied by burning and violent stitching pain. Piles tend to protrude during stool or at the time of passing of urine. But there is relief in the affected area when heat is applied. Another noticeable feature is bright red bleeding from piles. Its use is also indicated for treating piles during pregnancy and if one has diarrhea. Another striking feature for its use is loose stool with gas and intense anal itching. Smarting and burning in anus is an accompanying factor. Its use is also recommended in case of dysentery (blood accompanies loose motion). In such cases, it is used when there is passage of blood and slime along with stool. Before passing stool, rumbling and pain is felt in the abdomen. During the passing of stool, smarting, cutting, and burning at the anus is felt. After passing stool, anal itching, soreness and tenderness are felt . Another complaint where it proves effective is prolapse of rectum while urinating or while passing gas. If someone passes involuntary stool when urinating or passing gas even then, this medicine proves to be very beneficial.

Key Indicating Features

Piles that are sore and highly sensitive upon slight touch

Piles that protrude like bunch of grapes, and look bluish or purple

Burning and violent stitching pain in the affected area

Protrusion of piles during stool or while passing urine

Prolapse of rectum while urinating or when passing gas

Involuntary stool while urinating or passing of the gas

2. Fever (Typhoid Fever)    

This medicine is most recommended for typhoid fever. It is mostly indicated when chill is more dominant than heat. Also, coldness is most felt in bed in the morning. There is either constant restlessness or deep sleep. There occurs either confused talking or loud moaning. The lower jaw is droopy. There may be fetid smell in mouth with ulcers, and the tongue goes dry like leather, shrunken and is coated at the edges. The stool has offensive smell, may pass involuntarily even while passing urine. The person has excessive weakness and may even slide down the bed.

Key Indicating Features

Typhoid fever with constant restlessness or sleepiness

Typhoid with confused talking, loud moaning, droopy lower jaw, excessive weakness.

3. Gastric Issues (Stomach Ulcers, Acidity, Pain & Enlarged Liver)

This medicine acts wonderfully on the gastric system. Muriaticum Acidum is very effective in cases of stomach ulcers. Burning pain in the stomach is felt. Vomiting may occur along with burping. It works well in cases of acid reflux. The stomach contents back flow in the food pipe. There appears bitter belching. Further action of this medicine is noted to relieve cramping pain in the abdomen. It can also manage well gripping pain in the umbilical region. It proves effective in cases of abdominal distension and fullness that arises from eating even small quantity of food. Lastly, it can be used in cases of sore and enlarged liver.

Key Indicating Features

Stomach ulcers with burning pain in stomach

Acid reflux with bitter belching

Gripping pain in umbilical region

Sore & enlarged liver

4. Mouth (Stomatitis, Dry Tongue)

This medicine also acts well on the mouth. Here it is mainly useful in cases of mouth dryness, and mouth inflammation (stomatitis). There is redness inside the cheeks, and mucus lining of lips along with pain. There occurs fetid breath in the mouth. Next, it is helpful for dryness of tongue. The tongue is dry, leathery and looks burnt. It is swollen as well, and is bluish or pale. There may occur deep ulcers on the tongue.

Key Indicating Features

Mouth inflammation with dryness in mouth

Redness inside the cheeks, and mucus lining of lips with pain

Tongue dry, leathery and looks burnt, may be swollen as well and is bluish or pale

5. Skin Complaints (Bedsores, Ulcers, Eczema, Freckles)

Lastly, Muriaticum Acidum has brilliant action on the skin. By acting on the skin, it proves to be highly effective for cases of bedsores. It can be given in cases of skin ulcers too. The ulcers are deep, painful mainly occur on lower legs. Foul smell emanates from the ulcers. Burning sensation is felt at the margins of ulcers. Throbbing occurs in ulcers while walking. Its use can also be considered in cases of eczema that occurs on the back of the hands. Its last indication for use in skin complaints is freckles (small brown spots arising on skin area exposed to sun).

Key Indicating Features

Bedsores

Deep, painful ulcers on lower legs with foul smell and burning sensation at the margins

Eczema on the back of hands

Freckles

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from touch, cold, sitting, walking, bathing and in damp weather

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from warmth, motion and lying on the left side

Dosage

Its use can be done in both low and high potencies. The potency and repetition varies from case to case depending on the type and duration of complaint. In general, low potencies can be repeated often while high potencies should not be repeated frequently.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Bryonia and Camphor

It antidotes Merc Sol and Opium

Followed well by: Calcarea Carb, Kali Carb, Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla, Sepia, Silicea and Sulphur

It can be compared with medicines including Arsenic Album, Baptisia, and Acid Phos