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Top 7 Homeopathic Remedies For Atopic Dermatitis

Homeopathic Remedies for Atopic dermatitis Treatment

Homeopathic Remedies for Atopic Dermatitis Treatment

Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy skin and skin inflammation. It is non-contagious which means it does not spread from one person to another via direct skin-to-skin contact. It is also known as atopic eczema,yet another name for it is endogenous eczema. When atopic dermatitis occurs in infants, it is referred to as infantile eczema. Atopic dermatitis begins in childhood (before the age of 5 yrs and in most cases around 3 months to 6 months) and may continue till adulthood in a few cases. Atopic dermatitis shows a remitting (during this phase, skin inflammation clears off) and relapsing (during this phase, this condition flare ups) type of course.

Homeopathy offers a very effective treatment for atopic dermatitis cases. Homeopathic remedies for atopic dermatitis are made from natural substances, they help in decreasing the severity of the complaint, itching and healing of rashes and eruptions. Homeopathic remedies help in eradicating dermatitis from the roots by increasing the patient’s immunity to the optimal level so that there are no hypertensive flareups. Mainstream medicines rely on ointments/creams containing steroids to deal with cases of atopic dermatitis. Though they provide relief by way of suppression but do not address the problem at its roots, so the issue is temporarily healed but it tends to recur again and again. On the other hand, homeopathic treatment for atopic dermatitis though does not show instant results, it leads to remarkable results and addresses the complaint to aid permanent cure. The treatment time varies from months to a year depending upon the severity, duration of dermatitis, plus the individual response to the remedy taken.

Individualized medication

Every case of atopic dermatitis presents differently, hence medicines in homeopathy are selected individually for every case. The homeopathic medicine selection is based on the totality of symptoms including the site and type of eruption, the worsening and relieving factors, time of itching, sensitivity towards heat and cold, etc.

Biphasic treatment

Homeopathic treatment for atopic dermatitis is provided in two phases. In the first phase, homeopathic medicines manage acute signs and symptoms. In the second phase, they work to eradicate the disease with the use of constitutional natural homeopathic remedies selected solely on the basis of individual symptoms.

Non-suppressive treatment

Homeopathy follows a non-suppressive way to treat atopic dermatitis as it does not prescribe any ointments which only treat the problem superficially. Deep down, the disease still lurks and remains untreated. Homeopathy uses oral medicines that work on the internal body to treat atopic dermatitis and gives permanent results.

Homeopathy is a safe treatment option

Homeopathic medicines are prepared from naturally occurring substances that do not have any harmful chemicals in it. They work very gently in a harmless manner, hence are very safe to use with zero side effects.

Top 7 Natural Homeopathic Remedies For Atopic Dermatitis

The top listed homeopathic medicines for treating cases of Atopic Dermatitis are Graphites, Petroleum, Sulphur, Natrum Mur, Rhus Tox, Arsenic Album and Mezereum.

1. Graphites – Top Homeopathic Remedy For Atopic Dermatitis

Graphites is one of the best homeopathic medicines for managing atopic dermatitis. It proves highly effective for treating dry, rough skin which may develop cracks . Though it can be used for any affected skin area, it works most prominently on lesions in the bends of elbows or bends of knees, neck and behind the ear. Keeping aside dryness, it is equally effective for cases where skin vesicles (fluid-filled bumps) appear that ooze sticky, gluey discharge. Graphites also brings good results in eczema on the face, nose, and chin.

When to use Graphites?

This medicine is well indicated to manage atopic dermatitis with rough, dry skin and also when fluid-filled eruptions oozing sticky discharge are present.

How to use Graphites?

It gives best results in 3X potency that can be used one to two times a day.

2. Petroleum – For Dry, Cracked Skin

Petroleum is an ideal medicine when the skin gets dry and cracked. Bleeding occurs from the cracks. With time, the lesions become thick and get covered with crusts. There is marked burning and itching. Atopic dermatitis with dry, cracked skin in winter is highly characteristic to use Petroleum.

When to use Petroleum?

This medicine is recommended when the skin is very dry with cracks in cases of atopic dermatitis. Dry, cracked skin in winters is also treated magnificently with this medicine.

How to use Petroleum?

This medicine can be used once a day in 30C power.

3. Sulphur – To Manage Skin Itching

Sulphur is a leading medicine most frequently used in treating atopic dermatitis. The main complaint for which it is used is intolerable skin itching. The skin is excessively dry with scales and intolerable itching. In majority of cases, the itching is at its peak at night or when the person’s body gets warm in bed. Scratching is followed by a burning sensation on the skin. Relapse of dermatitis in the spring season or in damp weather is also effectively dealt with this medicine. Homeopathic remedy Sulphur must always be considered as the first line of treatment for atopic dermatitis that is being suppressed by the use of local medications like ointments or any other form of external medication.

When to use Sulphur?

This medicine works well to manage skin itching especially worse at night along with burning sensation in atopic dermatitis.

How to use Sulphur?

Sulphur is mostly recommended in 30C potency. The dosage varies from case to case. Sometimes, it is given in 30C power once a day while in some cases in infrequent doses, like once or twice a week depending on the intensity of the complaint.

4. Natrum Mur – For Rash / Eruptions In Bends Of Limbs And Scalp Margin

Natrum Mur is beneficial for treating rashes/eruptions appearing in the bends of limbs that include the crease of the elbow and the back of the knee. The eruptions may be dry or ooze fluid. Warmth and heat worsen the condition for using Natrum Mur. Additionally, the eruptions occur specifically at the margins of the scalp. The eruptions are dry with rawness of skin along the margin of the scalp. Crusting may also occur along the hairline. Taking salt worsens the condition. Persons needing it may also suffer nasal allergy with marked sneezing, runny nose along with dermatitis complaint.

When to use Natrum Mur?

This medicine should be selected to manage rashes or eruptions that occur in bends of limbs, like behind knees and on the elbow crease in cases of atopic dermatitis.

How to use Natrum Mur?

6X is the most frequently prescribed potency of this medicine that can be utilized two to three times according to case severity.

5. Rhus Tox – For Eruptions With Thick Crusts That Ooze Fluid

Rhus Tox is of great help for atopic dermatitis with eruptions covered with thick crusts that ooze fluid. The skin becomes red with excessive itching, or fluid-filled vesicular bumps appear on the skin. Marked burning and intense itching are felt.  Scratching makes the itching worse. Scaling of skin may also appear.

When to use Rhus Tox?

Rhus Tox is an excellent medicine for treating atopic dermatitis where thick crusty eruptions oozing fluid form on the skin with marked itching.

How to use Rhus Tox?

It works well in both low and high potency. To start with, 30C potency is usually preferred and can be taken once or twice a day.

6. Arsenic Album – For Dry Scaly Eruptions

This medicine works well for cases having dry, rough scaly eruptions. In most cases, eczema is marked on the face. Intense itching and burning is felt in the eruptions. It is worse at night in most cases requiring it. The affected skin can be oversensitive to touch.

When to use Arsenic Album?

This medicine should be utilized to manage dry, rough eruptions covered with scales/flakes in atopic dermatitis cases.

How to use Arsenic Album?

It is advised to take this medicine once a day in 30C power.

7. Mezereum – For Eruptions That Discharge Sticky Fluid

Mezereum is very beneficial for treating atopic dermatitis with eruptions oozing fluid. The fluid is very sticky. It is also indicated when thick scabs form on the skin with pus under it indicating infection. At times blood may ooze out on touching crusty eruptions. The eruptions are attended with marked itching. It gets worse from bathing with warm water.

When to use Mezereum?

Mezereum is a wonderful medicine when it comes to treat atopic dermatitis presenting with eruptions with thick scabs oozing sticky fluid.

How to use Mezereum?

This medicine proves effective in 30C potency. Mezereum 30C can be taken once or twice a week as per case requirement.

Signs And Symptoms Of Atopic Dermatitis

Signs and Symptoms usually begin before 5 yrs of age.

1. Dry, rough, red, itchy skin is the main sign of atopic dermatitis. The itching is mild to intense, varying from case to case. Itching is worse at night due to the warmth of the bed.

2. Eruptions: In some persons, papular, vesicular or pustular eruptions appear on the skin. Papular eruptions are raised eruptions on skin, vesicular ones are fluid-filled eruptions and the pustular contains pus in it. When these eruptions start to ooze out fluid or pus, it is termed Weeping Eczema.

3. Thickening, Crusting And Scaling Of Skin

4. Deep cracks and fissures with bleeding: It is noted in the long run.

5. Skin infection from excessive scratching can occur. Red bumps and at times pus formation indicates infection.

6. Body parts affected by atopic dermatitis:

Although atopic dermatitis can appear on any part of the body, its common sites are bends of elbows, behind knees, face and neck. Other sites of infection may be around eyes and ankles. Scalp and face are the common sites in Infantile Eczema. Atopic Dermatitis in bends of elbow, knees or behind ears is known as Flexural Eczema.

Signs And Symptoms In Infants (Babies Less Than One Year of Age)

In infants, there is dry skin with redness, itching and scaling. This may disturb sleep. Rashes on cheeks, scalp, front of arms or legs may occur. In some cases, fluid may ooze from rash.

Signs And Symptoms In Children

In children, a rash is frequently noted in the bend of knees and elbows. The rash is very dry and scaly. The affected skin patches may be thick and light or dark colored. Rash on the neck and face is also noted.

Signs And Symptoms In Adults

Dry scaly skin is seen commonly in adults. Hands and feet are commonly affected. Besides, the bend of elbows/knees, face, area around eyes and back of neck may get affected.

Causes Of Atopic Dermatitis Or Atopic Eczema

1. No cause has been detected behind atopic dermatitis, but its appearance is attributed to dysfunction of immune system. Due to a misguided immune system, there is an increase in inflammatory cells causing skin inflammation.

2. It is considered that genetic factors also play a role in it. This is based on the evidence that the person with atopic dermatitis usually shows a family historyof eczema or other atopic diseases like asthmahay fever / nasal allergy or food allergies. The word ‘atopic’ refers to the tendency to produce a hypersensitive reaction to an allergen in a person with a strong genetic predisposing element. A person having a parent or sibling suffering from atopic dermatitis is at great risk of developing atopic dermatitis. Additionally, those with atopic dermatitis are at risk to get infected with other atopic conditions like asthma, nasal allergy, food allergy, etc. Persons having atopic dermatitis show changes in the gene affecting production of filaggrin. Filaggrin is a protein responsible for conserving skin moisture and keeping the skin barrier strong. If it is low, skin gets dry and the skin barrier is altered due to which irritants and even virus, bacteria can gain entry causing skin infections.

3. Hygiene Hypothesis When children are exposed to microorganisms early in their childhood, it helps build up their immune system and protects them against allergic diseases. So children in less hygienic environment are at less risk of developing atopic dermatitis. On the other hand, in children living in highly clean environments, the immune system does not get an opportunity to develop, putting them at high risk of allergies.

4. In some, an excess of staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the skin can lead to atopic dermatitis

Trigger And Worsening Factors

Some of the trigger and worsening factors for atopic dermatitis include stress, weather changes (cold dry weather), woollens, synthetic clothes, dust mites, sweating, soaps, detergents, bathing with hot water. In some persons, certain food items, like eggs, cow milk, gluten and fish, can worsen the condition.

Pathophysiology

1.This condition begins when the normal protective skin barrier is disturbed. Following this, the allergens find a chance to reach the deeper layers of skin.  It activates a large number of immune cells and a chain of immune reaction by these activated cells results in skin inflammation.  Firstly, epidermal inflammatory dendritic and innate lymphoid cells are activated that invite Th2CD4+ helper T cells to the skin which results in skin inflammation causing lesions of atopic dermatitis. These Th2 helper T cells further lead to release of more inflammatory markers like cytokines (IL-4, IL-13 etc.) which further activates plasma and B lymphocyte cells to release antigen specific IgE adding to the inflammation.

2. Another reason is changes in the filaggrin gene affecting production of filaggrin, a protein produced by keratinocytes skin cells. Filaggrin makes skin cells secrete moisturising factors that keep the skin moisturised and maintain a strong skin barrier. If the low skin barrier gets disrupted, skin gets dry (xerosis). As a result, allergens, irritants and even virus, bacteria can gain entry causing skin infections.

3. In atopic dermatitis, there is release of pruritogens (mast cells, keratinocytes, T cells and eosinophils release pruritogens) that stimulate itching. These cells activate nerve fibers in the skin that lead to itching and pain sensation. Scratching the affected area of the skin also contributes to the release of pruritogens leading to itch scratch cycle in which scratching increases the itching. The more the person scratches, the more the itching gets worse or increases.

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Paris Quadrifolia: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

Homeopathic medicine Paris Quadrifolia is prepared from a plant ‘one berry’ and ‘herb paris’. It belongs to the family Trilliaceae. The whole plant when in fruit is potentized as per homeopathic formula that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties. It becomes a homeopathic medicine Paris Quadrifolia of great value in treating certain health concerns. It is an important medicine to manage neck pain and numbness in the fingers.

 Drug Action

It mainly acts well on the neck and back. It also acts well on head, eyes, mouth, throat, larynx and the gastric system.

Clinical Indications

Neck pain, neck stiffness, cervical spondylosis, brachial neuralgia (severe pain in shoulder and upper arm accompanied with upper arm weakness), acidity, weak digestion, headache, neuralgia and hoarseness of voice.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Neck & Back (Neck Pain, Back Pain, Tail Bone Pain)

This medicine shows its action well on the neck and the back. It effectively manages cases in which there is pain in the neck on both sides. The pain from the neck radiates to the shoulders and reaches the fingers. Along with this, a weight or heavy load is felt in the neck and also across the shoulders. Stiffness in the neck is also present. Numbness in the fingers along with neck pain is a very important symptom to administer this medicine. It is the best medicine for cervical spondylosis when neck pain is attended with numbness in fingers. Those needing it have worsening of neck pain from exertion. They feel relief in the pain by taking rest. A heated sensation in the neck extending down the back is also its main indication. Weakness in the neck muscles can be felt in addition to the above symptoms. Another symptom that guides its use is pain in the back felt on stooping. There occurs a sensation of a load pressing on the back. Lastly, it is a wonderful medicine to help cases of pain in the coccyx i.e, the tailbone. It is well-indicated for managing pulsating or stitching nature of pain in the tailbone felt while sitting.

Key Indicating Features

Neck pain radiating to shoulders or fingers

Neck pain attended with numbness of fingers

Neck pain from exertion

Feeling of weight or heavy load in the neck and across the shoulders

Coccyx (tailbone) pain on sitting

2. Head (headache)

Paris Quadrifolia manages headaches quite well. It also benefits if the pain is felt in the back of head (occiput) and there is a weight-like sensation. It also works well in case there is pain in the eyes extending to the back of head as if pulled by a string. Another characteristic feature to use this medicine is when headache worsens merely by thinking about it. Another indication for its use is if there is pain in the head after smoking tobacco. Along with the above symptoms, one may feel as if the head is distended and enlarged.

Key Indicating Features

Pain in the back of head with sensation of a weight

Headache with pain in eyes extending to the back of head as if pulled by a string

Headache gets worsen merely by thinking about it

Headache from smoking tobacco

 3. Eyes (eyeball pain, double vision, heaviness, burning pain)

It offers relief from pain in the eyeballs that occurs as a result of slight motion. There is pain in the eyes as if there is an inward pull into the head.  It is also administered if the eyes feel too large. It can be administered if one encounters double vision or upon seeing one object as two. It is also used in case one reports pain of the burning nature in the eyes. In such cases, eyes normally go watery after waking up in the morning. Another indication for its use is the feeling of heaviness in the eyes.

Key Indicating Features

Eyeball pain from least motion

Eye pain with inward pull

4. Mouth (Dryness, Coated Tongue)

It manages well cases of dry mouth and tongue or coated tongue. There is excessive dryness of the mouth and tongue upon waking in the morning. There is white coating on the tongue with roughness and absence of thirst. There can be bitter taste in the mouth or reduced sense of taste.

Key Indicating Features

Dry mouth and tongue on awaking

White coated tongue with roughness and no thirst

5. Throat And Larynx (Sore Throat, Pain, Hoarseness)

It acts on the throat and larynx quite well. It can manage well complaints of sore throat. There is pain in throat while talking or swallowing. The pain may radiate to the ears as well. Burning pain is felt in the throat while eating or drinking. It can be used in cases when there is hawking of tough, green mucus. It can be administered in cases of hoarseness of voice with a burning sensation in the larynx (voice box).

Key Indicating Features

Sore throat with pain on talking and swallowing

Hawking of tough, green mucus

Voice hoarse with burning in the larynx

6. Gastric Issues (Stomach Heaviness, Burning, Cramps, Loose Stool)

Lastly, it acts wonderfully on the gastric system to manage stomach heaviness, burning sensation, weak digestion and stomach cramps. The stomach heaviness gets better with burping. There is burning in the stomach that extends to the lower abdomen. Cramps are felt in the stomach. It is also useful to relieve one from griping pain in the abdomen. Lastly, it also helps well to manage complaints of loose stool that have a fetid smell.

Key Indicating Features

Stomach heaviness better from burping

Burning in stomach extending to the lower abdomen

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from touch, mental exertion, and upon mere thought about health issues.

Relieving Factors: One gets better from rest and pressure.

Dosage

It can be used in both low and high potencies. It is a medicine which acts for a short duration of two to four days. In low potencies, it can be repeated often but frequent repetition in high potencies should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Coffea Cruda

Followed well by: Calcarea Carb, Ledum Pal, Lycopodium, Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla, Phosphorus, Rhus Tox, Sepia and Sulphur

 

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Dolichos Pruriens: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

The remedy Dolichos Pruriens is derived from a plant named Mucuna pruriens. It belongs to family Leguminosae. This plant bears fruit pod covered with bristly hair. This pod is used to prepare homeopathic medicine Dolichos. When the pod of this plant undergoes potentization (a process of preparing homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance), it is converted into a magnificent homeopathic medicine Dolichos Pruriens. With its brilliant action on skin, it gives marvellous results in case of skin itching particularly when there are no associated eruptions or rash with it.

Drug Action

Dolichos Pruriens seems to act especially on the skin. Besides these, its action is noted on throat, gums, gastric system and liver.

Clinical Indications

Itching, senile pruritis, herpes zoster, neuralgia, jaundice, sore throat, gums pain, colic, constipation, piles, hepatitis

 Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Skin Concerns (Itching, Burning, Herpes Zoster)

If we have to pick the most important site of action of Dolichos, it would be skin. The principal action of Dolichos is noted on the skin. It is extensively used in treating various skin problems. Primarily it is a sovereign remedy for managing intense itching on the skin when there are no eruptions or rashes associated with it. Skin itching without eruptions or any rash calls unmistakably for use of this Dolichos. In cases needing this medicine, skin itching is present all over the body but is worse on the shoulders, knees, elbows and the hairy parts. Itching gets worse at night, is very intense and prevents the sufferer from falling asleep. Scratching worsens the itching. There is some relief in itching from cold water application. Burning is also felt on the skin in bed at night which is intolerable. This medicine has been found to be very effective in cases of senile pruritis which means skin itching in the elderly people. Its use is further applicable in management of cases of Herpes Zoster (also known as Shingles) that refers to a viral infection caused by varicella zoster virus resulting in a very painful skin rash with blisters means fluid – filled bumps.

Shingles

Shingles

In cases needing it, pain begins under the left shoulder blade followed by eruptions in the armpit on the same side. It then spreads towards the sternum and backwards towards the spine. It is accompanied by excessive burning and smarting sensation. It is also an excellent medicine for cases where nerve pain persists following Shingles even when the rash has been already healed. This condition is medically known as Postherpetic Neuralgia. Lastly, it is well indicated for cases of jaundice attended with intense itching of skin. The skin is yellow in spots and itching is worse at night in such cases.

Key Indicating Features

Intense itching on the skin without any eruptions/rash

Senile pruritis (itching in the elderly)

Herpes Zoster with excessive burning and smarting

Jaundice attended with intense skin itching

2. Throat Problems (Throat Pain)

Next comes the action of Dolichos on the throat. Here it is well-indicated for cases of throat pain that gets worse from swallowing. The pain is marked below the angle of lower jaw on the right side. It feels as if a splinter is embedded in that spot. The throat may feel rough as well. In some cases needing it, there occurs pain in the right side of throat with a contracted sensation that goes to the left side.

Key Indicating Features

Throat pain below angle of lower jaw on right side with the sensation of splinter embedded in that spot

Pain in right side of throat with a contracted sensation that goes to left side

3. Dental Complaints (Toothache, Pain In Gums)

It can effectively deal with certain dental complaints. It is a well-indicated medicine for relieving pain in a decayed tooth. It is a dull aching sort of pain, especially on the right side.  It can help to manage pain in the gums. The pain is intense that prevents sleep. It is of great help in managing soreness and tenderness of the gums in teething children. The child feels irritation in the gums and wants the gums to be rubbed continuously during dentition.

Key Indicating Features

Dull, aching pain in the decayed teeth on right side

Gum pain hindering sleep

Sore, tender gums in teething children

Irritation in gums during dentition with constant desire to rub the gums

4. Gastric Issues (Pain, Constipation, Piles, Worms, Hepatitis)

By acting on gastric system it proves useful in cases of swollen, bloated abdomen with constipation. It works well in cases of bruised pain in left inguinal region and also below the navel. It acts well on the rectum and gives good relief in cases of constipation and piles (swollen, enlarged veins in or around anus or in lower rectum) complaint. It can be given in constipation cases when attended with intense itching. Constipation may be accompanied with liver complaints. In piles, it can be used when burning sensation is marked. It is also helpful in cases of worms, especially threadworms. Use of this medicine is also recommended for liver complaints. It can manage well cases of liver inflammation (hepatitis). The liver is swollen with pain going through from left lobe.

Key Indicating Features

Swollen, bloated abdomen with constipation

Bruised pain in left inguinal region and also below the navel

Constipation with intense itching

Swollen liver with pain going through from left lobe

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse at night, on right side, from scratching

Dosage

It can be used in both low and high potencies. Its low potencies can be repeated often while frequent repetition of high potencies should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Aconite

In case of skin complaints its comparison can be done with medicines Rhus Tox and Fagopyrum

It can be compared with medicines Hepar Sulph, Argentum Nitricum and Nitric Acid in throat complaints.

 

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Ranunculus Bulbosus: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

Ranunculus Bulbosus is prepared from the plant buttercup. It belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. The whole plant is used to extract the medicine which undergoes potentization (the process of preparing homeopathic medicines that extract and intensifies the medicinal properties from a crude substance) to obtain medicine Ranunculus Bulbosus. This medicine proves to be very effective in managing pain in the shoulder blade, intercostal pain (pain in the area between two ribs), and certain skin complaints especially herpes zoster also known as shingles.

Drug Action

The most well-known action of this medicine is on the skin, chest wall, ribs, and upper back mainly to manage shoulder blade pain. Other than this, it also acts well on the eyes.

Clinical Indications

Herpes zoster, intercostal pain, scapula pain, corns, pemphigus, eczema, ulcers, chest pain, pleurodynia, pleurisy, day blindness

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Skin Complaints (Herpes Zoster, Corns, Pemphigus, Eczema, Ulcers)

Ranunculus Bulbosus is a highly recommended medicine for treating various skin diseases. It is a renowned homeopathic medicine for treating herpes zoster. Herpes zoster is a viral infection caused by varicella zoster virus resulting in a painful skin rash. It has given great clinical improvements in cases of herpes zoster. This medicine is used when there occurs bluish or bluish-black colored vesicle (fluid-filled bump) on the skin. Intense itching is also felt along with burning sensation. Sharp-stitching pain is another characteristic symptom. Furthermore, an important use of this medicine is seen in treating cases of corn on the skin.

Corn refers to a thick, hard skin area caused by excessive friction and pressure on the skin, especially on the feet. The guiding feature for its use is smarting and burning pain upon touching it. Another complaint in which it is found to be highly effective is pemphigus (a skin disorder in which there occurs a blister or pus-filled bump on the skin or mucous membrane in the body). It is well-indicated when there appear large blisters. These secrete foul-smelling sticky matter. These burst and leave raw surfaces. It can be given in cases of eczema. Here, it is well indicated when there is a formation of fluid-filled eruptions (vesicles) that itch and burn accompanied by skin thickening and the formation of hard scabs.  Lastly, it can be used in cases of skin ulcers. The indicative feature to use it in ulcers are flat ulcers with stinging, burning, and discharge of watery matter or pus.

Pemphigus

Pemphigus

Key Indicating Features

Herpes zoster with bluish or bluish-black colored vesicles with intense itching and burning

Corns with smarting and burning pain on touching

Pemphigus with large blisters that ooze foul-smelling sticky matter

2. Chest Complaints (Intercostal Pain, Chest Pain, Pleurodynia, Pleurisy)

Ranunculus Bulbosus has a remarkable action on the chest. The main indication for its use is pain in the intercostal spaces (which means pain in the space between any of the two ribs in the chest). The pain gets worse from movement and touch. It is best suited when there is intercostal neuralgia — pain in between ribs that arise from the involvement of intercostal nerves. It is indicated in order to manage pain in the chest wall. The pain is sharp, cutting, or stitching in nature. It is specifically indicated when this pain is of nerve, muscle or joint origin. The pain in the chest gets worse on movement and on inhalation where this medicine is required. Its use is also indicated in cases of pleurodynia.

Pleurodynia is a viral infection causing flu-like symptoms accompanied by chest pain. It is useful in cases of pleurisy (inflamed pleura means tissue lining outside of lungs and inner chest wall). Lastly, it proves beneficial for managing pain behind the sternum accompanied by soreness and bruised sensation.

Key Indicating Features

Intercostal neuralgia or pain (means pain in space between any of the two ribs in the chest)

Sharp, cutting, or stitching pain in the chest wall which gets worse on movement and on inspiration

Pain behind sternum attended with soreness and bruised sensation

3. Back (Shoulder Blade Pain)

The most important action of this medicine is seen on the back. Its use is mostly recommended to manage pain in the upper back. The characteristic feature for its use is muscle pain felt along the lower margins of the shoulder blade /scapula (which means triangular bone that lies in the upper back one on either side). The pain gets worse due to overuse of arms while writing, typing, playing piano, etc. The burning sensation is usually felt. It is also of great clinical significance to treat stitching pain in scapula or in between the scapulae. Its use is also considered when the neck muscles are contracted. Lastly, it is useful to manage pain in right side of the lower back felt while walking.

Key indicating features

Muscle pain along the lower margins of the shoulder blade

Stitching nature of pain in scapula or in between the scapulae

4. Eye Problems (Herpes, Day Blindness)

Herpes eruptions on the cornea

Herpes eruptions on the cornea

Ranunculus Bulbosus serves best to manage herpes eruptions that form on the cornea. It is accompanied by marked eye pain, watering of the eye, and bright light sensitivity (photophobia). The second indication for its use is pain over the right side of the eye that is relieved upon standing and walking. It is useful in case there is a smarting sensation and feeling of pressure in the eyeballs. Besides these, it is indicated for the management of cases of day blindness (impaired vision in day time while preserved vision at night time). Those who need it for day blindness feel a mist before their eyes in day time along with smarting and pressure in the eyes.

Key Indicating Features

Herpes eruptions on the cornea with marked pain, eye-watering, and bright light sensitivity

Day blindness with a sensation of mist before the eyes and smarting pain and pressure in the eyes

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse in damp cold rainy weather, upon movement of arms, standing, touch, after eating, in stormy weather,  open air, change of weather, from alcohol intake, from fright and anger.

Relieving factors: Complaints get better as one sits in a forward bending position.

Dosage

This medicine can be used in both low and high potency. The potency and repetition of this medicine vary on a case-to-case basis. As a general rule, the low potencies can be taken frequently but high potencies should not be repeated often.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Bryonia, Camphor, and Pulsatilla

Followed well by Bryonia, Ignatia, Kali Carb, Nux Vomica, Rhus Tox, Sepia, and Sabadilla

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Homeopathic Treatment for Lipoma

homeopathic medicine for lipoma

Have you felt that soft and smooth lump under your skin that slips away when you put a finger to examine it? There are fair enough chances that it is a Lipoma. It is a very common benign (non-cancerous) tumour, composed of fat cells developing under the skin. Lipoma is harmless, painless in most cases and people seek treatment just out of cosmetic concern. Homeopathic Medicines for Lipoma are made of natural substances which are completely safe without any side effects that provide a very effective treatment for Lipoma.

Homeopathic Treatment

There’s a general tendency to go in for a surgical removal of Lipoma even if there is no possible harm because of its presence. People move towards surgery for cosmetic reasons. Surgery is not a permanent solution and Lipoma can regrow even after surgery. But Lipoma is entirely curable with the use of internal homeopathic medicines without any application of external painful measures. Homeopathic medicines for Lipoma give effective recovery and there is no need to go in for a surgery. With the use of properly selected homeopathic medicines, not only do the Lipomas dissolve, but the body’s tendency to Lipoma formation is diminished from its root. The Homeopathic treatment for Lipoma always remains constitutional — constitution is basically the symptom picture formed by conjoining the mental and physical symptom peculiarities found in each individual case.

Homeopathic Medicines For Lipoma

The best homeopathic medicines for Lipoma treatment are Calcarea carb, Baryta Carb, Phytolacca, Lapis Albus, Uricum Acidum and Thuja.

1. Calcarea Carb – Top Grade Medicine for Lipoma

Calcarea Carb is the one of the top constitutional Homeopathic medicines to treat Lipoma. Calcarea Carb exhibits a marvellous action in dissolving abnormal growths in body including Lipoma, some other examples are polyps, fibroids, cysts. Calcarea Carb will help to gradually decrease the size of Lipoma and dissolve the lump by breaking down and dissolving the fat cells in it. This medicine can be of great benefit in dissolving Lipomas in those who are obese, fatty, and overweight. They may have tendency to sweat excessively especially on the head. Additionally, they can have marked sensitivity to cold air. Calcarea Carb is a leading medicine to help cases of Lipoma that have occurred from excessive alcohol drinking.

2. Baryta Carb

Baryta Carb is second on the list to treat Lipoma. Though mentioned at the second place, it is equally effective as Calcarea Carb when it comes to treating Lipomas. Though it can be given for Lipoma on any body part, Baryta Carb acts most effectively on Lipomas that occur on the neck. This medicine will shrink fatty lumps on neck wonderfully. The results here vary depending on the number of Lipomas, its size and time period.

3. Phytolacca

Phytolacca is the next best herbal medicine given in homeopathic literature to treat Lipomas. Those needing it may have single or multiple Lipomas. The skin is dry, rough and harsh. These kind of Lipomas appear in overweight people. Phytolacca is an anti-fat remedy which acts both ways, in reduction of weight as well as absorption of fatty tumours.

4. Lapis Albus

Lapis Albus is an effective medicine to help cases of abnormal lumps and tumours. It is recommended to treat cases of different kinds of benign as well cancerous tumours. Lapis Albus is mentioned in the book “Homeopathic Medical Repertory by Dr.Robin Murphy” under the list of indicated medicines to treat Lipomas. There is no specific indication of this medicine for Lipoma so it can be used in general to treat Lipoma based on therapeutic indication in this book.

5. Uricum Acidum

This medicine has shown great clinical improvements in Lipoma cases where they are large in size. It can dissolve large Lipomas quite effectively. This indication is inferred from information of a cured case of a large Lipoma recorded under this medicine use in a homeopathic book “ A Dictionary Of Practical Materia Medica By John Henry Clarke, M.D.). Talking in little detail about this case, a Lipoma as large as a man’s head located between abdomen and breast on left side has been cured with this medicine mentioned in above-mentioned book.

6. Thuja

Thuja is a general homeopathic medicine that is of great help in treating abnormal growths originating anywhere in the body. Thuja possesses a powerful ability to help in the complete dissipation of fatty accumulations. If a person with Lipomas has high blood cholesterol levels, Thuja is very beneficial.

What Are Its Signs And Symptoms?

Lipoma are slowly-growing lumps under the skin that are rarely harmful.

1. Incidence: Lipomas are very common and one out of every 1000 persons tends to get at least one Lipoma in their life. Males are more affected by Lipoma as compared to females.

2. Composition: All Lipomas are composed of fat cells but certain types also contain blood vessels and fibrous tissue along with fat cells.

3. Location: It can occur on any part of the body but the common sites are neck, shoulder, upper limbs, back, forehead and thigh. Rarely, these can form in bones, muscles or internal organs chances of which are very minute. These are dangerous if formed in internal organs like in gastrointestinal tract that may result in ulcer, bleeding and obstruction.

4. Number: Lipoma can be single or multiple. The presence of multiple Lipomas is known as Lipomatosis.

5. Shape: Lipoma can be round or oval in shape.

6. Size: The size of Lipoma usually vary between 1cm and 5cm, but in some cases may even grow more as large as 10 cm or even more. Such big Lipomas are termed giant Lipomas.

7. Pain / Painless: Lipoma in most cases is painless but in rare cases, pain may occur when a Lipoma presses on a nearby nerve or have nerve tissue present in it (called Neurolipoma). If a Lipoma has multiple blood vessels in it, even then can be painful.

8. On physical examination: Lipoma feel soft, doughy and move easily under skin when pressed with finger

What Is The Cause And Risk Factors Behind Lipoma?

Cause behind Lipoma is still unknown. Persons having a family history of Lipoma may be at risk that indicates genetic factors play a role. Lipoma may form at a site of injury as a research shows. This is termed post-traumatic Lipoma. Though it may affect persons of any age but is more common in age group between 40yrs to 60 yrs. In some rare cases, Lipoma may be present at the time of birth as well.

Risk Factors

Some medical conditions are known to increase risk of Lipomas. These include:

1. Hereditary / Familial multiple lipomatosis: This disorder is inherited that runs in families in which multiple Lipomas form on trunk and limbs.

2. Dercum’s disease (Adiposis dolorosa): Multiple painful Lipomas form on trunk, legs and arms. Besides, a person also feels fatigue.

3. Madelung’s disease (benign symmetric lipomatosis):Lipoma grows mainly on neck and shoulders and occurs in males who drink alcohol in excess. Though it occurs in alcoholics, those who do not drink alcohol can be affected as well.

4. Gardner syndrome: Multiple polyps form in the colon (large intestine) along with tumors in area other than colon like Lipoma osteoma (tumor made of bone that forms in the skull), desmoid tumours (growths in connective tissue).

Besides the above, the following reasons may increase the risk of Lipomas:

1. Family history

2. High cholesterol, lack of exercise and obesity

3. Diabetes and glucose intolerance

4. Liver disease and alcohol use disorder

What Are The Different Types Of Lipoma?

The Lipomas are classified under various types depending on the tissue found in microscopic study:

1. Conventional Lipoma: It’s the most common type containing white fat cells

2. Hibernoma: Lipoma is composed of brown fat

3. Angiolipoma: Lipoma contains fat and large number of blood vessels and are usually painful

4. Fibrolipoma: Made of fat cells and fibrous tissue

5. Spindle cell Lipoma: Lipomas have fat cells that are spindle (slender round rod) shaped that are longer as compared to their width.

6. Myelolipoma: There is presence of fat cells and tissue that produce white blood cells

7. Pleomorphic Lipoma: These Lipomas contain fat cells with different size and shape

8. Atypical Lipoma: Deep fat and larger number of cells are present

9. Chondroid Lipoma: These are deep-seated yellow lumps that occur particularly on legs of women

Lipoma vs Liposarcoma – Are These Same?

Though these two lumps mimic each other and can be mistaken during diagnosis as well but both are different conditions. Lipoma is a non-cancerous lump of fat cells under the skin while liposarcoma is a cancerous lump of fat tissues. In case of cancerous lump, it remains fixed which means it does not move on applying pressure, increases in size rapidly and is painful. While non-cancerous lump is soft, movable on pressure application, and painless. Researches suggest Liposarcoma does not develop from Lipoma and is classified as a different type of tumour. On the contrary in very rarest of rare cases, Lipoma may turn cancerous and few cases of Lipoma in kidney and bone have been reported.

How Is Lipoma Diagnosed?

1. Lipoma can be diagnosed simply by physical examination in most cases.

2. Biopsy: If the lump is painful, large, fixed and if it is suspected to be cancerous – biopsy (removal of part of tissue to be sent to laboratory for microscopic examination and other cellular / tissue study) may be advised to rule out of if it is Lipoma or liposarcoma.

3. Ultrasound, MRI or CT scan: In some cases, these tests may be recommended to check if this is a cyst or Lipoma and if the physician has doubts, or if Lipoma is large, seems to be deep rooted and fixed. These tests will also check how deep the tumour is, presence of blood vessels or if it is pressing any nearby nerve.

 

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Kali Muriaticum: Homeopathic Medicine — Its Use, Indications And Dosage

The remedy Kali Muriaticum is derived from potassium chloride. Potassium chloride is inert in its crude state and when it goes through potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines via which medicinal properties of a crude substance are aroused), it gets converted into a brilliant homeopathic medicine Kali Muriaticum. It is one of the 12 biochemic medicines in homeopathy also known by the name of Schuessler’s twelve tissue remedies. Its use is highly recommended for cases of ear infection, cold and sore throat. Complaints attended with thick white discharges is one of the marked indications pointing towards its use.

Drug Action

This medicine’s chief action is noted on the ears, nose and throat. It also manifests its action on head, mouth, respiratory system, limbs and joints.

Clinical Indications

Ear disorders, otitis externa, otitis media, eustachian tube congestion, otorrhoea, cold, nasal congestion, epistaxis, sore throat, tonsillitis, headache, dandruff, sinusitis, mouth ulcers, oral thrush, stomatitis, cough, bronchitis, joint pains

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Ear Complaints (Ear Infection, Ear Discharge, Blocked Eustachian Tube, Noises In Ear)

Kali Muriaticum acts magnificently on the ears and is of special service in treating numerous ear-related problems. It is a superior remedy in treating cases of infection of outer ear canal (otitis externa also known as swimmer’s ear) and middle ear infection (otitis media). It is mainly used when white discharge comes out from the ears. Ear discharge is medically known as otorrhoea. Ear ache and difficulty in hearing are also felt due to swollen and congested middle ear. Swelling of the glands around the ear may be noted as well. It acts favourably on the eustachian tube (a thin tube that connects the throat to middle ear). Kali Muriaticum can manage cases of blocked, sore and swollen eustachian tube. In cases of blocked eustachian tube, its use is preferred when there is difficulty in hearing. Along with this there is a sensation of fullness and being plugged in the earsNoises are felt in ears (tinnitus). Its use is considered mainly for popping or snapping noises in ears. It can also be given for crackling noises that arise when swallowing or when blowing the nose.

Key Indicating Features

Infection of outer ear canal or middle ear

Ear discharge (otorrhoea) of white color

Earache and difficulty in hearing from swollen and congested middle ear

Blocked eustachian tube with difficult hearing, fullness/plug sensation in the ears and noises

Popping or snapping noises in ears or  crackling noises on swallowing / when blowing the nose

2. Nasal Problems (Cold, Frontal Sinusitis, Nasal Bleeding)

Its action is also marked on the nose. Kali Muriaticum has a considerable clinical reputation as a medicine for some of nasal complaints. Among these, it is a powerful medicine to manage cases of cold. The guiding feature to use it in cold is white colored mucus discharge from the nose. The discharge is thick, profuse and along with this sneezing is present. There may be hawking of mucus from posterior nares as well. A stuffed feeling in head is felt. It is also well indicated for frontal sinusitis with white mucus discharge from nose. It is a beneficial medicine to manage cases of bleeding from nose (epistaxis). It occurs mostly in the afternoon or at night. Bleeding especially occurs from the right nostril. Lastly, it can also manage cases of stuffy cold well.

Key Indicating Features

Cold with thick, white, profuse discharge from nose

Frontal sinusitis with white mucus discharge from nose

Nasal bleeding in afternoon or at night

3. Throat Issues (Sore Throat, Tonsillitis)

Kali Mur is highly recommended for managing sore throat . There is greyish-white coating in throat along with ulcers. In cases needing it, there is hawking of thick, white, mucus, cheesy small lumps having bad odor and taste. It is also useful for cases of tonsillitis. There is swelling, inflammation and enlargement of tonsils. The tonsils may be covered with white or whitish grey coating. There is intense pain in the throat while swallowing even water.

Key Indicating Features

Sore throat with greyish white coating in throat along with ulcers

Hawking of thick, white, mucus, cheesy small lumps having bad odor and taste

Tonsillitis – swollen, enlarged tonsils covered white/whitish grey with intense pain when swallowing

4. Head (Headache, Dandruff)

With its action on head, Kali Mur proves highly effective in managing headache. It has a great capacity to relieve sinus headache. Here the characteristic to use it is headache with hawking of white mucus. The frontal sinuses are affected. Along with headache, sneezing and cold is experienced. Its use is indicated for headache accompanied by vomiting of white phlegm. Lastly, it also treats dandruff. It works well mainly when there is excessive dandruff which is white, falling as small flakes. It is attended with scalp itching.

Key Indicating Features

Sinus headache with hawking of white mucus

Headache with vomiting of white phlegm

White dandruff in excess that falls as small flakes with itching

5. Mouth (Ulcers, Oral Thrush, Stomatitis, Coated Tongue)

Kali Mur gives considerable relief in cases of mouth ulcers. Those needing it have ulcers inside the lips and upper surface of tongue. It is accompanied by excessive saliva. It is a prominently indicated medicine for treating cases of oral thrush (fungal infection in the mouth). In these cases, it suits well when there are white ulcers in mouth. The breath is very fetid with ulcers. The taste of mouth can be salty or bitter. Besides, Kali Mur is a valuable medicine for treating cases of stomatitis (inflamed, sore mouth). The entire mucus surface of mouth is red with multiple grey ulcers. This medicine is also important for cases where tongue is coated greyish white, thick, sticky and slimy.

Key Indicating Features

Ulcers inside the lips and the upper surface of tongue with excessive saliva

Oral thrush with white ulcers in mouth

Stomatitis with redness of entire mucus membrane of mouth along with multiple grey ulcers

Tongue coated greyish white, thick, sticky and slimy

6. Respiratory Issues (Cough, Bronchitis, Pneumonia)

Kali Mur has a great tendency to relieve cough. Its use is mainly preferred when cough is attended with thick, white sputum expectoration. Its use can be done in managing cases of bronchitis (inflammation of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs) and pneumonia (inflammation and infection of air sacs of lungs). There is formation of thick white mucus which is hard to cough up. Rattling sounds are heard when air passes through thick, sticky mucus in bronchi.

Key Indicating Features

Cough with thick, white sputum expectoration

Respiratory complaints with thick white mucus formation which is hard to cough up

7. Limbs And Joints (Joint Pains, Chilblains, Stiffness)

In case of joints, Kali Mur is very useful in managing joint pains. In cases needing it, joint pains are mainly felt during movement or at night. Swelling around the joints is well-marked. It can be given to persons who persistently have cold hands and feet. Its use can be done in chilblains cases as well. Lastly, its use is suggested to manage stiffness of hands while writing.

Key Indicating Features

Joint pain during movement or at night with marked swelling

Cold hands and feet

Stiff hands while writing

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from cold drinks, fatty food, in open air and at night

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from cold drinks, rubbing and movement

Dosage

Use of this medicine is recommended in low potency varying from third to twelfth power. Among these, it is most frequently used in 6X potency. In 6X potency, it can be taken three to four times a day depending on the case presentation.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Belladonna, Hydrastis, Calcarea Sulph and Pulsatilla

It can be compared with medicines Kali Bichrome and Hydrastis in case of thick, tough mucus secretions.

In case of joint complaints, it can be compared with medicines Bryonia and Rhus Tox.

Lastly, its comparison is done with medicine Mercurius Dulcis in eustachian tube complaint and ear inflammation.

 

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Tuberculinum Bovinum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

Tuberculinum Bovinum has marked action on lungs and is one of the best homeopathic medicines for managing cases of tuberculosis (bacterial infection of lungs caused by bacteria mycobacterium tuberculosis). Other than this, it works wonders in treating cases of speech delay in children, sore throat and tonsillitis. This medicine is well suited to people who are susceptible to weather changes and have tendency to catch cold easily from the slightest exposure to cold air. In cases needing it, a family history of tuberculosis may be found.

Drug Action

The most prominent action of this medicine is on the respiratory system. Other than this, it acts well on mind, throat, nose, larynx, head and gastric system.

Clinical Indications

Tuberculosis, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, ADHD, mania, speech delay, cold, sore throat, tonsillitis, enlarged adenoids, headache, diarrhea, night terrors, night sweats, weight loss

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Complaints Of The Mind (Speech Delay, ADHD, Depression, Mania)

Action of Tuberculinum is well marked on the mind to successfully treat numerous issues. It is a highly suitable medicine for treating cases of speech delay in children. It is also well-indicated for treating cases of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Children needing Tuberculinum are very restless, hyperactive, and have increased energy levels. They cannot slow down to learn anything and have low concentration or attention levels. They are very obstinate, irritable and over-react to situations. There can be behavioral problems as well. They have a tendency to throw temper tantrums frequently and can be argumentative. This medicine can be used for cases of depression. Here sadness and hopelessness are marked. Fear that something bad will happen may be present. It can manage mania well. The person throws fits of violent anger with a desire to fight and uses abusive language. A destructive tendency may be present.

Key Indicating Features

Speech delay in children

ADHD with restlessness, hyperactivity, low concentration or attention levels

Mania with fits of violent anger, desire to fight, use of bad language, abusiveness, destructiveness

2. Respiratory Issues (Cough, Tuberculosis, Pneumonia, Asthma, Bronchitis)

Tuberculinum has shown great clinical results in a number of respiratory problems like cough and management of asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis. For cough, it is used mainly when cough is dry and hacking type. It is attended by chill, excessive sweating and weight loss. Cough gets worse during sleep and in evening. Mostly used for dry cough, but it can also be given for cases of cough with expectoration of mucus and pus or blood-tinged sputa. In some cases, expectoration is thick, profuse yellow or yellowish green. This medicine is highly recommended for managing cases of tuberculosis. Here the symptoms are continuous hacking with cough which gets worse at bedtime or on rising, weight loss, excessive weakness, lack of appetite, night sweats, fever in evening, rales (small bubbling or rattling sounds in lungs) in both lungs and breathing difficulty. It is a great medicine for cases of asthma and pneumonia (infection and inflammation of air sacs of lungs). In cases needing it, there is marked cough with rales in lungs. One feels suffocated along with shortness of breath.

Key Indicating Features

Cough dry, hacking type attended with chill, excessive sweating and weight loss

Cough with expectoration of mucus and pus or blood-tinged sputa or thick, profuse yellow or yellowish green mucus

Tuberculosis with hacking cough, weight loss, weakness, appetite loss, night sweats, fever in evening, rales in both lungs and breathing difficulty

3. Throat Complaints (Sore Throat, Tonsillitis)

With its magnificent action on throat, it can successfully handle cases of sore throat and inflamed, enlarged tonsils. Those needing it have a tendency for recurrent sore throat and tonsillitis. There is pain in the throat that extends to the ears. Throat may be dry or there may be mucus in the throat. There is hawking of mucus after eating. Tickling is felt in the throat that excites cough. Throat feels constricted. It is also indicated for managing cases of tuberculosis of larynx (voice box). Lastly, it is beneficial for cases of enlarged adenoids.

Key Indicating Features

Recurrent sore throat and tonsillitis

Tuberculosis of larynx (voice box)

4. Nasal Problems (Cold, Boils)

This medicine acts wonderfully on the mucus lining of the nose in people suffering from  cold. It is a highly suitable medicine for managing cases where tendency to catch cold easily on slightest exposure to cold air is well marked. In cases needing it, there is increased mucus secretion from the nose along with pain in forehead. The secretions are sticky and yellow-green. It suits well cases in which little boils (pus-filled lump under the skin) appear on the nose. They contain green, fetid pus and are extremely painful.

Key Indicating Features

Tendency to catch cold easily on the slightest exposure to cold air

Cold with sticky, yellow-green nasal discharge

Boils on nose containing green fetid pus

5. Head (Headache, Meningitis)

By acting on the head, it proves effective in managing headache. Those needing it have violent pain in head. The sufferer tears hair, beats head with fist out of pain or bang the head on wall/floor. A sensation of an iron band around the head is felt. Headache usually occurs periodically at fixed intervals. Its use is also indicated for managing headache that is worse from study or little mental exertion.

Key Indicating Features

Violent headache with tearing hair, beating head with fist or dashing head on wall or floor

Headache gets worse from study or little mental exertion

6. Gastric Complaints (Abdomen Pain, Tuberculosis, Diarrhea)

Tuberculinum can be given to people suffering from stomach cramps, stomach fullness and belching. It is also used for pain in the navel area with nausea and loose stool. Vomiting may occur after every meal.  This medicine is also indicated for managing abdominal tuberculosis. Here the indications for its use are pain in abdomen with fever, weight loss, and hard enlarged glands in groin. Other than these, it is a valuable medicine for managing sudden diarrhea that occurs early morning. The stool is watery, brown, foul smelling and passed with much force.

Key Indicating Features

Pain in navel area with nausea and loose stool

Abdominal tuberculosis with pain in abdomen, fever, weight loss, hard enlarged glands in groin

Sudden diarrhea that occurs early morning

7. For Fever

Tuberculinum can be used for treating fever that is continuous. There is excessive sweating. There is more sweating at night which stains the clothes yellow. Sweat is marked on the hands and upper body parts. Chills are marked on the back and between shoulders. During chill, there is a desire for fresh air. Heat radiates from the back to the head during the heat stage. Heat occurs in the evening in bed. It is the best medicine for managing fever in tuberculosis.

Key Indicating Features

Fever with chill marked on the back and between shoulders

Excessive sweating worse at night staining the clothes yellow

Heat radiates from back to head, marked in the evening

Fever in persons having tuberculosis

8. Sleep Issues (Sleeplessness, Nightmares, Sweating At Night)

One may find this medicine beneficial for people suffering from sleeplessness. Persons who require it may be sleepless at night or may have a poor, restless sleep. During the day, they feel sleepy. Secondly, its use is recommended for cases of teeth grinding during sleep. Another complaint where it gives good results is nightmares or night terrors. It is helpful for children who wake up in horror or fright along with screaming. The last indication for its use is excessive sweating at night.

Key Indicating Features

Sleeplessness or poor restless sleep with daytime sleepiness

Teeth grinding during sleep

Night terrors in children

Excessive sweating at night

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from weather change, before cold or damp, from exertion, noise, music, evening and night

Relieving factors: Complaints get better in open air and in dry warm weather

Dosage

Use of this medicine can be done in both low and high potencies but in infrequent doses.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Followed well by Psorinum, Hydrastis, Sulphur, Belladonna and Calcarea Carb

It can be compared with other homeopathic medicines including Phosphorus, Silicea, Stannum Met, Psorinum and Lachesis

 

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Kali Bromatum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

The remedy Kali Bromatum is derived from potassium iodide. To prepare this medicine, potassium iodide undergoes potentization. It is a process of preparing homeopathic medicines by arousing the medicinal properties from a crude substance. With this process, potassium iodide is converted into a very important homeopathic medicine Kali Bromatum. Use of this medicine is recommended in cases of pimples, schizophrenia, sleeplessness and memory weakness.

 Drug Action

Action of this medicine is well marked on skin and mind. It can also handle well cases of sleeplessness and nightmares. Additionally, it acts well on limbs, male and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Pimples (acne), eczema, psoriasis, sebaceous cyst, schizophrenia, delusions, memory weakness, aphasia, depression, sleeplessness, nightmares, night terrors, sleepwalking, locomotor ataxia, impotency, ovaries disorders, vaginismus, uterine fibroids,

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Skin Problems (Pimples, Eczema, Psoriasis, Sebaceous Cyst)

Kali Bromatum acts magnificently on skin. It yields wonderful results in cases of pimples (acne). Pimples either simple, hard, bluish red or pus-fille,d all can be successfully treated with it. This medicine can be used for pimples on face especially on cheeks and forehead, chest and shoulders. There is itching in the pimples. These pimples may leave scars too. Pimples that appear in young people during puberty can be managed well with this medicine. Females who have worsening of pimples before menses can also be benefitted from this remedy. Its use can also be considered in cases of acne rosacea (a skin condition characterised by redness, flushing of face with prominent blood vessels that may be attended with pimples on the face). This medicine is valuable to treat eczema on legs. In such cases there is oozing from the eczema rash. Another complaint for which it is highly useful is psoriasis (an autoimmune condition with inflammatory patches on the skin covered with silvery white scales). Lastly, it is an important medicine for cases of sebaceous cyst (small fluid filled sac beneath the skin).

Key Indicating Features

Pimples – simple, hard, bluish red or pus filled

Pimples on face especially on cheeks and forehead, chest, shoulders

Pimples leaving scars

Pimples worse before menses

2. Mind Complaints (Schizophrenia, Delusions, Memory Weakness, Aphasia, Depression)

Kali Bromatum has widespread action on mind. It can effectively deal with many of the complaints related to mind. Among these, first comes schizophrenia. It is a chronic brain disorder in which there occur delusions, hallucinations,and disordered thinking which impairs daily functioning. Delusions are fixed, false beliefs that contradict reality. Hallucinations refer to seeing, hearing or smelling things that appear to be real but do not exist in reality. Kali Bromatum is well indicated when there occur delusions of being pursued (of being followed or chased). The delusions of conspiracies (a secret plan to do something harmful) may also be prominent and the sufferer feels his/her life is under threat. It is also indicated for hallucinations of sight where sufferer sees horrible visions.  Secondly, this medicine is useful for cases of weak memory. There may occur confused thoughts. Forgetfulness is marked in the morning when one wakes up. Mistakes may occur when speaking or writing. It is also indicated for amnesia cases (kind of memory loss). It can also help manage cases of aphasia (a language disorder affecting person’s ability to communicate in which ability to speak, write, express and understand language are affected). Kali Bromatum is mainly indicated when a person forgets how to talk and has to be told the word before he can speak. There may also occur inability to express oneself. Another characteristic for its use is nervousness and restlessness. A person cannot sit still and moves about constantly. A peculiar feature is constant motion of hands and fingers. Further its use can be done in case of certain fears. These include fear of being poisoned, of being alone, of own shadow and of getting mad. Apart from these, it proves beneficial for treating cases of depression. Here the guiding feature for its use is depression with persistent sleeplessness and delusions. There may occur fits of uncontrollable weeping, fear of impending destruction and dislike for life. Sadness is marked in the morning on waking up.

Key Indicating Features

Schizophrenia with delusions of being pursued, of conspiracies or hallucinations of sight of horrible visions

Weak memory, forgetfulness in morning on waking, doing mistakes when speaking or writing

Aphasia when a person forgets how to talk and has to be told the word before he can speak

Nervousness, restlessness, inability to sit still and constant motion of hands and fingers

Fear of being poisoned, of being alone, of own shadow, of getting mad

3. Sleep Issues (Sleeplessness, Nightmares, Night Terrors, Sleepwalking)

For some sleep issues, Kali Bromatum proves to be very effective. It gives remarkable results in cases of sleeplessness (insomnia). It is best suited for sleeplessness that occurs from grief or worries. It is also suitable when sleeplessness occurs while recovering from some acute health problem. It is of great value in treating night terrors in children. Horrible dreams appear. There occurs moaning, crying in sleep or the child wakes up screaming. This medicine is also well-indicated for cases of teeth grinding in sleep. Apart from these, it can help in case of sleepwalking (somnambulism) in children.

Key Indicating Features

Sleeplessness from grief or worries

Sleeplessness during recovery period from some acute health problem

Night terrors in children

Teeth grinding in sleep

Ssleepwalking (somnambulism) in children

4. Limbs (Fidgety Hands, Trembling Hands, Locomotor Ataxia)

This medicine is well known for treating cases of fidgety (restless) hands. Here it is used when there is constant motion of hands and fingers. Additionally, it is given in cases of trembling of hands during voluntary motion. Another complaint where it is prominently indicated is weakness of legs with inability to stand erect. Other than this, it is indicated for cases of locomotor ataxia (lack of control over coordination of voluntary movements). Here it works well when there is staggering, uncertain gait.

Key Indicating Features

Fidgety hands with constant motion of hands and fingers

Staggering uncertain gait in locomotor ataxia

5. Male Problems (Effects Of Sexual Excesses, Impotency)

Here Kali Bromatum is prominently indicated to manage effects of sexual excesses. These includes numbness, tingling in limbs, memory loss and impaired coordination. This medicine is indicated to manage impotency (inability to obtain or maintain erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse). It can be given when impotency occurs with decreased sexual desire, sadness, memory loss, and nervous weakness. Contrary to this, it is also indicated for excessive uncontrollable sexual desire in men with constant erections at night.

Key Indicating Features

Numbness, tingling in limbs, memory loss,  impaired coordination from sexual excesses

Impotency with decreased sexual desire, sadness, memory loss, and nervous weakness

Excessive, uncontrollable sexual desire in men with constant erections at night

6. Female Problems (Heavy Menses, Itching, Vaginismus, Cyst, Fibroid)

Kali Bromatum is of great service to manage some health issues in females. First among these is heavy menses (menorrhagia) accompanied with increased sexual desire. On the other hand, it is also indicated when a female has loss of sexual desire and has an aversion to sex. It can effectively deal with cases of itching of external genitals. There is irritation, itching and tingling in external genitals. This medicine could be of great help for cases of vaginismus (tightening of muscles of vagina when something is trying to enter it) as well. Besides, it is indicated for treating ovarian swelling, ovarian cysts. It is also helpful in treating uterine fibroids (non – cancerous growths in uterus).

Key Indicating Features

Heavy menses accompanied with increased sexual desire

Loss of sexual desire and an aversion to sex

Irritation, itching and tingling in external genitals

Ovarian swelling, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from anger, fright, grief, worry, at night, in summer, and from lying down

Relieving factors: Complaints get better when busy

Dosage

Use of this medicine can be done in both low and high potencies. In case of low potencies, it bears repetition well. When using it in high potencies, one should avoid its frequent repetition.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor, Nux Vomica and Zincum Met

Followed well by: Cactus

It can be compared with other medicines including Aurum Met, Borax, Kali Phos, Hyoscyamus, Gelsemium and Zincum Met

 

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Hamamelis Virginiana: Homeopathic Medicine: Its Use, Indications And Dosage

Homeopathic medicine Hamamelis Virginiana is derived from the plant ‘witch hazel’. It belongs to family Hamamelidaceae. The fresh bark of twigs and roots of this plant are potentized as per homeopathic formula that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties. Through potentization process, it becomes a very significant homeopathic medicine Hamamelis Virginiana. It is one of the best homeopathic medicines for treating cases of bleeding piles, varicose veins and controlling bleeding from various body parts (example nose, rectum, gums, etc).

The ‘Hamamelis Virginiana’ Constitution

This medicine is well suited to persons who have a tendency to suffer from complaints related to venous blood congestion, for example piles, varicose veins, etc.

Drug Action

Among its various actions, the two most prominent ones are to control hemorrhage (bleeding) from various organs and reduce venous blood congestion. Its main action is seen on veins of rectum where it is highly suitable to relieve venous congestion and treat bleeding piles and rectal bleeding. Another important action is noted on the veins of legs where it works wonderfully to reduce venous engorgement, abnormal blood accumulation in veins and treats varicose veins. Hamamelis Virginiana manifests its action on skin, nose, mouth, eyes, urinary organs and male and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Hemorrhages (bleeding), bleeding piles, rectal bleeding, dysentery, anal fissures, varicose veins, varicose ulcers, inflammation of veins, nose bleeding, bleeding gums, varicocele, orchitis (inflammation of testes),  bruises, joint pain, sore pains, eye pain, black eye, iritis, conjunctivitis, intraocular hemorrhage, burns, menstrual disorders, ovaritis (inflammation of ovaries), vaginismus, hematuria (blood in urine).

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Rectal Complaints (Bleeding Piles, Rectal Bleeding, Dysentery, Anal Fissures)

Hamamelis has marked action on rectum where it helps to treat various concerns related to it. It has the highest affinity to treat bleeding piles. Piles are swollen and engorged, inflamed veins in anus and lower rectum. This medicine has shown great clinical improvements when piles bleed profusely. Due to bleeding, intense weakness is felt. It is attended with rawness and soreness of anus. There is fullness and a sensation of weight in rectum. Anal itching is also felt. Stool is constipated and hard. Hamamelis is also well indicated to control rectal bleeding of dark-colored blood from other reasons too, apart from piles. It is a brilliant medicine to help cases of dysentery that refers to intestinal infection causing loose stool with blood and mucus. In such cases, the characteristic feature is the passage of tar-like blood in stool in large amounts. The blood is dark or sometimes clots of blood with mucus is excreted in stool. There is cramping pain around navel before passing stool. Tenesmus (sensation of incomplete defecation even when nothing is left in rectum) is well marked. It is successfully used to manage ulcers in intestine with passage of dark blood. Another complaint where it is beneficial is anal fissures, with excessive pain while passing stool and burning at anus after passing stool.

Key Indicating Features

Bleeding piles that bleed profusely

Rectal bleeding of dark-colored blood

Dysentery with passage of tar-like blood in stool in large amounts

Ulcers in intestine along with passage of dark blood

Anal fissures with intense pain during stool and anal burning after stool

2. Limbs (Varicose Veins, Varicose Ulcers, Inflammation Of Veins, Joint Pain)

This medicine also acts on the limbs where it is most valuable to treat many problems. Among these, it has wide action on veins and it treats well cases of varicose veins (swollen, enlarged, twisted veins), varicose ulcers, and inflammation of veins. In varicose veins, the veins are hard and knotted. Here it is considered when there is excessive pain in the limbs with difficulty in moving about. There is dull dragging pain in legs. Hamamelis is also recommended in cases of varicose ulcers, stinging, burning, biting and pricking is marked. The ulcers are circular, black, and may discharge thin pus with bad smell or blood. For inflammation of veins (phlebitis), it is recommended when there is prickling pain. Besides veins, its action is also noted on joints and muscles. The joints and muscles feel sore. There is pain and stiffness in shoulders. Pain gets worse from motion. Elbow joint is stiff with dull pains. There is lancinating pain in wrist joint especially left side. Among muscles, there is pain in flexor muscles of hands, wrists and fingers. The right biceps muscle feels tender. There is soreness in thigh muscles as if bruised.

Key Indicating Features

Varicose veins that are hard, appear knotted with, dull, dragging sensation and pain in the limbs with difficulty in moving about

Varicose ulcers with stinging, burning, biting and pricking

Varicose ulcers that are circular, black-colored and discharge thin pus with bad smell or blood

Inflammation of veins with prickling pain

Soreness of muscles and joints

3. Eyes (Eye Pain, Black Eye, Iritis, Conjunctivitis, Intra – Ocular Haemorrhage)

With its action on eyes, Hamamelis settles complaints including eye pain, black eye, iritis, conjunctivitis. It is capable to relieve soreness in eyes. For cases of black eye (bruise around the eye from an injury to face or head), it can work wonders. It is effective for cases of iritis (the inflammation of the colored part of iris) and conjunctivitis (inflammation of transparent membrane lining the eyelid and eyeball). In case of inflammation, eyes look bloodshot (look red from congested blood vessels). It can also be given to manage headache from eyestrain.

Key Indicating Features

Soreness in eyes

Black eye

Iritis and conjunctivitis with bloodshot eyes

4. Nose (Nose Bleeding, Sneezing, Cold)

By acting on nose, Hamamelis has a great ability to manage complaints of nose bleeding. It can be used when nasal bleeding is profuse and attended with tightness at the bridge of the nose. A pressure is also felt in the forehead between the eyes. Other than this, its use is considered when there is sneezing with watery discharge from nose that causes burning in nose. Bad smell emanates from nose which also feels blocked.

Key Indicating Feature

Profuse nasal bleeding attended with tightness at the bridge of nose

5. Mouth (Bleeding Gums, Burns)

Hamamelis is of great help in treating bleeding from gums after tooth extraction. It is useful for cases where gums are spongy, sore, painful and bleed frequently and blood is dark-colored. The second important guiding feature to use it is burns on the tongue and lips. A metallic, bloody taste in mouth may accompany.

Key Indicating Features

Bleeding from gums after tooth extraction

Soreness and pain of gums with dark-colored bleeding

Burns on the tongue and lips

6. Male Problems (Varicocele, Testes Pain, Nightly Emissions)

This medicine can treat many male problems magnificently. Hamamelis is one of the best-suited medicine for treating varicocele (enlarged veins within scrotum). It also acts wonderfully to manage inflammation of testes (orchitis) and pain in testes. The testes are swollen, sore and pain gets worse from touch. The pain can be drawing, aching or excruciating type. This medicine is helpful for cases of emissions at night with sexual dreams. This is followed by sadness, weakness and pain in lower back. Its last indication is inflamed urethra (urethritis) with discharge of transparent mucus and pain.

Key Indicating Features

Varicocele

Inflammation of testes and pain worse from motion

Emissions at night with sexual dreams, followed by sadness, weakness and lower backache

6. Female Problems (Heavy Menses, Intermenstrual Bleeding, Ovaritis, Vaginismus)

In women, this medicine can be of great benefit to manage excessive menstrual bleeding of dark blood. There is soreness on abdomen, weakness and pain in lower back. This medicine is highly preferred for managing intermenstrual bleeding too. It acts well in cases of inflammation of ovaries (ovaritis). The pain in ovary can be cutting or tearing type along with swelling and tenderness. Its use is highly indicated for ovaritis resulting from a blow or an injury when soreness is felt in the entire abdomen. Additionally, it can effectively deal with vaginismus (spasm of vaginal muscles when something is trying to enter it) cases. Its use in treating sore, bleeding nipples is also noteworthy.

Key Indicating Features

Heavy menses with dark bleeding, sore abdomen, weakness and pain in lower back

Intermenstrual bleeding

Inflammation of ovaries and ovary pain of cutting or tearing type and swelling and tenderness

Ovarian inflammation after a blow or an injury with soreness in the whole abdomen

7. Urinary Issues (Blood In Urine, Kidney Pain)

Hamamelis is highly valuable for cases of hematuria (blood in urine). This is attended with a frequent urge to urinate. It is an important medicine for managing kidney pain as well. For using it here, the pain is mainly dull aching type.

Key Indicating Feature

Hematuria (blood in urine)

8. Skin (Bruises, Burns, Skin Ulcers, Chilblains)

Lastly, Hamamelis acts on skin to manage various concerns. It is a significant medicine to treat bruises. Bruises means black, blue or purple skin discoloration due to damaged blood vessels under the skin resulting in pooling of blood underneath the skin that typically arises from an injury. Its use is also done in burn cases to alleviate pain. Other than this, it is effective in treating skin ulcers with thin, watery pus having bad odor. Lastly, it is well indicated for chilblains that have turned blue.

Key Indicating Features

Bruises

Burns for pain relief

Skin ulcers with thin, watery pus having bad odor

Chilblains blue in color

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from motion, touch, from exertion and in open air.

Dosage

This medicine works well in both low and high potencies. The potency varies from case to case. In low potencies, it can be repeated frequently. Frequent repetition of high potencies should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Arnica, Camphora, China and Pulsatilla

Followed well by: Arnica

 

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Top Homeopathic Medicines for Chikungunya

homeopathic medicines for chikungunya

Homeopathic medicines for chikungunya

The name Chikungunya comes from an African Makonde language means ‘that which bends up’” The disease was given its name because it led to the affected persons walking in a stooped posture due to intense joint and muscle pains. Chikungunya is a viral infection caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Like dengue, it is also transmitted to humans after being bitten by the Aedes mosquito infected with this virus. Compared to dengue which is a serious infection, Chikungunya is usually not serious or fatal but the joint pains caused by it can be really nerve–wracking and disabling. High fever and joint pains are the most common symptoms of chikungunya. One infection with chikungunya virus gives lifelong immunity means a person cannot get this infection twice in his/her life.

Homeopathic Treatment     

The homeopathic mode of treatment ensures complete relief from the symptoms of Chikungunya fever. It can be treated very effectively with natural homeo medicines that are made of natural substances and have no side-effects. The homeopathic treatment for Chikungunya fever is absolutely safe and can only benefit the patient, never harm. The aim of the homeopathic mode of treatment is to provide complete symptomatic relief to the patients. These medicines are also highly effective to manage chronic Chikungunya arthritis. The same medicines help in giving relief from the joint pains during the acute phase, and in some cases that may otherwise trouble a patient for months or even years.

The homeopathic medicines for treating Chikungunya fever are selected based upon the unique individual symptoms.

Top Homeopathic Medicines for Chikungunya Fever

1. Polyporus Pinicola –  Top Medicine For Chikungunya Fever

Polyporus Pinicola is a leading homeopathic medicine for Chikungunya fever. It works best and manages fever with joint pains and headache. With fever – chills and shivers are felt. The joint pains are distinctly present in ankles, knees, hip, elbow, wrist, and finger joints. Fingers may be stiff as well. Restlessness may attend along with joint pains at night time. In some cases, back pain, and pain in the legs may be present. Those who need Polyporus Pinicola have severe headache along with confusion in head with a hot flushed face. Constant nausea may also be present.

2. Eupatorium Perfoliatum –  To Manage Fever And Pains

Eupatorium Perfoliatum effectively manages high fever with severe pains. Pains can be in joints, bones, muscles, and the back. Those who need it feels as if the bones are broken. Chills are also accompanied along with pains all over the body. Vomiting specifically after chills may occur. Along with the above-mentioned symptoms there is excessive weakness, and fatigue.

3. Bryonia Alba – To Manage Fever, Joint / Muscle Pains Worse With Motion

Bryonia is a natural medicine to help manage fever and joint / muscle pains. The foremost feature to use this medicine is worsening of joint or muscle pains from movement and relief after complete rest. The joints along with pain are swollen and feel warm. In some cases, warm application on joints offers relief from the pain. During fever, chills are distinctly present. There is increased thirst and the mouth goes dry.

4. Rhus Tox – To Manage Joint Pains, Muscle Pain, Backache

Rhus Tox is an excellent remedy to control joint pains and muscle pain in case of fever. It can be given for pain in any joint of the body. A key feature to use Rhus Tox is worsening of joint pains while resting and relief from movement. The joints show stiffness along with pain. Backache during fever can also be relieved by Rhus Tox. Chills accompanying the fever are also noted that alternate with heat in the body. Rhus Tox is also indicated to manage chronic Chikungunya arthritis.

5. Actaea Spicata – To Manage Small Joint Pain

It is a wonderful remedy to help in case of pain in small joints. Pain in small joints including the wrist, fingers, ankle, and toe. The affected joint may be swollen as well. Pain gets worse upon touching and moving the affected joint.

6. Arnica – To Manage Sore Bruised Pains

This natural remedy is perfect to manage pains that are sore and bruised which means the affected part pains upon being touch. It feels as if the part under pain is being hit hard or beaten. Pain can be generalised, or in some joint or muscle or back. Arnica can be used to manage pain during the acute phase, and it can also be administered in case of pain that lasts for longer duration, particularly, at the time one is making a recovery from infection.

7. Gelsemium – To Manage Weakness, Muscle Pain, Headache

Gelsemium is a herbal medicine to manage weakness in Chikungunya. Those needing it have marked weakness and desire to lie down. They have excessive drowsiness and sleepiness. Chill along with shivering is marked. Usually, a person does not feel thirsty. Pain in muscles is prominent along with headache and heaviness in eyes.

8. Belladonna – To Manage Headache, Fever And Red Rash

Belladonna is the top medicine for managing headache. In cases requiring it, pain is mostly felt on the sides of the head (temples). Relief by tight bandage is a sign for using Belladonna. Pain may get worse from noise and  light. There is fever with intense heat in body and body feels burning hot when touched. Belladonna is also indicated to manage reddish rash on skin along with above features. It is also recommended to manage conjunctivitis with redness of eye and burning pains.

9. Arsenic Album – To Manage Weakness And Fever

Arsenic Album is brilliant medicine to manage weakness and fever. Those needing it have so much weakness that they even cannot stand without feeling weak. They feel like lying down all the time. Internal chills are felt during fever. However, on touching the body form outside, it feels hot. Anxiety and restlessness accompany fever. Thirst for small quantity of water at very small intervals is felt.

10. Ipecac – For Relieving Nausea And Vomiting      

Ipecac is considered the best natural homeopathic remedy for providing relief from nausea and vomiting. It can be used for persistent nausea and vomiting during Chikungunya Fever. Homeopathic medicine Ipecac always shows its worth in providing relief from nausea and vomiting. The tongue is usually found to be almost clean in most cases.

11. Euphrasia – For Managing Conjunctivitis

Euphrasia is a well-indicated homeopathic medicine for managing conjunctivitis in a person with chikungunya infection. The symptoms of redness, watering, burning, itching in eyes get relieved by using Euphrasia.

Cause And Transmission Of Chikungunya

Chikungunya is caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). It is transmitted to humans via bite from mosquito of aedes genus – Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti which are already infected with this virus. Such mosquitoes contract this virus when they bite a human being who has this virus in his blood. It can also spread by coming in contact with blood of infected person. It can also spread from a pregnant mother having chikungunya infection to the baby.

What Are The Symptoms Of Chikungunya?

The symptoms of Chikungunya viral infection start to appear around 3 to 7 days after mosquito biteRecovery usually occurs in about a week or two but joint pains may linger on for long in some. The symptoms are as follows:

Most common symptoms are:

1.High fever above 102°F : The fever in Chikungunya infection usually subsides within three to four days

2. Joint pains: These occur in more than 85% of the cases. Multiple joints get affected here. Joint pain is symmetrical means if one joint wrist is affected on one side, then same joint on other side gets affected as well. The joints may also show swelling and stiffness. The joint pains continue for weeks, few months and even years in a few persons (approx. 40 % of persons) having this infection. This is then referred as Chronic Chikungunya Arthritis.

Other symptoms are as follows:

1. Rash on skin:In about 50% cases, the rash appears on the skin. The rash is red at times with small bumps. The rash may be localised to one body part or it may affect even 90% of body skin.

2. Headache, muscle pain, fatigue

3. Sometimes there may be abdomen pain, nausea, vomiting, conjunctivitis (inflamed conjunctiva – membrane that covers white of eyes and eyelids) and backache.

What Are Its Complications?

In most cases, no complications arise but in some cases, they may arise. Those at risk are persons with diabetes, high blood pressure, elderly people, young children. The complications include inflammation in various body parts like inflammation in liver (hepatitis), inflammation of kidneys (nephritis), inflamed retina of eyes or uveitis (inflammation of middle layer of eyewall), inflammation of spinal cord / membranes of brain.  A complication may arise in the form of bleeding from any body part,  cranial nerves function loss and Guillain barre syndrome (an autoimmune disorder affecting nervous system beginning with weakness in feet / lower legs usually that spread up that may progress to paralysis) .

Diagnosis of Chikungunya

1. The main recommended test is Serological test ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) to rule IgM and IgG antibodies to chikungunya virus. It is a blood test. In chikungunya fever IgM antibodies can be detected 3 to 4 days following symptom start and remain for 3 to 4 months. IgG antibodies are detectable 6 to 7 days post symptom onset and persist for many years.

2. Virological test: RT-PCR(reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction). It is a rapid method to detect chikungunya virus in blood.

3. In addition to the above, in CBC (complete blood count) lymphocyte count is found to be less.

Chikungunya Vs Dengue Fever

Both Chikungunya and Dengue are viral infections transmitted to human beings by bite of an infected mosquito of Aedes genus. But dengue is a much serious infection and can turn fatal if not treated carefully and timely, while chikungunya is not usually fatal and a person recovers in a week or two. In both these infections, high fever and joint pains are prominent but in dengue, pain behind eye is highly characteristic. Additionally, in dengue, bleeding from various body parts like under skin from the nose, gums, rectum can occur if the platelets get lowered (called dengue hemorrhagic fever) which usually is not the case with chikungunya. As both Chikungunya and Dengue have common symptoms of high fever and joint pain in the initial phase, so confirmed diagnosis cannot be made alone on symptom picture and blood tests are required to confirm whether it is dengue or chikungunya.

Preventive Tips

1. The best preventive tip to prevent chikungunya infection is to prevent a mosquito bite.

2. Control mosquito breeding.

3. Wear full sleeves clothes and clothes that cover the entire legs when going outside.

4. Throw away unused containers holding water. Properly clean the necessary water-holding containers regularly and keep them covered.

5. Use insect repellants that have DEET or picaridin.

6. Use mosquito net to prevent mosquito bites.

 

 

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