What is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning is a common foodborne illness. A person gets food poisoning as a result of consuming contaminated food or drinks. Anyone can get food poisoning, and it is estimated that about 600 million people around the world tend to fall ill from food poisoning every year. The most common symptoms of food poisoning include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. In most cases, it is mild and short-lived that resolves quickly in a day or two. However, in some cases, severe symptoms may arise that need urgent immediate help. Homeopathic medicine for food poisoning helps control the symptoms of food poisoning and speed up the recovery process.

Homeopathy for Food Poisoning

Food poisoning can be effectively managed with homeopathic medicines. These medicines help in boosting the self-healing mechanism of the body and fight the infection. They help control the symptoms of food poisoning and speeding up the recovery process. Homeopathic medicine Arsenic Album is the first aid medicine used in food poisoning cases. It can be taken in 30 C potency three to four times a day, depending upon the severity of symptoms. It helps control symptoms including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Homeopathic medicine for food poisoning helps control the symptoms of food poisoning and speeding up the recovery process.

Top Homeopathic Medicines for Food Poisoning

Arsenic Album – First line of Treatment for Food Poisoning

Arsenic Album is a highly recommended homeopathic medicine for food poisoning, also known as the ‘homeopathic first aid’ for food poisoning. Food poisoning with diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting is indicative of using this medicine. Vomiting may contain clear water or thick glairy mucus. If the person eats anything, it is vomited out quickly. The stool is loose, foul smelling, and is attended with weakness. Burning pain in the abdomen may be present. Frequent thirst for water at short intervals is usually present.

Veratrum Album – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Copious Vomiting

Veratrum Album is a homeopathic medicine prepared from a plant named ‘white hellebore.’ It belongs to the family Liliaceae. Veratrum Album is a beneficial homeopathic medicine for food poisoning where there is copious vomiting. Even the smallest amount of water gets vomited, and excessive weakness follows the vomiting. Along with this, nausea and copious loose stool may be present. The body may feel cold, apart from the above symptoms.

Aloe – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Diarrhea

Aloe is a natural homeopathic medicine prepared from plant Aloe Socotrina. The natural order of this plant is Liliaceae. It is indicated in cases of food poisoning with marked diarrhea. The stool is watery, and there is an urgent need to pass it. Rumbling and gurgling in the rectum is present, and a constant bearing down is felt in the rectum.

Colocynthis – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Abdomen Cramps

Colocynthis is a homeopathic medicine prepared from a plant called ‘bitter cucumber.’ It belongs to the plant family Cucurbitaceae. Colocynthis is considered for food poisoning when marked abdominal cramps are present. Apart from cramping, the medicine is also indicated when cutting, colicky pains in the abdomen are present. Bending double or pressing the stomach helps relieve the pain. The pain tends to worsen from slight eating or drinking. Along with this loose stool, vomiting and nausea are also present.

Other Important Homeopathic Medicines for Food Poisoning

China Officinalis – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Diarrhea and Extreme Weakness

Homeopathic medicine China Officinalis is prepared from the Peruvian bark or the Cinchona tree that belongs to the natural order Rubiaceae. It is a well-indicated homeopathic medicine for food poisoning with diarrhea and extreme weakness. The stool is watery, foul, and painless with marked exhaustion and debility. Excessive flatulence may be present, and the abdomen may be bloated. China is also a well-indicated medicine for food poisoning that occurs from the consumption of bad meat, unripe fruit, and bad water. It is also indicated for traveler’s diarrhea.

Nux Vomica – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Excessive Retching

Nux Vomica is a prominent homeopathic medicine for food poisoning with excessive retching (efforts to vomit). The person in such a case wants to vomit but cannot. A frequent ineffectual urge to pass the stool is present. The person may attempt to pass stool frequently but is only able to expel small quantities. Loud, rumbling, gurgling sounds in the abdomen may be present along with the above symptoms.

Ipecac – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Nausea and Vomiting

Homeopathic medicine Ipecac is prepared from the ipecac root, which belongs to the natural order Rubiaceae. Ipecac is used to treat food poisoning accompanied by intense nausea and vomiting. The nausea is present all the time. Vomiting appears, but it does not relieve nausea. Vomiting of watery fluids, green mucus, or blackish matter may be present. A frothy stool and pain around navel are often noted with the above symptoms.

Croton Tig – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Gushing Stool

Croton Tig is a significant homeopathic medicine for food poisoning. Its chief indicating features are copious, watery, and gushing stool. The urge to pass stool is constant, and stool is passed suddenly with great force in one gush. Colic before passing stool is also present.

Podophyllum Peltatum – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Profuse and Offensive Stool

Homeopathic medicine Podophyllum Peltatum is a plant-based medicine prepared from Mayapple (Podophyllum). The plant belongs to family Berberidaceae. The characteristic features to use this medicine are a profuse, offensive, yellowish or greenish stool. Fetid flatus, mucus in the stool, and vomiting of hot, frothy mucus may also be present.

Elaterium Officinarum – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Vomiting and Diarrhea

Elaterium Officinarum is a natural medicine prepared from a plant commonly named as the Squirting Cucumber. It belongs to the natural order Cucurbitaceae. Elaterium Officinarum is a valuable homeopathic medicine for food poisoning with violent vomiting and diarrhea. The stool is copious, watery, forceful, greenish, and frothy. Cutting pain in the abdomen may be present.

Zingiber Officinale – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning by Drinking Impure Water

Zingiber Officinale is prepared from the dried root of ginger, which belongs to the natural order Zingiberaceae. It is a prominently indicated homeopathic medicine for food poisoning contracted by drinking impure water. Diarrhea with excessive flatulence and colic, heaviness and rumbling in the stomach, and belching are the primary symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine. It is also suited for diarrhea that results from eating melons.

Food Poisoning: Causes

The main cause of food poisoning is the consumption of food or drinks that have been contaminated by infectious agents. The infectious agents can be bacterial, parasitic or viral. Among them, food poisoning from bacterial agents is the most common.

Bacterial Causes of Food Poisoning

Bacterial agents linked with food poisoning include Campylobacter jejuni, salmonella, E.coli, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium botulinum, and listeria.

Campylobacter Jejuni

It is one of the most common bacteria that cause food poisoning. The incubation period is 3 to 5 days. It can be transmitted through consumption of undercooked meat and poultry or unpasteurized milk. Symptoms that arise as a result of poisoning by this bacteria include fever, severe abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The symptoms last less than a week.

Salmonella

Salmonella is another common bacteria that cause food poisoning. Its incubation period is 1 to 3 days. The infection may arise from consuming raw/undercooked meat, eggs, milk and other dairy products. The symptoms of its infection include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal cramps, fever. It lasts from 3 to 7 days, but in some cases, diarrhea may last up for to 10 to 14 days.

Escherichia coli (E.Coli)

E. Coli is a widespread cause of food poisoning and traveler’s diarrhea. It spreads through consumption of undercooked beef, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water. The symptoms include diarrhea (it can be bloody), abdominal cramps, and vomiting. The incubation period of this bacteria is 1 to 8 days, and the infection usually gets better in a week.
E. Coli also carries a risk of a rare and serious complication known as the hemolytic uremic syndrome. Older people and children are at a higher risk of developing this complication.

Shigella

The bacterium Shigella has an incubation period 1 to 2 days, and it spreads from consumption of food washed with contaminated water, drinking contaminated water, engulfing contaminated water while swimming, or via an infected person handling the food. The main symptoms of a Shigella infection include diarrhea with blood and mucus (dysentery), abdominal cramps, tenesmus, and fever. The infection usually lasts for a week, but it can take months for the bowel movements to normalize.
Shigella carries a risk of leading to complications like seizures, post infectious arthritis (reactive arthritis), and hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Staphylococcus Aureus

The symptoms of a Staphylococcus Aureus appear within 30 minutes to 6 hours after consuming contaminated food. Food poisoning from staphylococcal aureus may arise from eating contaminated, cream-filled pastries, sandwiches, cold salads, meat, milk, fish, cream sauces, and custard. Symptoms of the infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. It is, and the person usually recovers within a day or two.

Clostridium Botulinum

Clostridium Botulinum causes a severe infection, the symptoms of which arise within 12 to 36 hours. The source of infection includes canned food, smoked, salted fish, and improperly processed canned, commercial food. The symptoms of the infection include facial weakness, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty with swallowing, difficult speech, nausea, vomiting, and paralysis.

Listeria

Listeria causes a severe infection, and it may be present in ready-to-eat food like sandwiches, hot dogs, soft cheese, unpasteurized milk, and luncheon meats. The incubation period for Listeria can vary from a few days to several weeks. The symptoms include loose stool, fever, and body aches. The nervous system may also get infected, with symptoms like confusion, loss of balance, headache, stiff neck and convulsions. If the infection is contracted during pregnancy, it carries a risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and life-threatening infection in the newborn.
Two deadly outbreaks of listeria infection had been reported to date in the USA.

Parasites Linked with Food Poisoning

The most common parasites linked with food poisoning include Toxoplasma, Giardia lamblia, and Entamoeba histolytica.

Toxoplasma

A Toxoplasma infection can occur due to consumption of poorly cooked food, contaminated meat, and from exposure to cat feces. Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy is also noted in some cases. Flu-like symptoms including body aches, fever, weakness, headache, and swollen lymph nodes are typical of this infection. Mother to child transmission during pregnancy can cause stillbirth, miscarriage, and severe complications in the child, like seizures, eye infections, jaundice, and enlarged liver/spleen.

Giardia Lamblia

Giardia Lamblia has an incubation period of 1 to 2 weeks, and it is contracted through water and food contaminated by the excreta of humans or animals. Diarrhea, abdomen cramps, gas, bloating, weight loss, and low appetite are the most common symptoms of this infection. It is a mild infection, but the symptoms can linger on for 2 to 6 weeks.

Entamoeba Histolytica

Entamoeba Histolytica causes amoebiasis, which is a contagious disease. A person contracts it through the consumption of contaminated food or water, and the incubation period varies from a few weeks to months. The symptoms include loose stool, bloody stools (dysentery), severe abdominal cramps, appetite loss, and fatigue. The infection can spread to the liver, lungs, heart, and brain. It can lead to an abscess in internal organs, severe illness and may even cause death.

Virus Linked with Food Poisoning

Norovirus and Rotavirus are the two viruses that cause food poisoning.

Norovirus

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting. The incubation period for this virus varies between12 to 48 hours. Symptoms of infection include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Complete recovery from the infection taken about 2 to 3 days.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus commonly affects children who are less than five years of age. The symptoms of infection appear within one to two days. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdomen pain, stool containing pus/blood, black/tarry stool, and irritability. Children who contract the infection are at risk of developing dehydration.

Food Poisoning: Symptoms

The symptoms of food poisoning can appear within hours of eating contaminated food, or they may develop after a few days or weeks. The incubation period of the infectious agents varies, which decides when the symptoms will appear (following the consumption of contaminated food). The typical symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea (loose stool), abdominal cramps, mild fever, and weakness.

How Does Food Get Contaminated?

Food can become contaminated by any of the following means:

• Washing fruits or vegetables with water contaminated by human sewage.
• Not cooking food thoroughly.
• Not heating the previously prepared food enough.
• Improper storing of the food.
• Contamination of meat and poultry during slaughter.
• Handling of food by a person having an infectious disease without thorough washing of the hands.
• Transfer of infectious agent to food from using kitchen tools like a knife, cutting board or any utensil that is already contaminated.

Common foods that can cause food poisoning include:

• Raw or undercooked meat and poultry
• Fish and shellfish
• Unpasteurized milk
• Ice cream
• Leafy green like spinach, cabbage, and lettuce
• Cheese
• Deli meat
• Fruits such as melons, berries
• Raw sprouts

When to See a Doctor

In case of severe food poisoning, it is essential to get conventional treatment. The symptoms of acute food poisoning that need urgent medical attention include:

• Blood in stool or vomiting
• High fever (more than 101 F)
• Severe dehydration
• Loose stool lasting for more than three days
• Blurred vision
• Tingling in arms
• Confusion

How to Prevent Food Poisoning – Safety Measures

With a bit of precaution, food poisoning can be prevented in most cases. Some of the measures that can be taken to minimize the risk of food poisoning include:

Hygiene

Wash hands before and after every meal or snack, since germs tend to survive in places like utensils, around the kitchen, cutlery or even your hands.
Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before consuming them.

Separation

Cross-contamination is a very common cause of food poisoning. Foods like eggs, raw meat, seafood, etc. can spread germs too, even when handled with clean hands. Keeping such food items separate from ready-to-eat food items is essential.

Temperature

Foods need to be cooked thoroughly to a safe temperature which ensures that all disease-causing pathogens have been eliminated. Raw foods and meats especially need to be adequately prepared.

Foods should be refrigerated below temperatures of 40 F since pathogens start growing within 2 hours in food left at room temperature. In summers, this process can begin in half an hour, and so food should ideally not be left outside.

When traveling in developing foreign countries, it is necessary to wash vegetables and fruits before consumption and to drink from sealed bottles only. Ice should be avoided.

Managing Food Poisoning

Food poisoning usually gets better without any treatment within 48 hours. Management involves being comfortable and preventing dehydration during recovery. Some measures that can be taken are:

• Do not drink or eat anything for a few hours and allow the stomach to settle.
• Keep taking small sips of water or suck on ice-chips to stay hydrated. Clear broth and non-caffeinated drinks can also be taken in small quantities.
• Start by eating easy-to-digest, bland foods like rice and curd, plain crackers, toast, bananas, etc.
• Avoid foods containing caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, dairy products, and fatty foods until complete recovery. Greasy, spicy, fried, and sugary foods are hard to digest and should be avoided.
• Get adequate rest and keep physical activity to a minimum.

What are Ovarian Cysts?

Sacs of fluid that form within a woman’s ovaries are known as ovarian cysts. A woman may develop a cyst in one ovary or both the ovaries at the same time. Ovarian cysts occur very commonly in women of childbearing age, and are less common in females after menopause. Homeopathic medicine for ovarian cysts works to treat the symptoms and also dissolve the cysts safely with time.

Ovaries and Their Function

Ovaries are two oval-shaped gonads which make up an important part of the female reproductive system. The ovaries are found on either side of the uterus and have two major functions – production of egg (ovum) for fertilization, and the production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Every month, an ovum (egg) is released from the mature follicle. If the ovum is fertilized by a sperm, it leads to pregnancy. If the ovum doesn’t get fertilized, then it breaks down and is shed along with the lining of the uterus in the form of menstrual bleeding.

Causes and Types of Ovarian Cysts

The cause behind an ovarian cyst depends upon the type of cyst. Ovarian cysts are of different kinds, the most common being functional cysts, dermoid cysts, endometriomas, and cystadenomas. Another condition, known as Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) also leads to the formation of cysts on the ovaries.

Functional Ovarian Cysts

Functional cysts are the most common and harmless ovarian cysts that tend to disappear on their own within two to three menstrual cycles. Functional cysts are linked to the menstrual cycle.
Functional cysts are further divided into two types – follicular cyst and corpus luteum cyst.

a) Follicular Cyst: In a menstruating female, every month a follicle in the ovary matures, and it contains an egg. This follicle ruptures to release the egg (a process known as ovulation). If for any reason the follicle does not rupture and release the egg, then it swells up into a fluid-filled follicular cyst.

b) Corpus Luteum Cyst: During the menstrual cycle, the ovum (egg) is released from the follicle during ovulation. The follicle then gets converted to a mass known as ‘corpus luteum’ that secretes the hormone progesterone.
If the ovum gets fertilized with sperm (that is, a pregnancy occurs), then the corpus luteum keeps secreting progesterone to maintain the pregnancy in the early stages. If pregnancy doesn’t happen, then this corpus luteum stops secreting progesterone and disappears. In some cases, the corpus luteum doesn’t disappear even in the absence of a pregnancy. It then gets filled with fluid or blood and persists in the ovary in the form of a corpus luteum cyst.

Dermoid Cyst

A dermoid cyst is a benign cyst that contains some tissues like hair, skin, fat, teeth, thyroid tissue, nails, bone, etc. These cysts are also known as ovarian teratomas.
These cysts are seen in women during the reproductive years. Women usually below the age of 30 years tend to develop these cysts. Although not a serious problem, dermoid cysts cause a problem if they rupture. They can then cause infection or ovarian torsion, both of which require medical attention.

Endometriomas

Endometriomas are ovarian cysts that contain a brown, tar-like thick fluid and are also known as chocolate cysts. These cysts develop when the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus gets attached to the ovary and produces a growth there to form a cystic mass.

Cystadenomas

Cysts that develop from cells covering the outer layer of the ovary are called cystadenomas. These cysts do not grow inside the ovary; instead, they develop on the surface of the ovary. These cysts can contain watery fluid or thick mucus-like substance.
Those filled with watery fluid are known as serous cystadenomas, and those filled with thick mucus-like substance are known as mucinous cystadenomas.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)

PCOS is a very common metabolic disorder that arises as a result of hormonal imbalance in females. In PCOS, multiple follicles (fluid-filled sacs) grow inside ovaries that contain immature eggs. These eggs then may not reach maturity and ovulate.

Homeopathic Remedies for Cysts

The conventional mode of treatment usually prescribes oral contraceptives or birth control pills in most cases of ovarian cysts. These pills don’t treat the root cause of ovarian cysts; they mask the symptoms by regularising the menstrual cycle without treating the cysts. They may also suppress ovulation to prevent the formation of more cysts.
These pills do not dissolve the existing ovarian cysts, and discontinuing their use can lead to the formation of new cysts. In addition to this, there are some side effects of these pills like nausea, breast tenderness, vaginal discharge, decreased libido, mood changes, weight gain, and migraine.

Ovarian cyst treatment with homeopathic medicine is a holistic approach that treats the main cause behind the problem. Homeopathic medicines are very safe to use among women of all age groups, and these treat ovarian cysts gently without any side effects.
Homeopathic medicine for ovarian cyst can help dissolve the cysts already present and also reduce the tendency to develop more cysts.
These medicines help in correcting menstrual irregularities linked with ovarian cysts and the associated symptoms like bloating, back pain, dyspareunia, etc. Correct and timely use of ovarian cysts can also help prevent surgery in a lot of cases.

Some of the most important homeopathic medicines that are used for treating ovarian cysts are – Lachesis Muta, Lycopodium Clavatum, Colocynthis, Apis Mellifica, Pulsatilla Nigricans, Sabina Officinalis and Sepia Succus. Each of these homeopathic medicines has their characteristic indications to use them.

Homeopathic Medicine for Ovarian Cysts

Lachesis Muta – Homeopathic Medicine for Ovarian Cysts on Left Side

Lachesis Muta is a homeopathic medicine for left ovarian cysts. Swelling and pain in the left ovary that gets better during menses, short and scanty menses, and menstrual bleeding that is blackish in color are the symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine.

Lycopodium Clavatum – Homeopathic Medicine for Ovarian Cysts on Right Side

Lycopodium Clavatum is a homeopathic medicine for right ovarian cysts. Burning or boring pains may be felt in the ovary. Irregular periods, profuse or prolonged periods, pain during intercourse and abdominal bloating are the main symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine.

Colocynthis – Homeopathic Medicine for Painful Ovarian Cysts

Colocynthis is a homeopathic medicine for ovarian cysts that are painful. The pain varies in character, ranging from cramping, stitching to tensive. Burning sensation in the ovaries that gets better upon bending over double and a sensitive ovarian region that seems hard and swollen are the symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine.

Apis Mellifica – Homeopathic Medicine for Ovarian Cysts that cause Pain during Intercourse

Apis Mellifica is a homeopathic medicine for ovarian cysts that cause pain during intercourse. A stinging, sharp, cutting pain from the ovary radiating down the thigh, soreness and tenderness over the ovarian region, heaviness in the ovarian region and pain in the ovaries during menstruation are the symptoms indicative of Apis Mellifica.

Pulsatilla Nigricans – Homeopathic Medicine for Ovarian Cysts with Scanty Menstruation

Pulsatilla Nigricans is a homeopathic medicine for ovarian cysts with scanty menstrual bleeding. A tendency of delayed menstruation, menstrual colic, chilliness, vomiting, heavy pressure in the abdomen and lower back, a pressure in the bladder and rectum are the symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine.

Sabina Officinalis – Homeopathic Medicine for Ovarian Cysts with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Sabina Officinalis is a homeopathic medicine for ovarian cysts with heavy menstrual bleeding. The menstrual bleeding is usually bright red, and copious, with the presence of dark clots. Movement tends to worsen the bleeding, and pelvic pain that extends down to the thighs is present. Dragging pain in the back and lower limbs, and bloating and distension in the pelvic region are the symptoms that indicate the need for Sabina Officinalis.

Sepia Succus – Homeopathic Medicine for Ovarian Cysts with Irregular Menstruation

Sepia Succus is a homeopathic medicine for ovarian cysts with irregular menstruation. The periods may be early or late, scanty or profuse, or of long or short duration. A bearing down sensation in the pelvis, soreness, fullness, pressure, distension, and pain in the pelvic region with a frequent urge to urinate are the symptoms that indicate the need for this remedy.

Ovarian Cyst: Contributing Factors

The contributing factors that lead to ovarian cysts include:

• hormonal imbalance
• pelvic infections
• a family history of ovarian cysts
• obesity or gaining weight rapidly

Ovarian Cysts: Symptoms

In many cases, ovarian cysts don’t lead to any symptoms and are diagnosed during a regular ultrasound. In other cases, some symptoms that may appear in case of ovarian cysts include:

• Pain in the lower abdomen (pelvis on the side of ovarian cyst). The pain may be sudden, severe or may be dull.
• Bloating, heaviness, fullness in the abdomen
• Irregular periods, heavy/scanty periods
• Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Frequent urination
• Painful bowel movements
• Lower back pain or thigh pain
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Infertility
• In cases of PCOS, menstrual irregularities may be accompanied by other features like acne, hirsutism, obesity, hair fall.

Frequently Asked Questions on Ovarian Cysts

What are the complications of ovarian cysts?

Ovarian torsion and rupture are two main complications of ovarian cysts. Sudden severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, fever dizziness, and fast breathing are some of the symptoms that appear as a result of these complications. These need immediate medical emergency attention.

Are Ovarian Cysts Cancerous?

Most of the times, ovarian cysts are non-cancerous.
A very small percentage of ovarian cysts can be cancerous, and these usually tend to occur after menopause in women.

Can Ovarian Cysts lead to Infertility?

Ovarian cysts are of different types, and while some cysts can cause infertility, most of them are not linked with infertility.

• Cysts that can lead to infertility are ovarian cysts that develop as a result of polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriomas.
• Cysts not linked with infertility are functional cysts, dermoid cysts, and cystadenomas.

What is depression?

Depression is a very common psychological health condition characterized by the persistence of severe sadness, unhappiness, low mood, lack of a feeling of well-being, and an aversion towards doing any work.
In some cases, the person suffering from depression may cut off from the society, and isolate themselves completely.
In severe cases, suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide are also noted. Homeopathy for depression works at a subconscious level to remove the imprints of grief and sadness, and bring about recovery.
Depression is a common, but serious problem that is often dismissed as something temporary or situational. It is essential to talk about it and seek professional help if there is a doubt about a person being depressed. With the right therapies and homeopathic medicine for depression, it can be treated and managed, enabling the person to lead a healthy life.

Does Homeopathy work for depression?

Yes, homeopathy can help treat depression. The homeopathic system of medicine carries an excellent scope to treat depression in a very safe, gentle and effective manner. Made of natural substances, homeopathic remedies are deep acting medicines that work at the psychological level to bring about recovery from depression.
Another benefit of using homeopathy for depression is that none of the homeopathic remedies are habit-forming, or cause dependency. Once the problem is fixed, the person can gradually discontinue the medication, or take it sporadically as suggested by a homeopathic physician. Since conventional antidepressants affect different chemicals in the brain (like serotonin and dopamine), there are chances of drug-dependency. Unlike homeopathy, these medicines also tend to cause side effects like weight gain, nausea, loss of sexual desire, irritability, insomnia and more.

Causes of Depression

Depression is a multi-layered problem, and the exact reason for it not known. The strongest correlation to clinical depression is heredity and environmental factors. The leading causes that play a significant role in causing depression are:

• a family history of depression
• stressful events or abuse experienced during childhood
• grief, like the death of a loved one, or a failed relationship
• substance abuse (drugs, alcohol)
• hormonal changes in women (during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause)
• thyroid problems
• Serious disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, arthritis, dementia also put a person at risk of developing depression.

Symptoms of Depression

One of the most important things is to look out for the classic signs and symptoms of depression. Timely treatment is the most effective way of treating depression once it has been diagnosed.

The common depressive symptoms include:

• persistent sadness
• low self-esteem
• a sense of hopelessness
• a feeling of being worthless
• weeping
• avoiding company of people
• aversion to talking and socializing
• loss of interest in hobbies
• changes in appetite and weight
• excessive sleeping or less sleeping
• perpetual anxiety
• restlessness
• constant fatigue
• sexual dysfunction
• unexplained headaches or pains
• difficulty in concentration
• suicidal thoughts

What is the difference between stress and depression?

Everybody tends to get sad and feel low at some point, and that is a temporary phase that tends to come and go. But when sadness and feelings of hopelessness persist for a long time and start affecting one’s personal and professional life, then it is more than sorrow and stress.
The main difference between stress and depression is that the latter is a more severe and long-lasting condition that requires professional help. The symptoms of depression are much more intense than stress or sadness. It can cause powerful mood changes (extreme despair and sadness), exhaustion and an inability act. Stress, on the other hand, is short-lived, and once the factor causing stress is dealt with, the person tends to get better. Some people even do well under stress, when it acts as a motivating factor.

Homeopathy for Depression

Ignatia Amara – Homeopathic Remedy for Depression with Extreme Sadness

Ignatia Amara is an excellent homeopathic medicine for treating depression with extreme sadness and weeping. The person needing Ignatia shows an aversion to talking and meeting people. Sudden mood changes, sighing, hopelessness, brooding, irritability, heaviness of head, weak memory, mental dullness, sensitive mood, and palpitations are some symptoms that indicate the need for this homeopathic medicine for depression. Ignatia Amara is top grade homeopathy for depression developed after acute grief.

Natrum Mur – The Homeopathic Antidepressant

Natrum Mur is a homeopathic medicine used for treating chronic depression. The symptoms indicating the use of Natrum Mur include dwelling on past unpleasant memories, sadness, aversion to consolation, weeping, high sensitivity, despair about future, a reluctance to do work, sleeplessness, getting offended easily, and the fear of something terrible happening. Natrum Mur is the recommended homeopathy for depression that develops after the death of loved ones or broken relationships.

Aurum Met – Homeopathic Medicine for Depression with Suicidal Thoughts

Aurum Met is a homeopathic remedy for depression where the person suffers from predominating suicidal thoughts. Along with this, a constant sensation that life is a burden persists. People needing this medicine tend to look at the dark side of life, feel unhappy and wish to stop living. An oversensitive nature to contradiction is also present, along with symptoms like guilt, worthlessness, moroseness and changing moods.

Cimicifuga Racemosa – Homeopathy for Post Partum Depression

Cimicifuga Racemosa is an excellent homeopathic medicine used to treat postpartum depression. The symptoms that are indicative of this medicine include sadness, gloominess, fear of death, a specific sensation of having a black cloud over the present (mostly in women), a fear of going mad, talking excessively with frequent changes of subjects, and pain at the top of the head.

Kali Phos – Homeopathic Medicine for Depression and Insomnia

Kali Phos is considered to be top-grade homeopathy for depression and insomnia with symptoms like sleeplessness, gloominess, anxiety, worries, continual weeping, negative thinking, mental fatigue, dullness of mind, fear of death and sensitivity to light and noise.

Phosphoric Acid – Homeopathy for Depression with Weakness

Phosphoric Acid is a homeopathic medicine for depression where the person experiences excessive weakness, along with symptoms like an indifferent behavior to everything, slowness of mind, aversion to talking, a dread of the future, loss of weight and malnutrition.

Sepia Succus – Homeopathic Medicine for Depression during Menopause

Sepia for depression has been successfully used in clinical practice in cases where a woman experiences depression during menopause. The symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine include sadness, gloominess, unhappiness, indifferent behavior towards family and life, aversion towards family members, aversion to doing any mental or physical work, anxiety over trifles, and a sense of helplessness. There is also a tendency to weep that worsens upon consolation. Women needing this medicine may experience all of the above symptoms along with hot flushes and a bearing down sensation in the pelvis.

Homeopathy for Depression: Frequently Asked Questions

Are any investigations recommended in cases of depression?

Depression is a psychological complaint and is diagnosed after evaluating the symptoms. However, certain tests including thyroid profile and vitamin B12 are recommended in suspected cases of depression to rule hormonal problems or deficiencies.

Can any medicines lead to depression?

Yes, certain medicines can lead to depression. Examples of drugs that predispose a person to depression include steroids, blood pressure medicines, and sleeping pills.

What are the effects of depression?

Depression has many effects that include loss of appetite or overeating, loss of weight or gaining weight, sleeplessness, feeling fatigued and lethargic. Certain complications like the use of alcohol, drug dependency, developing anxiety disorders, panic disorders and in the most severe cases, suicidal tendencies may develop.

I am a male aged 25 years with a family history of depression; will I also develop the same?

Having a family history of depression is one of the risk factors that predispose a person towards the same. But it doesn’t mean that you will develop depression.

Can depression be cured forever with homeopathy?

The effectiveness of homeopathy in depression in a majority of the cases depends on the severity of the problem. Depression of mild to moderate intensity has better chances of being treated to a great extent with homeopathy. Homeopathy for depression helps reduce the severity and occurrence of depressive episodes while addressing the imprints of sadness from the subconscious mind.
In cases of severe depression, homeopathy can help manage the symptoms, but complete recovery is not expected in all the cases.

I have been taking antidepressants for ten years; can homeopathy help me stop that medicine?

Yes, homeopathy can help you gradually stop taking antidepressants, no matter how long you’ve been using them. However, it is a gradual process, and it is not advisable to stop the antidepressants all of sudden since that can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Initially, when you start with homeopathic medicines for your depression, you will have to continue taking the antidepressants side by side for some time. Once your body starts responding to the homeopathic medicines, a gradual decrease of the dose of the antidepressants is recommended until you can stop taking them entirely.

If I start homeopathic medicines for my depression, will I have to continue taking it for my lifetime?

No, you will not have to continue taking homeopathy for depression for a lifetime. Once satisfactory results with homeopathic medicines have been achieved, you may stop taking them.

For how long does a person need to take homeopathy for depression for complete recovery?

The exact time for complete recovery from depression with use of homeopathic medicines varies from case to case. Most cases of depression tend to show some improvement in the initial period of homeopathic treatment. The duration of depression and the intensity of its symptoms decide the time for which one has to continue taking homeopathic medicines for complete recovery. In addition to this, a person’s response to the homeopathic medication is also an important deciding factor.

Are there any supplements that can help to manage depression?

Yes, certain supplements can help manage depression. The most important ones among them include vitamin B12, vitamin D, and omega -3 fatty acids.

I have been suffering from depression from the last 4 years since the death of my mother. Can homeopathy help?

The loss of a loved one and long-standing grief that can translate into depressive symptoms. You may take homeopathic medicine Natrum Mur, a well-indicated remedy in homeopathy for depression that has become chronic.

I am a 48-year old female suffering from depression for two years. Which homeopathic medicine can help?

You are suffering from depression around your menopausal age. Sepia Succus is a well-indicated remedy in homeopathy for depression that develops during the menopausal age.

Managing Depression

Certain lifestyle measures can help manage depression. These include:

– Ensuring enough sleep
– Practicing meditation and yoga
– Doing regular exercise
– Discussing your concerns with friends and family members, who can understand you and provide support during depressive episodes
– Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs
– Avoiding isolation and developing healthy social habits
– Keeping yourself busy
– Joining a depression support group
– Studying self-help books for positive inspiration

Elbow pain is a surprisingly common problem that affects the elbow joint. The elbow joint is a hinge joint formed by three bones (humerus, radius, and ulna) and the various muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support the joint. Pain in the elbow joint or any structures surrounding is called elbow pain. Pain in the elbow can be one-sided (unilateral) or may occur on both sides (bilateral). The nature of elbow pain varies from person to person and majorly depends on the cause; it can be sharp, dull, burning, tearing or shooting in nature.

Homeopathy offers wonderful treatment for cases of elbow pain. Homeopathic medicines for elbow pain work by stimulating the body’s natural restorative processes for a speedy recovery. These medicines along with elbow pain also help to manage attending symptoms like stiffness, swelling, and tenderness of elbow joint. In the conventional system of medicine, elbow pain is usually treated with the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), corticosteroids, antirheumatic drugs (for example, methotrexate, cytokine blockers, JAK inhibitors), or even surgery. These drugs help in reducing the inflammation by decreasing the production of prostaglandins (chemicals that are responsible for causing pain, fever, and inflammation). But these drugs can also cause some serious side effects like stomach pain, heartburn, stomach ulcers, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, an allergic reaction such as wheezing, rashes, liver and kidney problems. Homeopathy for elbow pain, on the other hand, shows no side effects and promotes natural healing by stimulating the body’s self-healing mechanism.

Homeopathy focuses to treat underlying cause

As there are several causes behind elbow pain like arthritis, gout, injury, overstrained elbow joint, inflamed tendons, and trapped nerves, so for long-term relief, this cause needs to be addressed. Homeopathy focuses on treating these causes as may be the case. It leads to long term relief and effective cures.

Safe, natural medicines

Homeopathic medicines are made of natural substances so do not cause any sort of side effects. It can only help, never harm. Homeopathic medicines are suitable for treating elbow pain in persons of all age groups for acute as well as chronic pain relief.

Individualized treatment

In homeopathic treatment of elbow pain, the prescription, its dosage, potency, repetition are decided individually in every case. Hence, guidance from a homeopathic doctor is required and self-medication might not help. Homeopathic treatment if taken as per guidelines and recommended time period suggested by a homeopathic physician leads to great cures in elbow pain cases.

Top 5 Homeopathic Medicine for Elbow Pain

The well indicated homeopathic medicines for treating elbow pain includes medicines Rhus Tox, Ruta Graveolens, Bryonia Alba, Colchicum Autumnale and Argentum Met.

1. Rhus Tox – For Elbow Pain from arthritis, Over-Straining of Elbow Joint

Rhus Tox is the top most medicine indicated for the treatment of elbow joint pain from arthritis, over-straining/overuse of elbow joint accompanied with a stiffness of joint. The elbow joint feels hot, painful, and swollen and one feels better by warmth, motion and massage. Rhus Tox is usually indicated for tearing pain in the elbow joint.

When to use Rhus Tox?

This medicine is suggested to help cases of elbow pain from arthritis, overstraining or overuse of elbow joint with marked stiffness of elbow joint. There is relief in pain by warmth, motion and massage.

How to use Rhus Tox?

It can be used in different potencies from low to high like 30C, 200C, 1M. Most commonly it is used in 30C potency two to three times a day. To use high potencies, kindly consult a homeopathic physician

2. Ruta Graveolens – Elbow Pain due to Tendinitis and Bursitis

Ruta Graveolens is the foremost medicine for managing pain that occurs due to inflamed tendons and bursae. When elbow pains are sore, aching and accompanied with restlessness, and weariness, Ruta Graveolens works well. It is the best medicine to treat cases of tennis elbow.

When to use Ruta Graveolens?

It is the most suitable medicine for managing sore, aching pains from inflammation of tendons and bursa. It is the best choice of medicine for tennis elbow cases.

How to use Ruta Graveolens?

It can be taken in 30 C potency once or twice a day. For using its high potencies like 200C one needs to consult a homeopathic physician.

3. Bryonia Alba – Elbow Pain that Worsens with Movement

Bryonia Alba is a wonderful medicine for elbow pain that worsens with movement and is tender to touch. Elbow joints are usually red, swollen and hot. The pain of elbow joints is generally sharp and tearing.

When to use Bryonia Alba?

This medicine should be considered when there is pain in the elbow along with redness, swelling, tenderness and heat with pain worsening from movement.

How to use Bryonia Alba?

It is advised to take Bryonia Alba 30C twice or thrice a day as per severity of complaint.

4. Colchicum Autumnale – Elbow Pain due to Gout

Colchicum Autumnale is an excellent medicine indicated for elbow pain that arises due to the condition of gout. Colchicum Autumnale is best suited when the elbow joint is stiff and hot. The pain worsens at night, from touch, and warm weather. This medicine is used for elbow pain treatment when the pain is tearing, with a piercing pin and needle sensation in the hand and wrist. A sharp pain in the elbow may also be felt.

When to use Colchicum Autumnale?

This medicine is highly recommended for managing elbow pain resulting from gout (high uric acid) with worsening of pain from touching the elbow and at night time.

How to use Colchicum Autumnale?

Colchicum Autumnale can be used in 30C power once or twice a day.

5. Argentum Met – For Rheumatic Elbow Pain with tenderness

Argentum Met is the medicine indicated for the treatment of rheumatic  (related to inflamed joint) elbow pain accompanied by tenderness. Weakness in the arm also occurs. The elbow pain gradually increases, suddenly becomes severe, and then ceases. The pain feels like an electric shock.

When to use Argentum Met?

This medicine is indicated when elbow pain from joint inflammation is attended with tenderness in elbow and weakness in arm.

How to use Argentum Met?

This medicine can be taken one or two times a day in 30C potency.

Causes of Elbow Pain

The causes of elbow pain are usually overuse or strain due to work, sports, hobbies, or accidents. Elbow pain happens to be the most common symptom of elbow-related disorders.
Some reasons for elbow pain are as follows –

Sprains and Strains: Sprains are the stretching or tearing of ligaments that connect two bones. A strain on the other hand is a stretching or tearing of the tendon or muscle.

Tendinitis: Fibrous tissues that attach muscles to bones in the elbow when overused, may cause inflammation and irritation of the tendons. This condition is known as Tendinitis.

Bursitis: Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions to the bones in the elbow. Any inflammation or injury caused to the part can lead to Bursitis.

Tennis Elbow: Tennis elbow develops as a result of inflammation of the tendons in the muscles of the forearm, at the point where they attach to the outer elbow joint. This is also known as Lateral Epicondylitis.

Golfer’s Elbow: Golfer’s elbow refers to an inflammation in the tendons at the point where the tendons attach the muscles of the forearm to the bony part on the inner elbow. Medically this condition is known as epicondylitis.

Throwing Injuries: Also called “baseball pitcher’s elbow,” these injuries occur due to overuse of the elbow when a ball is thrown. Other sports involving similar mechanisms tend to produce similar injuries. These involve elbow structures like tendon detachments.

Radial Nerve Compression: This is a condition in which the radial nerve that passes through the elbow joint gets compressed or pinched.

Ulnar Nerve Compression (or entrapment): Pinching or compression of the nerve by swelling or displacement.

Ligament Tears: Elbow ligaments torn due to excessive force on the elbow joint can cause elbow pain.

Injuries to any Elbow Component: Trauma and pain to any component of the elbow joint or adjacent structures that work with the elbow joint (forearm structures like the upper arm and shoulders) can cause elbow pain.

Broken Arm: Fracture in the parts of the arm bones (including the humerus, radius, and ulna) cause extreme elbow pain.

Stress Fractures: Any non-displaced fracture of the bones that form the elbow joint can cause elbow pain.

Dislocation of an Elbow Component: Dislocation of any bones or other structures such as tendons or nerves that form or pass through the elbow joint can lead to elbow pain.

Carpal tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel is a condition that causes numbness, pain and tingling in the arm and hand. It happens when one of the major nerves of the hand (known as the median nerve) gets squeezed or compressed as it goes through the wrist.

Elbow Fractures: Any fracture of the bones that form the elbow joint (humerus, radius, ulna) cause extreme pain.

Osteoarthritis: It is a condition wherein there is a loss of cartilage at the end of the bones in the elbow. This can lead to elbow pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation. When this condition develops in the elbow, it can cause chronic pain.

Osteochondritis Dissecans: This is a condition wherein the blood supply is cut or decreased in the elbow.

Olecranon Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (present on the tip of the elbow) is known as olecranon bursitis. The inflammation causes pain.

Infections of the elbow joint: Infections in the elbow joint can include cellulitis, abscess formation, septic arthritis, or infections in the other structures that can cause elbow pain.

Tumors: Any cancers or masses that develop in the joint structures in the elbow, such as bone tumors, can cause pain.

Gout: Gout is a very common but complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints.

Sometimes, a pain in the elbow may occur due to an injury to the vertebra. This injury may irritate the nerves that service the upper arm. Such pain, the source of which is not at the elbow, is known as referred pain.

Contributing Factors For Elbow Pain

Some of the main risk factors that can cause elbow pain include:

1. Trauma to the arm and elbow may result in vascular compromise (inflammation of the blood vessels due to an injury). Trauma and repetitive stress may also result in swelling and nerve compression or entrapment. Even sleeping on one’s side with the elbow bearing chest weight may result in daytime elbow pains.

2. Overuse of the joint and too much stress at a given point on the elbow joint. Overuse is noted in people who have an excessive amount of elbow movements during work, sports, or other similar activities. For example, individuals who work with repetitive motions of the elbow during, say, a product assembly line may develop some types of elbow pain (bursitis, tendinitis).

3. Not warming up before strenuous activity may cause pain in the elbow joint. Muscles and tendons are more flexible and therefore less prone to tearing when athletes warm up before engaging in an intense sports activity. Not doing so can increase the risk of tissue damage. Such damage often leads to a painful condition known as tennis elbow.
Sports like tennis and gym exercises (like weight-lifting) that require repetitive actions can also cause elbow pain.

4. A ligament or tendon tear or even dislocation or fracture of one of the bones in the elbow joint, work accidents, contact sports such as football, and auto accidents can lead to irritation, and occasionally to a severe elbow injury.

5. Improper use of sports equipment, such as a tennis racket that is too small or too large for the athlete, or a racket that is not appropriately strung (for example, the head surface is too tight or too loose, or the racket is too heavy for the user).

6. Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases can cause joint pain, putting people with problems like rheumatoid arthritis at risk.

7. Working in physically repetitive occupations, such as carpentry, bricklaying, instrumental music, clothing construction, plumbing, assembly-line production, or intensive computer work.

8. Infections of the elbow structures increase the risk of elbow pain. Also, direct trauma to the elbow, such as colliding with another player or falling onto the elbow can cause pain.

Symptoms accompanying Elbow Pain

1. Stiffness, swelling, and soreness of elbow joint

2. Tenderness of the elbow joint

3. Difficulty in grasping and lifting objects

4. Pain that radiates either upwards or downwards from the elbow

5. Impeded movement of the elbow joint i.e. inability to straighten or bend the elbow