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Plantago Major: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

Homeopathic medicine Plantago Major is prepared from a plant ‘plantain or ribwort’. It belongs to family Plantaginaceae. For preparing this medicine, the plantain plant is potentized as per homeopathic formula that arouses its medicinal properties. After this process, we get a very important homeopathic medicine Plantago Majus. It is of special service in managing complaints of toothache, nerve pain (neuralgia) in face, earache and bedwetting.

Drug Action

Plantago Major acts very well on the teeth. It also shows good results on the ears and face. Other than this, it acts well on the urinary organs, and skin.

Clinical Indications

Toothaches, teeth grinding, neuralgia, earache, ear inflammation, gumboils, bedwetting, polyuria

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Dental Problems (Toothache, Teeth Grinding)

The foremost action of Plantago Major is seen on the teeth. It is a top-grade medicine for managing certain dental problems. Among these problems, it is a leading homeopathic medicine to relieve toothache. It is also well-suited in case of toothache, particularly, when a tooth is decaying. It gets better when one starts eating. One may report boring or digging type of pain in the tooth. It is mostly accompanied by profuse flow of saliva. It is helpful when the teeth on the left side feel sore and elongated. Plantago also offers help in cases of aching in a decayed wisdom tooth. It is well indicated, especially, for decayed wisdom tooth in the left lower jaw. The pain from the tooth shoots up to the left side of the face towards the side of head and the ear. Another characteristic symptom for its use is toothache accompanied by neuralgia (nerve pain) of the eyelids. Excessive redness of the face may also be an accompanying factor. Further, the use of this medicine is recommended to manage grinding of teeth at night time. Lastly, it is a valuable medicine for management of cases of gumboils (pus filled bump that develop on the gums).

Key Indicating Features

Toothache to a decayed tooth

Toothache gets better while eating

Aching in decayed wisdom tooth, especially in the left lower jaw

Toothache accompanied by nerve pain of the eyelids

2. Facial Concerns (Nerve Pain, Eruptions)

Plantago acts wonderfully on the face. It manages really well nerve pain that especially occurs on the left side of the face. It is well-indicated when the pain travels from the jaw to the ear. The pain can be shooting or tearing in nature. It can also be used in case the pain is aching or when the pain is a result of a bruise, particularly, on the right side of the face. It is also used to deal with cases of red, small, rough, and scaly patches on the facial skin. Mostly these are present on the left side of the face. It also proves beneficial in case of dry, scaly eruptions that may form on the lower lip.

Key Indicating Features

Nerve pain on the left side of the face from the jaw to ear

Aching or pain occurring due to a bruise on the right side of the face

Red, small, rough, and scaly patches on the left side of the face

Dry, and scaly eruptions on the lower lip

3. Ear Problems (Earache, Acute Hearing, Ringing in Ears)

It can effectively manage pain in the ear. It is mainly indicated for pain in the right ear. The pain is sharp, and twinging (sharp pain occurs suddenly). It is accompanied by pain in the face and teeth. It can also be used for pain in the ear that travels from one ear to the other. It can also be used in cases the hearing is bad, and the noises are painful. Lastly, it may help in cases if there is ringing in the ears.

Key Indicating Features

Earache accompanied by pain in the face, and teeth

Acute hearing and noises painful

Ringing in the ears

4. Urinary Issues (Bedwetting, Irritable Bladder)

It is helpful in managing some urinary issues. Plantago is an excellent medicine that can be administered in cases of bedwetting. There is passage of copious urine. It arises owing to a weak sphincter around the urethral opening. White sediments may be present in the urine. Secondly, its use is indicated in cases of irritable bladder accompanied by frequent urination. Besides these, it can be given in cases there is tenderness in the kidney region if there is pressure.

Key Indicating Features

Bedwetting

Irritable bladder with frequent urination

Tenderness in the kidney region if there is pressure

5. Skin Complaints (Itching, Vesicles, Rough Skin)

If we talk of skin concerns, Plantago offers help in managing intense itching on the skin that gets worse at night. Pricking and stinging pain may attend it. After scratching, burning sensation is felt on the skin. This medicine is also useful to manage vesicles (fluid-filled bumps) on the hands and face. It also has a tendency to heal skin eruptions that ooze a yellow fluid and form a crust. Besides these, it can manage cases where red, rough, scaly patches form on the face mostly on left side.

Key Indicating Features

Intense itching on the skin worse at night

Skin eruptions that ooze a yellow fluid and form a crust

Red, rough, scaly patches on the face mostly on left side

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse at night, from heat and cold, motion and mental exertion

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from sleep

Dosage

Use of this medicine is recommended in mother tincture form and lower potencies. Its use is also suggested as an external application in case of toothache.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Merc Sol

It antidotes: Apis Mellifica, Rhus Tox and Tabacum

It can be compared with medicines Chamomilla, Spigelia, Colocynth and Kalmia in cases of nerve pain (neuralgia)

It can also be compared with medicines Belladonna, Equisetum and Causticum in cases of bedwetting.

7 Best Natural Homeopathic Medicines to Treat Gout

By Editor 49 Comments

Gout is an inflammatory joint disease that arises due to increased uric acid levels in the blood. Though any joint in the body can be affected by gout but the joint at the base of the great toe has a higher chance to be affected in majority of cases. Normal uric acid levels in blood are 3.5 to 7.2 mg/dL. Uric acid level more than this indicates hyperuricemia (high uric acid). Increased uric acid is not a disease and not dangerous. However, if excess uric acid levels lead to the formation of crystals in between the joints, gout can develop. In some people, excess uric acid levels also lead to the formation of kidney stones. Please remember, not everybody who have high levels of uric acid, develop gout. High level of uric acid in blood without any symptoms is termed asymptomatic hyperuricemia.

Homeopathic medicines offer a very effective treatment for various joint complaints, including gout. These medicines can be a big boon for all those who suffer from high uric acid and gout. Homeopathic medicines, along with proper dietary management, can lead to remarkable recoveries in cases of gout. Homeopathic medicines for gout help relieve symptoms like pain, tenderness, stiffness and also reduce the associated inflammation and swelling in joints. These medicines work by reducing overproduction of uric acid in the body and, where need be, by accelerating the removal of this waste product through the kidneys. In mainstream medicine medicines, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti – inflammatory drugs) and corticosteroids are used to treat gout. These medicines give temporary relief and also have a tendency to cause side effects with prolonged use. On the other hand, homeopathic medicines do not have any adverse effects and give long-term relief and cure with regular course of medication as guided by a homeopathic physician.

Homeopathic medicines offer help in both acute and chronic gout cases. Initially, they treat an acute attack of gout. Following this, the homeopathic treatment helps to treat the chronic tendency of gout. With these medicines, there is a gradual decrease in intensity and frequency of gout attacks. And with further treatment, a permanent cure occurs in most of the cases.
Homeopathy is a symptom-based science, homeopathic medicines for gout are selected as per the characteristic symptoms in every individual case. After medicine selection, the potency, dosage and repetition is finalised as per every individual case. So, it is advised to get every case of gout evaluated by a homeopath for correct prescription and best results. Self-medication should not be done. These medicines aid relief in gout very gently.

Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines for Gout

The seven topmost homeopathic medicines for treating gout are Colchicum Autumnale, Benzoicum Acidum, Ledum Pal, Urtica Urens, Bryonia Alba, Lycopodium and Berberis Vulgaris.

1. Colchicum Autumnale – Top Grade Medicine For Gout

Colchicum Autumnale is the most frequently recommended medicine for gout. It is an infallible medicine to give speedy relief in pain, soreness, and swelling of joints from gout. It is effective for managing gout in almost any of the joints but particularly the one that affects the big toe. There is intense pain, swelling in the big toe in cases needing it. The big toe is highly tender, sore and hot, even a slight touch on the toe is unbearable. The pain gets worse on movement. Aggravation of toe pain in the evening is also noted in few cases requiring this remedy. It can be given for swelling and stiffness in hands and feet from gout. This medicine can even be used when multiple joints are affected with gout at the same time.

When to use Colchicum Autumnale?

It is a highly effective medicine for managing gout with marked pain, swelling and soreness, especially affecting big toe.

How to use Colchicum Autumnale?

The potency of this medicine differs from case to case from low to high. Low potencies like 30C can be taken two to three times a day. Use of high potency like 200C is limited to once a day.

2. Benzoicum Acidum – For Gout Affecting Knee Joint And Big Toe

Benzoicum Acidum is a wonderful medicine for gout that affects the knee joint and the big toe. In cases requiring it, the knee joint is swollen and painful, and there is a cracking in the joint with movement. In some cases, nodes from the deposits of urate crystals may be present on the knees. Benzoicum Acidum also works well in cases of knee pain worsening from taking wine. Other than knee, it is also beneficial for pain in the big toe joint. Its use is considered when pain in big toe is severe at night. It occurs in the big toe mainly of right side. Tearing or stitching pain is felt.

When to use Benzoicum Acidum?

It is the best choice of medicine for managing gout of knee and big toe with pain, swelling and sometimes node formation.

How to use Benzoicum Acidum?

One may take it in 30C potency once or twice a day as per severity of complaint.

3. Ledum Pal – For Gout Affecting Ankle, Hands And Feet

Ledum Pal is most suitable to manage gout that affects ankles. It is indicated when there is pain and swelling in the ankle that radiates upward in the leg. The gouty pain gets worse in the evening as well as with movement. Otherwise, Ledium Pal is also helpful for treating gout affecting feet and toes. There is tearing pain in the toes. Its use is also highly suggested when gout starts in the joints of lower limbs and afterwards affect joints in the upper body. In case of gout of the hand, it is indicated when nodes form on the hand and finger joints. A drawing type of pain in the affected hand is felt.

When to use Ledum Pal?

This medicine is suggested for cases of gout affecting the ankles, hands and feet when pain is especially worse in evening and from movement

How to use Ledum Pal?

This medicine works wonders in 30C potency that can be used 2-3 times in a day.

4. Urtica Urens – For Gout Of Wrist And Ankle

It is an important medicine in homeopathy to help cases of gout affecting wrist and ankle. It is equally effective for acute and chronic gout cases. This medicine is also used for dissolving kidney stones.

When to use Urtica Urens?

This medicine is an undoubted effective treatment for gout affecting the wrist and ankle in both acute and chronic cases.

How to use Urtica Urens?

It is most frequently preferred in Q (mother tincture) form that can be taken once or twice a day.

5. Bryonia Alba – For Gout When Pain Worsens From Slightest Movement

Bryonia Alba is prescribed in gout cases when joint pain gets worse from the slightest movement. It is the most helpful when there is pain, redness, heat and swelling in joints, especially feet. Other than movement, pain gets worse from touch. The nature of pain is sharp, tearing or stinging type.

When to use Bryonia Alba?

This medicine is a great option to deal with gout cases when the joint pain is worse from slightest movement of affected joint.

How to use Bryonia Alba?

It can be used in 30C potency up to 3-4 times in a day.

6. Lycopodium – For Gout Affecting Heel

This medicine is well indicated for gout-causing heel pain. There may be worsening of heel pain while walking. A sensation of stone under the heel is felt. Along with this, profuse sweat and coldness are felt on the feet. Lycopodium is also indicated for cases of chronic gout where chalky deposits have formed in the joints.

When to use Lycopodium?

It is an excellent medicine for cases of gout that affects the heel with marked pain along with sensation of stone under the heel.

How to use Lycopodium?

It is advised to use Lycopodium 30C once a day.

7. Berberis Vulgaris – To Manage Kidney Stones From High Uric Acid

Berberis Vulgaris is a top medicine for treating kidney stones due to high uric acid. It helps to dissolve kidney stones magnificently. It is indicated in cases where there is pain around the kidneys. The pain may radiate down to the urinary bladder from the kidney area, along with a stinging, burning sensation in the kidneys. The urine may also contain sandy or slimy sediments. Though it can be used for kidney stones on any side, but is most prominently indicated for left sided kidney stones.

When to use Berberis Vulgaris?

Its use can be considered to treat kidney stones linked to high uric acid and pain in kidney region radiating down to the bladder.

How to use Berberis Vulgaris?

Mostly, it is used in mother tincture (Q) form that can be taken two to three times a day.

Signs And Symptoms Of Gout

Gout symptoms occur due to the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint spaces and or in the connective tissue of the joints. The main signs and symptoms are as follows:

1. Pain in joints: Gout is a very painful condition, mainly affecting the metatarsal– phalangeal joint at the base of the big toein most cases. Gout affecting big toe joint is named podagra. Pain occurs suddenly and in most cases, joint pain starts during the night and reaches maximum within 12 hours of its beginning.

Joints affected

Gout mainly affects the joint (metatarsal–phalangeal joint) at the base of the big toe but it can affect other joints as well. The other joints that can be affected by gout include ankles, heels, knees, wrists, elbows, fingers, and shoulders.

Duration of a gout attack

One episode of gout can last from 3 days to two weeks. In between two gout attacks, no symptoms occur at all.

2. Swelling, redness and heat in joints

3. Tenderness of the joint: Joint is painful even to slightest touch, even the little contact with bedsheet seems unbearable.

4. Stiffness of joint and limited range of motion of joint

5. Tophi: Deposits of hard, painless deposits of uric acid, called tophi can appear as lumps under the skin and around the joints from long-standing increase in uric acid levels.

Causes And Risk Factors

The main cause of gout is an increase in uric acid levels in the blood.

The following factors increase risk of gout

1. Dietary factors: Eating food products rich in purines tend to raise the levels of uric acid in the blood. Some foods that are high in purines include meat, fish, seafood, shrimp, shellfish, beans, dried mushrooms, and spinach. Besides excessive alcohol, intake is strongly linked with an increased risk of gout. Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages are also linked with gout.

2. Some medical conditions make a person susceptible to gout. These include kidney disease, metabolic syndrome (It is a group of conditions including hypertension, abdominal obesity, and insulin resistance and abnormal lipid levels), psoriasis, haemolytic anemia, diabetes and hypertension.

3. A positive family history of gout increases risk

4. Obesity also increases susceptibility

5. Males are at higher risk of developing gout as compared to females. In females, chances are more of developing gout after menopause.

6. The use of certain medicines, like thiazide diuretics, is linked with gout attacks. Some other medicines associated with gout attack are aspirin, beta blockers, immunosuppressive drugs ciclosporins and excessive use of vitamin D supplements.

7. Recent surgery or a physical trauma

Pathophysiology

In our body, when purines (present in certain food and drinks) break, then uric acid is formed. This uric acid is expelled via kidneys in urine. Gout occurs when there is an increase in the uric acid levels in the blood. Uric acid levels increase either due to its overproduction (in 10% of cases), or decreased elimination of the uric acid from the body by the kidney (this is cause in 90% of the cases). As a result of increased uric acid levels in blood, uric acid crystals (known as as monosodium urate crystals) start accumulating in joints and soft tissue around it. These are sharp, needle-like crystals that trigger an inflammatory response, resulting in gout.

Complications Of Gout

1. A person may get recurrent attacks of gout each year

2. Joint erosion, damage and destruction

3. Formation of tophi (nodules under skin from deposits of urate crystals) that can form in any area like fingers, feet, hands and Achilles tendon. Tophi become tender during gout attack, at other times, are entirely painless.

4. In some cases, urate crystals tend to accumulate in urinary tract, leading to kidney stones.

Diagnosis And Investigations

1. Uric acid levels in blood: It is the most common test recommended in case of gout in which levels of serum uric acid are in blood are found to be elevated in gout. But its role in confirming gout is limited, as it is seen that many people have high uric acid level in blood but do not have gout, while some people have gout but their blood uric acid levels are normal.

2. Synovial fluid test: In doubtful cases, this test is suggested as it gives confirmatory diagnosis of gout. In this test, fluid from the affected joint is drawn with needles and checked under microscope. In case of gout, urate crystals are seen in this fluid.

3. Ultrasound of joint: It may help to check urate crystals in joint.

4. X-ray of joint: It may not be helpful in acute cases but in chronic cases, it may show joint erosions.

Top 8 Homeopathic Remedies for Urethral Stricture Treatment

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 880 Comments

Urethral stricture refers to narrowing of the urethra due to scar formation. The urethra is the lowermost part of the urinary tract through which urine passes out from the urinary bladder. Urethral stricture is more common in males than in females.

Homeopathy, which is a completely natural science of healing, can be very beneficial in the treatment of urethral stricture. In the beginning of homeopathic treatment, these medicines work to provide wonderful relief in signs and symptoms of urethral stricture, like straining to urinate, weak / split urine stream, frequent urge to urinate, interrupted urine and ensure that passage of urine becomes normal again and there is no pain in the process. Once the symptoms are alleviated, it aims to dissolve the scar in the urethra for long-term recovery.

In mainstream medicine, frequent dilatation and surgical intervention is often recommended in cases of urethral stricture. These procedures carry a risk of many side effects. Additionally, they offer temporary, short-term relief as there is always a chance that the stricture appears again. On the other hand, homeopathy treats it very gently and offers long-term relief without any adverse aftereffects. In many cases of mild to moderate intensity, one can get away with surgical intervention too. The earlier the homeopathic treatment is started, the higher are the chances that surgery won’t be required in such cases.

Homeopathy works as per the Law of Similimum, which means while selecting the homeopathic medicine for any individual case, a medicine is chosen which matches most closely with the symptoms of the individual. In urethral stricture cases as well, this law is applied. Once the medicine is finalised, the potency and dosage of that medicine is also decided as per homeopathic principles. The potency and dosage vary from case to case as per the age of the person, the intensity of symptoms and chronicity of the complaint.

Homeopathy is 100 % safe for treating urethral stricture as it uses medicines prepared from natural substances which do not have any chemicals or toxins in them.

Top 8 Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Urethral Stricture

The top ten homeopathic medicines for urethral stricture management are Clematis, Chimaphila, Cantharis, Thiosinaminum, Conium, Arnica, Cannabis Sativa and Merc Sol.

1. Clematis – For Weak Urine Stream, Straining To Urinate And Interrupted Urine Flow

Clematis is the best prescription to manage urethral stricture. This natural medicine can relieve many symptoms associated with urethral constriction. In cases needing it, there is feeble stream of urine with slow passage of urine. To pass urine, straining is required to initiate urine flow. An extreme constricted sensation is felt in the urethra while passing urine. The bladder does not empty in one go and the flow of urine starts then stops and starts again several times (interrupted urine stream). At times, urine is passed drop by drop. The patient always feels as if some urine is still left behind in the bladder. Dribbling of urine occurs after passing urine. Clematis helps in establishing the proper flow of urine in a stream. Frequency to pass urine also increases. Burning in urethra when passing urine also occurs. It is also helpful for all those patients of Urethral Stricture who have a history of gonorrhoea for a long duration.

When to use Clematis?

Clematis is a leading medicine to manage urethral stricture when urine flow is initiated with straining efforts and urine stream is weak and interrupted as well.

How to use Clematis?

In the beginning of the treatment, it is advised to use Clematis in 30C potency two to three times a day.

2. Chimaphila – For Thin / Split Urine Stream and Straining To Pass Urine

Chimaphila is of great help when urine stream is thin, like a thread or split urine stream. Additionally, a lot of straining is required to pass urine. In spite of the efforts, the urine passed is very less in quantity. A characteristic feature is patients needing it are able to empty the bladder when standing with feet set wide apart and body stooped forward. When such peculiar symptoms come to light, the selection of the correct medicine becomes easy. Besides the above, it can be used when there is frequent urge to urinate, like every one to two hours. Cutting and burning pain when passing urine may be felt.

When to use Chimaphila?

This medicine can be used for urethral stricture cases having thin or split urine stream with marked straining to pass urine.

How to use Chimaphila?

Its use is mainly recommended in the form of mother tincture (Q) that can be taken twice / thrice a day as per symptom severity.

3. Cantharis – For Pain Or Burning While Urinating

Cantharis is a very well-known and widely used medicine for various kinds of urinary troubles. It is beneficial in urethral stricture cases when the foremost complaint is pain or burning while passing urine. The burning or pain may even start before urination, and continue even after passing urine. Urine may be passed, drop by drop. The urge to pass urine is almost constantly present.

When to use Cantharis?

It is the best choice of medicine to manage pain or burning felt during, before or after urination in urethral stricture cases.

How to use Cantharis?

Its 30C potency can be repeated up to 3-4 times in a day. It is equally effective in 200C and 1M potency but these potencies should not be used without consulting a homeopathic doctor.

4. Thiosinaminum – To Dissolve Scars in Urethral Stricture

Thiosinaminum is known for its ability to dissolve scars formed anywhere in the body. Thiosinaminum can work wonders in Urethral Stricture cases where the scar tissue is formed in urethra due to any cause. The scar resolving power of this natural remedy cannot be matched by any other medicine. Pain while passing urine and increased urination at night are the main symptoms found in people needing this medicine.

When to use Thiosinaminum?

Thiosinaminum proves effective to dissolve a scar in urethral stricture cases, along with symptoms of painful urination and increased frequency to pass urine at night.

How to use Thiosinaminum?

Though it can be used in both low and high potencies, in the beginning, it is advised to take it in 30 C potency once or twice a day.

5. Conium – For Intermittent Urine Stream

This medicine can help patients of urethral stricture where the main trouble is the intermittent stream of urine. It takes a lot of time to complete the act of urination. The urine starts to flow and then stops, and this process of starting and stopping is repeated several times to completely drain the urine out. Burning pain after passing urine may be felt.

When to use Conium?

Its use is highly suggested for urethral stricture cases with interrupted urinary stream.

How to use Conium?

One may take Conium in 30 C power one or two times in a day.

6. Arnica – For Urethral Stricture With A History Of Injury Or Trauma

Arnica is a highly recommended natural medicine for its universal curing action in trauma and injury cases. Arnica can be given in cases of Urethral Stricture where history of an injury is found. Injuries basically caused by blunt objects, a blow or a fall are covered by this medicine. The patient needing Arnica usually complains of frequent urge to urinate and sore and bruised pain in urethra while urinating or otherwise.

When to use Arnica?

It is a highly recommended medicine to manage urethral stricture cases that occurred after an injury.

How to use Arnica?

Arnica 30 C can be used twice or thrice a day.

7. Cannabis Sativa – For Split Stream Of Urine

This medicine is useful when urination occurs in a split stream. Straining to pass urine is also required. Dribbling of urine occurs after urine flow ceases. Burning in the urethra when urinating appears.

When to use Cannabis Sativa?

This medicine can be considered in cases of urethral stricture cases having a complaint of split urinary stream, straining to urinate and dribbling of urine after passing urine.

How to use Cannabis Sativa?

This medicine is usually given in 30C potency once or twice a day.

8. Merc Sol – For Increased Frequency Of Urine And An Urgent Need To Urinate

Merc Sol proves effective in managing increased frequency of urine and urgency to pass urine. A person has to rush/ hurry to pass urine as the urge cannot be controlled. While urinating, the stream of urine is very weak. Urination is attended with burning pain.

When to use Merc Sol?

This medicine can be opted for managing frequent and urgent urination in cases of urethral stricture.

How to use Merc Sol?

Both the lower and the highest potencies of Merc Sol have proved to be efficacious with excellent results. However, initially, it is advised to use it in 30 C power one or two times a day.

Signs And Symptoms Of Urethral Stricture

The symptoms of urethral stricture include the following:

1. Weak/feeble urine stream and straining to pass urine

2. Spraying or splitting of urine stream: It means urine flow split and goes in two directions instead of one normal urine stream in one direction

3. Sensation as if urinary bladder is not completely emptied after passing urine

4. Increased frequency of urine and an urgent need to urinate

5. Interrupted/ intermittent urine stream: Urine starts and stops several times while passing it

6. Pain or burning when passing urine

7. Loss of bladder control, urethral discharge, swelling / pain of penis, pain in lower abdomen, urine passing out in drops are other symptoms

8. Dark urine, blood in urine/semen

9. Acute urine retention when a person is unable to urinate at all (it is serious condition and should be immediately treated)

Causes Of Urethral Stricture

The main cause behind urethral stricture is scar formation within urethra from an injury or instrumentation or surgery. The causes are enumerated as follows:

1. Trauma or injuryto the urethra: The trauma may follow any hit or blow on the urethra/ trauma to pelvis. Falling on the bar of a bicycle is very common injury that can lead to urethral stricture.

2. Instrumentation: Endoscopy, catheter introduction

3. Surgical operations (Post-operative Urethral Stricture): It may follow a prostate operation, kidney stone removal surgery, hypospadias surgery (to correct urethral opening position in penis)

4. Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and inflammatory conditions of the urethra (urethritis).

5. Sexually transmitted infections: Few infections include gonorrhoea and chlamydia infection.

6. Passage of kidney stone

7. Radiation therapy

8. Cancer of prostate or Urethra

9. Less commonly, urethral stricture can be congenital (present since birth) or occur from pressure by a tumour near urethra. In some cases, no cause can be ruled out.

Risk Factors

1. Males are more at risk as compared to females, to develop urethral Stricture

2. Having recent catheter use

3. Recurrent UTI (urinary tract infection) or STI (sexually transmitted infection)

4. Urethritis (inflamed urethra)

5. Enlarged prostate

Complications Of Urethral Stricture

Urinary retention, Urinary Tract Infection, Kidney stones, urethral fistula and Hydronephrosis (swollen kidneys from build-up of fluid inside them) are a few complications.

Investigations

1. Uroflowmetry Test: It measures the amount of urine passed out from the body and the speed of its passage, plus the total time taken to pass all urine

2. Retrograde urethrogram (RGU): In this case, an X-ray film is taken after injecting a contrast agent through penis opening. It will reveal location and length of stricture in urethra, if present.

3. Cystoscopy: A camera is inserted in the penis to view inside urethra and to look for a stricture

4. MRI, CT scan and Ultrasound: These are done to view urethra and adjacent structures

Millefolium: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 4 Comments

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

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

The ‘Millefolium’ Constitution

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

Drug Action

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

Clinical Indications

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

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Nasal Complaints (Nasal Bleeding)

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

Key Indicating Features

Nasal bleeding with congestion to head and chest

Piercing pain from eyes to root of the nose

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

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

Key Indicating Features

Profuse bleeding from piles

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

Bleeding from warts of anus

Bleeding from intestine following much exertion

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

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

Key Indicating Features

Heavy periods with bright red blood lasting for prolonged duration

Bleeding from uterus after excessive exertion

Heavy menses & intermenstrual bleeding with congestive headache

Suppressed menses accompanied with colicky abdominal pain

Vaginal discharges in children

4. Skin Issues (Bruises, Wounds, Vesicles)

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

Key Indicating Features

Bruises

Bleeding from wounds

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

Wounds after operation of stones in bladder

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

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

Key Indicating Features

Varicose veins during pregnancy

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

6. Head (Headache)

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

Key Indicating Features

Headache worse from taking coffee

Headache with twitching in eyelids

Violent headache with striking of the head against the wall

7. Respiratory Problems (Coughing Of Blood)

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

Key Indicating Features

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

Modalities

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

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from bleeding, heavy exercise

Dosage

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

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Arsenic Iodatum and Arum Maculatum

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

Cannabis Sativa: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 5 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Cannabis Sativa is derived from a plant known as ‘hemp’. It belongs to Cannabinaceae family. The flowering tops of this plant undergo potentization process that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties. As a result, we get homeopathic medicine Cannabis Sativa of great clinical significance. It is a very effective homeopathic medicine to treat numerous urinary issues and male problems.

Drug Action

This medicine seems to have its most marked action on urinary system and sex organs. Its action is also seen on the respiratory system and the limbs.

Clinical Indications

Cystitis, gonorrhoea, urethral discharges, urethral stricture, nephritis, sexual disorders, priapism, infertility, leucorrhoea, asthma, pleurisy

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Urinary Issues (Cystitis, Stricture, And Gonorrhoea)

This medicine acts magnificently on the urinary system to treat various urinary concerns. It is a wonderful medicine to manage cases of cystitis which is the inflammation of urinary bladder. In cases requiring it, burning is felt while urinating. Urine is scanty and it passes drop by drop. Stitching pain is also felt in the urethra. It is well indicated for cases of urethral stricture (narrowing of the urethra as a result of scar formation). Persons needing it have to strain to pass urine. They have to wait for a while before the flow of urine is initiated. Urination occurs in a split stream. After urine flow stops, dribbling occurs. The urgency to urinate is also marked along with the above symptoms. This medicine is also given for treating cases of nephritis (kidney inflammation). It is indicated to manage kidney pain that is specifically ulcerative or drawing in nature. It is a top-listed medicine for the management of gonorrhoea (a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae). The urethra is inflamed and painful to touch in cases needing it. It works well when there is discharge of yellow watery mucus from the urethra.

Key Indicating Features

Burning while urinating with scanty urine that passes drop by drop

Urethral stricture with straining to urinate, split stream of urine and dribbling after urination

Gonorrhoea with yellow watery mucus discharge from the urethra

2. Male Problems (Gonorrhoea, Pain In Testes, Inflammation, Priapism)

In males, this medicine works very effectively to manage certain health issues. To begin with, it gives good results in cases of gonorrhoea. It is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is given when there is yellow watery mucus discharge from the urethra. Secondly, it is beneficial to manage pain in the testes. The pain in the testicle is pressive dragging in nature where this medicine is required. It is felt mainly while standing. Thirdly, Cannabis Sativa is helpful for the management of inflammation of the prepuce, glans and the penis. Prepuce and glans are dark red and swollen. Prepuce is sensitive to touch. Burning sensation is felt on the glans and the prepuce along with redness and swelling. There is pain in the penis felt while walking. This medicine can also be given for managing tensive pain felt during erections. Lastly, it is helpful for managing cases of priapism (persistent erection of the penis mostly painful that is unrelated to sexual stimulation)

Key Indicating Features

Gonorrhoea with watery mucus discharge from the urethra

Pain in the testicle of pressive dragging nature when standing

Inflamed prepuce, glans and penis

Priapism means persistent erection of penis usually painful unrelated to sexual stimulation

3. Female Problems (Gonorrhoea, Vaginal Discharge, Heavy Periods, Nymphomania And Infertility)

In women, this medicine proves effective in managing gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, heavy periods, nymphomania and infertility. It is one of the major medicine for managing gonorrhoea. Females needing it feel cutting pain between the labia when passing urine. The vagina is also swollen. The urethral opening is closed with mucus and pus. It is next used for leucorrhoea (means vaginal discharge) cases. Its use is mainly recommended for leucorrhoea in babies and young girls. Another characteristic symptom to use it is heavy periods attended with difficult and painful urination. Its use is also done to manage nymphomania (uncontrollable, excessive sexual desire in females) cases. Lastly, it is also used for the treatment of infertility in women.

Key Indicating Features

Gonorrhoea with vaginal swelling, cutting pain between labia when urinating and mucus and pus discharge from urethra

Leucorrhoea in babies and young girls

Heavy periods attended with difficult, painful urination

To control increased sexual desire

4. Respiratory System (Asthma, Pleurisy)

With its action on the respiratory system, Cannabis Sativa offers help to treat asthma and pleurisy management. There is cough, wheezing, rattling in the chest and difficult breathing. A sensation of weight on the chest is also felt. During asthma attack, the sufferer has to stand near an open window leaning forward for relief. Cough is accompanied by sticky and green expectoration. A burning sensation is also felt in the chest. Its use in pleurisy (inflammation of the lining around the lungs) cases is also done. In such cases, it is given when there occurs cough with spitting of blood and pain of stitching type in the right side of the chest.

Key Indicating Features

Cough with sticky, green expectoration

Pleurisy with cough, blood spitting and stitching sort of pain in the right sided chest

5. Limbs (Cramps, Foot Pain, Hip Pain, Formication)

By acting on limbs, Cannabis Sativa helps to manage cramps. It is effective in managing cramps in thighs, legs, hands and fingers. It can be used for relieving stretching type of pain in feet. It is useful for contracted achilles tendon (this tendon is a fibrous tissue that connects lower part of calf muscle in back of leg to the heel bone) accompanied by intense pain. Another complaint where it proves effective is cramping, digging pain in hip on the right side. Lastly, it works well to manage formication (sensation of insects crawling under the skin) and numbness in finger tips.

Key Indicating Features

Cramps in thighs, legs, hands and fingers

Pain in the feet of stretching type

Contraction of Achilles tendon with intense pain

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse while urinating, at night, from exercise, walking, going upstairs and in darkness

Relieving factors: Complaints get better by taking rest and in fresh air

Dosage

It can be used in potency 30 C and even higher potencies. In low potencies, it can be repeated often but frequent repetition of high potencies should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor and Merc Sol

Followed well by: Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Lycopodium, Nux Vomica, Opium, Pulsatilla, Rhus Tox and Veratrum album

It can be compared with some other homeopathic medicines including Arnica, Bryonia, Cantharis, Petroleum, Petroselinum, Stramonium and Sulphur

Equisetum Hyemale: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 5 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Equisetum Hyemale is derived from the plant ‘scouring rush’. It belongs to family Equisetaceae. To obtain this medicine the fresh scouring rush plant has to undergo potentization. It is a process of preparing homeopathic medicines which arouses medicinal properties from its crude form. After this process, scouring rush is converted into a magnificent homeopathic medicine — Equisetum Hyemale. It is the best medicine for treating various bladder and kidney-related problems.

Drug Action

This medicine acts best on the urinary organs. It is considered a great tonic for kidney and urinary bladder. This medicine helps treat cases of frequent urination and bedwetting. Other than this, its action is best felt on the head, gastric system, and back though in a limited manner.

Clinical Indications

Polyuria (excessive urination), bedwetting, cystitis, dysuria, bladder disorders, kidney disorders, kidney stones, kidney pain, urinary retention, haematuria

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Urinary Complaints (frequent urination, cystitis, bedwetting, kidney pain, urinary retention)

Equisetum Hyemale is pre-eminently a remedy for managing several urinary problems. It helps treat urinary bladder and kidney-related problems. Firstly, it is the most-suited medicine to manage cases of frequent urination. Those who need it have frequent or constant urge to urinate and the urine is profuse. It can be accompanied by biting, prickling sensation or itching in urethral meatus. The frequency to urinate could worsen during the night hours, and it may have a person in and out of the bed several times. Next, it is an effective medicine to manage dull pain in urinary bladder. The bladder feels full even after it has been emptied. The bladder is tender on pressure. It is a well-known medicine that manages cases of bedwetting in children. It is particularly administered when there is no reason linked to bedwetting. In some cases, bedwetting among children is accompanied by nightmares. Next, it gives great clinical results in cases of cystitis (inflamed urinary bladder). Those who need it have burning, and stabbing sensation in the urethra while urinating. Pricking sensation may accompany. There may occur severe pain as the last urine drops trickle out. It is one of the best medicines to manage retention of urine among women after childbirth. Another main indication for its use is involuntary urination among the elderly women along with involuntary stool. Besides these, it is well-indicated to treat kidney pain. The presence of pain is felt in the right kidney and it may extend into the lower abdomen. There is urgent need to urinate even as the pain in the kidney continues.

Key Indicating Features

Frequent urge to urinate & profusely

Urgency to urinate accompanied with biting, pricking sensation or itching in urethral meatus

Fullness in the bladder even after urination

Bedwetting among children without any reason

Bedwetting among children with nightmares

Involuntary urination among elderly women along with involuntary stool

2. Head (Headache)

Equisetum manages headache very well. It works well in cases of severe headache with marked pain in the upper part of the eyes. Headache is accompanied by heat in the face. In some cases, there could be stabbing pain that keeps changing its location. Lastly, it can be used in cases where a person feels compression over the entire scalp.

Key Indicating Features

Severe headache with marked pain in the upper part of the eyes

Stabbing pain in the head that changes location frequently

Compression felt over the entire scalp

3. Gastric Problems (Abdomen Pain, Anal Pain)

This medicine can be administered if the patient feels dull heavy pain on the sides of lower abdomen with frequent urge to urinate. It can also be used if pain is felt in the lower abdomen accompanied by breaking of the wind and resultant offensive smell. Frequent urge to pass stool is felt the entire day. It also acts well on the rectum. It is particularly beneficial in case of smarting pain in the anus during and after stool. Passing of stool can be accompanied with excessive breaking of the wind.

Key Indicating Features

Dull heavy pain on the sides of the lower abdomen with frequent urination

Pain in the lower abdomen with passing of offensive smell

Smarting pain in the anus during and after stool

4. Back (Backache)

This medicine helps relieve backache. The guiding symptom to use it is when backache gets worse while sitting, and it gets better upon walking or from lying on the back. Another indication for its use is pain in the sacral lumbar joint (it is the region between the lumbar and sacral spine in the lower back) and in left hip joint radiating down the outer side of the left leg.

Key Indicating Features

Backache worsens while sitting

Back pain gets better upon walking or from lying on the back

Pain in the sacral lumbar joint and in the left hip joint radiating down the outer side of left leg

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse upon touch, pressure, sitting down, on right side and during the last trickling of urine.

Relieving Factors: Complaints get better upon lying, in the afternoon or from continued motion

Dosage

It can be used in tincture form to 6C potency. The tincture form is recommended to be ingested in hot water to relieve urinary tract irritability, difficult and painful urination, and kidney stones.

Relationship with Other Remedies

It can be compared with other remedies including Apis Mellifica, Berberis Vulgaris, Chimaphila, Sarsaparilla, Cantharis, Cannabis Indica, Ferrum Phos and Pulsatilla

Opium: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 14 Comments

This medicine is derived from plant ‘papaver somniferum’ belonging to family Papaveraceae via potentization. Potentization is a process that extracts and intensifies medicinal properties of a crude substance. This medicine is of great clinical significance in treating cases of constipation, sleeplessness and effects of fear.

The ‘Opium’ Constitution

This medicine is mainly suited to people with relaxed muscles and those who have are been habitual alcohol drinkers for a long time. It is also well-indicated for those in whom well-selected medicines produce no effect.

Drug Action

Action of opium is especially noted on gastric organs mainly rectum. It also acts well on the mind and nerves. It is a very effective medicine for managing sleep issues as well. Other than this, its action is noted on face, limbs, urinary organs and limbs.

Clinical Indications

Constipation, fear effects, sleeplessness, snoring, convulsions, delirium, hernia, drowsiness, colic, painful menses, paralysis, facial twitching, urine complaints

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Gastric Problems (Constipation, Diarrhea, Hernia, Vomiting)

Opium has a wide action on the gastric system. It has a prominent action on the rectum to help cases of constipation. There is intense constipation in cases needing it. The stool is passed in the form of hard, round balls which is the characteristic to use this medicine. Intense pain may be felt in the rectum. It can also be given for treating cases of diarrhea especially that follow some fright or sudden joy. The stool is fluid and frothy with anal burning. The stool has a very offensive smell. Stool may pass involuntarily from fright. Opium is a very useful medicine for cases of abdomen pain with passage of hard stool. Abdomen feels hard and bloated. This medicine is of great value for cases of umbilical or inguinal hernia. It can be used for cases of pressure and heaviness in stomach. Lastly, it is indicated for managing nausea and vomiting. The vomiting may be greenish or contains blood.

Key Indicating Features

Constipation with stool passed in form of hard, round balls

Diarrhea following fright or sudden joy

Umbilical or inguinal hernia

2. Sleep Issues (Sleeplessness, Drowsiness, Snoring)

Opium proves to be a very effective medicine to deal with certain sleep issues. It is a very suitable medicine for managing sleeplessness. Persons needing this medicine have acute hearing and noises coming from far away keep them awake. They are sleepy but cannot sleep. There is excessive restlessness with tossing in bed. On the other side, it can be given when a person has excessive drowsiness and goes into deep sleep. Its use is also recommended to manage jerking, and muscle twitchings happening during sleep. Lastly, it proves very beneficial for cases of snoring.

Key Indicating Features

Sleeplessness with acute hearing and noises coming from far away keeping the person awake

Jerking, twitching during sleep

Excessive drowsiness with deep sleep

Snoring

3. Mind Complaints (Fright, Delirium, Convulsions)

It is a highly suitable medicine for complaints that occur from fright, excessive joy or anger. It is further well indicated for dullness of mind where brain works slowly. A person lacks mental grasp and is unable to comprehend whatever he is reading. The role of opium in managing delirium is also very important. Delirium is sudden change in brain resulting in confusion, unclear speech, clouded thinking, difficulty in paying attention, distraction and disorientation. In delirium, it works well when there is muttering (speaking in a low voice) with red, puffed, swollen face, wide open eyes and excessive physical activity. This medicine is prominently indicated for convulsions (fits) which get worse from fright, anger, insult and for convulsions in sleep.

Key Indicating Features

Complaints from fright, excessive joy or anger

Delirium with muttering, red, puffed, swollen face, wide open eyes and excessive physical activity

Convulsions (fits) worse from fright, anger, insult and in sleep

4. Limbs (Trembling, Weakness, Paralysis, Twitching, Jerking)

With its action on limbs, opium offers help to manage trembling of limbs especially due to fright. It is well indicated for managing numbness in hands and legs. It is also valuable for management of weakness and paralysis of legs. Its use is lastly considered for cases of jerking and twitching (spontaneous muscle contraction) of limbs.

Key Indicating Features

Limbs tremble following fright

Weakness and paralysis of legs

Jerking and twitching (spontaneous muscle contraction) of limbs

5. Face (Twitching, Cramps)

If we talk of facial concerns, opium is an important medicine for muscle twitching on the face mostly at the corners of mouth. In general, the face is red, flushed and swollen. It is effective in managing cramping in the lower jaw. Lastly, it is of service in case of swollen, distended veins on face.

Key Indicating Features

Facial twitching mainly at the corners of mouth

Cramps in lower jaw

6. Urinary Problems (Retention Of Urine, Kidney Pain)

Opium also cures urinary problems. The main complaint where it serves the best purpose is retention of urine or involuntary urine after fright. It is also indicated for retention of urine in females after childbirth. It can be used in cases of kidney pain when pain radiates from the kidneys to the bladder, and in males to testicles. Last indication for its use is weak stream of urine and slow initiation of urine.

Key Indicating Features

Retention of urine after fright or after childbirth

Involuntary urine after fright

Pain radiating from kidneys to bladder, and testicles in males

7. Female Problems (Suppressed Periods, Painful Menses, Suppressed Lochia)

Women may find this medicine highly useful for managing certain problems. The foremost indication for its use is the suppression of menses due to fright. Another concern that it can treat well is of painful menses. It is suited when pain during menses forces the patient to bend double along with urge to pass stool. Lastly, its use can be considered when lochia (vaginal discharge that occur after childbirth and last for about four to eight weeks) is suppressed from fright.

Key Indicating Features

Suppressed menses from fright

Painful menses with bending double and urge for stool

Suppression of lochia after fright

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints are worse from fear, joy, heat, alcohol intake, odors and suppressed discharges

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from cold and from constant walking

Dosage

It can be used from 30 C to 200 C potency. Its action lasts for about 7 days. In low potency, one may repeat it often but in high potency, frequent repetition is not advised.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor, Belladonna, Ipecac and Nux vomica

Followed well by: Aconite, Antimonium Tart, Belladonna, Bryonia, Hyoscyamus, Nux Vomica, Nux Moschata and Sambucus

Top 10 Homeopathic Remedies for Prostatitis

By Editor 145 Comments

Prostatitis refers to the inflammation of the prostate gland (this gland is located beneath the bladder that encircles the top part of the urethra which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body). When the tissue in and around the prostate gland becomes swollen, irritable, and tender, it indicates prostatitis. Pain in the genitals, pelvic area, perineum, groin, painful urination, and painful ejaculation are the prominent symptoms of this condition. Prostatitis is of various types mainly, bacterial and non-bacterial.

Homeopathy is a highly advanced healing system that offers a magnificent treatment for prostatitis. The homeopathic remedies for prostatitis are made of natural substances and are completely safe, with zero side effects. Homeopathic medicines for prostatitis aim to provide easy relief in its symptoms followed by rooting out the chronic problem. Homeopathic treatment can greatly help in managing acute prostatitis and can also provide a cure for chronic prostatitis. However, in acute cases, conventional treatment may be required when symptoms are severe. Here homeopathic medicines can be used along with that treatment for symptom management.

As prostatitis may arise from different reasons including infectious as well as non-infectious, so homeopathy works to treat the underlying basic cause for long-term relief and cure. It boosts the body’s self-healing mechanism to fight back the cause to help in a natural cure.

The foremost principle of homeopathy is to treat any health issue including prostatitis following an individualised approach. As per this law, the homeopathic medicines are prescribed based on the characteristic key symptoms in every individual case and not just merely on the basis of diagnosis. Excellent results occur only when medicines are prescribed as per this law. Hence, it is advised to consult a homeopathic practitioner for proper evaluation of every case individually to find the most suitable medicine prescription.

Homeopathy goes beyond just providing symptomatic relief as it further works at a deeper level at the root cause to gradually decrease the frequency and intensity of recurrent episodes of prostatitis and to give long-term relief in chronic cases. Homeopathic treatment can help in reducing dependency on conventional medicines, like the frequent course of antibiotics in chronic prostatitis. Regular use of homeopathic medicines as per guidelines and till the recommended period as suggested by a homeopath can bring a cure in majority of the cases.

Homeopathic Remedies for Prostatitis

Top 10 Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Prostatitis

Some of the most frequently recommended medicines for prostatitis are – Apis Mellifica, Clematis, Cantharis, Pulsatilla, Conium, Sabal Serrulata, Chimaphila, Thuja, Lycopodium and Nitric Acid.

1. Apis Mellifica – Top-Most Medicine For Prostatitis

Apis Mellifica is a top homeopathic medicine for acute prostatitis. It is suitable for patients of prostatitis who have burning / stinging type of pain while urinating. The burning is most intense specifically while passing the last drops of urine. With this, there is a frequent desire to pass urine not only during the daytime but also at night. There is difficulty in retaining urine even for a few seconds. The urine passed is usually scanty.

When to use Apis Mellifica?

Apis Mellifica is very beneficial for providing relief from burning and stinging sensation while urinating, especially when passing the last few drops of urine.

How to use Apis Mellifica?

It can be used in low 30C potency. It can only be repeated twice a day when given in low power. It is also used in 200C but in order to do so one should carefully look for the symptoms.

2. Clematis – To Manage Genital Pain In Prostatitis

Clematis is of great help in managing genital pain in prostatitis cases. It can be used when there is testicle pain. It is worse from touch and walking. The nature of pain can be drawing, pinching type. Pain occurs in the scrotum and groin as well. It is also useful to relieve burning pain in the penis occurring during ejaculation.

When to use Clematis?

This medicine can be considered to relieve pain in the testicle, scrotum, and the groin area. Usually, pain in the testicles gets worse from touching and walking.

How to use Clematis?

Though it can be used in various potencies, the most commonly used is its 30C potency. Clematis 30C can be taken two to three times a day for good relief.

3. Cantharis – For Pain / Burning Before, During And After Urination

Cantharis is of great help in treating cases of prostatitis where the urine is passed with pain or a burning sensation. The –pain/burning is felt before, during and even after passing urine. The desire to pass urine is almost constant. At times urine may pass drop by drop.

When to use Cantharis?

The most striking feature for using this medicine is pain or burning sensation before, during and after urination along with a constant desire to pass urine.

How to use Cantharis?

Cantharis is best suited in 30C potency. It can be repeated 2 times a day in 30C potency.

4. Pulsatilla – To Manage Pelvic Pain And Perineum Pain

This medicine works well in cases of prostatitis with pelvic pain and perineum pain. Males needing it mainly have pain in the perineum after urinating. This pain extends to the entire lower pelvic region and also down the thighs. Excessive heat and pressure are felt in the perineum. Along with this, there is a frequent, ineffectual urge to pass urine.

When to use Pulsatilla?

The use of Pulsatilla is suggested to help pelvic pain and perineum pain, especially after urination in prostatitis cases.

How to use Pulsatilla?

Pulsatilla 30C once in the morning and once in the evening can be taken to relieve this complaint.

5. Conium – To Manage Painful Ejaculation

Conium is a highly effective medicine to manage painful ejaculation in prostatitis cases. It is also useful when there is difficulty in starting urine flow. Cutting or burning pain is felt after passing urine. Besides, Conium can be given for managing weak erections in prostatitis cases.

When to use Conium?

This medicine should be opted to manage painful ejaculation in cases of prostatitis. It is also recommended for weak erections in prostatitis cases.

How to use Conium?

Its use is usually recommended in 30C potency that can be administered twice a day.

6. Sabal Serrulata – For Frequent Urine At Night

Sabal Serrulata is one of the very popular homeopathic remedies for prostatic troubles including inflamed prostate and enlarged prostate. Sabal Serrulata is the best homeopathic medicine for dealing with the problem of frequent urination at night in patients with prostatitis. The urge to pass urine can be constant. Difficulty or burning while passing urine is also noted in such patients.

When to use Sabal Serrulata?

It is a key remedy prescribed for prostatitis with frequent urination at night that may be attended with a burning sensation.

How to use Sabal Serrulata?

Unless otherwise prescribed, it is to be taken in mother tincture (Q) form once or twice a day.

7. Chimaphila – When There Is Difficulty Starting Urine

Chimaphila is an effective medicine for persons who have difficulty in the beginning while urinating. Passing urine requires straining. A peculiar position of standing with feet wide apart and stooping in forward direction may help to pass urine with much straining. Burning during passing urine may be noticed. The urine may contain ropy mucus.

When to use Chimaphila?

Chimaphila is suitable for prostatitis when too much straining to initiate urine is required.

How to use Chimaphila?

It is mostly administered in mother tincture (Q) form. It can be taken 2-3 times a day. Once the symptoms improve, frequent repetition of doses is not required. If there is no improvement, then it is best to seek professional guidance.

8. Thuja – For Frequent And Urgent Urination

Thuja is an appropriate natural remedy for patients of prostatitis who have frequent urination and who are unable to control urine with a sudden desire to empty the bladder quickly. The patient has to hasten and rush to pass urine. The urine may also be passed involuntarily at night. The patient needing Thuja may have a history of gonorrhea and syphilis. Foamy-cloudy urine or mucus in urine may be present in high levels.

When to use Thuja?

It is a remedy that is used in cases of prostatitis having complaints of increased frequency of urination and sudden desire to urinate, that cannot be controlled.

How to use Thuja?

Both the lower and the highest potencies of this medicine are credited with excellent results. But as it is a deep-acting remedy hence lower potency, 30C is usually preferred once or twice a day. Otherwise, 200 C or even higher potencies, have proved efficacious but not in too frequent doses.

9. Lycopodium – For Frequent, Difficult Urination With Backache

Lycopodium is very beneficial when frequent and difficult urination is accompanied by backache. The backache may be relieved after passing urine. Much straining is needed to begin to urinate. Here the increased frequency of urination may be felt mostly during night hours.

When to use Lycopodium?

It is best to take Lycopodium in prostatitis where there is increased frequency of urine, especially during the night along with backache.

How to use Lycopodium?

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

10. Nitric Acid – For Burning And Offensive Urine In Prostatitis

Nitric Acid proves to be the best cure for prostatitis, where the urine emits a highly offensive odor along with burning in urethra during its passage. The urine passed is scanty with a strong and highly offensive smell. The urge to empty the bladder is frequent but urine is scanty in quantity. The stream of urine is also thin. Pus discharge from the urethra may be noted in a few patients requiring this medicine.

When to use Nitric acid?

This remedy is best suited to patients who complain of burning pain when passing urine and the urine has a very foul smell.

How to use Nitric acid?

Mostly, it works well in low potency i.e. 30C. Usually, the repetition of dosage is limited to once a day. Higher potencies are not recommended until discussed with a physician.

Note One may use the above medicine for a week or two in the recommended dose and potency. If no changes are seen, it is advised to consult a homeopathic doctor for further course of action. The above medicines are indicated only when symptoms are mild to moderate. In case of severe symptoms and when there is fever with painful urine, inability to urinate, urine retention, blood in urine, and intense pain in the genitals or pelvic region, one should immediately take help from the conventional mode of treatment as homeopathy has limitations in treating such acute cases.

Cause Behind Prostatitis

The reasons for prostatitis could be two-fold: bacterial infection or non-bacterial origin

1. Bacterial infection– An infection from the urinary tract (UTI) might enter the prostate and result in inflammation. In some cases, sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia may result in prostatitis.

2. Non-bacterial reasons–This kind of prostatitis does not result from any bacterial infection. It may happen from some injury, stress, or nerve irritation.

Risk Factors For Prostatitis

There are some factors that increase the risk of prostatitis as follows:

1. A recent UTI or sexually transmitted infection

2. Use of urinary catheter (a tube used to drain urine from bladder)

3. Pelvic injury

4. History of prostatitis

5. Enlarged prostate

6. Having a prostate biopsy

7. Pelvic floor muscle spasms

8. Young and middle-aged males are at risk, but in case of chronic prostatitis, males between 50-60 yrs are at risk.

Types Of Prostatitis

1. Acute bacterial prostatitis: It occurs from bacterial infection where symptoms come on quickly and are severe.

2. Chronic bacterial prostatitis: It also results from bacterial infection but here symptoms appear gradually, remain for a long time and are less severe. Sometimes the symptoms are recurrent. It is more common in elderly males.

3. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (chronic prostatitis): The most common type, in which inflammation of the prostate gland does not arise from any infection. It causes symptoms like long-term pelvic pain, and pain in genitals and perineum for several weeks and months.

4. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis (Non-bacterial prostatitis): In this type the prostate is inflamed but no symptoms are present.

Symptoms of Prostatitis

The symptoms vary according to the type. The symptoms of prostatitis include painful urination or burning sensation while passing urine, pain in genitalia (penis, testicles, scrotum), lower abdomen, pelvic region, groin or perineum (area between scrotum and rectum) and pain may spread to the back, frequent urination that gets worse in the night hours and an urgent desire to pass urine. Its other symptoms may include difficulty in initiating urination, weak urine flow, difficulty in emptying the bladder, and painful ejaculation. Fever, chills, and body aches occur in cases of acute bacterial prostatitis. The urine may be cloudy or have blood in it. Urine may be foul-smelling at times.

How to diagnose Prostatitis?

As the symptoms occurring in prostatitis may happen from various other urinary conditions like UTI (urinary tract infection), BPH (Benign prostate hypertrophy), etc so some tests are usually required to diagnose prostatitis. After checking the symptoms the doctor may suggest some tests to diagnose prostatitis. Among these, the most helpful test is ultrasound of the prostate gland which helps to reveal inflammation of the prostate gland if present. Other suggested tests are urine examination (urine routine and urine culture test) for checking for an infection and bacterial growth in urine and a blood test called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) that is raised in cases of enlarged prostate, prostatitis and prostate cancer.

Complications Of Prostatitis

The complications include urine retention, the spread of infection to blood (sepsis), an abscess (pus-filled lump) formation in the prostate, epididymitis, and the spread of infection to the pelvic bone and lower spine. In the case of chronic pelvic pain syndrome, erectile dysfunction (inability to achieve or maintain an erection) may be caused.

Chelidonium Majus: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 12 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Chelidonium Majus is prepared from the plant ‘greater celandine’. It belongs to family Papaveraceae. For preparing this medicine, the entire fresh plant greater celandine is potentised at the time of flowering as per homeopathic formula that arouses its medicinal properties. After this process, we get a very important homeopathic medicine Chelidonium Majus. It is a renowned homeopathic medicine to treat various liver complaints.

The ‘Chelidonium Majus’ Constitution

This medicine is well suited to people predisposed to or suffering from liver problems.

Drug Action

It is predominantly a liver remedy. It acts magnificently on liver. Other than this, its action is noted on gastric system, neck, back, joint, face and head.

Clinical Indications

Liver disorders, liver pain, fatty liver, liver enlargement, jaundice, gallstones, gall bladder pains, colic, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, joint pains, headache, neck stiffness,

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Liver And Gall Bladder Complaints (Liver Pain, Liver Enlargement, Fatty Liver, Hepatitis, Jaundice, Gall Bladder Pain And Gall Bladder Stones)

Chelidonium tops the list of homeopathic medicines for managing liver and gall bladder complaints. It is extensively used to treat numerous liver complaints including liver pain, enlarged liver, fatty liver, hepatitis and jaundice. With its action on gall bladder, it is beneficial for managing gall bladder stones and gall bladder pain. This medicine is well-indicated for shooting, stitching, pressive, dull or throbbing pain in the liver. The pain from liver radiates to the back and shoulder. Liver pain may get better from eating. A characteristic feature is liver complaints attended with sharp pain under the lower and inner angle of right scapula (scapula is a triangle-shaped bone in the upper back, one on the either side). In liver complaints, pressure, fullness and tension is also felt around the liver. It is a top-listed medicine for enlarged liver when liver is painful and sensitive to pressure. For fatty liver, Chelidonium Majus is considered when it is accompanied by jaundice. It is a leading medicine for managing jaundice (yellow discoloration of skin and white of eye from increased bilirubin levels) cases. The juice of plant Chelidonium is yellow-like bile which has been highly recommended since ages for managing cases of jaundice. In cases needing it, there is yellow discoloration of face, hands and white of eyes. The stool is dark and urine is offensive. There is sleepiness and low energy levels in daytime. Besides, this medicine is highly recommended to manage gall bladder pain and to dissolve gallstones.

Key Indicating Features

Shooting, stitching, pressive, dull or throbbing pain in liver

Liver complaints with sharp pain under the lower and inner angle of right scapula

Fatty liver with jaundice

Jaundice with yellowness of face, hands and white of eyes and sleepiness, low energy levels

Gall bladder pain and gall stones

2. Gastric Problems (Pain, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation)

This medicine is very useful to manage various gastric concerns. It is effective for managing stomach pain especially when it gets better by eating. The nature of pain is aching, gnawing, scraping type. A sense of constriction in stomach attends pain. The pain worsens by applying external pressure on the stomach. Pain may radiate to back and right shoulder blade. It offers help in treating cases of nausea and vomiting, headache may also be present. Vomiting is acidic or of green mucus. A unique feature is relief in nausea and vomiting by drinking very hot water. This medicine can be given for managing pain around the navel region. Pressure is felt over the navel. Chelidonium also gives good results in cases of loss of appetite. It helps to boost the appetite of a person. It is recommended when a person has loss of appetite attended with nausea and weight loss. Those needing it have desire for very hot food and hot drinks in general. Another prominent indication for its use is chronic diarrhea (loose stool) in case of liver complaints. The stool is brown, watery, may have green mucus in it or can be thin, bright yellow. It can be given in constipation cases as well. There is hard difficult stool, or stool like dry clay or sheep’s dung. Constipation and diarrhea may alternate in cases requiring it.

Key Indicating Features

Stomach pain worsens from pressure which gets better by eating

Pain in stomach radiates to the back and right shoulder blade

Nausea and vomiting get better by drinking very hot water

Long-standing diarrhea in case of liver problems

3. Neck And Back (Pain, Stiffness)

Chelidonium acts well on the neck and back. It can handle well cases of neck pain and stiffness. Neck muscles feel tense. The neck feels stiff on movement, crackling noises from vertebrae in neck are heard when neck is moved. Another complaint for which it is frequently used is pain under inner and lower angle of right scapula. In case of pain under right scapula which gets worse from moving right arm and inhaling air, Chelidonium is highly recommended. Pain and stiffness in the spine between the shoulders is also well treated with it. Last indication for its use is drawing, stitching pain in the muscles of the back along with stiffness. Burning sensation in the back may also be felt.

Key Indicating Features

Painful, stiff and tense neck

Pain under the inner and lower angle of right scapula

Pain and stiffness in spine between shoulders

Drawing, stitching pain in muscles of back along with stiffness

4. Joints (Joint Pain)

This medicine acts wonderfully on joints to manage joint pain. It can manage shoulder pain well. It is recommended for right-sided shoulder pain. The pain from the shoulder may radiate down to the wrist. Chelidonium is an excellent medicine for hip pain as well. The guiding feature for its use is right hip pain worse when rising from the seat. Pain can be drawing or shooting in nature. It acts well in managing knee pain too. Here it is prescribed when there is knee pain on right side along with stiffness and burning sensation. It gets worse from movement. Besides these, it is a valuable medicine for cases of right-sided ankle pain which gets worse with movement. The ankle is also stiff with pain.

Key Indicating Features

Right-sided shoulder pain that may radiate down to the wrist

Right hip pain worse when rising from seat

Right knee pain with stiffness and burning sensation, worse from moving

Right-sided ankle pain and stiffness worse when moving

5. Face (Pain, Pimples, Herpes)

With its action on face, it can successfully handle cases of facial pain, herpes on face, pimples, etc. In facial pain, this medicine is given when pain starts over the right eye radiating to eye and cheek. It can also be used when pain begins from the left eye and goes to cheeks, teeth and forehead. It occurs periodically in the evening in bed. Along with facial pain, there is eye pain, sensation of sand and tears in the eyes. It is effective for treating herpes (skin rash caused by varicella zoster virus) on the face, especially on chin. Itching is marked in herpes. Lastly, it works wonders in cases of pimples on the face mainly on chin and cheek.

Key Indicating Features

Pain starting over the right eye radiating to eye and cheek

Pain begins from the left eye and goes to cheeks, teeth, forehead

Facial pain with eye pain, sensation of sand in eyes and flow of tears

Herpes on face especially on chin

6. Head (Headache)

Chelidonium gives excellent results in treating headache. Its use is mainly preferred in right-sided headache. Along with headache, there occurs nausea and vomiting. Head feels heavy along with weakness and drowsiness. Headache gets worse by coughing, stooping and in open air. Persons needing it feel relief in headache after eating.

Key Indicating Features

Headache with nausea and vomiting

Headache worsens from coughing, stooping and in open air

Headache gets better after eating

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from motion, in early morning, from change of weather, touch and on right side

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from hot food, milk, from eating, lying on abdomen, pressure and from hot bath

Dosage

This medicine can be used in the form of mother tincture, low potencies and high potencies as well. Among these, the most preferred is the mother tincture form that has shown great clinical improvements in various health conditions.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Aconite, Chamomilla and Camphor

It antidotes Bryonia

Followed well by: Aconite, Arsenic Album, Bryonia, Ipecac, Lycopodium, Nux Vomica and Sulphur

It can be compared with remedies Arsenic Album, Belladonna, Bryonia, China, Lycopodium, Nux Vomica, Phosphorus, Podophyllum, Sepia and Sulphur

Pareira Brava: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 4 Comments

Homeopathic medicine Pareira Brava is derived from the plant ‘velvet leaf’ and ‘virgin vine’. This plant is a native of the West Indies, Central America and India. It belongs to family Menispermaceae. The fresh root of this plant undergoes potentization process that extracts its medicinal properties and converts it into homeopathic medicine Pareira Brava of great clinical significance. Its use is highly recommended to manage urinary problems mainly painful, difficult urination, and also cases of prostate enlargement.

The ‘Pareira Brava’ Constitution

This medicine is highly suitable to persons prone to suffer from urinary issues like difficult painful urination, kidney stones and urethra inflammation. It is also well suited to males suffering from prostate enlargement.

Drug Action

The sphere of action of this medicine is not very widespread and is limited to urinary organs and male genitals. Then foremost and broad action is noted on urinary organs. Though it acts on male genitals as well, it does not have very vast action as that on urinary organs. In general, its action is mainly noted on the left side of the body.

Clinical Indications

Dysuria (painful difficult urination), urethritis, kidney disorders, kidney stones, kidney pain, prostate enlargement, gonorrhea

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Urinary Issues (Dysuria – Painful Difficult Urination, Urethritis, Kidney Pain, Kidney Stones)

Pareira Brava acts extensively on urinary organs to settle down numerous complaints. The most characteristic feature to use it is dysuria means difficult and painful urination, and passage of urine with excessive straining. Persons needing it have to strain a lot in order to pass urine. In the worst condition, urine passes by going down on the hand and knee position and pressing the head strongly on the floor to pass urine. There is extreme pain while passing urine that extorts screaming. Violent pain goes down the thighs sometimes even to the feet during urination in cases that require it. Males have pain in the glans penis while urinating. Urine may pass in drops or in interrupted stream. During urination, itching and burning sensation also occurs in the urethra. After urination, shooting pain in the urethral orifice is experienced. Dribbling occurs after urination. A sense of distension in the urinary bladder is also present. There is a constant urge to pass urine. Urine may possess thick, sticky white mucus or in some of the cases red sandy particles.

This medicine gives excellent results in urethritis cases. Urethritis refers to inflammation of the urethra. For urethritis, it is indicated when there is severe pain while passing urine as well as mucus discharge from the urethra. It is a highly recommended medicine for women who have complaint of painful, difficult urination after giving birth to a child.

Pareira Brava acts wonderfully on the kidneys. Here, it is an important medicine to manage kidney pain. It is mainly used when there is bruised or contusive sort of pain in the kidney area. Urine is scanty and red. In some cases, there is pain in the kidneys that shoots down the ureter of left side and urine passes drop by drop. Besides, nausea and vomiting may occur. Pareira is among the top listed medicines for treating kidney stones. In such cases, it is used when there is dull pain in the kidney region, painful urination and urine is scanty. Urine has brick dust sediments in it. Among various types of kidney stones, it is the most helpful specifically in uric acid stones.

Key Indicating Features

Difficult and painful urination with excessive straining

Passage of urine with great straining by going in hand and knee position and pressing head strongly on floor

Violent pain going down the thighs/feet during urination

Painful, difficult urination in females since childbirth

Kidney pain shooting down the left ureter with urine in drops and nausea, vomiting

Kidney stone with dull pain in the kidney region and painful, scanty urine

Uric acid kidney stones

2. Male Problems (Enlarged Prostate, Urethritis And Gonorrhea)

Males may find this medicine quite effective to manage certain problems. These include prostate-related complaints, urethritis and gonorrhea. This medicine works magnificently in cases of prostate enlargement. It is very suitable when enlarged prostate gland is attended with painful, difficult urination. Clinically it is also known to manage cases of prostate enlargement attended with retention of urine. In such cases, great straining is required to urinate and pain goes down the thighs while urinating. Pareira is an effective medicine for urethritis treatment as well. Here it is beneficial when there is painful urination and discharge of mucus from the urethra. It also works well when urethritis complaint occurs in cases of prostate disorders. Lastly, its use can be considered in gonorrhea cases in males. Gonorrhea is a STI (sexually transmitted infection) caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Key Indicating Features

Prostate enlargement with painful, difficult urination and retention of urine

Great straining to urinate in enlarged prostate cases with pain going down the thighs when urinating

Urethritis with painful urination and discharge of mucus from the urethra

Dosage

Its use can be done in low and high potencies. It can also be used in the form of mother tincture. The potency of this medicine is selected as per individual case presentation. Its repetition also varies from case to case. In general, low potencies can be repeated often but high potencies should not be taken frequently.

Relationship With Other Remedies

This medicine can be compared with other remedies including Chimaphila (in prostate issues), Uva Ursi, Hydrangea, Berberis Vulgaris, Cocculus Indicus, Fabiana, Ocimum Canum and Hedeoma

In case of prostate complaints, it is compared with homeopathic medicine Sabal Serrulata.