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Homeopathic Treatment for Swollen Fingers And Its Causes

The swelling of fingers is a medical condition many of us tend to take lightly. It may simply be due to a high salt diet, wrong posture while sleeping, overuse of hands or may be a symptom of a disease.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy offers very effective management for cases of swollen fingers. Homeopathic medicines are safe and natural and help in managing swelling of fingers by working on the root cause behind it. Homeopathic medicines are selected for managing swollen fingers based on the cause and individual symptoms varying from person to person. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine after consulting a homeopathic doctor. Homeopathic medicines are recommended only when swelling is mild to moderate and there is no serious cause behind it. In case of intense swelling, numbness in fingers, fever attending swelling, deformed fingers, inability to straighten the affected finger, a broken finger or a serious cause like pre-eclampsia (condition in pregnancy characterized by high BP), it is advised to take immediate help from conventional mode of treatment.

Homeopathic Medicines For Treating Swollen Fingers

1. Rhus Tox – Top grade medicine

It is a leading homeopathic medicine for managing swelling in fingers, along with pain which is tearing type. Also, fingers may become stiff, crawling sensation in fingertips may attend. It is one of the best medicine for arthritis and tendinitis cases.

2. Bryonia – For Swelling, Heat, Pain In Fingers

It is prepared from the root of the plant Bryonia Alba having common name ‘white bryony’ and ‘wild hops’. This plant belongs to family Cucurbitaceae. It is well indicated when there is swelling, heat and pain in fingers. The fingers are puffy, sore (sensitive to touch) and painful especially on exertion. Warmth may help relieve pain.

3. Apis Mellifica – For Red, Swollen, Inflamed Fingers

It is the next prominent medicine for cases in which fingers are red, swollen and inflamed. Pain attends it which can be stinging, tensive or tearing in nature. Fingers are very tense and are burning hot. In some cases, there is sensation of numbness in fingers. It is a general medicine in homeopathy for managing bursitis, arthritis and paronychia cases.

4. Actaea Spicata – For Swelling That Worsens from the Slightest Fatigue

It is a natural medicine prepared from the root of the plant Baneberry. It belongs to family Ranunculaceae. It gives extremely good results in relieving joint inflammation when small joints become painful and swollen. Swelling in joints occurs from the slightest exertion.

5. Lithium Carb – For Swollen And Tender Finger Joints

It is beneficial for cases having swelling and tenderness of finger joints. In cases needing it, relief occurs by dipping hands in hot water. Itching on the sides of hands in some cases may be present.

6. Caulophyllum – For Finger Joint Swelling And Stiffness

This medicine is prepared from root of plant Caulophyllum Thalictroides commonly known as ‘blue cohosh’ and ‘squaw root’. It belongs to family Berberidaceae. It is an effective medicine when there is pain, swelling and stiffness in the finger joints. The pain can be drawing or cutting type. Cutting pain in the joints may be felt while making a fist. Pain in fingers also cause irritation and restlessness at night.

7. Silicea – For Cases Of Swelling In Felon

Felon is the subcutaneous abscess of the fingertip pulp.

This medicine works well in cases of finger swelling from felon (subcutaneous abscess of the fingertip pulp). In cases needing it, there is marked swelling and throbbing pain in the finger. Swelling may extend to the wrist. Itching may be felt, the finger is red too with collection of pus beneath skin. The affected area is sensitive to touch. Weakness may be present with the above symptoms.

8. Lycopodium – For Swelling And Nodes On Fingers Joints

It is prepared from plant Lycopodium Clavatum commonly known as ‘club moss’. This plant belongs to family Lycopodiaceae. It is a useful medicine for persons who have swollen finger joints and the formation of nodes. The finger joints are red along with pain. The pain is mostly tearing in nature. This medicine is well-indicated for treating gout as well.

Different Causes Behind Swollen Fingers

1. First reason is arthritis (joint inflammation) that leads to swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints. Among various types of arthritis, the most common ones are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects small joints and causes symptoms like pain, swelling, stiffness, warmth in joints, and deformity in the long run. Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder that occurs from wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones. Commonly affected joints are of knees, hands, hips and spine. Gout is a form of arthritis that arises from increased uric acid levels in the blood. It results in redness, swelling and tenderness in the joints.

2. It may arise from an injury in the hand/fingers. It results in inflammation with signs and symptoms including swelling, pain, tenderness and redness in the hands, fingers or wrist. Other than this, break in the skin, bruising may be there with numbness or tingling sensation.

3. One of the most common reasons behind swollen fingers is fluid retention. Swelling occurs from the collection of excessive fluid in the tissues of fingers. There may be puffiness and bloating in the body. The most common reason for fluid retention is a high-salt diet. Lymphedema which occurs from blockage in the lymphatic system also leads to build-up of fluid in the hands, fingers, feet and toes. Along with this, the skin may get discolored and water-filled eruptions (blisters) may appear.

In persons suffering from Angioedema, fluid retention occurs under the skin mostly from an allergic reaction. Hives (a skin condition in which itchy, raised wheals appear on skin) may appear which cause itching. In angioedema, swelling usually occurs on the face but may also appear in fingers in some cases.

4. Tendonitis (inflamed tendons that are the tough bands that connect muscle to the bone) may also cause swelling in fingers which become tender and painful. Common tendonitis in the fingers includes trigger finger and De Quervain’s tendonitis.

Trigger finger

Trigger finger refers to a condition in which there occurs sticking of one of the fingers in a bent position and the finger bends or straighten with a snap. De Quervain’s tendinitis is a condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. This mostly occurs from repetitive stress on these tendons from certain activities affecting these tendons, like writing.

De Quervain’s tendinitis

5. Another cause could be bursitis (inflammation of the bursa which are the fluid-filled sacs surrounding the joints). Though it mostly affects the larger joints, it may also occur in finger joints resulting in pain and redness in fingers.

6. It may occur from heat and exercise. During exercise, more blood goes to heart, lungs and muscles and less of it flows to the hands. It may cause swelling in fingers. In case the body heats up, blood vessels in the skin swell for heat expulsion from the surface to cool down the body. It may also occur from sleeping in a particular position that leads to swelling in the hands and fingers.

7. An infection in the finger is yet another cause for it. Its signs and symptoms include swelling in fingers, a wound on fingers, pain and tenderness in the fingers and fever. Some of the infections include paronychia and felon. Paronychia is an infection around the nails where nail and skin meet and is caused by bacteria or fungus. Felon is pus-filled infection in the fingertip.

8. Next reason is use of certain medicines, for example steroids, pain killers like aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, medicines used for treating diabetes and high blood pressure.

9. Hormonal changes occurring during menstruation and pregnancy may also result in swelling and bloating. Swelling in the hands and fingers occurs commonly as a part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and is also common during pregnancy.

10. Another cause is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) which occurs from compression of the median nerve. In this case, sometimes fingers become swollen along with its major symptoms that include numbness, pain, tingling, burning and weakness in the thumb, index, middle finger and ring finger.

11. It may also occur in case of pre-eclampsia. It is a condition that may occur in late pregnancy with symptoms like headache, swelling on the face, weight gain, pain in abdomen, and vision changes. This condition requires urgent medical treatment.

12. Next cause is Raynaud’s disease. It is a rare condition affecting blood vessels in fingers and toes in which the vessels become narrow when exposed to cold and when a person is under stress.

13. Other causes are sickle cell disease (a rare genetic condition in which red blood cells become sickle-shaped which results in improper blood circulation in the body) and scleroderma (an autoimmune condition in which changes occur in the skin, in the connective tissues of the body and in other organs as well).

14. Lastly, it may occur in case of diabetes and tuberculosis.

Anacardium Orientale : Homeopathic medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 7 Comments

This homeopathic medicine is derived from the plant ‘marking nut’ or ‘Malacca bean’. It belongs to family Anacardiaceae. For preparing homeopathic medicine Anacardium Orientale, the layer between the shell and kernel of the heart-shaped nut of this plant undergoes potentization (a process to prepare homeopathic medicines by arousing medicinal properties of a crude substance). In homeopathy, Anacardium is extensively used for treating cases of schizophrenia, weak memory and forgetfulness.

The ‘Anacardium Orientale’ Constitution

It is prominently recommended to people who have delusions and hallucinations. This medicine also suits persons suffering from mental and physical exhaustion, and depression. It also suits elderly people mainly those having memory issues.

Drug Action

It acts best on medical problems related with the mind, especially schizophrenia. Apart from the head, it works on the head, gastric system, skin, muscles, nerves and limbs.

Clinical Indications

Schizophrenia, delusions, hallucinations, weak memory, fears, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, stomach pain, nausea, headache, skin diseases, warts, eczema, lichen planus, writer’s cramp

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Mind Complaints (Schizophrenia, Delusions, Hallucinations, Weak Memory, Fears, Alzheimer’s Disease)

This medicine has broad action on problems related to the mind. The complaint for which it is the most frequently used and effective is schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition affecting thinking, emotions, behaviour and decision-making ability of a person. In this condition, various kind of hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that do not exist in reality) or delusions (fixed, false beliefs not based on reality) occur. The main symptom that guides use of this medicine for schizophrenia is auditory hallucinations. A person hears voices of persons faraway, dead people or of spirits. A specific voice may be heard that says that the sufferer is going to die. There are some specific delusions that guide its use. It firstly includes delusion that on one shoulder an angel is sitting and on another a demon is sitting telling good and bad things respectively. A person feels as if he has two wills among which one orders him to do something what other refuses to do. Another delusion is that of being under superhuman control. Anacardium can be given for delusions as if everything is a dream and a feeling that the mind and body are separate. Those needing it are very suspicious. They may also indulge in senseless talk. They can show strange behaviour. They may laugh at serious matters and become serious when there is something to laugh about.

Other than schizophrenia, it is one of the best homeopathic medicines to deal with cases of memory weakness and forgetfulness. Here a person forgets names of those around him, forgets what has been seen. Absent-mindedness is also there. It is well-indicated for management of cases of senile dementia (memory loss in elderly people). Another use of this medicine is management of Alzheimer’s disease. It is a brain disorder in which the death of brain cells results in memory loss and gradually destroys thinking, behaviour and social skills to an extent to interfere with daily life.

Another sphere where it shows excellent results is different kind of phobias (fears). Among these, it is a top most medicine to deal with fear of examinations in students. Also it can help cases of fear that some misfortune is about to happen, fear of future and fear of being poisoned. A particular fear of paralysis also indicates its use.

Other than the above, persons having brain fatigue (tiredness) may find this medicine quite useful. For example, students who feel nervous after over-study and exhaustion benefit greatly from its use. Those needing it, do not wish to work, they just want to lie down or sit.

Lastly, it is indicated for cases of depression. People needing it are anxious and worried that they may suffer from a serious disease. They have a feeling of being forsaken and feel helpless. They get offended easily and become angry about little things and get violent. They may use bad language too. Persons having a history of having suffered humiliation, abuse either physical or verbal or sexual abuse can find this medicine very effective.

Key Indicating Features

Schizophrenia with auditory hallucinations when person hears voices of persons faraway, dead people or of spirits

Delusion that on one shoulder an angel is sitting telling good things and on another a demon is sitting telling bad things

Delusion of having two wills among which one orders him to do something while the other refuses

Delusion of being under superhuman control

Memory weakness and forgetfulness, Alzheimer’s disease

Fear of examinations in student

Brain fatigue (tiredness), nervous exhaustion after over study

2. Gastric Issues (Stomach Pain, Nausea, Difficulty in passing Stool)

Anacardium is capable of resolving gastric issues wonderfully. It is well-indicated for stomach pain which gets better from eating. Those needing it have weak digestion. They feel fullness and distension in the abdomen. It can alleviate pain around navel area with sensation of a dull plug being pressed in the intestine. Rumbling in abdomen in the navel area is present. It helps in managing nausea especially in the morning. There is an empty feeling in the stomach. Vomiting and belching accompanies nausea. It also acts well on rectum. There is difficulty in passing stool even when it is soft. There is ineffectual desire to pass stool. Rectum feels powerless. A plug sensation in rectum is felt. It can also be given for relieving anal itching. Bleeding with stool may occur in some cases needing it.

Key Indicating Features

Stomach pain that gets better from eating

Pain around navel region with sensation of a dull plug being pressed in the intestines

Difficulty in passing stool even when soft

A plug sensation in rectum

3. Head (Headache)

With its action on head, it gives substantial relief in headache. There is a pressing sensation as from a plug in head. Foremost indication for its use is headache worse from mental exertion. There is relief in headache by eating. It gets better by taking some sleep. There is heat in head accompanied by icy coldness of hands and feet. Another notable indication is headache that occurs from strong smell.

Key Indicating Features

Headache from mental exertion

Headache better by eating

Headache better from falling asleep

Headache from strong smells

4. Skin Complaints (Eczema, Blisters, Warts)

It is mainly recommended for treating eczema, particularly when attended with mental irritability. There is violent itching and scratching worsens it. It can deal with skin blisters (fluid-filled bumps on skin) effectively, when they discharge a yellow transparent fluid. It is a well-known medicine to treat warts (rough, hard bumps on skin causes by human papilloma virus). It is specifically indicated for warts on palms of hands. Lastly, its use is considered in cases of lichen planus (an autoimmune inflammatory skin condition characterized by small flat topped purple-colored bumps on skin).

Key Indicating Features

Eczema with mental irritability

Blisters that discharge yellow transparent fluid

Warts on palms of hands

5. Limbs (Cramps, Writer’s Cramps)

Anacardium also acts on limbs to deal with certain issues. Firstly it is an important medicine for cramps in calf muscles. Persons needing it feel pain in the calf muscles when rising up from a seat and also from walking. They may have cramps in toes as well that extend to the heel and calf muscles. Secondly, it is also indicated for writer’s cramp (disorder in which there occurs muscle spasm or contraction in hands when writing) cases. Thirdly, it is known to be helpful in relieving stiffness of legs with a feeling that they are bandaged. There may be burning sensation in the soles of feet and legs where it is required.

Key Indicating Features

Cramps in calf muscles when rising from a seat and also from walking

Writer’s cramp

Stiff legs with sensation as if they are bandaged

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from mental exertion, anger, fright, from motion, in open air and from talking

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from eating, rubbing, heat and in the sun

Dosage

Its use is recommended from 6C to 200 C potency. The potency selection varies from case to case. As a general rule it can be repeated frequently in low potency but in high potency should not be taken frequently.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Clematis, Croton Tiglium, Coffea Cruda, Juglans Cinerea, Ranunculus Bulbosus and Rhus Tox

Followed well by: Lycopodium, Pulsatilla and Platina

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Brachial Neuritis

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 5 Comments

What Is Brachial Plexus And Brachial Neuritis?

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spinal cord in the neck to the armpit and supplies nerve fibers to the chest, shoulder, arm and hands. These nerves give sensation and movement signal to the arms, forearms, hands and fingers. Here, there are two exceptions – brachial plexus doesn’t provide nerve supply to trapezius muscle (on the back of the shoulder) and an area of the skin near the armpit.

Brachial neuritis is a condition that arises when nerves of the brachial plexus are inflamed or get damaged. It is also referred to as brachial neuropathy and brachial plexus injury. Other names for brachial neuritis are Brachial Plexitis, Parsonage-Turner Syndrome or Neuralgic Amyotrophy.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic medicines are highly reliable to manage symptoms of brachial neuritis. Homeopathic medicines stimulate the healing mechanism of the body to reduce the inflammation of nerves naturally and relieve the symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, weakness in shoulders and arms. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine under the supervision of a homeopathic physician who will prescribe the required medicine after complete case evaluation. Homeopathy is recommended when the problem is mild to moderate in intensity but in severe cases, and when there is paralysis of the arm or difficulty in breathing, then urgent help from conventional mode of treatment should be taken.

Homeopathic Medicines For Brachial Plexus

1. Rhus Tox – For Pain Management

It is a leading homeopathic medicine for managing pain. Persons needing it may have tearing, burning or stitching type of pain in the shoulder. They may feel pressure on the shoulders like one feels when carrying a heavy weight. There is worsening of the symptoms at rest, while movement often relieves the symptoms. They also complain of weakness in the shoulders. They have sensation of numbness around the hands. Sometimes, they have drawing or stitching pain in the shoulders that radiates down the arms. They can also have violent tearing or shooting pain in the arm. There is a feeling of the arm hanging lifelessly.

2. Hypericum – For Neuritis Related To Injury

It is a general medicine in homeopathy which is highly recommended to manage nerve inflammation consequent to an injury. It is prepared from a plant Hypericum Perforatum, commonly called St John’s Wort. It belongs to family Hypericaceae. It is an effective medicine to manage symptoms of nerve inflammation including numbness, tingling sensation and burning type of pain.

3. Sanguinaria Can – To Manage Right-sided Shoulder Pain And Weakness

It is prepared from a plant Sanguinaria Canadensis commonly known as ‘blood root’. It belongs to family Papaveraceae. It is beneficial in managing right-sided shoulder pain. The pain is also felt in the upper part of the right arm. The pain gets worse at night. Another indication for using it is drawing pain in the shoulders and the arms during sleep. Lastly, it is also useful for cases having weakness in the shoulders.

4. Pulsatilla – To Manage Numbness

It is prepared from the plant Pulsatilla Nigricans, commonly named as ‘wind flower’ and ‘pasque flower’. This plant belongs to family Ranunculaceae. It is useful for managing numbness in shoulders and arms. Heaviness is also felt from the shoulders down to fingers. Raising the arms worsens the pain. Other than this, drawing, jerking and tearing pain can be felt in the shoulder. Drawing pain from the shoulder may extend down the hands in some cases.

5. Picric Acid – For Weakness In Shoulders

It offers help in cases having weakness in the shoulders. Persons needing it, feel lame in the shoulders, along with tiredness and soreness of the shoulders. There is heaviness in the arms which is felt mainly on exertion.

6. Chamomilla – For Left Shoulder Pain And Tingling In Shoulders

It is a natural medicine prepared from plant Matricaria chamomilla. It belongs to family Compositae. This medicine is considered when there is left-sided shoulder pain. The pain may be jerking, stitching type which sometimes feels like electric sparks. It may extend to the neck also. Tingling or pricking sensation may be felt in the shoulders. There may be pain in the arms that cannot bear the slightest movement. Other than the above, its use is also recommended for pricking numb sensation mainly in the right arm, felt mostly when one wakes up from sleep at night.

7. Phosphorus – For Managing Weakness In Upper Arm

This medicine works well in cases of weakness of upper arms. Along with this, drawing pain is felt in the shoulder and the upper arm. Next there can be tearing in the left shoulder. It is felt mainly at night in bed.

8. Bryonia – For Pain In Right Shoulder

This medicine is prepared from root of the plant Bryonia Alba, commonly known as ‘white bryony’ and ‘wild hops’. This plant belongs to family Cucurbitaceae. It is effective for managing pain in the right shoulder. It gets worse on touching. A tension and pressure builds up on the shoulders. Other than this, pain is also felt on the upper arm which is drawing and tearing in nature.

9. Ledum Pal – For Severe Stitching Shoulder Pain

When there is pain in the shoulder on raising or moving the arm, this is the best medicine which can come to your rescue. It is prepared from plant Ledum Palustre, commonly called ‘wild rosemary’ and ‘marsh cistus’. This plant belongs to family Ericaceae. It is also indicated to manage throbbing type of pain in right shoulder.

10. Ferrum Met – For Shooting Type Of Shoulder Pain

It is a prominent medicine when there is shooting type of pain in shoulder. The pain travels down the arm where it is indicated. It also manages boring type of pain in the right shoulder which hurts more from movement. Heat application may relieve when the right shoulder is sore to touch.

11. Sulphur – For Shoulder Pain At Night

This medicine is beneficial for managing shoulder pain that occurs mostly at night. The pain is mainly lacerating type with a bruised pain in the left shoulder. Along with this, one feel pressure on the shoulders as if carrying a heavy weight.

What Is The Cause Behind It?

It arises from damage to the nerves of the brachial plexus (network of nerves in the neck and arms). When the nerves are damaged, they are unable to send and carry signals to the spinal cord resulting in pain and other symptoms like burning sensation, numbness, tingling and weakness in shoulders. The damage may be due to an injury or infection. Brachial neuritis may also be genetic or related to autoimmune diseases in which the immune system attacks and damages the healthy tissue of the body itself out of a misdirected response. The Parsonage-Turner Syndrome is a type of brachial neuritis that arise without any cause and is linked to autoimmune inflammation. According to a research, brachial neuritis may also arise from damage to the protective myelin sheath that covers the nerve.

Any recent infection of the upper respiratory tract, flu or typhoid can also cause brachial neuritis, or it may be idiopathic (without any cause).

Though it may affect people of any age group, it frequently affects people aged between 20-60 yrs of age. The chances of brachial neuritis are more in males as compared to females.

What Are Its Symptoms?

In this condition, the pain arises mostly in the shoulder or the upper arm, sometimes the neck too. The pain may radiate from the shoulders to the arms and the hands. The pain occurs suddenly and increases on moving the shoulder and the arm. The pain varies in nature, can be sharp, intense, stabbing, burning or electric shock like that varies from case to case. The pain is generally felt on one side but sometimes may occur on both the sides. With time, the pain goes away, but numbness, weakness and the tingling sensation stays in the shoulders. These symptoms may also occur in the arm and the hands. Severe cases of brachial neuritis may lead to paralysis, and decrease in the muscle mass in the shoulder or the arm. Lastly, if the nerve to diaphragm is affected then it may lead to shortness of breath.

Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines For Measles

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 4 Comments

Measles is a viral infection caused by measles virus ( belonging to genus Morbillivirus and family Paramyxoviridae). It is also known as rubeola and is a highly contagious infection.

It usually occurs in children but adults can get infected too. Originating in the respiratory system, the infection in some cases can be serious and fatal. This infection was very common earlier but now vaccination is commonly used as a preventive measure.

Homeopathy For Symptom Management

Homeopathy plays a supportive role in case of measles. Homeopathic medicines can be taken along with conventional treatment for symptom management of measles. They help by boosting the body’s natural healing mechanism to fight viral infection. These medicines decrease the intensity of the symptoms and speed up recovery. Measles can have serious complications, so the use of homeopathic medicines should be considered only along with conventional treatment and not independently. Homeopathic medicines should be taken under the supervision of a homeopathic physician and self-medication should be avoided.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Managing Its Signs And Symptoms

1. Aconite – For Cough And Eye Redness

It is a natural medicine prepared from plant Aconitum Napellus commonly known ‘monkshood’. It belongs to family Ranunculaceae. It is indicated for cases where dry barking cough is there. The redness of eyes is an important symptom along with inability to bear light, hoarseness of voice and restlessness. Joint pains and excessive sweating attend the above symptoms. Besides, there is dry, burning heat, along with excessive thirst.

2. Arsenic Album – To Manage Runny Nose, Sneezing, Burning On Skin

This medicine can be used to manage runny nose and sneezing. Persons who need it also feel burning and itching in nose. Nose blockage may be felt in the nose. Symptoms may worsen in open air while there is relief indoors. Other than this, it is well-indicated for managing persistent burning on the skin. In cases needing it, the rash may appear too soon or disappear suddenly. Restlessness, anxiety and weakness can accompany above symptoms.

3. Belladonna – For Managing Sore Throat, Fever

It is a very useful medicine for managing sore throat and fever. It is prepared from a plant ‘deadly nightshade’. It belongs to family Solanaceae. Persons requiring it have redness and swelling in throat, and inflamed tonsils. Along with this, there is dryness, heat and a feeling of lump in the throat. There is difficulty in swallowing, especially liquids. Pain is marked in the throat which can be shooting or stinging type, especially while swallowing. Along with this, there is fever with burning heat and redness of skin.

4. Morbillinum

In homeopathy, this medicine is considered a prophylactic (medicine that prevents disease) against measles and also to clear infection in cases it occurs.

5. Euphrasia – For Eye Symptoms, Cough, Fever In Measles

It is prepared from a plant Euphrasia Officinalis also called ‘eye bright’. This plant belongs to family Scrophulariaceae. It is usually indicated for initial stages of this infection. In cases needing it, firstly there is inflammation of eyes. The eyes are red, have burning sensation and excessive discharge. There is also sensitivity to bright light (photophobia). Secondly, there is profuse watering from the nose. There is pressing/throbbing type of pain in the head. Other than the above, there is dry cough during the day. Chill followed by fever may be an accompanying symptom. Pain in the bones is also present, eruptions around the forehead and temporal region of head are also seen.

6. Pulsatilla – To Manage Eye Inflammation, Cough And Cold

This natural medicine is prepared from plant Pulsatilla Nigricans with common name ‘wind flower’. This plant belongs to family Ranunculaceae. This medicine is effective to manage eye inflammation, cough and cold. It is indicated when there is discharge from nose and profuse watering from eyes. There is dry cough at night. Other than the above, it is indicated to manage earache and discharge from ear from one or both sides.

7. Rhus Tox – To Manage Body Aches And Rash

The use of this medicine can be considered for managing bodyache. Other than this, intolerable itching on skin and red rashes all over the skin also indicates its use.

8. Spongia – To Manage Cough And Coryza

It is a medicine beneficial for managing cough and coryza. Hoarseness of voice can attend too. The cough is dry, rough, barking type. It is short and irritating and may have a high crowing sound. Cough is caused by tickling in the larynx. There may be relief in cough from taking warm drinks. Roughness is also felt in the larynx. The whole respiratory tract feels dry. There is no expectoration with cough. Chilliness may be present.

9. Drosera – For Cough During Or After Measles

Drosera is prepared from plant Drosera Rotundifolia commonly known as ‘round – leaved sundew’. This plant belongs to family Droseraceae. This medicine works well for managing cough during or after measles. The main symptom for using it is dry, hoarse cough caused by tickling in the throat. Cough attacks usually occur when Drosera is needed which get worse in the afternoon and evening. Expectoration may occur that can be bloody and purulent (of pus). Excessive hoarseness of voice may also be there in addition to the above symptoms.

10. Apis Mellifica – When Eruptions Don’t Come Out Properly

This medicine is indicated for cases in which the eruptions have not surfaced completely. It is attended with excessive weakness and drowsiness. Fever and cough are also there. It is also indicated for managing chronic diarrhea (loose stool) that follows this infection

11. Squilla – For Watery Eyes, Sneezing And Cough

This medicine is prepared from fresh bulb of plant Squilla Maritima commonly known as ‘sea onion’. It belongs to family Liliaceae. It is helpful for cases in which there is watering from eyes, sneezing and cough. The cough can be dry or short rattling in cases needing it.

The cough disturbs sleep, one can feel the mucus in the trachea. Cough gets worse after eating and from any kind of exertion. Other than the above, it is indicated for managing diarrhea with watery and offensive stool.

12. Sulphur – For Managing Post-Measles Complaints

This medicine offers help to manage post-management of measles. Here, it is useful for managing chronic cough, diarrhea, discharge from ear and hardness of hearing.

How Does Infection Spread?

It is a contagious infection (that spreads easily from person to person) caused by measles virus. It spreads when a person inhales air droplets that are infected with cough or sneeze of an infected person having measles. The infected droplets from cough and sneeze may fall on a surface or an object and remain active for a few hours. A person may get infected if he/she touches the infected surface and then puts the fingers in mouth, nose or rubs eyes without properly washing the hands. The infection can be contracted from physical contact with a person suffering from measles. The chance of getting infected is around 90% if one gets exposed to the virus.

The ones who have not got vaccinated against this infection are at high risk of getting infected. Other than this, vitamin A deficiency results in severe symptoms and complications.

What Are Its Signs And Symptoms?

In case of measles, symptoms occur in around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. These include runny nose, sneezing, fever, dry cough, sore throat, red, inflamed eyes, body ache and little white spots with bluish white center inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek known as Koplik’s spots.

Skin rashes appear around 14 days after virus exposure and can remain for around 7 days. They develop first on the head and spread to other body areas. The rash is maculopapular type that starts as large, flat, red spots but small bumps can occur on top and the spots flow into one another afterwards. The overall infection tends to resolve in around three- weeks’ time.

What Are Its Complications?

The complications that can occur include bronchitis (inflamed bronchial tubes), laryngitis and pneumonia (inflamed air sacs of lungs) which can be fatal especially in persons who have compromised immunity. Measles can result in diarrhea and ear infection, a very common complication. Other than this seizures (fits), blindness and encephalitis (brain inflammation) can also occur. Lastly, if a pregnant woman contracts this infection, it can result in low birth weight of child, preterm labor and even death of the mother.

Spigelia: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 21 Comments

This medicine is prepared from the dried herb of plant Spigelia Anthelmia, commonly known as ‘pink root’. It belongs to family Loganiaceae. This herb is potentized according to a homeopathic formula that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties. Then, it becomes a homeopathic medicine Spigelia which treats various health concerns like trigeminal neuralgia, eye pain, headache, and toothache.

The ‘Spigelia’ Constitution

This medicine suits weak and anemic people prone to joint problems. It is also recommended for children who suffer from worm infections, especially Ascarides.

Drug Action

This medicine has a marked affinity to treating health conditions related to nerves, face, eyes, head, teeth, gastric system and heart. Its action is more marked on the left side of the body as compared to the right side.

Clinical Indications

Facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia, headache, migraine, eye pain, glaucoma, squint, earache, tinnitus, jaw pain, toothache, worms, neuralgia, heart complaints

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Face (Facial Pain, Trigeminal Neuralgia)

Spigelia has marked action on the face and proves to be the best medicine in homeopathy to treat facial pain. It is an infallible medicine for treating trigeminal neuralgia (sudden severe shooting or electric shock-like pain on the face from pressure over trigeminal nerve or from its damage/injury). Though it can treat both sides of the face, it is more effective in treating left-sided facial pain. The nature of pain varies from case to case. It can be burning, tearing, electric-like or shooting type. The pain spreads over the left side of the face covering the temple (side) of the head, eye, cheek, and teeth. This entire area becomes sensitive to touch. There is also worsening of pain from stooping and movement and may remain from morning till night. . Pain intensifies with noises, along with watering from eyes and redness on the face.

Key Indicating Features

Left-sided facial pain located over temple (side) of head, cheek, eye and teeth

Trigeminal neuralgia mainly left-sided

2. Head (Headache, migraine)

Spigelia helps to treat headache, migraine and supraorbital headache, especially left-sided headache. The characteristic symptom to use it is pain starting from the left side of occiput (back of head) that spreads over the head and settles over the left eye. The pain is violent and pulsating, throbbing type. Stooping and opening the mouth may increase the pain. There are many other factors that worsen pain, some of which are noise, shaking the head, eye movement, bright light, touch, etc. It may be relieved from applying pressure, taking rest and from cold washing. Spigelia can be administered for treating migraine when pain is marked above the eyes (supraorbital region) on any of the sides. Pain is intense and is throbbing or stitching type. The eye may water and become red on the side affected. Spigelia is a wonderful medicine for supraorbital neuralgia (pain in the forehead above the eyes) mainly on the left side. The pain tends to worsen at the slightest movement.

Key Indicating Features

Left-sided headache that begins from the left side of occiput (back of head) and then comes upward finally settling over the left eye

Migraine with pain located above the eyes

Supraorbital neuralgia (pain in the forehead above the eyes) on left side

3. Eyes (Eyeball Pain, Cluster Headache, Glaucoma, Pterygium, Squint)

The major complaint where spigelia helps is relieving pain in the eyeball. The pain is pressive type and turning the eyes worsens it. It is also helpful when there is sharp, stabbing pain in the eyes going backward. It treats cluster headache (earlier termed as ciliary neuralgia) in which one-sided pain occurs periodically in or around the eyes, occurring regularly for a few weeks or months followed by a pain-free period. In cases needing it, redness, soreness of the eye and excessive watering from eyes is present. Glaucoma (eye condition in which optic nerve gets damaged from increased intraocular pressure) along with pain is yet another indication for using it. Spigelia can also be given for cases of pterygium (pinkish tissue growth on conjunctiva) and squint (strabismus). It is mainly useful for convergent squint in which the eye turns inward towards the nose.

Key Indicating Features

Eyeball pain worsening from eyeball movement

Cluster headache

Glaucoma with pain

4. Ears (Pain And Noises In Ear)

This medicine manages well ear pain and noises in ears (tinnitus). There is pressive type of pain in ear with plugged sensation. It can also be used for stitching type of pain in the ear. The pain can radiate from the ear to various parts of the face like cheeks, jaw, eyes, etc. It may be attended with ear discharge. In case of tinnitus, roaring, ringing or buzzing noises in the ear may be heard. At times, there is difficulty in hearing with a feeling of ears being blocked.

Key Indicating Features

Pressive or stitching type of earache

Tinnitus with roaring, ringing or buzzing noises in the ear

5. Teeth And Jaw (Toothache, Jaw Pain)

It is a highly recommended medicine for managing toothache and pain in lower jaw. It is recommended to manage pain in decayed teeth. Pain can be throbbing, digging, tearing or burning type. It gets worse from exposure to cold air, eating, taking cold drinks and at night. It is attended with pain on the face. A person may get relief from warmth or from taking warm drinks. With its action on jaw, spigelia offers relief in pain of lower jaw. The pain extends from the jaw to the ears and even to the back of the neck. A sensation as if the lower jaw would come out of its joint can occur. Pain is of tearing type. Drinking cold water worsens this pain.

Key Indicating Features

Pain in decayed teeth

Toothache that worsens at night, from cold air exposure, eating, taking cold drinks

Jaw pain that radiates to ear or nape of neck

6. Gastric Issues (Stomach Pain, Anal Itching, Inguinal Hernia, Worms)

Spigelia is capable of treating stomach pain, navel pain, inguinal hernia, anal itching and worms. There is stomach pain that can be of pressive type, or dull stitching type. Pressure, as from hard lump in the stomach, is felt with the pit of the stomach being sensitive to touch accompanied by sour belching. For navel pain, spigelia is used when there is cutting or pinching type of pain. This may be from worm infestation. Loose stool may occur along with passage of offensive gas. The abdomen feels hard and tight. It can be given for cases of worms especially ascarides. It covers well itching, tickling and crawling sensation felt in the anus. Its use is also considered in cases of inguinal hernia (bulging of intestines of fat of abdomen into groin area).

Key Indicating Features

Pressive or dull stitching stomach pain

Cutting pinching pain in navel, especially from worms

Inguinal hernia

Itching and crawling sensation in anus

Worm infestation mainly Ascarides

7. Heart (Palpitations, Stitching Pain In Heart, Pericarditis)

This medicine has a marked action on the heart to manage complaints including palpitations, stitching pain in heart, and pericarditis. For palpitations, it is used when it occurs from bending forward, from the least movement and deep inhalation. There is stitching pain in the heart attended with anxiety which gets worse from the least motion. It is also indicated for pericarditis which is the inflammation of the lining that surrounds the heart. Here, palpitation, difficult breathing and sticking pain are marked.

Key Indicating Features

Palpitations from bending forward, from least motion and deep respiration

Stitching pain in heart attended with anxiety

Pericarditis with palpitations, difficult breathing and sticking pain

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints worsen from noise, touch, motion

Relieving factors: It includes relief by lying with head high on the right side

Dosage

Use of this medicine is recommended in both low and high potency. The potency is selected depending on various factors like age of person, type and intensity of complaint, duration of complaint. In low potency, one may repeat it frequently but when used in high potency, it should be taken infrequently.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Aurum Met, Camphor, Cocculus Indicus, Pulsatilla

It antidotes: Merc Sol and Colchicum

Followed well by Arnica, Belladonna, Digitalis, Iris Versicolor, Kalmia, Rhus Tox, Zincum Met

Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines For Eyelid Dermatitis And Its Causes

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1 Comment

Eyelid dermatitis refers to a condition in which there is dryness, itching, swelling and irritation on the skin of the eyelids. It is also known as eyelid eczema, periocular dermatitis or periorbital dermatitis. The skin over the eyelids is very thin, delicate and sensitive and can be easily affected by allergens and irritants leading to dermatitis.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy is very effective in managing cases of eyelid dermatitis. Homeopathic medicines help in halting further progression of the condition and healing the rash gradually. The medicines help to reduce redness, dryness and scaling on the eyelid. They also manage other associated problems like irritation, itching, burning, stinging and swelling of the eyelid. The most suitable medicine for managing this condition is selected based on the signs and symptoms in every individual case. Homeopathic medicines used for managing this condition are prepared from naturally occurring substances. So these are very safe to use for all age groups.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Eyelid Dermatitis

1. Graphites – Top-grade Medicine

It is one of the best medicines in homeopathy to treat cases of eyelid dermatitis. It is indicated when there are moist eruptions and eyelids are red. Rough and dry eyelids with marked itching also indicate its use. Heated sensation may be felt on the lids. Sometimes swelling is also there, especially on the edges. There is scaling on the eyelid margin which sometimes develops into crusts. Besides, there may be fissures on the eyelids.

2. Sulphur – When Itching, Burning Attends

This medicine is recommended for eyelid dermatitis when itching and burning sensation attend. The lids are dry, red and swollen. Smarting pain accompanies; prickling sensation may also occur that leads to rubbing and scratching. Cutting type of pain may be felt on the margins of the eyelids.

3. Petroleum – For Dry Eyelids

It is the next very useful medicine for managing cases of eczema on various body parts, including eyelids. It gives good results in cases presented with dryness of eyelids, accompanied by itching.

4. Apis Mellifica – For Marked Redness And Swelling Of Lids

It is a prominent medicine for managing marked redness and swelling of the eyelids. There is smarting and burning pain, itching is also felt on the lids. The lids are inflamed and sore. In some cases, the left side eyelids become thick. Other than this, there may occur scabs on the margin of lids.

5. Mezereum – For Lid Eczema With Thick Hard Scabs

It is prepared from fresh bark (gathered just before flowering in February and March) of the plant Daphne Mezereum, also known as ‘spurge olive’ of Thymelaceae family. It is indicated for cases having lid eczema with thick hard scabs. A gluey discharge may arise from the eruptions. Itching and biting pain on the lid margins may be felt.

6. Bryonia – For Dry Eruptions On Lids

This medicine is prepared from the root of the plant Bryonia Alba commonly known as ‘wild hops’. This plant belongs to family Cucurbitaceae. It is highly beneficial when there are dry eruptions on the lids, attended with itching and burning mainly on the margins. Inflammation and redness on the eyelids may accompany.

7. Euphrasia – For Red And Dry Eyelid Margins

It is prepared from a plant Euphrasia Officinalis, commonly called ‘eye-bright’. This plant belongs to family Scrophulariaceae. Persons needing it have redness and dryness on the margins of eyelids, along with swelling. Burning sensation is felt on the margins of eyelids which may be red and sensitive to touch. There may be marked itching along with above signs and symptoms.

8. Rhus Tox – For Red, Itchy Lids

This medicine is useful for cases having excessively red and itchy eyelids. A biting sensation is felt on the lids along with the above symptoms.

9. Tellurium – For Lid Eczema With Inflamed, Thickened Lids

It is an important medicine for persons who have inflamed red eyelids. Itching, sometimes accompanied by oozing, is also a symptom.

10. Hepar Sulph – For Eczema With Thick Scabs

This medicine works well in cases with thick scabs on the eyelids. Inflammation, redness and swelling are marked on the upper eyelid. A pressing type of pain attends along with soreness.

11. Medorrhinum – For Irritation, And Pain In Eyelids

This medicine is indicated when there is irritation and pain in eyelids. There is redness and dryness of lids, the upper lids may be swollen. There may also occur soreness and smarting sensation on the edges of eyelids.

12. Kali Sulph – For Crusts On Eyelids

This medicine is valuable for managing cases having crusts on the eyelids. The crusts are thin and yellow. It is a very useful medicine for cases of seborrheic dermatitis.

13. Clematis – For Marked Inflammation Of Eyelid Margins

It is prepared from leaves and stems of the plant Clematis Erecta. It belongs to family Ranunculaceae. It is beneficial when there is inflammation on the margins of the eyelids. Persons who require it have a smarting and burning sensation on the margins of lids.

14. Kreosote – To Manage Itching On Eyelid Edges

This medicine is indicated for managing itching on the edges of eyelids. In some cases needing it, there is swelling of eyelids, along with pinching pain on the edges of eyelids.

What Are Its Types And Causes?

It has main two types – allergic/ atopic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis.

1. Atopic Contact Dermatitis

This medical condition results from an allergic reaction. The immune system overreacts to an allergen resulting in antibody (IgE) production. These antibodies trigger a reaction leading to skin inflammation and other signs and symptoms of allergy. For example, a person having nasal allergy from allergens like pollen may get this type of dermatitis. Allergic reaction may also occur from applying a cosmetic product.

2. Irritant Contact Dermatitis

It arises when some irritating substance comes in direct contact with the skin around the eyelids and causes damage to the outer layer of the skin. Some examples of such substances are soaps, cosmetics used around eyes (like eye liner, eye shadow) and acidic substance. Anyone may suffer from this type of dermatitis, but it is common in people having sensitive skin.

Other than the above, it can be a part of atopic dermatitis. It is a skin condition characterized by skin inflammation along with red, itchy and dry skin. Swelling and cracks may also appear on the skin. It is common in children but may affect people of any age group.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition marked by skin inflammation and flakiness. It usually affects the scalp but may also affect other areas of the body like face, eyelids, eyebrows and the chest.

Another condition that can be associated with eyelid dermatitis is acne rosacea. It is a skin condition that affects the face. It leads to redness on the face along with dilated superficial blood vessels on the face which are visible. It can be attended with pimples, or pus-filled pustular eruptions and swelling.

What Are Its Signs And Symptoms?

Firstly there may occur a red rash, dryness or scaliness on the eyelid, itching may be felt. Pain and swelling may accompany burning and stinging sensation. The skin of the eyelid may get thickened. The signs and symptoms can appear on one or both eyelids. The symptoms may occur intermittently or may be persistent, long-lasting and chronic. In some cases, dermatitis is present only on the eyelids but in some, it occurs simultaneously on other body parts as well.

What Are Its Risk Factors?

Persons who don’t maintain proper hygiene of the eyes are prone to it. Persons with a family history of eyelid dermatitis are at risk. Other than this, persons having some allergic condition like nasal allergy, asthma, etc may face this medical condition. The use of certain medicines like beta blockers may also result in eyelid dermatitis. Lastly, people in some specific work like construction work, agriculture are at higher risk.

What Complications Can Occur?

There are some complications that can arise from eyelid dermatitis. It can cause infection of the skin which arises from scratching the eyelids. Infection can enter the eyes through frequent eye rubbing. Other than this, the affected skin may get discolored and thick.

6 Natural Homeopathic Remedies For Muscle Pain And Aches

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 446 Comments

Muscle pain is medically known as myalgia. Muscle pain can be localised in one muscle or a few muscles or generalized, involving muscles all over the body. The pain can involve any muscle of the body but the main muscles that ache are deltoid muscle (muscle covering shoulder and upper part of outer side of the upper arm), muscles of the neck, muscles of the lower back, calf muscles (muscles of the back of the leg) and thigh muscles. Muscle pain can be attended with stiffness and weakness of the muscle area involved, and sometimes can be attended with fever. In some cases, rashes can appear on the skin. At times, redness and swelling at the affected area can also be seen.

Homeopathic medicines prove very beneficial in cases of muscle pain. The natural homeopathic remedies for muscle pain not only provide relief, but also strike at the root of the problem and cure muscle pain effectively. These are also completely safe with no side effects. In modern system of medicine, generally pain killers, pain relieving ointments / gels, or spraying of pain reliever is advised in cases of muscle pain. However, it only provides temporary relief and the real cause of muscle pain is not addressed. Here’s where homeopathy can be of real help that provides long-term relief and cure by targeting the underlying cause of pain.

Homeopathic medicines for muscle pain are decided for each case individually. The muscle involved, the type of pain, the cause of pain and the worsening / relieving factors are all noted down followed by its assessment to provide the best homeopathic medicine. Homeopathy gives magnificent results when the medicine is prescribed following this individualized approach. This way it aims to cure the muscle pain rather than simply providing temporary relief. For achieving remarkable results guidance from an expert homeopath is required and self-medication should be avoided.

Homeopathic treatment focuses on treating the root cause of muscle pain like overstraining, injury, inflammation, autoimmune process, etc. By treating the cause, there occurs gradual relief in pain and at one time the pain resolves completely. Both acute as well as chronic cases of muscle pain respond well to homeopathic remedies.

Homeopathic medicines for muscle pain suit persons of all age groups and are entirely safe to use. The best part of using homeopathic medicines is that these are of natural origin hence are free from any sort of toxic side effects.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines For Muscle Pain

The leading homeopathic medicines for managing muscle pain includes Rhus Tox, Bryonia, Arnica, Ruta, Magnesium Phos and Gelsemium.

1. Rhus Tox – Top-Grade Medicine

Rhus Tox occupies the top position when it comes to treating muscle pain. This medicine can be used to relieve muscle pain anywhere in the body. The key indication to use it is muscle pain getting worse at rest and better with movement. It is the best medicine to help cases of muscle pain arising from overuse of a muscle; over-straining or over-stretching of muscle — like muscle pain from doing excessive exercise; pain in leg muscles from excessive running; pain in the muscles of the arm from carrying heavy weights; neck pain from prolonged working on computers; back pain from heavy weight lifting or a sudden jerky movement and so on. Rhus Tox can be used for pain in any muscle of the body. It is a wonderful medicine for muscular pain, along with stiffness, particularly in the neck which aggravates towards the evening. Secondly, Rhus Tox is very beneficial for muscle pain and stiffness in the lower back which gets worse on sitting and lying down, but moving about relieves it. It is a leading medicine to help cases of lower back pain due to straining of muscles from heavy weight lifting. This medicine also relieves pain in deltoid muscle (muscle covering shoulder and upper part of the outer side of the upper arm) where stitching pain is felt in the shoulders while lying down which gets better from movement.

When to use Rhus Tox?

This medicine can be used as the first line of treatment in case of muscle pain in any body part especially when arising from overuse, overstraining of muscles. The characteristic to use this medicine is muscle pain, along with stiffness, that gets worse at rest and better from movement.

How to use Rhus Tox?

Rhus Tox is most frequently used in 30C potency; initially, it can be taken three to four times a day. Once relief sets in, the dose should be reduced. If using in 200C potency, do not take it more than once a day.

2. Bryonia – For Muscle Pain On Movement

Bryonia is a brilliant medicine for muscle pain treatment. The key symptom to use this medicine is muscle pain which gets worse on movement and better by lying still. It is effective for neck muscle pain and pain in muscles of the lower back. Movement and stooping are not possible. Next Bryonia, is prominently indicated for pain and soreness of abdominal muscles from coughing.

When to use Bryonia?

Bryonia can be given in case of muscle pain which gets worse during movement, while relief sets in from lying down.

How to use Bryonia?

It gives excellent results in 30C potency. It can be taken two to three times a day as per the severity of the pain.

3. Arnica – For Sore Painful Muscles From An Injury Or Overexertion

Arnica is the most useful medicine when it comes to treat sore, painful muscles from an injury or overexertion. Muscle injury may occur from a traumatic fall or a blow against something hard. The affected muscle is very tender to touch along with pain. Besides, Arnica is also indicated for muscle pain in case of influenza (a viral infection affecting nose, throat and sometimes lungs).

When to use Arnica?

If you have suffered muscle pain from overexertion or an injury, Arnica is the best prescription for you. It is an infallible medicine in such cases bringing relief in pain, soreness along with aiding healing of injured muscle.

How to use Arnica?

Take it in 30C potency three to four times a day at a three-hour gap. When pain starts receding, reduce the dose to two times followed by once a day.

4. Ruta – For Muscle Pain Due To Strain (Pulled Muscle)

Ruta is a magnificent medicine to deal with cases of muscle pain from strain, which is overstretching or tearing of the muscle. Muscle pull can occur from using muscle the wrong way, overuse of muscle, or an accident. Persons needing it feel sore with aching bruised pain in the affected muscle area. This medicine helps in pain relief along with relaxation and healing of the over-stretched muscle.

When to use Ruta?

Ruta is most prominently indicated to manage muscle pain arising from overstretching or tearing of muscle.

How to use Ruta?

30 C potency of Ruta is the right choice to start with that can be used three to four times a day.

5. Magnesium Phos – For Muscle Pain From Cramps

Magnesium Phos is the top-listed medicine to relieve muscle cramps – sudden involuntary muscle contraction (tightness). It works well for pain occurring from cramps in any body muscle, especially calves (muscle in the back of lower leg) and feet. In cases needing it, a person complains of cramps from prolonged exertion and also at night.

When to use Magnesium Phos?

This medicine is the perfect prescription for muscle pain due to cramps because of excessive exertion.

How to use Magnesium Phos?

The most frequently recommended potency of this medicine is 6X which comes in tablet form. Magnesium Phos 6X can be used three to four times a day as per intensity of the pain.

6. Gelsemium – For Muscle Pain Along With Weakness And Heaviness

It is a natural medicine to manage muscle pain attended with heaviness and weakness in the affected part. Mostly, it helps with muscle pain in the limbs (arms and legs). The affected muscle area is sore to touch apart from being weak and heavy. It is a highly valuable medicine to manage muscle pain that occurs in influenza cases along with fatigue.

When to use Gelsemium?

Use of Gelsemium is suggested when heaviness and weakness in the affected area is marked along with muscle pain.

How to use Gelsemium?

Though it works well in both low and high potencies, it is better to begin with low potencies. Gelsemium 30C can be taken twice or thrice a day.

What Are The Causes Behind Muscle Pain?

Muscle pain can arise from any of the following reasons:

1. Overstretching, overuse / overstraining musclesfrom excessive physical activity, muscle tension; muscle cramp is the main reason behind muscle pain.

2. Injury or trauma to muscle including strains

3. Certain medical conditions:

a). Fibromyalgia: It is a chronic long-term condition in which there is widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness along with other symptoms including fatigue, irregular sleep patterns, loss of concentration and mood swings.

b). Chronic fatigue Syndrome: In this syndrome, a person suffers from extreme fatigue/exhaustion along with unexplained muscle pain, memory issues, loss of concentration and improper sleep.

c). Thyroid issues: Muscle pain can occur in both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

d). Certain Infections: like flu (influenza), COVID – 19, Lyme disease

Flu: it is a contagious viral infection affecting nose, throat and lungs.

COVID – 19: It is a highly contagious viral infection caused by SARS – CoV -2 virus

Lyme disease: It is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia which is spread by ticks.

e). Autoimmune diseases (the diseases in which the body’s defence/immune cells start destroying the body’s healthy tissues out of a mistake). These include dermatomyositis and polymyositis.

Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disease causing a skin rash and muscle inflammation.

Polymyositis is a muscle disease causing muscle inflammation leading to muscle weakness and pain.

f). Polymyalgia rheumatica: It is a chronic inflammatory condition leading to pain and stiffness in muscles, mainly hips and shoulders.

g). Compartment Syndrome: It arises from pressure build-up in a muscle compartment. It results in obstructed flow of oxygen, blood and nutrients to the muscles, nerves and blood vessels resulting in its damage.

4. Electrolyte imbalance: Low potassium or calcium

5. Certain medicineslike statins, bisphosphonates, ACE inhibitors

Sarsaparilla Officinalis: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 6 Comments

The remedy Sarsaparilla Officinalis is derived from the plant Smilax Officinalis also known as ‘wild licorice’. It belongs to family Smilaceae. The dried rhizome of this plant undergoes potentization (a process to prepare homeopathic medicines by which the medicinal properties of a crude substance are aroused). It gets converted into a very beneficial homeopathic medicine Sarsaparilla Officinalis. It is an important medicine for managing certain complaints of urinary system, mainly cystitis and kidney stones.

The ‘Sarsaparilla Officinalis’ Constitution

It suits children with enlarged abdomen and have facial contours like an elderly person. Next it suits well persons who are thin, weak and look older than their age.

Drug Action

Main action of this medicine is on the urinary organs, genitals and skin. Besides, it acts on head and limbs as well.

Clinical Indications

Cystitis, kidney stones, bladder stones, kidney pain, nephritis, cracks on hands and feet, skin rash, spermatorrhea, genital herpes, swollen spermatic cord, headache, painful menses, cancer of breast, bone pain, joint pain.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Urinary Organs (Cystitis, Kidney And Bladder Stones, Nephritis, Kidney Pain)

Sarsaparilla acts markedly on urinary system and helps to settle many issues related to it. The main indication to use this medicine is intense pain and burning at the end of urination. The pain may extend from the urethra to the abdomen. There is frequent and ineffectual urge to pass urine. The bladder is sensitive, tender, and distended. Cramps or contractive pain in bladder is felt. Sarsaparilla works well in treating cystitis (inflammation and infection of urinary bladder). It can handle both recent as well as chronic cases of bladder infection, kidney stones and bladder stones. It is mainly indicated for renal stones with right-side kidney pain that extends downwards. Urine contains red, white or grey sand-like particles. Blood may also pass in urine. Next, it can be given for cases where urine flow is weak and urine passes in thin, feeble stream. A person is able to pass urine freely only in standing position, but it dribbles while urinating in sitting position. Urine is scanty, slimy, turbid, sandy, may have pus and blood. It is also relieves complaint of painful urination in children. The child needing it screams out of pain before and during passing urine.

Key indicating features

Cystitis with pain and burning at the end of urination

Kidney stones with right side kidney pain that extend downwards

Scanty, slimy, turbid, sandy urine, sometimes with pus and blood

Red, white or grey sandy particles in urine

Right-sided kidney pain extending downwards

Painful urination in children with screaming before and during passing urine

2. Skin (Cracks, Skin Rash)

Sarsaparilla has marked affinity to treat various skin issues. The foremost indication to use it is cracked skin on hands, fingers, feet and toes. Cracks can be deep attended with pain and burning sensation. The cracks are mostly visible on sides of fingers and toes. The skin is also dry and hard. Skin complaints that occur in summers can be magnificently dealt with it. Another indication to use it is skin rashes in spring season. It can also be given for skin rash or eruptions which is dry and itchy from exposure to open air.

Key indicating features

Cracked skin on hands, fingers, feet and toes with pain and burning

Skin complaints occurring in summers

Skin rash in spring season

Skin rash or eruptions from exposure to air

3. Male Problems (Blood In Semen, Herpes, Balanitis, Seminal Emissions)

This medicine can effectively treat some male problems. The most important indication here is blood in semen. Sarsaparilla is prominently indicated for genital herpes (a sexually-transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus) when eruptions are present on the prepuce (foreskin which is a skin fold covering head of the penis). It can also be used for balanitis cases in which there is inflammation, redness of glans penis. Another striking feature to use this remedy is seminal emissions along with sexual dreams. Weakness and pain in the back are the other accompanying symptoms. Sarsaparilla acts well to manage itching on scrotum and perineum, after scratching small pimples appear which ooze a moist substance. There is an intolerable offensive odour on genitals. Lastly, it is valuable to manage pain in spermatic cord after emissions or when spermatic cord swells with pain, and sensitivity in case sexual excitement is not satisfied.

Key indicating features

Blood in semen

Herpes infection with eruption on prepuce

Balanitis with red, inflamed glans penis

Seminal emissions with sexual dreams, weakness and backache

4. Female Problems (Cracked Nipples, Scanty Menses, Painful Menses, Breast Cancer)

For females, this medicine is beneficial to heal cracks of nipples, scanty late menses, and painful periods. It is used for late and scanty menses. There may be soreness on thighs and itchy eruptions on the forehead. It is helpful to relieve painful menses. There is pain in lower abdomen, back and thighs, vomiting or loose stool attend it. Sarsaparilla is an important medicine to heal eruptions on face that are worse during menses. As per homeopathic therapeutics, its use is also indicated for managing cases of breast cancer.

Key indicating features

Painful menses with pain in lower abdomen, back and thighs, vomiting, loose stool

Face eruptions worse during menses

5. Head (Headache, Eruptions)

By acting on head, Sarsaparilla can help to manage headache and eruptions on scalp. The characteristic to use it during headache is pain in back of head (occiput) radiating either to eyes or to root of nose. A tight band is felt around head. It can also be given for throbbing pain in the head. Nausea and sour vomiting may attend headache. Use of this medicine is also considered when there are moist eruptions on scalp with pus discharge which causes inflammation wherever it touches. The eruptions are marked on forehead. Scalp is sensitive to touch and falling of hair may be noted.

Key indicating features

Headache when pain from back of head radiates to eyes or to root of nose

Moist eruptions on scalp with pus discharge

6. Limbs (Joint Pains, Bone Pains)

It is mainly indicated to treat joint and bone pains. It is useful for treating stitching pain in joint of arms, hands, fingers, which gets worse from motion. Sarsaparilla is beneficial for managing knee joint pain, attended with swelling, heat and tenderness. Pain can be felt in both knees at the same time or it can alternate between two sides. It gets worse from movement especially going up and down a staircase. Besides, it can check pain in the bones that gets worse at night and in damp weather.

Key indicating features

Stitching pain in joints of arms, hands, fingers that increases from movement

Knee pain with swelling, heat, tenderness, gets worse by going up and down the staircase

Bone pains that get worse at night and in damp weather

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints are worse at end of urination, at night, in cold wet weather, in spring, from touch, motion, before menses

Relieving factors: Complaints are better from warmth and uncovering neck and chest

Dosage

It can be used from low to high potencies. If using it in low potency, its repetition can be done frequently. But in higher potencies, frequent repetition is usually not recommended.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Belladonna, Merc Sol and Sepia

It antidotes: Merc Sol

Followed well by: Allium Cepa, Belladonna, Hepar Sulph, Merc Sol, Phosphorus, Rhus Tox, Sepia and Sulphur

Rhododendron Chrysanthum: Homeopathic medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 14 Comments

Fresh leaves of the plant ‘Rhododendron Chrysanthum’ undergo potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties from a crude substance) to obtain the medicine Rhododendron Chrysanthum. It is one of the best medicines to manage hydrocele (swelling of scrotum from fluid collection in the sheath surrounding testicle) and orchitis (inflamed testicles).

The ‘Rhododendron’ Constitution

This medicine is good for persons predisposed to joint problems. It is also apt for people who are fearful of thunder and storms.

Drug Action

It is predominantly a male remedy that has a prominent action on male genitals. But its action is just not limited to this as it also acts wonderfully on bones and joints as well. Besides these, it acts well on fibrous tissues, eyes, ears, face and back.

Clinical Indications

Hydrocele, orchitis, joint inflammation (arthritis), ciliary neuralgia, neck pain, noises in ears, earache, facial pain, back pain, bone pains.

Scope as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. Male Problems (Hydrocele, Testicle Pain, Orchitis, Balanitis)

Rhododendron Chrysanthum has a marked affinity to treat a number of male problems. It is highly recommended to treat cases of hydrocele (scrotum is swollen from the collection of fluid in the sheath present around testicle). It can manage hydrocele affecting any age group, even boys suffering hydrocele since birth. Rhododendron manages cases of orchitis (inflamed testicles) well in which there is swelling and pain in testicles. The pain can be bruised or drawing type; it may extend to abdomen and thighs. Sometimes contusive sort of pain (as from injury) is felt. Pain gets relieved by movement. Testicles may also be tender to touch. It is also well indicated for swollen and hard testicles after gonorrhoea (sexually-transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae). Another complaint where it gives good results is balanitis (inflammation of glans penis). Its use is also indicated for drawing pain in spermatic cord. It worsens from rest and gets better from movement. Other indications include itching of scrotum, weak erection, low sex drive, involuntary emissions at night with sexual dreams.

Key indicating features

Hydrocele to manage swelling and pain in testicles

Testicle pain of bruised or drawing type that may extend to abdomen and thighs

Orchitis and balanitis

2. Joints (Joint Inflammation, Pain And Swelling)

This medicine also shows action on joints where it helps cases of inflamed, swollen and painful joints. The unique feature to use it is worsening of joint pains in stormy weather. The pain also tends to increase at rest. Most commonly involved joints are shoulder, wrists and joints of arms. It also treats inflammation of small joints. Shoulder pain is relieved by warmth and pressure. Wrist feels as if sprained or bruised. It can also be given for knee and ankle joint pain, especially stitching type of pain. It treats tearing type of pain in limbs on the right side. In some cases, weakness and tingling sensation occurs in few joints. Rhododendron also works on inflammation of joint of big toe caused by gout due to increased uric acid level.

Key indicating features

Joint pains in stormy weather

Inflammation of joint of big toe due to gout

3. Bones (Bone Pain)

With its action on bones, it manages well pain in periosteum (membrane covering the bones except at joint surface) of long bones. Pain can be tearing or drawing type occurring on particular spots on the bones. Weather changes worsen the complaint. It is also useful for hip bone pain, especially at night. Apart from these, it offers help to manage pain in skull bones.

Key indicating features

Pain in periosteum of long bones

4. Face (Facial Pain)

This medicine is also applicable to manage complaint of facial pain. The pain is felt from side of head (temple region) to lower jaw and chin. Pain mostly affects the right side of the face. The pain worsens in windy weather and weather changes. Nature of pain is drawing, tearing or violent jerking type. There may be relief from eating, warmth also brings relief.

Key indicating features

Right-sided facial pain from temple to chin

Facial pain worsening from weather changes and in wind weather

5. Eyes (Eye Pain, Ciliary Neuralgia)

Rhododendron Chrysanthum manages burning type of pain in eyes while writing or reading. Dryness and burning in eyes may also occur from exposure to bright light. It can also be given for darting type of eye pain. One may also find it useful for ciliary neuralgia (cluster headache in which pain attacks around eyes are felt every day for one or two months followed by pain-free period of several months). It also provides relief in red, swollen eyelids attended with irritation.

Key indicating features

Burning pain in eyes, worse from writing, reading and bright light

Ciliary neuralgia with pain in eyeball, orbit and head

6. Ears (Pain, Noises In Ears)

It is an important medicine for cases of tinnitus (noises in ears). Ringing, buzzing, whizzing noises especially indicate its use. Vertigo and difficult hearing occurs along with noises. Hearing is better in the morning. In cases of earache also, Rhododendron Chrysanthum works well. Persons needing it mainly have right-sided ear pain. It is jerking, twitching, and tearing type.

Key indicating features

Tinnitus with vertigo and hearing difficulty

Ringing, buzzing, whizzing noises in ears

7. Limbs (Achilles Tendon Pain, Weakness/ Heaviness/ Tingling In Arms, Corns)

Rhododendron Chrysanthum is effective for pain in the Achilles tendon (tough fibrous band that connects calf muscle to heel bone) while stepping. Secondly, it works well when weakness and heaviness is felt in arms which may radiate to fingertips. Tingling in arms may accompany. These symptoms appear during rest or sleep. This medicine also covers complaint of sleep sensation in legs and feet. Swollen legs and feet also indicate its use. The feet may be very cold even in warm room. It is beneficial for deltoid muscle pain (overuse injury) which increases from movement. It can also be used in cases of corns on feet. Shooting pain is felt in corns.

Key indicating features

Pain in Achilles tendon on stepping

Weakness/heaviness/tingling in arms during rest or sleep

Corns on feet with shooting pain

8. Neck And Back (Stiff Neck, Pain In Neck, Lower Back Pain)

It is a prominent medicine for managing stiff neck. Stiffness worsens in the morning, especially on the neck which also bears drawing or tearing type of pain. Tearing pain may radiate down the back. Pain between shoulder blades sometimes is present too. Rhododendron Chrysanthum is also effective for treating lower back pain. Sitting increases the pain, exertion is another factor that intensifies the pain. A person also complains of pain worsening in wet, cold weather. The back may feel heavy and weak. Formication (crawling sensation) in the back is another attending symptom.

Key indicating features

Neck stiffness in the morning

Lower back pain from exertion, when sitting, in cold, wet weather

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints worsen before a storm, during windy or cloudy weather, on approach of thunderstorm, from change of weather.

Relieving factors: There is relief during sunshine, warmth, from exercise

Dosage

This medicine works well in both low and high potencies. In low potency, one may take it frequently but in high potency, frequent repetition is not recommended.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Bryonia, Camphor, Clematis and Rhus Tox

Followed well by: Arnica, Conium, Lycopodium, Nux Vomica, Silicea and Sulphur

Swelling On The Face? Best 10 Homeopathic Medicines, Causes And Concerns

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 8 Comments

Facial swelling can arise from minor causes that are easily treatable or can be a symptom of a serious medical problem that needs urgent medical help. Depending on the cause, there are some visible signs and symptoms that can attend facial swelling, like pain, redness and burning sensation on the face, and fever.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy is helpful in managing cases of facial swelling with natural medicines. These medicines stimulate the body’s self-healing mechanism to recover wonderfully. They go deep into the root cause of the issue to bring effective cure. Homeopathic medicines for facial swelling are recommended only in mild cases. It is strictly advised to take homeopathic medicines under supervision of a qualified homeopathic practitioner. In no case should self – medication be done. If there is a serious cause (like kidney failure, heart ailment), it is advised to take urgent help from conventional mode of treatment.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Facial Swelling

1. Apis Mellifica – Top-grade Medicine

It is a leading medicine for managing facial swelling. Persons who need it have swelling and redness on the face. They have marked burning sensation on the face attending it. Along with this, one feels intense stinging pain on the face. Mostly right side of the face is affected when this medicine is required. The face looks pale and waxy. Puffiness is marked under the eyes in persons needing Apis Mellifica. Hives (eruptions) with itching, burning and stinging sensation may be present on the face. It is one of the best medicine for angioedema and bee sting. Wash the face with cold water brings relief.

2. Belladonna – For Facial Redness, Swelling, Heat

This medicine is prepared from a plant known as ‘deadly nightshade’. It is very effective for treating cases of facial swelling with red, hot and shiny face. There may be excessive sweating on the face with tearing pain in the face especially on the right side. Swelling on the upper lip is marked. Cheeks may also be swollen with burning pain. It is a very suitable medicine for sinusitis also.

3. Calcarea Carb – For Pale Puffy Face

This medicine is well indicated for cases in which there is pale and puffy face. The eyes are sunken surrounded with blue rings. Calcarea Carb is also indicated for tearing pain in the cheeks followed by swelling. The facial pain tends to get worse from exposure to cold air. It is one of prominent medicine for treating hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

4. Hepar Sulph – For Swelling Of Face With Vesicular Eruptions

This medicine works well in cases of swollen face with vesicular (fluid-filled) eruptions on the face. There can be burning sensation across the face. There is tearing pain that begins from the cheeks and extends to the ear or temporal region i.e. sides of the head.

5. Merc Sol – For Swollen Cheeks With Pain In Teeth

It is a very effective medicine for cases of swollen cheeks along with toothache and increased salivation. Persons needing it may also have red cheeks along with puffy, bloated face. They can have tearing or lacerating pain on the face which is hot. There may be eruptions on the face, which bleed when scratched, with offensive discharge and itching.

6. Rhus Tox – For Swelling Mainly Around Eyelids And Ears

This medicine is suitable when there is marked swelling on the eyelids and the ears. The face is red with burning sensation. There can be moist eruptions on the face along with thick scabs in cases needing it.

7. Arsenic Album – For Swelling Of Upper Lip And Below Eyelids

This medicine is valuable for managing cases in which there is swelling of the upper lip and area below the eyelids. In cases requiring it, stinging pain in the face is also felt. Itching of the face may also be present.

8. Aconite – For Swollen Lower Jaw And Lips

It is prepared from plant Aconitum Napellus commonly known as ‘monkshood’. It is a useful medicine for swelling of the lower jaw and lips. The lips are dry, black or blue along with peeling of the skin. Burning and tingling sensation in the lips can attend, besides pain on the face.

9. Chamomilla – For Left-Sided Facial Swelling

This medicine is prepared from the plant Matricaria Chamomilla. This plant belongs to family Compositae. It is helpful for cases in which there is left-sided facial swelling. There is pain on the face, which appears bloated and puffy, along with heat and redness of the cheeks.

10. Arnica – For Right-Sided Facial Swelling

It is prepared from a plant Arnica Montana having common name ‘leopard’s bane’ or ‘fallkraut’. It is beneficial for persons with right-sided facial swelling, especially around the cheeks. It is accompanied by throbbing and pinching pain. In some cases needing it, stinging pain is felt in cheeks. Dry heat in the face towards the evening is also felt which extends to the ears.

What Are The Causes Behind Facial Swelling?

The reasons behind it are variable.

Firstly, it can arise from sinusitis ( inflammation of paranasal sinuses due to allergy or bacterial viral infection). It can cause swelling around the nose, eyes or the cheeks causing pain. Other attending symptoms include headache, stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat, poor sense of smell, fever, cough and weakness.

Second cause is a tooth infection. A person having an infection in gums or teeth can experience swelling, pain and tenderness along the jawline.

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is yet another reason behind facial swelling. A person has puffy and swollen face along with other signs and symptoms, like weight gain, fatigue, feeling cold, constipation, depression, skin dryness and weakness in the muscles.

Next cause is allergic conjunctivitis (eye inflammation due to a reaction to allergens like dust, pollen and pet dander). Its signs and symptoms include redness and itching in the eyes which may be puffy or watery.

Facial injury is also one of the reasons.

Another cause is cellulitis. It leads to swelling in the affected part of the skin along with redness and pain. Fluid may ooze out from the skin in some cases. The affected area is hot and tender to touch sometimes. Fever and chills can attend which indicates a serious infection. It is a medical emergency that needs prompt treatment under conventional mode.

Other causes include angioedema and anaphylaxis.

Angioedema is a severe form of swelling that occurs under the surface of the skin due to an allergic reaction to allergens (like food product, insect bite, etc). A characteristic symptom is hives (raised, itchy raised bumps known as wheals that develop on the skin) that may be accompanied by stinging and burning sensation.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that needs urgent medical help because if not treated immediately can prove fatal. Its symptoms include facial swelling, breathing difficulty, swelling in throat and the mouth, rapid heart rate, a dip in blood pressure and loss of consciousness.

Another reason for swelling on the face is Cushing’s syndrome which is a disorder that arises from excessive production of cortisol hormone in the body. It may result from a drug allergy (use of anticonvulsants, antibiotics like penicillin) which is a medical emergency.

A condition called preeclampsia can arise during pregnancy that can cause swelling of the face. This condition needs immediate medical treatment because it can prove fatal if not attended immediately. Its signs include high blood pressure and high protein level in urine. Other symptoms are swelling of the hands, headache, vision changes, pain in the upper abdomen, reduced urine output and nausea or vomiting.

Actinomycosis, a rare but long-term bacterial infection in which sores and abscesses appear in the soft tissue of the body may also lead to facial swelling.

Lastly, it can also be a sign of vital organ failure of heart, liver or kidneys.