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How to treat Insomnia in Elderly with Homeopathy

Insomnia refers to a condition when a person has trouble falling asleep, or maintaining sleep or there is a lack of quality sleep for about three or more nights consecutively in a week. When such a complaint persists for three or more months, it is referred to as chronic insomnia. It is a very common complaint experienced by elderly people. Persons aged above 60 years of age are predisposed to suffer insomnia. It has been estimated that about 30 % to 50 % of elderly people experience insomnia. A person can have sleeplessness or restless sleep once in a while, however, if there is a lack of sleep on a regular basis, it can adversely affect his/her health. Changes in routine, medical ailments occurring with aging, chronic stress and use of certain medicines affect sleep in elderly people.

Medical conditions causing insomnia include high blood pressure, joint pains (arthritis), memory loss (dementia), depression, anxiety disorders, diabetes, thyroid issues and heart complaints. Some other medical conditions are GERD, RLS and OSA. GERD refers to gastroesophageal reflux disease in which the stomach acid back-flows into the food pipe due to the weakening of LES i.e. lower esophageal sphincter. RLS refers to restless leg syndrome which is a condition in which a person has an irresistible urge to move the legs due to some discomforting sensations felt in the legs. OSA is obstructive sleep apnea in which there occur momentary pauses of breathing during sleep.

Certain medicines the use of which can cause sleep issues include antidepressants and antihistamines. Use of alcohol and caffeine can also lead to sleep problems. Besides, there occurs changes in our circadian clock and sleep–wake cycles with advancing age. This occurs from hormone changes that mainly include less production of sleep-regulating hormone called melatonin which may have an impact on sleep. A sleep cycle has four stages, including 2 stages of light non rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and one stage of heavy non rapid eye movement sleep, followed by rapid eye movement sleep stage. In case of elderly people, the time in heavy NREM gets shortened which can keep them awake throughout the night.

Symptoms

The symptoms of insomnia might include difficulty in initiating sleep or maintaining sleep or waking up earlier than usual. There may occur sleepiness the next day along with a tired feeling, difficulty in concentration, memory issues, irritability, disturbed mood, and aggressive behavior. Insomnia may also lead to depression or anxiety, or insomnia may occur because of depression or anxiety.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathy carries excellent scope to help several complaints occurring in elderly people. Among these complaints, it offers wonderful treatment for insomnia. Derived from natural substances, homeopathic remedies treat insomnia naturally without any side effects. These medicines have given great clinical results in such cases. These are effective for both –sleeplessness as well as cases of restless sleep. Homeopathy is a symptom-based science, which means medicines are prescribed based on the characteristic individual symptoms in each and every case after a detailed case analysis. So, homeopathic prescription for any given complaint varies from case to case. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine after consulting a homeopathic physician.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Insomnia

1. Passiflora – Top Medicine

Passiflora is a topmost recommended medicine for managing insomnia in the elderly. Persons needing it remain wakeful at night along with marked restlessness. When there is sleeplessness due to exhaustion, this medicine seems to work well. Besides these, Passiflora is well-indicated to manage insomnia in those who are in a constant state of worry and are overworked.

2. Kali Phos – For Complaint From Stress And Worries

Kali Phos is the next general remedy suitable for managing insomnia that arises from some sort of stress or worry. Those requiring it remain sad, anxious, irritable and tired. They suffer fatigue, both mental and physical. Besides, they may have weak memory and forgetfulness. This medicine is also indicated for those who have restlessness during sleep. The body may feel hot during sleep.

3. Coffea Cruda – For Insomnia From Constant Chain Of Thoughts

This medicine works well in cases where a person is unable to sleep due to a constant chain of thoughts going in the mind. There is restlessness along with tossing and turning in bed. This medicine is prominently indicated when a person wakes up early in the morning around 3:00 am and after that is unable to get sleep again. It can also be given for disturbed sleep from enormous dreams. When the use of excessive coffee has resulted in sleeplessness, this medicine can be of great help. Lastly, this medicine is recommended for sleeplessness occurring after suffering some acute disease.

4. Baryta Carb – For Sleeplessness Or Frequent Waking Up At Night

This medicine is indicated when a person is sleepy but is unable to sleep. Secondly, it is indicated when a person falls asleep at night, but wakes up frequently and remains uneasy. There is restlessness throughout the night. It is attended with heated sensation in the body. One feels drowsy during the day. The limbs feel tired on waking up.

5. Calcarea Carb – When Multiple Thoughts Crowd Mind

This medicine is effective for cases where sleeplessness occurs from many thoughts coming in the mind. In some cases, the same thought crosses the mind again and again. In most cases, sleeplessness remains till 2 am or 3 am. Persons needing it can have sleeplessness or they have a very light sleep and frequent waking up at night. Before going to sleep excessive sweating may occur on the face. This medicine is also useful when there is sleeplessness or restlessness at night due to migraine headache.

6. Opium – For Sleeplessness Or Restless Sleep

Opium is a well-indicated medicine for both sleeplessness as well as restless sleep at night. It is used in persons who feel sleepy but are unable to sleep and remain wakeful. They have marked sensitivity to noises and any noise occurring even at a distance, disturbs them and keeps them awake. It is also helpful for persons who are very restless at night and keep tossing in bed constantly. They keep on imagining things.

7. Phosphorus – For Restless Sleep Due To Dreams

Phosphorus can be considered in cases where a person has restless sleep and frequent waking up due to dreams. The person wakes up with a jerk from sleep and is anxious. There is restlessness all night and sleepiness during the day. The person feels headache in the morning on waking up. It is also useful when there is disturbance in sleep due to heated sensation in the body.

8. Arsenic Album – For Sleeplessness With Anxiety And Restlessness

Arsenic Album can be given in cases having sleeplessness from anxiety with excessive restlessness. There is constant tossing and turning in the bed. This complaint is worse after midnight. Those needing it have different anxieties like anxiety about health, about future, about others, and of several little things. They may be fearful causing trembling and restlessness. Cold sweating may occur. Difficult breathing, constriction in chest and weakness may be felt.

9. Syphilinum – For Sleeplessness After Midnight

Syphilinum works well in persons who are sleepless after midnight (12 pm) and are unable to get sleep again until 6 am. Persons needing it are very restless at night and cannot remain in one position for long.

10. Sulphur – For Those Unable To Sleep Despite Feeling Sleepy

Sulphur is beneficial for persons who feel sleepy in the evening, but are able to get only little sleep at night and feel uneasy. They may wake up around 3 am to 5 am and cannot fall asleep again. They may suffer different kinds of pain at night. They can have a tendency to sweat and have skin itching at night. Jerking of muscles may also occur. The person doesn’t feel fresh in the morning causing constant yawning, sleepiness, and irresistible drowsiness during the day.

Effective Homeopathic medicines for Breast Pain before Periods

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A number of symptoms, like mood swings, bloating, headache, fatigue, etc show up in a woman before her periods and breast pain can be one among them. Breast pain before the periods is also known as premenstrual breast pain or cyclic mastalgia. Along with pain, there may occur heaviness, swelling and tenderness (pain on touch) in the breasts. Non – cancerous lumps before periods may be felt in the breast that move when touched and shrink when periods get over. The intensity of pain varies from mild to severe though severe pain is very rare. Pain occurs in both the breasts. It is felt in the upper and the outer area of the breast. The pain may radiate to the armpits. The pain may begin a week or two before the period and goes away when menstrual bleeding starts, during menses or immediately after completion of the menstrual bleeding. It affects females between the 20- 40 age group. Breast pain before periods could be a part of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) in many cases. PMS refers to a set of symptoms that a woman experiences before the onset of menses like anxiety, restlessness, mood changes, sadness, irritability, weeping spells, appetite changes, emotional outbursts, low appetite, sleep issues, decreased sexual drive, weakness, body aches, bloating, pimples, headache, diarrhoea, constipation, light / sound sensitivity, back pain and muscle pain.

Homeopathic Management

While pain in breasts before periods occurring from natural hormonal changes tend to subside on its own, sometimes medicine is required to ease the discomfort and reduce the level of pain. Here homeopathic medicines can be of great help to manage this pain. Along with pain, these medicines also manage any associated swelling, heaviness feeling and tenderness (pain on touch) felt in the breasts. The homeopathic medicines act in the most natural manner to relieve breast pain with zero side effects. These medicines are recommended only for managing cyclic breast pain before menses arising from normal hormonal changes. One must consult a doctor for proper diagnosis in case of any sudden change in nature of breast pain before menses, or nipple discharge or appearance of some lump in breast especially on one side not present earlier.

What Causes Breast Pain Before Periods?

Breast pain before menses is usually related to hormonal changes that take place during the menstrual cycle. The hormones, estrogen and progesterone, cause changes in breast resulting in its growth before menses. Estrogen leads to enlargement of breast ducts (the ducts that carry milk to the nipples) and progesterone result in swelling of the milk glands. As a result of these changes the breasts may start feeling heavy along with pain and tenderness. The pain occurs and goes away cyclically every month due to rise and fall of these hormones. Such pain is usually nothing of worry and it goes away once menstrual bleeding begins. In case, there is some sudden changes in the type of breast pain before menses as compared to earlier pattern or there is nipple discharge or some unusual lump in breast especially only in one breast that was not present earlier and does not go away after periods are over, then it might be something other than pain related to normal hormonal changes. Here, one should consult a doctor for the diagnosis. Besides normal hormonal changes, taking birth control pills may also cause breast pain before periods as these medicines contain hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, that can start swelling and soreness of the breast tissue. Eating high fat diet and long-term stress are known to contribute in making cyclic breast pain worse.

Homeopathic Medicines For Breast Pain Before Periods

1. Conium – Top Remedy

Conium is the top most medicine to manage breast pain before periods. It is the most frequently used homeopathic medicine to manage such a complaint. In women needing it, soreness and swelling of breasts can also be present along with pain. The pain may get worse while walking. Stitching pain may occur at night or while taking a deep breath. Crying spells and anxiety before menses is another symptom. Restlessness and general body aches may also be felt along with the above symptoms.

2. Calcarea Carb

Calcarea Carb is the next well-indicated medicine for managing breast pain before periods. It is useful when breasts are swollen along with pain before periods. Along with swelling, a heated sensation is felt in the breasts. Pain may be felt in the armpits. Females needing it may also have headache and pain in back and hips before periods.

3. Lac Caninum

This medicine is effective when the breasts are painful and very sensitive to touch before periods. Breasts are sensitive to least touch and pressure. The breasts feel enlarged along with fullness. A dull aching pain is marked in the evening. The slightest jar (sudden jerk) also makes the pain worse. There is relief in pain when menses appear.

4. Phytolacca

Phytolacca is a prominent natural medicine for managing various kinds of breast-related complaints. This medicine is well indicated for painful breasts which also become hard. The breasts also feel heavy and swollen. The beasts are tender to touch. Pain is felt before and during menses.

5. Sepia

Sepia is a great remedy to manage numerous female concerns arising from hormonal changes. Breast pain preceding menses is one among these. It is suitable for cases where breasts are swollen, painful, and sensitive before the appearance of menses. The breasts feel enlarged and painful to touch. A stitching type of pain may be felt in the breasts. Besides this, Sepia is a foremost medicine to manage many complaints that occur before menses like sadness, weeping spells, irritability, constipation and headache.

6. Bryonia Alba

Bryonia is a useful medicine when breasts feel very heavy along with pain. There may be heated sensation in the breasts. Breasts may feel hard. It is also helpful for tearing type of pain in the breasts.

7. Merc Sol

This medicine is used when there is pain, swelling and stiffness in breasts before and during period. The breasts are sore to touch.

8. Magnesia Carb

The last medicine in the list to manage breast pain before periods is Magnesia Carb. Females needing it may also complain of several other health issues before menses, besides breast pain. They may complain of backache and abdomen pain. Some may have sore throat every time before menses. Some complain of weakness. Lastly, a chill may be felt in the body.

How to deal with Back Pain During Menses through Homeopathic remedies

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Back pain is a very common complaint that may occur during menses besides other complaints like abdomen cramps, bloating, headache and irritability. Around 40-50 pc females tend to suffer backache during their menstrual periods. It may be a mild discomfort that occurs normally as a part of periods or it could be linked to some medical problem like uterine fibroids, endometriosis or pelvic infection.

Most commonly, back pain occurs as a part of dysmenorrhea (uterine cramps during menses). Around 15 pc females who face pain during periods also tend to suffer back pain. Other symptoms may attend back pain depending on the cause behind it. These symptoms might include pain in pelvis (lower abdomen), heavy periods, irregular periods, nausea, vomiting, headache, loose stool (diarrhea), frequent urination, pain when passing stool, painful intercourse (dyspareunia), bleeding from rectum or bladder during menses and pain or bleeding during intercourse.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathy is very effective in managing multiple female health problems including back pain during menses. Homeopathic medicines help tremendously in reducing back pain during menses. After acutely managing back pain during one menstrual period, homeopathic medicines work gradually to overcome the tendency to have back pain every time during consecutive periods. For this solution, homeopathic treatment has be continued for a few months altogether. The duration of the treatment depends on the intensity of the pain. Homeopathic medicines are selected for every individual case separately after detailed case evaluation based on the symptom presentation that varies from case to case. These medicines are entirely safe to use as these are prepared from naturally occurring substances. They have zero side effects.

Homeopathic Medicines For Managing Back Pain During Periods

1. Bryonia – Top Remedy

Bryonia is the most prominently indicated medicine to manage back pain during menses. The characteristic feature to use this medicine is backache which gets worse from movement and walking. It feels as if the back is beaten. It gets better by lying down. Along with this, there may be excessive bleeding during menses with dark red blood. Pain may also be felt in the legs in some cases. Nausea may be another complaint of some women needing this medicine.

2. Sepia – For Pain From Back To Abdomen

This medicine is highly recommended when pain from the back goes to abdomen. The pain in the back may sometimes begin some days before menses start. A bearing down pain in the lower abdomen (pelvic area) or a shooting stitching pain can be felt. A feeling as if all the pelvic organs will come out of vagina may be experienced in many cases. The periods may be profuse (excessive bleeding). Yellow vaginal discharge may occur after menses along with pain in the lower back. It is a top recommended medicine for managing multiple health issues in women like hormonal problems, fibroids, pelvic infection in females.

3. Kali Carb – When Pain From Lower Back Goes Down To Hips

Kali Carb is a suitable medicine for lower back pain radiating down to the hips. Pain gets worse while standing or walking. There is a desire to lie down. A heavy weight is felt in the back. The back feels as if it is broken. Weakness in the lower back and legs can attend. Nausea and vomiting can occur as well. Pain in the lower abdomen and groins (crease between thighs and lower abdomen) can be felt. Abdominal distension may also be there.

4. Sabina – For pain from lower back to lower abdomen in front of pelvis (pubes)

It is a very useful medicine for managing pain radiating from lower back to lower abdomen in front of pelvis (pubes). It is a bearing down type of pain. The pain also extends down the thighs. The menstrual bleeding is partly fluid and partly clotted. The bleeding is bright red with large clots. It comes out in gushes. The bleeding worsens from movement. Warm application over the painful area may relieve pain. Headache, nausea and vomiting may occur sometimes. There is a tendency of delayed menses.

5. Pulsatilla – For Pain In Back, Lower Abdomen, Nausea And Vomiting

It is an effective medicine when pain is felt in the back and lower abdomen, attended with vomiting. There is marked heaviness in the back and abdomen. Pain in the thighs can accompany. Nausea and vomiting occur along with intense pain. There may also be a very frequent urge to pass stool.

6. Causticum – With Discharge Of Large Clots In Menstrual Blood

This medicine is indicated when there is back pain with passage of clots in menstrual blood. The clots are large. Menstrual blood is bright red. Pain in the back before menses as well as cramping pain in the lower abdomen is also felt. There is sadness before menses. Besides during menses, headache, weakness and loose stool occur.

7. Cimicifuga Racemosa – When Pain Gets Better By Taking Rest

Cimicifuga Racemosa is a prominent medicine when back pain during periods gets better by taking rest. The pain gets worse by movement. There is intense pain in the back as well as thighs and hips. Sharp pains are felt in the lower abdomen with doubling up (bending forward and downward at the waist) bringing relief. Bearing down pains may also be felt in the uterine region and lower back. Besides, heaviness is felt in the limbs. The menstrual flow is scanty and clotted. Sometimes pain from the lower back may extend to the entire body.

8. Calcarea Carb – For Back Pain And Abdomen Pain

This medicine can be used for back pain and abdomen pain during menses. Pain may be felt in the hips. Sometimes headache, nausea may be experienced. In some cases, anxiety and restlessness may appear.

9. Kalmia – For Pain In The Back, Thighs And Legs

This medicine can be used when there is pain in the back, thighs and legs during menses. The periods are regular but painful. Weakness is also felt in the back. Heat or burning sensation may be felt.

10. Ammonium Carb – With Weakness

This medicine is beneficial when back pain is accompanied with excessive weakness. The pain gets worse at rest. Walking tends to decrease pain. There is pain in the abdomen. Besides, a person feels sad and a chill is also felt in the body. The menstrual bleeding can be blackish and in clots.

Causes Of Back Pain During Menses

1. Dysmenorrhea: It refers to pelvic (lower abdomen) pain or cramps experienced during menses. The reason behind it is secretion of chemicals called prostaglandins that have hormones-like action. These prostaglandins cause contraction of uterus during menses to shed its lining. It can also lead to strong uterine contractions in some leading to pain in pelvis and also back pain. The pain besides lower abdomen and back may radiate down the legs. Nausea, vomiting, headache and loose stool (diarrhea) may also occur.

2. Uterine fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths that occur in uterus especially in women of child-bearing age. Its symptoms include heavy periods, prolonged periods, pelvic pain, back pain, frequent urge to urinate and pain when passing stool.

3. Endometriosis: It refers to a condition where endometrial tissue that normally lines the mucous membrane of uterus grows in places other than uterus for example in ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines, urinary bladder and rectum. This tissue tends to grow and thicken like uterine lining due to hormonal changes with every menstrual cycle and is shed along with uterine lining during periods every month. Its symptoms include painful periods, pelvic pain that may radiate to the back and legs, heavy bleeding during menses, painful intercourse (dyspareunia) and bleeding from rectum or bladder during menses, varying from case to case.

4. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): It is a hormonal problem occuring in women leading to complaints like irregular periods, heavy periods (it may cause back pain), suppressed menses, acne, excessive hair growth on face (on chin, upper lips), hair fall and weight gain.

5. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An infection in the genitals of women, it can occur in ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. It may arise from sexually transmitted bacterial infections. The symptoms include vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, lower abdominal pain, back pain, pain or bleeding during intercourse. In some cases fever, nausea, vomiting may occur.

6. Cancer of uterus or cervix

Facing hair fall after child delivery? Try Homeopathy

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Hair fall after child delivery is a big concern for women. Medically it is known as postpartum hair loss or Telogen Effluvium. It is a temporary condition and quite normal. It mostly occurs two-four months after delivery and in most cases lasts for about six months. In majority of the cases, hair fullness returns around the child’s first birthday. If it doesn’t happen, then it’s time to go to a physician to find out other contributing factors behind the hair loss followed by proper diagnosis and treatment. Postpartum hair loss occurs from hormone changes during and after pregnancy. Level of hormone estrogen increases in the body in the last trimester (last three months) of pregnancy which makes hair grow thicker and become voluminous. However, after childbirth, there is a sudden decrease in estrogen levels. This leads to increased shedding of hair a few months after childbirth.

Stages of hair growth

Hair grows out from follicles (an opening on the surface of skin from which hair strand grows). The shedding and growing of hair is a constant process and the cycle of hair growth is divided into three phases. The first is the anagen phase in which active hair growth occurs and 80 % to 90 % of hair is in this phase at a given time. This phase ranges from 2 to 6 yrs. Second phase is the catagen phase in which the shrinking of hair follicles occurs. The last is the telogen phase (resting phase) which has duration of around 3 months in which the hair falls out. When there is a drop in the hormones associated with pregnancy, there is rapid entering of excessive hair from the growth phase into the telogen phase which leads to hair loss a few months after child birth.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathy is a great choice of safe and effective treatment option when it comes to treat hair fall after delivery. Homeopathic remedies work naturally to treat hair fall with zero side effects. They have given excellent clinical results in innumerable such cases. They firstly halt further progression of hair loss. Next, they help to aid hair regrowth. There is a long list of homeopathic medicines to treat hair fall after delivery. The most suitable medicine is selected as per every individual case based on symptom presentation. The potency, dose and repetition of medicine also varies from case to case. Therefore, it is advised to always consult a homeopathic physician before using any of these medicines. He/she will evaluate the case and prescribe the most suitable remedy.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Preventing Hair Loss After Delivery

There are numerous homeopathic medicines to deal with hair fall after delivery prescribed as per their characteristic features. Among these the top three recommended medicines include: Sepia, Natrum Mur and Lycopodium.

1. Sepia – Top Medicine

Sepia is a top recommended medicine for managing hair fall after delivery which has given excellent results. The scalp is usually dry in cases requiring this medicine. The roots of the hair may be sensitive to touch. There may be pimples on the forehead along the hair margins. In some cases, headache may be felt along with the above features. It is also the best choice of medicine for dealing with certain other complaints after delivery like depression occurring in some women after childbirth (postpartum depression), piles, vaginal discharge and breast inflammation (mastitis).

2. Natrum Mur – For Excessive Hair Fall Even On Touching Scalp

Natrum Mur is yet another important medicine that gives highly promising results in cases of hair fall after delivery. Females needing it may have hair fall even on touching the scalp. Hair fall mainly occurs from the front or the sides of the scalp where it is required. There may be white dandruff on the scalp. It can be attended with scalp itching. The scalp is oily or greasy to touch. Itchy eruptions along the hairline may be present. Episodes of intense headache may occur along with it. Complaint of anemia may be reported as well.

3. Lycopodium – For Hair Fall Mainly From Top Of Scalp

Lycopodium is the next prominent medicine to deal with cases of hair fall after delivery. Women needing it mainly experience hair fall from the top portion of the scalp (vertex) initially, followed by hair fall from the sides of the scalp (temporal region). Besides, the scalp may be itchy. Burning sensation on the scalp may attend. Dandruff with an offensive smell from the scalp may be present.

4. Calcarea Carb – For Hair Fall From Side Of Scalp

Another effective medicine for treating hair fall after delivery is Calcarea Carb. It is the most suitable when hair fall is occurring more from the sides. Hair fall is excessive while combing. Hair is dry in most cases. The scalp may be sensitive to touch. Sometimes yellowish white scaly dandruff may be present on the scalp. Excessive sweating on the scalp may be experienced along with the above complaints.

5. Phosphorus – For Excessive Hair Fall In Bunches

Phosphorus is highly valuable to manage cases where hair fall is excessive and the hair falls out in bunches. Hair loss mostly occurs from the front area of the scalp. Hair is usually dry with flaky dandruff on the scalp. Scalp is itchy as well. Itching worsens from scratching. It may be accompanied by burning sensation on the scalp.

6. Fluoric Acid – For Hair Loss In Spots

This medicine works well when hair loss occurs from well – defined spots on the scalp. Hair is dry and brittle leading to easy breaking off of hair. Scaly eruptions on the head and itching may be present.

7. Phosphoric Acid – For Greasy Hair Falling Out

This medicine is useful when the hair is greasy and falling out. There may be itching on the scalp. There may be premature greying of hair as well in some cases. It is also one of the best medicines when hair fall occurs from grief, sorrow or depression.

8. Silicea – With Excessive Sweating On Scalp

Silicea is very beneficial when along with hair fall there is excessive sweating on the scalp. The sweat smells foul. Coldness on the scalp may be present. The scalp may be sensitive to touch making combing difficult.

9. Carbo Veg – For Marked Hair Loss From Back Portion Of Scalp

Use of this medicine can be considered when hair fall is the most marked from the back side of the scalp (occipital area). There is excessive itching in the scalp especially towards the evening. Scalp is also very sensitive to pressure.

10. Cantharis – For Hair Fall On Combing

When hair fall is majorly occurring when combing hair, Cantharis is the best choice of medicine. Along with hair fall, scaly dandruff on the scalp may be noted. A burning sensation may be felt on the sides of the head.

11. Nitric Acid – For Hair Fall Majorly From Top Of Scalp

Nitric Acid is well indicated when hair loss is mainly occurring from the top of the scalp. Besides, there may be headache. Eruptions can also appear on the scalp with a splinter like pain or pain on touch.

12. Sulphur – For Dry, Rough Hair Falling Out

Sulphur is considered in cases where hair is dry, rough and falls easily. Washing hair worsens the complaint. Scalp itches violently in the evening. Scratching the scalp causes intense burning. Scalp is sore to touch. Itchy, painful pimples may be present on the scalp.

13. Hepar Sulph – To Manage Hair Fall With Painful Pimples On Scalp

Hepar Sulph is indicated for cases of hair fall with painful pimples on the scalp. There may be excessive sweating with foul smell on the scalp. The scalp may be sensitive to combing. There may be burning and itching on the scalp in the morning after waking up.

Treating Skin problems and Eczema in Kids with Homeopathy

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Different kinds of skin problems are quite common in kids. Some of the important ones include eczema (atopic dermatitis), diaper rash, and cradle cap. Certain viral infections can lead to skin rashes in children (like measles, chicken pox, molluscum contagiosum, HFMD – Hand, foot and mouth disease). It may also occur from fungal infections like ringworm and bacterial infections (like impetigo and scarlet fever). Other causes include scabies, urticaria (hives) and rash from an allergic reaction. Depending on the cause behind the skin infection, the signs and symptoms may include dry skin, rash or eruptions (bumps) on the skin, itching, burning, oozing fluid, scaling, skin peeling, ulcers, skin discoloration, excessive skin redness and fever.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathy offers a very safe and effective treatment for skin problems and eczema in kids. The homeopathic medicines work in the most natural way to treat these conditions with zero side effects making them very safe to use in kids. These work magnificently in healing skin rashes/eruptions and relieving any associated itching if present. The most suitable medicine is selected individually for every kid depending on the cause and signs and symptoms present. It is advised to use homeopathic medicine under supervision of a homeopathic physician.

Top Homeopathic Medicines

1. Graphites – Top Remedy

Graphites is a top recommended medicine for skin problems especially eczema in kids. It is very effective when skin is very rough and dry. Cracks on the skin may also be present. Next it is highly beneficial for skin eruptions or rash oozing sticky, gluey matter. Itching is felt on the affected skin area. It is also of great help when infection is in the skin folds, for example bends of elbow, bends of knee, neck fold, behind ears and groins. This medicine is well indicated for diaper rash in babies.

2. Sulphur – With Marked Itching

Sulphur is very useful in managing skin issues with marked itching. Skin eruptions may appear where it is required. There may be pimples or pus-filled eruptions (pustules) on the skin. The itching gets worse at night in most cases. The area of itching may keep changing from one part of the body to the other. One feels pain when skin is scratched due to itching. Bleeding may arise from scratching the affected skin.

3. Natrum Mur – For Eczema

This medicine is very useful to deal with cases of eczema. It is mainly indicated where there is watery discharge from eruptions. Eczema is most prominently present along the edges of hair. It is also well indicated to treat eruptions that occur in bends of joints, like elbow and knee. These eruptions also ooze fluid.

4. Petroleum – For Dry Skin With Cracks

Petroleum is of great help to manage cases of dry, rough skin along with cracks. Bleeding may occur from these cracks. When the skin problem gets worse in winter or cold weather then petroleum is the best choice of medicine.

5. Apis Mellifica – For Hives

It is a leading medicine for cases of hives. Bumps arise on the skin. It is accompanied with itching and stinging pain. The child needing this medicine rubs skin harshly due to itching. The skin is red and feels warm to touch. Skin may also be sensitive to touch.

6. Kali Sulph – For Cradle Cap

To manage cradle cap cases, Kali Sulph is an excellent choice of medicine. This medicine can be used when yellow scales are present on the scalp. The scales are abundant. These are sticky in nature.

7. Arsenic Album – For rash with scales

Arsenic Album is considered in cases of skin rash when covered with scales. It is used when skin becomes very rough and dry with flakes over it. There is marked itching in the rash. A child may also complain of burning.

8. Sepia – For Ringworm Infection

Sepia is the most important medicine to treat cases of ringworm. Its use is considered when ring-shaped patches appear on the skin. The different rings lie apart from each other. There is itching on these patches with an urge to scratch. A tendency to have ringworm infection may be present every year in spring season.

9. Psorinum – For Intense Itching And Scratching Leading To Bleeding

This medicine works well when there is intense itching on the skin with excessive scratching until the skin starts bleeding. Itching gets worse from warmth and at night. Eruptions may appear on the skin after scratching the skin. It is very effective for treating eczema, scabies and hives. It is a prominent medicine for managing itching occurring in the bend of elbow and back/ hollow of knee.

10. Mezereum – For Eruptions Covered With Crust And Pus Underneath

It is a suitable medicine when eruptions appear with crust over them and pus under the crust. The crusts are thick and eruptions ooze sticky gluey matter. It is accompanied with excessive itching. It gets worse from the warmth of bed.

What Are The Causes Of Skin Problems In Kids?

1. Eczema (atopic dermatitis): It is a very common skin problem occurring in kids. It causes dry, inflamed itchy rash on skin. It usually begins around the age of six months. The common location of skin rash is face, scalp, bend of elbows/knees.

2. Diaper rash: It is also a common rash occurring on the hips of a baby. Its chances are most high during the first year of the baby. It causes red rash on the buttocks that may spread to thighs and genitals. The affected area may feel warm and painful on touching. Eruptions either with or without fluid may occur on the rash.

3. Cradle cap: Scaly greasy crusty patches developing on baby’s scalp especially in the initial two months after the baby is born. The scales may be white, yellow or brown. The scalp may be red. Hair may come out in some cases. Cradle cap arises from increased oil production by oil glands on the scalp.

4. Measles: It is a viral infection caused by measles virus. Initially, symptoms like runny nose, fever, sore throat, cough are felt. After about two weeks, skin rash develops starting from the head and then spreading to other body parts.

5. Chicken pox: A viral infection caused by varicella zoster virus, it begins with headache, fever, tiredness. Afterwards skin rash appears. Eruptions occur on rash. Eruptions are fluid-filled (blisters) and in some cases contain pus.

Molluscum contagiosum

6. Molluscum contagiosum: Occurring in children of age group 1-10 yrs, it is a viral infection marked by round, small flesh-colored bumps on skin. It is caused by pox virus known as molluscum contagiosum virus.

7. HFMD (Hand, foot and mouth disease): A contagious viral infection caused by coxsackievirus A16, it usually affects children less than 5 yrs of age. It causes painful blisters in the mouth, and a rash on hands and feet.

8. Fungal infections like ringworm: In ringworm, there occur ring-shaped patches on the skin from fungal infection caused by fungus named dermatophytes. This infection is also called tinea. It is contagious, which means it spreads via direct skin contact of infected persons to non-infected ones.

9. Impetigo: It is a bacterial infection arising mainly from bacteria staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes. It mainly causes red sores on the skin commonly on the area around mouth, lips, nose. The sores get filled with fluid followed by bursting and get covered with yellow brown or honey-colored crust.

10. Scarlet fever: Causing a red rash that covers the whole body, it is a bacterial illness that may develop in some children having strep throat infection. It most commonly occurs in children between the ages of 5-15 yrs.

11. Scabies: It is a very contagious skin complaint caused by female mite sarcoptes scabiei burrowing in skin. A rash appears mainly in the area between toes or fingers, armpits, waist, soles of feet. The rash is intensely itchy.

12. Urticaria (Hives):It refers to itchy wheals (raised bumps) on skin usually caused from an allergic reaction.

Homeopathic remedies for yellow mucus in nose, throat and lungs

By Editor 3 Comments

Mucus is a normal slippery secretion produced by mucous membranes in the body. It is produced by membranes of the nose, sinuses, throat, respiratory tract and also digestive tract, urinary system, genitals, eyes and ears. Some amount of mucus produced naturally in the nose and throat is important as it functions to trap germs (like bacteria, viruses, dust, dirt) and prevents their entry into the lungs. But in case of some infection or allergy, mucus production tends to increase, it gets thick and also changes in color.

In case of infection, white blood cells are produced in excess and move to the airways to fight infection. The neutrophils present in white blood cells give the mucus yellow or green color. Yellow mucus in the nose, throat and lungs can be caused due to various reasons. Some of the main reasons include common cold, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia. The mucus (phlegm) expelled via coughing is called sputum. Depending on the cause behind yellow mucus several other symptoms can attend. These include sneezing, nasal blockage, PND (post nasal drip means dripping of mucus from back of the nose into the throat), headache, cough, difficult breathing, chest pain, fever and fatigue.

Homeopathic Treatment For Yellow Mucus

Homeopathy is of great help in managing cases of yellow mucus in the nose, throat and lungs. Homeopathic medicines work naturally in reducing mucus discharge by targeting the root cause behind it. Homeopathic medicines also manage the attending symptoms like nasal blockage, cough, sneezing, and headache quite effectively wherever present. The most suitable homeopathic medicine is selected individually for every case after detailed case analysis. Homeopathic medicines are safe and effective for persons of all age groups with zero side effects.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Relieving Yellow Mucus

1. Pulsatilla – Top Most Medicine

Pulsatilla is the leading homeopathic medicine to manage yellow discharge from nose, throat and lungs. It can be used when one is suffering from cold with thick yellow discharge from the nose. The discharge may have a fetid smell. The discharge is prominent in the morning and while a person is indoors. It gets better in the open. In the evening, blockage of the nose may be present. There may be loss of smell and taste as well in cases needing it. There may be sneezing, itching in the nose may be felt in the evening. Pulsatilla is also considered in cases of cough with thick yellow lumpy expectoration. It may have a bitter taste and gets worse in the morning.

2. Kali Bichrome – For Thick, Yellow, Sticky, Ropy Discharge

Kali Bichrome is the best medicine for cases of thick, yellow, sticky and ropy discharges. It is very effective for treating cold and sinusitis with this type of nasal discharge. Along with this, pressure or pain at the root of the nose is well marked. Nasal blockage can attend with difficulty breathing through the nose. An offensive smell may be felt in the nose from retained nasal secretions. Excessive sneezing in the morning can occur. This medicine is also most prominent to deal with yellow ropy post-nasal discharge. This medicine is the next best medicine for cough with yellow and sticky mucus expectoration. It comes out in long strings like a thread.

3. Hepar Sulph – For Rattling Cough With Yellow Expectoration

This medicine is helpful when there is rattling cough with yellow expectoration. The sputum expectorated is thick, yellow and sticky. It smells bad. Cough gets worse from exposure to cold air. There is wheezing in the chest. Hepar Sulph Next also benefits in cases of yellow nasal discharge. Yellow sticky discharge comes out from one nostril. There is blockage of nose when a person is out in cold air along with sneezing. Pain at the root of the nose is quite prominent. Heat and burning in the nose may also be felt.

4. Hydrastis – For thick yellow discharges

Hydrastis is recommended for cases of thick yellow discharges. The discharge occurs from nose and is sticky in nature. Burning and smarting in the nose is felt. Sneezing also occurs along with pressure above the eyes. Nose feels stuffed up. Pain may be felt in the front of the head. It is also an important medicine for thick yellow post-nasal discharge. Hydrastis also works well for loose cough with thick, yellow expectoration.

5. Calcarea Carb – For Yellow Discharge With Nasal Blockage

It is a suitable medicine for yellow nasal discharge with nasal blockage. There is great difficulty in breathing through the nose. Blockage gets worse at night time. There is alteration between yellow nasal discharge and nasal dryness. There is loss of smell. The root of the nose may be swollen. There is a tendency to catch cold whenever there is change of weather. Besides, it is also useful in case of thick yellow expectoration which is sour in taste and stinks badly. The expectoration occurs during the day only.

6. Silicea – For Thick, Yellow Offensive Mucus Discharge

It is a highly important medicine for managing cases of thick, yellow offensive mucus discharge. The discharge is mostly prominent in the morning. In cases needing it, sinusitis may be present with mainly frontal sinus involvement. In the morning, there is sneezing with drawing pain at the root of the nose. Nasal blockage may be present. Silicea is well indicated for excessive cough with thick, yellow expectoration especially while lying down. Silicea is also given in cases of hawking of yellow offensive mucus from the throat in the form of balls.

7. Lycopodium – For Thick, Yellow Discharge

This medicine is highly valuable for thick yellow discharge. In cases requiring it, along with discharge there is swelling of the nose. Besides, pain in the forehead is quite marked along with blockage of nose. It is significant medicine for cases of cough with thick, yellowish green expectoration. It has a salty taste. It also has a very offensive smell. The mucus may be blood streaked in some cases.

8. Calcarea Sulph – For Yellow Pus Like Discharge Tinged With Blood

This medicine is frequently indicated for managing yellow pus like discharge tinged with blood. The discharge occurs from the nose and may be one from one side of the nose only. Sneezing may attend it. Such discharge may also occur as post nasal discharge (PND). It is also indicated for thick lumpy yellow expectoration streaked with blood.

9. Kali Sulph – For Yellow Sticky Discharge

For yellow sticky discharges, this medicine can be used. It may alternate with watery discharge. Nose feels obstructed. Kali Sulph is also considered when there is cough with difficult expectoration of yellow mucus.

What causes yellow mucus?

1. Common cold: It is a viral infection of the nose and throat. It can arise from various viruses among which the most common is rhinoviruses. It causes nasal discharge and other symptoms including sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat, PND and cough. Additionally, headache, fatigue, body aches and fever can also occur.

2. Sinusitis: It refers to inflammation of paranasal sinuses i.e. air-filled cavities inside the skull bone. It causes nasal discharge, PND, headache, pain in head or face, stuffy nose, and ear fullness.

3. Bronchitis: It refers to inflamed bronchial tubes that carry air to and from lungs. It leads to cough with mucus production, breathing difficulty, fever, chest pain, wheezing from chest and weakness.

4. Pneumonia: Inflammation of air sacs of lungs from an infection is termed as pneumonia. It causes productive cough (means along with mucus production), chest pain on taking deep breath, shortness of breath, fever and chills.

5. Tuberculosis: It is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria mycobacterium tuberculosis. The symptoms include cough with phlegm, fever, night sweats, breathing difficulty, chest pain, appetite loss, weight loss and fatigue.

6. Bronchiectasis: It is one of the types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in which there occurs damage and widening of the bronchi. Symptoms include cough with excessive amount of offensive expectoration, chest pain, wheezing, weight loss and fatigue.

Blocked Nose troubling you at Night? Simple Homeopathic remedies will bring relief

By Editor 7 Comments

Blocked nose at night can be quite uncomfortable and disturb a good night’s sleep. It can be caused by different reasons like flu, cold, allergies, polyps, etc. It is not that these conditions do not block the nose during the day, but while we lie down on the bed at night, the blockage of nose can worsen due to some reasons. Firstly, on lying down blood flow to the head increases which can lead to swollen blood vessels in nostrils that worsens stuffy nose. Secondly, lying flat on the bed at night in a person already having a stuffy nose might worsen the complaint. In the day, when standing or sitting, the mucus keeps draining out from natural gravity pull.

But when lying flat in bed the body has to work against gravity and it becomes difficult for the sinus fluids to drain from nose. As a result fluid builds up in the nose that increases stuffiness. Another reason for blocked nose can be dry air in the room at night. To combat the dryness, nostrils may produce extra mucus to moisten nostrils which further add to the blockage. Blocked nose can be attended with symptoms like sneezing, nasal discharge, nasal irritation, post nasal discharge (PND), snoring, headache, sleep apnea (a sleep disorder in which momentary pauses in breathing occurs several times during sleep) depending on the cause behind it.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can be of great help to relieve blocked nose at night. Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that help in clearing stuffy nose by treating the root cause behind it. Once the root cause is targeted, long term relief in blocked nose follows. The most suitable medicine is selected after taking into consideration the individual symptoms and the cause behind the blockage.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Blocked Nose At Night

1. Ammonium Carb – Top Grade Medicine

It is one of the best medicines for managing nasal blockage at night. It is very suitable for those who have to breathe through the mouth due to blocked nose at night. They may wake up several times from sleep due to nasal stuffiness and difficult breathing. Other symptoms that they may exhibit include profuse watery discharge from nose and a constant urge to sneeze. A very characteristic feature that can occur is nasal bleeding when washing face and hands in the morning.

2. Lemna Minor – With Nasal Polyps Or Turbinate Hypertrophy

Turbinate Hypertrophy

It is a highly recommended medicine for blocked nose from nasal polyps or turbinate hypertrophy. In cases needing it, nostrils feel stuffed causing difficulty in breathing through the nose. A foul smell from nose may emanate. There may also occur nasal discharge which is thick, yellow or white and sticky in nature.

3. Teucrium – From Nasal Polyps

This medicine is suitable to relieve blocked nose from polyps. In cases needing it, the side on which the sufferer lies down gets blocked means lying on right side causes blockage of right nostril and lying on left side results in blockage of left nostril. There may be loss of smell. Lastly, crawling sensation in the nostrils along with sneezing, nasal discharge and watering from eyes may be present.

4. Sambucus – Blocked Nose In Children

Sambucus is the top-listed medicine to help cases of blocked nose in children. It works well both in cases of blockage due to nasal dryness as well as blockage from nasal discharge. In case of discharge from nose, the secretions are mostly thick and sticky. Children needing it have trouble breathing through the nose. They wake up several times at night from a feeling of suffocation.

5. Calcarea carb – For Stuffed Nose With Yellow Discharge

This medicine is beneficial when nasal stuffiness occurs along with yellow nasal discharge. The person needing it can hardly breathe through the nose at night. Besides, there is an offensive smell in the nose. A tendency to suffer from frequent cold from exposure to cold air may be present in those needing it.

6. Hepar Sulph – Stuffy Nose In Case Of Cold

This medicine is very effective to relieve stuffy nose from cold. Those needing it have watery nasal discharge or sometimes yellow sticky matter discharge from nose. In some cases, the nasal discharge may be blood stained. There is a desire to blow the nose continuously. Itching is felt in the nostrils along with sneezing. The nostrils feel painful with marked pain at the root of the nose. Burning sensation is felt in the nose. The nose is also sensitive to touch and also cold air.

7. Natrum Mur – In Case Of Allergies

This medicine can be used in case of blocked nose linked with nasal allergies. In cases needing it, nasal blockage and fluent nasal discharge occur alternately. The discharge is of clear white fluid. There is excessive sneezing, besides soreness inside the nose along with burning sensation. There may be loss of smell and taste.

8. Kali Bichrome – In Sinusitis Cases

This medicine works well in case of nasal blockage linked to sinusitis. Persons needing it have a constant sensation as if the nose is blocked. There is thick, sticky, ropy yellow or greenish discharge from nose. Mucus plugs or hard crusts in the nostrils may get formed in the nose. When these crusts are blown out by force, blood is seen at the edges of crusts. Post nasal discharge also occurs prominently. A pressure or tightness is felt at the root of the nose. A fetid smell is present in the nose. Pain in forehead is quite marked along with above symptoms.

9. Sticta – With Nasal Dryness

Sticta is well indicated when there is marked nasal dryness with blocked nose. Persons needing it feels like blowing the nose constantly but no discharge flows. The stuffed nose causes sleeplessness. There is relief in nasal blockage in the morning and in open air. The nostrils are painful along with dryness. The nasal secretions dry up quickly and form scabs which are difficult to expel. There is excessive sneezing, and frontal headache along with stuffiness in the nose.

10. Agraphis Nutans – From Enlarged Adenoids

It is the most prominent medicine to help cases of nasal blockage due to enlarged adenoids. In cases needing it, there is difficulty in sleeping from blocked nose. Tonsils may get enlarged. There is a tendency to catch cold easily from exposure to cold winds.

11. Lycopodium – For Blocked Nose With Mouth Breathing

This medicine is valuable to manage cases in which nasal blockage is accompanied with mouth breathing. It is highly useful for nasal blockage in children. The child needing it wakes up suddenly from sleep rubbing the nose. There may occur nasal discharge, along with red, watery eyes. The nasal discharge is thick yellow along with frontal headache.

12. Nux Vomica – For Blocked Nose At Night And Nasal Discharge In Daytime

This medicine is suitable when the nose is blocked at night but in daytime, nasal discharge flows. There is blockage of the nose on alternate sides. A crawling sensation is felt in the nose, besides sneezing. There is oversensitivity to smell. Snoring along with nasal blockage is also there.

What Are The Causes Of Blocked Nose At Night?

1. Cold, flu: It is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, sinuses, larynx)

2. Nasal polyps: These are soft non-cancerous growths arising from the mucous membrane of the nose or paranasal sinuses.

3. Turbinate hypertrophy: Swelling or enlargement of small sausage shaped structures (made up of bone and covered with soft tissue called mucosa) located within the nose.

4. Deviated nasal septum (DNS): Condition where thin wall separating right and left nasal passage is displaced to one side.

5. Enlarged adenoids: Enlargement of lymphoid tissue present at the back of nose (nasopharynx).

6. Sinusitis: Inflammation of any of the paranasal sinuses i.e. air-filled cavities in skull bone.

7. Nasal allergy/Allergic Rhinitis: It refers to an allergic reaction to allergens like dust, pollen resulting in nasal inflammation causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy/watery eyes.

8. Dryness of nose (rhinitis sicca)

Is mucus in your chest troubling you? Try out these Homeopathic remedies

By Editor 1 Comment

Mucus is normally made in our body daily in certain amounts. Mucus produced by the respiratory system is called phlegm/sputum that keeps the respiratory tract moist and functions to save us from bacterial and viral infections by trapping infectious agents (like virus, bacteria). In case excessive mucus is produced in lungs, it causes chest congestion that could be indicative of a medical issue which needs to be addressed and treated. Some of the reasons for excessive mucus in the chest are bacterial and viral infections, common cold, flu, asthma, acid reflux, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), allergies, smoking and cystic fibrosis. It can be attended with cough (wet productive cough) and expectoration (spitting out mucus) produced in the respiratory tract. The color of the mucus varies from case to case depending on the cause behind it —breathing difficulty, wheezing, chest congestion, chest pain, fever, stuffy nose, sneezing, fatigue, body aches.

The phlegm expectorated may also vary in colour. Mostly clear phlegm indicates allergies, yellow or green mucus indicates a viral or bacterial infection and red mucus may arise from bronchitis, pneumonia, lung cancer.

Homeopathic medicines are highly effective to help clear mucus from the chest. These medicines act as natural expectorants which help to thin out and loosen the mucus from the chest making it easier to be coughed out. The homeopathic medicine for mucus in chest is selected individually for every case depending on case presentation.

Homeopathic Medicines For Mucus In Chest

1. Antimonium Tart – Top Grade Medicine

Antimonium Tart is the leading medicine to deal with cases of mucus in the chest. The key indication to use it is cough with excessive rattling of mucus in chest. Rattling gets worse when lying down and better when sitting in an upright position. There appears to be large accumulation of phlegm in chest. Cough occurs day and night but no or very little sputa gets expectorated. A suffocative sensation occurs with cough. Here, use of this medicine aids expulsion of thick and yellow phlegm from the airways. In cases needing it, cough may be attended with belching and even vomiting of watery slimy matter. Along with cough, pain in the chest of dull nature may accompany. Headache may be felt along with excessive exhaustion with cough. It is a great medicine for bronchitis cases.

2. Arsenic Album – With Wheezing Or Whistling From Chest

This medicine is very suitable when wheezing or whistling sounds occur from chest along with mucus in chest. There occurs cough and expectoration of frothy mucus or sometimes thick yellow, green or grey mucus. Cough is preceded by anxiety and restlessness. Cough mainly occurs after eating or drinking. It gets worse at night more specifically after midnight forcing the sufferer to sit as soon as the cough starts. Cough is attended with soreness in chest and breathing difficulty. A weight is felt in the upper part of the lungs. Chest feels constricted. A burning sensation may also be felt in the chest. Arsenic Album is very effective for cases of asthma and bronchitis.

3. Ipecac – When Cough With Vomiting Attends

Ipecac is an ideal medicine for mucus in chest when there occur cough with vomiting episodes. A fit of cough from tickling in the larynx occurs followed by vomiting. Vomiting may contain white mucus or food. At times in the morning, expectoration of mucus and blood or ropy mucus might occur. A rattling noise is heard in the chest while breathing. Difficulty in breathing may arise from the least exercise. Episodes of suffocation arise and one feels better in open air. There is constriction in throat and chest with wheezing noise.

4. Hepar Sulph – For Pus-Like Mucus In Chest

Hepar Sulph is a well-indicated medicine when pus-like mucus is expectorated. It is a most prominent medicine for cough and mucus arising from exposure to cold air. Expectoration occurs only in the morning time of pus-like mucus that tastes sour or sweet. It has foul smell. There is difficulty in breathing which prevents sleep at night and the sufferer has to get up for relief. Also, one feels relief during the day. While coughing, burning is felt in the throat and chest. Fever may occur along with chills.

5. Pulsatilla – When There Is Yellow Or Green Mucus

It is a great choice of medicine when yellow or green-colored mucus is expectorated. This medicine speeds up drainage of mucus and affects speedy recovery. In the morning, there is loose cough while in the evening and night, the cough is dry. Shortness of breath may attend. Complaints are worse in a warm room. A desire for fresh air in the open is marked which relieves complaints.

6. Kali Bichrome – For Stringy (Thread-Like), Sticky Mucus

Kali Bichrome is one of the best medicines for stringy, sticky mucus in the chest. In such cases, Kali Bichrome loosens the yellow-colored mucus making it easier to cough it out. In cases needing it, there is coughing which gets better by expectoration. Wheezing is noted at night.

7. Phosphorus – For Blood-Stained Mucus

Phosphorus is an excellent medicine for blood-stained mucus. In cases requiring it, cough arises from tickling in the throat. Talking and cold air worsens it. Cough may also be triggered by strong odors. There is breathing trouble arising from even the slightest motion.

8. Silicea – For Thick, Yellow Lumpy Mucus

Silicea acts as a great expectorant for cases where thick yellow lumpy mucus is present. It has a foul smell. Silicea makes the mucus thin and easier to cough out. In cases needing it, loose cough occurs day and night. Cough worsens on lying down. Shortness of breath occurs on running, coughing and lying on the back.

9. Causticum – When Mucus From Airways Rises Up But Slips Down Again

This medicine is of immense use to increase expulsive power of airways to get rid of mucus. In cases needing it, the mucus from airways comes up to the throat and then slips back and swallowed. The cough is worse in the morning and at night. It gets better by drinking cold water.

10. Natrum Sulph – For Thick, Ropy, Greenish Pus Like Phlegm

This medicine is indicated for cases having thick, ropy, greenish pus-like phlegm. Cough is attended with soreness in chest. It is loose, arising from tickling in the throat. Pressure is felt in the chest like a heavy weight pressing against the chest. Stitching pain is felt on the left side of the chest which gets worse while breathing.

Causes of Mucus in Chest

1. Infections

Viral or bacterial infection can lead to mucus in the chest. Infections such as cold, flu could be the main reasons. It arises when infection from the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, sinuses) reaches lower respiratory tract (bronchial tubes, lungs). COVID -19 though does not lead to mucus in the chest but can cause pneumonia that causes chest congestion.

2. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

It refers to a group of lung diseases, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that make breathing difficult for a person. Inflammation of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs is called bronchitis. It can lead to excessive mucus production in the chest. In emphysema, air sacs in lungs are damaged causing shortness of breath

3. Pneumonia

Infection that causes inflammation of air sacs of lungs.

4. Asthma

A respiratory condition resulting from narrowing of airways and its swelling and excessive production of mucus giving rise to breathing difficulty, cough and wheezing from chest.

5. Allergies

Allergies can cause a range of symptoms from sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes to cough, chest mucus and chest tightness. Some common allergens include dust mites and pollen that can trigger the symptoms.

6. Acid reflux

It refers to the back flow of stomach acid into the food pipe and throat. It may cause irritation of the throat, cough, and chest congestion.

7. Smoking

8. Cystic fibrosis

It is an inherited condition that leads to thick mucus production mainly in lungs and but may affect other organs as well like pancreas, kidneys, liver and intestine.

Anosmia – Natural Homeopathic Medicines for Loss of Smell

By Editor 101 Comments

Anosmia is a condition in which a person loses his/her sense of smell. Smell is one of the five senses a human being possesses. The odor molecules in the air surrounding us enter our nostrils, and are detected by the olfactory receptors. These receptors send a signal to the brain center via a nerve where the smell is identified, this is how we identify different smells and odors.

Loss of smell makes a person unable to perceive pleasant odors (like fragrances) and also sense danger situations that can be detected by smell (like gas leakage or smoke). Our sense of smell also plays a significant role in how food tastes, and so anosmia can also lead to a loss of taste (ageusia) and lack of interest in eating.

A person may suffer from partial or total loss of smell (conditions known as hyposmia and anosmia respectively). Loss of smell can be present since birth, in such a case a child is born without any sense of smell. Anosmia may be temporary or permanent depending upon the cause behind it.

Homeopathic Treatment Of Anosmia

Homeopathy offers natural and effective treatment for anosmia. These medicines are suitable to treat anosmia in people of all age groups. Since these medicines are made of natural substances, they treat the condition in a safe, effective manner. They treat the root cause of anosmia to bring about excellent recovery.

Homeopathic Medicines for Anosmia

The top indicated homeopathic medicines for anosmia include Natrum Mur, Silicea, Pulsatilla, Calcarea carb, Kali Bichromicum and Lemna Minor.

1. Natrum Mur – For Anosmia With Nasal Allergies

Natrum Mur is an effective homeopathic medicine for anosmia where there are nasal allergies present. The guiding features to use Natrum Mur include loss of smell along with other nasal discharges and dryness in nostrils. In a few cases, nasal discharges (that look like egg white) may be present. Other features include nose blockage that makes breathing difficult, and violent sneezing (especially during the morning). A very specific squirming sensation of a worm crawling in nostrils may be present with the symptoms mentioned.

2. Silicea – For Anosmia Linked With Chronic Cold

Silicea is a well-indicated homeopathic remedy for anosmia where the person suffers from chronic cold. The people needing Silicea have a history of yellowish, chronic, offensive, fetid nasal discharges prior loss of smell. For using Silicea, the symptoms that may be present along with a loss of smell include a burning sensation in nostrils, dryness in nostrils and the presence of hard crusts in the nostrils. In some cases, soreness and itching in the nostrils may also be present.

3. Pulsatilla – For Loss Of Smell With Loss Of Taste

Pulsatilla is an effective medicine for anosmia attended with loss of taste. In some cases, the person may experience loss of appetite. Other attending features include thick greenish nasal discharges and sneezing, especially during sleep. The symptoms tend to worsen indoors and are better in the open air. In some cases, itching in nostrils during the evening time may also be present. Stoppage of the nose in the evening while going to bed is another symptom that may be noted.

4. Calcarea Carb – For Anosmia And Nasal Blockage

This medicine offers great help when there is loss of smell and nasal blockage. Nasal blockage makes breathing through nose difficult especially at night. There may also occur nasal dryness while in some cases yellow colored nasal discharge flows. It also offers best help when loss of smell is linked with nasal polyps.

5. Kali Bichromicum – For Anosmia with Sinusitis

Kali Bichromicum is a natural homeopathic medicine for anosmia that is linked with sinusitis. The main symptoms that indicate the need for Kali Bichromicum include constant stuffiness in the nose, stringy/sticky nasal discharge and fullness at the root of the nose. A sinus headache also appears along with nasal symptoms. Other accompanying symptoms include a tickling sensation in the nostrils and postnasal discharge of mucus.

6.Lemna Minor – Homeopathic Cure for Anosmia with Nasal Polyps

Lemna Minor is an important homeopathic medicine for anosmia in cases of nasal polyps. The person requiring this remedy experience loss of smell, obstruction in nostrils, and frequent sneezing attacks. The other symptoms include a thick, viscid or excessive purulent (pus-like) discharge from the nose. The nasal symptoms tend to get worse in damp surroundings and rainy weather.

7. Hepar Sulph – For Loss Of Smell Associated With Cold Or Sinus Infection

This medicine can be used when there is loss of smell along with cold or sinus infection. A characteristic symptom present is sneezing and nasal blockage when inhaling cold air. Discharge occurs from the nose which is thick and sometimes blood stained. At times there occur dripping of mucus from back of nose into throat. The mucus is often blood stained. Pain in bony part of nose may also be felt.

8. Phosphorus – For Loss Of Smell And Alternate Nasal Discharge And Blockage

This medicine is useful when a person complains of loss of smell and an alteration between nasal discharge and blockage. It can be attended with frequent sneezing. Sometimes there is painful dryness in the nose. The nasal discharge may dry into a crust form and stick to the nostrils. The nose may be sore to touch.

Symptoms Attending Anosmia

Depending on the cause behind anosmia, a person shows symptoms like nasal discharge, post nasal drip, sneezing and nasal blockage.

Persons having anosmia may also have loss of taste

Complete loss of smell may make it difficult to sense a dangerous circumstance and take measures to stop it, for example if there is gas leakage from cylinder or fire, a person suffering from anosmia may be unable to sense it and seek help.

Sometimes loss of smell may lead to depression.

Causes Of Anosmia

The reasons behind anosmia are variable. Anosmia may arise due to swelling in the nose, blockage in the nose that hinders odors reaching the top of nose or due to damage to brain /olfactory nerve (that sends signal of smell from nose to brain) /olfactory receptors. However, in approximately 20 per cent of the cases, anosmia has no cause (a condition known as idiopathic anosmia). The causes of anosmia are summed below:

Causes related to nasal irritation or congestion:

1. Sinusitis (acute or chronic) –Inflammation of the lining of paranasal sinuses.

2. Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) – Nasal allergy where inhalation of allergens like dust mites, pollen leads to symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itching in nose or eyes, watering from nose.

3. Common cold – viral infection of upper respiratory tract

4. Influenza – viral infection of respiratory tract caused by influenza virus

5. Non – allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis – In this condition, symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis appear, but without any known cause.

6. COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) – An infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus

Causes related to blockage / obstruction of nasal passage:

1. Nasal polyps – soft, non-cancerous growths in lining of nasal passage or paranasal sinuses.

2. Tumours in nose

3. DNS (deviated nasal septum) – displacement of thin wall separating right and left nasal passage to one side.

Causes related to damage to brain or nerve

1. Ageing

2. Parkinson’s Disease – A nervous system disorder characterized by hand tremors, slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, impaired posture and balance

3. Alzheimer’s Ddisease – A neurological disorder that leads to decline in memory, forgetfulness and problems with thinking, reasoning and communication

4. Brain tumours

5. Multiple sclerosis – A disease in which there occurs damage to myelin sheath of nerve cells which impairs communication between brain and the rest of the body parts

6. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), diabetes, head/brain injury, epilepsy (tendency to get fits)

7. Chemical exposure that causes burns inside nose, certain medicines (like antibiotics, antihistamines)
8. Zinc deficiency, poor nutrition

9. Smoking, alcohol misuse

10. In some cases a baby is born with anosmia, then condition is called congenital anosmia.

Anosmia linked with COVID-19

Loss of smell is one of the prominent symptoms of COVID-19 but the mechanism behind it is unknown. It is also one of the earliest and most common symptoms reported in COVID-19. This symptom is more prominent predictive factor for COVID-19. Researches are still trying to find the underlying mechanism behind it. Certain research has found that COVID-19 does not cause permanent anosmia.

Diagnosis

A doctor can diagnose anosmia based on symptoms provided by patient and examining the nose.

Depending on the case details the doctor may recommend some tests:

1. CT scan of brain or MRI of brain

2. X-ray of skull

3. Nasal endoscopy to view inside of nose.

5 Natural Homeopathic Medicines for Bell’s Palsy

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Bell’s Palsy refers to facial paralysis (loss of muscle function) affecting one side of the face and the onset is sudden. The cause in most such cases is not found. The cause is presumed to be inflammation of the facial nerve or reactivation of a previously acquired viral infection. The viral infection behind the cause is herpes simplex viral infection. The triggers which reactivate the latent viral infection include environmental changes like cold air exposure, trauma, and emotional factors. Homeopathic remedies for Bell’s Palsy are made of natural substances and with no side effects, provide a very effective treatment against the disease.

Homeopathic Treatment For Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s Palsy can be effectively treated with natural homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic treatment for Bell’s Palsy can help in complete recovery without any side effects. The results, however, vary from person to person depending on how chronic the problem is, and the degree of facial damage.

Top Natural Homeopathic Remedies For Bell’s Palsy

The top recommended homeopathic medicines to treat Bell’s palsy are Causticum, Belladonna, Aconite, and Hypericum.

1. Causticum

Causticum is the top recommended medicine to treat cases of Bell’s Palsy. This medicine is usually the first choice to treat cases of Bell’s Palsy. Though it can be used for paralysis of any side, it is more prominently indicated for facial paralysis of the right side. Those who need it have loose muscle function of the face on the side from forehead to chin. Pain in the jaws may also be present. The pain can be tense or drawing in nature. It is accompanied by difficulty in opening one’s mouth.

2.Belladonna

This is another natural medicine of great help in Bell’s palsy cases. Its use is suggested when the muscle of the face fails to function on one side. There may be numbness on the face. Additionally, twitching of facial muscles can be present. In most cases, the face goes red, flushes, and may as well witness a burning sensation. Besides, increased sensitivity to noises may be present.

3. Aconite

Aconite is used when there is a complaint of numbness or tingling sensation on the face on the affected side. The face also feels cold on the affected side. Apart from this, drawing pain in jaws can be felt. It is used in acute conditions in the very beginning when facial paralysis follows from sudden cold air exposure.

4. Hypericum

To deal with facial paralysis because of an injury to a nerve, the best homeopathic medicine is Hypericum. It can be of great help in the complete recovery of the patient with facial paralysis following injury. Tingling, numbness, or burning sensation on the affected side of the face may be experienced in addition to other symptoms of bell’s palsy. Hypericum is the top natural Homeopathic remedy for nerve injuries, and it always proves its worth by bringing positive results.

5. Ignatia

Ignatia is a very frequently used natural Homeopathic medicine for a variety of conditions arising out of grief. It is a very beneficial medicine in cases of Bell’s Palsy particularly triggered by grief too. Those who need this medicine carry symptoms of Bell’s Palsy and may also complain of frequent tooth bites while talking or swallowing. He or she may also have a mouth filled with excessive saliva. Other symptoms of grief like weeping, brooding and sadness are also present.

6. Agaricus

Agaricus is helpful when there is a dropping in the mouth corner due to facial paralysis. It is accompanied by drooling of the saliva. Twitching of the facial muscles may also be present. Tearing pain in the jaw may assist these symptoms.

7. Cadmium Sulph

It is administered when the patient has a distorted face. The swallowing of food becomes difficult. He or she also has difficulty speaking properly. And there is also an inability to close the eye on the affected side.

8. Homeopathic Medicines As Per The Side Of The Face Affected By Bell’s Palsy

The naturally efficient homeopathic medicines for Bell’s Palsy on the right side of the face are Belladonna, Causticum, and Kali Phos. For treating Bell’s Palsy on the left side, the efficient natural homeopathic medicines are Alumina, Cadmium Sulph, and Sulphur. To select the suitable medicines out of these, a proper case investigation needs to be carried out. Homeopathic remedies cannot be selected solely as per the side of the face affected by facial paralysis. The side of the face involved only forms a part of the totality of other symptoms narrated by the patient. So, the side of the face involved should be considered among other symptoms but not the only pointer to select this homeopathic remedy.

Symptoms Of Bell’s Palsy

In the majority of cases, the paralysis is unilateral. It means the disease occurs on one side of the face. In just one per cent of cases, it can involve both sides of the face. The onset of Bell’s Palsy is always sudden. The symptom intensity varies from case to case — from the slight weakness of the facial muscles to the entire paralysis (loss of muscle function). The signs and symptoms include:

1. Weakness or numbness of the face on one side

2. Drooping of face to one side

3. Drooling of saliva or drying of the mouth

4. Lachrymation (watering from eyes) or dryness of eyes due to inability to close eye on the affected side

5. Loss of facial expressions like frowning, and smiling

6. Pain about the jaw and behind the ear, sensitive hearing, inability to have a taste for food

7. Other symptoms include difficulty in eating and speech, headache, eye irritation on the affected side, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), tingling in the face, and twitching of facial muscles

What Is The Recovery Time In Bell’s Palsy Cases?

The symptoms of Bell’s Palsy in most cases begin to get better within a few weeks (approx. 3 weeks). In the majority of the cases (about 80 per cent) of them, full recovery with complete resolution of the symptoms takes place in three months to 9 months time period. Though, in minor cases, complete recovery may take somewhat longer. In rare cases, the symptoms may be permanent. There are very few chances of recurrent Bell’s Palsy.

Causes Behind Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s Palsy results from compression, swelling/inflammation of the facial nerve (the seventh cranial nerve). This nerve goes through a narrow passage within the skull. Its swelling leads to its compression by the nearby hard surface in the skull and affects the nerve functioning as well.

When this nerve gets inflamed, the nerve cells get deprived of blood and oxygen resulting in the weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. The reason behind the nerve damage has not been determined yet, it is widely believed that a viral infection sets off this damage.

There are various infections (viral and bacterial) associated with Bell’s Palsy. It mainly includes herpes simplex virus 1 which causes cold sores. Other viruses include Epstein – Barr virus, herpes zoster virus, HIV, cytomegalovirus, mumps virus, rubella virus, influenza B virus, coxsackie virus, and Lyme disease. Some factors linked with the reactivation of latent viral infection in the body and which may provoke Bell’s Palsy include stress, physical trauma, loss of sleep, some recent illnesses, and auto-immune health disease.

Risk Factors

Though anyone can suffer from Bell’s Palsy, those with the following symptoms are in a bigger risk zone:

1. Having diabetes or high blood pressure

2. Obesity

3. URTI (upper respiratory tract infection) like cold, flu

4. Pregnancy mainly in the third trimester (last three months of pregnancy), and the first week after giving birth to the child.

5. Family history of Bell’s Palsy (especially when there may occur recurrent episodes of Bell’s Palsy)

6. Have an autoimmune disease (in such diseases the infection-fighting cells start to damage the body’s own healthy tissues out of a misdirected response)

7. Cold sores

Complications

Mild cases of Bell’s Palsy are self-resolvable. In severe cases, complications may arise:

1.Permanent facial nerve damage that controls muscles of the face

2. Ulcers in the eye even blindness due to the drying of the cornea. Also, scratching the eye in the affected area. Blindness can be partial or complete.

3. Synkinesis – a condition in which one part of the face can be moved willingly, and there occurs simultaneous involuntary movement of another part of the face like the closing of the eye especially when one smiles. Synkinesis occurs when during the healing process/regrowth of nerve fibers, controlling the muscles of one part of the face also regrow on another part of the face.

Diagnosis

There is no lab test to diagnose Bell’s Palsy. It is diagnosed based on the physical examination of the face, and observing the muscle movement of the face when the eye is closed, or when one is asked to frown, or asked to show teeth or any form of a grimace. There are some medical conditions that can cause weakness or paralysis of facial muscles like stroke, tumours, lyme disease. If the cause is not clear, then the physician may advise some tests. These include

1. MRI and CT scan to rule out causes like skull fracture, and tumour

2. Electromyography: This test is to rule out the severity of nerve damage