Top 10 Homeopathic Remedies for Eye Problems!

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Eyes are the doorway to one’s soul! Eyes reflect mind, eyes reflect psyche, and eyes reflect HEALTH! No wonder homeopathy that caters effectively the ‘mind’ of an individual has lot to offer in problems of eyes. Eye is certainly one of the most delicate organs of the body and therefore, caring for eyes has to be done by an expert homeopath. A homeopath might want to consult an ophthalmologist to rule out certain critical eye problems before proceeding for the treatment. But here one should remember that while treating homeopathically, we should not give much importance to the diagnostic name of the eye problem but its signs and symptoms that point us to the accurate remedy.

There are hoards of homeopathic remedies useful in the treatment of various eye problems. However, one must remember that for constitutional eye problems like cataract, glaucoma, recurrent blepharitis or conjunctivitis, corneal opacities, and/or recurrent styes, one must go for constitutional prescribing after carefully considering the physical, mental, and emotional characteristic of the individual; then only it is possible to impart perfect cure! But one must be acquainted with certain remedies that specifically render beautiful results in varied eye problems so that they can be used for acute prescribing as well.

Here is the list of top 10 homeopathic remedies for eye problems—

(1) Euphrasia-

-         Acute catarrhal conjunctivitis

-         Eyes water all the time with inclination to blink frequently

-         Acrid burning eye discharge that corrodes the margins of the lids

-         Corneal opacities with thick discharges that burn

-         Blistery cornea

-         One of the great remedies for rheumatic iritis that may be associated with partial ptosis

-         Almost always associated with bland and watery coryza

-         Swelling of the lids with burning, which feels better when in open air

-         Worse in the evening, indoors, light, warmth

-         Better open air, coffee, dark

-         Must be compared with Allium cepa while dealing with allergic rhinitis associated with conjunctivitis. In Allium cepa, eye discharges are bland and coryza is acrid.

(2) Ambrosia-

-         Allergic eye problems

-         Intolerable itching of lids

-         Smarting and burning in eyes with watery coryza and nosebleed

-         Wheezy cough almost always present with eye problems

-         Compare with Sabadilla, Arundo

(3) Ruta-

-         Eye-strain headaches

-         Red hot eyes with pain in eyes

-         Especially associated with sewing or reading fine print

-         Accommodation of vision disturbed

-         Weariness in eyes with headache

-         Excessive lassitude associated with eye troubles

-         Bruised, pressure feeling over the eyes

-         Compare with Natrum mur, Argentum nitricum

(4) Pulsatilla-

-         Pulsatilla is one of the most invaluable homeopathic medicines for eye troubles.

-         Bland thick greenish eye discharges call for it

-         Associated with itching and burning sensation

-         Recurrent styes invariably need a dose of Pulsatilla during the course

-         Inflamed agglutinated eye-lids

-         Sub-acute eye complaints in venous constitutions

-         Sub-acute conjunctivitis associated with dyspepsia

-         Veins of fundus oculi enlarged

-         All complaints are worse in warm room and better when in open air

(5) Spigelia-

-         Neuralgic eye pains

-         Pressing pains in eyes on turning them

-         Extreme photophobia

-         Rheumatic ophthalmia

-         Pains in and around eyes feel as if extending deep into the socket

-         Eyes feel too large

-         Very sensitive to touch

-         Worse from touch, jar, noise

-         Better by lying with head high

(6) Apis mellifica-

-         Swollen, edematous lids that burn and itch

-         Bright red puffy conjunctiva

-         Prevents recurrence of styes

-         Pain around orbits with serous exudates

-         Swelling below the lower lid (upper lid- Kali carb)

-         May be associated with urinary problem

-         Worse heat, touch, pressure, right side

-         Better cold washing, open air

(7) Merc sol-

-         Syphilitic eye troubles

-         Thick, red, swollen lids

-         Profuse burning acrid eye discharges

-         Floaters

-         Eye trouble that starts after exposure to the glare of fire etc

-         Iritis with thick corroding discharges

-         Extremely offensive eye discharges

-         Boils in and around eyes with yellow fetid pus

-         Worse at night, wet damp weather, warmth

(8) Silica-

-         Day-light produces sharp pains through the eyes

-         Tenderness of eyes worse when closed or pressured

-         Suppuration in the anterior chamber of the eye, iritis

-         Confused sort of vision where letter run together while reading

-         Lachrymal duct affections

-         Has potential to clear corneal opacities when homeopathically indicated

-         Cataract in office workers

-         Worse new moon, cold

-         Better warmth

(9) Hepar sulph-

-         Corneal ulcers

-         Suppurative eye troubles, iritis with pus in anterior chamber

-         Conjunctivitis with purulent discharges

-         Red and inflamed lids and conjunctivae

-         Pain in orbits

-         Soreness is marked in eyeballs

-         Objects appear red and enlarged

-         Half-reduced field of vision

-         Styes with pain and suppuration

-         Worse exposure to draft of cold, touch

-         Better warmth, wrapping up head

(10)                    Agaricus-

-         Double-vision with flickering before the eyes

-         Twitching of lids and eyeballs

-         Neuralgic eye pains

-         Letters seem to move or swim while reading

-         Agglutinated margins of lids with burning pains with red inner canthi

-         Eye troubles associated with vertigo and icy cold head

-         Worse open cold air

Homeopathic Help for Osteoarthritis-

In simplest terms, osteoarthritis is nothing but failure of joint pattern. It is certainly a degenerative joint disease, characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage and proliferation of new bone, cartilage, and connective tissue at the same time. Often secondary inflammatory changes are observed in the synovium.

Sadly, the incidence of osteoarthritis seems to be on rise according to global surveys. The age onset of OA is reducing drastically over the period of last few years. Now the incidence is stated to start at the age of 30 years and by the age of 65, more than 80% people have degenerative changes in their joints. Older women are peculiarly affected more and certain geological variations are found too.

Causative and Risk Factors of Osteoarthirits-

(1) The primary etiology of OA is termed as idiopathic where no known cause can be determined.

(2) Secondary OA results due to some or the other systemic or local factors as below-

- intra-articular fracture

- trauma of any type

- occupational (elbows in pneumatic drill operators)

- Rheumatoid arthritis

- Gout

- Tabes dorsalis

- Diabetes mellitus

- Peripheral nerve lesions

- Metabolic diseases like Wilson’s disease

- Hip dysplasia

- Paget’s disease etc

(3) Sedentary habits, improper diet habits, sports injuries, absolute lack of exercise or overt exercise regimes, etc can be called as some of the modifiable risk factors of OA

Signs and Symptoms of OA-

1. In most cases, joints of spine, hands, knees, and hips are involved
2. At least initially, only one or a few joints are affected
3. Knee and hand involvement is peculiar
4. Characteristically the first few joints to be involved are distal and proximal interphalangeal joints, carpo-metacarpal joints of thumb, etc.
5. Gradual onset of symptoms
6. Intermittent pain and aching in joints typically is aggravated by movement of that joint and is better by resting it
7. With the advancement of the disease process, limited movement of joints is noticed. Initially this restriction of movement is attributed to pain and spasm of muscles but later capsular fibrosis, osteophyte formation, and remodeling of bone set in.
8. After minor sprains or twists, there are usually effusions into the joints when crepitus may be felt or even heard.
9. Associated muscular wasting is noted, because of which there is loss of muscle control over the joint, resulting in recurrent injury.
10. Due to hyperaemia of subchondral bone, there is usually nocturnal aching in bones
11. Deformities like Heberden’s or Bouchard’s node formation, and finally osteoarthritis deformans may set in.

How Homeopathy Can Help in the Patients of Osteoarthritis?

Homeopathy is not a magic. It is a science and art of applying the nature’s principle while treating any disease with the natural drug substances aptly potentized to extract their curative properties. Therefore homeopathic principle is the most important one to be considered while treating any disease condition or the patient (more aptly).

The most important thing to remember while treating a case of OA homeopathically is that “Pay ample attention to characteristic symptoms of the disease and not to the common ones!”

It happens many times that a homeopath puts a common symptom of the disease as his priority while choosing the drug and as can be well judged, it leads to failure. Also paying good attention to the mental picture of the patient prior to catching the disease, during the disease process, and while on regime is one of the topmost priority while treating OA. You will observe that the “mind” is the organ that gives you good hint for appropriate remedial diagnosis in osteoarthritis patient.

Here we are listing top 10 remedies that may be of use during acute treatment phase of chronic osteoarthritis. Remember again that there is no alternative to homeopathic constitutional therapy to be formulated individually for every patient, to help him find relief on all planes, while reducing his OA successfully.

Homeopathic Remedies for OA-

(1) Calcarea fluor-

- Indurated feeling of joints with stiffness

- Stony hardness of joints

- Nodal swelling in fingers that are hard on palpation

- Chronic synovitis and bursitis affecting hip and knee joint

- Sluggish temperament

- Coldness about wrists and ankles

- May be associated with varicose veins

- Pain usually begins on left side

- Worse in cold wet weather and while beginning to move

- Acute attack of pain in joint usually sets after a sprain

(2) Sticta-

- Stiff, rheumatic diathesis

- Rheumatism usually beginning in upper extremities

- Diagonal pains

- Soreness and stiffness in joints of neck extending to shoulders

- Old-maid’s OA of knee

- Red spot on the affected joint

- Associated with restlessness of hands and feet and profuse sweats on hands

- Bursitis with cold moist limbs

- Incessant talking

- Worse by change in temperature, movement, night

- Better in open air

(3) Ruta-

- Bruised sore aching in all bones

- Nodal osteoarthritis

- Paralytic rigidity of joints

- Weak paretic feeling in the mornings in hip, small of back, lower limbs etc

- Deep felt pains in long bones

- Osteoporotic changes in bones in elderly women with frequent bone fractures attributed to brittleness of bones

- Affections of wrists and ankles

- Feeling of heat on skin face etc

- Sometimes burning neuralgic pains about the joints

- Worse by over-exertion, sprains, cold wind

- Better by motion, lying on back and warmth

(4) Bryonia-

- Right-sided complaints

- Slowly advancing osteoarthritis

- Stitching pains in joints

- Irritable constitutions

- Inflammatory joint diseases affecting knee, shoulder, hips, etc

- Associated with absolute constipation, no desire

- Dry heat aggravates all complaints including joint pathology

- Congestive synovitis

- Worse by motion, stooping, exertion, morning

- Better by rest, cool open air, bandaging, damp days, lying on painful part

(5) Belladona-

- Acute inflammation of joints

- Marked redness and heat over the affected joint

- Congestive constrictive pain in joints

- Excessive restlessness with incessant talking

- Joint pains with spasms of muscles

- OA starting at young age

- Worse by heat, checked sweats, pressure, touch, movement

- Better by light covering, rest in bed

(6) Rhus tox-

- Paretic weakness in and around joints

- Recurrent sensation of dislocation of joints

- Sore, bruised or stiff pains about joints

- Swelling in joints with burning pains

- Principally left side is affected or the pain goes from left to right

- OA set after recurrent sprain of a joint or after overexertion

- Paralytic pains in elbows and knees

- Legs feel as if made of wood

- Wakes up with pain in limbs

- Edematous swelling of limbs

- Worse by wet, cold, beginning motion, rest, sprains, etc

- Better by continued motion, wrapping the joint, rubbing, and fomentation

(7) Rhododendron-

- Fibrous tissues are affected

- Small joints of hands are principally affected, also those of forearm and lower limbs

- Extreme sensitivity to windy stormy and wet weather

- Rapidly changing pains, zigzag variety

- Descending pains

- Confused stupid feeling prevails

- Affections of wrists

- Worse before storms, rough windy weather, night, rest

- Better by heat, in sun, motion, wrapping up

(8) Pulsatilla-

- Venous constitutions

- Swollen joints with dull aching

- Associated with numbness of extremities

- Acute periostitis

- Pains down the limbs alternate sides, with heaviness of legs

- Sticking pains in tibia with heaviness and cold sweat on legs

- Associated with foul foot sweat

- Chilly patient, yet averse to heat in any form

- Associated with digestive disturbances

- Worse by warmth, rest, beginning motion, evening, lying down, in bed

- Better by moving about slowly, cold, open air, after a good cry

(9) Ledum pal-

- Affection of small joints

- Tendons, ankles affected

- Left-sided affection of joints

- Ascending type of arthritis

- Purple, swollen (puffy) joints

- Shifting tearing pains

- Cold and edematous joints

- Gout

- OA resulting from recurrent sprains, especially of ankle joint

- Pain associated with coldness of joints

- Profuse night sweats

- Worse by injury, motion, night

- Better by cool air, cold bathing

(10) Actea spicata-

- Affection of small joints, especially wrist and finger joints

- Tingling pains with numbness and weakness

- Paralytic weakness in all joints

- OA set in old age, in people with debilitated states

- Swollen joints that cannot be moved

- Deformed joints

- Extremely sensitive joints to cold in any form

- Worse by cold, slight exertion, night, and touch

Auxiliary Line of Treatment-

In any case of osteoarthritis, one must suggest certain exercise regimen for early recovery. Rather, any regime without it is of no use in the long run. Also it is stressed that unless the pain is lessened, one should not exert the affected joint beyond certain limits. Therefore, seeking professional advice before you embark on any exercise regime is must!

Ankylosing Spondylitis Elaborated Homeopathically!

Joining or stiffening of the vertebrae is termed as ankylosing spondylitis in short. It results in inflammation of vertebral bones of spine. Degeneration of spine, pain, loss of motility are some of the problems that crop up in a person suffering from AS. Though in majority of patients, we see degenerative changes in the spine, there are also many cases where AS has affected the hip joints.

Causative factors of AS-

(1) Idiopathic- that means the exact cause still remains unknown.

(2) Autoimmune- Various studies and evidences point to the fact that ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease.

(3) Hereditary- Though definite evidence is lacking, many studies suggest that positive family history makes the person more vulnerable to develop AS.

Signs and Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis-

(1) Usually the onset of development of pain and motility affections is insidious.

(2) Gradually pain and stiffness in back, buttock region, hips, etc develops

(3) Undue fatigue is many times presenting symptom in these patients.

(4) Usually the patient complains of morning stiffness that gets better ad the day advances or once he begins moving around

(5) Weight loss has been observed

(6) Anorexia, malaise, etc can develop with more and more stiffening

(7) One can elicit tenderness over the sacro-iliac joint

(8) Restricted movements over the period of time

(9) Patient walks with bent back

(10) Chest expansion limited

(11) Rigidity of spine and joints results in curved spine gradually if left unattended

(12) Rarely in very advanced cases, aortic incompetence due to valvular calcification and recurrent respiratory (chest) infections are noticed

(13) On X-ray spine, one can see narrowing of joint space, haziness of joint margins, and eroded and sclerosed margins.

(14) In unattended cases, one can see ossification of intervetebral discs, squaring of vertebrae, bridging of joint cavity, and new bone formation.

Homeopathic Management of Ankylosing Spondylitis-

As we have seen earlier, homeopathy is an individualistic and holistic science. It acts wonderfully in patients of AS, especially when they are considered as unique individuals with characteristic signs and symptoms. Treating ankylosing spondylitis just on the basis of common signs and symptoms of the disease homeopathically is a disaster. In this treatment module, you might get some initial relief of symptoms but as no long term goal is set, the symptoms will most probably relapse, perhaps with much more intensity.

That’s why it is must to consider the totality of symptoms in every individual and treat accordingly. No wonder many stalwart homeopaths discourage the use of patent homeopathic remedies for treating ankylosing spondylitis. The patents usually contain group of remedies thought to be useful for AS. However, this certainly does not go along the lines of homeopathic principle. And unless homeopathic treatment is given along the lines of its principle, it will not give desired results. Therefore, complete history of the patient should be taken including the important causative factors behind his problem, his mental sphere of looking at the disease and otherwise, and then the treatment should be started depending upon the totality.

Obviously, for acute pain management, a homeopath might need a few remedies to look into, during the course of constitutional therapy. Here is a list of important remedies one should remember while treating AS-

1. Calcarea phos-

- Rheumatic pains in neck and lumbar region

- Dullness of head brought on by slight drought of air

- Right to left pain in neck, crampy variety

- Least effort brings on backache

- Upper back pain associated with sharp pains in sacrum and coccyx

- Soreness in uterine region

- Thin spare subjects with tall frame

- Shining bright eyes

- Anemic

- Worse by cold, wet winds, mental exertion, loss of fluids

- Better by lying down

2. Silica-

- Stiffness of nape of neck with occipital headache

- Indurated feeling and actual swelling in axillae, groine, back, below chin, etc (lympthatic swelling)

- Stitching pains between hips

- Coccyx painful as after a carriage ride

- Painful to pressure

- Weak, paralytic pain in back, lumbar region

- Curvature of vertebrae

- Nervous, irritable patients with pale face, lax muscles

- Tendency to catch cold that stiffens the back too but warmth causes burning in back

- Lots of sweating

- Deficient nutrition

- Worse by draft of cold air, change of moon, night, mental exertion, checked foot sweat

- Better by warm wraps, profuse urination

3. Rhus tox-

- Stitching tearing pain in back and lumbar region

- Always sore lumbar region, slightly better after walking

- Paretic muscular states

- Spinal ligaments are affected and fibrous joints

- Restlessness associated with pain; cannot sit in one position for long

- Sensation of dislocation in spine

- Crawling sensation in back between shoulder blades

- Pain in back causes numbness and pricking pains in limbs

- Pain in lumbar region and coccyx almost always associated with pain in thighs

- Legs feel as if made of wood

- Dreams of huge labor, work; wakes up fatigued

- Worse by rest washing of parts, uncovering, after midnight

- Better by continued motion, wrapping up the part, rubbing

4. Kali carb-

- Early morning aggravation of pain in back or lumbar region (typical 3am aggravation)

- Whatever happens in body, first thing to get affected is back; usually develops some kind of dull pain

- Stabbing pains in lumbar region

- Back and legs give way, paretic states

- Heavy feeling in back and legs

- Edematous swelling of foot (especially left) with lumbar affections

- Fixed ideas, absolutely conscientious and trustworthy person

- Wakes every day same time in early morning around 3am

- Worse by cold, loss of fluids, exertion, winters

- Better by warmth, sitting with elbows on the knees, open air

5. Symphytum-

- Etiological factor may lie in some kid of fall or fractured bone, etc

- Pain in back ‘since that last fall’; also from sexual excesses

- Psoas abscess

- Actual caries of spinal bones

- Pricking pains in lumbar region and coccyx

- Pain of nervous origin

- Worse from any type of injuries

6. Hypericum-

- Nerve injury or pain leads to spinal pain and then gradually the bones are involved

- Extremely painful, sore parts

- Painfully sensitive spine

- History of injury or surgery (spinal anesthesia) may be there

- Changes in spine noticeable after delivery of child

- Cannot sit for long, legs feel lame

- Furry feeling in feet with lumbago

- Aching in bones

- Limbs feel detached

- Worse by jar, exertion, motion

- Better by bending back

Top 10 Homeopathic Remedies for Headache!

Headaches are probably one of the commonest causes of suffering for human beings. Headache is the problem that can occur due to wide variety of causes; however, whatever is the cause, it leads to incapacity to work, concentrate and be happy! Treating headache is one of the important aspects of homeopathic prescribing I would say, because it instills confidence in the doctor that they can give rapid and sustained relief to the patients with aptly chosen homeopathic medicine. Rather in the initial practice, it was ‘headache’ that gave me lot of patients for other problems, because they never thought homeopathy can relieve headaches so fast! Quite obvious thinking for people gulping the dangerous nimusulide or inflagin for that maddening headache!

Stress, migraine, hyperacidity, hypertension, sinusitis, allergies, flatulent dyspepsias, etc are some of the common causes of headache. We are not considering here the graver problems like endocrine dysfunctions or liver disorders that also may give rise to headaches. The graver causes need thorough evaluation and expert handling of the situations and cases.

Moreover, as with many other problems, headache is the tendency in many. Some personality traits like ‘type A’ personalities develop headaches quickly and may also develop other complications associated with headache.

Now, let’s consider the top 10 homeopathic remedies and their symptomatology that we must not forget while handling headache homeopathically. Certainly these are not the only remedies; rather there might be more than thousand remedies with peculiar headaches. But these are among "Not to be forgotten" list!

(1) Natrum mur-

- One of the top remedies for headaches

- Throbbing variety

- Headache starts in the morning after getting up and remains till sunset

- School-girl headaches those suffer from anemia

- Pain as if numerous hammers are thrusting on the brain

- Semi-lateral headaches, migraines, with nausea and vomiting

- With heavy aching eyelids

- In migraine, has an aura in numbness and tingling in tongue, lips, nose etc, before the attack sets

- Headache associated with sinusitis, when attack sets in after catching cold

- Ill-effects of grief, worry, fear etc

- Worse, from noise of any kind, music, heat, mental exertion; better on empty stomach, open air, pressure, sleep

(2) Belladona-

- acute headache that starts suddenly

- sensitive head to least contact

- fullness in forehead

- associated with constant moaning

- ill effects of catching cold or having a hair cut

- pulsations felt in head

- aggravated by lying down, noise, jar, afternoon

- better by pressure and semi-erect posture

(3) Gelsemium-

- headaches associated with vertigo

- spreading from occiput or located at occiput

- tension headaches

- dull pain with marked heaviness

- heavy drooping eyelids

- band feeling around head

- temporal headaches that occur after exposure to sun

- soreness in neck with headache

- may be delirious

- blindness may precede headache

- foggy weather aggravates and so does anticipation about anything

- better by profuse urination, open air and lying with head high

(4) Glonoine-

- worsened Belladona headache, throbbing variety more on left side

- head feels large when it aches

- peculiar sun-headaches with dizziness

- headache brought on by menstrual suppression

- congestive headaches with irregular circulations; pulsations felt in head, ears and all over the face

- any type of occupational headache brought on by working near or with heat

- can feel surging of blood to head

- despite heaviness, cannot lay head on pillow

- headache in a child that attended campfire the day before

- associated with sparks before the eyes

- <>

- > brandy, after sun sets

(5) Onosmodium-

- migraine headaches

- associated with loss of or deficient memory

- marked state of confusion

- headache starts in the morning on waking up

- areas affected- occiput, temporal region, and mastoid

- associated with heavy dull eyes with pain in eyeballs

- worse using eyes, left side, movement

- better by cold drinks and eating

(6) Chamomilla-

- Sudden onset headaches with excessive irritability

- Throbbing pain in half of the head

- Patient bends head backwards in the hope to relieve

- Associated with hot clammy sweat on forehead and whining restlessness

- <>

- > wet weather

(7) Ignatia-

- Headache as if a nail driven through the sides

- Crampy pain over the root of nose

- Headache from anger, acute grief, etc

- Emotional causes always lead to headache first

- Marked congestion

- Hysterical headaches

- Hollow-feeling of head that is aggravated by stooping

- Sobbing lady with headache

- <> change of position frequently

(8) Sanguinaria-

- peculiar right sides sun headaches

- marked periodicity

- begins in occiput, settles over the eyes (More on right side)

- menopausal headaches

- pain in spots over head

- associated with burning in eyes and red burning cheeks

- feels as if a flash of lightening hitting at the back of head

- > sleep, lying down, <>

(9) Iris versicolor-

- Typical acidic headaches

- Headache associated with lots of acidity

- Marked nausea, lack of appetite, and burning along the alimentary canal

- During mental strain, performs well but once it’s over, develops sick headache

- Frontal headaches with nausea

- Migraine with aura settling in eyes with a blur before eyes, followed by dull constricted headache for long time

- continued motion

(10) Nux vomica-

- headache with vertigo, especially after night-watching

- headache from over-exertion, tobacco, alcohol, coffee

- marked sensitivity to touch

- frontal headache > by pressing hard

- headache associated with constipation, nausea

- sun headaches

- head feels sore and distended

- associated with photophobia, neuralgic pain in eyes, and watering of eyes

- worse in the mornings, after eating, cold; better after a good nap, evening, rest