Menopause: What you need to know? Is Hormone Replacement Therapy an Answer or Homeopathy?

A woman’s life has many important milestones through which she at times struggles to remain hale and hearty. Menarche, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause are some of the milestones. Among them, menopause is the period when some of her female hormones reduce in quantity leading to stoppage of menstruation that made her fertile and healthy for so long. The time of menopause differs from woman to woman and in some cases it is seen to be hereditary. If this period is troubled, she does need valuable menopause info to carry on with the normal day to day routine.

What are the signs and symptoms of menopause?

(1)   The foremost sign any woman would notice is the variation in her menstrual cycle. If there is no sudden stoppage of menses altogether, she might develop irregular cycles through a period of 1 to 2 years or more.

(2)   The hormone cycle variation leads to hot flushes occasionally with sudden chilly spells too.

(3)   Due to lack of estrogen, the vaginal mucosa becomes dry and the woman may develop itching of vagina and/or eruptions.

(4)   Lack of interest in sex is the usual symptom many women complain of.

(5)   With the weaning of protective female hormones, women share their risks of cardiac diseases and kidney disorders with the male counterparts; rather the risk is said to be much higher in diabetic females after menopause.

(6)   Occasional migraine attacks, mood swings, excess irritability are also some of the early menopause symptoms.

(7)   The osteoporosis is one of the most troubling consequences of menopause in some women. The bones become brittle and lead to recurrent fractures during trivial accidents.

Is Hormone Replacement Truly an Answer?

Many gynecologists these days recommend hormone replacement therapy for women who suffer from menopause blues. And that seems to help in the initial phase. There can be sudden suppression of the existing symptoms and the woman may experience a boost psychologically too. But in many cases this seems to be short-lived. Women who were feeling better after a period of time sense that the similar symptoms are returning and even some side effects are noticed. Also she has to undergo regular investigations like mammogram to rule out any side effects. So, certainly hormone replacement cannot be termed as an ultimate answer to menopausal symptoms. (For side effects of HRT, please see at the bottom of the article)

How can Homeopathy Help Women with Menopausal Symptomatology?

Homeopathy gives large importance to the past and family history of the patient. Many women do have certain positive family trait that makes them vulnerable to these menopausal problems. Therefore, homeopathy puts her in a stipulated group of miasmatic overload. And unless this miasmatic overload is treated efficaciously with apt homeopathic constitutional medicines and/or nosodes, the woman is liable to suffer from these symptoms. But once the homeopathic physician senses the miasmatic load (in most cases of menopausal problems, the dominant miasm is Sycosis or syphilis).

It is good practice to start the homeopathic treatment with appropriate symptomatic remedy depending upon the then physical, mental, and emotional picture of the patient. Once the patient is capable enough to respond to the chosen constitutional remedy, give it in a single dose. Follow the case well and over a period of time (may be months together), if you sense that there is a stand still position and even the chosen remedy fails to work, give the apt nosode to stimulate the vital force again and take out the miasmatic load by its intercurrent action. Wait again! Later (may be after months again), you can think of giving or repeating the constitutional medicine once more in the same or higher potency depending upon the condition then.

What are the plus of homeopathic treatment over the hormone replacement therapy?

1. Most importantly, when chosen appropriately homeopathic medicine never gives temporary relief but the effect is long lasting.

2. Even homeopathic acute remedy chosen wisely is able to help the patient get over her acute symptomatology very soon. (Within days of starting treatment)

3. When the medicine given is correct and in appropriate potency, there are absolutely no chances of side effects with homeopathy.

4. In many cases it is observed that when we give homeopathic treatment, the patient does not have to take supplements over long term. Yes, even as homeopaths if necessary, we should give the woman supplements like calcium or vitamin D3, etc; however, with the constitutional boost homeopathic medicines give her, even the supplements act favorably without leading to just cumulative effect.

5. As the homeopathic medicine is usually given in single or least possible dose with least repetitions, the woman is pleased not to take bigger tablets thrice or twice a day over a long period. This itself boosts her psychological morale multifold!

A Protective Circle of family and friends!

Yes, this is one of the crucial factors in treating the menopausal blues. If the woman has supportive family and friends, a doctor can do miracles by eliciting fastest positive results with apt homeopathic therapy. The mood swings need to be understood by the spouse and children and help her get through the phase smoothly. There are many support groups too these days that encourage the women to opt for the safe alternative therapies like yoga and Pranayam, which help her gain confidence and carry on with life with a smile on!

Yes! Finally that’s what matters, isn’t it?

RISKS OF HORMONE THERAPY (Courtesy-http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007111.htm)

BLOOD CLOTS

Doctors have long known that taking estrogen increases a person's risk for blood clots. Generally, this risk is higher if you use birth control pills, which contain high doses of estrogen. Your risk is even higher if you smoke and take estrogen. The risk is not as high when estrogen skin patches (transdermal estrogen) are used.

CANCER

Breast cancer: Woman who take estrogen therapy for a long period of time have a small increase in risk for breast cancer. Most guidelines currently consider hormone therapy safe for breast cancer risk when taken for up to 5 years.

Endometrial/uterine cancer: The risk for endometrial cancer is more than five times higher in women who take estrogen therapy alone, compared with those who do not. However, taking progesterone with estrogen seems to protect against this cancer. Endometrial cancer does not develop in women who do not have a uterus.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Heart disease: Estrogen may increase the risk of heart disease in older women, or in women who began estrogen use more than 10 years after their last period. Estrogen is probably the safest when started in women under age 60, or within 10 years after the start of menopause.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT or blood clot in a vein) and pulmonary embolus (PE or blood clot in the lungs) are more common in women who take oral estrogen, regardless of their age.

Stroke: Women who take estrogen have an increased risk for stroke.

Women who also smoke, have heart disease, or are at higher risk for heart disease and stroke are less likely to be given estrogen hormones.

GALLBLADDER DISEASE

Several studies have shown that women who take estrogen/progestin therapy have an increased risk for developing gallstones.

SIDE EFFECTS OF HORMONE THERAPY

As with all medicines, side effects are possible. Some women taking hormone therapy may have:

• Bloating
• Breast soreness
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Nausea
• Water retention

Changing the dose or form of hormone therapy may help reduce these side effects.

Some women have irregular bleeding when they start taking hormone therapy. Changing the dose often eliminates this side effect. Close follow-up with your doctor is important when you have any unusual bleeding.

(Courtesy for side effects of HRT- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007111.htm)

Everything about Hemorrhoids! (PILES)

Heredity, sedentary habit, bad eating habits, etc are some of the risk factors for hemorrhoids. Early intervention with milder therapies like homeopathy is possible, so that the surgery can be avoided.

The enlarged veins at the lower end of rectum and anus are termed as hemorrhoids. Enhanced pressure within the rectum and anus is the prime reason for protrusion of hemorrhoids and even per rectal bleeding. The incidence of hemorrhoids is increasing day by day, thanks to our modern lifestyles and irregular and junk eating habits. The initial signs of the hemorrhoids should be recognized so that the disease can be brought under control at an early stage with mild medicinal treatments like homeopathy and thus surgery can be averted.

Hemorrhoids- Causes, Symptomatology, and Homeopathic Treatment

Hemorrhoids called ‘piles’ in layman’s terminology are one of the growing problems faced mainly by the people of middle and old age. The two types ‘internal’ and ‘external’ hemorrhoids can be differentiated. The external variety is located under the skin that surrounds the anus. With the bowel movement, these hemorrhoids may swell, be felt, and cause pain and/or bleeding. The internal hemorrhoids however located in the inner lining of the rectum and cannot be felt. These are usually painless and can lead to bleeding per rectum with or without protrusion.

Causes of Hemorrhoids-

Though the genetic disposition is the prime factor; certain risk factors (mostly modifiable) have been identified for development, aggravation, and chronicity of hemorrhoids.

The major factor that contributes to hemorrhoids is excessive straining at stool. However, certain causative factors and/or risk factors have been described as below-

• Heredity- Our genetic make up is one of the major factors for development and aggravation of hemorrhoids. There has been found familial weakness of blood vessel wall. Large supply of arterial blood to hemorrhoidal plexus is also found in certain families.
• Pregnancy- Post-partum and/or pregnancy hemorrhoids are found in many women owing to increased tension in rectal wall due to excessive straining during child birth and expansion of uterus during pregnancy respectively.
• Untreated conditions- Certain conditions like colitis, diarrheas, dysenteries, etc can be the pre-disposing factors for hemorrhoids if left untreated for long.
• Chronic constipation- Chronic constipation has myriad of causes ranging from unhealthy eating habits to sedentary work-style. But it is by far the commonest cause of hemorrhoids.
• Sedentary habits- People working in sitting postures for long time have higher risk of developing hemorrhoids. Lack of physical activity or exercise is one of the chief pre-disposing factors.
• Some serious illnesses- Systemic or portal hypertension, inferior vena-caval congestion, rectal cancer, cardiac or pulmonary diseases, etc also may lead to hemorrhoids.

Signs, Symptoms, and Complications of Hemorrhoids-

1. If the internal hemorrhoid is prolapsed, one can feel it as a lump outside the anus. Many times, it can also be gently pushed inside the anus. But if not, it can lead to enlargement and swelling of internal hemorrhoid too. Entrapment of hemorrhoid may require immediate intervention.
2. There can be pruritus ani (itching at the anus) and tingling sensation
3. Increased desire to have repeated bowel movement is also observed in many patients
4. Thrombosed external hemorrhoid may lead to severe pain that gets aggravated with every bowel movement and prolonged sitting
5. Bleeding per rectum is one of the commonest symptoms detected first by the patient
6. Mucus discharge may accompany prolapsed hemorrhoids.
7. Complications like strangulation of piles, profuse hemorrhage, thrombosis, ulceration, and rarely gangrene may occur if hemorrhoids are left untreated for long.

Treatment of Hemorrhoids-

Most cases of hemorrhoids have good prognosis, especially if treated in time. One can diagnose hemorrhoids on clinical findings alone. However, if the hemorrhoids are associated with one or more symptoms like pain in abdomen, strangulation, excessive hemorrhage, etc, some other investigations like sigmoidoscopy, rectoscopy, or colonoscopy may be required to rule out other potential dangers.

Conventional hemorrhoid treatment comprises of stool softeners, surgery for prolapsed internal hemorrhoid, rubber-band ligation, sclerotherapy, laser therapy and/or hemorrhoidectomy. Even conventionally, medicinal treatment is commenced first and later interventional therapies are sought after if the medicinal therapies fail to achieve desired results.

Homeopathic Treatment of Hemorrhoids-

Many times, homeopathic medicines are aptly said to replace the surgeon’s knife. The homeopathic medicines work on the principle of “like cures like” and many different medicinal substances are used in varied potencies to help cure hemorrhoids (or any other disease for that matter). Homeopathy is a holistic medicine that is based on “Individualistic Approach” to any case.

As per this approach, any disease including hemorrhoids is treated individually after carefully considering the physical, mental, and emotional symptomatology of the person. Certain miasmatic dispositions are described in homeopathy and every individual has predominance of some miasm. They can also be called as pre-dispositions or susceptibilities of an individual suffering from certain disease traits. With aptly chosen constitutional homeopathic medicines, these traits can be modified positively to obtain cure from the existing problem and an overall health is achieved.

Also homeopathic medicines are extremely useful for acute symptoms of hemorrhoids. The pain, inflammation, itching, bleeding per rectum, etc can be effectively tackled with accurate simillimum chosen homeopathically.

The homeopathic medicines like Aloe soc, Collinsonia, Hamamelis, Muriatic acid, Thuja, Aesculus, Ratanhia, Nux vomica, Kali carb, Ammonium carb, Kali carb, Phosphorus, etc work marvelously when indicated homeopathically in a particular case of hemorrhoids. However, one must not treat himself on the basis of cursory knowledge of homeopathy. Expert homeopathic intervention is must, as deriving the constitutional prescription is more of an art that needs to be mastered and without the constitutional approach, it is hard to find perfect cure from hemorrhoids.

Prevention of Hemorrhoids-

The modifiable factors or risk factors of hemorrhoid can be prevented by following these things—

1. Increase the water intake. One must drink at least 10 glasses of water per day that helps keep our stools soft and improve bowel activity
2. Increase dietary fiber and it will add roughage to your food. It certainly enhances regular bowel movements
3. Avoid junk food devoid of fiber that just adds empty calories. This kind of food also adds extra pounds leading to obesity, which is another pre-disposing factors for hemorrhoids
4. Boost up your physical activity level. Especially the people with sedentary working habits have to get moving, as lack of physical movement is one of the chief factors contributing to increased incidence of hemorrhoids these days. Exercise also helps to get rid of hemorrhoids faster by reducing the tendency to constipation and pressure on hemorrhoidal veins. So keep active to prevent piles.
5. Also one should not suppress the urge for stools for long time. This step helps a great deal in hemorrhoid prevention.

Hemorrhoid and Homeopathy FAQ –

1. Can homeopathic medicines cure hemorrhoids completely?

Ans- Yes, the aptly selected homeopathic medicines can help one get rid of hemorrhoids completely. However, the treatment must be sought from an expert and one should not try to self-medicate.

2. How long homeopathic treatment should be taken for hemorrhoids?

Ans- The duration of treatment depends upon the stage of hemorrhoids and the existing signs and symptoms. Also it varies from person to person depending upon his level of remedy-compliance. However, tentatively, one should follow the homeopathic regime at least for 2 consecutive months to be able to find relief from the existing symptoms. Follow-up later with the homeopathic expert is important too.

3. Can homeopathy deal with complications of hemorrhoids like gangrene, ulceration, etc?

Ans- Treating the complications of hemorrhoids is certainly an expert’s domain. However, one must make sure to undergo all the depicted investigations and follow all the guidelines laid by the expert homeopathic physician. In emergencies like strangulation and gangrene however, one should weight the pros and cons of medicinal treatment and the expert will decide whether surgery will be needed.

4. Can one take homeopathic and conventional medicines for hemorrhoids simultaneously?

Ans- Usually this is not recommended by the homeopaths. It is better to follow a single regimen in any given case. However, if the person is already on some other regimen, homeopathic expert usually consults the concerned physician and later decides the path of course, whether to stop the earlier medication or taper the dose slowly. 

How Useful Homeopathy Is For Allergies??

Common cold is too common for people who have it once in a while due to climatic changes. But if it becomes the rule of life like in cases of allergic conditions, it’s hell! There are people who get up every morning with the dread that the sneezing will start like a demon to end never at least for a few hours. Suppressing these attacks with anti-allergic drugs obviously benefits prima facie, but it is just temporary, as witnessed by thousands of allergy sufferers.

There are many home remedies too that are tried by these victims of allergy like using ginger in tea etc. But again this gives just temporary relief, as the root cause is never dealt with.

What is the root cause for these allergies?

Do you think that allergens are responsible for this? Well, it is true that the allergens lead to these allergies. But what causes these allergens to be so dreadful as to attack people so violently? There must be something deep within. Yes, this “Something deep within” is the root cause! We can call them tendencies to catch allergies, infections, etc. Unless this tendency is dealt with efficaciously, we cannot expect radical cure from allergies.

One more interesting story is that, if you suppress these allergies with counter-acting drugs and for time being, if they really vanish, don’t be overly elated! The reason behind is that, you haven’t kicked them away but have suppressed within the body. Either it is lying in dormant condition inside or is busy preparing to attack some other vital organ to trouble you later. There are many cases of respiratory allergies being suppressed by drugs and developed into some skin allergy later on (without even known by the sufferer the reason behind this new-found skin allergy).

Does homeopathy help?

Yes, it does! The principle of homeopathy is “like cures like”. When judiciously this principle is applied in practice, we enforce the similarly acting drug to stimulate the vital force inside to expel the symptoms of the disease (allergy) and establish harmony.

Well, sounds like just a theory?

Do homeopathic medicines never suppress?

It is not true. Homeopathic medicines if applied wrongly, without considering the totality of symptoms, i.e., the person’s physical and mental make up, his attitude towards life, dominant miasm in him, and things alike. Also if the potency chosen is not correct or excessively high or cruder, it may lead to suppression, only to be revealed again later on.

Choose right homeopathic remedy to cure allergies!

However, it is also true that rightly chosen remedy, potency, and its application in the right way do help to annihilate the symptoms of the disease in the mildest yet powerful manner within no time. In that sense, homeopathy is a true healer. Go for expert homeopathic consultation and your struggle to overcome an allergy will come to a good end.

Allergies are of different kind. In homeopathy, they usually fall under categories (miasms) Psora and Tubercular. However, if it is badly expressed allergy or a more destructive kind of allergy leading to some drastic end organ damage, it also can fall under Sycosis or Syphilis miasms. This understanding and differentiation can be done only by an expert homeopath. But once rightly recognized and attacked the root cause of allergy, the person frees himself of the recurrent spells of sneezing, cough, colds, and other bodily complaints due to it and leads on the path of complete cure!

About homeopathic remedy tips!

Hi all,

The homeopathic remedy tips mentioned below in 11 sections are the clinical symptoms observed in various patients during acute and/or chronic treatments. However, while studying them, one must remember that they are mere key notes or symptoms that certainly need further evaluation. Never ever treat any health condition merely on the basis of these tips. You have to have complete case history of the patient in order to reach to a constitutional homeopathic prescription after thorough evaluation.

These tips are for the reference of the new learners of homeopathy.

Thank you! 

Homeopathic Remedy Tips - 11

Differentiating feature between Ver alb and Stram in mania- Although both remedies are very loquacious and strongly religious, the face of Stramonium is generally very red and bloated; while that of Veratrum alb is likely to be pale and sunken. Also the generalized weakness is more pronounced in Veratrum alb.

In Cuprum met, the spasms usually begin in fingers and toes and spread from there to become general!

In renal affections, Lycpodium has red sand with clear urine. Sarsaparilla has white sandy, slimy or flaky urine.

The stitching pains of Bryonia come on or are aggravated by least motion, while those of Kali carb will occur whether the patient moves or not. Also Bryonia better by pressure, Kali carb, not!

Gastric derangements occur in Bryonia often as a result of dietetic errors when warm weather sets in after cold; those of Nux vomica more from continued overeating and inactivity, abuse of drugs, coffee, tobacco, liquor, etc; and Pulsatilla from too rich food like pastries, fatty foods, ice-cream, etc (Ice-cream only if in excess; little ice-cream often feels good on Puls stomach)

Cough during the chill stage in intermittent fevers is one of the very reliable characteristic features of Rhus tox!- Carrol Dunham

Aurum met is one of the bes remedies for bone pains. Never forget it. It ranks with Kali iod, Asafetida, and Mercuries in periosteal affections- Nash

Also think of Anacardium in ineffectual urging to stools. Nux vomica has it due to irregular peristaltic action, while Anac has it due to an insufficiency or paralytic state of rectum (which is not found under Nux). Nux thus has desire but with irregular action. Anac has desire but without sufficient action to carry it out. Anac has sense of lump or plug in the anus that is not there under Nux vom.

Very easily frightened, shrieks about imaginary appearances, cannot bear to be touched; starts when every so lightly, especially on the feet! These are very characteristic features of Kali carb!

Farrington says about Kali iod- It is an excellent remedy for pneumonia when hepatization has commenced, when the disease localizes itself, and infiltration begins. In such cases, in the absence of other symptoms calling for the Bryonia, Phos, or Sulphur, I would advise you to select Iodine or Iodide of Potassa, useful even when we have cerebral congestion due to hepatization and even when an effusion sets in.

Coffea often relieves jerking toothache, relieved by holding ice water in mouth; returns when water becomes warm!

Homeopathic remedy Tips - 10

Think of Valeriana when the person complains of cramps in hand and upper limbs while writing, suddenly changing symptoms that come and go, associated with flatulence, anger, and a strong impulse to move about!

Asthmatic cough with tightness of chest and nausea, gasps for breath with rattling in chest, despite the loose sounding rattle, no expectoration, worse from warmth! Least motion aggravates cough and breathlessness- Ipecac (think of it especially in children and elderly)

Excessively hairy arms- Medorrhinum (Phatak’s repertory)

Think of Dulcamara in barking kind of excessive cough brought on especially after taking a deep breath! Worse from cold in any form, cold wind, night, dampness and better by external warmth

Think of Argentum nitricum and Causticum when the patient suffers from loss of ambition in his life! When it occurs as a result of disappointment in certain trade, think of Nux vomica too!

Think of Baryta carb and Ignatia when the patient has typical aversion to all fruits.

Think of Calcarea for awkwardness during pregnancy (mental as well as physical) when due to this the lady drops the things in hand, feels self-conscious. 

Intense loquacity is one of the chief concomitant findings of Podophyllum, especially during intermittent fevers.

The uterine affections of Natrum mur are often accompanied by back pains that are relieved by lying upon back.

Graphites leads all the remedies for eczematous affections of the lids, Staphysagria stands next, but of course special indications, local and general, or both must decide… E. B. Nash

The sight of high houses makes him dizzy and causes him to stagger. It seemed as if the houses on both sides of the street would approach and crush him- Argentum nitricum

The leading characteristic of Digitalis is very slow pulse. This may alternate with a very quick pulse, and between the two, we may sometimes get a very irregular or intermittent pulse.

No mater what the name of the disease, whether it is bronchitis, pneumonia, whooping cough or asthma, if there is great accumulation of mucus with coarse rattling, or filling up with it, but at the same time, there seems to be inability to raise it, Antimonium tart is usually the first remedy to be thought of.

Nausea of Antim tart is as severe as that of Ipecac but not so persistent and there is relief after vomiting.

Think of Phosphoric acid in typhoid fevers when the patient lies in stupor or in stupid sleep, unconscious of all that is going on around him; but when aroused, he is fully conscious.

Think of Sulphuric acid when there is a sense of internal trembling that is extremely distressing to the debilitated patient but not visible externally.

We have seen “Empty gone (hungry) feeling in stomach” many times for important remedies like Ignatia, Hydrastis, Sepia, Sulphur, etc; but in Phos, this sensation extends through the whole abdomen. No remedy has this feeling in entire abdomen as strong as Phosphorus!

Baptisia is indicated in many types of fevers including typhoid, especially when the Gelsemium stage of the fever is over.

Remedial diagnosis of Veratrum album most of the times can be made on its peculiar mind symptoms too, apart from cold sweat on the forehead. The patient has maniacal disposition with desire to cut and tear things, especially clothes, with lewdness and lascivious talks, religious or amorous.

Homeopathic remedy Tips - 9

One shouldn’t be hasty while dealing with the patients of hypertension. It is seen that most cases deteriorate due to hurried management and unnecessary anti-hypertensive drugs that are not needed. Find out the root cause and deal with the help of effective constitutional therapy. Sudden lowering of blood pressure with anti-hypertensives does more harm than good!

Agaricus is one of the top drugs to be thought of in cases of acne rosacea coupled with childhood myopia.

Lyco, Cham, Tub, and Nux vom are some of the top drugs that have worse irritable mornings!

Think of Bell, Carcinosin, Phos, and Suphur as some of the top remedies when you see a lively child!

Arsenic, Cal phos, Cham, Cina, Nit acid, Tub, etc are some of the complaining children.

Bell, Carc, Hyos, Lach, Lyco, Phos, Sep, Stram, Sul, and Veratrum are some of the intellectual children.

Staphisagria woman is the woman with pent-up emotions. A very nice human being! Very considerate about others. Opens up after kind stimulation. Self-sufficient people who hate the idea of burdening others for any help. Many times finds it hard to fight even for own rights!

Argentum nit can be superstitious and suspicious. Any kind of ‘suspense’ aggravates them. Craving for “salt+cheese+sugars”. Many times interprets things illogically and childishly. Little mental exertion makes them feel like “Now I should just quit and lie down that will make me feel good!” Always better by open air!

         

Weight gain, bradycardia (slow pulse), subjective symptom of sudden chills or sudden hot flushes and irregular menses, relaxed ankle jerk, etc are some of the important clinical features of hypothyroidism.

Beware of painless vomiting in any elderly patient (without any kind of pain in abdomen). It may be the result of some neurological disease!

Guernsey praised the symptom - “sensation of lime being burnt in stomach with rising of air” of Causticum- very reliable pointer in many cases!

The father-in-law of Dr. T.L. Brown, over 70 years of age was attacked with severe pain in abdomen. Finally a large hard swelling developed in ileo-caecal region, very sensitive to contact or to least motion. It began assuming bluish color, and on account of his age and extreme weakness, it was thought that he must die. His daughter however studied up the case and found the indications for Plumbum. Administered in 200 potency, it cured him completely! (NASH)

Think of Natrum carb in weakness of ankles from childhood. Fleshy people, feet bend outwards, ankles refuse to support the body and leads to frequent sprains at ankles (especially in people with depressed spirits)

Think of Plumbum metallicum in obstinate constipation, where there is drawn up sensation of anus, colic, hard sheep-dung like stools, crampy pain in abdomen before stools, trembling tongue, and associated with cold sweat during stools!

In cases of chronic hyperacidity, where there is sourness of stomach, sour belching, sour taste in mouth, burning between scapulae, teeth setting on edge due to sourness, that is worse by eating fatty food or eating anything, think of Robinia! Peculiar night aggravation in acidity patients associated with sick headache!

Heat as if sparks on skin with obstinate objection to being covered, as heat aggravates. However the body is icy cold externally. Marked action on blood vessels and uterus; in women having dark, thin, foul, and exhausting discharges!- Secale cor

There is hoarseness of voice as soon as he starts singing. Hawks up clear mucus and this symptom develops almost every time the cold weather begins. All complaints aggravated by heat, tea, sexual excesses, loss of sleep, and better after sunset! – Selenium

Homeopathic Remedy Tips - 8

Natrum sulph is one of the great remedies for nosebleed during menses, Bryonia, instead of menses!

Scutellaria is one of the good remedies for headache in school teachers!

For chronic hoarseness of voice, Manganum acet is one of the good remedies, especially when associated with some skin concomitant and hoarseness < by menses. For acute hoarseness, think of Aconite and Arum tri.

Heart rate is less than 160 to 180/min in sinus tachycardia. It is more than 200/min in paroxysmal Supra-ventriclar Tachycardia (SVT) with small P-waves on ECG placed fairly regularly. Atrial flutter has heart rate more than 200-250/min. and in AF (Atrial Fibrillation), the heart rate is more than 300/min, with irregularly irregular pulse, pulse deficit, and absent ‘a’ wave in internal jugular venous pulse!

Anterior fontanelle in babies ossifies by 18 months of age. Posterior fontanelle ossifies by 6 weeks!

Psorinum is one of the chief drugs that have woolen aggravation. The others being Merc, Pulsatilla, Rhus tox, and Sulphur.

Ill or sick feeling- Pod, Pulsatilla, Nux v, Chel, Bap, Acon (Boger)

Colocynth has this peculiar sensation of intestines being squeezed between stones, with vomiting with abdominal pain.

Kali iod has peculiar affinity for upper lobe of lung, with dry bronchitis or frothy sputum.

Manganum has marked propensity to affect ears. All complaints affect ears in some way or the other; with aggravation mornings. > open air and lying down

Think of Mephitis too when the person has long standing respiratory disorder with tuberculosis, asthma, etc with habit of alcoholism. Choking of food is usually the presenting symptom with suffocative cough that is aggravated by talking or drinking. Characteristically better by having a cold bath!!

Remember that in very severe cases of asthma, there might be absolutely no wheezing (called silent chest). Can be misleading! Probably the severe airway obstruction leads to very low air-flow rates, which do not produce any sounds and also physical obstruction of small airways with viscid mucus can be there.

Types of dizziness-

Vertigenous- true vertigo in which patient tells everything seems to revolve around him/her.

Syncopal- sudden darkness in front of the eyes with the feeling of unconsciousness for a second or two.

Dysequilibraemic- cerebellar, posterioir column or peripheral neuropathy

Psychogenic- spinning sensation inside the head

Multisensory- Old age with deficit of all senses, like moderate deafness, cataract, peripheral neuropathy, etc

(Very important to differentiate while prescribing homeopathically, with respective peculiarity of symptoms)

Cardiac patients should avoid early morning walks in chilly winters (without woolen protection). Chances of mitral stenosis due to left atrial failure are high that leads to breathlessness and asthma-like symptoms in such patients. Doctors must be rule out MS in such patients.

Homeopathic remedy Tips - 7

Zingiber may be needed for diarrheas resulting from drinking impure water, associated with hyperacidity, cutting abdominal pain, and inflamed red anus.

Lilium tigrinum patient usually has a kind of fruitless activity with unknown wild feeling. Deviates between morality and lasciviousness…

Symphytum is a very good remedy for bruises in and around eyes. A Typical Black-eye!

Bryonia and Natrum sulph both have great soreness of chest with cough. Bryonia however has dry cough and Natrum sulph loose and productive. Pain through lower left chest is characteristic in Natrum sulph. Bryonia usually right-sided!

In cases of hyper or hypo-ventilated patients due to any reason, pay attention closely to PCO2, which is reduced in cases of hyperventilation and increased in cases of hypoventilation. PO2 is rarely altered unless severe problem is there.

In patients of anemia, with flushed faces, don’t forget to hear pan-systolic murmur. Clinically you can diagnose anemia pretty fast with this single finding and weakness, especially if the pallor is strikingly absent! And that is a peculiarity while treating homeopathically!

Aletris farinose works great in mother tincture form for prolapse of uterus, when given 5 drops twice a day- Handbook of Homeopathic Mother Tinctures, by Dr Kamal Kansal.

Think of Wyethia when there is constant inclination to clear the throat, > by swallowing saliva. Associated with dryness of throat and elongated uvula.

Aurum met has the kind of industriousness and workaholism to fill the void. Fears idle time, to the extent of morbidity. Also out of craving for more money!

Social smile starts as early as at 6 weeks after birth. It is one of the important parameters of normal mental and emotional faculties of children!

Ledum pal, Hypericum, and Arnica are the top-rated remedies to be thought of to prevent tetanus!

Think of Solanum lycopersicum too in symptoms of rheumatism after an attack of influenza.

Hiccough followed by spasm- Cup met

Hiccough with belching- Dios, Nux vom, Conjuputi

Hiccough with hysterical nervous symptoms- Ign, Mosch, Nux

Hiccough with retching and vomiting- Nux vom

Hiccough with yawning- Cocculus

Hiccough with spasm of esophagus- Veratrum viride

Don’t forget Antim crud while differentiating medicines for shaking hands while writing. No wonder it is also one of the good remedies for Parkinsonism.

Homeopathic Remedy Tips - 6

Pothos is a classical remedy for oppressing asthma with bloated abdomen and headache in spots, in which breathlessness is relieved by passing stools!

Cannot live without company- Most prominent drugs are Phos, Stram, Ars

Palladium too, if the companion keeps praising her... J

Heavy diarrhea after cathartics- Nux vom

After any sort of emotional disturbances, mortification, when a person develops acute pain in abdomen and diarrhea- Colocynth… If he develops urinary complaints and/or diarrhea- he may need Staph

Many times, Merc sol is wrongly prescribed in place of Merc dulcis, especially if the person has some or the other ear trouble.

Think of Capsicum for the withdrawal symptoms of alcoholism, when there is constricted sensation at mucus membrane junctions, general chilliness, feeble digestion, and marked prostration.

Capsicum also works great when the cough leads to pain in distant parts, especially when the cough is dry and breath offensive. < eating, > open air

Try Carbo animalis when the vertigo is associated with some problem in ears, confused hearing and the person is unable to identify the direction from where sound is coming.

Excessive yawning and sleepiness during the day, mostly associated with cough and watering of eyes- Euphrasia. Yawning < walking in open air

Severe headache in forehead region that is aggravated by moving eyes is usually relieved by a dose of Drosera

Typical aversion to garlic and its smell leading to sneezing is alleviated by Sabadilla.

Excessive irritability in children with tendency to bore head into the pillow can be subdued by Helleborus, especially if the child has absolute aversion to vegetables.

In middle aged women (40 to 50), always rule out Plummer-Vinson Syndrome, if they complain of throat pain (small ulcerative lesions in throat) and mouth ulcers. It is nothing else but due to iron deficiency leading to microcytic hypochromic anemia. Many doctors fail to recognize the syndrome! Apt homeopathic constitutional medicine and iron supplements are enough!

Arnica usually cures the cases of recurrent abscesses, which DO NOT MATURE!

A disposition that is mild, calm, and gentle; sluggish and constipated bowels, contraindicate Chamomilla- Boericke

Hydrangia helps in breaking the kidney stones and when coupled with Berberis vulgaris eases the renal colic too! Give in mother tincture form!

Headache starting early morning, immediately after getting up, preceded by disagreeable dreams- Murex

Cistus canedensis can be thought of in excessive indurated swelling on the throat with enlarged lymph glands; the patient says, “It hurts to take tongue out”. Slightest mental exertion and cold air aggravates.

Heel pain that is better by elevating the feet can respond well to Phytolacca.

Occipital headache after slightest mental exertion. Post-examination remedy for anxious students who dread the failure resulting in occipital headache, vertigo, and a kind of brain fag, relieved by bandaging head tightly- Picric acid

Senecio aureus often sets the menses when the girl has functional amenorrhea with the feeling that menses will start now! All complaints are better once menstruation is set.

Typical greasy sensation on tongue with excessive hyperacidity may respond well to Iris versicolor! (Oily nose, greasy taste, and fatty stools- Boger)

A remedy with most busy hands; he keeps on moving his hands all through the day, fidgety fingers with poor memory- Kali brom

A homeopath who avoids an obstinate exclusivism on a particular potency, either a low or high one, usually succeeds in practice.- Stuart Close

In general it may be stated that any curable disease may be cured by any potency, when the indicated remedy is administered; but that the cure may be much accelerated by selecting the potency or dose appropriate t the individual case.

Many, if not the most, of the mistakes and failures in medical treatment are due to failure to comprehend and correctly apply the principle of logic known as the Law of Causation.

Selenium is an important remedy to be considered in the cases of alopecia, when it is associated with comedones with oily face, itchy seborrhea of scalp, hair fall out from brows, beard too. Tea-drinkers’ remedy, where tea almost always aggravates.

Think of Secale cor when there are putrid greenish bloody stools that sometimes are passed involuntarily. Icy coldness of the body and extreme exhaustion are the hallmarks! Despite coldness, the patient cannot tolerate to be covered.

Homeopathic Remedy Tips - 5

Think of Ptelea when the stomach and liver symptoms (hyperacidity, heat in stomach, sinking, heavy feeling on right side better by lying on right, etc) are associated with pain in limbs!

Pulsatilla has so many gastric derangements from different kinds of food that many earlier practitioners used to give Pulsatilla empirically for food problems till they can come up with more suitable drug!

Try Apomorphia may be required in a case of excessive hand and foot sweating when there is associated recurrent nausea, vomiting, and/or constipation.

In cases of plantar fasciitis, Aranea diadema has special role, when the patient develops this pain in os calcis at the specific time of the day, there is sensation of swelling, and is associated with bone pains.

Aralia racemosa may be needed in cases failed with Spongia for dry cough coming at night on lying down. In Aralia, usually the cough is associated with mild to moderate coryza with frequent sneezing, aggravated by slightest cold air with copious discharge.

Fat, pale child with marked redness around eyes, crusty eruptions on face (childhood impetigo), clumsy when walk or perform any task, deformed nails, extremely weepy (more they get the attention, more are the tears) with white washed tongue and some or the other digestive disturbances - Antim crud… Petroleum has similar-looking skin conditions like Antim crud, especially in children, but they are rather thin!

Though Kali sulph is said to be intensified Pulsatilla, Kali sulph child tends to be much flabbier than Pulsatilla. Muscular efforts aggravate Kali sulph and are more liable to sit out of sluggishness on all planes. – Borland

A child gets depressed if he made to sit and do nothing. The same child brightens up mentally by any kind of activity. A chilly child that however sweats on uncovered parts, faulty teeth development, enamel problems, digestive upsets from tea and onions, undue sensitivity to music - Thuja

Pain in chest region (retrosternal) while yawning- Merc i. f.

Numbness of hands alternating between right and left- Cocculus

Pain in tibia- Lachesis, Agaricus, Phosphoric acid

Cold water wash aggravates burning pains tremendously- Capsicum

Think of Stramonium in the sleeplessness associated with low grade fevers

Peculiar photophobia resulting from removing crusts from nose- Kali bich

Itchy sensation in teeth after dinner is usually relieved by Kali carb

The symptoms excess irritability, coated tongue, tendency to obesity, tendency to overeat, then bloating, less thirst, desires sour pickles, cannot bear the heat of sun, with crusty eruptions usually call for Antim crud; for ANY diagnostic complaint!

Osteoarthritis with deformity and pain can be successfully treated with Piper methysticum if there is weakness, feeling of loss of muscular power, and the peculiar modality of amelioration of pain when the attention is diverted. 

Homeopathic Remedy Tips - 4

H.A. Roberts says, “Temperaments are cast in the very beginning of the new individual, when the parent cells first unite, and that one cast, there is no deviation from them; and that what is physiological cannot be influenced or changed by the action of our remedies. But it is definitely true that the initial tendency cannot be changed, but that the homeopathically indicated remedy, prescribed accurately in babes and children, can so modify the physiological tendencies as to prevent their unfavorable ultimates, to a considerable degree. – H.A. Roberts

A few temperamental remedies-

Nervous- Sul, Ign, Tarent, Sil, Sec, Nit ac, Mag ph, Glon, Gels

Bilious- Bry, Nux v, Bell, Pod

Sanguinous- Phos, Sil, Plat, Hyos, Fer met, Coff

Phlegmatic- Calc c, Puls, Mez, Dulc, Cycl, Ant t, Alo

Surgery for deviated nasal septum and nasal polyps often leads to failures in the long run. Recurrence of blocked nose and allergic symptoms are very annoying. Going for homeopathy helps however to put an end to the menace without surgery! Yes, it’s guaranteed!

Pain in teeth because of going to dry weather from wet weather is relieved by Causticum!

Staphysagria has disposition to swallow saliva several times while speaking.

Carbolic acid works miraculously when there is excessive throat pain with burning sensation along the alimentary canal, bad breath, and shriveled uvula!

Ipecac has this peculiar itching with nausea symptom. Patient tells, he feels so much nauseated as he itches, that he must vomit to stop that itching!

Under homeopathic principle, any potency may be required in any case. It’s unreasonable to expect cure all cases with any 2 or 3 potencies as it is to expect to cure all cases with 2 or 3 remedies. Those who follow such things are governed by the love of ease and prejudices than their desire for efficacy- Stuart Close

A balanced personality is the one if you answer affirmatively to the following questions-

1) Do I like myself?

2) Do others like me?

3) Do I like others?

Immediate acute analogue of Nux vomica to deepen its action is Sulphur!

Mental factors giving rise to flatulence- Aloe- Arg nit- Sil- Lyc

In most cases of nasal polyps, along the course of homeopathic treatment, Tuberculinum is needed to bring about positive changes towards complete cure!

Recently had a case of Glaucoma that responded extremely well to constitutional dose of Nitric acid, while enhancing the potency from 1M to LM over the course of 6 to 7 months. Yesterday saw the report of blood supply to the ophthalmic artery that was subdued to mere 30%, has now reached 80%. Happy!! No alternative to constitutional treatment!!

Pulsating headache ameliorated by darkness- the drug is Sepia

More he eats; more is the appetite- Cina, Lycpodium

Millefolim works great if the person has thrusting headache along with fever with some sort of hemorrhagic tendency.

Girls that keep their legs tightly crossed, have dysmenorrhea, leucorrhea, with extreme weakness yet sexual excitement may need Murex!

Homeopathic Remedy Tips - 3

Extremely obstinate during menses- Chamomilla

Child or even an elder that keeps playing with his buttons of shirt can be Mochus

Hoarseness of voice after excessive talking on a single day usually responds well to Arnica.

Child that says words of quarrel between friends in sleep can be Belladona

Feels unduly guilty for trivial things and thinks he should repent for the same- Silica

Extremely buoyant attitude towards even the serious matters- Acid fluor, Ignatia

Bovista cures many cases of Kumkum dermatitis (dermatitis affecting the place on forehead where Indian women apply Kumkum), which may be complemented later with a dose of Sulphur.

Asks continuous questions one after the other. One question leads to another (talks in questions) – Aurum

The Dad who just cannot rest till the toys spread by his child go to proper place- Arsenicum album

It is better to open the case of head injury with Arnica even if the mental symptoms are pronounced and later go for Natrum sulph if required; not the other way round!

Excessive sadness from hearing or reading sad stories. Undue involvement- Cicuta

Meditates even while working- Calc sulph

Lachesis is one of the chief drugs effective in dealing with idiopathic diarrhea during menopause! (Sulphur too)

Think of Lithium carb too when the patient has morning aggravation of gastric complaints and nausea, has rheumatic diathesis, is better by eating, and chocolates lead to diarrhea!!

Lobelia is one of the chief drugs to be thought of when the patient has recurrent giddiness spells along with fear of death!

Euphorbium is one of the major drugs to relieve the burning cancer pains!

Kali nitricum works great if the patient “feels” the swelling in hands and fingers, when there is no actual swelling!

Had a case of skin eruptions on back of hands with excessive itching that failed to respond to Mezereum, responded well to a rare remedy- Pix liquida. The guiding symptom was the patient developed skin ailments the same day when he developed extreme nausea and had vomiting. This was followed by productive cough! All were relieved by a single dose of Pix!

Fagopyrum is the great remedy for diabetic itching of the body, without any eruptions.

Sanguinaria works well if the patient develops diarrheic spells after the respiratory complaints like coryza or catarrh!

Homeopathy offers a special inducement to the man who can teach people to think and act as individuals, and to demand medical treatment as individuals- Herbert Roberts

Quality of patience is something a homeopath learns once he starts his practice; to be able to understand others’ point of view, to convince them about the homeopathic principle that will cater his requirement effectively, and to acknowledge yet defy the bombardment of conventional therapy with dignified demeanor!

Homeopathic Remedy Tips - 2

A tedious case of recurrent boils usually responds well to Tarantula cubensis.

When arsenicum album fails despite being indicated in a case of chorea like symptoms, due to extreme restlessness and anxiety, Tarentula Hispania may well cure the case if—the patients’ physical symptoms are worse in the evening and mental symptoms are better in the evening!

In calcarea group of children, if the child develops sudden lower respiratory tract infections without presenting first with upper respiratory tract infections, he may need Calc phos. The child that usually starts first with URTI needs Calcarea carb!

Ignatia is often missed in case of congestive headaches of a child after a weary day. The child needs a single dose of Ignatia if he or she is aggravated by noise of any kind, cannot take stress, culminates in tears, congestive headache better by hot application, and disturbed finer movements, especially if the child is mentally precocious!

Mag carb tops the list when a child is averse to any kind of vegetables and milk. Milk nauseates. Very choosy child when it comes to food. If you make him eat what he or she does not want, he will develop digestive upsets!

Cina child has definite hyper-sensitivity of head and scalp. Never soothe a crying Cina child on head. It will only add to the irritation. Yawns while crying! – Borland

Nux vomica acts best when given at night, during the repose of mind and body! Nash.

Extreme chilliness when uncovered, yet he will not allow to be covered- Nux vomica

Natrum mur, Phosphorus, and Tuberculinums are the people with prominent clavicle!

Cactus, Strophanthes, and Latrodectus are the major remedies that deal effectively with angina.

Growing pains during childhood can be effectively dealt with by Biochemic salt- Calcarea phos.

In many cases of haematuria without any pathological cause, Belladona is proved successful.

Sciatica with the history of coccygeal injury in the past many times needs Hypericum.

For paretic conditions affecting fingers in middle age, when the fingers jerk while holding the pen, Stannum met is one of the important remedies.

In any type of crampy pains, intensified Mag phos is Cuprum met!

For excessive white discharge (leucorrhea) with backache, increased sweat, and crampy pains around menopause, Eupion works marvelously.

Remedies that may contradict for the sake of contradiction- Sepia, Arsenicum album!

Remember Zincum met and Tellurium when there is excessive weariness of nape of neck from writing or any exertion!

Agnus castus, the remedy that is often thought as one of the chief remedies for sexual over-indulgence, also acts great in agalactia (suppressed milk secretion) in lactating mothers, especially if associated with post-partum depression.

Relaxed ankle jerk is one of the chief diagnostic signs of hypothyroidism!!!

A homeopath must be aware of the clinical signs and symptoms of the disease too, so that he can find the characteristic symptoms of the patient and not attribute the common signs of the disease as the peculiar ones!

Better by letting the part hang down is one of the major modalities of Conium. Vipera is aggravated by the same.

Asterias rubens was one of the most widely and empirically used drug for acne vulgaris. For acne rosacea, there is hardly any drug that matches the depth of Asterias other than Radium brom.  

Undue and idiopathic anxiety after waking up in the morning that gets aggravated if she hears someone reading the newspaper (the rattle of paper) is found in Asarum. She has to get up and wash face with cold water to calm down!

Complaints get aggravated while he narrates the story to his doctor- Calcarea, Pulsatilla

The child that raises the most surprising objection to whatever is asked to be done- may be Argentum nitricum