Arnica Montana

In our last post, we saw a medicine Agaricus, which is made from a type of mushroom, to help cure Jerking, Twitching, Trembling or itching types of pains mostly in the spine 

In this post, we'll see about Arnica, which is a good cure for treating injuries.

ARNICA MONTANA commonly known as arnica is a well-known homeopathy medicine in treating all kinds of injuries. One can judge the efficiency of this medicine in healing injured tissues.

This medicine is mainly used for treating injuries, mild to severe traumas like head and spine injuries. It will also help to reduce the pain with injuries and very useful for all sprains and strains resulting because of injuries. (Note: Trauma is a body wound or a shock produced by physical body or by an accident)

These days, seems even allopathic surgeons are using this medicine to promote healing and minimizing the post-operative infections. It is amazing is it not?

Even eye surgeons are using this arnica during eye operations since it is helping to heal the eyes much faster.

Another important role of this medicine is reducing the pain during fracture and also with old fractures.

Further, another very important condition where ARNICA is very much needed is in re-absorption of blood whether it is brain haemorrhage or bleed in retina, it accelerates the absorption of clot.

It also works well by improving the blood flow to the areas of tissue damage thereby assisting in the healing process.

Here is how it works with chest and heart:  The conditions are shooting pains on sides of chest that makes breathing diffucult and stitching pain while walking. ARNICA is a well- known remedy for ANGINA PECTORIS and other cardiac problems.

Dosage as usual 4…4…4 and for children 2…2…2 and it works well in 3^rd to 30^th potencies

Don’t forget to use arnica to cure injuries and also for angina pectoris

AGARICUS MUSCARTIUS

In our last post, we saw about a medicine Arsenicum album or ARS which is a good medicine for many organs of the body.

Agaricus is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species.

The indications to use this medicine are: Feeling Pain or violent burning and observing shooting pain in the spinal card and having a sensitive feeling in spinal column while touching.  

Further symptoms are feeling sensation as if ants are creeping along spine, and violent muscular twitching and jumping as if caused by a galvanic current.

In urinary the symptoms are; Observing stitches in the urethra, feeling the sudden and violent urge to pass urine and frequent urge for urination.

This medicine can also be used for the problems of stiffness all over the body, pain over the hips, rheumatism, and numbness of leg on crossing them.

This medicine works well on 3^rd to 30^th and 200 potencies.

So don’t forget the strong indications for the usage of this AGARICUS are jerking, twitching, trembling and itching.

Dosage for this pills is 4….4…..4 and for children 2…2…2. Use it for ten days.

Note: We may often find the word “twitching” while reading the indications or symptoms of illness     what is the definition for twitching? That is sudden involuntary contraction of muscle is defined as twitch and the phenomenon is called twitching.

Our next discussion will be about the medicine ARNICA

ARSENICUM ALBUM (ARS)

In our last post, we saw a medicine called amylenum nitrosum (Amyl-nit) which can be used for Chest pains.

In this post, we'll see about a medicine, ARS that is used often by Homeopathy doctors for the reason it acts profoundly on every organ and tissue of the body.

The main indications for which this ARS can be used are: Burning sensation, Restlessness, Unquenchable thirst and weakness, Exhaustion, Dryness in mouth and in tongue.

Some other indications are: Feeling great anguish and restlessness in mind, and fearing of death and fear of being left alone.

In the case of Nose the indications are, a thin watery excoriating discharge and sneezing without relief.

In Stomach the indications are one cannot bear the sight or smell of food, Great thirst, Nausea, Burning pain, Vomiting of blood, Stomach extremely irritable, Gastric ulcer, etc.,

ARS can also be used for bleeding gums, ulceration in mouth with dryness, trembling, twitching and burning pains.

It can also be used to get relief from peripheral neuritis, diabetic gangrene and ulcers on the heels, head ache with cold.

In the SKIN the symptoms are Itching, burning, and psoriasis etc.,

Dosage is as usual 4---4---4…for a week and for children 2...2…2 and it will work with 3^rd to 200 potencies

So you can see how one homeopathy medicine can cure number of illness that is the specialty and greatness of homeopathy. 

Amylenum Nitrosum (AMYL-NIT)

AMYL-NITRITE works well on palpitations of heart and chest. This is one of the good medicines for heart and chest pain and constriction around the heart that is ANGINA PECTORIS.

Here is my experience with this AMYL NIT. Some six months back I suffered with chest pain, which started between 1230.0130 midnight and gradually increased to unbearable condition and remained for more than half an hour. I searched for medicines and selected this AMYL-NIT. I took 30 drops mixed with water (50 ml). What a surprise? The pain subsided. It worked more or less like a pain killer. Then I used it for three times daily for ten days and got relief from pain. I like to say here that I am quoting in my blog only the medicines that were experienced by me or by my family members. The example is one such AMYL-NIT. In case of heart and chest pain, it is always good to consult a doctor.

This can also be used in all the conditions where the blood vessels are spasmodically contracted. It is available in liquid form.

Dosage: 30 drops mixed with 50 ml of water thrice daily for a week or ten days or at the time when pain begins. It will work well with 6th potency. (6x potency)

Here you should know something about ANGINA PECTORIS. Here is a short note.

Due to various reasons like old age, excess of medication, and due to some chronic diseases like diabetes, cholesterol, B P, some deposits are formed in the blood vessels which carry blood to heart. These deposits block the blood flow. Because of this blockage the blood flow is reduced. This will create pain in the chest or in the heart.

Further details of angina problem will be discussed in my later post

Alumina - Frequent urination, Constipation in elderly

Alumina is a medicine for constipation for the elderly.  It is a good medicine for staggering or the characteristic constipation. Elderly people may often find it difficult to pass even soft stool. If they use this medicine it is easy for them to get relief from constipation.

Another problem with the elderly is frequent urination especially during night. And they may find difficulty in starting before urination. This ALUMINA will solve frequent desire to pass urine

Other indications for which this medicine can be used: Sore throat, food cannot pass as if plug in the throat, Very hard, dry, knotty stools, burning in the anus, itching in the rectum .

Please note ALUMINA can work for even spinal degeneration, paralysis of lower limbs, Numbness feeling in the Heels, Tender and soft soles. It is a medicine for brittle nails also

So you can see how this wonderful medicine acts and solves many problems of the senior citizens and others also. 

Don’t forget that the two siddha and ayurvedic medicines called TRIPHALA and KAYUM CHURNAM can also be used for constipation. Please refer previous post CONSTIPATION.

This Alumina remedy will work well with 3rd to 200 potencies. Dosage 4----4---4 for children 2---2---2

ALUMINA is one of the fine homeopathic remedy for elderly especially for constipation and desire to pass frequent urination, Numbness in heels, Tender and soft soles

Next post will tell about ARSANICUM ALBUM

Aconite or Aconitum Napellus

In Previous posts, we learnt about the calculation of potencies of Homeopathy medicines. Starting from this post, we'll discuss homopathy medicines one by one and their potencies

Aconite is one of the main remedy that most of the Homeopathy doctors are using for immediate reaction and cure. This is mainly used for sudden fever occurred without any prior symptoms, and pains.

A state of fear, anxiety. Anguish of mind and body, physical, and mental restlessness are also major symptoms for the usage of this medicine.

This can also be used to treat tooth ache, headache, ear pain, back ache.

Other symptoms are Vomiting, thirst for cold water, stitching pain in anus constant pressure in the left side of the chest.  

First to third potency can be used for congestive conditions.  It must be used for a week or ten days. For other conditions 30th potency is enough. That means 30x. The Other potencies can be used according to the condition of the illness.

In nose, the indications are: smell, acutely sensitive pain at the root of the nose, sneezing, dry mucous membrane.

In the case of throat the indications are: red dry throat, numb, prickling, burning, stinging, Swollen and dry Tonsils (that is for the first stage of tonsillitis)

In the case of Urinary the symptoms are: painful burning at the neck of the bladder, urine supressed, burning in the urethra, feeling anxiety always when beginning to micturate, Retention of urine, Renal region sensitive etc.,

In the case of Heart, constant pressure in the chest, shortness of breath, affections of heart with pain in the left shoulder, stitching pain in the chest that is angina pectoris, palpitations with anxiety etc.,

This remedy will be in the form of pills. Dosage for adult is 3….3….3 or 4……4…..4 according to the conditions and symptoms of the illness. For children 2….2….2. The medicine can be stopped after you get relief from the problem.

Don’t forget this ACONITE is a sure remedy for sudden fever and pains

Reference HOMEOPATHIC MATERIA MEDICA

Next post will be about ALUMINA

Calculation of Potencies in Homeopathy medicines

In our previous post, we read about “Potencies in Homeopathymedicines”.  In this post we’ll see more details about the calculation of Potencies and details about the potency numbers.

Potencies are marked with the signs of X, C and M denoting 10, 100, 1000 in terms of the amount of dilution. Since in our country most of the homeopathy doctors are using X , so we can deal with the sign X  only.

Homeopathy remedies begin with a part of original substance dissolved in alcohol called mother tincture. The mother tincture is then diluted many times using alcohol or distilled water. After each dilution, it is forcefully stirred, then the diluted solution is made into pills, powder, tinctures or creams.

“1x potency” is created by mixing 1 part of the mother tincture and 9 parts of alcohol or distilled water. In each successive number (increasing potency in to 2x, 3x, 6x etc.,) 1 part is taken from previous potency and further diluted to new potency.

Say for example, in a 3x remedy is (3x is mentioned as potency) one part of 2x remedy is mixed with to 999 parts of alcohol or distilled water.

So above, I have given the ways and means of calculation of potencies of a medicine. Generally 3x, 6x, 30x, 100x, 200x are used to treat a patient. But in some cases even 1000 and 2000 potency has to be given according to the seriousness of the illness.

In homeopathy, a solution that is more dilute is considered as having a higher potency. More dilute substances are considered to be stronger and deeper-acting remedies.

Some medicines may work effectively in particular potencies. (Refer in specific posts or book or check with doctor). Now-a-days you may find potencies are marked simply by its numbers say for example take ACONITE remedy it may be mentioned ACONITE 6, ACONITE 200 like that. That means x is understood.

Selection of a remedy

1.      If you selected a correct remedy for the correct symptoms use the higher potency say 30x 60x or so

2.      If you are uncertain in selecting of the remedy select lower potency of the remedy say 6x 3x

3.      In case of higher potenticies, always try initially with less doses and less periods  (say for 4 or 7 days)

So as I already mentioned, in homeopathy treatment, selection of medicine according to symptoms and conditions of a patient and selection of correct potency of the selected medicines are essential.

Now we can move to few selective homeopathy medicines one by one

In the next post, we’ll see a remedy called ACONITE, with its properties and functions etc..

Potency, Potentiation in Homeopathy medicines

Dear friends, In my previous posts we have seen about some illness and remedies, precautions etc., Now we will move to homeopathy medicines. This time we are going to deal with some of the basic homeopathy medicines one by one by its name.

We have already seen the system of homeopathy medicines was introduced by Dr. SAMUEL HAHNEMANN and BIOCHEMIC SYSTEM was gifted to humanity by DR. SCHUESSLER. Before reading about basic homeopathy medicines one by one by name, you must understand the potentiation of medicines in other words it can be called power of medicine.

What is potentiation? Let us see in brief

Homeopathic potentiation is a mathematic & mechanical process for reduction. The primary object of potentiation is to reduce all substances designed for therapeutic use to a state of approximately perfect solution or complete ionization. The greater the dilution, the higher is the degree of ionization.

Homeopathy medicines are prepared by serial dilutions. Mother tinctures are diluted and the medicines are prepared by vigorous shaking and forceful striking on an elastic body which is called potentiation process. (refer Wikipedia on the Potentiation process here). It is stated that this dilution and potentiation increases the power of the medicine’s medical effectiveness.

The potencies are noted as 1x,  2x,    3x,  6x,   12x,  30x, 100x,  200x, 1000x  and so on .But normally  3x,  6x,  30x, 100x, 200X are used for normal patients. But for chronic cases even 1000x, 2000x and above can be used according to the condition of the illness. So, one must select the medicine with correct potency to get better results. 

How the potencies of medicine are calculated?

1x = 1/10^th dilution

Please remember all the names of the medicines with its functions can be found in the reference book is called “homeopathic materia medica”

In the next post let us see some more details of potencies and how they are calculated….

Anal Fistula or Fistula in Ano

Let us see the general definition for Fistula. A Fistula is a permanent abnormal passage between two organs of the body or between an organ and the exterior of the body.  Now more about anal fistula.

Anal fistula or fistula in ano is an abnormal connection between the epithelialized surface of the anal canal and the perianal skin. In other wards it is a narrow tunnel running from the skin near passage and opening into the back passage higher up.

Generally this anal fistula is not harmful. But because this condition in anus, it will create discomfort and pain around back passage and a lump around anus. Anal Fistula is a small tunnel (whole like) connecting the anal gland from which the abscess arises to the skin outside anus. This can happen because of formation of the pus

Symptoms

• Constant pain.
• Sometimes pain with swelling,
• Irritation in the skin around anus,
• Oozing of pus, and
• Wet in the opening, feeling unwell in general.

Constipation plays main role for fistula also.  Smoking should be avoided. Should not touch tobacco and alcohol.

The ointment HADENSA will help to some extent. It should be used Thrice daily. Treatments are available in Ayurveda and siddha clinic, but in my opinion the best remedy is Surgery. Examination can be done by an ANOSCOPY

Take treatment at early stage itself. For complete eradication of anal fistula, Surgery is a better option. More option details, you can also check the wikipedia page on Anal fistula here

Anal Fissure

First let us see the differences among piles, fissure and fistula. All the three kinds of problems will be in anus and rectum.

Piles is indicated by pain or painless bleeding due to swelling of blood vessels in the anal canal

Fissure with skin tags leading to painful bleeding due to a small cut or scar at the anal margin.

Fistulas are abnormal small openings next to anus from where anal discharge is occurring.

About Piles we had seen in the previous post here. Now let us take FISSURE

A Fissure is a small tear or cut of the skin just inside of anus. This may be painful when passing stools. Bleeding may also appear. If you treat this early it can be cured easily. Ayurveda, siddha medicines are available. if you don’t treat it at early stages, it will become chronic because blood supply will be reduced to the affected part of the anus due to tightening the anus muscles.

The main reason for fissure is constipation. Because of very hard stools to pass through the anus, muscles are pressed heavily resulting in a tear of the skin at the anal opening. So if there is no constipation this kind of trouble won’t arise normally. A healthy person have to pass motion freely twice daily that is once in the morning then in the evening or at night. In that case there is very low  chance for piles, fissure or fistula problems.  Always prevention is better than cure.

Treatments for Fissure are available at Ayurveda or siddha centres.  Take treatment at early stages. The ointment by name HADENSA will help to heal and will also reduce the bleeding, pain and itching etc and also PILEX a product from Himalaya drug company (refer  www.himalayahealthcare.com ).

Precautions and diets are the same as mentioned in my previous post for piles

Next topic will be about FISTULA

Piles

A sizeable number of people are suffering from piles or haemorrhoids (medical name). Actually piles are due to swelling of veins in and around the rectum.

There are two types of piles - internal piles and external piles. Internal piles refers to swelling located inside the anal passage and cannot be seen but can be sensed (Felt). In external piles swelling is visible.

Symptoms for piles:

·         Blood from the anus

·         A lump on the anus

·         Pain and discomfort after passed bowels

·         Discharge of mucus which may leave the area itchy

·         Feeling that bowels have not finished completely

·         Itching pain in the anus

Constipation and piles are like twins. Main reason for piles is constipation. If you are free from constipation your chances of being hit by piles is lesser (check the post on Constipation here for a few tips regarding the same)

Remedies for Piles:  

First you should be under diet control. Avoid chillies, tamarind, pickles. Use plenty of greens and fibre vegetable. Use ghee, avoid masala products, fast food, and at night take one banana, drink plenty of water. Don’t sit for a long time continuously.

Ayurveda and siddha medicines are available and can cure both the internal and external piles.

Another easy treatment is called as rubber band treatment or rubber band ligation (refer wikipedia page here). In this case rubber band is used to cut the blood supply to the piles. This can be done at any major hospital as outpatient. It is painless and easy procedure.  After the piles shrinks the rubber band will pass through stools.  

Another fine remedy is PILEX. It is also as in ointment form and tablets. It is from Himalaya drug company. It has no side effects and is an Ayurveda medicine link http://www.himalayahealthcare.com/products/pharmaceuticals/pilex-tablet-ointment.htm

One ointment called HADENSA is also present and is effective. It is a good medicine to heal and shrink the piles. It will also help for easy bowels movement.  It should be used after each bowel and also at night before bedtime.

Don’t forget. Main reason for piles is constipation. So watch the symptoms and take treatment at the early stage itself. In case of chronic it can be cured only by surgery

Next we will see about fissure and fistula in anus in short form