SELF-HELP
HOW TO OVERCOME FEAR
ACONITE Napellus is a poisonous plant (called “dakra” in Hindi). It is one of the five species of Aconite plant cultivated in America but also found in Europe and the Himalayas.
This homoeopathic medicine is given to those suffering from acute inflammatory conditions of the brain, lungs, heart, kidneys and other organs of the body.
Also, for those suffering from anxiety, great nervous excitability, generally reflected in the form of fear of death.
The fear is so marked that at times a patient starts predicting the time of his death.
These conditions may be triggered of by exposure to dry cold air, particularly in autumn when the days are hot but the nights are cold.
This medicine is effective in removing children’s fear of dark places. Also, for people who feel frightened after receiving a threat.
The fear, in case of women, may lead to abortion, or stopping of menses. They may suffer from fear of death at the time of first delivery.
Also, for breathing difficulty for babies born after tedious labour. A good medicine for school-going problem cildren, who are at times punished severely either by parents at home or by teachers at school.
Frequent dose of 30 potency daily until condition improves. For chronic cases, there are other medicines.
FOR TONGUE-TIED LAILA-MAJNU
AMBRA grisea, also known as Ambergris, is prescribed to persons who are intensely shy and blush easily. They cannot do anything in the presence of others. They generally suffer from acute constipation. It is also ideal for those who become nervous in the company of strangers. They either begin to cough or suffer an attack of hiccups. At times they become asthmatic and their heart begins to pound at the very thought of having to make love.
Ambra helps get over the shock of repeated deaths or business loss in the family. In certain cases the unpleasant memories of the past haunt the patient. Concentration becomes difficult. It results in fitful sleep.
Ambra is ideal for stopping bleeding from the nose, especially if it occurs in the morning. It provides relief to women who discharge blood in between menstrual periods. Even a slight exertion is enough to start the bleeding
During periods, the left leg turns blue. At times the periods may commence one week before the scheduled date followed by soreness, itching and swelling of the genitals.
Dose: 6 or 30 potency dose may be repeated after every 6 or 12 hours until improvement is noticed in the condition.
HOMOEOPATHIC BADAAM
ANACARDIUM is a homoeopathic medicine prepared from the seeds of marking nut (used by washerman for identification markings on clothes. The Indian name of this plant is “bhilava”.
It is a remedy for mental fatigue, when even a slight mental exercise brings on a dull pressing headache.
Also, for those who suffer from sudden loss of memory; when things told at a given moment are forgotten minutes later.
Anacardium is prescribed to overcome memory weakness after an exhausting disease, or due to old age.
Impaired memory may lead to depression or irritability or aversion to work, lack of self-confidence. Also, fear of examinations, interviews or public appointments.
Confusion reigns supreme in such persons. They may also become suspicious that they are being observed. They cannot easily take a decision.
A patient may also become violent, and suffer from profound melancholy and hypochondriasis. He may cause bodily injury to others without any cruel, malicious or wicked intention.
It is also suitable for those who are hypersensitive when it comes to religious issues.
It acts as “smiriti sudha” for the students, if taken 10 to 15 days before the examination in 200 potency doses weekly.
This dose is also advised for patients mentioned above.
OH! MY STOMACH
ANTIM crudum, is a chemical compound also known as black sulphide of Antimony. This homoeopathic medicine is commonly prescribed for gastric trouble due to sluggish stomach.
It is more effective for those who overload the stomach with fat food, milk, meat, sweet, etc, and find it uncomfortable later.
Owing to this, there may be a thick milky-white or dirty coating on the tongue, with or without violent, cutting pain in the abdomen, along with a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
Diarrhoea often follows such dietic errors, where stool may contain indigested food with partly watery fecal discharge. At times loose motions may alternate with constipation, particularly noticed in old people.
Antim crudum is also given in old cases where the trouble began after a swim or after a cold bath. Headache is a common complaint after a cold bath in chilly winter.
A good medicine for gout and arthritis of fingers, where the swelling and pain are worse owing to cold damp weather or after a cold bath, and one gets relief by heat.
Antim crudum is prescribed for corns. It is also effective in curing brittle nails.
It has been found efficacious in stopping ache in decayed teeth (stumps) when there is an unbearable pain after eating or after taking cold drinks.
For the hysteric or other sentimental patients, who generally remain sad, impulsive and have suicidal tendencies, especially by drowning.
Also for young children who may be irritable and fretful when touched or looked at. Some among them who become obese, Antim crudum is a remedy.
Dose: 6 or 30 potency dose may be repeated three times every day.
NIP THE COLD IN THE BUD
ANTIM tart, a salt commonly known as Tartar emetic, is an indispensable
life-saving homoeopathic medicine.
Owing to its marked action on respiratory system, particularly of the lungs, it not only helps in the absorption of mucus secretion, but also strengthens the lungs to expel the mucus. Also resists subsequent attacks of cold.
This homoeopathic drug is mostly prescribed for bronchitis, bronchopneumonia (cold in chest), asthma and other chest complaints.
It is beneficial for young children and old, weak people, who easily become victims of exposure to sharp cold spell in winter, and suffer from chest congestion.
Patients cough but are unable to get phlegm (mucus) out owing to weak body or the lungs. Thus, the chest rattles. The victim feels difficulty in breathing while lying in bed.
The newborn and other infants may have their first attack at the time of birth. But such children become prone to subsequent exposure to cold later in life until they reach adolescent age, if not treated judiciously.
During such attacks the face becomes cold and darkish blue owing to lack of oxygen supply. They may have low or high fever with their tongue thickly white-coated. The nostrils may be dilated and in flapping condition and the child coughs loudly. He becomes dull, drowsy and unconscious.
Antim tart also relieves asphyxia from drowning, from foreign bodies, such as buttons, seeds, pebbles or marbles stuck in trachea or bronchi(air passage) or may be due to paralysis of lungs where the victim is almost breathless and gasps for air.
Dose: 3x or 30 potency dose to be repeated three to six times a day during acute attacks until the patient is all right. For chronic cases 200 or higher potency doses.
ARNICA: MUST FOR EVERY HOME
“FALL HERB” or Panacea lapsorum, better known as Arnica grows in the mountains of Europe in plenty. The tincture is prepared from the whole flowering plant.
Arnica is called the king of traumatic remedies in homoeopathy because of its extensive use in injuries, fractures and haemorrhage.
The acute manifestations are soreness, bruises and there is ache allover the body.
Injuries
The patient does not like to lie down as every thing on which he rests seems hard and uncomfortable. He, therefore; constantly keeps on changing position.
There may be ecchymosis (black and blue spot) caused by a fall or an accident with or without fever.
Arnica has been found effective when there is internal head injury due to fall or blows and is known to remove the clot.
Also, for patients who avoid any contact on account of pain and intense agony, particularly in inflammatory condition of gout and rheumatism.
Sports
Arnica is a great muscular tonic for the sportspersons, farmers, labourers and cyclists, etc. who are doing heavy physical work and when they feel limbs and whole body sore and aching. The joints are also felt sprained. It simply relieves discomfort even after hectic day of shopping, tours and picnics.
Arnica alongwith other sports medicines, if taken under the guidance of an experienced homoeopath, may replace the use of drugs (anabolic steroids), generally taken for building up the stamina and the body muscles, without any fear of a positive dope test.
After delivery
It is effective in preventing abortion after a fall or shock. Also, to prevent complications after delivery. Helps contraction of uterus to expel placenta.
A good drug for uterine haemorrhage, particularly after coition.
It is excellent medicine for sore gums and is useful in stopping heavy bleeding and pain after tooth extraction.
It removes the ill-effects of charcoal gas poisoning during winter season when a person becomes unconscious due to lack of oxygen.
Dose – one thousand (or 1M) potency to be repeated as required. For patients rendered unconscious after receiving head injury, etc., 10 M liquid drops would do the needful.
Arnica should be kept in every house and everybody should know its use at the time of emergency.
ARSENIC ALBUM
ARSENIC album is commonly known as Sankhavisha or Sankhiya.
It is effective in acute gastric disorders, maybe due to food-poisoning, gastroenteritis or cholera….. after consuming cold drinks, ice-cream, iced water, pickles, sauces, rancid food melon, etc.
Arsenic album is an effective medicine for those persons who take excessive tea and smoke a lot, resulting in cardiac irritability and other heart problems. This may lead to ascites and general swelling in the body, especially in those who are anaemic and weak.
An excellent medicine for the gangrenous condition of mouth and throat, noma, aphthae and diphtheria, etc. Also, for gangrene of internal organs and external body parts after injury, when there is sudden redness and shrivelled condition of the mucous lining. The patient likes to keep the affected part covered. It is also found useful in carbuncles and other spreading ulcers which ooze putrid watery discharge.
Arsenic album acts wonderfully as a palliative medicine for those incurable cancerous problems where patient writhes with burning and stinging pain and suffers from agony. Also, the chief remedy for angina, when it is of purely neurotic origin.
It is a prime medicine for acute or chronic asthma which may often be associated with cardiac problems, where the suffocative attacks come at about midnight.
It is good medicine in common cold when there is difficulty in breathing at night due to stuffy nose.
Also, in tuberculosis of the upper one-third of the right lung, when the patient feels frequent but sharp pricking pain under the right collar bone. The pain may be accompanied with a feeling of constriction in the chest, particularly noticeable on going upstairs or uphill.
Arsenic album is an invaluable medicine for malarial fever when the patient gets attacks around noon or midnight.
It is also an excellent medicine in those lingering cases of malarial fever (despite routine quinine course) when it takes the form of typhoid.
This medicine is recommended in skin trouble (dry itching) of bran-like eruptions (as in dandruff) when the patient scratches the affected part until it is raw and bleeds. At times scratching may lead to anxiety.
Dose: 3 or 30 potency dose may be repeated at an interval of 3 to 4 hours until improvement beings.
BELLADONA
BELLADONA is a perennial herb which grows in the sandy parts of Europe and Asia. The tincture is extracted from the entire plant before flowering time. It was used as a cosmetic to brighten the eyes and flush the cheeks by Venetian ladies in olden times. The medicinal value of this plant is due to its alkaloids, Atropin and Belladonin.
This is the principal homoeopathic medicine recommended for relieving blood blood congestion in the head, chest, uterus, joints, skin, etc. Owing to congestion in the brain, there is sudden and violent throbbing (pudpudi ka dard) in the head, particularly on the right side, which gets worse on bending down and lying down. Belladona is especially prescribed to plethoric (with shining of cheeks) and vigorous persons particularly young children who are sensitive to changing atmospheric temperature. They go to bed hale and hearty but wake up with sudden body temperature, which could be as high as 104 or 105 degrees Fahrenheit, may be with flushed face, red eyes, widely dilated pupils, moving the head restlessly from side to side.
At times the child may become delirious and develop fear of imaginary things, or perform aggressive acts. There may be convulsions due to high temperature along with strabismus (squinting of eyes).
When there is no fever the child may wake up with a start and is frightened. After falling asleep he may experience that he is falling down.
Belladona is exceptionally good for pregnant women who marry late in life. During labor, the uterus does not relax owing to deficient, ineffectual and spasmodic nature of labor pains, hindering the expulsion of the foetus.
It also checks the bleeding after delivery. Also, when the caking up of the breast (mastitis) of nursing women occurs and red streaks develop, this medicine is useful.
Belladona is helpful in sore throat due to inflamed tonsils when the swallowing of liquids becomes difficult. There may be a feeling of lump in the throat.
Belladona is also useful in acute inflammatory conditions of stomach and bowels when there is a burning pain, great distress and distension. Inflamed part is sensitive to slightest motion, touch and pressure, may be due to appendicitis, etc.
It is equally useful in removing irritation of the bladder and urinary tract when there is retention of urine. Also, dribbling of urine due to brain fever, etc.
Belladona is effective in acute inflammatory rheumatism when there is painful swelling of joints which turns red.
Dose: 200 or 1 m potency may have to be repeated at an interval of 15 or 30 minutes in severe pain or high fever
MULTI-PURPOSE MEDICINE
BARYTA carb. or barium carbonate, is recommended for children who show signs of mental backwardness. Such children are usually intensely shy and timid. They slink away from strangers. Their growth is stunted and their belly is swollen, face bloated, limbs emaciated and neck and groin glands are enlarged. Their comprehension is weak.
Baryta is also ideal for senior citizens who show symptoms of senile dementia (common feature is child-like behaviour). It is effective in the treatment of enlarged prostate glands due to advanced aged among males.
It is an excellent remedy for cerebral haemorrhage resulting in one-sided paralysis.
Baryta is said to cure (as well as prevent) enlarged tonsils and related cough in children who are sensitive to cold and get frequent attacks of tonsillitis.
If you are old and have difficulty in swallowing solid food, are hard of hearing, have tumours, lumps and tubercular growth and suffer from constipation, try baryta.
Dose: 6 or 30 potency dose two or three times a day until improvement is noticed. For higher potency dose consult your doctor.
LIVER DISORDERS
CHELIDONIUM majus, also known as calendine, a herb is prescribed to those suffering from jaundice and other liver disorders.
Symptoms: the skin is white, eyes are yellow, and the stool is whitish, grey or yellow and pasty. The urine may be very pale. Such patients may also have a strong desire for hot drinks.
The patient may be dyspeptic. The taste of the mouth may be bitter and the tongue coated. They may develop an intense dislike for food. It is also prescribed for the treatment of gallstone and colic pain. There may be fever owing to enlargement of liver.
Chelidonium is useful in pneumonia when the patient feels “tightness” in the chest, experiences difficulty in breathing and suffers from dry, spasmodic, paroxysmal cough, especially at night.
Also effective in neuralgia of the right side of the face, eyes and ear. At times, neuralgia may precede pain in the liver and may extend from the right cheek to the teeth or the eyes.
Such patients may sometime experience “icy coldness ” on the tip of the fingers and at times their right foot may feel cold while the left is normal.
Dose: 6 or 30 potency dose to be repeated at 3-4 hours intervals per day in jaundice till the condition improves. For gallstone, colic – 200 or 1 M potency doses may be given in consultation with the doctor.
AN AUTUMN CURE
COLCHICUM AUTUMNALE, commonly called meadow saffron, is prescribed if the patient is sensitive to strong odours of raw or cooked food. The reaction to odours may result in fainting nausea, retching and weakness. It helps combat the feeling of nausea among pregnant women. It is effective in controlling abnormal distension of the belly.
Colchicum helps cure diarrhoea and dysentery, especially during the autumn season when the stools are bloody and full of scrapings from the intestine which may lead to protrusion of the anus. Sometimes, stools may have jelly like mucus of variable character. The patient may feel tingling, itching, burning or tearing pain in the anus.
It is a splendid remedy for acute rheumatism and gout, specially in joints of fingers or the toes. The pain generally gets worse on cold day and due to dampness, generally in the evening and particularly during the period of fall.
It is lso recommended for summer rheumatism when the heat may slow down the flow of urine or the quantity of solids in the urine. The urine becomes black or ink like.
Colchicum is useful in wryneck. Symptoms: severe pressing pain in the neck and the muscles become tense. At times swallowing becomes difficult.
It helps prevent rheumatism and gout from affecting the hear, which otherwise leads to valvular defects along with muffled heart sounds and tight feeling in the chest and breathing difficulty.
Dose: 30 potency dose may be repeated at 4 to 6 hours interval. For distension 200 or 1 M dose may be repeated at 5 to 10 minutes interval until improvement in the condition.
FROM TEETHING TROUBLE TO DELAYED MENSES
Calcarea carb is common calcium carbonate. This homoeopathic medicine is generally prescribed for delayed development and maturation of bones. As a result an infant learns to stand and walk late.
At times bones are formed irregularly leading to rickets (crooked bones),
knock-knees, bow legs, spinal curvature, delayed teething, exostosis, osteomalacia (adult rickets) and laryngomalacia, i.e., poor development of voice owing to weak voice box.
Also, head bones and sutures take long time to close. The head seems enlarged in relation to the size of the body, and at times the child is unable to hold his head up. The enlargement may be due to hydrocephalus (collection of fluid).
Calcarea carb is an excellent medicine for obesity in children and other grownup persons. Also, for women who become corpulent after delivery.
Such persons may be fair-skined or blond but flabby. They sweat profusely all over the body. The sweat is more pronounced on the head, nape, chest, armpit and genitals.
Also, for persons who feel cold, particularly in the head, abdomen, feet and legs. Since the patient is also sensitive to cold damp air, at times the body gets swollen. The feet too are cold in winter. But in summers the feet burn.
Calcarea carb removes intolerance of milk in milk-fed babies during teething. Also, for children who crave for eggs. And for indigestible things like chalk, coal, slate pencils, earth, clay, etc.
The abdomen of such children is distended like an inverted saucer, and painful to pressure owing to accumulation of wind, etc. The rest of the body may be emaciated, with glands of the neck and lower jaw swollen.
It is also a good medicine for polypus growth in the nose, ears, vagina, uterus, and bladder. Also, for cystic growth and papillomata (benign tumour). At times there is bleeding from these orifices owing to polyps.
Calcarea carb removes cramps of calves, fingers and toes, etc.
An excellent medicine for deafness, fever, painful limbs and paralysis, etc, occurring commonly among potters, brick-makers, fruit growers, etc. Also for those who have breathing problems as a result of living in shady and cold places.
Calcarea carb is also for women who are anaemic, have late menses or no menses at all, and thus rendered sterile.
Calcarea carb is recommended to lactating mothers who have the problem of excessive or deficient milk secretion.
It is also effective for males who have involuntary nocturnal emissions. It removes the ill-effects of masturbation and too frequent sexual indulgence, where coition is followed by excessive perspiration, weakness, irritability, etc.
Calcarea carb is beneficial in ulceration and opacity of the cornea. It is an excellent medicine for those who have kidney and gallstone problems and experience profuse perspiration on the hands and feet during colic.
Dose: 30 potency, two to three times a day as per requirement. In severe pain 200 or 1 M potency repeated doses may be given until improvement starts.
FOR WINTER COLD
HEPAR SULPH, also known as Hahnemann’s calcium sulphide, is prepared by mixing powdered oyster shell with pure flowers of sulphur in equal parts.
This homoeopathic drug is prescribed for patients who are inherently irritable and whose speech and actions are hasty. They may finish long sentences in one breath. Every small thing disturbs these patients and make them intensely angry and violent.
Also suited to dyspeptic patients who have great longing for vinegar, wine and sour and strong flavoured things. Such patients are also oversensitive to pain. The skin of the affected part may become very sensitive to touch, and the patient cannot even bear the touch of clothes.
Hence useful in boils, abscess, ulcers, felon, and many other inflammatory and suppurative conditions of glands such as tonsils.
Hepar sulph is also recommended to babies who are irritable and are always smelling sour, in spite of much washing. They may have sour-smelling diarrhoea.
It is an excellent medicine for cough and cold caused by sudden change of temperature, especially when sudden icy-cold winds blow.
The patient coughs more in the mornings and evenings. There is no chest congestion, though there is rattling, barking sort of sound while coughing with soreness in the chest.
There may be stuffy feeling in the head, face and chest with blocked nose and hoarse voice in the beginning. But profuse nasal and throat discharge takes place subsequently with pricking pain in throat. The throat may become worse after eating any thing cold.
There may be weakness of bladder and urine is passed slowly.
Dose: It can be taken in 30 potency, to be repeated at an interval of 3 to 4 hourly daily till the condition improves.
FOR SENSITIVE WOMEN
IGNATIA Amara (or St Ignatia bean) is derived from a climbing shrub found in Cochin and some other parts of the world. The tincture is prepared from the seeds of its fruis.
This homoeopathic medicine is especially meant for those with a nervous temperament, particularly sensitive women. It is one of the chief remedies for hysteria.
For those who easily get excited, keep brooding or have experienced disappointment of love!
Persons who are mentally and physically exhausted owing to grief. Also for mental sufferings due to regular conflict and tensions at home.
Ignatia Amara is beneficial for those who often take drawn signs, much sobbing, etc. Also, for those who are unhappy and can’t sleep because of grief.
For those who have lost a near and dear one and are unable to control their emotions.
The present socio-political state of turmoil may also lead to hysteria, at times leading to suicide.
Ignatia Amara is meant for patients who have symptoms mentioned above.
A small dose of 6 or 30 potency may be given everyday in the morning until the condition improves.
For those who are chronic patients, should consult a Homoeopath.
SPRING AILMENTS
LACHESIS is also known as “bushmaster” of “surukuku”, a deadly poisonous snake of South America. The venom of this snake is used as medicine.
This homoeopathic medicine is mostly prescribed for new and old inflammatory conditions and other troubles which generally begin on the left side of the body and later spread to the right side whether it is sore throat, tonsillitis, mumps, headache, eye, ear, kidney or ovary problems. Even in arthritis, paralysis, etc.
Also, for persons who are often unable to swallow warm liquids.
Lachesis is effective in dry hacking cough in children caused by tickling in throat, particularly in the voice box. The cough becomes worse during sleep.
Lachesis is effective in heart diseases when a patient’s face becomes purple and bloated. The patient wakes up with palpitation, experiences breathlessness and suffocation. The patient is afraid of going to sleep.
The palpitation of the heart may also occur when a patient goes into warm room or has hot water bath.
Lachesis is very effective in overcoming insane jealousy and suspicion. The patient suspects every one without any reason, even servants and children. He may not take medicine even from a doctor suspecting that he would be poisoned.
At times, a person becomes too talkative. The patient seems to be in a hurry and becomes impatient. Sentences are at times left half finished.
It is also a good medicine for headache, especially in left temple, maybe due to heat in summer months, but mostly due to disrupted natural discharge, such as menses and nasal discharge. The headache occurs in the morning after waking up.
Lachesis is useful in gangrene when the affected part is purple or mottled in appearance. Also, effective in fistulous openings, fissures and piles.
It is equally useful in whitlow (felon, carbuncles, abscesses, malignant pustules, pemphigus, herpes, chickenpox, malignant ulcers, etc., when the affected part is sensitive to touch and bluish purple in colour. Also useful for heavy drinkers who develop a red nose. At times the nose may be red owing to heart problems.
It is also effective in paresis (semi-paralysis) of the tongue.
Lachesis is a leading medicine for menopausal disorders, when the period stops and all sorts of troubles make their appearance, such as hot flushes, headache, mania, etc. Also for painful menstruation where pains are relieved by the flow of the blood.
Dose: 200 or 1 M potency single dose is sufficient.
LACK OF CONFIDENCE
LYCOPODIUM clavatum is a perennial herb which grows in Europe and Asia. This homoeopathic medicine is recommended to all age groups, particularly for old persons with keen intellect.
Also, for persons who are nervous and emotional. Lycopodium is beneficial in failure of intellectual functions (sensorium), particularly in old men. The patient may become forgetful. There may be aversion to undertaking a new assignment. And there is general lack of confidence.
Thus a good medicine for lawyers, lecturers and other public men.
Effective for children who dread mathematics.
Lycopodium is effective medicine for gastric trouble resulting from recent or old liver trouble. The patient may have insatiable hunger (bulimia) with much bloating after eating, particularly after lunch hours or in the evening.
At times there may be a feeling of satiety, which may alternate with a feeling of hunger of peculiar kind where the patient sits down at the table very hungry, but after a few morsels he feels distressingly full.
Sometimes the patient may fast or miss one or two meals a day. Such condition is generally observed in those patients who are either suffering from diseases like arthritis, gout or stone problems, or are likely to develop such troubles in the near future.
Also in diseases where symptoms run from right to left side of the body as in sore throat, including tonsillitis and problems of chest, abdomen, liver and ovaries.
It has cured many cases of right-sided hernia in children.
Lycopodium is effective in snuffles (obstruction of nose) in children and young people. The eyes may at times remain half open during sleep.
Also effective in poor vision and night blindness.
Lycopodium helps the patient of neglected pneumonia when it is associated with liver complications.
It has been found useful in all fevers, particularly malaria, where attacks of chill may come between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. or between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and the patient may shiver with incessant yawning and nausea.
Lycopodium is an excellent medicine for kidney stones and there is red sediment in urine generally passed after a terrible attack of renal colic.
It is one of the best remedies for impotent persons. But it is not an aphrodisiac and its abuse can be dangerous.
Equally useful for women when they have dryness of vagina leading to burning pain during and after coition. Sometimes vaginal bleeding takes place after passing stool. At times gas emits from female genital.
Lycopodium has been found effective when there is premature greying of hair. Also, for baldness at the top of the head. And falling of hair after delivery in women.
Dose: 200 or 1 M potency dose may be taken once every week until condition improves.
PROBLEMS OF EARLY GROWTH
PHOSPHORUS is a poisonous substance found abundantly in bone, flesh, cheese, peas, etc., besides as a mineral in rock phosphate. Its therapeutic value lies in its inherent power to irritate mucus membranes of various body systems.
This homoeopathic medicine is selectively prescribed for delicate but active, intelligent and sensitive young persons who register early body growth. Such persons tend to stoop and may later suffer from ailments leading to tuberculosis, if proper care is not taken.
Since these young persons have low vitality, they are easy victims of common cold; which may be protracted dry, irritating hoarse cough; worse in the evening, after drinking, eating, talking or laughing. Or, persistent thin nasal discharge after an attack of pneumonia or bronchitis.
Phosphorus is the prime medicine for recurrent bronchial diseases which follow common cold. The most commonly observed complaints being bronchitis and bronchopneumonia (pasli chalna).
It is useful in stopping bleeding in haemophilic and haemophiloids patients when the blood is bright red and noncoagulable. Besides it has marked power to stop haemorrhage from any outlet, may it be the mouth, nose, vagina or anus.
Phosphorus is the only homoeopathic medicine for the constriction of lower end of food pipe (Achalasia and scleroderma) when there is difficulty in swallowing and at times food comes out immediately after swallowing.
Blindness, either due to paralysis of optic nerve or after electric shock or after lightening, can be removed by the timely use of phosphorus. It is also useful in early stages of cataracts, when the vision is misty but patient can see better either by shading the eyes with hands or in twilight.
A good medicine for acute or chronic diarrhoea when stool is passed involuntarily immediately after eating or drinking, with gurgling in stomach and down to intenstine. The stool may be greasy. At times fetid, painless stool oozes out.
The most notable feature is that patient may have a desire for cold drinks even in the extreme chilly weather. The patient is not able to lie on the left side as it causes anxiety, pain in heart and palpitation. Thus useful in various heart problems, particularly the fatty heart.
Phosphorus is an excellent medicine for the necrosis (degeneration) of the lower jaw of people working in match factories. It is also an antidote for the ill-effects of chloroform, iodine and excessive use of the common table salt.
Dose: 1 M potency one dose a day to be taken only once. Normally, it should not be repeated without consulting a doctor.
FOR GENTLE AND TIMID PERSONS
PULSATILLA nigricans is commonly known as pasque or wind flower, which grows in Europe in plenty.
This homoeopathic medicine is generally recommended to gentle and timid persons, particularly females who dread the opposite sex, and hence aversion to marriage.
Also, for children who are fussy and easily get discouraged when snubbed or punished.
These patients may have a dislike for fat or fried food, such as omelette, channa-bhatura, puri-parantha, meat, pork, etc., owing to weak digestion. Often the patient complains of bad taste in the mouth in early morning. The tongue may be coated, and despite dry mouth there is no thirst.
A patient complains of heavy stomach after eating. Sometimes pain may occur in stomach after an hour of eating.
Pulsatilla is effective in rheumatoid arthritis, etc., when pain shifts rapidly from one joint to another.
It is an excellent medicine for toothache when pain is almost unbearable. The patient feels relieved after keeping water in the mouth.
Also, in ear-ache in children and others when the pain appears in the evening or at night. The ear may appear red and puffed.
Good medicine for cold that primarily settles in the nose and later in the chest. The discharge is thick, yellowish green and bland.
It is helpful in bronchial asthma in children from suppressed rash in measles, or in women from suppressed menses.
Also effective in recurrent styes, especially the upper eyelids.
Pulsatilla is an excellent medicine for eye problems when the patient is always rubbing the eyes. The vision may be dim due to early stage of paralysis of optic nerve.
Delayed menses at puberty which may be due to nervous nature or severe anaemia. At times violent headache may be felt by girls owing to non-commencement of menses. Also, when the labor is delayed and difficult owing to wrong position of the foetus in the womb.
Pulsatilla is equally effective in leucorrhoea (white vaginal discharge) when it is thick milky white or creamy, may be associated with low backache.
Also, when there is milk in breasts of the girls at puberty and non-pregnant women during menstrual flow.
It is commonly prescribed to cure the after-effects of mumps when breasts and testicles get inflamed and swollen.
Als effective in suppression of gonorrhoea. Normally such patients are afraid of lying down, as they get an irresistible urge to pass urine frequently.
A little girl child who kicks covers of at night and has involuntary urination at night, can be given Pulsatilla.
A typical Pulsatilla patient sleeps on her back with hands over the head, and wants the head high as she feels uncomfortable with one pillow. And she does not wake up fresh.
Dose: 3x or 30 potency dose may be repeated after 4 to 6 hours daily until improvement starts.
FOR SPRAINS & STRAINS
RHUS tox, also known as poison oak, is prescribed for sprain and overexertion of muscles or tendons. This can also be caused by lifting heavy objects or stretching to reach an object at an uncomfortable angle.
This homoeopathic medicine is recommended to overcome weakness of joints from sprains after a dose of Arnica has removed the first and most painful symptoms.
In women there may be prolapse, or uterine haemorrhage, due to weakness of pelvic muscles from strain or lifting of heavy load.
Rhus tox also cures fevers and paralysis of the limbs resulting from exposure to cold damp weather. There is frequent urge to urinate.
Bed-wetting
Also useful in involuntary urination (bed-wetting) by children, particularly boys at night owing to weakness of the bladder.
For those suffering from enlargement of heart owing to strenuous and violent exercise (athlete’s heart); or any other organic heart disease where the pulse is quick, irregular and weak resulting in numbness of the left arm.
Recommended for inflammation and redness of the skin, with intense itching particularly of the fingers or toes; owing to cold weather or due to frost bite. There may be vesicles herpes, eczema like condition of the skin, particularly during the rainy season where the areola (base) is red or purple in colour.
Rhus tox is suitable in chronic rheumatoid arthritis, spondylosis and spondylitis, when the patient initially finds it difficult to move. The patient feels better after walking or warming up for some time, therefore he gets exhausted because of weak joints.
Excellent medicine for eye complaints during rainy season due to excessive dampness. There is redness of the eye with profuse gush of hot tears on opening the swollen lids (eye flue).
Rhus tox is forbidden for women in early stages of pregnancy.
Dose: 30 potency doses repeated daily for acute cases. For chronic cases of arthritis, etc., 200 potency weekly.
TV AND ACHING EYES
RUTA graveolens, or Rue, is a native plant of South Europe. The tincture is prepared from fresh herb gathered shortly after blooming.
This homoeopathic drug is prescribed for the wounds on bone surface caused by a blow, accident or a fall. The patient complains of soreness and aching pain at the fractured site even after the repair process.
Ruta is also known to remove contraction of hands and feet after injuries.
For the tubercular outgrowth of the bones and repeated dislocations, particularly of the knees, ankles and the wrist joints.
A perfect medicine for farmers, carpenters, gardeners, labourers, cobblers, tailors and mechanics, who use iron instruments resulting in formation of hard nodules (corns) in the palms and fingers. Also for students and other people who hold their pens tightly while writing.
An excellent medicine for the ganglion (the cystic tumor) particularly of the right hand.
Ruta is given to those with aching eyes after too much reading, or doing fine needle work or watching TV continuously. This may result in frequent winking of the eye.
A valuable medicine for the prolapse of the rectum, especially after delivery.
Dose: 200 potency single weekly dose until the visible signs and symptoms have been overcome.
FOR WEAK CHILDREN
SANGUNARIA canadensis, commonly known as the “blood root is a perennial plant that grows abundantly in the United States of America. The tincture is prepared from the fresh root.
This homoeopathic medicine is prescribed mainly to young children who are weak either from birth or afterwards. They do not have normal appetite. But they are fond of toffees, ice cream, golgappa and other sweet, sour or saltish things.
“The child brings his only chappati back home in tiffin”, is the general complaint of mothers of such children. Grinding of teeth at night along with salivation while asleep, may occur in such children.
Children with pinworms (chalune) may feel irritation in anus and the surrounding area, thus spend sleepless nights. Or they may complain of mild pain in the belly. The children are sensitive to cold and sour things and may develop a red patch on the cheek owing to chest problems, such as acute or chronic bronchitis, bronchopneumonia and tuberculosis, etc.
Sangunaria may particularly be required in pneumonia when lungs are filled with blood and the sputum (in grownup persons) may appear rust-coloured and smell offensive.
Sangunaria is an excellent medicine when women have headache during menopause. The headache begins on waking up at the time of sunrise. It continues to get worse during noon and then diminishes at sunset.
The headache begins from the nape of the neck and spreads upward and settles over the right eye. It generally gets aggravated by light, noise and strong smell. The patient likes a dark room, is compelled to lie down. Sometimes when the headache is severe, the patient vomits food, bile or the slime, and gets relief from pain.
Sangunaria is effective in rheumatoid arthritis of the parts where bones are least covered with flesh, particularly right shoulder, the elbow or the knee. Also, good medicine for the stiffness of the neck or the back when the pain extends to the head on right side, or to the right arm, especially in spondylosis.
Dose: 3x or 6x potency dose three or four times a day in pneumonia. For other problems 30 potency dose, two to three times a day until improvement starts.
HOMOEOPATHY & BIGREY NAWABS
NUX VOMICA is known as poison nut, “kuchla” in Hindi. This homoeopathic medicine is prepared from “poison nut” seeds. One third of all the diseases are reportedly cured by this medicine alone.
It is said “if you do not know what should be prescribed then give Nux Vomica. It is often used as an antidote for over-drugging.
Nux Vomica is generally prescribed to males who are thin, irritable, and lose temper by slight provocation. Also for those who do a good deal of mental work, study a lot or handle business affairs and lead indoor life.
Because of mental strain, such people often seek the help of stimulants, such as coffee, liquor, or use sedatives like opium or any other cannabis preparation.
People who take rich food, attend parties and generally overindulge themselves until late night, often have irregular bowel movement (or have constipation). They take laxatives like Hajmola, liver tonics, etc.
Nux Vomica soothes and calms over-excited nervous system and improves digestion and bowel movement. It increases appetite, vigour and gives potency to males who have ruined themselves by excessive use of stimulants. That is why it is called the medicine of “bigrey” Nawab (spoilt men).
It may be taken in low potency of 6 or 30 (in case of irritable over-excited persons), and above 200 or more potency in case of habitually constipated and hard drinkers. It is one of the best remedy for mania-a-potu (acuge alcoholism).
Nux Vomica of 6 and 30 potency should be taken once a day before going to sleep at night. If it is 200 potency then it should be taken once a week. If it is still higher then once a fortnight.