Friday, 27 December 2013

Rheumatoid Arthritis – causes, symptoms and natural remedies--Part-2




The word ‘arthritis‘ means ‘inflammation of the joints’. It is derived from two Greek words: athron, meaning joints; and itis, meaning inflammation. It is, generally, a chronic disease process.
Arthritis occurs in various forms, the most frequent being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease which usually occurs in the older age-group. Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious disease which affects not only the joints of the fingers, wrists, hips, knees, and feet, but also the muscles, tendons and other tissues of the body.
Causes and Symptoms of Arthritis
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness in the joints. The pain usually increases after exercise. Rheumatoid arthritis is often called the ‘cooked food disease’. It usually develops gradually over several months, with persistent pain and stiffness in one or more joints. Ultimately the whole body is affected. Symptoms include anaemia, colitis, constipation, deformed hands and feet.
Osteoarthritis results from structural changes in the articular cartilage in the joints, usually those which are weight-bearing, such as the spine and knees. Rheumatoid arthritis is due to an inflammation of the synovium or lining of the joints. This is accompanied by swelling and eventually leads to deformity. The condition may be caused by hormonal imbalance, physical and emotional stress, infection, severe fright, shock, and injury. Hereditary factors may also be responsible for the onset of this disease.
Natural Remedies for Arthritis
Potato Juice: The raw potato juice therapy is considered one of the most successful biological treatments for rheumatic and arthritic conditions. It has been used in folk medicine for centuries. The traditional method of preparing potato juice is to cut a medium-sized potato into thin slices, without peeling the skin, and place the slices overnight in a large glass filled with cold water. The water should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach. Fresh juice can also be extracted from potatoes. A medium-sized potato should be diluted with a cup of water and drunk first thing in the morning.

Other Raw Juices: One cup of green juice, extracted from any green leafy vegetable, mixed in equal proportions with carrot, celery, and red beet juices is good for arthritis. The alkaline action of raw juices dissolves the accumulation of deposits around the joints and in other tissues. A cup of fresh pineapple juice is also valuable, as the enzyme bromelain in fresh pineapple juice reduces swelling and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Sesame Seeds: A teaspoon of black sesame seeds, soaked in a quarter cup of water and kept overnight, has been found to be effective in preventing frequent joint pains. The water in which the seeds are soaked should also be taken along with the seeds first thing in the morning.
Copper: Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container accumulates traces of copper, which is said to strengthen the muscular system. A copper ring or bracelet is worn for the same reason.
Calcium: Studies have shown that calcium can help arthritis. Several patients have discovered that joint pains have either been relieved or have disappeared entirely after taking calcium. This mineral should be taken in the form of calcium lactate. Two teaspoons of calcium lactate, each teaspoon providing 400 mg of absorbable calcium, may be taken three times daily in water, before meals for at least four months.
Garlic: Garlic is another effective remedy for arthritis. It contains an anti-inflammatory property which accounts for its effectiveness in the treatment of this disease. Garlic may be taken raw or cooked according to individual preference.
Bananas: Bananas, being a rich source of vitamin B6, have proved useful in the treatment of arthritis. A diet of only bananas for three or four days is advised in treating this condition. The patient may eat eight or nine bananas daily during this period and nothing else.
Lime: Lime has also been found beneficial as a home remedy for arthritis. The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of uric acid which is the primary cause of some types of arthritis. The juice of one lime, diluted with water, may be taken once a day, preferably first thing in the morning.
Alfalfa: A tea made from the herb alfalfa, especially from its seeds, has shown beneficial results in the treatment of arthritis. One teaspoon of alfalfa seeds may be added to one cup of water. Three to four cups of this tea should be taken daily by arthritics for at least two weeks.
Green Gram Soup: Another home remedy found useful in relieving pains in the joints is the use of green gram soup. This soup should be prepared by mixing a tablespoon of green gram in a cup of water, with two crushed garlic cloves. It should be taken twice a day.
Castor Oil: Treatment with castor oil has been found beneficial in arthritis. The procedure, as prescribed by a Spanish doctor, is to boil two tablespoons of castor oil over a stove burner. The oil should then be poured into a glass of fresh orange juice and taken before breakfast daily till the disease is cured. This treatment is believed to have been adopted by an American doctor, called Dr Taylor, in 1900. He advised his patients to take it for three weeks, wait for another three weeks and then repeat it again for another three weeks. It is, however, essential that the patient must take an alkaline diet while adopting this mode of treatment; otherwise the value of the treatment will be lost.
Coconut or Mustard Oil: Warm coconut oil or mustard oil, mixed with two or three pieces of camphor should be massaged on stiff and aching joints. It will increase blood supply, and reduce inflammation and stiffness with the gentle warmth produced while massaging. Camphorated oil is an ancient rubefacient used for the purpose.
Dietary Considerations
The diet of an arthritis patient should be planned so as to produce alkalinity in the blood. It should include fruits and vegetables in the form of salads, and, at least, two cooked vegetables. In severe cases, it would be advisable to put the patient on raw vegetable juice therapy three times a day, for about a week. Repeated juice fasts are recommended at intervals of every two months.
Other Measures
The body should be kept warm at all times. Joints should not be bandaged tightly as this limits movement and interferes with the free circulation of blood. There should be plenty of indirect ventilation in the bedroom. Rest is advised when there is acute inflammation in the joints.
Sea bathing has been found valuable in arthritis. The natural iodine in sea water is said to relieve arthritis pain. As is well known, iodine regulates the acid-alkaline balance in the blood and tissues, helps to repair and regenerate worn out tissues and nourishes the skeletal structure. It enters into the thyroid gland’s secretion. The hormone uses the iodine to cleanse the internal toxins.
If sea bathing is not possible, the patient should relax for thirty minutes every night in a tub of warm water, in which a cup of common salt has been mixed. The minerals in the salt, especially iodine, will be absorbed through the pores of the skin. This will help correct an internal imbalance.
Natural remedies for rheumatism
Potato Juice: The juice of raw potato is regarded as an excellent remedy for rheumatism. One or two teaspoons of the juice, taken out by pressing mashed raw potatoes, should be taken before meals. This will help to eliminate the toxic condition and relieve rheumatism. The skin of the potato is also an excellent remedy for rheumatism. The skin is exceptionally rich in vital mineral salts, and the water in which the peelings are boiled is one of the best medicines for ailments caused by excess toxic matter in the system. Approximately thirty grams of the potato peelings should be thoroughly washed and boiled in half a litre of water till it is reduced to half. The decoction should then be strained and a glass of the same should be taken three or four times daily.
Bitter Gourd: Bitter gourd is considered beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism. A cup of juice, extracted from the vegetable, should be mixed with a teaspoon of honey, and taken daily for treating this condition. This treatment should be continued for at least three months to provide relief.
Celery: Celery is another effective remedy for rheumatism. A fluid extract of the seeds is more powerful than the raw vegetable. This also has a tonic action on the stomach and kidneys. Five to ten drops of this fluid should be taken in hot water before meals. Powdered seeds can be used as a condiment.
Lemon: Lemons are beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism. The patient should take the juice of two or three lemons each day. This will bring good results.
Walnuts: Walnuts are valuable in rheumatism. They should, however, be thoroughly masticated to achieve beneficial results. Half a dozen can be taken daily in the treatment of this condition.
Rhubarb: The herb rhubarb has been found valuable in rheumatism. The green stalks of this herb should be pounded with an equal quantity of sugar. A teaspoonful should be taken three or four times a day. This remedy seldom fails.
Dietary Considerations
In the case of acute rheumatism, the patient should be put on a short fast of orange juice and water for three or four days. After the juice fast, the patient should be placed on a restricted diet for fourteen days. In this regimen, orange or grapefruit may be taken for breakfast; lunch may consist of raw salad of seasonal vegetables with raisins, prunes, figs, or dates; and dinner may comprise of one or two steamed vegetables. Thereafter, the patient may gradually adopt a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. In case of chronic rheumatism, the patient may be placed on an all-fruit diet for four or five days. He may, thereafter, gradually adopt a well-balanced diet. The patient should take ripe fruits, fresh vegetables, and buttermilk in abundance. He should avoid all meat and fish; white bread, sugar, and refined cereals; rich, indigestible and highly-seasoned foods; tea and coffee; alcohol; sauces, pickles, and condiments.
Other Measures
In the case of acute rheumatism, the bowels should be cleansed daily with a warm-water enema during the first three or four days of the juice fast. Other helpful methods in the treatment of rheumatism are application of heat and hot packs to the affected parts, a hot tub bath, a cabinet steam bath, dry friction, and a sponge bath. Hot Epsom salts baths are also beneficial and should be taken twice a week for three months in case of chronic rheumatism and once weekly thereafter. The affected parts should also be bathed twice daily in hot water containing Epsom salts, after which some olive oil should be applied. Fresh air, deep breathing, and light outdoor exercises are also beneficial. Dampness and cold should be avoided.

Nasal polypi cured with one dose of Aurum-m., 50M.



Mr. Harsh Wardhan Thakur, aged about 78 years, rather stout but not very fleshy, would weigh about one hundred and sixty, hair and bearded milk white. Some forty years ago had nasal polypi of both anterior nares. Had them extracted by some "regular," and was thoroughly dosed by him, in a short time they grew again, but larger than before ; he had the same M. D. extract them the second time ; and as he reported, gave him any amount of medicine as well as used external washes with astringent nasal injections, but the polypi persisted in growing for third time, when he refused to have them extracted again.
     They filled both anterior nares, so much so, that it was impossible for him to force a particle of air through the nasal passages, and protruded so as to come down to near the border of the upper lip ; was very sensitive to the touch ; of a grayish reddish color, and a continuous semi-putrid discharge which was very disagreeable to him and every one that he came in contact with.
     He was very despondent, said he was nothing but a nuisance and had been for the past thirty years (after the third growth of the polypi), and that the sooner he was dead and out of the way the better for all concerned, as he could see no benefit to himself or any one else by his doing so, after getting his symptoms the-best that I could (placing the most importance upon the mental), and mistrusting sycotic basis, I gave him one small dose of Aurum 50M, to be followed by Sac-lac, once in forty-eight hours.
     In about three months both polypi entirely disappeared and have shown no symptoms of returning for the past two years.

Wednesday, 31 July 2013

Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines for Eye Problems



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

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

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

(1) Euphrasia-
-         Acute catarrhal conjunctivitis
-         Eyes water all the time with inclination to blink frequently
-         Acrid burning eye discharge that corrodes the margins of the lids
-         Corneal opacities with thick discharges that burn
-         Blistery cornea
-         One of the great remedies for rheumatic iritis that may be associated with partial ptosis
-         Almost always associated with bland and watery coryza
-         Swelling of the lids with burning, which feels better when in open air
-         Worse in the evening, indoors, light, warmth
-         Better open air, coffee, dark
-         Must be compared with Allium cepa while dealing with allergic rhinitis associated with conjunctivitis. In Allium cepa, eye discharges are bland and coryza is acrid.

(2) Ambrosia-
-         Allergic eye problems
-         Intolerable itching of lids
-         Smarting and burning in eyes with watery coryza and nosebleed
-         Wheezy cough almost always present with eye problems
-         Compare with Sabadilla, Arundo

(3) Ruta-
-         Eye-strain headaches
-         Red hot eyes with pain in eyes
-         Especially associated with sewing or reading fine print
-         Accommodation of vision disturbed
-         Weariness in eyes with headache
-         Excessive lassitude associated with eye troubles
-         Bruised, pressure feeling over the eyes
-         Compare with Natrum mur, Argentum nitricum

(4) Pulsatilla-
-         Pulsatilla is one of the most invaluable homeopathic medicines for eye troubles.
-         Bland thick greenish eye discharges call for it
-         Associated with itching and burning sensation
-         Recurrent styes invariably need a dose of Pulsatilla during the course
-         Inflamed agglutinated eye-lids
-         Sub-acute eye complaints in venous constitutions
-         Sub-acute conjunctivitis associated with dyspepsia
-         Veins of fundus oculi enlarged
-         All complaints are worse in warm room and better when in open air

(5) Spigelia-
-         Neuralgic eye pains
-         Pressing pains in eyes on turning them
-         Extreme photophobia
-         Rheumatic ophthalmia
-         Pains in and around eyes feel as if extending deep into the socket
-         Eyes feel too large
-         Very sensitive to touch
-         Worse from touch, jar, noise
-         Better by lying with head high

(6) Apis mellifica-
-         Swollen, edematous lids that burn and itch
-         Bright red puffy conjunctiva
-         Prevents recurrence of styes
-         Pain around orbits with serous exudates
-         Swelling below the lower lid (upper lid- Kali carb)
-         May be associated with urinary problem
-         Worse heat, touch, pressure, right side
-         Better cold washing, open air

(7) Merc sol-
-         Syphilitic eye troubles
-         Thick, red, swollen lids
-         Profuse burning acrid eye discharges
-         Floaters
-         Eye trouble that starts after exposure to the glare of fire etc
-         Iritis with thick corroding discharges
-         Extremely offensive eye discharges
-         Boils in and around eyes with yellow fetid pus
-         Worse at night, wet damp weather, warmth

(8) Silicea-
-         Day-light produces sharp pains through the eyes
-         Tenderness of eyes worse when closed or pressured
-         Suppuration in the anterior chamber of the eye, iritis
-         Confused sort of vision where letter run together while reading
-         Lachrymal duct affections
-         Has potential to clear corneal opacities when homeopathically indicated
-         Cataract in office workers
-         Worse new moon, cold
-         Better warmth

(9) Hepar sulph-
-         Corneal ulcers
-         Suppurative eye troubles, iritis with pus in anterior chamber
-         Conjunctivitis with purulent discharges
-         Red and inflamed lids and conjunctivae
-         Pain in orbits
-         Soreness is marked in eyeballs
-         Objects appear red and enlarged
-         Half-reduced field of vision
-         Styes with pain and suppuration
-         Worse exposure to draft of cold, touch
-         Better warmth, wrapping up head

(10)                    Agaricus Muscaricus-
-         Double-vision with flickering before the eyes
-         Twitching of lids and eyeballs
-         Neuralgic eye pains
-         Letters seem to move or swim while reading
-         Agglutinated margins of lids with burning pains with red inner canthi
-         Eye troubles associated with vertigo and icy cold head
-         Worse open cold air