Wednesday, 27 April 2011

Homeopathic Remedies for Depression

In this fast age of high expectations and cut throat competition, anyone can get into the claws of mental illnesses such as depression. According to medicine, depression is defined as a mental disorder that is symptomized by depressed mood, feelings of low-self-esteem, loss of interest towards life, sleeping and eating disorders, poor concentration and physical weakness. Like many other psychological disorders, depression is mostly detected in its advanced stages. Both medical and natural treatments including homeopathic remedies are available for depression, but the problem is that the people suffering from depression either don't know that they have this medical condition or don't want to accept that they are experiencing depression. Self depression tests help a lot in on-time detection of depression. Whatever be the case, depression is considered to be a mental sickness and needs specific depression medications.

Homeopathy provides effective relief from both, mild and severe types of depression. Different herbs are used as treating agents. The prescription is based on the reason and symptoms behind the depression of the patient. Therefore, the key to get a successful treatment for depression is to find that the particular herb, which is meant to treat the given emotional and physical conditions. Depression counseling will help a lot in early and accurate determination. Following is a list of different homeopathic remedies for depression with a description of eligible candidates for treatment.

Various Homeopathic Remedies for Depression

Arsenicum Alban: This homeopathic remedy for depression is meant for those kind of people who are over-ambitious and get depressed when they don't meet their goals. Such people are perfectionists and set high goals for themselves. They are very competitive in nature and want to exceed others in whatever they do. This particular homeopathic treatment for depression is also recommendable for those who are always suspicious of others and think that others are working out some conspiracy against them. This forms the basis of homeopathic remedies for depression in children as well.

Staphysagria: The homeopathic cures for depression based on the herb staphysagria is prescribed to those people who lack self-confidence and cannot stand for themselves. The basic cause of their depression is getting hurt from others, feeling ashamed of something and long suppressed emotions. The depression symptoms that confirm the recommendation of staphysagria based homeopathic remedies for depression are that such people suffer frequently from toothaches, bladder infections, stomach pain and always feel sleepy during the day, but find it difficult to sleep at night.

Aurum Metallicum: People who are very focused on their work and ambitions, but get depressed when they do not achieve something which they wish to can greatly benefit from this natural herb based homeopathic remedy for depression. Such people develop a feeling of worthlessness due to self-discouragement, humiliation and anger.

Sepia: Some people lack the killing instinct to survive with pride in this world. They eventually develop an attitude of not doing the regular activities expected from them in everyday life. They feel fatigued, frustrated and demoralized. Such people prefer to keep a distance from their family members and friends. Women belonging to this category of depression develop problems with menstruation, tenderness in breasts and improper digestion. The regular consumption of sepia in the dosage limits prescribed by a homeopath, improves the condition of such type of depressed people to a great extent.

Natrum Carbonicum: People who require this homeopathic cure for depression are the ones who are self-centered and selfish by nature, but always try to make an effort to show that they care for others. They pretend to be co-operative and cheerful. They try hard to keep good terms with everyone. When they fail to do so they get depressed. They prefer to hide their emotions and feelings from others. Eventually, they get into isolation that further worsens their depression. The physical symptoms of depression seen are sensitivity towards sun, weather changes and foods, especially dairy products.

Ignatia Amara: Sensitive and moody people who try to hide their grief or disappointment from others greatly benefit from the homeopathic remedies for depression based on Ignatia amara. However, it is a bit difficult to judge such patients of depression, because they are too introvert. Some signs that may help you in detection are sudden bursting out into laughter or tears without any reason, frequent headaches, abdominal cramps and excessive sleeping. Read more on natural remedies for depression.

See also

    * Depression Symptoms in Men
    * Acupuncture and Depression

To help you deal with depression in the best possible ways read more on how to deal with depression. In case, depression has affected you, any of your family members or friends' life, the knowledge on homeopathic remedies for depression, given in this article, will certainly come to your help.

Homeopathic Pain Relief

Homeopathy is actually a system of medicine, which has been around for 200 years and focuses on treating the patient with highly diluted substances given in mainly tablet, globules and powdered form. Homeopathy works on the process of immunization. It gives smaller doses of medicines which will make you sick if taken in larger doses and thereby providing prevention and cures for sickness. Homeopathic pain relief remedies are responsible in gifting a pain free and healthy life to a sick person. Actually, during a homeopathic pain relief treatment, you will find that the symptoms are getting worse. You may think that it is aggravating the problem and you may also feel like stop using it, but do not do so, since the treatment is actually correct. Homeopathic medicine is used to balance the stress factors that are held responsible for the symptoms of pain. Now, here is a list of some of the remedies using homeopathic pain relief. These are often a very effective and quick way of removing pain.

Arnica Montana
It is a herb, which is mainly found in cream form and is used as one of the most common remedy for muscle pain and also in bruises. It is taken internally, often in globules, so that it can work for muscle pain. It improves circulation, as well as reduces emotional and physical trauma that results from an accident or some other traumatic event.

Causticum
Soreness, weakness or stiffness in the muscles, often gets worse from cold or overuse. Pain also becomes worse, when the weather is dry and tends to be better when it is rainy. Causticum is a homeopathic pain relief medicine, which is used to lessen pain in the muscles.

Hypericum
Hypericum is basically used to heal nerve pain, especially for numbness or tingling in the extremities or shifting of pain from one area to another. It is also helpful in reducing unbearable prickly pain that radiates along the nerve pathways, which becomes worse with movement.

Gelsemium
This homeopathic pain relief is given to patients, when the limbs feel heavy, dull and lethargic, especially when there is low-grade fever with muscle aching, similar to that of flu. It is also recommended when the symptoms are worse due to damp, cold or warm and wet weather.

Rhus Toxicodendron
One of the most common remedy for pain, Rhus Toxicodendron is given to patients where the weather has an effect on the degree of pain. It is often used to relieve joint pains and also in the healing of ligament strains.

Bryonia
The patient who is taking bryonia, stays as still as possible because even the slightest movement will make the pain worse. The patient becomes very irritable, grumpy and does not allow anyone to touch the area with pain, though the pressure on the point of pain often helps. The remedy is indicated when a person is suffering from headaches or pain in a particular group of muscles. Another significance of this homeopathic pain relief remedy is that warmth makes the pain worse, while cool applications makes it better.

Cimicifuga
Cimicifuga is prescribed, when the body feels sore and bruised all over with occasional jerking and twitching of the muscles. There is quite a lot of pain especially in the back, neck and shoulders, which is due to the sensitiveness of the spine. With Cimicifuga, the patient tends to feel better with warmth and pressure, but feels worse with touch, motion and cold applications, especially during their menstrual cycle.

So you see, homeopathy can actually work for all types of functional complaints like, muscle pain, headaches, flu etc. Homeopathic pain relief treatment can also be recommended for ailments that are too painful, inconvenient or showing unsatisfactory results. They are also low cost treatments that makes you adapt to new lifestyle changes, since you will feel better and have more energy.

Arnica Side Effects

Arnica is a flowering plant that belongs to the family of 'sunflowers'. It finds its origin in Europe but now has adapted and flourished in other parts of the world as well. Arnica is known by many names. Some common ones are Arnica Montana, Wolbane, Mountain Snuff, Mountain tobacco and Wolf's bane. Arnica is a medicinal herb that finds its use in curing a wide variety of illnesses. It is most commonly used in reducing swelling, pain and bruising. It gives fast relief from the discomfort of insect bites and skin irritation. Arnica is also known to make the muscles function effectively during labor and provides comfort from motion sickness. It is often prescribed by surgeons as it aids post-operative recovery. The benefits of Arnica are numerous but it is not devoid of negative effects. Many cases are reported to have witnessed Arnica side effects. The following account further elaborates this point.

List of Possible Arnica Side Effects
According to homeopaths, only dilute forms of Arnica are recommendable for usage. The maximum safe period of its consumption does not exceed 15 days. The dosage of Arnica depends on the type and severity of the sickness, and it differs from person to person. Therefore, a constant supervision from a homeopathy professional is required during Arnica consumption. High doses of Arnica may result in a number of serious side effects. Following is a list of a few most commonly observed ones.

    * Mouthwash containing Arnica as one of its constituents often leads to the formation of ulcers in the mouth. Therefore, it is not recommended for long term use. More on mouth ulcers.
    * Arnica is believed to relieve some discomfort during pregnancy. But it is an uterus stimulant, and therefore, any kind of self medication containing Arnica may cause a miscarriage or premature delivery. Use it only when prescribed by a doctor.
    * Higher doses of Arnica often causes abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and lose motions. These are the common side effects of Arnica montana when used with improper consultation and guidance.
    * Arnica is not supposed to be prescribed to those people who are on diabetes medication or any kind of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications like Warfarin, Hepadrin and Plavix. This is because, it increases the possibility of bleeding and can hence worsen the condition.
    * It gives you the same negative effect as above when taken along with over-the-counter pain killer such as Aspirin, Naproxen and Ibuprofen. So, you need to avoid arnica when you are taking such analgesics.
    * As already mentioned, Arnica prescription should not exceed 15 days. Its long term usage has caused organ damage in many cases. The organs at risk are the heart, lungs and kidneys. This is the worst possible arnica side effect.
    * Applying Arnica montana, topically on skin, for more than three weeks can cause skin rashes and eczema. Therefore, it should never be used near the mouth and eyes.
    * The Arnica side effects on heart may be life-threatening at times. It disturbs the rhythm of the heart beats and increases the blood pressure. Such a condition should be controlled well on time, otherwise it may even result in death.

More on Arnica montana side effects.

By going through the possible Arnica side effects, you might have got an impression that it is not safe at all for usage. However, this is not true. No health care professional can deny its health benefits. Arnica is extremely helpful in solving a number of health issues. You don't need to consider it as a poison but you definitely need to be careful with its amount and period of dosage. To be always on the safer side with Arnica, follow the instructions and directions suggested by your medical professional strictly.

Homeopathic Remedies for Anxiety

Anxiety can be simply defined as both - physiological as well as a psychological disorder, mainly due to emotions, behavior and the cognitive aspects or components. It can occur in people without any stimulus experienced by the body, and is considered as a counter reaction to stress. The anxiety symptoms are fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath, nausea, palpitations of the heart, sweating, panic attacks (in some cases), restlessness etc. The aim of homeopathic remedies for anxiety is to allow the natural healing of the body by the intake of very dilute substances. A proper homeopathy remedy for anxiety is prescribed by the homeopathic doctors after studying the case in detail. Now, let us know about the homeopathic remedies for anxiety.

Useful Homeopathic Remedies for Anxiety

Calcarea Carbonica
The Calcarea Carbonica homeopathic remedies for anxiety is generally prescribed to those people who are on the verge of a nervous breakdown or are overwhelmed due to the various physical illnesses. Confusion in mind and thoughts, constant worrying, claustrophobia, being afraid of heights, fatigue and sluggish are the experiences of people with anxiety, which can be cured with homeopathic remedy like Calcarea Carbonica.

Aconitum Napellus
The homeopathic remedies for anxiety like Aconitum Napellus are prescribed to those who suffer from panic attacks, due to extreme fear. The fear may be due to different reasons - it can be due to fear of death and fear of falling seriously ill from fever or cold. This remedy, according to researchers, helps to deal with palpitations and shortness of breath which are the symptoms of anxiety.

Argentum Nitricum
The Argentum Nitricum homeopathic remedy for anxiety is given to those people who are tensed, feel uneasy and anxious before important and decisive events in their life such as public speaking, giving an interview or writing the examination paper. Apart from experiencing diarrhea and feeling dizzy, the people who are prescribed Argentum Nitricum have peculiar impulses as well as thoughts.

Arsenicum Album
Arsenicum Album is one of the best homeopathic remedies for anxiety for those people who keep worrying about their health and also about some other things such as their security, well being and also of the law and order. People who are very restless, anxious and constantly moving from one place to the other, face the problems like severe attacks of asthma and panic attacks at night or during the early hours of the morning, may be given the Arsenicum Album homeopathic remedy.

Natrum Muriaticum
The Natrum Muriaticum is another one amongst the good homeopathic remedies for anxiety for people who experience extreme emotions such as fear apart from other feelings such as loneliness, shyness, staying aloof and reserved, migraines, claustrophobia, sleep deprivation and night fears.

Silicea
Silicea is a homeopathic remedy for anxiety for those people whose personality traits include getting nervous and being low on confidence levels and facing concentration problems, when they have to do important tasks - which may be related to academics, jobs or a business. Overreacting to minor or small things, having low stamina, headaches, cold, fever, sore throat and shyness are other characteristics of such people. These people face the above mentioned problems even though, in most of the cases they are intelligent and very capable of doing their tasks successfully. For more on anxiety cures, refer to:

    * Anti Anxiety Natural Remedies
    * Controlling Anxiety and Depression
    * How to Deal with Anxiety

Homeopathic Remedies for Anxiety in Children

The following are the homeopathic remedies for anxiety in children:

    * Kali Bromatum
    * Ignatia amara
    * Agaricus muscarius
    * Stramonium
    * Tarentula
    * K-OK Kiddie Calmer

Many homeopaths prescribe homeopathic remedies for anxiety such as Pulsatilla, Phosphorus, Lycopodium and Gelsemium as per the requirement. Thus, we can conclude stating that, the role played by homeopathy in curing anxiety related problems, is significant!

Homeopathic Remedies for Allergies

Allergic symptoms manifest due to hypersensitive reactions of the body's immune system, after being exposed to certain substances like dust, foods, pollen and environmental pollutants. While some people are allergic to dust and smoke, others may notice atopic reactions to cold weather and/or foods. Thus, a particular allergen is not harmful to the general people. Some of the medical conditions that are triggered by allergies are hay fever, asthma, eczema and food allergies.

In general, it is quite confusing and time consuming to identify the allergen. Diagnosis is made by conducting allergy tests, either allergy skin testing or allergy blood testing. After correct identification of the cause, treatment for allergy relief involves using nasal sprays, administering medications and injections to combat the immune system response towards the particular allergen. As people become more concern about the side effects of allopathic drugs, alternative medicines and homeopathic remedies for allergies are most popular in recent times. Read more on allergy shots side effects.

Homeopathic Remedies for Allergies

You can find end number of homeopathic products for allergies in the drugstore. Selecting the appropriate remedy as per the causing allergen and symptom may be very confusing. Hence, it is better to consult a qualified homeopathy doctor or a general physician regarding the effective remedy and its dosage for your allergic condition. Following is a list of some commonly advocated homeopathic remedies for allergies:

Lime Juice and Honey
Taking a mixture of lime juice and honey is an effective remedy for any kind of allergic reactions. In a glass of freshly prepared lemon juice, add one teaspoon of pure honey. Drink this juice on a daily basis for approximately one month, in order to get relief from allergies. Also read on homeopathy and eczema in children.

Euphrasia
Euphrasia is one of the wonderful homeopathic remedies for allergies in children with symptoms like nasal discharge, watery eyes and sensitivity to light spectrum. Nevertheless, prior to giving any dose of this herb to your kid, make sure you consult a physician for the possible side effects. Read more on food allergies in children.

Chamomile
Chamomile is another effective homeopathic remedy for both children and adults, who are sensitive to allergic reactions. The anti-inflammatory active ingredients present in this medicinal herb help in overcoming fatigue, food allergies, muscle pain and skin inflammation.

Licorice Root
Licorice root is a traditional medicinal herb that has been used since many centuries. Taken in form of tea, syrup or powder, licorice is used for treatment of sore throat, chronic cough, bronchial congestion and digestive problems. You can give licorice sticks for chewing to your child to reduce these allergy symptoms.

Natrum muriaticum
One of the popularly used homeopathic remedies for allergies to cats, natrum muriaticum helps treat watery eyes,constant sneezing, clear nasal discharge and loss of taste. It is prepared after diluting table salt and available as pellets, tablets and tinctures.

Ephedra
Ephedra herb using as a herbal remedy is debatable. Even though it has been used for reducing hay fever, cold and flu symptoms, this particular herb is known to interact with other therapeutic medicines, resulting in unexpected health effects. Thus, ephedra should be taken under medical supervision.

Butterbur
Butterbur extract and tablets are widely used as natural treatments for allergies. Besides reducing seasonal allergies symptoms, butterbur herb is used as a traditional medicine for treatment of certain health problems such as chronic cough, stomach cramp and migraine.

Quercetin
Homeopathic remedies for seasonal allergies include using quercetin, that contain high amounts of antioxidants. This homeopathic remedy indirectly helps in relieving the symptoms of hay fever by reducing the secretion of histamine (an inflammatory chemical produced by immune system in response to allergens).

Green Tea
Green herbal tea contains antioxidants that reduce over production of inflammatory substance, histamine. For more effectiveness, you can add a teaspoon of honey in preparing green tea and drink twice a day. Within one to two weeks time, you can notice improvements in the allergic symptoms.

Homeopathic Remedies for Acne

Acne is a skin disorder which plagues people of all ages. Yet, youth are the major victims of acne outbreaks. There are several causes of acne outbreaks, from hormonal imbalance to clogged pores. People suffering from acne try almost every possible remedy, from expensive dermatological treatments to simple home treatment for acne. However, not every treatment yields satisfactory results. Homeopathic remedies for acne is an upcoming trend and many people can vouch for the effectiveness of homeopathy in treating acne. Read more on best acne treatments.

Homeopathic Remedies for Acne

The principle of working of homeopathy is based on the symptoms and not the underlying diseases. This is because the same disease can take different form in different people. Thus, homeopathy relies on eliminating the disease by targeting its symptoms. Given below is the list of homeopathic remedies for acne. Read more on acne control.

Antimonium Tartaricum
Antimonium tartaricum is effective for large acne in the form of pustules. These pustules leave a reddish blue mark, when the infection subsides. The person is often left irritable and with a weakened immune system.

Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is mainly useful for curing acne that originates due to over secretion of sebum and accumulation of dirt and dead cells. Benzoyl peroxide has tremendous cleaning properties which clear the clogged pores and inhibit the growth of bacteria. This considerably reduces the outbreak of acne. Since benzoyl peroxide tends to dry up the skin, go for the benzoyl peroxide products with moisturizer.

Calcarea Carbonica
This homeopathic remedy is effective for people who, along with acne, also suffer from clammy hands and feet. These people are easily tired and are mostly overweight. These people are often anxious and tend to overwork. An excessive craving for sweets and eggs is also observed in these people.

Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum
People who are in need of this homeopathic remedy suffer from boil-like acne. Often, an offensive smelling pus formation results in these boils. These people are sensitive to any kind of cold and their skin is often tender to touch.

Pulsatilla
In people who benefit from pulsatilla, the cause of acne is eating fatty foods during an onset of puberty. Acne resulting due to fluctuations in menstrual cycle can also be cured with this remedy. People in need of pulsatilla are often fair skinned, with mood swings and a liking for fresh, open spaces.

Silica
Silica is beneficial for people who have deep seated acne and swollen lymph nodes. These people suffer from persistent nervousness and fatigue and also have a weak immune resistance. Acne in these people is difficult to heal and often leaves ugly scars behind, which refuse to vanish. Silica is one of the effective homeopathic remedies for acne scars. More on acne scar removal.

Sulfur
Sulfur is the most popular homeopathic remedy for acne. Itchy, inflamed eruptions or sores can be treated well using sulfur. These eruptions are very sensitive to heat and worsen upon scratching. People suffering from this form of acne tend to be unhygienic and give neatness a very low priority.

Homeopathic remedies for acne seem to work better in presence of certain home remedies. Following are the acne home remedies that can be combined with homeopathic remedies for better results. More on natural acne cures.

    * Apple cider vinegar cure for acne
    * Oatmeal mask
    * Aloe Vera treatment for acne
    * Honey and apple facial mask
    * Tea tree oil treatment for acne

Homeopathic remedies for acne are definitely effective but there is no scientific evidence to prove their effectiveness. Moreover, homeopathic remedies for acne do not induce any side effects. Homeopathic remedies along with home treatments is a sure shot way to acne free complexion.

Homeopathic Cold Remedies

Common cold is one of the most common diseases. Almost everyone has to keep suffering from it from time to time. The identifiable symptoms of common cold are cough, runny nose and sore throat. Although this disease does not affect your health much, yet it makes your life quite miserable. Unfortunately, common cold cannot be treated completely. In fact, there is no cure for it. However, the symptoms of the cold can be relieved to a great extent, both with medical and natural treatment measures. The present article focuses its discussion on homeopathic cold remedies. Read more on homeopathic medicine for common cold.

Homeopathic Remedies for Cold

Allium cepa: The homeopathic medicine, Allium cepa is made from onion. On consumption, this medicine gives you symptoms similar to which occurs on chopping fresh onions. You feel rawness in the throat and profuse watery discharge from the nose. You will feel that the nasal discharge burns and irritates your nose and upper lip. Your eyes may water too but does not get irritated with this medicine. When you are on Allium cepa, you feel an increased desire for eating onions. Thus, Allium cepa is one of the commonly prescribed medicines by homeopaths.

Natrum muriaticum: If you are having nasal discharge which is thick and resembles an egg white, you are an eligible candidate for Natrum muriaticum prescription. This medicine is also given when you suffer from cold sores on your lips during common cold. According to homeopaths, the patients requiring Natrum muriaticum often have dry, cracked lips.

Pulsatilla: If you are suffering from common cold with symptoms like nasal discharge which is thick, bland, yellow-green, then a homeopath is most likely to prescribe you Pulsatilla. The homeopathic practitioner will give you the proper directions for its usage. This is one of the popular homeopathic cold remedies

Kali bichromicum: Kali bichromicum may be given to you when you have common cold, along with thick nasal discharge which is yellow-green in color. You suffer from pressure in the sinuses and at the base of the nose. You feel a thick post nasal drip. This means that this particular homeopathic medicine is suitable for treating advanced stages of cold. The cough produces stringy green sputum. You tend to have aches and pains in your body.

Eucalyptus radiata oil: Eucalyptus radiata oil is derived from the eucalyptus radiata tree. It contains a substance called eucalyptol, which acts as a decongestant and expectorant. It is applied on the chest and back before bedtime. There is another way of using eucalyptus radiata oil. You can add a few drops of it to a bowl of steaming water. Place the bowl in your bedroom. The vapors will spread throughout the room and help you get rid of cold and nasal congestion.

Plantain: Plantain is a leaf that works as an expectorant. Mix two teaspoons of dried plantain leaves in a glass of boiling water. Allow the mixture to cool and then drink. Have this homeopathic cold remedy once a day to recover fast from cold and congestion.

Nux vomica: If you find yourself to be irritable, sensitive to light and sound in addition to being very impatient, the Nux vomica is the homeopathic cold remedy for you. It is one of those homeopathic remedies that deal with your temperament while you suffer from cold.

Baryta carbonica: In case, you are suffering from persistent or recurrent common cold and experience irritation of the tonsil and inflammation of lymph nodes, then you should try using Baryta carbonica. It has been observed to show great result with the given symptoms.

Aconitum napellus: The homeopathic cold remedy, Aconitum napellus, will prove to be highly beneficial to you if you have dry stuffy nose, tightness or tension in the chest, dry throat and choking cough during common cold. Try this remedy to get fast relief from all the common cold discomforts.

In order to better deal with common cold, refer to common cold facts and myths. All the above suggested homeopathic cold remedies are surefooted in delivering positive results. However, to be on the safe side, do not self medicate but visit a homeopath for medical assistance.