holistic health

Kidney stones

Let’s talk about a very painful and common health concern these days … kidneys stones

If you have ever had or known someone that had kidney stones you may understand the excruciating pain associated with these monsters.

The pain has been described as the worst, unbearable excruciating pain that you could ever feel. Some say “it has brought grown men to their knees, begging for relief .while some say ,”they have actually passed out from the horrible pain they bring.”

If you’ve been lucky enough to never develop a kidney stone, understanding the signs and symptoms of one can help prevent pain, discomfort .

What is a kidney stone?

A kidney stone is a hard, crystalline mineral material formed within the kidney or urinary tract. Kidney stones are a common cause of blood in the urine (hematuria) and often severe pain in the abdomen, flank, or groin. Kidney stones are sometimes called renal calculi.

The condition of having kidney stones is termed nephrolithiasis. Having stones at any location in the urinary tract is referred to as urolithiasis, and the term ureterolithiasis is used to refer to as stones located in the ureter .

kidney stones result when substances in the urine become highly concentrated.

Types of kidney stones

There are four major kinds of kidney stones, each with different causes and treatment .

• Calcium stones: The most common kind of kidney stone, these develop when calcium in the urine combines with other substances like oxalate or phosphate to form crystals.

• Uric acid stones: When too much uric acid forms in the pee it can crystallize and combine with calcium to form a stone.

• Struvite stones: The type likely to grow the largest, this type of kidney stone is made of a mineral called struvite, a combination of ammonium, magnesium, and phosphate.

• Cystine stones: This rare type of stone can form if someone has too much of amino acid called cystine.

Causes

While anyone can produce kidney stones, certain people are more at risk for developing stones than others. A family history of stone disease, especially in first-degree relatives, puts you at a higher risk. Other risk factors are dehydration, diet, and obesity.

There are common dietary causes, including low fluid intake and overconsumption of salt and animal products .

Symptoms

•Pain in the side or back, which then spreads to the lower belly and groin (especially if it comes and goes in waves)

• Blood in the urine

• Nausea, vomiting, as well as fever and chills

• The need to pee often or urgently .

▪ Painful and burning urination .

▪Prevention

Preventing kidney stones means preventing the condition that support their formation . Here’s how you can prevent these painful pebbles ,

1. Stay well hydrated.

Drink enough fluids (water is best) to make 2L or about 1/2 gallon of urine a day. Drink more water in the summer months when you’re apt to lose more water through sweat. Lemonade made with real lemons has citrate which can be good for the urinary system.

2. Cut the salt.

Limit the amount of sodium in your diet. The recommended daily allowance of sodium is 2,500 mg, yet the average American diet takes in about 5,000 mg of sodium a day. Don’t add salt to food and take the salt shaker off the table to avoid temptation. Limit eating out and processed foods which also contribute to higher sodium intake. Decreasing urinary sodium also decreases urinary calcium, which are leading culprits in kidney stone formation.

3. Moderate calcium intake.If you have a history of stone formation, your doctor may recommend a moderate intake of calcium – about 800-1,200 mg a day. Calcium, however, is necessary in the diet; completely eliminating calcium is not advisable and can actually lead to more kidney stones.

4. Cut the protein.

Your doctor may also recommend that you cut down on your protein intake .

Diagnosis

There are no true warning signs for kidney stones.small stones usually pass unnoticed while large stones remain undetected until they become lodged in the ureter and the person complains of severe and sudden pain in the back or lower abdomen.

Most kidney stones can be diagnosed by an X-Ray .A sonogram can also spot a stone.These images tells the site and size of the stone . Blood and urine test help detect any abnormal substance that might promote stone formation . Other test that might be suggested are CT Scan or special XRay test called intravenous pyelogram( IVP) .

Treatment

A serious bout of kidney stone if they happen periodically can be treated medically or with surgery. But surgery is considered as the last option .There are plenty of things you can do deal with a stone or to prevent a stone from happening in the first place , especially if you have tendency of producing them periodically .

Home Remedies

Before taking any home remedies it is a good idea to talk with the doctor,especially for people with pre-existing medical condition or who are on medications .

Many antibiotics ,diuretics,blood pressure,cholesterol and liver medications can interact negatively with herbal remedies

1:Water

Drinking water is one of the easiest ways to prevent and treat kidney stones .Drinking 12 glasses per day may help ease the passage or slow the growth of deposits in kidneys.

2:Lemon juice

Lemon contains citrate , a compound that helps break down calcium deposits and slow their growth.Two 5- oz glasses ,the first on an empty stomach first thing in the morning and another a few hours before dinner , may help break down smaller stones .

3: Basil

Basil contains compounds known to help stabilize uric acid levels, making it harder for kidney stones to form. Also, basil contains acetic acid, a chemical known to help dissolve stones.

One teaspoon of basil extract or pure juice per day may help prevent and treat kidney stones.

4: Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar again contains citric acid that may help dissolve calcium deposits.

Two tablespoons of pure apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 oz of water may reduce the symptoms of kidney stones and prevent their development. This mixture can be drunk several times a day and may be most effective when consumed before meals.

5- Wheat grass

Wheatgrass contains compounds that increase urine production, allowing stones to pass more easily and reducing the risk of their formation.

Wheatgrass also contains antioxidants which help rid the urinary tract of minerals and salts.

Other home remedies are celery juice , pomegranate juice , dandelion extract

Allopathic Treatment

Management of renal colic is done by giving oral analgesics. If oral analgesics are insufficient to manage pain IV access is obtained to allow fluids, analgesics and antiemetic medications .Antibiotics are prescribed in case of infection .

Active intervention for symptomatic or large urinary stones ranges from minimal invasive to more invasive techniques.

These treatment options include

1-Shock wave Lithotripsy

An externally applied acoustic pulse is focused onto the stone to break it into tiny pieces which are later passed through urine .

2-Laser LithotripsyA tiny scope is inserted into the urinary tract to locate the stone and laser energy is used to disintegrate it.

3- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

A small tunnel is made from the skin into the kidney to locate the stone ,before fragmentation and removal of the stone .

4- Laproscopic key hole surgery

Small key hole incisions are made onto abdomen to enter the urinary system and remove the stone .

It is commonly recognized that “a stone is not necessarily the disease” but rather a “symptom” of an underlying abnormality (eg- hyperuricosuria, hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria, etc.). Therefore, even if the initial stone is spontaneously expelled or surgically removed, it does not make the underlying abnormality go away. It is for this reason that risk of stone recurrence after an initial episode of nephrolithiasis is extremely high.Hence Post treatment patient will have to take dietary precautions or medications to prevent recurrence of kidney stones .

Homoeopathic Treatment

•Berberis Vulgaris

Indicated in left sided renal calculi .A characteristic sensation is the bubbling sensation that is aggravated by stepping or any other movement. The pain extends from the back to the urinary bladder or the urethra.

•Cantharis

Indicated in patients with renal stones having burning and cutting pain in urethra . characteristic symptom of this remedy is the frequent urge to urinate where urine is passed drop by drop with intense burning.Haematuria( blood in urine) may be present.

•Lycopodium

Indicated in Right sided kidney stones. The pain worsens before urination. Urine is scanty. The kidney pain subsides after passing urine. Red sediments may appear in urine. In some cases, the urine may be purulent, turbid, or pale.

•Sarsaparilla

Indicated in case of right sided kidney stone with excessive burning at the close of urination.. Urine passed is scanty. Urine may contain slimy or sandy particles.

•Pareira Brava

Indicated especially in cases where pain from the kidney radiates down the thigh. In some cases, the pain may radiate down to the feet from the kidney region. There is also a constant urge to urinate. Urine is passed with marked pain. In men, pain may also be felt in glans penis while urinating. Red sand or stingy mucus may be observed in the urine.

Pls note -The treatment for these conditions is always based upon the constitution of the patient and the medicines vary for each patient, depending upon the particular symptoms. The remedies mentioned here should be taken only after consulting a homoeopath or health care professional .

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is the name given to the condition where cells like the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body.In endometriosis, cells like the ones in the lining of the womb grow elsewhere in the body. These cells react to the menstrual cycle each month and also bleed. However, there is no way for this blood to leave the body. This can cause inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.

Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape.

If the endometrium grows within the muscular layer of the womb it is called adenomyosis, which is just a different type of endometriosis.

The commonest areas to be affected are:

The ovaries where cysts might appear; these are called chocolate cysts because they contain brown material (old blood).
The area behind the womb and in front of the rectum (large bowel). This space is called the Pouch of Douglas and endometriosis here often causes deep pain and painful intercourse (dyspareunia).

Less common sites include the bowel itself, the bladder and sites outside the pelvis including the navel (belly button) or operation scars.

Causes

One popular theory focuses on a potential process known as retrograde menstruation. Retrograde menstruation can be thought of as backward flow during a period.

2.Another theory, also known as coelomic metaplasia, suggests that a layer of cells surrounding the ovaries and other cells within the pelvic region are able to change into endometrial cells that are much the same as normal endometrial tissue. It is not certain what causes this development, but evidence suggests irritation by retrograde menstrual flow or infections may be the culprit.

3.Transfer of endometrial tissues by a surgical procedure might be the cause for endometriosis implants seen in surgical scars (for example, episiotomy or cesarean section scars).

4.Some studies have shown alternations in the immune response in women with endometriosis, suggesting that abnormalities in the immune system may play a role in the development of the condition.

Endometriosis can have a significant impact on a woman’s life in a number of ways, including:

Chronic pain
Fatigue/lack of energy
Depression/isolation
Problems with a couple’s sex life/relationships
Inability to conceive

Diagnosis

Scans, blood tests and internal examinations are not a conclusive way to diagnose endometriosis and a normal scan, blood test and internal examination does not mean that you do not have endometriosis.

The only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is by a laparoscopy

Because endometriosis manifests itself in a variety of ways and shares symptoms with other conditions, diagnosis can be difficult and often delayed.

Diet

Eliminate potential food allergens, including dairy, wheat (gluten), corn, soy, vegetables (such as kale, spinach, and bell pepper).
Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy), or beans for protein.
Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
Reduce or eliminate trans fattyacids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, french fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, and limit foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat. Avoid foods with additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Drink 6 – 8 glasses of filtered water daily.

Treatment

. The different treatments available for endometriosis aim to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the quality of life for a woman living with the condition

Treatment options available to women with endometriosis are:

Surgery
Hormone treatment
Pain relief

Homoeopathic treatment

Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach

According to the Materia Medica the following remedies in Endometriosis may be administered for the following conditions:

Apis mellifica: Menstruation disorders; Soreness and stinging pains, ovaritis, worse in right ovary; Great tenderness over abdomen uterine region.

Arsenicum album: Endometriosis; Menstruation disorders; Anxiety, exhaustion and restlessness; Catamenia (menstruation) too early and too copious attended by much suffering.

Bryonia: Ovaritis; Menstrual irregularities with gastric symptoms; Inter-menstrual pain with great pelvic soreness; Irritable mind.

Cimicifuga racemosa: Uterus disorders; Menses too profuse, dark, coagulated, scanty with backache, nervousness, irregular in time and amount, more flow, more pain; Pain across pelvis from hip to hip.

Cinchona officinalis: Circulation; Menstruation; Menses too early, dark, profuse, clotted with abdominal distention; Painful induration in vagina.

Conium maculatum: Menstruation disorders; Ovaritis; Cervicitis; Weakness of body and mind; Cutting pains in ovaries and uterus.

Hamamelis virginiana: Uterus disorders; Menses dark, profuse with soreness in abdomen; Metrorrhagia (breakthrough bleeding or spotting) occurring midway between menstrual periods.

Hydrastis canadensis: Menorrhagia and metrorrhagia (breakthrough bleeding) with fibroids; Uterus disorders; Vagina sore during sex, bleeding afterwards.

Iodium: Uterus disorders; Great weakness during menses; Menstruation irregular; Wedge-like pain from ovary to uterus; Sterility.

Lachesis : Uterine and ovarian pains, all relieved by the flow; Less the flow the more pain; Menstruation too scanty (blood black).

Lilium tigrinum: Uterus disorders; Prolapse of uterus; Congestion of uterus; Menses, early, dark, clotted offensive; Bloating feeling in uterine region.

Lycopodium clavatum: Menstruation disorders; Fibroma; Menses too late, last too long, too profuse; Coition painful; Catamenia suppressed readily, and for a long time, by fright; Chronic vaginal dryness; Miscarriage.

Phosphorus: Menstruation disorders; Slight hemorrhage from uterus; Uterine polyps; Infertility; Tearing in genital organs, and stitches upward from vagina into uterus.

Pulsatilla: Abnormal menstruation; Menses clotted, changeable, intermittent; Inflammation and prolapse of uterus.

Rhus toxicodendron: Dysmenorrhea (painful period); Menorrhagia (excess bleeding); Uterine infection, septic; Violent pain in vulva with menstrual discharge; Pelvic articulations stiff when beginning to move.

Sabina: Inter-menstrual flow; Excessive menstruation; Uterine hemorrhage, partly clotted, worse from least motion; Tendency to miscarriage; Shooting pain up the vagina.

Secale cornutum: Contraction of blood vessels and uterus; Weak uterus or bearing down pain with coldness; Menses irregular, continuous oozing of water blood.

Sepia: Menstruation disorders; Never well since puberty, childbirth after weaning or hormone pills; Weak uterus, bearing down sensation as if everything would escape through the vagina; Prolapsed bladder, uterus or vagina.

The list of the remedies may be quite exhaustive .The formation of cyst in the ovary suggests the sycotic and spread to the inner lining of the uterus and to the other organs, the syphilitic nature of the disease. Therefore antimiasmatic drugs would also help

Pls note –The treatment for these conditions is always based upon the constitution of the patient and the medicines vary for each patient, depending upon the particular symptoms. The remedies mentioned here should be taken only after consulting a homoeopath or health care professional .

Obesity & Homoeopathic treatment

Obesity is one big health issue that is a reason for distress for people of all age groups .

There is no miracle cure for obesity ,though Homoeopathy has been successfully employed as a mode of treatment for many years now in Europe & South Asia .

Homoeopathic treatment for losing weight is constitutional . It requires a detailed case history of the patient, which is evaluated for selection of suitable constitutional remedy .

Homoeopathy attempts to correct digestive disorders improve metabolism and help in easy elimination –the three main pre requisites for reducing weight .

Unlike conventional medications that restrict the absorption of nutrients or induce a feeling of fullness , homoeopathic drugs treat the symptoms that cause weight gain .

There are no such homoeopathic supplements for weight loss neither is there any homoeopathic diet for weight loss.

One should always remember proper diet & excercise regime is needed along with the medication to achieve desired weight loss .In fact exercise and diet control along with homoeopathic medicine accentuate the weight loss .

Homoeopathic medicine are not fat dissolving by nature . They work by stimulating your body’s metabolism to burn more fat .

CAUSES OF OBESITY

Obesity is most commonly caused by combination of excessive food energy intake ,lack of physical activity ,and genetic susceptibility .

Hypothyroidism ,Depression ,slow activity of intestines&sedentary life style . Women with polycyclic ovarian disease & those around menopausal age are prone to weight gain.

Here are some of the commonly prescribed homoeopathic medicines .One should keep in mind that remedies are suited to each persons unique nature .If you have serious health concern or not sure which remedy suits you please seek the help of professional homoeopath for guidance .

HOmoeopathic Remedies

Ignatia &Natrum mur -where depresssion has lead to obesity and excessive weight gain

Calcarea carb & Lycopodium for those who have gained excessive weight due to hypothyroidism

Alumina &Nux vomica for obesity when intestinal functioning could be the reason

Graphites & sepia for women who have gained excess weight around menopause

Calcarea carb , Natrum mur ,pulsatilla and sepia for obese women who suffer from poly cystic ovarian disease

Lycopodium &Natrum mur for obese person having excess fat in thigh and buttock area

Ammonium carb & Antimonium crudum for overweight person having excess fat in upper body as compared to legs that are thin

Antimonium crudum Baryta carb , & calcarea carb for weight loss in obese children

Calcarea carb -for post pregnancy weight gain .

Ficus vesiculosus -reduces weight by speeding up process of burning up fat tissue .

Phytollaca mother tincture -reduces weight by increasing metabolic rate

Losing weight is not about looking good but being healthy . Homoeopathy helps in doing so safely, surely ,& systematically so that the weight that comes off stays off ..

Hairfall in women

There is nothing more attractive than a thick head of hair that glimmers with natural health. But hair loss is a problem that many people suffer from.

Losing your crowning glory can be particularly difficult for women. But there are ways to cope.Hair loss especially if you’re young or at a vulnerable time in your life, can badly affect not only your confidence but also it effects your sensuality and how you perceive yourself.

hair fall has become a nagging problem nowadays.According to beauty experts, it is normal to lose about 100 strands of hair in a day.

Causes of Hairfall

1. Hereditary Factors

. It is mainly a hereditary condition that is known as male-pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. Typically, the signs of this kind of hair loss may begin from the days of puberty. While hair thinning is the initial symptom, this may end with premature baldness within the 30’s.

The gene can be inherited from either your mother’s or father’s side of the family, though you’re more likely to have it if both of your parents had hair loss.

2.Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes in the body increase the sensitivity of hair follicles, weaken hair roots and cause the hair strands to fall. Menopause, Ovarian cyst, hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, etc. bring about changes in the hormonal balance. This eventually leads to hair loss.

3.Physical /mental stress

Persistent illness, drastic and excessive weight loss and extreme physical labor can cause the body to get dehydrated and exhausted. This can make the hair follicles undernourished and weak and cause rapid hair loss.

Any kind of physical trauma—surgery, a car accident, or a severe illness, even the flu—can cause temporary hair loss. This can trigger a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. Hair has a programmed life cycle: a growth phase, rest phase and shedding phase. When you have a really stressful event, it can shock the hair cycle, (pushing)more hair into shedding phase . Hair loss often becomes noticeable three-to-six months after the trauma.

Stress can exacerbate genetic hair loss since the adrenal or stress glands secrete male hormones into the body.

4.Pregnancy & child birth

Pregnancy is one example of the type of physical stress that can cause hair loss .Pregnancy-related hair loss is seen more commonly after your baby has been delivered rather than actually during pregnancy .This is because, during pregnancy, there is a peak in the hormone estrogen so you can expect a full head of hair. But once the baby is delivered, hormones go back to their normal phase which may result in hair falling out at once. But this is a temporary phase and hair growth returns to normal after a few weeks.

5-protein deficiency

Our hair is made of a protein called keratin. When we do not eat protein-rich foods, it depletes from our body making the hair brittle. This leads to weak strands which fall prematurely.

6-medications

Women who are on birth control pills can have side-effects like hair fall if they abruptly stop using them. Other hormonal pills and therapies can have a similar effect. Chemotherapy sessions also result in hair loss.

Other medicines like beta blockers used to control blood pressure , blood thinners,steroids and medication for typhoid, heart diseases, depression, etc. are known to be responsible for extreme hair fall, to the extent of causing baldness.

7- Scalp Infection

Fungal, bacterial and viral infections like seborrhea dermatitis, psoriasis, ringworm infection in the scalp can weaken the roots. This damages the hair follicles, thereby causing thinning, breakage and hair fall.

8- Hairstyling

Excessive shampooing, dyeing, stressful styling, applying chemical products, heat styling and using other hair treatment tools can damage and weaken the hair and thus cause hair fall.

9-Crash Diets And Malnutrition

Insufficient intake of nutrients and following an unhealthy and unbalanced diet can cause malnourishment in the body. This leads to dehydration of the scalp and hair, and can trigger excessive hair fall.

How do we stop hairfall

Look out for the cause of hairfall
consult your Doctor to rule out a thyroid problem, iron deficiency anemia, or an excessive level of male hormones (common when you have polycystic ovarian syndrome or when estrogen levels drop off around menopause)
Look out for hair tonics/ supplements containing iron , folic acid , biotin
Prenatal vitamins also help in reducing hairfall

Natural hair loss treatments

Although you can’t change your genes, there are some things you can do to protect the hair you have. But think lifestyle changes will help you in getting back those luscious locks !

Diet Dos:

Eat a balanced diet , Make sure you’re eating plenty of leafy greens—such as spinach, kale, and chard—and beans, tofu, or lean cuts of red meat, which are all great sources of iron as well as biotin and zinc, two nutrients that may also play a role in hair growth.

Scalp massage : “Use your fingertips and a bit of argan or coconut oil to rub in a circular motion for several minutes before you shampoo the theory is that massage temporarily increases circulation to the scalp, which may pump hair follicles with the nutrients needed for hair growth.

Styling Tips :The direction of your part can really help thinning hair..if you typically part your hair on the left, flip it to the right, so it’s more likely to stand away from your scalp and look more voluminous.

Avoid heat : In general, the less heat you use, the better. Styling with heat can damage the hair shaft,. Air-dry whenever possible, and if you must use heated tools, pick those with adjustable settings and keep them on the lowest level. This won’t affect hair growth, but you’ll see less of the breakage that makes hair look even thinner.

Brush with care : Used in conjunction with a blow-dryer, round metal brushes can heat up significantly, and some brushes with hard plastic or metal bristles can cause breakage. Instead, try a brush made of gentle boar bristles or flexible nylon.
Hair colour : Bleaching or significantly lightening your hair color all over can cause damage or breakage.

Home Remedies :

Egg Mask:

egg ,honey ,& olive oil is one of the potent hair conditioners for hair .oney is an amazing home remedy for hair growth that rejuvenates dry, damaged and brittle hair. Being a natural humectant, it attracts and stores moisture in the hair strands and the antioxidants and nutrients present in honey supply the hair follicles with the essential nutrients that promote hair growth. Olive oil is an important natural oil that encourages hair growth. Olive oil prevents the production of DTH hormone that causes narrowing of the follicle shafts. The antioxidant in the oil improves the health of the scalp and neutralizes the damage caused by styling products. It also fights dandruff, fungi and bacteria and keeps the scalp clean and healthy.

Curry Leaves and Coconut Oil

It is one of the most effective herbs for grey hair that also aids in promoting hair growth. Boil some fresh curry leaves in coconut oil , cool and strain in a container . Apply twice a week to see the difference .

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is good to prevent hair loss. Applying natural aloe vera gel on scalp and hair is one of the best ways to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.

Indian Gooseberry (Amla)

Regular application of amla directly on hair helps in strengthening the hair follicles, stimulates hair growth and prevents hair breakage and split ends. There are many magical properties of amla; it is filled with antioxidants and vitamin C. Amla is good for healthy hair growth and is also known for improving the pigmentation of the hair. Mix 2 teaspoons of amla juice with 2 teaspoons of lime juice. Apply this mixture on the scalp and leave it to dry for 2 hours. Rinse off with warm water.

Garlic

Garlic is one of the fast hair growth home remedies and is majorly known for controlling hair fall. It is also one of the most popular home remedies for scalp fungus. Boil 7 to 8 cloves of crushed garlic with olive oil and apply it to the roots of the hair -follicles.

Onions

Just like garlic, onions are also a powerful natural remedy for hair growth. Although the strong smell of onion makes it repulsive to many people, but you have to come to terms with it if you want to have long and gorgeous tresses. The sulphur present in onions boosts the formation of collagen tissues that promotes hair growth. Take 2 to 3 onions and grate them to extract the juice. Apply this juice on the scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes.

Some other effective hair masks

Banana , honey , olive oil

Avacado,honey ,olive oil/almond oil

Yogurt ,honey ,lemon juice

Some Homoeopathic mother tinctures like Arnica ,jaborandi ,cantharis added to olive oil or coconut oil can help in hair growth , prevents hairfall, dandruff ,premature greying and stimulates the scalp for hair growth .

Some Homoeopathic medicines for hairfall are

1. Fluoricum Acidum

It is considered excellent for hair loss, especially alopecia areata, where the patient loses hair from spots on the scalp. It is also adept at dealing with the resulting hair fall after a period of sickness, hair breakage, hair fall caused by syphilis, and hair gets tangled a lot.
2.Phosphorus

It is popular for treating alopecia, it is also used to heal issues of the gastrointestinal tract, blood, nervous tissue, and bones.

3. Calcarea Carbonica
Calcarea Carbonica, is one of the best homeopathic medicines for hair regrowth. It is often prescribed to patients for whom hair loss is accompanied by intense itching and sweating of the scalp.
. 4. Vinca Minor

Vinca Minor is efficient in treating alopecia when it is accompanied by dandruff. It is also used to treat abnormal hair growth i.e. when the hair grows out like white wool.

Hairfall due to dandruff

5- Psorinum

Psorinum is the best treatment for hair loss that is caused due to dandruff. Dandruff is a common result of skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Psorinum tackles the root of the cause, reducing hair fall and dandruff at the same time.

6-Mezereum
This is another medicine that efficiently deals with conditions of the skin such as rashes, lesions, and psoriasis. It tackles hair fall in people who have crusty scalps and infected scalps with pus. It is also ideal for encouraging hair growth.
7-Kali Sulphuricum
When the dandruff is yellow in color, Kali Sulphuricum is a good treatment to resort to. It promises great results and is often prescribed by homeopaths to patients who complain of dandruff and hair loss together.

Pls. Note -–The treatment in Homoeopathy is always based upon the constitution of the patient and the medicines vary for each patient, depending upon the particular symptoms. The remedies mentioned here should be taken only after consulting a homoeopath or health care professional .

Asthma

Asthma is a common long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs.It is a lung condition that can make your airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, which causes breathing difficulties.some individuals may eventually grow out of asthma, while for others it is a life-long condition. Asthma can be a significant problem that interferes with daily life and may lead to an asthma attack, which can be life-threatening.

Asthma often runs in families and people who have allergies – especially those under the age of 16 – are at a higher risk.

In an asthma attack the muscles around your airways can become swollen and inflamed with increased mucus production resulting in one or more of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, experiencing a wheeze, blue colour to the lips and feeling distressed

The pathophysiology of asthma is complex and involves airway inflammation, intermittent airflow obstruction, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Asthma is associated with mast cells, eosinophils, and T lymphocytes. Mast cells release chemicals like histamine which in turn causes nasal stuffiness and dripping in cold or hay fever, constriction of airway in asthma, and itching in skin allergy. These cells along with other inflammatory cells cause airway inflammation , leading to airway hyper responsiveness and obstruction .

Asthma can be classified depending upon the cause

Exercise-Induced Asthma

Individuals who exercise for brief periods of time, on the order of 15 to 20 min, commonly develop airway obstruction after the cessation of exercise. Obstruction usually begins 5 to 10 min after the completion of exercise and resolves in 1 to 4 hrs.

Allergen-Induced Asthma

It results from the direct effects of mediators released from inflammatory cells as a consequence of clustering of IgE receptors on the surface of effector cells (Psora). Common allergens inducing asthma are cat allergen (Fel D1), house dust mite allergen (der P1), and tree and grass pollens.

Virus-Induced Asthma

Many individuals with a history of asthma will be relatively asymptomatic until they contract a viral illness, when asthma may occur without other known inciting stimuli.

Drug-Induced Asthma

Approximately 1% to 10% of patients with moderate-to-severe asthma have aspirin-induced asthma, which consists of symptoms of moderately severe airway obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, tearing, dermal changes, and, in some patients, GI changes (cramping, nausea, or vomiting).Beta blocker medications such as propranolol can trigger asthma in those who are susceptible.

Cardioselective beta-blockers, however, appear safe in those with mild or moderate disease. Other medications that can cause problems in asthmatics are angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, aspirin, and NSAIDs.

Acute Severe Asthma

Acute severe asthma is a more severe and prolonged version of an acute asthmatic episode.

Chronic Stable Asthma

Chronic stable asthma is the name given to the syndrome characterized by episodes of asthmatic symptoms and airflow obstruction that recur.

A triad of atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis and asthma is called atopy. The strongest risk factor for developing asthma is a history of atopic disease;with asthma occurring at a much greater rate in those who have either eczema or hay fever.Individuals with certain types of urticaria may also experience symptoms of asthma.

Symptoms of asthma

The symptoms of asthma, and how severe they are, can vary from person to person. You may find that you’re more likely to have symptoms at particular times throughout the day. Asthma symptoms include:

Respiratory distress

coughing − especially at night

wheezing − especially in the morning

finding it difficult to breathe

tightness in your chest

Thick mucus

You may find that your symptoms flare up and then calm down again. They may also have specific triggers such as being around certain types of animal (for example cats or dogs) or pollen. When your symptoms flare up suddenly, this is called an ‘asthma attack’.

What Precautions to be taken for Asthma?

Reduce the exposure of dust, pollen, pets etc, as these factors will trigger the asthma
Use face mask while cleaning or in coming contact with dust or smoke
Quit smoking as it will make the condition more worse
Eat more of antioxidant rich food like , prunes, raisins, onion, strawberries, cherries, amla as they will help in building immunity & prevent body from infections
A regular practice of yoga helps to gain control over the symptoms naturally without the use of drugs.

Conventional treatment

In terms of conventional treatment, the medication available can offer reasonable control of symptoms. Bronchodilator inhalers (available on prescription) such as Salbutamol (Ventolin) and Bricanyl (Terbutaline) are designed to act on the muscles of the airways and help the air flow through. You could think of the airways as tunnels, which narrow down when there is asthma. The bronchodilators are the workmen which widen the tunnel allowing greater flow of air (the traffic).
There are also steroid inhalers such as Becotide (Beclomethasone) and Pulmicort (Budesonide) which you could imagine to be the workmen who do the maintenance work in the tunnel preventing the build up of debris or do things which keep the tunnel nice and wide – they act by reducing the inflammation .

Sometimes people do not like the thought of taking these drugs and of the side effects that can occur. The side effects of Salbutamol are generally mild and steroids used short term rarely cause problems but the long term use of steroids even if inhaled may lead to potential problems if large doses are used.

Certain food helps in easing out the symptoms of asthma

Fresh fruit and vegetables improve asthma. Study after study shows that diets low in fruit and vegetables increase the risk and severity of asthma so remember; always eat at least seven serves of fresh fruit and vegetable a day.

Tomatoes contain large amounts of lycopene, an antioxidant that reduces asthma symptoms when eaten regularly. Lycopene is concentrated in sauces and cooked tomatoes with raw tomato providing smaller amounts.

Raw honey contains bee pollen and propolis, both of which have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties – plus it improves immune system recovery. An open jar of raw honey placed under the nose of someone suffering an asthma attack can help them breathe more easily. As a preventative measure a teaspoon of raw honey can be either eaten or mixed in a glass of warm water and taken three times a day.

Garlic is a well known natural antibiotic. It contains a mixture of compounds that have antibacterial and antifungal effects. It also reduces lung inflammation that accompanies asthma. It was once thought that garlic had to be eaten raw to obtain these benefits, but it is now known that cooked garlic works just as well.

Ginger can break up the mucus that builds in the lungs and contributes to asthma – but it must be fresh. Make a ginger tea by combining two cups of boiling water with two tablespoons of shredded ginger Drink a cup of the tea once every two hours when asthma is a problem.

Turmeric, among other things, is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps asthma and eczema. For best results drink one teaspoon of turmeric mixed into juice three times a day on an empty stomach.

Peppermint can soothe the airways and break up mucous. Add a few drops into a bowl of steaming water and inhale. being careful not to burn yourself. Note: peppermint is a well known antidote of many homoeopathic remedies: avoid this tip if you are already using homoeopathy.

Caraway or fennel seeds can also break up mucous. Add caraway seeds to a bowl of hot water and use as a steam inhalation. Fennel seeds can be chewed or eaten raw.

Fish and fish oils rich in omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and improve allergies such as asthma, especially if the ratio to omega 6 fatty acids has been unbalanced by a diet heavy with foods such red meat, pork, dairy products and polyunsaturated oils.

Homoeopathic approach

Homeopathy is a branch of alternative medicine and one of the most effective ways to treat asthma .Homeopathy recognizes disease as a holistic disturbance and believes in totality and an individualistic approach where physical symptoms manifested in the body correlate to one’s mental and emotional state.

Unlike conventional medicine, homeopathy does not merely offer a palliative or symptomatic relief for asthma, but aims to permanently cure and rid the body of the disease.

Asthma like any other condition can be treated with homeopathy at various levels. The ideal would be to find the treatment, which reflects the Similimum of the case (or as near to the Similimum as possible). By Similimum, I mean the remedy that best matches the person not just in terms of his symptoms but also in terms of his psyche and the way that he relates to other people and to life generally. Thus individualising the patient would offer a deeper prospect of healing. However finding the Similimum may not always be possible and there are many remedies which may be given for the symptoms of asthma. There are also remedies that can be given for the causes of allergic asthma (homeopathic preparations of house dust mite, grasses and pollens etc).

Homoeopathic remedies for acute asthma with few indications:

Antimonium tart: Great rattling in chest, with shortness of breath. Drowsiness. Asthma in elderly and children with difficulty to expectorate. The patient must sit up, with sensation as if not able to get enough air into the lungs.

Arsenic alb: Asthma is worse from lying down with fear of suffocation and extreme restlessness. Attacks of asthma are worse during and after midnight. There are burning pains which is relieved by heat.

Blatta orientalis: It is specific for asthma when the causative factor or triggers of asthma are lacking. Asthma with bronchitis and much pus-like mucus. During attack low potencies and mother tincture acts better.

Carbo veg: Coldness of breath. Desperate cases of asthma with blue and cold skin. Air hunger with desire to be fanned rapidly. Better by eructations, worse from sitting or lying down. Weakness in chest as if could not get enough breath. Asthma reflex from accumulation of flatus in abdomen.

Cuprum metallicum: Spasmodic asthma, constriction in throat, face gets blue and convulsions thereafter. Asthma brought on from mental emotions.

Dulcamara: Humid asthma from a cold, worse during cold wet weather.

Ipecac: Loses breath with cough. Difficult expiration. Cough is rattling and asthmatic. The patient gags when he coughs. Chest seems full of phlegm but does not yield to coughing.

Kali carb: Asthma awakening the patient at night, especially worse in the morning 3-4 am. Asthma better from rocking. The only comfort the patient finds is by leaning forward with his elbows resting upon chair. There is rattling in chest with rattling cough worse in rainy weather

Pulsatilla: Dyspnea worse night, evening, after dinner, lying on back. Respiration difficult worse from walking rapidly. Asthma after suppressed eruptions, from suppressed menses. This remedy is especially indicated in females of a mild, timid, sensitive or fretful disposition.

Sambucus: Suffocative cough, coming at about midnight. Respiration obstructed when lying down. Asthma with suffocative attacks, maybe well when awake but sleeps into trouble. Snuffles in babies cannot breathe through nose.

Spongia: Dryness of all air passages. Dry, barking, asthmatic cough. Respiration short, panting. Cough better by eating and drinking especially warm drinks. Asthmatic cough worse from cold air, lying with head low.

Initially homeopathic treatment may be used alongside conventional treatment but eventually we wish for a reduction in inhaler use and hopefully we can wean the patient off them provided that homeopathy gives a result as good or better than that obtained with inhalers.

If someone has asthma and they are already on conventional medicine ,It is strongly recommended that they do not stop their medication or alter it without consulting with a doctor. Stopping medication can result in a flaring up of the asthma and this may be confused with a homeopathic aggravation, or worse, it could potentialy be very serious.

Asthma is a condition for which I would highly recommend professional treatment .I strongly urge not to indulge in self medication .