HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR BED WETTING OR Nocturnal enuresis

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOr BEDWETTING  OR NOCTURNAL ENURESIS

    Nocturnal enuresis commonly called bedwetting or sleepwetting is involuntary urination while asleep after the age at which bladder control usually occurs. Nocturnal enuresis is considered primary (PNE) when a child has not yet had a prolonged period of being the cry. Secondary nocturnal enuresis(SNE) is when a child or adult beings wetting again after having stayed dry. 

  Most bedwetting is a developmental delay, not an emotional problem or physical illness. Only a small percentage(5% to 10%) or bedwetting cases are caused by specific medical situations bedwetting is frequently associated with a family history of the condition. 

   Bedwetting children and adults can suffer emotional stress or psychological injury if they feel shamed by the condition. Treatment guidelines recommend that the physician counsel the parents, warning about psychological damage caused by pressure, shaming, or punishment for a condition children cannot control. Bedwetting is the most common childhood complaint. Most girls stay dry by age six and most boys stay dry by age seven. By ten years old 95% of children are dry at night. Studies place adult bedwetting rates at between 0.5% to 2.3%. 

  The bladder is a muscular receptacle, or holding container, for urine. It expands as urine enters and then contracts to push the urine out. In a person with normal bladder control, nerves in the bladder wall send a message to the brain when the bladder is full, the brain then sends a message back to the bladder to keep it from automatically emptying until the person is ready to go to the bathroom. But people with nocturnal enuresis have a problem that causes them to urine involuntarily at night. 

What causes Enuresis? 

 They do have some theories though, on what may contribute to someone developing the condition: 

Hormonal Problems: 

  A hormonal called antidiuretic hormone, or ADH, causes the body to produce less urine at night. But some people's bodies don't make enough ADH, which means their bodies may produce too much urine while they're sleeping. 

Bladder problems: 

 In some people with enuresis, too many muscle spasms can prevent the bladder from holding a normal amount of urine. Some teens and adults also have relatively small bladders that can't hold a large volume of urine. 

Genetics: 

  Teens with enuresis often have a parent who had the same problem at about the same age. A scientist has identified specific genes that cause enuresis. 

Sleep problems: 

  Some teens may sleep so deeply that they don't wake up when they need to urine. 

Caffeine: 

  using caffeine causes a person to urinate urine more. 

Medical conditions:

  medical conditions that can trigger secondary enuresis include diabetes, urinary tract abnormalities (problems with the structure of a person's urinary tract), constipation, and urinary tract infections. Spinal cord trauma, such as severe stretching of the spinal cord resulting from a fall, sports injury, auto accident, or another event may also play a role in enuresis, although this is rare. 

Psychological problems:

  Some experts believe that stress can be associated with enuresis. It's not uncommon to feel stressed out during the teenage years, and things such as divorce, the death of a friend or family member, a move to a new town and adapting to a new school and social environment, or family tension can feel overwhelming. 

  Doctors don't know exactly why, but more than twice as many guys as girls have enuresis. It is often seen in combination with ADHD. 

Classification of bedwetting: 

Primary nocturnal enuresis: 

  Primary nocturnal enuresis is the most common form of bedwetting. Bedwetting counts as a disorder once a child is old enough to stay dry, but continues either to average at least two wet nights a week with no long periods of dryness or to not sleep dry without being taken to the toilet by another person. 

Secondary nocturnal enuresis: 

  Secondary enuresis occurs after the patient goes through an extended period of dryness at night (roughly six months or more) and then reverts to nighttime wetting. Secondary enuresis can be caused by emotional stress or a medical condition, such as bladder infection. 

Psychological definition:

 Psychological may use a definition from the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-IV defining nocturnal enuresis as report urination into bed or clothes, occurring per week or more for at least three consecutive months in a child at least years of age and not due to either a drug side effect or a medical condition. Even if the case does not meet these criteria, the DSM-IV definition allows psychologists to diagnose nocturnal enuresis if the wetting causes the patient clinically significant distress. 

The homeopathic remedy for Nocturnal enuresis:

Causticum: 

  Is useful when involuntary urination is worse in winter and better in summer. It is also for children who tend to wet their pants when they cough or sneeze or even laugh. 

Cina: 

  Is very beneficial in the case where along with the bedwetting problem child depicts symptoms of worm manifestations irritation of the nose, causing constant symptoms desire to pick, or press into it, extreme ill humor, heightened irritability and most commonly gritting teeth during sleep.  

Equisetum:

 It is found to be an excellent remedy for bed wetting in children. Its action is mainly on the urinary bladder. Painful urination. Constant nocturnal bedwetting. The urine looks cloudy. Enuresis with dreams and nightmares. 

Kreosotum:

  Enuresis in the first part of the night with dreams as if urinating in the urinals. Otherwise also must hurry when the desire comes or the urine escapes. It is especially useful in heavy sleepers who wet the bed in the first sleep. 

Lycopodium: 

  The child needing this homeopathic remedy has involuntary urination during sleep during which he or she may pass enormous quantities of clear urine. They can also have red sand in their urine. The typical lycopodium patient craves sweets, likes hot drinks and has aggravations from 4-8 pm fo many complaints. 

Medorrhinum: 

 Nocturnal enuresis a general remedy. 

Pulsatilla: 

 The child requiring this remedy often suffers from urine discharges that are involuntary. The urine can dribble while sitting or walking and at night in bed (according to the older authors particular in young girls). The typical child needing the homeopathic remedy Pulsatilla is often changeable and fickle and can be a bit weepy. They tend to love fuss and company. 

Psorinum: 

 Use it when the well-selected remedies fail to act. Bedwetting of psoric patients. Wets the bed especially during full moon. 

Secale cor: 

  Enuresis in old people due to enlargement of prostate glands. 

Sepia: 

 Enuresis in sickly girls during the first sleep. Urine is very offensive. 

Verbascum thaps: 

  Nocturnal enuresis of long standing. 

Knee pain and homeopathy

                       Knee pain and homeopathy

   What is knee pain?

     Knee pain is a common problem that can originate in any of the bony structures compromising the knee joint (femur, tibia, fibula), the kneecap(patella), or the ligaments and cartilage(meniscus) of the knee. Knee pain can be aggravated by exercise, affected by the surrounding muscles and their movements, and be triggered by other problems (such as a foot injury). Knee pain can affect people of all ages, and home remedies can be helpful unless it becomes severe.Knee pain facts

•  knee pain is a common problem with many causes, from acute injuries to complications of medical conditions.
• Knee pain can be localized to a specific area of the knee or be diffuse throughout the knee.
• Knee pain is often accompanied by physical restriction.
• A thorough physical examination will usually establish the diagnosis of knee pain.
• The treatment of knee pain depends on the underlying cause.
• The prognosis of knee pain is usually good although it might require surgery or other interventions.

Why does knee pain arise?

  Knee pain can arise from a number of reason including degeneration or injury of the knee joint. The major medical conditions that cause knee pain are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, knee injury, gout, and bursitis. Knee pain can arise in persons of any age. The symptoms that usually accompany knee pain are swelling, tenderness and heat in the knee joint. 

What are knee pain symptoms and signs?

   The location of the knee pain can vary depending on which structure is involved. With infection or an inflammatory process, the whole knee might be swollen and painful, while a torn meniscus or fracture of a bone gives symptoms only in one specific location. A Baker cyst will usually cause pain in the back of the knee.

The severity of the joint pain can vary, from a minor ache to a severe and disabling pain.

Some of the other signs and symptoms that accompany knee pain are

• difficulty walking due to the instability of the knee,
•  Limping due to discomfort,
• difficulty walking up or down steps due to ligament damage,
• locking of the knee (unable to bend the knee),
• redness and swelling,
• inability to extend the knee, and
• shifting weight to the opposite knee and foot.

General symptoms associated with knee pain? 

. Swelling 

. Tenderness

. Stiffness

. Disability to move knee properly

Causes of knee pain:

. Arthritis: Which include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. 

. Injury: As it is the most responsible joint of the body so there is increase the risk of injury which can damage to bone, ligament, and cartilage that ultimately leads to severe knee pain. 

. Overuse: Overuse of knee joint can cause bursitis which ultimately leads to intense knee pain.

. Obesity and advanced age: Both are the very common cause of knee pain. 

. Infection: Any kind of infection to the knee joint may result in knee pain. 

. Sprain: Due to sudden unnatural movements causes pain as well as restriction of movement of the knee joint. 

. Dislocation of the kneecap: Also causes severe knee pain

. Others cause: Include sarcoidosis, sickle cell anemia, lupus, Kawasaki disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, bone tumors, bleeding disorders etc.  

Diagnosis of knee pain: 

  Complete physical examination- include inspection walking, standing, lying examination of the abdomen which is usually present in ulcerative colitis and chrons disease. 

. Microscopic examination- of joint fluid or synovial fluid.
. X-ray knee- to diagnose fractures, osteoarthritis
. MRI- to detect ligament rupture and other condition
. Mantoux test- to diagnose tuberculosis
. Blood test- include complete blood count, coagulation test, and blood culture. 
. Urine test- Mainly for blood, sugar and protein, uric acid for the diagnosis of gout. 

    Knee pain can be treated wonderfully well with homeopathic medicines, which are natural and therefore, safe for use. Homeopathic medicines are helpful in both acute and chronic knee pain. They are safe for use among all age groups without any risk of toxicity. Homeopathic medicines are very effective in managing knee pain of degenerative, traumatic as well as inflammatory origin. They help in relieving the pain in the knee and the accompanying symptoms such as swelling, tenderness, and stiffness. 

Homeopathic medicines for knee pain:

Knee pain from rheumatoid arthritis: 

   Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the joints. It can affect any joint of the body. The main symptoms are stiffness, pain, and swelling of joints. Useful homeopathic medicines for knee pain from rheumatoid arthritis are Bryonia. Rhus-tox, and salicylic acid. Bryonia is prescribed when the knee joint pain gets worse with the slightest movement. The knee will be swollen in most such cases. The pain and swelling get better with rest. Natural medicine Rhus-tox is one of the best homeopathic medicine for knee pain with stiffness. The pain and stiffness of the knees get better with walking rest to worsen the symptoms. Salicylic acid, on the other hand, is considered for acute arthritis knee pain. Where the knee is highly inflamed, painful and may be accompanied by high fever, salicylic acid is the most reliable of homeopathic medicines for knee pain to take. The slightest touch or movement of the knee will worsen the pain in such instances. 

Homeopathic medicines for knee pain due to injury: 

   The knee injury is most common among sportspersons. The injury mainly includes tendon, ligament and bone injury. Top grade homeopathic medicines for knee pain due to injury are Rhus-tox, Ruta, and Symphytum. Rhus-tox and Ruta are very useful homeopathic medicines for knee pain from ligament or tendon injury. These medicines help decrease pain and promote natural healing of the injured ligaments and tendons. Symphytum is prominently used for knee pain from the fractured knee joint. Symphytum commonly known as knit bone helps promote the union of fractured bones and decreases knee pain arising from the fracture, making it one of the most reliable homeopathic medicines for knee pain. It helps by promoting callus formation required to reunite the bone. 

Homeopathic medicines for knee pain from gout: 

  Gout is a painful disease of the joint caused by the deposit of uric acid crystals in the joints. It can affect any joints of the body, including the knee joint, and mainly begins from the big toe. The main symptoms of gout are intense pain and swelling of affected joints. Colchicum and Benzoic acid are the noted. Homeopathic medicines for knee pain from gout. Colchicum is well indicated when the acute gouty pain in the knees appears with marked swelling and heat. The knee is very sensitive to touch and causes unbearable pain. Movement of the knee worsens the pain in such cases. Benzoic acid is considered in knee pain and cracking sound in knee joint on movement. Tearing and stitching pain is felt in the knees along with swelling. The pain gets worse at night. Benzoic acid has proved the most effective homeopathic medicines for knee pain in such cases and resulted in complete healing and cure. 

Homeopathic medicines for knee pain from bursitis: 

  Bursitis of the knee is the inflammation of the bag like cavity surrounding the knee joint that contains the synovial fluid. Trauma is the main factor leading to knee bursitis with major symptoms being pain, swelling, heat, and tenderness of knee joint. The prominently indicated homeopathic medicines for knee pain from bursitis are Apis mellifica and Bryonia. Apis mellifica offers much help when the main complaint is knee pain with marked swelling. The slightest touch and pressure over the knee worsen the pain. The pain is mostly stinging, burning in nature. Warmth worsens the pain. Bryonia is another one of the most wonderful homeopathic medicines for knee pain from bursitis. It has shown the great result when knee pain, accompanied by swelling, worsens from the smallest movement. Absolute rest brings relief from pain. 

Homeopathic medicines for knee pain due to osteoarthritis: 

 Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joint. In osteoarthritis of the knee, cartilage of the knee joint undergoes degeneration as a result of which the joint space is reduced. The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis are a pain, stiffness and cracking in the knee joint. The main reasons behind osteoarthritis of the knee are advancing age, excess weight, injury and overuse of joint. Effective homeopathic medicines for knee pain from osteoarthritis are Calcarea Carb, Ruta, and causticum. Calcarea Carb is best suited when the knee pain gets worse on rising from a seat and walking. Persons who need to be prescribed Calcarea Carb are usually overweight. Ruta is one of the most helpful homeopathic medicines for knee pain when the pain worsens on climbing up and down the stairs. Pressure over the knee may provide momentary relief. Homeopathic medicine causticum is indicted when the pain in the knee is accompanied by marked stiffness and cracking in the knee joint. 

Bryonia Alba: Pain with inflammation which, is aggravated by movement and relieved by moderate pressure and rest. 

Ledum pal: Excellent remedy for gout and rheumatism which is of ascending nature, better by cold application.

Rhus-Tox: Pain aggravated by first movement, damp weather and better by continuous motion. 

Colchicum: Pain worse by motion touch or mental effort, better by warmth and rest. 

Kalmia Lot: Descending type of pain, pain with palpitation of heart and slow puls. 

Guaiacum: Gouty abscess of joints, pain relieved by cold bath and cold application. 

Benzoic acid: Gouty concretions of joints, knee pain due to abnormal deposition of uric acid.

Hypericum: Remarkable remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, knee contracted, has outstanding action over nerve pain. 

Lachesis: Rheumatic pain in knee along with swelling.

Silicea: Knee pain as if too tightly bound. 

 Homeopathic is one of the most popular holistic system medicines. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using a holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to remove the symptoms of knee pain but to cure its underlying cause. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several well-proved medicines are available for knee pain that can be selected on the basis of cause, location, sensation, modalities, and extension of the knee pain. For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. 

Infertility and Homeopathy

                            Infertility and Homeopathy

Definition:

                  According to WHO Infertility is "a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to a achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse." 

   Infertility is the inability of a sexually active, non-contracepting couple to achieve pregnancy in one year. The male partner can be evaluated for infertility or subfertility a variety of clinical intervention and also from a laboratory evaluation of semen. 

    Infertility is medically defined as "the inability to conceive after multiple sustained attempts of unprotected intercourse for at least 12 months." Fertility in men and women is a complex process of the fusion of the gametes (male and female) to produce a new organism or new life. However, fertility tends to decrease with increasing age in both men and women due to social, biological, physical and mental, emotional and iatrogenic factors adversely impacting the child-bearing process.

  Often, couples take a long time to acknowledge infertility and even when they're ready to face the problem, they grapple with the dilemma of what treatment is best suited. Are you in such a situation, where you are unable to have a child and unable to decide which remedy to go in for? well, homeopathic medicines offer huge hope and a clear advantage over conventional treatment and how. But first, it's important to identify the condition. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive(get pregnant) despite having regular unprotected sex for one or more than one year(six months limit if the female's age is more than 35). If it takes beyond this time period, medical help is needed and must be sought. The cause of infertility can be either present in the male or female, while in 20 percent of the cases, the cause is present in both partners. The biggest fallout of this problem is the psychology and social inadequacy that the couple suffers from being childless. Homeopathic medicine offers huge hope to a couple faced with infertility. 

  Homeopathic remedies for this condition are safe, successful and shorn of any side-effect. since homeopathic medicines use the body's own defenses to counter the infertility condition, compared to conventional treatment, this treatment is comparatively safer and non-intrusive. Its main advantage is that homeopathic medicines are drawn from natural substances, which makes them toxin-free. 

Infertility in females: 

  A structural abnormality in uterus/cervix, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS), irregular periods, hormonal imbalance, pelvic inflammatory disease(chlamydia, gonorrhea), uterine fibroid, pelvic T.B, pelvic adhesions due to infection or following surgery, blocked fallopian tubes due to salpingitis, or thyroid disorders. 

Damage fallopian tubes: 
  
   These structures carry eggs from ovaries, which produce eggs to the uterus where the baby develops. They can get damaged when scars form after pelvic infection, endometriosis, and pelvic surgery. That can prevent sperm from reaching an egg. 

Hormonal problems: 

    you may not be getting pregnant because the body isn't going through the usual hormone changes that lead to the release of an egg from the ovary and the thickening of the lining of the uterus. 

Cervical issues: 

    Some women have a condition that prevents sperm from passing through the cervical canal. 

Ovulation problems may be caused by one or more of the following:

. A hormone imbalance
. A tumor or cyst
. Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
. Alcohol or drug use
. Excess weight 
. Stress
. Intense exercise that causes a significant loss of body fat
. Extremely brief menstrual cycles. 

Damage to the fallopian tubes or uterus can be caused by one or more of the following: 

. Pelvic inflammatory disease
. A previous infection
. Polyps in the uterus
. Endometriosis or fibroids 
. Scar tissue or adhesions
. Chronic medical illness 
. A previous ectopic(tubal) pregnancy
. A birth defect
. DES syndrome (The medication DES, given to women to prevent miscarriage or premature birth can result in fertility problems for their children.)

Abnormal cervical mucus can also cause infertility. Abnormal cervical mucus can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or make it more difficult for the sperm to penetrate the egg. 

Infertility in males:

 Small/undescended testes, testicular injury, abnormal/ low sperm count, Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, prostatitis, orchitis, varicocele, infection(STD'S including chlamydia, gonorrhea), vas deferns/ejaculatory duct obstruction. 


Sperm production problems: 

. Chromosomal or genetic causes
. Undescended testes(failure of the testes to descend at birth)
. Infection
. Torsion(twisting of the testis in scrotum)
. Varicocele(varicose veins of the testes)
. Medicines and chemicals
. Radiation damage
. Unknown cause

Blockage of sperm transport:

. Infections
. Prostate-related problems
. Absence of vas deferens
. Vasectomy

Sexual problems (erection and ejaculation problems):

. Retrograde and premature ejaculation
. Failure of ejaculation
. Erectile dysfunction
. Infrequent intercourse
. Spinal cord injury
. Prostate surgery
. Damage to nerves
. Some medicines 

Hormonal problems: 

. Pituitary tumours
. Congenital lack of LH/FSH(pituitary problems from birth)
. Anabolic (androgenic) steroid abuse

Sperm antibodies: 

. Vasectomy
. Injury or infection in the epididymis
. Unknown cause

Combined causes or risk factors in male/female that increase riskof infertility: 

  Advancing age, obesity, alcohol intake, smoking, diabetes mellitus, emotional stress, exposure to radiation, and intake of certain drugs are the primary causes for this condition. 

Diagnosed: 

 . A urine or blood test to check for infections or a hormone problem, including thyroid function. 
. Pelvic exam and breast exam
. A sample of cervical into the abdomen to view the condition of organs and to look for blockage, adhesions or scar tissue. 
. HSG, which is an x-ray used in conjunction with a colored liquid inserted into the fallopian tubes making it easier for the technician to check for blockage. 
. Hysteroscopy uses a tiny telescope with a fiber light to look for uterine abnormalities. 
. Ultrasound to look at the uterus and ovaries. Maybe done vaginally or abdominally.
. Sonohystogram combines an ultrasound and saline injected into the uterus to look for abnormalities or problems.  

Homeopathic view: 

    Homeopathic treatment of infertility is mainly achieved through the administration of constitutional homeopathic medicines found most suitable for a detailed case analysis. A detailed case analysis includes the general physical and mental constitutional make-up of the patient plus the symptoms in the sexual sphere and the underlying cause that is hindering the fertility process and needs to be corrected. Homeopathic medicines for infertility are natural medicines that help by raising the patient's immunity to remove the obstruction that is hindering the process of fertility in a couple. Homeopathic medicines for infertility are non-toxic and carry no risk of side-effects. 

Homeopathic medicines for infertility in females: 

Homeopathic medicines for infertility in females with decreased sexual desire: 

   Agnus castus and sepia are prominently homeopathic medicines for infertility in females with decreased sexual desire. Among these homeopathic medicines for infertility in females, agnus castus is used when an aversion to sex is there. Excessive masturbation may be a cause behind this. The genitals are also relaxed with transport vaginal discharges. Sepia is also used for infertility in females having a sex drive. The vagina may be excessively dry with pain while intercourse. Bearing down sensation is also a marked feature that may appear. 

Homeopathic medicines for infertility in females due to acid vaginal discharges: 

  Borax and natrum phos are top grades homeopathic medicines in females due to acid vaginal discharges. These homeopathic medicines for infertility in females are used where the vaginal discharges are acrid, destructive and kill the sperms. Borax is a homeopathic medicine for infertility in females when the vaginal discharge is like the white of an egg, acrid, copious and warm. In such cases, borax favors easy conception, next homeopathic medicine natrum phos is indicated for infertility in women have acrid, irritating, creamy, honey-colored vaginal discharges. The discharge also smells sour. 

Homeopathic medicines for infertility in females due to too profuse or too prolonged periods(menorrhagia):

   Two excellent homeopathic medicines for females from profuse or prolonged periods are Calcarea carb and Aletris farinosa. Calcarea carb is mainly used when a female with infertility has too profuse and too long lasting periods. The periods also appear before time. To prescribe an Aletris farinosa the main symptoms are early and copious mense with infertility. Leucorrhea, anemia, weakness, tiredness, and fatigue may also persist with menorrhagia. Among this homeopathic medicine for infertility in females, Aletris farinosa is also prescribed where a tendency for frequent abortions is present. 

Homeopathic medicines for infertility in females with short, scanty periods: 

 Pulsatilla and sepia are suitable homeopathic medicines for infertility in females resulting from short, scanty periods. Pulsatilla is a natural homeopathic medicine for infertility in women who have faced menstrual irregularities since their menarche. The menses always get delayed and never appear on the expected date. The menstrual discharge is also scanty and remains for a very short time. Pulsatilla also tops the list of homeopathic medicine for infertility in females suffering from PCOD. Next medicine sepia is prescribed for infertility in females where the menses are short, scanty and suppressed. Along with this, a prominent symptom of breaking down sensation in the uterus may be present. 

Homeopathic medicines for infertility in females due to non-retention of sperms: 

 Among the various homeopathic medicines for infertility in females from non-rotation of sperms, Natrum carb occupies the highest rank. Natrum carb is very effective for women who have sterility from non-retention of sperms. Offensive and irritating vaginal discharges may also be present. 

Homeopathic medicines for infertility in males: 

Homeopathic medicines for infertility in males with low sperm count: 

   X-ray tops the list of homeopathic medicines for infertility in males from a low sperm count. It helps to increase sperm count. it helps in both improving the quality of sperms. 

Homeopathic medicines for infertility in males with orchitis: 

 Conium is the top grade medicine among the chart of homeopathic medicines for infertility in males with orchitis. It is used when the testicles are swollen, hard and enlarged. It is effective when a history of suppressed sexual desire is present. 

Homeopathic medicines for infertility in males with wasting testes: 

  Sabal serrulata is one of the best homeopathic medicines for infertility in males with wasting(atrophy) of testes. It is also the perfect medicines for infertility in males with prostate enlargement or prostatitis. 

Homeopathic medicines for infertility in males with erectile dysfunction: 

  There are some top-notch homeopathic for medicines in males from erectile dysfunction. Homeopathic medicines agnus castus is best picked up when both sexual desire and physical ability are lacking. Genitals are relaxed, flaccid and cold. Another homeopathic medicine. caladium is the best choice for impotency with mental depression. Sexual desire is present but the genitals are relaxed with weak erections. Homeopathic medicines selenium is also best among the various homeopathic medicines for infertility in males from erectile dysfunction. Selenium is helpful for slow, weak erections with rapid emissions. Involuntary semen discharges may also be present.    

Homeopathy for PCOD ( POLYCYSTIC OVERY DISEASE) or PCOS (POLYCYSTIC OVERY SYNDROME)

  Homeopathy for PCOD ( POLYCYSTIC OVERY DISEASE) or  PCOS (POLYCYSTIC OVERY SYNDROME)

Described in 1935 by Stein and Leventhal as a syndrome manifested by amenorrhea, hirsutism, and obesity associated with enlarged polycystic ovaries. 

  This complex disorder is characterized by excessive androgen production by the ovaries/adrenals which interfere with the growth of the ovarian follicle. Therefore PCOS is state of androgen excess and chronic anovulation. The incidence varies between 0.5% to 4% more common amongst infertile women, it is prevalence in the young reproductive period. 

 Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which there is an imbalance of a woman's female sex hormones. This hormone imbalance may cause changes in the menstrual cycle, skin changes, small cysts in the ovaries, trouble getting pregnant and other problems. 

   The principal function of the ovary is the production of an e.g. each month for ovulation and the production of all the hormones necessary for normal reproduction. Many people assumed that polycystic ovarian disease is a purely ovarian disease but now we recognize that it is a fact, a systemic endocrine and metabolic of symptoms. Infertility, lack of periods, or extremely irregular periods, male body hair patterns, obesity, and acne are very common symptoms. No two women are affected in exactly the same way. 

   Ovary fails to expel the matured eggs in polycystic ovarian disease and a small amount of fluid begins to accumulate inside the immature follicles to form multiple cysts the cysts then contribute to the hormonal to the hormonal imbalance. In order to make estrogen, the cells of the follicular cyst take androgen from the surrounding ovarian tissue and convert the androgen to estrogen. This is probably due to the genetic inheritance, high levels of insulin and thyroid-pituitary dysfunction. Patients suffering from a polycystic ovarian disease(PCOD) have multiple small cysts in their ovaries(the word poly means many). This ovary is enlarged and produces excessive amounts of androgen and estrogenic hormones. This excess along with the absence of ovulation may cause infertility. Other names for PCOD are a polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS) or Stein-Leventhal syndrome. 

The principal signs and symptoms of PCOS are related to menstrual disturbances and elevated levels of male hormones (androgens).Menstrual disturbances can include delay of periods (oligomenorrhea) or the absence of menstruation for more than three months (secondary amenorrhea). Menstrual cycles may not be associated with ovulation (anovulatory cycles) and may result in heavy bleeding. Symptoms related to elevated androgen levels include acne, excess hair growth on the body (hirsutism), and male-pattern hair loss. 

   Obesity and weight gain, elevated insulin levels and resistance, oily skin, dandruff, infertility, skin discolorations, high cholesterol levels, elevated blood pressure, and multiple small cysts in the ovaries. Any of the above symptoms and signs may be absent in PCOS, with the exception of irregular or no menstrual periods. All women with PCOS will have irregular or no menstrual periods. Women who have PCOS do not regularly ovulate, that is they do not release an egg conceiving. If your doctor suspects PCOS a battery of investigations will be ordered for you. The goal is to assess the severity and source of androgen excess and to rule out an adrenal or ovarian tumor. Some of the common tests are FHS (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), LH(Luteinizing Hormone) The ratio 3:1 of LH: FSH is diagnostic, serum testosterone, DHEA and DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone). A pelvic ultrasound is also usually needed. It may show 10 or more follicles, 2-10 mm is size per ovary. 

  We found homeopathy to be very useful in the management of PCOS. Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine that assists the natural tendency of the human body to heal itself. 

 Symptoms of PCOD: 

Changes in the menstrual cycle: 

     . Absent periods, usually with a history of having one or more normal menstrual periods during puberty. 

    . Irregular menstrual periods, which may be more or less frequent and may range from very light to very heavy. 

Development of male sex characteristics(virilization): 

  

   . Decreased breast size

   . Deepening of the voice

   . Enlargement of the clitoris

   . Increased body hair on the chest, abdomen, and face as well as around the nipples(called hirsutism). 

   . Thinning of the hair on the head, called male-pattern baldness. 

Other skin changes:

  

 .Acne that gets worse

 . Dark or thick skin markings and creases around the armpits, groin, neck, and breasts due to insulin sensitivity.

 Other general changes: 

  Weight gain or inability to lose weight, insulin resistance and possibly diabetes, high blood pressure,  polycystic ovaries that is 2-5 times larger than healthy ovaries, impaired lung function, mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. 

 Causes of PCOD: 

  .Genetic predisposition

 . Insulin resistance or hyperinsulinism(high blood levels of insulin)

  .Obesity

 . Hyperandrogenism (excessive production of male hormones)

  .Abnormality of the hypothalamic- pituitary- gonadal axis(organ/hormonal disorder). 

  . Environmental chemical pollution

  . Food adulteration (excitatory amino acids, for example)

  . Chronic inflammation. 

Homeopathic Approach: 

  

Early diagnosis of PCOS makes managing the disease easier. The response to homeopathy is seen in the regularization of menstrual cycles. Regularization of cycles may mean more ovulatory cycle. These women thus have a higher chance of conceiving naturally. Women who are thin, younger, with less hirsutism and who do does not have very high levels of testosterone respond better to homeopathic treatment. Hence homeopathic treatment along with modification of diet and lifestyle patterns can have benefits in terms of regularization of menstruation, fertility promotion naturally (or by assisted reproduction with a better result) risk and hyperlipidemia are ameliorated and musculoskeletal and metabolic side effects are reduced. The concept of health, sickness, and cue are set in homeopathic philosophy as a process occurring on the vital force, the cure is a return to harmony with one cell the whole world. 

A polycystic disease is curable with the homeopathic mode of treatment. Homeopathic treatment for the polycystic ovarian syndrome is very safe and free from any side effects. Which homeopathic medicine is required to extract the disease from its roots varies from case to case. Both the physical and mental spheres of the patient are thoroughly investigated while prescribing the homeopathic medicine. The complete cure of PCOD is a time-consuming process and it cannot be expected in a few days. It requires complete observation regarding the change of symptoms in the patent and frequent clinical follow-ups. 

Homeopathic remedies:

 Apis Mel: Apis mel is an excellent remedy for treating cysts in PCOD.

Lachesis: Pain worse in the evening, Cysts in the left ovary is affected.

Sepia: Sepia occupies the top position among the homeopathic medicine for treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome. The menstrual symptoms for sepia are late and scanty menses. In most of the cases, this is accompanied by bearing down sensations is the pelvic region. The ovaries remain enlarged with fluid-filled cysts in them; Sepia acts very efficiently to regulate the menstrual cycle to appear at the proper expected time. Sepia can also be considered to treat infertility cases due to PCOS. Abnormal hair growth on the face, especially on upper lips, can also be well controlled with sepia.

Pulsatilla: Pulsatilla is a homeopathic medicine for treating PCOS. It is especially beneficial for treating PCOS in females who suffer from suppressed periods for a long duration. In women requiring pulsatilla, the periods when they appear to remain very scanty and extremely painful. Homeopathic medicine pulsatilla removes the obstacles that cause the periods to be suppressed and the periods when they appear to remain very scanty and extremely painful. Homeopathic medicine pulsatilla removes the obstacles that cause periods to be suppressed and the periods start to flow normally. Homeopathic remedy pulsatilla increases the body’s power and directs its path towards removing the obstacle, thus re-establishing the menstrual flow. Open air overall seems to provide relief to the patient. And in the mental sphere, the significant feature to take note of is mild, sensitive nature with weeping tendencies. Such a woman weeps at the slightest instance and feels somewhat better when given consolation.

Calcarea- Carb: Is of great help in the treatment of PCOS and is particularly suited when a woman with PCOS suffer from profuse periods that are prolonged more than the usual duration. The women with PCOS facing the problem of weight gain and obesity are also the candidates requiring Calc-carb. Calc- carb helps such women in reducing the excessive weight gain very efficiently. Excessive sweating on the head, extremely sensitive to cold air and peculiar craving in eating habits like the desire for boiled eggs.

 Kali-Carb: Is a very beneficial medicine when the menses are suppressed altogether for several months.

Senecio: Senecio is the ideal homeopathic medicine when the menses are suppressed but the woman feels that menses are about to come. Symptoms related to menses are present like heaviness or pain in pelvic region and nausea, but the menstrual flow is absent.

Depression and depressive disorder

                     Depression and depressive disorder

    As many as two third people with depression do not realize that they have a treatable illness and therefore do not seek professional help. In addition, persistent ignorance and misperceptions of the disease by the public, including health providers, as a personal weakness or failing that can be willed or wished away, leads to painful stigmatization and avoidance of the diagnosis by many of those affected. 

     In the primary care setting where many of these patients first seek treatment, the presenting complaints often can be somatic, such as fatigue, headache, abdominal distress, or sleep problems. Classifies the depressive disorders, major depressive disorder (including major depressive episode), persistent depressive disorder  (dysthymia), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and depression disorder due to another medical condition. In addition,  depression may be further categorized by specifiers that include peripartum onset, seasonal pattern, melancholic features, mood-congruent or mood-incongruent psychotic features, anxious distress, and catatonia. The common feature of depressive disorders is the presence of sad, empty, or irritable mood, accompanied by somatic and cognitive changes that significantly affect the individual's capacity to function. what differs among them are issues of duration, timing, or presumed etiology. 

    Pathophysiology: 

 The underlying Pathophysiology of the major depressive disorder has not been clearly defined. Current evidence points to a complex interaction between neurotransmitter availability and receptor regulation and sensitivity underlying the effective symptoms clinical and preclinical trails suggest a disturbance in central nervous system serotonin activity as an important factor. Other neurotransmitters implicated include norepinephrine, dopamine, glutamate, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. However, drugs that produce only an acute rise in neurotransmitter availability, such as cocaine or amphetamines do not have the efficacy over time that antidepressants do. 

Etiology: 

    The specific cause of major depressive disorders is not known. As with most psychiatric disorders, major depressive disorder appears to be a multifactorial and heterogeneous group of disorders involving both genetic and environmental factors. Evidence from family and twin studies indicates that with depression that develops in early childhood, the transmission from parents to children appears to be related more to psychosocial influences than to genetics. Adolescent-onset and adult-onset depression, likewise reflect an interaction between genes and environmental stressors. 

Sign and Symptoms: 

  Most patients with major depressive disorder present with a normal appearance. In patients with more severe symptoms, a decline in grooming and hygiene may be observed, as well as a change in weight. Patients may also show the following:
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation. 
- Flattening or loss of reactivity in the patient's affect(emotional expression)
- Psychomotor agitation or restlessness.
- Depressed mood: for children and adolescents, this can also be an irritable mood.
- Diminished interest or loss of pleasure in almost all activities (anhedonia).
- Significant weight change or appetite disturbance: for children, this can be a failure to achieve expected weight gain. 
- Sleep disturbance (insomnia or hypersomnia). 
- Fatigue or loss of energy.
- Feelings of worthlessness.
- Diminished ability to think or concentrate; indecisiveness. 
- Recurrent thoughts of death recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or specific plan for committing suicide. 

Clinical Presentation:

   Patients with the major depressive disorder may not initially present with a complaint of low mood, anhedonia, or other typical symptoms. In the primary care setting, where many of these patients first seek treatment, the presenting complaints often can be somatic(e.g. fatigue, headache, abdominal distress, or change in weight). Patients may complain more of irritability or difficulty concentrating than od sadness or low mood. 

  Children with the major depressive disorder may also present with initially misleading symptoms such as irritability, the decline in school performance, or social withdrawal. Elderly persons may present with confusion or a general decline in functioning; they also experience more somatic complaints, cognitive symptoms, and fewer complaints of sad or dysphoric mood. 

Familial, Social And Environmental Factors: 

  Depression can be familial. Thus, thorough family history is quite important. Familial, social, and environmental factors appear to play a significant role in the course of depressive illness in children and youths, even in preschool children. Rene Spitz described anaclitic depression (marasmus) in the infant being raised in an orphanage and in hospitalized children whose parents were not allowed to visit. 

Dysphoric Mood:

   A dysphoric mood state may be expressed by patients as sadness, heaviness, numbness, or sometimes irritability and mood swings. They often report a loss of interest or pleasure in their usual activities, difficulty in concentration, or loss of energy and motivation. Their thinking is often negative, frequently with feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or helplessness. 

Psychosis:

  Patients with major depressive disorder commonly show ruminative thinking. Nevertheless, it is important to evaluate each patient for evidence of psychotic symptoms, because of this affected initial management. 

    Psychosis, when it occurs in the context of unipolar depression, is usually congruent in its content with the patient's mood state; for example, the patient may experience delusions of worthlessness or some progressive physical decline. 

Progression: 

   The major depressive disorder has significant potential morbidity and mortality, contributing as it does to suicide incidence and adverse outcomes of medical illness, disruption in interpersonal relationships, substance abuse and lost work time with appropriate treatment 70-80% individuals with major depressive disorder can achieve a significant reduction in symptoms, although as many as 50% patients may not respond to the initial treatment trial. 

    Education plays an important role in the successful treatment of major depressive disorder. Over the long term, patients may also become aware of signs of relapse and may seek treatment early. Patients should be aware of the rationale behind the choice of treatment, potential adverse effects, and expected results. The involvement of the patient in the treatment plan can enhance medication compliance and referral to counseling.  Family members also need to be educated about the nature of depression and may benefit from supportive interactions. Engaging the family can be a critical component of a treatment plan, especially for pediatric and late-onset depression. Family members are helpful information, can ensure medication compliance, and can encourage patients to change behavior that perpetuates depression. 

   Common mental disorders are increasing worldwide. Between 1990 and 2013, the number of people suffering from depression and anxiety increased by nearly 50%. Close to 10% of the world's population is affected by one or both of these conditions. Depression alone accounts for 10% of years lived with disability globally. 

   Depression increases the risk of other noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.