Enjoy the Rainy Season with Homeopathy

Enjoy the Rainy Season with Homeopathy

The monsoon has started and we welcome the change in temperature. However what we don't know is that the rains not only bring on the much needed water but also a whole host of health problems. The number of flies and mosquitoes suddenly seem to increase all around and in the house. In order to protect ourselves from these health hazards we need to know what are the dangers and how they can be prevented. There are number of diseases which seem to surface during the monsoon season. We constantly hear of the deadly diseases like Malaria, Typhoid, Cholera, Leptospirosis etc…These diseases need to be treated immediately with the appropriate treatment supported by symptomatic homoeopathic remedies. As you all know that In Rainy season we all face common health problems like Epidemic cold & cough, Influenza, Viral Fever, Due to infected water Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Typhoid, Jaundice, Cholera, Due to Mosquitoes Malaria, Dengue, Chikangunya, Leptospirosis etc. So its time to give special attention towards Rainy Season complaints & how to manage it with Homoeopathy, also study its various approaches through Materia Medica, Repertory, Therapeutics, managing epidemic through Genus Epidemicus concept by Hahnemann.

 Protect yourself and your children from these diseases by taking the correct precautions like making them wear long pants and long sleeve T-shirts. Keep your society clean and make sure the gutters are cleaned by the Municipality before the rains begin. Collection of dirty water outside your house is very dangerous as it allows the mosquitoes to breed.
But in this article we will deal with the common problems like monsoon cold and cough and other water borne diseases.

 

 HEALTH HAZARDS DURING THE MONSOON SEASON

Let us discuss some ailments occurring during rainy season and the help homoeopathy renders.

Cold & Cough The change in water and dampness causes cold. Usually people with low humanity suffer from cold during rainy reason.
Acute coryza or common cold is produced by the primary infection of the nose and nasopharynx. The infection is easily transmitted and favoured by over crowding, bad housing and lowered resistance due to debility and sudden changes in temperature and humidity and also stress and strain. The onset is sudden with tickling sensation in the nose followed by sneezing. Throat feels dry and sore, stuffiness of the head, smarting in eyes and profuse watery nasal dischargeCold and cough are common health problems during monsoon.  Keep the following homeopathic remedies handy to beat a cold or cough: Dulcamara: In the beginning of the rainy reason nasal blockage with yellow discharge and nasal discharge may start.

Hepar Sulph : Due to change in the atmosphere sneering with watery discharge from the nose, cold air caves nasal blockage.

Allium Cepa: Helps to treat allergies accompanied by sneezing and itching of nose

Arsenicum Album: Helps to treat colds and sniffles, Arsenic Alb : Nasal discharge along with burning of the nose. Busing and watery eyes

Gelsemium: Useful in flu with body ache, sneezing, runny nose and headache, more so when one feels extremely exhausted or tired.

Rhus Toxicodendron:  Helps to treat colds brought on after getting wet in the rain

 Silicea : Sneering, blockage of nose, no sense of smell, itching in the nose with dry crust formation

 Fungal Infection  .Fungal infections are best described according to the region of the body in which they are found. The culprit is a fungus Tinea, which lives on the superficial layer of the skin, hair and nails. The factors that bring on ringworm are a warm humid climate, poor nutrition and hygiene, constant contact with infected animals and humans and sometimes a debilitating disease.
Ringworm of the skin, found usually on the neck and back, spreads as pale pink rings, but the skin underneath is normal. The rings itch intensely, their margins are raised, soft and ooze pus.
The toe fungus, another common infection, occurs between the toes, where the skin becomes thick and whitish. In severe cases, it may spread to the feet and the sole of the feet. In the case of nail fungus, the free end of the nail is affected and grows thick and greenish grey. In severe cases, the whole nail looks dead, and may be separated from its bed.

This is an annoying and irritating skin problem. Fungal infections often develop, because of monsoon’s moist equation. They appear primarily on skin folds, such as the groin and toes. Chrysarobic Acid, or Graphites, is most useful in generalised fungal incursions; for fungal infections of the groin, Mercurius Solubilis is effective.

 Malaria
Malaria is another waterborne disease, most prevalent in tropical countries. To avoid the spread of malaria, the use of certain preventive measures is important such as control of mosquitoes by the use of insect repellants and keeping the water resources clean and disinfected. Many homoeopathic remedies have proved effective in getting rid of the malarial parasites for which it is always better to consult a homoeopathic physician. Here, we a list of few homoeopathic medicines which have proved effective in treating malaria.
China: China forms the head remedy for Malaria. This remedy is indicated when the attack is preceded by nausea, accompanied by agitation, palpitation, headache and feeling of hunger. Symptoms are worse every third day. It should be given in mother tincture form.
Chininum sulph: This remedy is indicate when the paroxysm comes at 10 or 11: a.m. or 3 and 10 p.m. There is strong shaking chill with thirst and the heat stage is very violent and is associated with yawning and sneezing. The sweat is exhausting and long lasting.
Eupatorium perf: This remedy is indicated in cases when the fever is associated with severe body ache, the whole body feels as if bruised. Chill begins in the back and is worse by motion, drinking and uncovering. Nausea and increased thirst accompany the complaints during the heat stage.
Rhus tox: Rhus tox is indicated when there is a sensation of cold in the cold stage and heat in the heat stage. Tongue is dry with a red triangular tip.
Arsenic album: This is indicated when the complaints are associated with great prostration, anxiety, restlessness, intense burning thirst with irritability of the stomach and bitter taste in the mouth. Thirst for small quantities of water at short intervals. This remedy is indicated when the three stages of malaria are not distinct.
Natrum muriaticum: Natrum mur is suitable when the fever is associated with throbbing, hammering headache and intense thirst which warns the patient that the attack is going to come. The paroxysm returns every day between 10 and 11:00 a.m. This is a marked and a red line symptom of this remedy.

 Influenza

The common viral infection, influenza that becomes common in every change of season becomes prevalent during the monsoons also. The virus causes an inflammation of the respiratory passages. It spreads through droplet infection. Symptoms include high fever and chills, muscle aches, headache and weakness. Cough and cold may also be present. The most useful and frequently used medicines are described below with their indications.
Aconite: Aconite can be used in the first stages of coryza and flu. Complaints are caused by exposure to dry, cold weather or a draught of cold air. It plays a vital role in the beginning of an acute disease. Coryza with much sneezing, thirst and restlessness.
Bryonia: Patient complains of body ache, coryza with headache. The mouth is dry with excessive thirst. Fever is accompanied with chill and external coldness. It is an excellent remedy for both cold and flu.
Arsenic album: For coryza and flu both this is an infallible remedy. There is thin watery excoriating discharge and sneezing. General weakness in the back and limbs with great exhaustion and restlessness. Patient feels better by warmth and warm drinks.
Arnica: A good remedy for flu where there is a sore, lame bruised feeling. Body ache, shivering, feeling of heat is present. The patient feels worse by least touch and motion.
Eupatorium perforatum: An excellent remedy for flu or flu like symptoms where there is nasopharyngeal catarrh and congestion of the respiratory mucosa. There is great aching in the back and in bones of extremities with soreness of muscles. Fever is accompanied by chill.
Gelsemium: Great dullness, drowsiness, muscular soreness, prostration and headache are associated with all the complaints.
Joint Problems
A general trend has been seen in the patients suffering from joint pains such as arthritis, spondylosis etc that there pains increase during the rainy weather. Humidity in the atmosphere, causes joint problems like cervical spondylosis, back pain, arthritis of the knees, lumbar spondylosis, swelling of the joints with redness, difficulty in walking due to stiffness in the joints.
Homoeopathic Remedies Rhus tox: pain increases early in morning after waking up and subsides with movements.
Bryonia: pain and stiffness in the back, neck, knee joints due to change of weather. Knee joints are swollen, red, hot, worse on least movement.
Ruta: any injury in any past of the bone causes sprain and lameness, it taken place usually in ankle, knee, back and wrist.
Arnica, Calcarea carb, Phytolacca are the other medicines used according to the symptoms indicated

 Dysentery
Patients suffer from pain in the abdomen while passing stools, urge to pass stool after eating, the stools may contain mucus or blood. The pain is usually above the uncovered roadside food.
The infection occurs due to bacteria (bacillary dysentery) or amoeba (amoebic dysentery).
Other homeopathic medicines used are dulcamara, Natrum sulph, Arsenic Album, Pyrogen etc. Acceding to the symptoms of the patient.

Aloes: Watery stools, soreness in the rectum and mucus after passing stools.

Pulsatilla: Contaminated fruits and oily food causes stools containing mucus and blood with feeling of chilli in the body.

Nux Vomica: Contaminated food causes repeated urge to pass small quantity of stools, there is pain the abdomen which subsides on passing stools.

Antimonium Crudum: Sour and only food causes stools containing mucus as watery stools.

Diarrhoea
Change in atmosphere and contaminated food causes diarrhea. General symptoms include watery stools, pain in the abdomen, repeated urge to pass stools, vomiting feeling. There are many different causes including inflammation and infection of the bowel, sensitivity to certain foods and medicines, food poisoning, digestive disorders and disorders of the nervous control of the bowel. The most serious problem resulting from diarrhoea is dehydration and loss of body salts.

Remedies

Nux vomica, Arsenic, Antimonium crudum are used acceding to symptoms present mentioned in Dysentery.

Other remedies used are Ipecac, Ipecac Nausea with vomiting and loose stools due to eating cakes and raisins.

Pyrogen : Infection causes watery, offensive smelling, brownish back stools, fever.

Podophyllum : painless, watery, green, gushing stools.

Precautions
Boiled water, more liquids like buttermilk, coconut water, apple juice may be taken. Paneer, rice and curd may be taken. Avoid oily, spicy and road side eating.

 Asthma: Allergic asthma is more severe in its intensity and frequency during the monsoons because of weather changes and the associated dampness in the environment. Dust mites and pollens also tend to irritate the airways and cause them to tighten, making air exchange difficult and leading to breathlessness. The efficacy of homeopathic medicines has been confirmed by clinical studies.

 Respiratory Allergies: Due to temperature changes and poor hygienic practices that are common during the monsoons, conditions like a runny nose, sneezing, headache, and recurrent throat infections tend to be rampant.

Natrum Sulph  can be given to treat allergic affections due to dampness.

Amoebiasis: This is a very common problem during the monsoons, as the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which is responsible for it, tends to survive for longer under warm and moist conditions. It enters the body through contaminated food or water and produces diarrhoea or dysentery with blood and mucus.

Aloe Soc is known to be helpful to treat amoebiasis.

Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis is a general term that refers to infections (bacterial/viral) of the gastrointestinal tract. It gives rise to several problems such as stomachache, diarrhea and vomiting, causing loss of body fluids that in turn lead to dehydration. Children are usually affected. Unhygienic surroundings, contaminated water and food items, and overcrowding are the known culprits. Avoid eating at unhygienic places and drink boiled water to keep gastrointestinal infections at bay.Arsenic Album 30 can help to treat diarrhoea or vomiting and to prevent further fluid loss from the body.

Some Useful Homeopathy medicine during monsoon 

Here are a few drugs used commonly in our practice to combat monsoon colds and coughs along with other problems.

DULCAMARA

Those hot, cloudy and suffocating days at the onset of the monsoon give rise to attacks of cold. One shower brings on an attack of sneezing. The nose feels completely "stuffed up". You want to keep a hand or a handkerchief around the nose because the cold air irritates the nasal passage. Nose gets blocked with thick yellow mucus and profuse nasal discharge when the weather becomes cold due to rains. When the attack is severe then even yellowish catarrh comes out from the eyes. Feels feverish towards evening with icy cold feet and hands.

Dulcamara is also very effective in relieving joint pains, which appear during this weather. Here the patient feels as if the limb is paralysed and cold. There is stiffness across the neck and shoulders after getting wet.

RHUS TOX :

Here the cold sets in immediately on getting wet or sitting on wet ground or getting the feet wet. The tip of the nose gets red sore and ulcerated. Head feels very heavy, pain starts from forehead and then settles in back of head. Eyes burn and become red with profuse discharge. Mild fever is associated with chill, body ache and restlessness. Body ache is worse on lying down, therefore get up and start walking up and down.

Rhustox is also used commonly to treat joint and bone pains, which arise during the monsoon season. The patient may complain of sciatic pain, which seems to get worse in the damp weather. There is lot of stiffness on waking in the morning or after sitting for a long time. The patient feels better after walking or moving about.

Rhus Tox  should be given depending upon the severity and symptoms of the case.

NATRUM SULPH -

Natrum sulph is one the most used biochemic remedies especially during the monsoon season. Here the nose is full of thick yellowish mucus. The patient will complaint of a heavy head and feels as if the thick yellow mucus is dropping from posterior nares to the mouth. Along with cold there is bad cough with rattling of mucus in chest. Natrum sulph is also very handy in treating cases of asthma during this weather. 

Arsenicum:this homeopathic remedy is useful for nose colds with huge sneezes and thin, burning watery discharge which irritates the inside of the nose as it runs down.  The top lip can look very sore and red.

Mercurius:  this remedy is used for colds with a thicker discharge – usually a bit yellowish, and sometimes bloody.  The sinuses are inflamed, with pains in the cheekbones and even the teeth.  The person often has a very smelly breath and increased saliva. The condition may have started with a sore throat.

Pulsatilla:  this remedy is often needed for children’s colds, but suits many adults too.  These patients produce abundant thick, yellow-green nasal discharge.  They often cough up the same discharge, and it comes out easily.  They get very blocked up and can’t breathe properly when inside the house – they need fresh air, otherwise they feel very stuffed up.  

 During the Monsoon season you need to be extremely careful about the water you drink because maximum illnesses are caused by water. You must boil the water for atleast 20 minutes and store it in a bottle or stainless steel jug. Also protect your child by making him or her carry their own bottle from home and avoid drinking the school water. Do not eat things made of water outside like chutneys, pani-puri, juices and raw salads. There is a definitely risk of getting Jaundice and other terrible gastro-intestinal infections. 

Keep your child warm and covered at all times. Make them wear special monsoon shoes and raincoats in order to protect them from getting wet. If at all they do get wet, dry the head immediately preferably with a hair dryer and change all their clothes. This way you will not only be preventing them from getting colds and coughs but also other fungal infections. Avoid sending your child swimming during this season.

article has been written in order to make people aware of the health hazards during the monsoon season.  However do not self-medicate if unwell, please visit your physician before taking any medication.