ANTIMONIUM TARTARICUM.

This remedy is made from a chemical salt of Antimony and Potassium.

This remedy is useful in the treatment of Respiratory diseases where there is a rattling of mucous with little expectoration.

It is useful in cases, which have great sleepiness with nearly all complaints.

 It is useful in dysuria (difficulty in passing urine), strangury and hematuria.

 It is useful in burning of the rectum with mucous stools.

 This remedy is useful in violent pain in the lumbo-sacral region.

 This remedy suits persons who are worse at night, damp cold weather, with sour things and milk.

 It suits persons who have a great desire for apples, fruits and acids.

 It is useful, when patients have vertigo alternating with drowsiness.

 It suits patients, who have ailments, which come on after the bad effects of vaccination.

 It is useful in expelling foreign bodies from the trachea and the larynx. A word of caution here. It is much better to consult a specialist in these cases.

 It is useful when Jaundice is associated with Pneumonia.

 It is useful in Rheumatic pains.

 It is useful in chicken pox and it helps the resolution of the pustular eruptions.

 TIPS FROM THE MASTERS…

 ANTIM TART has several times proved curative, in the hands of Drs. Wurmb and Caspar of acute edema of the lungs.  I have myself much confidence in its power of removing this condition when occurring in the course of general dropsy.

Dr. Hughes, L.R.C.P.

 I found that ANTIM TART, 30x was almost a specific for babies who had diarrhea and also vomited.

Meredith Starr.

ANTIM TART is unquestionably the great remedy for broncho-pneumonia.

Dr. Nichol.

ANTIM TART is suitable in cases characterized by the persistency of hepatization with difficult expectoration.

Dr. Jousset.

ANTIM TART, 30-200 is a near specific remedy for Impetigo.

Dr. Foubister. M.B. D.C.H, etc

This remedy may be tried in persons with a rattling cough where mucous is not easily expelled. It would be better to do a complete blood count and see that there is no severe lung infection before giving this remedy. It also helps in curing non specific mild rheumatic pain. It also helps in clearing up the pustular phase in Chicken pox in children. It is best given in low potencies.

ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM.

It is derived from a chemical compound of Antimony and Sulfur.

It is a useful remedy in person who is irritable and fretful, who are contradictory and never satisfied, sulking, peevish and vexed without a cause.

 This remedy is useful whenever a person is prone to grow fat.

 This remedy suits persons who cannot bear the heat of the sun.

 It is useful in persons with Gout associated with gastric symptoms.

It is useful whenever the patient gets a headache with a disordered stomach.

 It is useful whenever there is heaviness in the forehead with vertigo.

 It is useful whenever there are cracks in the corner of the mouth.

 IT IS USEFUL WHENEVER THE TONGUE IS COATED WHITE THICK AND THERE IS A LOSS OF APPETITE.

 It is useful in patients WHO CRAVE FOR PICKLES.

 It is useful in gastric derangements whenever the eructation taste of the ingested food.

 It is useful in heartburn, nausea and vomiting.

 It is useful in diarrhea with constipation with anal itching.

 It is useful whenever there are slimy flatulent stools. It is also useful whenever there is diarrhea after acid foods, sour wines and after a bout of overeating.

 This remedy is useful in males, who have eruptions in the scrotum with impotence, atrophy of the penis and testicles.

It is useful in horny warts on the hands and the soles.

 It is useful in eczemas that are aggravated with gastric derangements.

It is useful in pimples, urticarias, scaly pustule eruptions with burning and itching that is worse at night.

 This remedy suits persons who are worse in the evenings, from heat, acids, wine, water and washing.

 This remedy also suits persons who are better in open air, during rest and moist warmth.

 TIPS FROM THE MASTERS…

 ANTIM CRUD 30-200 is almost a specific remedy for Impetigo.

 Dr. Foubister, M.B., Ch.B., D.C.H. etc.

ANTIM CRUD is useful in corns, which are general, recent or painful.

 Dr. Pettitt.

Arthritis deformans responds to ANTIM CRUDUM – a near specific.

 Dr. Schwartz.

This remedy is useful in depressed patients, who contemplate suicide.  It is also useful in persons who long for pickles and sour foods.  It is also useful in headaches, which come on after alcoholic drinks and eating food rich in fats.  It is extremely useful in treating and curing corns.  It is very useful in patients who have a disordered stomach with a thick milky white-coated tongue.

ANTHRACINUM.

 Crops of BoilsErysipelas

It is a Nosode (from the spleen of the sheep infected with the Anthrax bacillus) and is useful in septic inflammations, carbuncles and malignant ulcers.

 This remedy is curative in boils, especially whenever there is a succession of boils.

 It is useful whenever there is terrible burning, induration of cellular tissues, abscesses and buboes.

 It is useful whenever the glands are swollen and the cellular tissues are edematous and indurated.

 It is useful whenever there is ulceration and sloughing of tissues.

 It is useful in Erysipelas.

 It is useful in dissecting wounds, insect stings and whenever there is a tendency for gangrene.

 TIPS FOR THE MASTERS…

 There still are cases of cellulites that will not yield to modern antibiotics.  If decomposing and cyanotic tissue is in the make up of the wound and the complaint is severe burning pain locally, the situation deserves ANTHRACINUM.

 Dr. Blackwood, M.D.

 ANTHRACINUM when the burning pain is violent and not relieved by ARSENIC; cerebral symptoms, gangrenous destruction; I have given ANTHRACINUM in several cases where there were symptoms of the same destructive character with the same beneficial effect.

Dr. Raue, M.D.

ANTHRACINUM & TARENTULA clear up boils in a few days brilliantly and miraculously.

 Dr. Dorothy Shephard.

WE are in a era of where resistant bacteria e are a nuisance to the medical world. MRSA organisms are showing antibiotic resistance all over the world.  In such a scenario, this is a safe Homeopathic medicine that may be taken when there is a repeated crops of painful boils and the skin sloughs off and heals. It can be taken in a low potency and can be repeated frequently for a few weeks.

Constipation and procrastination are similar. In both conditions you do not give a crap              

–James Johnson.

Introduction:

Constipation refers to a condition where bowel movements are infrequent or difficult to pass.   Constipation is a common cause of painful defecation. Severe constipation is referred to as Obstipation where there is fecal impaction and failure to pass stool and even gas. Constipation can lead to bowel obstruction and this can be very life threatening.

Constipation is one of the most common health complaints in the United States, and it affects men, women, and children. It is a bit more common in women than in men,

It is estimated that about 100 million people in the United States suffer from constipation and that these people spend $700 million yearly on constipation-relief products.

Nutritional Therapy for Constipation:

The mantra to avoid constipation is to avoid anything that is TINNED, CANNED OR PROCESSED.

A high fiber diet is useful to encourage regular bowel movements. , Water must be taken in adequate quantity so that the stool has a good constancy and is easy to pass. Vitamins and a supplementation of Vitamin C help prevention of constipation. Probiotics, such as lactobacillus acidophilus, are live microbial organisms that are naturally present in the digestive tract. Some of the ways they are thought to promote health include suppressing the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, improving immune function, enhancing the protective barrier of the digestive tract, and helping to produce vitamin K.  There is some preliminary evidence that probiotic supplements may improve constipation

 Some useful fruits to relieve constipation are:

• Apricots
• Figs
• Papaya
• Peaches
• Pears
• Pineapple
• Prunes
• Bananas.

Some useful vegetables to relieve constipation are:

• Beans of all kinds
• Green such as kale and spinach
• Vegetables such as, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, green beans, peas

Whole Grains and a high fiber diet that help relieve constipation:

• High fiber breakfast cereals
• Whole grain breads
• Brown rice
• Barley
• Millet
• Flax seeds are also very useful.

Ayurveda and constipation:

According to Ayurveda, undigested food and occult stool slowly accumulate in the stomach and large intestines respectively and impair “Vata Dosha”, resulting in obstruction of the digestive tract. When the digestive tract is not clear, the body will not be able to facilitate proper bowel movement, thereby leading to constipation.

Castor oil is not only useful for bowel evacuation but also has therapeutic and curative values… 20-30 ml of this oil is to be taken with warm milk.

Triphala powder is very popularly used by the ayurvedic physicians for the treatment of chronic constipation. It contains three drugs namely—Hareetaki (harad), Vibheetaki (Beleric myrobalan), and Aamalaki (amla).  Triphala powder is to be taken at bedtime and its purgative effect is manifested early morning

Agastya rasaayana. Is another Ayurvedic medication of importance. Two teaspoonfuls of this drug should be taken regularly, twice a day, along with any hot drink of choice.

Other drugs include Pancha sakaara choorna, Abhayaadi modaka, Madhu yashtyaadi choorna etc. These should be taken under medical supervision only.

Ayurvedic detoxification procedures like Vasthi karma (enema therapy) Virechana karma (purgation therapy), Udvartana massage therapy to strengthen the abdominal organs are recommended.

Herbal Medicine for Constipation:

Many herbs can effectively relieve the occasional bout with constipation. In fact, several laxatives used in conventional medicine contain ingredients derived from herbs, such as cascara and senna.

Other, milder laxative herbs include dandelion root and burdock root and leaves. Yellow dock can also be used to soften stools..

Psyllium seed husks can be used to make a homemade bulking agent   Psyllium adds form and softness to the stool. It is important to drink enough water with these products.

Although herbalists consider herbs to have fewer side effects than drugs, the plants still should only be used infrequently. If the bowels are repeatedly blocked, the cause should be investigated medically and corrected.

Other useful herbs are  aloe, dong quay and licorice

Chiropractic Medicine for Constipation:

 Some cases of constipation can be relieved by realigning the spine.

Homeopathy for Constipation:

Many people use Nux vomica for constipation and is a well known remedy for many lay persons. But there are many good remedies in Homeopathy to treat constipation. An expert Homeopath can take a good history and unravel the individual’s constitutional remedy and miracles can happen. Some of the useful homeopathic remedies are listed below.

Argentum nitricum treats constipation caused from the overuse of laxatives;

This remedy is very useful for dyspepsia and heartburn as well. 

 Baryta carbonica treats constipation in the elderly, where the stools difficult to expel.

 Bryonia treats constipation with indigestion. Here the stools are hard and stony.

 Berberis vulgaris stimulates liver and kidney function. It is indicated in constipation following jaundice.  

 Lycopodium treats chronic constipation in infants, constipation in children with a

Large appetite; an urge to stool without result in adults. It treats bloating after a meal;

Painful flatulence, person feels worse between 4 and 8 p.m. 

 Collinsonia is useful in constipation where there is abdominal pain, dry, hard stools which are difficult to expel and the person doubles up in pain and it is indicated in constipation in pregnant women.

Graphites This remedy is useful in chronic constipation associate with colic pains with  large stools that are difficult to expel.  Such persons may have a distended abdomen, anal fissure, and anal pain after stool, piles, and person may be overweight. 

 Nux vomica is recommended for spasmodic constipation, bloating, gas, stomach cramps, drug addiction, person is sensitive, anxious, and nervous. This remedy is very useful in digestive disturbances of stressed out executives.

 Chelidonium is indicated for pale discolored yellow stools with dyspepsia.

 Hepar sulfur is indicated for bowel obstruction; intestinal atony. 

 Detoxification, Fasting, and Colon Therapy for Constipation:

Certain forms of enemas and colonic irrigation can be effective for constipation.

Yoga for Constipation:

Several breathing exercises and poses can clear the body’s energy flow, encouraging movement of the bowels. Some useful asanas are Baddha Konasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana , Pavanamuktasana, Halasana, Uttanasana, Malasana, and Savasana. 

A note of caution; Yoga must be learn t from a teacher and should not be done without proper training.

Biofeedback Training for Constipation:

Biofeedback training can give the person with constipation greater control over the digestive system. With the help of monitors that “feedback” certain biological levels, the therapy instructs people to alter involuntary functions of the body. These therapies are rarely used but do have their place in the management of constipation.

Conclusion:

Constipation is indeed a serious problem.  Constipation affects your quality of life, causes stress, and diminishes your overall sense of well-being.  Constipation is one of the symptoms of disbacteriosis — a condition where the normal, intestinal flora is dead and missing.  Constipation affects genitourinary health, particularly for women, because the large intestine and the female reproductive organs reside in close proximity.  Constipation predisposes you to all major colorectal disorders starting with enlarged hemorrhoids and ending up with colorectal cancer.

A note of warning: All elderly persons with constipation should visit the surgeon to rule out the colo-rectal cancer. There is an “Old Surgical Dictum for doctors”- If you do not put your finger into the rectum in time, you may have to put your foot into it.

ALUMINA.

It is a useful remedy in dryness of the mucous membranes and skin.

 It is useful in old persons who lack vital heat and who have debility.

 It is extremely useful in constipation, where the stools are hard and dry. The patient has no desire to pass stools and even soft stools are difficult to pass.

 This remedy is useful in chronic rhinitis with ozaena.

Craving for chalk

 This remedy is useful in removing the craving for chalk, charcoal and dry food.

 The remedy suits persons who have an aversion to meat and in whom potatoes disagree.

 TIPS FROM THE MASTERS…

 For the sore throat of Clergymen and other public speakers, who are thin in flesh, there is no remedy equal to ALUMINA.

 Dr. Durham, M.D.

Dr. Durham recommends ALUMINA for violent cough excited by an elongated uvula.

Dr. Hughes, M.D.

I find this remedy very useful in constipation with hard stools with a lot  soreness of the anus. It is a useful remedy for constipation in children and old patients.  It is also useful for sore throat of public speakers.  It is a useful remedy in subjects, who find that they cannot digest potatoes and meat.

AGARICUS MUSCARIUS.

   Uncontrolled LaughterChorea

THIS REMEDY PROFOUNDLY AFFECTS THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, LEADING TO RAVING AND RANTING OR EXALTATION AND LAUGHING.

This remedy is derived from a fungus called as Amanita Muscarius.  It is a fungus that grows on bugs and flies.

 It is one of the greatest remedies for the central nervous system.

 It is useful when subjects talk too much with too much laughing.

 All mental reactions are exalted. The subject seems to be very happy and easily makes rhymes.

 The perception of size is lost and the patient sees everything as a large object.

 There is furious delirium, screaming, ranting and raving.

 Once the nervous energy is spent, there is complete indifference and mental depression with fatigue and the patient has no inclination to do anything.

 This remedy is useful in trembling, jerking, chorea and whenever there is twitching of the eye.

 This remedy is also useful for combating Frost-bites, which are aggravated with heat.

This remedy is good to prevent a Nervous breakdown.

It is useful for Hyper-kinetic children.

 It us useful in vertigo where the patient feels that he are falling backwards.

It is useful in paralysis of the lower limbs, with an uncertain gait and painful contraction of the calves.

It is useful whenever there is a sensation as if pierced by needles of ice.

 It is useful in Neuralgia of Locomotor Ataxia.

 It is useful in persons with sleep disturbance with starting and twitching and waking up often in sleep with shouting in sleep.

This remedy suits persons who are worse in open cold air, after eating, after coitus and in cold weather before a thunderstorm, it also suits persons who feel better while moving slowly.

 It is a useful remedy to combat headache and Delirium tremens in alcoholics.

 TIPS FROM THE MASTERS…

 Paralytic weakness in the lower limbs after becoming pregnant may lead to AGARICUS.

Homeopathic Recorder, Aug 1932.

In heart diseases, when pain is prominent and the patient won’t answer questions, think of AGARICUS.

Homeopathic Bulletin.

 By a very ingenious selection of AGARICUS by Dr. Korndoerfoer in the case of a two year old child who had evident Meningitis and who was not relieved by APIS, SULFUR etc., the rolling of the head ceased, alarming forewarning of imbecility happily vanished and the patient fully recovered. I have used this drug in typhoid in which the child rolled her head and bit her nightgown. Some improvement followed.

Dr. E. A. Farrington, M.D.

Tremendous advances have been made in Neurology and our understanding of the Neurotransmitters in the brain, in recent years. As a result, there has been the introduction of numerous medications in Allopathic medicine in the field of Epilepsy and Mental depression.  With better investigative modalities available also, the role of AGARICUS MUSCARIUS in treating neurological or psychiatric disorders will be viewed with a lot of skepticism in the Allopathic world. 

However, this remedy should find a place in children whose milestones are delayed and are slow in learning to talk and walk.  It may also be tried in children with a borderline Mental retardation.  It could also be tried as an adjunct in hysterical complaints.  It can be tried along with the constitutional Homeopathic remedy to see if it reduces the incidence of epilepsy, chorea and other involuntary movements seen in patients with various forms of Epilepsy.  This would require a careful monitoring of the Allopathic specialists.

As ever, a word of caution. This remedy should be used by an experienced Homeopath and one should be careful in using this if one is a layman.

AETHUSIA CYNAPIUM.

THIS REMEDY IS GOOD FOR PERSONS WHO ARE FORGETFUL.

This remedy is derived from a common weed called as Fool’s Parsley

 It is a good remedy for children who have regurgitation of food, one hour before eating.

 This remedy suits young children who vomit up curd like substances, as soon as the milk is swallowed. It is a useful remedy for children who have diarrhea during dentition.

It is a good remedy for loss of memory after brain-fag, where the patient may also have an inability to think and fix attention.

It is a useful remedy in infantile cholera.  And when the body is sweaty and cold.

It is useful whenever there is excoriation of the thighs while walking.

 This remedy suits persons who are worse from 3 to 4 am and evenings, warmth of the summer and who are better in open air and company.

 TIPS FROM THE MASTERS…

As a second choice to AETHUSIA when children vomit milk in large curds, without hesitation use VALERIAN.

DR. Robert. L. Redfield, M.D.

Examination funk, mental incapacity: AETHUSIA CYNAPIUM.

Dr. Tyler, M.D.

This remedy is useful in children with diarrhea during dentition.  It is also useful in children who have milk allergy or Lactose Intolerance.  It is useful in infants who regurgitate large volumes of curd like substances after ingestion of milk.  This remedy is also said to be useful in Cholera, but with modern antibiotics, I am sure no Allopathic physician would take the risk of treating cases of cholera with this medication.  It may however be safely tried in children who have weak memory and forget what they have read and also in regurgitating infants, who vomit the milk that they have ingested.  It is also useful in children with summer diarrhea. It is generally safe and can be safely used in the 30th potency and can be given for a few months to correct regurgitation of milk in children or to restore memory.

ABROTANUM.

The source of this remedy is the Plant called as Artimisia abrotanum, which is found on the sunny hills of Southern Europe.

It is a useful remedy in Marasmus in children, which is due to Protein Energy Malnutrition.  Such children have thin lower extremities with a good appetite.

The mental state of these children is that, they are cross, irritable, anxious depressed.

 This remedy is suits persons whose face is emaciated, dry and pale.

This remedy is also useful in children with Hydrocoele.

It is also useful in Orchitis, which occurs as a complication of mumps.

 It is useful in the oozing of blood from the umbilicus of the newborn.

 This remedy suits persons who are worse in cold air and better with motion.

The skeptical allopathic physician will view this remedy with lots of suspicion.  This is actually a very good remedy to treat emaciated children with a goodish appetite.  Most Allopathic physicians would like to combat Protein Energy Malnutrition with adequate proteins and other nutrients.  However, Allopathic physicians could try this remedy as an experimental tool, and they can convince themselves about its efficacy.  This remedy is better used in low potencies and may be repeated till the effect is noted. It is fairly safe when used in the 30 th potency. A small word of caution. Please do not continue this remedy for very long periods. Please consult your Pediatrician if there is no relief of symptoms. As ever, this website nor I will be held responsible if there are no desired effects.

Gray hair is a blessing – ask any bald man.  ~Author Unknown.

Introduction:

Hair loss affects about 35 million men and 21 million women in the United States alone. 40% of men have noticeable hair loss by age 35 and 65% by age 60.  Hair loss has to do a lot with heredity factors. Other reasons are due to stress, illness and poor nutrition.

 Tips to prevent hair loss:

 Shampoos that contain sodium laurel sulfate, chemical detergents and other cleansers are dangerous and should be avoided. 

A massage with warm oil is good and it makes the hair shaft more flexible and shiny.  It also prevents split ends, which result from dry hair. 

 Eat plenty of raw vegetables and fruits.   Consider taking natural vitamin and mineral supplements to encourage healthy hair. Several vitamins and minerals have been shown to help hair growth and condition including biotin, vitamin E, vitamin B, vitamin C and MSM.

When you choose hair care products, look for essential oils such as rosemary, ylang-ylang and West Indian Bay. Lavender and tree oils are natural antiseptics and fight dandruff.  Vegetable oils such as soybean, safflower oil and corn oil are good moisturizing agents and condition the hair shaft. 

Avoid going to bed with headbands and other hair accessories as these can lead to hair damage.

Massage of the hair scalp stimulates hair growth.

Regular trimming of the damaged hair ends prevents hair loss.

Some good natural shampoos:

The Avocado conditioner.

Chop an avocado in the blender until it becomes very fine. Massage this into the hair for five minutes. Rinse the hair thoroughly. Regular use of this makes the hair shiny and bright.

 A shampoo made from Thyme.

Take 4 tablespoons of dried thyme and boil with 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes.  Allow this mixture to cool and then strain it. Apply this onto the damp hair and leave for an hour. The hair becomes full of luster and this is good to get rid of dandruff too.

A shampoo made from many herbs.

To four cups of boiling water add 2 tablespoon of Sage, fennel, parsley, chamomile, rosemary and nettle leaves.

This shampoo acts as a good conditioner.  Sage and fennel are good conditioners.  Parsley and nettle leaves clears up the dandruff. Chamomile promotes hair growth. Rosemary darkens the hair and leaves a good fragrance

Homeopathic remedies that are useful in hair fall:

There are many homeopathic remedies that are excellent for hair fall. It is imperative that one should find an experienced Homeopath, who will take a good history and choose the appropriate constitutional remedies. To give a few examples of homeopathic remedies in hair fall:

Fluoric acid– This remedy is useful in alopecia running in families.

Phosphoric acid– This remedy is very useful when there is a grief reaction that leads to hair faill.

Phosphorus This remedy suits subjects who have patchy baldness, dryness of the scalp and hair with an itchy scalp, These subjects also have dandruff and the hair falls out in handfuls while combing. Such subjects are also slender with long eyelashes and may have a craving for salt.

Graphites In these subjects the hair tends to fall on the sides.

Mezereum  In these subjects the hair fall is associated with hairs that stick together

Sepia- Here the baldness is more seen during menopause.

Silica– This remedy suits hair fall and baldness in young people

How to tackle thinning hair naturally?

Rubbing the bald areas with apple cider vinegar with a soft brush twice daily is said to stimulate hair growth.

Garlic is an excellent treatment for balding. Rub half a clove of garlic over bald and thinning areas of the scalp and then allow the scalp to dry off before rinsing. Good results are seen in three weeks. 

Two teaspoons of cayenne pepper with 1 cup of olive oil, if massaged into the scalp, especially where the hair is thin will give good results.

Freshly cut onions rubbed in the scalp until the scalp is red. Then Vitamin E oil is massaged and the scalp is rinsed off with rosemary tea.  The hair is toweled dry.

Boil two cups of peach seeds with two cups of vinegar until the mixture is thick. Strain and massage into the scalp. Rinse well after 30 minutes. This is said to stimulate the scalp.

 Conclusion: 

The hair care is a hot but complex market that is presently worth over $ 10 billion and it grows by about $1 billion every year. Americans are becoming more style-conscious than ever before. Instead of trying costly and chemically damaging treatments, many time tested home remedies along with diet changes can give good results.

 At the end of the day, we must all realize that there is currently no cure for baldness. There are some lotions that can help slow down the process but there is no cure for male pattern baldness.

 References and links:    

 www.netdoctor.co.uk.

www.pioneerthinking.com.

 www.hairlosslearningcenter.org.

 www.askmen.com.

Introduction:

Migraine is a disorder characterized by repeated attacks of severe headache. A migraine headache causes throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on only one side of the head. These headaches are often associated with nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound; they generally last between four hours and three days. Migraine headaches, which are often misdiagnosed as sinus or tension headaches, are severe enough to interfere with sleep, work, and other everyday activities. They may occur as often as several times per week or as rarely as once or twice a year.

 Did you know that?

• 28 million Americanssuffer from migraine. (NINDS)
• In addition to this 14 million are undiagnosed.
• Out of 28 million Americans, 75 percent of whom — roughly 21 million people are women. 
• Percentage-wise, 6.54 percent of all Americans experience the agony of a chronic headache condition.
• Sufferers of migraines were shown to miss a collective 157 million workdays throughout one year.

(Source Migraine Update: NINDS and NWHIC)

The most common triggers for migraines include:

• Sleep changes: Getting too much or too little sleep may trigger a migraine.
• Stress and anxiety:
• Medications: Certain medications may increase your chance for a migraine. These include oral contraceptives and vasodilators.
• Bright lights/photophobia
• Loud noises/phonophobia
• Strong odors:
• Foods: The most common food offenders include such as aged cheeses, hard sausages, and Chianti wine; foods that contain monosodium glutamate or MSG.
• Changes in the weather and barometric pressure
• Hormonal changes: Hormone medications, including oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, can trigger or even worsen migraines, too.
• Physical activity: Physically exerting yourself—whether through exercise, sexual activity, or physical labor—may cause a migraine.

 Natural remedies for migraine:

 None of the remedies offer a lasting and predictable decrease in the attacks of migraine.

Feverfew

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is species-specific dried chrysanthemum leaves. This herb has shown a lot of promise in migraine prevention. Side effects of this herbal preparation include sore mouth and tongue, swollen lips, loss of taste, abdominal pain, and GI disturbances. In a few cases, patients reported joint stiffness and body aches following this therapy.

 Petasites

Petasites hybridus, is an herb known commonly as butterbur, is a perennial shrub, which grows wild on German riverbanks. It has shown promise in migraine prophylaxis.

 Magnesium

Low brain magnesium levels has been implicated as a of cause migraine. The magnesium preparations cause diarrhea.

 Riboflavin

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is a water-soluble vitamin has been shown to prevent migraine. In one study Schoenen et al studied 55 patients and reported that 59% of the subjects receiving riboflavin 400 mg/day for 3 months experienced a ≥50% reduction in migraine attacks compared with 15% for placebo.

 Coenzyme Q10  

CoQ10 has been labeled as an “energy enhancer” because, like riboflavin, it plays a role in electron transport. It has shown some promise in the prevention of migraine headaches.

 Melatonin

Melatonin is implicated in migraine in many ways, from sleep-related associations to seasonal circ-annual effects. Studies have shown that migraineurs have a lower level of melatonin in the blood.

 Acupuncture and migraine:   

 In one study published in the British Medical Journal, it was found that patients who received acupuncture for one year:

Experienced 22 fewer days with headaches

Used 15% less medication

Made 25% fewer visits to their doctor

Took 15% fewer days off sick from work than the control group

  Homeopathy and migraine:

 Several homeopathic medications have shown good results. A few remedies are listed here.

Arnica is good in treating headaches resulting from head injuries.

Belladona is suited for Right-sided headaches and migraine.

Bryonia alba is useful in migraine where the patient is disturbed by the slightest of noise and detests any movement and lies very still.

China is a useful remedy in headaches resulting from dehydration, weakness or anemia.

Cimicifuga is useful in Migraine associated with the menstrual period.  

Cocculus indicus isuseful in migraine associated with worrisome behavior or insomnia. It is also useful when there is dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Gelsemium is useful in migraine associated with blurred vision, sensation of tight band or vise clamped around skull and frequent urination.

Ignatia amara is useful in stress headaches. The headache is associated with feelings of grief, disappointment, or sadness.

Iris versicolor is very useful in treating migraine with an aura.
\

Lachesis is useful in left-sided migraine with hot flashes and intolerance to heat.

Natrum muriaticum is useful in pounding headaches. It relieves stress-headaches due to eyestrain, excessive exposure to the sun, grief, disappointment, or sadness.

Nux vomica is useful for headaches in busy executives, tension type headaches and headaches after hangovers.

Sanguinaria canadensis is useful in right-sided migraines centered round the eye. Other symptoms include eyestrain and vomiting.

Sepia is useful in headache localized to the left forehead or above left eye.

Spigelia is a remedy that is useful in left-sided headaches with palpitation, stiff neck and shoulders.

 Conclusion:

Migraine is indeed a tricky problem, but sufferers can lead good lives with a judicious combination of allopathic remedies, complementary therapies and non-pharmacological treatments, which should include regular sleep, regular exercise, regular meals, avoid triggers in food, avoid stress and limit coffee and alcohol intake.

Other therapies that offer help include hypnosis, trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), chiropractic, yoga, pranayama and meditation.

Among the newer therapies, directed imagery, biofeedback methods and cognitive-behavioral therapy have shown promise.

At the end of the day it should be the endeavor of the physician and the patient to find a treatment/s that optimally controls the symptoms quickly and effectively and reduces the morbidity of the patient’s day-to-day life.

References and links:

www.midas-migraine.net.

www.abchomeopathy.com.

http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/headachemigraine/a/Migraine.htm.

www.webmd.com.