HOMOEOPATHY FOR HYPERTENSION

BE EARLY TO IDENTIFY YOUR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE – A SILENT KILLER, HOMOEOPATHY FOR HYPERTENSION

                                                                                                                             

By hearing the word Blood Pressure, People himself thinks that its an serious disease likewise but fact is that increased blood pressure than its normal range is not merely a disease by itself, but a sign or manifestation of a pathological process. Hypertension or high blood pressure, sometimes called arterial hypertension, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated. Hypertension, or abnormally high blood pressure, is often referred to as the “silent killer.” This is because it does not usually manifest any symptoms while causing damage to the heart, brain,               kidneys, and eyes.

High blood pressure seems to be more common in modern times. Intensive struggle for existence associated with continual anxiety, greed, ambition, artificial methods of living, want of faith in religion, intemperance, irregular hours, adulterated and unwholesome food and many vices peculiar to modern civilization do play an important part in its causation. With the advancement of medical sciences and the invention of sphygmomanometer, the detection of hypertension become very easy and patient myself inclined to check there blood pressure in frequent intervals and more cases are brought to the notice of the physicians. According to the World Health Organization, “Hypertension affects 600 million people worldwide. Yet many are unaware that they have the disease and are at risk of developing a stroke, heart disease, blindness and kidney failure. Hypertension causes five million premature deaths per year, yet there is no proper solution for curing hypertension.”

Normal blood pressure at rest is within the range of 100– 140mmHg systolic and 60–90mmHg diastolic. High blood pressure is said to be present if it is often at or above 140/90 mmHg.

American Heart Association, Recommended Blood Pressure Levels are

1.      Optimal Level < 120 / 80, it should be rechecked in every 2 years.

2.      Normal Level < 130 / 85, it should be rechecked in every 2 years.

3.      High Normal Level <130 – 139 / 85 – 90 it should be rechecked in every 1 years.

Causes of Hypertension

Hypertension is classified as either primary (essential) hypertension or secondary hypertension; about 90–95% of cases are categorized as "primary hypertension" which means high blood pressure with no obvious underlying medical cause. The remaining 5–10% of cases (secondary hypertension) are caused by other conditions that affect the kidneys, arteries, heart or endocrine system. In females the prevalence is closely related to age, with a substantial increase occurring after age 50. This increase is presumably related to the hormonal changes of menopause. The ratio of hypertension frequency in women versus men increases from 0.6 to 0.7 at age 30 to 1.1 to1.2 at age 65.

Primary (essential) hypertension - For most adults, there's no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure, called essential hypertension or primary hypertension, tends to develop gradually over many years.

Secondary hypertension - Some people have high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure, called secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension. Various conditions and medications can lead to secondary hypertension, including:

Kidney problems, Adrenal gland tumors, Thyroid problems, Certain defects in blood vessels congenitaly, Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs, Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, Alcohol abuse or chronic alcohol use, Obstructive sleep apnea.

Risk Factors

Strong familial and genetic predisposition and a number of modifiable predisposing factors have also been identified. Several studies have demonstrated the influences of Weight gain, Insulin resistance, Salt intake, Physically inactive, Mental stress, Tobacco Smoking Alcohol use, Elevated haematocrit, Hypertriglyceridaemia and Rapid heart rate. Sometimes pregnancy contributes to high blood pressure, as well. Although high blood pressure is most common in adults, children may be at risk, too. For some children, high blood pressure is caused by problems with the kidneys or heart. But for a growing number of kids, poor lifestyle habits, such as an unhealthy diet, obesity and lack of exercise, contribute to high blood pressure.

Clinical manifestations

Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. Although a few people with early-stage high blood pressure may have dull headaches, dizzy spells or a few more nosebleeds than normal, these signs and symptoms usually don't occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life threatening stage.

Diagnosis

Blood pressure measurements fall into four general categories:

Normal blood pressure - blood pressure is normal if it's below 120/80 mm Hg. Once blood pressure rises above 120/80 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease begins to increase.

Prehypertension - Prehypertension is a systolic pressure ranging from 120 to 139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure ranging from 80 to 89 mm Hg. Prehypertension tends to get worse over time.

Stage 1 hypertension - Stage 1 hypertension is a systolic pressure ranging from 140 to 159 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure ranging from 90 to 99 mm Hg.

Stage 2 hypertension - More severe hypertension, stage 2 hypertension is a systolic pressure of 160 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic pressure of 100 mm Hg or higher.

Both numbers in a blood pressure reading are important. But after age 60, the systolic reading is even more significant. Isolated systolic hypertension — when diastolic pressure is normal but systolic pressure is high — is a common type of high blood pressure among people older than 60.

White coat high blood pressure

A single elevated blood pressure reading in the doctor's office can be misleading because the elevation may be only temporary. It may be caused by a patient's anxiety related to the stress of the examination and fear that something will be wrong with his or her health. The initial visit to the physician's office is often the cause of an artificially high blood pressure that may disappear with repeated testing after rest and with follow-up visits and blood pressure checks. One out of four people that are thought to have mild hypertension actually may have normal blood pressure when they are outside the physician's office. An increase in blood pressure noted only in the doctor's office is called 'white coat hypertension.' The name suggests that the physician's white coat induces the patient's anxiety and a brief increase in blood pressure. A diagnosis of white coat hypertension might imply that it is not a clinically important or dangerous finding. However, caution is warranted in assessing white coat hypertension. An elevated blood pressure brought on by the stress and anxiety of a visit to the doctor may not necessarily always be a harmless finding since other stresses in a patient's life may also cause elevations in the blood pressure that are not ordinarily being measured. Monitoring blood pressure at home by blood pressure cuff or continuous monitoring equipment or at a pharmacy can help estimate the frequency and consistency of higher blood pressure readings.Additionally, conducting appropriate tests to search for any complications of hypertension can help evaluate the significance of variable blood pressure readings.

Borderline high blood pressure

Borderline hypertension is defined as mildly elevated blood pressure higher than 140/90 mm Hg sometimes, and lower than that at other times. As in the case of white coat hypertension, patients with borderline hypertension need to have their blood pressure taken on several occasions and their end organ damage assessed in order to establish whether their hypertension is significant. People with borderline hypertension may have a tendency as they get older to develop more sustained or higher elevations of blood pressure. They have a modestly increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Therefore, even if the hypertension does not appear to be significant initially, people with borderline hypertension should have continuing follow-up of their blood pressure and monitoring for the complications of hypertension.

If, during the follow-up of a patient with borderline hypertension, the blood pressure becomes persistently higher than 140/ 90 mm Hg, an antihypertensive medication is usually started. Even if the diastolic pressure remains at a borderline level (usually less than 90 mm Hg, yet persistently above 85) treatment may be started in certain circumstances.

Complications of hypertension:

In the beginning hypertension is labile, but in due course, it becomes established hypertension. The complications are more common in higher blood pressures. The accompanying arteriosclerosis may be the reason for cardiovascular diseases in uncontrolled hypertension; Ischemic heart diseases like angina pectoris, myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure. 50% of patients die, 33% get cerebral strokes, 15% get renal failure. Renal failure is more common in hypertension with diabetes as the patients suffer from proteinuria, which is an evidence of nephropathy.

The complications are classified into two types-

Hypertensive complications like Malignant hypertension, Congestive cardiac failure Aortic dissection and aneurysm, Nephrosclerosis, Cerebral hemorrhages and infarctions

Atherosclerotic complications like Ischemic heart diseases like angina pectoris and myocardial infractions, Sudden death, Arrhythmias, Cerebral thrombotic strokes, Peripheral vascular diseases

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure:

·        Garlic has also been known to help reduce high blood pressure. Although the exact reasons are still not clear, studies have shown that eating just a single clove a day (either raw or cooked) has a beneficial effect. An added bonus for eating garlic is that it is also known to reduce cholesterol. Therefore, regularly consuming garlic, either fresh or in capsule form, is a great way to reduce your risk of heart disease.

·        Black seed oil contains a number of active ingredients that have been shown to help reduce cholesterol and control high blood pressure. Therefore, to reduce excess blood pressure simply take one teaspoon of Black Seed oil daily. Black Seed Oil can also be mixed into juice or tea if you don't like the taste of the raw oil.

·        Ginkgo Biloba is an herb which helps increase blood circulation in our bodies by dilating our blood vessels. Therefore, asimple remedy to lower blood pressure is to take 120mg of Ginkgo Biloba extract daily before any meal.

·        Lemons help keep blood vessels soft and pliable and by removing any rigidity, high blood pressure will be reduced. In addition, you can help lower your chance of heart failure by consuming lemon juice regularly, due to its vitamin B content.

·        Watermelon seeds contain a compound called cucurbocitrin, which helps widen the blood capillaries. At the same time, it also helps improve kidney functioning. This in turn reduces blood pressure levels and also helps a lot with arthritis.

·        Bananas are one fruit that people with high blood pressure can eat regularly to control it. Bananas are a rich source of potassium, which helps control blood pressure levels. At the same time, they are low in sodium and have no cholesterol, both of which also are good for people with this problem.

·        Coconut Water - People with high blood pressure must keep their bodies well hydrated. It is a good idea to drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily. Coconut water is particularly beneficial for lowering blood pressure.

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

Homoeopathy considers health as a state indicating harmonious functioning of the life force. Disease is a deviation from health, which develops when the life force is unable to overcome obstructions to its smooth functioning. Being a chronic disease, it requires constitutional, antimiasmatic treatment. It is the totality of symptoms which guides the homoeopath to the indicated remedy. A constitutional remedy chosen by an experienced prescriber is the most appropriate way to treat deep-seated, serious, or chronic conditions. Some remedies may be useful as first-aid in intense situations, but medical care should also be sought immediately. Remedies below have been helpful to some people with hypertension.

Argentum nitricum: If blood pressure rises with anxiety and nervousness, this remedy may be indicated. “Stage fright” or anticipation of a stressful event can bring on dizziness, headache, diarrhea, and a pounding pulse. People who need this remedy are typically warm-blooded, imaginative, impulsive, claustrophobic, and have strong cravings for sweets and salt.

Aurum metallicum: This remedy is sometimes indicated for serious people, focused on career and accomplishment, with blood pressure problems related to stress. Worry, depression, or anger may occur, especially when these people feel they have made a mistake or failed in some way. A general tendency

to feel worse at night, and a strong desire for alcohol, sweets, bread, and pastries are other indications for Aurum.

Belladonna: This remedy is indicated when symptoms come on suddenly, with great intensity and heat. The person’s face is flushed, with dilated pupils, and pulsations and throbbing may be felt in various parts of the body. Despite the general heat, the person’s hands and feet may be cold. Vertigo and pounding headaches, worse from jarring and worse from light, may also occur.

Calcarea carbonica: This remedy is often helpful to people with high blood pressure who easily tire and have poor stamina. They are typically responsible types, who feel overwhelmed when ill and fear a breakdown. Palpitations and breathing problems can be worse from walking up a slope or stairs, and also when lying down. A general chilliness with clammy hands and feet (the feet may heat up in bed at night) and sweat on the head during sleep are other indications. The person may have cravings for sweets and eggs, and tend toward weight problems.

Glonoinum: A flushed face with a pounding headache and visible throbbing in the blood vessels of the neck may indicate a need for this remedy. The chest can feel congested or hot, with a pounding or irregular heartbeat. The person is worse from moving around, after heat and sun exposure, and after drinking alcohol. A feeling of “being lost in a familiar place” is a strong indication for this remedy.

Lachesis: A person who needs this remedy typically is intense and talkative, with inner passion and agitation that need an outlet—a “pressure-cooker.” The person may have a strong fear of disease, and feelings of suspicion, revenge, or jealousy are common. The person may also have heart or artery problems, look flushed or purplish, and feel constriction in the chest, with pulsations in many areas. Feeling worse after taking a nap or on waking in the morning, and a strong intolerance of clothing around the neck (or any kind of restriction) are other indications for Lachesis.

Natrum muriaticum: A person who needs this remedy seems reserved and responsible, but may have very strong feelings (of grief, disappointment, anger, lingering grudges, a fear of misfortune) inside. Headaches and palpitations are common, as well as a feeling of tension (even coldness) in the chest. The person feels worse from being in the sun, worse around midmorning, and better from being alone in a quiet place. A craving for salt and strong thirst can help to confirm the choice of this remedy.

Nux vomica: A person who needs this remedy is usually impatient and driven—easily frustrated, angered, and offended. A strong desire for coffee and other stimulants, sweets, strong foods, and alcohol or drugs may aggravate blood pressure problems. Palpitations, constricting feelings in the chest, constipation, and hemorrhoids are often seen. The person is typically sensitive to light, noise, odors, and interference.

Phosphorus: A person who needs this remedy usually is sensitive, suggestible, and sympathetic, with a tendency toward weakness, dizziness, a “spaced-out” feeling, and fearfulness. Nosebleeds, facial flushing, palpitations, and a feeling of heaviness or pain in the chest, and left-sided problems are often seen. A strong desire for cold drinks and refreshing things, and a marked improvement after eating and sleeping are other indications for Phosphorus.

Plumbum: This remedy is indicated for people with degenerative problems of the nerves and hardening of the arteries. Chest tightness and palpitations are often worse when lying on the left side. Contractures, paralysis, and nerve or muscle problems are also likely. The person may have a history of heavy drinking and “high living”—becoming apathetic or depressed when physical debility and memory problems develop.

Sanguinaria: A feeling that blood is rushing to the head, with flushed red cheeks and pulsing in the neck, may indicate this remedy. The person may have headaches or migraines (usually on the right and worse from light and noise). Right-sided neck and shoulder problems, allergies, heartburn, and digestive problems are often seen, and burning pains are typical. Symptoms are worse from motion, and relief may come from being in the dark and sleeping. A craving for spicy food, and a tendency to feel worse from eating sweets are other indications for Sanguinaria.

Terminalia Arjuna : A great remedy for heart maladies. Highly effective in cases of high blood pressure with vertigo, palpitation and a sense of mental and physical exhaustion. It is a good remedy for diseases of the heart, both organic and functional, angina pectoris, weakness and pain in the heart.

Viscum Album :Feeling of suffocation when lying on the left side. Stertorous breathing. Spasmodic cough. Arterial hypertension with valvular insufficiency. Unable to rest in a reclining position. Oedematous swelling of the extremities. Teeth chatter. Eyes sleepy, difficult to open, lids heavy. Bowels obstinately constipated. Urine milky-white after standing. Palpitation during coitus. Heart gives a throb and then a pause. Pulse small, quick and very irregular, slow, full and bounding. Low tension due to dilated blood vessels.

Ignatia Amara : Indicated in high blood pressure due to emotions, disappointed love and/or grief. Fluttering of the muscles of chest. Throbbing cardiac hyperaesthesia. Anxious feeling in precordia. Difficult respiration, as if there is some weight on the chest, shortness of breath when walking. Feeling of suffocation on running. Palpitation of the heart at night. Strong disposition to be frightened. Sadness and concentrated sorrow with sighing. Loves solitude.

CATARACT - HOMOEOPATHY

HOMOEOPATHY FOR AVOIDING BLINDNESS IN OLD AGE.

BE EARLY TO DIAGNOSE CATARACT

                                                                                                               

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye which leads to a decrease in vision. Cataracts occur when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy, causing vision loss. It is the most common cause of blindness and is conventionally treated with surgery. Visual loss occurs because opacification of the lens obstructs light from passing and being focused on to the retina at the back of the eye.

The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light, or an image, on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina. Once it reaches the retina, light is changed into nerve signals that are sent to the brain.

It is most commonly due to biological aging, but there are a wide variety of other causes. They are most common in people over 40 and are the main cause of blindness worldwide, according to All About Vision. Over time, yellow-brown pigment is deposited within the lens and this, together with disruption of the normal architecture of the lens fibers, leads to reduced transmission of light, which in turn leads to visual problems. Those with cataracts commonly experience difficulty in appreciating colors and changes in contrast, driving, reading, recognizing faces, and coping with glare from bright lights. Most cataracts develop slowly and don't disturb eyesight early on. But with time, cataracts will eventually interfere with vision.

Types of Cataract

Most cataracts are related to aging, there are other types of cataract:

1. Secondary cataract. Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma. Cataracts also can develop in people who have other health problems, such as diabetes. Cataracts are sometimes linked to steroid use.

2. Traumatic cataract. Cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later.

3. Congenital cataract. Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may be so small that they do not affect vision. If they do, the lenses may need to be removed.

4. Radiation cataract. Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.

Causes and Risk Factors

The lens lies behind the iris and the pupil. It works much like a camera lens. It focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, where an image is recorded. The lens also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away. The lens is made of mostly water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and let’s light pass through it.

But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see. Researchers suspect that there are several causes of cataract, such as smoking and diabetes. Or, it may be that the protein in the lens just changes from the wear and tear it takes over the years.

Age-related cataracts and its way of progress

The term "age-related" is a little misleading. You don't have to be a senior citizen to get this type of cataract. In fact, people can have an age-related cataract in their 40s and 50s. But during middle age, most cataracts are small and do not affect vision. It is after age 60 that most cataracts steal vision. Age-related cataracts can affect our vision in two ways:

1.      Clumps of protein reduce the sharpness of the image reaching the retina. The lens consists mostly of water and protein. When the protein clumps up, it clouds the lens and reduces the light that reaches the retina. The clouding may become severe enough to cause blurred vision. Most age-related cataracts develop from protein clumping. When a cataract is small, the cloudiness affects only a small part of the lens. we may not notice any changes in our vision. Cataracts tend to "grow" slowly, so vision gets worse gradually. Over time, the cloudy area in the lens may get larger, and the cataract may increase in size. Seeing may become more difficult, our vision may get duller or blurrier.

2.      The clear lens slowly changes to a yellowish/brownish color, adding a brownish tint to vision. As the clear lens slowly colors with age, your vision gradually may acquire a brownish shade. At first, the amount of tinting may be small and may not cause a vision problem. Over time, increased tinting may make it more difficult to read and perform other routine activities. This gradual change in the amount of tinting does not affect the sharpness of the image transmitted to the retina. If advanced lens discoloration process, we may not be able to identify blues and purples. You may be wearing what you believe to be a pair of black socks, only to find out from friends that you are wearing purple socks.

The risk of cataract increases as you get older. Other risk factors for cataract include:

·        Certain diseases such as diabetes.

·        Personal behavior such as smoking and alcohol use.

·        The environment such as prolonged exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet light, specifically UV-B, has been shown to cause cataracts and there is some evidence that sunglasses worn at an early age can slow its development in later life.

·        The presence of cataracts in childhood or early life can occasionally be due to a particular syndrome.

·        The skin and the lens have the same embryological origin and can be affected by similar diseases. Those with Atopic dermatitis and Eczema will occasionally develop shield ulcers cataracts. Ichthyosis is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with cuneiform cataracts and nuclear sclerosis. Basal-cell nevus and Pemphigus have similar associations.

·        Some drugs, such as corticosteroids, can induce cataract development.

Clinical Features

The most common symptoms of a cataract are:

·        Cloudy or blurry vision.

·        Colors seem faded.

·        Glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright. A halo may appear

around lights.

·        Poor night vision.

·        Double vision or multiple images in one eye. (This symptom may clear as the

cataract gets larger.)

·        Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.

·        These symptoms also can be a sign of other eye problems. If you have any of these symptoms, check with eye care professional early.

Management

Home Remedies

1.      Mix 1 cup of rose petals, 4 tbsp. of raspberry leaves in 4 cups of boiling water. Let the ingredients rest for 30 minutes, strain and use as eye wash.

2.      Mix one teaspoon of rosewater(gulabjal) with one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Add 10 drops of this to the eyes. This remedy provides benefit if cataract is in the starting stage.

3.      Use Eyebright herb in drops is excellent for cataracts, this plant can be use internally and is much more effective than commercial eye drops and safer.

4.      Eat spinach and take Lutein or spinach extract Contains carotenoid needed for retina and eye tissue sometimes reversing cataracts.

5.      Vitamin A is very necessary for a healthy vision.

6.      Dusty miller used to dissolve cataracts and corneal opacities, if used in the early stages of the disease.

7.      Take Ginkgo biloba increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the eye and it clears toxins.

8.      Eat lots of green vegetables, specially spinach, kale and berries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries and fruits rich in Vitamin C and E.

9.      Avoid dairy products and saturated fats these produce free radicals which              cause cataracts and damage to the lens.

10. Do not use any antihistamines if you have cataracts.

11. Bilberry Strengthens and protects veins and blood vessels, protects the retina, reduces pressure in glaucoma and can stop the growth of cataracts.

12. Soak some almond overnight. In the morning, peel them and chew slowly with a glass of warm milk. It cures every type of eye problem and strengthen the vision.

13. Consumption of Vitamin A in large quantity is always recommended to get rid of eye problems.Taking one or two glasses of fresh carrot juice is very beneficial in treating cataract.

14. Take 10gm of ginger juice, 10gm of lemon juice, 10 gm of white onion juice and 50gm honey. Mix them properly and store in a clean bottle. Remember not to add water. Put two two drops of this liquid in each eye everyday. The liquid may be preserved for one month in freeze. Do not use it if you have had any eye operation.

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

Homoeopathy has holistic approach towards patient which means treating patient as a whole and not his specific disease or parts of body. While selecting constitutional medicine of patient his physical, emotional and general factors are considered. These make our life force called work in harmonious way, and help us to improve our immune power . A constitutional remedy chosen by an experienced prescriber is the most appropriate way to help a person with deep-seated or chronic conditions. Remedies below have been helpful in many cases of cataracts, and are mentioned here to introduce a few of the possibilities homeopathy can offer, not as suggestions for self-care.

Homeopathic opthamologist, doctor Ed Kondrot, M.D. discusses the first article written about using homeopathy for cataracts. It was published in 1891 by A. B. Norton. The study examined 295 cataract patients, of which 100 were treated with homeopathic medicine for more than a three-month period. Improvement was found in in 58 percent of the participants.

Cineraria maritima: Cineraria acts as a safe lymphagogue, increasing circulation in the intraocular tissues, also stimulating collateral circulation and normal metabolism.

Euphrasia (Eyebright): Is the most widely used natural ingredient for the eye and is often referred to as a “tonic for the eyes.” It is indicated for cataract with watery eyes, opacities of the cornea after injury, pain in the eye, dryness, redness and edema, itching and/or burning of the eyes and lids.

Calcarea carbonica: This remedy may be indicated when a person developing cataracts has the feeling of looking through a mist. A person needing this remedy tends to be a responsible type, but feels overwhelmed when under stress and fears breakdown or disease. Chilliness, swollen glands, weight problems, and easy tiring from exertion are other indications for Calcarea carbonica.

Calcarea fluorica: This remedy is often indicated when tissues harden or thicken abnormally. A person needing this remedy may also have a tendency toward hard swollen lymph nodes, joint pains, fibrous growths, or bone-spurs. The person generally feels worse during weather changes and improved by warmth.

Causticum: This remedy has been helpful in some cases when the person developing cataracts also had problems moving the eyes, as if the muscles around the eyeballs were stiff or weak especially after getting cold in the wind or open air. The person may have a feeling of sand in the eyes. A person who needs this remedy may tend to have muscular stiffness in many body areas. They are generally worse from cold and improved by warmth, and often feel best in damp or rainy weather.

Natrum muriaticum: This remedy may be indicated when cataracts begin to develop. The muscles around the eyes can feel bruised and weak, especially when the person looks down. The person may have a feeling of gauze across the eyes, and parts of the field of vision may be hard to focus on. A person who needs this remedy usually craves salt, feels worse from being in the sun, and has deep emotions yet appears to be

reserved.

Phosphorus: People who need this remedy may have a feeling that dust or mist in the eyes is obscuring vision, or may experience soreness that feels like eyestrain after very little use. They sometimes see little bright dots of colored light when the eyes are closed. People who need this remedy are usually sympathetic and fond of company, but can tire easily. An active imagination (including many fears) and a strong desire for cold drinks and refreshing things are other indications for Phosphorus.

Silicea (also called Silica): This remedy has been helpful to some individuals who developed cataracts after extended periods of eyestrain, or after perspiration of the feet had been suppressed. People needing this remedy tend to be chilly (although they often sweat at night) and often have low resistance to infection. Fine hair, weak nails, easy tiredness, and swollen lymph nodes are other signs suggesting Silicea.

Sepia may be indicated if the patient complains of the sensation of weakness in the eyes and the symptoms worsen as evening approaches. The eyelids may twitch and there may be sharp pains. People needing Sepia may feel better during daytime hours and when eating.

Cataract Eye Drops with Cineraria

Cineraria maratima, or dusty miller, is a common herb whose juice is known to dissolve cataracts. India's Central Council for Research in Homeopathy, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has noted that Cineraria tincture can prevent cataracts from developing. Additionally, homeopathic doctor William Boericke, M.D. notes in his Materia Medica with Repertory that Cineraria tincture may reverse existing cataracts. To obtain the full effects of this herb, the mother tincture must be used diluted in saline water. Commercial products are not effective.

Homeopathic drops trigger the transfer of oxygen and nutrients from the blood to the aqueous to nourish and detoxify the living tissue of the crystalline lens. Cineraria maritima has been used homeopathically for over one hundred years to safely and effectively treat cataract. There are no blood vessels to the crystalline lens and the lens is comprised of living cells which need oxygen, nutrition, detoxification and anti-oxidation.