It  is an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands (the  oil-
secreting glands) and the hair follicles. It is characterised  by
whiteheads,  blackheads and pustules. Scarring is common  and  is
usually associated with an oily discharge.

Cause
The  cause is not fully understood, but the probable  causes  can
be:
Heredity
Hormonal imbalance esp. during puberty
Hygiene
Improper diet
Stress
Drugs like corticosteroids

Dos & Dont’s
Wash  your  face frequently, atleast 5 times a day,  taking  care
that it does not become too dry.
Do  not  scrub  your  face while  washing  because  scrubbing  on
inflamed skin aggravates the acne.
Use  a  gentle  cleanser made  of natural  ingredients  or  herbs
rather than chemical preparations.
Do  not use scented soaps and use a mild anti-bacterial  soap  if
possible.
Try  not  to apply cosmetics regularly or  use  non-greasy  light
make-up of repute.
Do not sleep with your make-up on.
Do  not  overexpose your skin to the sun. Preferably wear  a  hat
while going out.
Do  not  break  your  pimples else it  will  lead  to   secondary
infection.
You  can use facial steam  to reduce inflammation  and  infection
but  never  more  than  15  minutes and  not  more  than  once  a
fortnight.
Diet  should  be rich in natural  whole foods  like  whole  grain
cereals, fresh fruit salads and vegetables raw or lightly cooked.
Avoid  fatty  food, chocolate, ice cream,  butter,  cakes,  white
bread, sweets and fried food.
Supplements of  vitamin A and Zinc may be used.
Regular exercise will make your circulation better.

See a doctor if,
Your  acne  does not respond in 2-3 months following  the  advice
listed above.
If your acne is infected  and there is pus like discharge.
If you are not sure if it is acne or any other skin eruption.

Acidity is a general  term which usually refers to  regurgitation
of  acid or partly digested food from the stomach into  the  food
pipe  (Oesophagus) or mouth.
The  sourness  is due to fermentation of food in the  stomach  or
over secretion of acid.
Heartburn  describes a burning sensation  behind the breast  bone
or sternum.

# Causes
Stress
Overeating
Obesity
Alcohol
Cigarette smoking
Irregular eating habits
Certain drugs like aspirin, antibiotics, etc.
Bending, lying down or physical exertion too soon after eating.
Certain food like tomatoes, citrus fruits, onion, coffee, tea can
also cause acidity.

# Symptoms
Burning in the chest after eating.
Sour eructations. Belching.
A feeling that food is getting stuck after swallowing.

# Dos & Dont’s
Recognize signs of stress and identify the causes. At work reduce
stress by learning to avoid long hours, not accepting unrealistic
demands,    setting    realistic   goals,    accepting    changes
optimistically and not taking work related problems home. At home
air  your  grievances, share your problems  and  regular  weekend
breaks with the family.
Take  time to relax allowing about 20 minutes of  leisure  before
and after eating and make meals enjoyable, unstressful occasions.
Eat slowly, chew each  mouthful well.
Eat  meals  at  regular  timings. Eat  frequently  but  in  small
quantities. Do  not overeat.
Avoid  drinking  immediately  before meals  and  drink  sparingly
during meals.
Do not lie down immediately after meals.
Eat  less spicy, avoid fatty, fried food and those  that  contain
possible irritants such as chemical food additives or hot spices.
Avoid alcohol, reduce the amount of coffee and tea and avoid them
entirely during an attack.
Don’t smoke. It will irritate the stomach lining.
Drink cold milk at the time of heartburn.
Avoid painkillers or medicine which cause acidity.
Hot  compresses  over the stomach are said to improve  the  blood
supply in the area and relax the muscles.

Call for the doctor,
If  discomfort around the chest region is aggravated by  exercise
and better by rest.
If   with   heartburn   you  have   difficulty   in   swallowing,
breathlessness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal
pain or black or bloody stools.
If the heartburn occurs daily.
?

Abortion is the expulsion of products of conception either fully

or   partially.

The causes of abortion vary from hormonal disturbances any trauma

or  injury, a severe shock, infectious and foetal  abnormalities.

It is a nature’s way of rejecting a malformed baby.

Other reasons can be:

TORCH infections.

Uterine weakness or displacement.

Cervical canal weakness.

SYMPTOMS:

Bleeding from vagina either profuse or in spots.

Pain is usually dull type of pain in abdomen and back.

Do’s & Dont’s:

If  you  have a bad obstretic history like  repeated  abortions,

malformed foetuses, consult a gynaecologist as soon as  pregnancy

is suspected.

Do  not over strain, carry weights, or do labourous jobs  during

pregnancy.

Take plenty of rest but do take some light exercise.

Exercises  should be done only under medical guidance or  expert

opinion.

Take doctor’s advice on diet and medicate.

Do not self medicate.

Regular follow ups with doctor is must.

CAUSE

HIV I OR HIV II virus

ROUTE

1. Sexual

Homosexual

Heterosexual (often Prostitutes)

Multiple sexual partners

2. Blood and body fluids

Contaminated blood and blood products

a) Blood transfusion

b) Blood products eg. Factor VIII

3. Contaminated needles and syringes

a) Inadequately sterilized medical equipment.

b) Intravenous drug abuser (Drug addicts)

4. Mother to child

In utero

At birth

Breast milk

5.Organ and tissue donations

Semen

Kidney,skin, cornea

Bone marrow

SYMPTOMS

Low grade fever of unknown origin.

Unexplained diarrhoea

TB (atypical Mycobacterium) with

Evening rise of fever

Weight loss

Appetite loss

Cough

Chest pain

Blood stained sputum

Respiratory infections like Pneumonia ( P. Carinii)

Cancers ( increased chances )

It is important to know that a  patient may be infected with  HIV

virus but  may not check the positive in the routine tests.  This

is called the window period where the level of antibodies  is not

detectable hence the person test negative for  HIV.

Do’s and Don’ts

Use condom during intercourse

Patient with antibodies to HIV should not be allowed to donate

blood, semen or tissue i.e. Individual who knows that he has AIDS

should not donate blood.

Avoid having more than one sexual partner

Avoid IV drug abuse.

Confirm  with the physician whether he  is  using  disposable

syringes, Sterile needles and infusion sets.

Avoid intercourse with prostitutes

Mother having AIDS should not breast feed her child

If even required to receive blood  transfusion  confirm  that

the blood has been tested for HIV

CONSULT your doctor if there is presence of one or more of:

Fever more than 100*F for 1 month in absence of other cause

Involuntary weight loss more than 10% of body weight or more than

15 lbs in a short period.

Intermittent  or continuous diarrhoea persisting for more than  1

month in absence of any other cause

Swellings in any part of the body

Bleeding associated with weight loss and appetite loss

Leukoplakia (white patches in mouth or on tongue) or skin  rashes

which are recurrent and not resolving

Respirating  disorders  with  fever,  malaise,  blood  tinged

sputum.

Is it Slow to Act ?

This is a popular but highly mistaken belief amongst the people that Homoeopathy is slow to act. This, of course is a myth. In acute illnesses when the infection is growing at a fast rate, nobody, not even the homoeopath, can afford to to wait for slow, passive action. The speed of therapeutic response is of utmost importance. The properly selected remedy with the right potency and dosage works with unbelievable speed.

Do I have to stop allopathic or other treatment with homoeopathic medicine ?

It will not be advisable to immediately stop the allopathic medicines as this may lead to unwarranted withdrawal symptoms as the body is used to taking those medicines.
The sudden-withdrawal effect of these potent drugs can be extremely harmful and it should be done very systematically and step by step. The dosage of allopathic medicine should gradually be decreased, while that of homoeopathic be increased.

Does the disease increases after taking treatment ?

Very occasionally after taking a homoeopathic medicine the symptoms could become slightly worse. But this is a good sign and It indicates that the medicine selected is enhancing the body’s natural forces to heal itself. There is no cause for alarm as the effect is mild and transient. This may or may not be felt in all cases and should not last for more than 48 hours.

Can Homoeopathic medicines be given during pregnancy and to infants?

Homoeopathic medicines are safe to take throughout pregnancy and lactation for ailments relating to this condition. They have no side-effects on the unborn foetus or the newborn child.

In what areas is Homoeopathic treatment more effective?

It is a complete medical science which has remedies for psychological, pathological and physiological disorders – and it also helps end drug- induced disorders. It works on a wide spectrum of illnesses like respiratory diseases, skin diseases, allergies, gastric diseases, etc and the actions of the medicines depends upon the selection and administration.

Do Homoeopathic medicines have an expiry date?

NO, If stored under the proper conditions, i.e. a cool, dry place and away from fumes and strong odours, the medicines will remain effective for years. This applies to the liquid medicines only. Once dispensed in globules they do not remain effective for more time as the medicine may evaporate.

Till what time should a Homoeopathic medicine be taken?

Till the time the symptoms are not completely gone it should be continued and thereafter gradually decreased in frequency.

Can my pet be treated with Homoeopathy?

Animals respond well to homoeopathy. They are safe to use for puppies and kittens, for old animals and pregnant pets. From horses to hamsters, from Chihuahuas to chinchillas, whether with fur, feather or scales, homoeopathic treatments are effective. . At any time of their life, homoeopathy is an ideal therapy.

There are an increasing number of veterinary doctors in India and abroad practicing.

#Natrum muriaticum [Nat-m]
has  the symptoms of easy falling out of the hair; it falls  out  when
touched or combed. This is quite frequently seen in nursing home.
**Carbo  vegetabilis has falling of hair after parturition  or  severe
illness. **Sepia has losing of hair after chronic headaches.

#Phosphorus. [Phos]
Bald spots on the head, which are dry and scaly, are characteristic of
**Phosphorus. Dandruff, roots of hair get gray and the hair comes  out
in bunches. **Graphites cures bald spots on the sides of the head. The
head sweats easily. The most important remedy in alopecia areata.

***Phosphoric acid.  [Phps]
Falling of hair from general debility.
**Fluoric acid. Falling of hair from syphilis.
As near specific as is possible.
**Arsenicum.  Bald spots near the forehead; the scalp is covered  with
dry scales.
**Vinca minor. Falling of the hair with great itching of the  scalp.

#Nux vomica. [Nux.v]
**Nux  is  the  great anti-alcoholic remedy.  It  corresponds  to  the
***tremor,  to  the  nervous affection, to the headache,  to  the  bad
taste.  It  also corresponds to delirium tremens, where  every  little
noise frightens and the victim finds no rest any place, springs up  at
night and has frightful visions.  The  tremor  is marked with ugliness
and  irritability  and gastric  disturbance.  It is the remedy for the
**acute results  of  a spree; the morning big head is often large
enough for the Nux cap, and the  “rich brown” taste corresponds
beautifully. It is a remedy to  be given while the patient is still
under the influence of liquor or  any of the stages of alcoholism.
**Agaricus  will sometimes control the characteristic tremor when **Nux
fails.

#Hyoscyamus. [Hyos]
When delirium tremens occurs this is usually one of the first remedies
indicated.   The   delirium  is  constant   and   loquacious,   rarely
inflammatory   enough   for  **Belladonna  or  maniacal   enough   for
**Stramonium; the pulse is small and quick and compressible, the  skin
is  cold and clammy, the patient is ***tremulous and picks  constantly
at  objects  in the air. Marked sexual excitement,  desire  to  expose
person  and fear of poison. The vision are those of  persecution,  are
terrifying,  and  the  patient makes efforts  to  escape.  ***Constant
insomnia  is  an excellent indication; outburst of  laughter  alerting
with weeping may also occur. Dr.Butler says that for the production of
sleep  no remedy compares with **Hyoscyamus in the tincture,  five  or
ten drops in a half glass of water, and teaspoonful doses given  half-
hourly.

#Cannabis Indica. [Cann.i]
A   very   reliable  remedy  in  acute  alcoholism.   Some   violence,
talkativeness  and active mind; subjects crowd upon it, delusions  and
hallucination  relate to exaggerated subjects time,space,  etc.;  face
flushed,  pupils  dilated, perspires easily.  Surprise  is  constantly
expressed on the countenance.

#Opium. [Op]
This is a remedy indicated in “old sinners” who have had the  delirium
tremens over and over again. There is a constant expression of  fright
or terror, they have visions of animals springing up everywhere,  they
see  ghosts, the sleep is uneasy, the breathing is stertorous.  It  is
especially  indicated in those cases simulating  apoplexy.  **Lachesis
has visions of snakes and hideous objects. It has a choking sensation
in throat which awakens suddenly from sleep. **Stramonium is  suitable
in habitual drunkards. The prevailing mental characteristic is terror,
all  hallucinations and illusions are fright and terror producing.  It
has visions of animals coming at him from every corner and he tries to
escape.  The  face of **Stramonium is bright red, not dark red  as  in
Opium. **Arsenic has visions of ghosts, with great weakness;  diseases
from  overuse of alcohol; patients must have their accustomed  drinks;
great tremulousness and nervous weakness. Suicidal tendency constantly
annoyed  by  bugs  and  vermin  that  he  sees  upon  his  person  and
unceasingly  tries to brush them off. **Belladonna, too  has  delirium
with visions of rats, mice,etc.,and so has **Calcarea carbonica.
**Belladonna is easily distinguished from Opium, and **Calcarea  comes
in as a last resort after **Belladonna and **Stramonium have ceased to
do good. **Aconite also has worked well in the acute mania of delirium
tremens where the prevailing attitude is fear. Fears darkness, ghosts,
with the same desire to escape found under **Belladonna.  **Ranunculus
bulbosus  given in the tincture has been found to be most  calming  in
attacks  of  delirium  tremens.  It is undoubtedly  one  of  our  best
remedies  in  the  treatment  of  acute  alcoholism.  The  writer  has
prescribed  this  remedy with good results.  **Phosphorus  sees  faces
peering at him from all parts of the room.
**Cimicifuga is useful in cases that are mentally depressed and tremor
is  a promimnent symptom. The delirium is mild and the  hallucinations
of  sight relate to small objects; there is  persistent  sleeplessness
and  physical  restlessness. **Avena sativa is a  valuable  remedy  in
alcoholism  where  the victim is nervous and sleepless almost  to  the
point of delirium tremens. It is also a useful remedy in the opium and
cocaine habits. **Strophanthus has also been successfully used.

#Sulphuric acid. [Sul-ac]
This  is  the  remedy  for  chronic  alcoholism.  It  corresponds   to
inebriates  on their last, who are pale and shriveled and cold,  whose
stomach  will not tolerate the slightest amount amount of  food.  They
cannot  drink  water unless it be well whiskied. They area  quick  and
hasty in everything, and have a great and constant craving for brandy.
It  comes  in long after **Nux vomica, perhaps after Keely  and  other
cures  have failed over and over again. It suits the sour  breath  and
vomiting  of  alcoholic  dyspepsia. It may be given  low.  “Should  it
produce a diarrhoea **Pulsatilla is the proper antidote.” (Dr.  Luther
Peck.)  The constant craving for brandy reminds one of **Sulphur,  Nux
vomica  and  Arsenicum,  all  of which  have  craving  for  spirituous
liquors.
**Tartar  emetic  may  be  useful  when  mucous  gastric   derangement
predominates   as  after  beer,  with  tendency  to   pneumonia,   and
accompanied by cool sweat.
**Capsicum  in  ten drop doses of the tincture will stop  the  morning
vomiting,  sinking at the pit of the stomach and intense  craving  for
alcohol  in  dipsomania,  and promote the  appetite.  It  reduces  the
agitation  and  tremor and induces calm sleep. Delirium  tremens  will
often  be  speedily  relieved  by  *Capsicum.  **Cantharis.  Continual
attempts to bite; sexual excitement; face pale, yellow, dysuria.
**Spiritus  glandium quercus. Burnett recommsended this remedy  as  an
antidote to the affects of alcohol, and Dr.A.F.Schulz, of Fort  Wayne,
Indiana, reported to the writer that in his opinion it will frequently
cause disgust for alcoholic beverages. He has had success from its use.

#Pulsatilla. [Puls]
This  is usually the first remedy thought of in suppression  of  milk.
The breasts are swollen and painful and the flow of milk is absent  or
scanty. The patient is apt to be depressed and tearful.  When no cause
is discernible for the non-appearance of milk, **Urtica urens has been
found  useful, and if suppressed from a fit of anger  **Chamomilla  is
the remedy. **Causticum, too, has been used successfully in  rheumatic
women.

#Ricinus communis [Ric]
is also an excellent remedy given in the lower potencies for the  non-
appearance of milk.  It also increases its flow in nursing women.
Castor oil should never be given to prepare a woman for labor, nor for
constipation  in  pregnancy  at any time.  **Agnus castus  is  also  a
remedy for suppression of the milk where the patient is low-spirited.

#Cimicifuga [Cimic]
comes to mind at once for after pains when they are very intense, when
they  are  worse  about the region of the groin, and  the  patient  is
sensitive  and  cannot tolerate them.  This intolerance of  the  pains
suggests  **Chamomilla, which is a remedy to be thought of here;  also
**Pulsatilla;  the temperament of these two remedies will  distinguish
them. **Gelsemium. Hughes was accustomed to rely on this remedy in the
IX  for after pains.  It acts best in very sensitive women who  cannot
compel quiet or sleep.

#Caulophyllum [Caul]
is another remedy which is useful for after pains.  They are spasmodic
in character and fly across the lower part of the abdomen.  It comes
in  especially  after  a  prolonged and exhausting  labor.   It  is  a
specific for false labor pains.
**Arnica  is a remedy usually prescribed in a routine way after  labor
for the soreness of the parts, and it is a very useful remedy in after
pains.
**Xanthoxylum, clinically, has proved very efficacious.  If the  pains
are  intestinal rather than uterine, **Cocculus will be found  useful;
and  if  they  press on the rectum and bladder **Nux  is  the  remedy.
**Bellis  perennis. Soreness all through the pelvis after  labor;  the
patient  cannot walk or stand; bones seem to be giving away.  **Sabina
and  Sepia  may also be indicated by their peculiar  pains,  those  of
**Sabina  shooting from behind forwards, and those of  Sepia  shooting
upwards and accompanied by weight in the lower bowel.

#Hydrastis.
**Hydrastis is perfectly homoeopathic to the totality of the  symptoms
produced by  adenoid vegetations, it has the yellow  mucus and general
lymphoid hypertrophy.
Dr.  Lambrechts,  of  Antwerp,  uses  a  tampon  of  **Hydrastis   and
glycerine,  one part of the tincture to six of  glycerine,  introduced
deep into  each nostril,  having the child
make inspirations, leaving it there about fifteen minutes. He  regards
surgical  intervention  as merely palliative   and  medical  treatment
indispensable.
**Kali bichromicum may also be indicated.

#Calcarea phosphorica. [Calc.p]
Highly  recommended  by  copper, Clifton and many  others  as  a  most
efficacious  remedy  in  adenoid vegetations. It  corresponds  to  the
dyscrasia,which
permits  adenoid growths or tonsillar enlargement.  **Calcarea  iodide
may be used in cases which are febrile in nature.
**Baryta carbonica is also a useful remedy, especially in children who
have recurring attacks of acute tonsillitis.

#Cistus Canadensis. [Cist]
In  scrofulous or arthritic individuals who have adenoid  vegetations.
There  is extreme sensitiveness to cold air, this  is  characteristic.
Sensation
of  heat  and dryness in the throat so intense that the  patient  must
drink to relieve. Cold air inhaled causes distress in the throat,  the
6th potency seems to succeed the best.
**Cistus has a special affinity for the nasi-pharynx.

#Tuberculinum. [Tub]
Adenoids are greatly benefited and often times permanently cured by  a
weekly dose of **Tuberculinum or preferably Bacillinum.

#Agraphis nutans. [Agra]
Obstruction of the nostrils from adenoids. Throat deafness. Clarke  of
London regarded this remedy as a leading one in cases of adenoids.  It
was first used
by  Copper  in  1892. Deafness and deaf-mutism,  breathes  with  mouth
;open. It is essentially a catarrhal remedy and acts specially on  the
glands connected with the nasal cavity, and its use generally  avoids
adenoid surgery.