Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

Electrical Stimulation And Localized Heat After Dry Needling Treatment To Reduce Low Back Pain, Morgan M. Mersola, Amanda Hawkes, Adam Mendenhall

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a musculoskeletal condition that often leads to reduced quality of life, prompting the need for effective conservative interventions such as dry needling (DN). A randomized controlled pilot study involving 12 participants was conducted at a physical therapy clinic.

Methods: The final subject pool consisted of a convenience sample of adults with CLBP lasting > 3 months. Participants were randomly assigned to either a dry needling-only group (DNO) or a dry needling plus modalities group (DN+M). The DNO group received a single dry needling treatment located at various sites along the multifidus by a physical …

A Review On Traditional And Modern Aspects Of Vitex Negundo L.: Ethnomedicine, Phytochemistry, And Pharmacology, Tathagata Khanra, Suvasish Mitra, Subham Saha, Maitryee Mondal, Subhash C. Mandal

International Journal of Traditional Knowledge

Vitex negundo L., or five-leaved chaste tree, is a medicinally significant plant widely distributed in Asia and other tropical regions, frequently utilized in traditional healing systems for a spectrum of ailments. This comprehensive review consolidates current knowledge on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological potentials of Vitex negundo L. The plant is rich in diverse bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and terpenoids, which are primarily responsible for its multidimensional therapeutic actions. Scientific investigations have substantiated its role in exerting anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, insecticidal, anticancer, and antidiabetic effects, among others. Research reveals promising enzyme-inhibitory, …

Siddha Formulations: A Traditional Reservoir Of Valuable Medicines For The Contemporary World, Agnes Preethy

International Journal of Traditional Knowledge

Traditional Medicine had been practised for many centuries in different parts of the world. However, the deep insights drawn from the traditional knowledge have remained highly localized as it had been privy only to the generations of traditional medicine practitioners. This, combined with lack of scientific evidence of their therapeutic action, had limited access, acceptance and awareness of these preparations to the larger segment of the community. The emergence of new lifestyle disorders and drug-resistant diseases in recent years has fuelled the search for alternate treatment strategies and has revived interest in traditional medicines. Concerted efforts to decipher the molecular …

Ayurvedic Herbs In The Management Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Comprehensive Narrative Review, Latha Damle, Chandrasekhar C

International Journal of Traditional Knowledge

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, primarily affecting older men. It frequently leads to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as increased urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, and weak urine flow, which can significantly impair quality of life. Standard treatments for BPH include alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and surgical interventions. However, limitations in efficacy and potential adverse effects have driven interest in complementary and traditional therapies, including Ayurveda. In Ayurvedic medicine, BPH is described as Mutraghata and Vatashthila, conditions attributed to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas that disrupt normal prostate and …

Unveiling The Night-Flowering Jasmine: A Comprehensive Review Of Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis’ (Oleaceae) Phytochemistry, Ethnomedicine, And Therapeutic Potential, Subham Saha, Soumya Mitra, Tathagata Khanra, Saban Karmakar, Tamalica Hore, Subhash C. Mandal

International Journal of Traditional Knowledge

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (NAT), typically known as Night-flowering Jasmine or Harsingar or Parijat, is one of the prominent medicinal plants indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. Its application dates back to ancient times, with substantial documentation in former religious texts. Native communities have traditionally used this for various human ailments and as an ornamental plant. Leaves, flowers, seeds and stems of this plant are rich in various primary and secondary metabolites, providing a wide range of pharmacological effects. The most abundantly found phytoconstituents belong to iridoid glycosides, such as arbortristosides. Comprehensive research has investigated its potential in anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities, …

Gaining From Captured Indian Traditional Knowledge Systems: Paths Taken And Way Forward, Ramasami T

International Journal of Traditional Knowledge

India’s scientific heritage is deeply reflected in Ayurveda, a tradition of integrative medicine documented for over two millennia. P.C. Ray, the father of modern chemistry in India, highlighted the depth of ancient chemical knowledge and early use of mercury compounds, while M.S. Valiathan later revived and analyzed the classical texts of Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata to bridge Ayurveda with modern science. Building on this foundation, the Government of India launched initiatives linking Ayurveda with genomics, personalized medicine, and rasayana therapies, yielding promising insights such as the genetic basis of prakriti classifications and protective effects of Amalaki Rasayana. Efforts like the …

Development Of An Evidence-Based Aromatherapy Policy And Toolkit For An Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital, Mia Nie

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of this project was to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based aromatherapy policy and toolkit to guide safe and standardized use of aromatherapy as a complementary intervention in inpatient psychiatric settings.

Background: Sleep disturbances are common among psychiatric inpatients, and non-pharmacologic interventions are increasingly prioritized to support holistic care (Sazawa et al., 2022). Aromatherapy has shown potential benefits; however, the absence of standardized policies creates variability in practice and raises safety concerns, particularly in high-acuity psychiatric environments.

Methodology: This quality improvement project focused on developing an organizational policy. A review of current literature and clinical guidelines informed the foundation …

The Effects Of Jasmine And Champaca Aromatherapy Combined With Acupressure On Sleep Quality In Older Adults With Non-Communicable Diseases: A Quasi-Experimental Study In Rural Northern Thailand, Sriwan Chutithamniti, Katekaew Seangpraw, Prapaporn Tulwattanakul, Manuchet Manotham, Parichat Ong-Artborirak, Nestor Asiamah, Wannita Sakulwattana, Surangkana Chairinkam, Phatcharee Pimalram, Wichida Larsomsri

Journal of Health Research

Background: Poor sleep is common among older adults and negatively affects physical and mental health. This study evaluated the effects of jasmine and champaca essential oil aromatherapy combined with acupressure on sleep quality and cardiovascular parameters among older adults.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in rural Phayao, Thailand. Older adults aged ≥60 years with non-communicable diseases and poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] > 5) were assigned to either an intervention group (n = 54), receiving aromatherapy and acupressure for 6 weeks, or a control group (n = 54), receiving usual care. Sleep quality, blood pressure (BP), and …

The Exploration Of The Antidiabetic Potentialities Of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria Siceraria) Fruits Through In Vivo, In Vitro And In Silico Approaches, Arifa Sultana, Fahima Aktar, Fabiha Noushin, Mariam Wahed, Jakir Ahmed Chowdhury, Abu Asad Chowdhury, Shaila Kabir, Md. Shah Amran

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Due to the ineffectiveness, side effects, and high cost of conventional drugs, medicinal plants grabbed the attention to treat diabetes, which has been a global health concern nowadays. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the antidiabetic potentialities of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) fruits in in vivo, in vitro, and in silico methods. For the in vivo assessment, alloxan-induced diabetic rats were fed food mixed with bottle gourd powder for 21 days. For the in vitro assessment, the alpha-amylase inhibitory assay was used to determine the antidiabetic properties of an ethanolic extract of L. siceraria. For the …

Exploring Primary Care Providers’ Compassionate Care And Their Evidence-Based Practice With Death, Grief, And Loss: Patient Experience And Perspective, Kathryn Krzykala

Dissertations

Research on primary care providers’ (PCPs) education regarding Death, Grief, and Loss (DGL) remains limited. Specifically, data is lacking regarding patients' perceptions and opinions on what they need and expect from their PCPs regarding grief and loss. This exploratory mixed-method study comprised 146 participants who had experienced death and non-death loss. It examined participants' perceptions of 1) PCP compassion, 2) PCP utilization of evidence-based grief and loss practices, 3) their own level of comfort discussing DGL with their PCPs during medical visits, and 4) their personal grief and loss experiences. The findings revealed that PCPs' grief-informed evidence-based treatment, as reflected …

Microelement Deficiencies In Perimenopausal Women And Their Impact On Metabolic And Physical Performance: Potential Applications Of Vis–Nir Tissue Spectrophotometry And The So/Check Platform, Izabela Pabin, Damian M. Dudek, Łukasz Jaworski, Ewa Maria Kłodzińska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The perimenopausal period, typically occurring between the ages of 40 and 55 years, represents a critical transitional stage in women’s physiology characterized by profound hormonal, metabolic, and systemic adaptations. While the endocrine aspects of this transition have been extensively investigated, increasing attention has recently been directed toward the role of micronutrient homeostasis in maintaining metabolic health and physical performance during this period. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to summarize current knowledge regarding microelement deficiencies in perimenopausal women and their potential impact on metabolic health and physical performance. Additionally, the review discusses the potential applications of VIS–NIR …

Nasal Polyp Treated With Homoeopathic Medicine Lemna Minor: An Evidence-Based Case Report, Milan Sengupta, Laijun Nahar, Gurudev Choubey, Chittaranjan Kundu

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: In the general population, nasal polyps (NPs) linked to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are common. Patients with CRS are 60–65% more likely to develop NP. Treatment for NPs resulting from chronic rhino-sinusitis continuous to be challenging. Case summary: A 31-year-old female came with a swelling in her left nostril, clinically diagnosed as a case of NP. Homoeopathic medicine Lemna minor 1M was prescribed based on the acute complaints and pathological symptoms. The swelling was completely resolved within 45 days. This case report demonstrates the usefulness of homoeopathic medicine in the management of NP.

Management Of Submandibular Sialolithiasis With Homoeopathic Medicine Mercurius: A Case Report, Partha Pratim Pal, Laijun Nahar, Faiza Khan

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Sialolithiasis is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting the salivary glands. Sialolithiasis is frequently encountered in clinical practice. A literature search reveals very few reported examples of non-surgical therapy because surgery is thought to be the main option for this clinical situation. Case summary: A 35-year-old female patient presented with symptoms of swelling and pain below the tongue since last two months. The homoeopathic medicine, Mercurius was prescribed at centesimal potency following the construction of the totality and repertorisation, and this led to the expulsion of the stone in three months and an improvement in the related symptoms. …

Issue Editorial: Case Reports Special, Subhash Kaushik

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

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Alopecia Totalis Treated With Constitutional Medicine Calcarea Carbonica: A Case Report, Deepak Prasher, Urvashi Diwakar

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Alopecia totalis is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss anywhere in the body, but it most commonly affects the hair of the scalp. It occurs in people of all ages and affects 1–2% of the human population. The homoeopathic literature suggests that cases of alopecia totalis have been treated successfully with homoeopathic medicines. Case Summary: This case highlights the potential of the individualised homoeopathic remedy in promoting hair regrowth in alopecia totalis in a 14-yr old girl. The patient was prescribed Calcarea carbonica 200C, 2 doses on the basis of totality of symptoms and individualisation. This evidence-based case …

Research Highlights, Sujata Madhukar, Sakshi Chaudhary

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

NA

Exfoliative Cheilitis Treated With Homoeopathic Medicine Nitricum Acidum: A Case Report, Dinesh Sura, Niharika Shaw, Rubina Bashir, Chintamani Nayak

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Exfoliative cheilitis is an uncommon, persistent inflammatory disorder that impacts the vermilion border of the lips, characterised by ongoing peeling, dryness, and occasional bleeding. The condition can be resistant to conventional treatment and often causes significant emotional distress. Case Summary: A 16-year-old male presented with chronic dry, scaly eruptions on his lips, accompanied with a burning sensation and bleeding for the past 8 months. He reported anxiety about his appearance and also about his father's health. Based on a thorough evaluation of his overall symptoms and repertorial analysis, he was prescribed a single dose of Nitricum acidum 200C. By …

Indian Standards For Methods Of Preparation Of Homoeopathic Mother Tinctures, Kumar Vivekanand, Daisy Katarmal, Indra Gaurav Saxena, Divya Taneja, Shrishti Dixit, Raj Kumar Manchanda

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Homoeopathic mother tinctures form the foundation of homoeopathic pharmaceutical preparations, and their quality largely depends on the source material and the method of extraction. Standardisation of these processes of extraction is essential to ensure consistency, safety, therapeutic reliability, and reproducibility of preparations. The recently published Indian Standards IS 19327 (Part 1): 2025 and IS 19327 (Part 2): 2025 provide standardised procedures for the preparation of homoeopathic mother tinctures through maceration and percolation, respectively. This article reviews the salient features of these standards, including apparatus, materials, procedural steps, process modifications, and storage requirements. The standards emphasise the use of suitable extraction …

Homeopathy In Integrative Oncology: Ethical And Evidence Considerations, Sneha Pawar

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

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Cholelithiasis Treated With Homoeopathy: A Case Report, Girish Gupta

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: The supersaturation of bile with cholesterol, necessary for maintaining bile salts in soluble state, leads to precipitation of cholesterol and other bile components in gallbladder lumen resulting in formation of gall stones. Cholelithiasis is a common digestive disorder that affects about 15% of people over 50 years of age, however in younger individuals it is common between the age of 20–40 years. Gall stones are asymptomatic in about 80% cases, but 1–4% of patients may present with symptoms like pain, nausea and vomiting etc. due to obstruction to bile flow. The treatment of gallbladder stone depends on the clinical …

Management Of Pilar Cyst On The Scalp With Individualised Homoeopathic Medicine: An Evidence-Based Case Report, Anindita Das, Suparja Sinha, Mihir Kanti Biswas

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Pilar cysts, also referred to as trichilemmal cysts, are benign cystic lesions that commonly occur on the scalp. Conventional management generally involves surgical excision. Homoeopathy provides an individualised, non-invasive therapeutic approach based on the totality of symptoms. Case summary: A 35-year-old female patient presented with a soft, cystic swelling on the scalp associated with itching and tenderness, clinically diagnosed as pilar cyst. Thuja occidentalis was prescribed on the basis of individualisation and a follow-up period of over twelve months showed gradual resolution of the cyst without any surgical intervention, along with improvement in general well-being. The patient was subsequently …

Homoeopathic Treatment Of Chronic, Relapsing Tinea Corporis: A Case Report, Lalit Kumar Chauhan, Shakti Priya

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Tinea corporis (dermatophysis) is a common dermatophytic infection that affects a significant proportion of the global population, with dermatophytosis accounting for nearly 20–25% of all superficial fungal infections worldwide. Increasing reports of resistance and relapse to conventional antifungal therapy highlight the need for alternative approaches. This case is unique in demonstrating how past history can decisively influence remedy selection in homoeopathic practice, contributing to the exsisting literature on individualised approaches for chronic, relapsing fungal infections. Case Summary: A 35-year-old female presented with multiple erythematous, scaly, pruritic plaques on the back and abdomen, with itching aggravated by sweating and tight …

From Clinical Success To Scientific Publication: Writing Meaningful Homoeopathic Case Reports And Case Series, Chaturbhuja Nayak

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

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Intraepidermal Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ (Bowen's Disease) Managed With Classical Homoeopathy: A Case Report, Anastasia Leivada, Aaditi Lakshmana, Ioannis Constantaras, Seema Mahesh, George Vithoulkas

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Bowen's disease, also known as intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS), is a pre-cancerous skin condition with the potential for progression into invasive carcinoma. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight is considered a primary causative factor, leading to DNA damage and subsequent cellular mutations within the epidermis. Conventional treatments are generally effective but may be associated with complications, including pain, local infection, scarring, pigmentation changes, and occasional recurrence. Case summary: This case report describes a 58-year-old male with Bowen's disease who experienced limited benefit from conventional treatments and sought homoeopathic therapy. The patient was treated with …

Bridging The Evidence Gap: The Need For Scientific Research On The Effects Of Thiosinaminum In Adhesive Capsulitis, Nuzhatul Arab

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

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Effect Of Individualised Homoeopathic Treatment In Case Of Vulval Vitiligo In An 8-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report, Sonia Raizada, Minakshi Kamboj

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin condition that causes white patches due to loss of pigment-producing cells. This condition often significantly affects the self-esteem and emotional well-being of the affected person, requiring a holistic approach for treatment of such conditions. Case Summary: An 8-year-old girl was brought in with pale, depigmented patches on her genital area. Based on clinical presentation, a diagnosis of vitiligo was made. She underwent individualised homoeopathic treatment and was followed over for a period of seven months. During this period, visible re-pigmentation was observed, supported by photographic evidence and a decrease in her VETI score from …

Individualised Homoeopathic Treatment In Alopecia Areata: An Evidence-Based Case Series, Dinesh Sura, Niharika Shaw, Rubina Bashir, Rahnuma Rao, Ramakrishna Ghosh

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterised by hair loss in patches from one or more areas of skin. While it can affect the scalp, it may occur in other parts of the body as well. No age group is predominantly affected. Objective: This case series evaluates the effects of individualised homoeopathic treatment in patients with AA. Method: A total of 5 cases are included in this study. AA was diagnosed based on presentation of clinical symptoms. Two patients improved with Phosphorus. Another two were prescribed Natrium muriaticum and Typhoidinum respectively. One patient improved with Tuberculinum when …

Resolution Of Vocal Cord Papilloma With Potentised Causticum: An Evidence-Based Case Report, Partha Pratim Pal, Souvik Dutta

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Vocal cord papilloma, also known as laryngeal papilloma, is a benign wart-like growth on the vocal cord folds caused by the Human papilloma virus (HPV). This condition presents with symptoms such as hoarseness, stridor, dysphonia, and potential airway obstruction, depending on the size and location of the papillomas. Diagnosis of vocal cord papilloma involves laryngoscopy, a procedure used to visualise the growths on the vocal cords. Treatment options for vocal cord papilloma include surgical excision, laser therapy, and antiviral medications. Case Summary: A 55-year-old male attended the outpatient department of Dr. Anjali Chatterji Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy, Kolkata, …

Vocal Fold Nodules In An 11-Year-Old Boy Treated With An Individualised Homoeopathic Medicine: A Case Report, Shivani Singh, Mahendra Pal Singh

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Vocal fold nodules (VFNs) are a primary contributor to childhood dysphonia, accounting for about 63% of cases involving voice disturbances. They have a potentially negative impact over the Quality of Life (QoL), including diminished self-esteem and academic performance. The conventional management for voice improvement varies from vocal hygiene and voice therapy to endo-laryngeal microsurgery. This case illustrates the usefulness of Homoeopathy in managing VFNs. Case Summary: An 11-year-old boy presented with a year-long history of painless hoarseness of voice. He was diagnosed with VFNs and underwent extensive conventional treatment, without any improvement. The initial subjective assessment was done using …

Gangrenous Diabetic Foot Treated With Homoeopathic Medicine Opium: A Case Report, Sarang Suhas Rahalkar, Neelam Sarang Rahalkar, Sonali Suresh Dhote, Deep Rasik Mandali

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is the most common neuropathic complication of diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes and improper foot care lead to serious conditions like gangrenous DFU, even from minor injuries. DFU also has gangrene as one of its major complications. In general, people with diabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing lower extremity gangrene, which may lead to amputation. Case Summary: A known case of a 68-year-old man of type 2 diabetes mellitus for the past five years, was presented with painless DFU on his right leg that had persisted for the past 6 months. He was …