Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

Common Symptoms In Homoeopathy. Are They Really Useless? Results From An Empirical Assessment Of Best Cases Data From A Bayesian Perspective: An Observational Study, José Enrique Eizayaga, Lex L. Rutten

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: In seeking the homoeopathic medicine that best fits their case, homoeopaths traditionally yield greater value to the most peculiar symptoms, while dismissing those they believe to be common, according to the number of medicines found in repertories' rubrics. Objectives: To assess the validity of the following homoeopathic usual practice notions: common symptoms are useless and prescription should rely on peculiar ones. Methods: Empirical data from the Best Chronic Homeopathic Cases (BCHC) and the COVID-19 cases collection databases were analysed by using a Bayesian approach. Symptoms' prevalence and likelihood ratio (LR) were calculated. Results from three very common symptoms in …

Conventional Medicine, Industry, And Homoeopathy: Between Scientific Paradigms, Economic Interests, And Structural Prejudices, Jozelio F. De Carvalho

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

This article discusses the key epistemological, economic, and structural factors that contribute to the marginalisation of Homoeopathy within contemporary biomedical science. This integrates information from scientific literature, policy discussions, and historical sources addressing evidence hierarchies, trial design, funding patterns, and institutional determinants of scientific legitimacy in medicine. Examples from systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials, pragmatic studies, and N-of-1 research frameworks are considered to contextualise how methodological models may favour or disadvantage specific therapeutic paradigms. Homoeopathy remains a contested field not only due to conflicting results in clinical studies, but also because classical randomised trial designs may fail to adequately capture …

Homoeopathic Management Of Primary Venous Leg Ulcer With Apis Mellifica: A Case Report, Tejashri V. Thakare, Alfisha T. Shaikh

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Venous leg ulcers are common chronic lower-limb ulcers, primarily resulting from chronic venous insufficiency, venous hypertension, and impaired venous return. They are associated with oedema, pain, skin changes, restricted mobility, delayed healing, and significant morbidity. Despite conventional approaches such as compression therapy, wound dressings, antibiotics, and surgical interventions, healing may be prolonged, and recurrence is common. Case Summary: A 76-year-old male presented with a three-month history of a non-healing ulcer of the left lower limb, accompanied by oedema, pain, swelling, and difficulty in walking. Based on individualisation of symptoms, Apis mellifica 30C was prescribed. Significant symptomatic relief was observed …

Encouraging Innovation Through Intellectual Property Rights In Homoeopathy, Parth Aphale, Shashank Dokania, Himanshu Shekhar

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

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Indian Standard For Safe Handling Of Biotherapeutic Products Used In Homoeopathy: Guidelines, Kumar Vivekanand, Indra Gaurav Saxena, Divya Taneja, Shailendra K. Saxena, Shrishti Dixit, Raj Kumar Manchanda

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Biotherapeutic products used in Homoeopathy are derived from biological sources of human, animal, microbial and other origins and include pathological and non-pathological preparations such as nosodes and sarcodes. Owing to the biological nature of these materials, their safe handling, preparation, storage, testing and documentation require systematic controls to protect personnel, the public and the environment. The Indian Standard `IS 19901:2026, Safe Handling of Biotherapeutic Products Used in Homoeopathy — Guidelines', provides a comprehensive framework for risk assessment, biosafety classification, containment, determination of first safe dilution (FSD), safety and efficacy evaluation, quality assurance, formulation, dispensing and documentation. The standard also establishes …

Evidence-Based Interventions For Suicide Prevention, Deepthi Gilla

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

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Prioritising Safe Care For Noncommunicable Diseases: A Call To Action On World Patient Safety Day 2026, Subhash Kaushik

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

NA

Raman Spectroscopy Characterisation Of 5c Potency Of Homoeopathic Drugs Nux Vomica, Thuja Occidentalis And Nitricum Acidum, Alfonso Tramontana, Giuseppe Acri, Lucia Denaro, Massimo Mattozzi, Maria Antonietta D'Avanzo, Barbara Testagrossa

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: The physicochemical characterisation of homoeopathic medicines remains a challenge. Raman spectroscopy is a promising tool for identifying structural modifications in the solvent matrix and specific vibrational ``fingerprints'' induced by the potentisation process. Objective: This study aimed to characterise three remedies (Nux vomica, Thuja occidentalis, and Nitricum acidum - 5C potencies) using Raman spectroscopy to identify specific vibrational markers and evaluate the technique's ability to differentiate between different preparations within a complex matrix. Materials and methods: The drugs were analysed as crushed granules (solid state) and after dissolution in betamethasone disodium phosphate (liquid state). Raman spectroscopy was …

Immunomodulatory Activity Of Bryonia Alba 6c And 30c In Sheep Red Blood Cell-Immunised Mice: Insights From Humoral And Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Responses, Abanti Goswami, Narasimha Kumar Gv, Vara Prasad Saka, Suneel Prajapati, Bibaswan Biswas, Pankaj Gupta

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Malnutrition and infectious diseases compromise immune responses, increasing vulnerability to infections. The introduction of plant-derived immunomodulators, such as Bryonia alba (Bry. alba), is attracting attention due to their lower side effects compared with chemical drugs. In Homoeopathy, Bry. alba has long been utilised to treat a wide range of illnesses, including viral infections, and is recognised for its immunomodulatory properties. Objectives: To evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of Bry. alba 6C and 30C potencies on humoral and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) in sheep red blood cell (SRBC)-immunised BALB/c mice. Materials and methods: Fifty BALB/c mice were divided into five …

A Retrospective Descriptive Profile Of Cancer Patients Seeking Homoeopathic Care In A Semi-Rural South African Setting, Radmila Razlog

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Patient profiling renders valuable information about the population's healthcare-seeking behaviours, critical for effective patient management. Khula Natural Health Centre (KNHC) in South Africa provides healthcare to rural communities, within the scope of Homoeopathy. Objective: The study aimed to create a preliminary cancer patient profile of KNHC from April 2017 to August 2024. Method: This retrospective study adopted a descriptive, exploratory design. Anonymised patient data was extracted from the KNHC database. Data that met the inclusion criteria were descriptively analysed to summarise and describe the dataset. Results: Forty-six participants' data, presenting a range of cancers, consulted at KNHC for homoeopathic …

Actinic Lichen Planus Treated With An Individualised Homoeopathic Approach: A Case Report, Aloke Kumar Ghosh, Shilpa Mandal, Ritika Bose, Sumanta Kamila

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Lichen planus (LP) is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. Actinic lichen planus is a rare photosensitive variant that affects sun-exposed areas and may significantly impair quality of life due to its disfiguring nature. Conventional management primarily involves topical or systemic corticosteroids, which are associated with adverse effects and frequent relapses. Scientific literature on homoeopathic management of actinic LP remains limited. Case summary: A 61-year-old woman presented with pruritic, purple-black plaques over the forehead and was clinically diagnosed with actinic LP persisting for the last five months. Causticum in LM potency was prescribed after …

Treatment Of Exfoliative Dermatitis Using Homoeopathic Dilution Graphites In Lm Potency: A Case Report, K. C. Muraleedharan, Kanishka Gandhi

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Exfoliative dermatitis is a severe form of skin irritability that causes significant erythema and/or scaling. Most of the time, it is a secondary process, and numerous factors could contribute to the development of this widespread skin condition. Psoriasis is the most prevalent reason for exfoliative dermatitis among all dermatologic disorders. Case Summary: A 49-year-old male presented with skin exfoliation with itching, burning and pain on the whole body for 2 weeks associated with serous discharge from lesions at the back and axillae secondary to psoriasis. A single homoeopathic medication Graphites in LM potencies over two months was prescribed that …

Research Highlights, Gandham Kumuda, Monika Chandyoke

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

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World Homoeopathy Day 2026: Homoeopathy For Sustainable Health, Candy Benny, Sonu Kumar, Divya Taneja, Pankhuri Misra, Renu Mittal, Subhash Kaushik

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

The World Homoeopathy Day (WHD) 2026 – a two-day interactive forum to commemorate the 271^st birth anniversary of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, founder of Homoeopathy, was held on 10^th – 11^th April 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, India. The event was organised by CCRH, NCH, and NIH under the aegis of the Ministry of Ayush. Centered on the theme of ``Homoeopathy for Sustainable Health'', the event emphasised the role of Homoeopathy in promoting and ensuring sustainable health. The event witnessed participation from approximately 1,800 delegates comprising policy makers, practitioners, researchers, academicians, and students. There were a …

Vaccinosis And Its Cure By Thuja With Remarks On Homoeoprophylaxis By Dr J. Compton Burnett, Rahul Yadav, J. P. Tripathi

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

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Efficacy Of A Mouthwash Containing Standardized Centella Asiatica Extract (Eca 233) In Patients With Gingivitis: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial, Alisa Awapark, Wanchai Chongcharoen, Mayuree H. Tantisira, Nattapon Rotpenpian

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Gingivitis is the earliest and most reversible stage of periodontal disease, characterized by inflammation of the gingiva caused by the accumulation of plaque. In addition to removing plaque, mouthwash containing antiseptic or anti-inflammatory could be used as an adjunct therapy.
Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a 0.10% standardized Centella asiatica extract (ECa 233) mouthwash compared to 0.12% chlorhexidine and placebo mouthwashes in individuals with gingivitis.
Materials and Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 75 patients assigned equally to ECa 233, chlorhexidine, or placebo groups. Participants used the assigned …

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 …

Nurse Manager Perceptions Of Strategies To Overcome The Underutilization Of Nonpharmacological Pain Control Methods In Adult Acute Care, Landen M. Bonnell

Undergraduate Honors Theses

A basic patient right is to have pain adequately managed. However, research consistently indicates that many adult patients in acute care experience inadequately managed pain, which may contribute to adverse patient outcomes. Studies have shown that nonpharmacological pain management can lead to increased patient satisfaction, shorter hospital stays, and better patient outcomes. However, many barriers exist to nurses providing effective nonpharmacological pain control therapy, primarily including heavy workload and a lack of education and support. Currently, there is insufficient research on how to overcome these barriers. Four nurse managers with experience in nursing leadership were interviewed using a qualitative descriptive …

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 …

Effect Of Virtual Reality Intervention Of Postoperative Pain In Pediatric Surgical Patients, Tara L. Kempker

Dissertations

Problem: Pediatric surgical procedures are associated with preoperative anxiety. Preoperative anxiety is associated with higher postoperative pain. Multiple studies have found that decreasing preoperative anxiety using Virtual Reality (VR) Intervention also decreases postoperative pain scores and use of rescue analgesics in postoperative care units (PACU). However, there is no standardized protocol for use of VR interventions and in our institution, VR was not utilized at all.

Methods: This quality improvement (QI) initiative utilized a quasi-experimental design and convenience sampling. Quantitative data was collected during visits for scheduled operative visits for pediatric surgical patients ages seven to 18 years …

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 …

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 …