Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

Motivations Behind The Rise And Success Of Homeopathy In India, Kavya Patchipulusu

Senior Theses

Homeopathy is a form of medicine that is incredibly controversial and is often labeled as a fraudulent, placebo effect drug, that can have potentially dangerous side effects. This is the picture that is painted of homeopathy in the United States and many other countries in which these medicines are banned in distribution or highly unregulated. In contrast, India has popularized and well-integrated homeopathy into their medical systems with government backing and consistent funding towards accredited homeopathic institutions and funding hospital systems. This paper will explore the circumstances and health care dynamics of India that allowed homeopathy to gain the level …

Safety Of Potentised Dilutions Of Rhus Toxicodendron In Wistar Albino Rats, Abanti Goswami, Narasimha Kumar Gv, Vara Prasad Saka, Pankaj Gupta, Bibaswan Biswas, Digvijay Verma

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus tox.) is a well-known homoeopathic medicine used to treat inflammatory disorders supported by historical and modern scientific evidence. Objective: The safety testing of 6C, 30C and 200C potencies of Rhus tox. through acute and sub-acute oral toxicity tests as per the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development test guidelines. Methods: For the acute oral toxicity study, Rhus tox. (2000 μL/kg) was administered to rats and observed for 14 days. For the subacute oral toxicity study, Rhus tox. (200 μL/kg) was administered for 28 days and additional recovery groups were included to monitor reversibility, persistence, or delayed …

Usage Of Arsenicum Album 30c As A Prophylactic Medicine In Healthcare Workers Of A Covid Health Centre – A Report, Rekha Thomas, Thankaraj Balakrishnan, Anu Rajesh, George Mathew, Saurabh Kumar Jain, Radhika Agarwal, Anu Kapoor

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

The homoeopathic medicine Arsenicum album 30C was recommended as prophylaxis by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, along with general precautions during COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Delhi, India, during May–August 2020 to evaluate the effectiveness of Arsenicum album 30C as prophylaxis for COVID-19 in a high-risk group of healthcare workers (HCWs). HCWs (n = 100) were categorised into two groups based on the number of days Arsenicum album 30C was administered during their duty: 7 days (N1 = 38) or 14 days (N2 = 62). Participants underwent COVID-19 testing (rapid antigen test/reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain …

Tinea Cruris Managed With A Single Dose Of Individualised Homoeopathic Medicine: A Case Report, K Sivakumar

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Tinea cruris is an infection of the skin over groins by a species of dermatophyte. It is a common ringworm infestation that affects the groin and is caused by Trichophyton rubrum, characterised by red, itchy erythematous plaques extending from the Groin and flexures onto the thighs, buttocks and perianal region of the skin. More than eight million people visit primary care physicians annually to treat tinea-related symptoms. Topical agents are the mainstay in conventional medicine. However, a holistic approach with Homoeopathy for treating tinea cruris can make a difference in terms of both cure and preventing relapse. Case …

Paediatric Cholelithiasis Treated With Homoeopathy: A Case Report, Girish Gupta

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Gallstones are formed due to the precipitation of components of bile in the lumen of the gallbladder. The incidence of gallstones is extremely rare in children and patients are mostly asymptomatic. However, biliary colic may occur due to reflexive smooth muscle spasm by the stone obstructing the bile duct and may be the presenting symptom in 50% of cases of paediatric cholelithiasis whereas 25% may have non-specific symptoms, 20% may be asymptomatic and 5–10% may have complicated symptoms. The conventional treatment of gallstones is surgery even in children, whereas homoeopathy can provide non-surgical treatment in such cases. Case …

Obstinate Chronic Venous Ulcer Treated With The Homoeopathic Medicine Silicea: A Case Report, Sumit Paliwal, Laijun Nahar

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Vascular leg ulcers are highly prevalent conditions that have difficult management, a high sanitary cost and an impact on the patient’s quality of life. Individualised homoeopathic treatment could be a safe and affordable therapeutic option for venous ulcers. Case Summary: A 35-year-old male was treated with homoeopathic medication for an intractable case of chronic venous ulcer. Individualised homoeopathic medicine, Silicea, was prescribed after thorough case-taking, which led to improvement in subjective and objective symptoms. The Modified Naranjo Criteria score was 8 following the homoeopathic treatment, which shows positive causal attribution of the individualised homoeopathic medicine Silicea in …

Research Highlights, Bhavna Makhija, Khan Sheeba Saleem

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Research Highlights

269 Years Of Homoeopathy: The Healing Continues, Subhash Kaushik

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

As we gear up to celebrate 269 years of homoeopathy, it is a matter of pride for the homoeopathic fraternity that homoeopathy continues to evolve globally. Homoeopathy is now a widely used medical system with over 200 million users in 100+ countries. If factors such as strong evidence, wide, global usage, and economic viability can be considered as the pillars that make a healthcare model legitimate for a nation, Homoeopathy, indeed, makes the cut. Given its well-acclaimed abilities of permanent, effective, and safe treatment, homoeopathy went on to be a fundamental part of Indian healthcare. However, despite the relevance and …

Homoeopathic Treatment Of A Child With Internet Gaming Disorder And Atopic Dermatitis: A Case Report, Ashish Mahajan, Nidhi Mahajan, Anuradha Singh, Mohan Lal Chopra

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is an emerging disorder, recently added to DSM-5, which has a capacity to reach pandemic proportions in the near future. The Indian mobile gaming market has grown significantly over the past few years with many users spending a significant amount of time on mobile games. A patient initially presenting with atopic dermatitis (AD) was subsequently diagnosed with IGD based on the analysis of his mental symptoms and was managed holistically with homoeopathy. Case Summary: A 3-year-old boy primarily presented with AD. During the interrogation of his mental state, he was found to have …

Impact Of Homoeopathy Along With Yoga As An Integrated Pilot Project With The National Programme For Prevention And Control Of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases And Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study, Roja Varanasi, Shashi Giri, Jyotika Bhatti, Khushboo Garg, Gurudev Choubey, Ramesh Supadu Bawaskar, Umakanta Prusty, Raveender Chinta, Manjula Narang, Praveen Oberai, Anil Khurana, Leimapokhpam Swasticharan, Raj K. Manchanda, Npcdcs-Ayush (Homoeopathy) Integration Project Study Group

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: There is a growing concern about the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors globally.

Objectives: This study assesses the impact of the integration of Ayush (homoeopathy along with yoga) in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke at the level of patients and conventional physicians.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on the participants already enrolled for the treatment of NCDs at 22 Ayush-Lifestyle Disorders clinics in four districts across India. Participants of any gender, aged 30 years or older, were included. A structured …

Chronic Alcoholic Pancreatitis With Necrotising Exacerbation And Pseudocyst Treated With Homoeopathy: A Case Report, Bipin Sohanraj Jain, Tanvir Abdul Hamid Sheikh

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Chronic alcoholic pancreatitis with necrotising exacerbation and pseudocyst is a condition with a poor prognosis. The disease pathology, along with a history of trauma, and alcohol dependence, adds up to the severity making it more difficult to treat. The main surgical management is cyst drainage. Individualised homoeopathic medicine can resolve this without surgical intervention.

Case Summary: In a case with a combination of pathology, trauma and addiction, arriving at a homoeopathic similimum can be challenging. The present case study demonstrates the management of a patient in a semi-comatose state with abdominal rigidity and ultrasonographic evidence of pancreatic …

Tinea Capitis Treated With Homoeopathic Medicine Pulsatilla Nigricans: A Case Report, Khushboo Garg, Divya Bansal, Aayush Mittal

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Tinea infection is a common complaint encountered in day-to-day practice with increasing incidence, especially in countries such as India over the past decade. Tinea capitis is predominantly a disease of prepubertal children characterised by lesions of variable morphology on the scalp associated with itching, erythema, signs of inflammation and hair loss. Prompt recognition and treatment are necessary to prevent its spread due to its contagious nature, associated hair loss and the resultant psychological impact on social life. Individualised homoeopathic treatment has a significant scope in treating and combating such conditions cost-effectively through the totality of symptoms.

Case Summary …

Is Homoeopathy Contributing To The Universal Health Coverage Goal Of #Healthforall?, Subhash Kaushik

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

The expansion of health service coverage, a key target of the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals, has seen limited progress in recent years, further hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the financial protection has witnessed a decline. Fifty percent of the global population lacks access to essential health services. An estimated 2 billion people grapple with financial hardships resulting from out-of-pocket health expenses, including 344 million individuals residing in extreme poverty.

On 12 December 2012, a historic resolution endorsing the acceleration of progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a paramount international development priority was unanimously endorsed by the United …

Green Tea Supplementation: An Effective Lifestyle Modification For Cholesterol Management, Samuel J. Nemati

MSN Capstone Projects

Hypercholesterolemia is an insidious disease and the leading factor to the deadliest killer in the United States – cardiovascular disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023a). Over 85 million American adults suffer from elevated cholesterol, and treatment can prove challenging and may require multiple modalities outside just pharmaceutical intervention – such as dietary and other lifestyle changes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023b; Goldman, 2023). Green tea – among the most common teas consumed worldwide – exerts a uniquely antihyperlipidemic and cardioprotective effect that suggests its consideration as a potentially-viable nonpharmacological option for hypercholesterolemia (Harvard Health Publishing, 2012; …

Using Noninvasive Calibrated Cuff Plethysmography To Observe The Effects Of Cold-Water Immersion On Arterial Compliance, Rita M. Grigorian

Biomedical Engineering: Graduate Reports and Projects

As the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases continues to exponentially grow in populations across the globe, the necessity of determining underlying factors, effective methods of diagnoses, and universally available preventive measures also grows. Early detection of endothelial dysfunction, a proven precursor of cardiovascular diseases, can be extremely impactful in encouraging preventative measures and early intervention before medical conditions become chronic. In recent years, ice plunging, a form of cryotherapy involving full body immersion in cold water, has gained popularity within circles of fitness and health practitioners, gaining the interest of people of all backgrounds. Certain parallels observed between the human physiological …

Nurses - Tab Down Your Stress Level: A Pilot Study On The Use Of Aromatherapy To Decrease Stress Levels, Judith E. Bowling, Ashley N. Garbutt, Theresa Worden, Julie Erickson, Nicole Rowney

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: The average day-to-day nursing profession is a stressful one. The job often requires dealing with patients enduring some of the worst times of their lives, as well as contending with patients' emotional family members. This stressful environment is heightened even more for nurses employed in critical access hospitals (CAHs) due to the limited resources usually associated with these smaller facilities. Methods: Research and Evidence-Based Practice Council members at one CAH explored how to help nurses deal with the elevated work stress level. Aromatherapy tabs were used as an intervention to reduce nurses' stress. The nurses who participated in this …

Using Noninvasive Calibrated Cuff Plethysmography To Observe The Effects Of Cold-Water Immersion On Arterial Compliance, Rita M. Grigorian

Master's Theses

As the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases continues to exponentially grow in populations across the globe, the necessity of determining underlying factors, effective methods of diagnoses, and universally available preventive measures also grows. Early detection of endothelial dysfunction, a proven precursor of cardiovascular diseases, can be extremely impactful in encouraging preventative measures and early intervention before medical conditions become chronic. In recent years, ice plunging, a form of cryotherapy involving full body immersion in cold water, has gained popularity within circles of fitness and health practitioners, gaining the interest of people of all backgrounds. Certain parallels observed between the human physiological …

Recognition Of Evidence-Based Traditional And Complementary Medicine (Tcm) In G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration: Pointers For Homoeopathy, Subhash Kaushik

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

India just wrapped up its G20 presidency role, but not without key commitments for a promising future. It was, indeed, a heartening sight to see all twenty countries of the G20 group together on one platform, united to fight and address various global matters – with the theme ‘वसुधैव कुटुंबकम’, meaning ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ at the core of all discussions. The comprehensive document, G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration: Strengthening Global Health, and Implementing One Health Approach covers various aspects of global development and stability. Interestingly, under the subject ‘Strengthening Global Health and Implementing One Health Approach’, the …

Individualised Homoeopathic Medicine Versus Placebo In The Pain Management Of Knee And Hip Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Randomised Controlled Trial, Azizul Islam Khadim, Vivek Kumar Shail, Kanak Kumar, Sabiha Naaz, Abhijit Chakma

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, degenerative disease affecting large weight-bearing joints. The severity of symptoms varies among individuals; whereas pain and stiffness are the most troublesome complaints. Homoeopathic medicines have the potential to manage pain episodes. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of individualised homoeopathic medicine (IHM) in managing the pain of knee and hip OA. Methods: A prospective, double-blind, randomised (1:1) placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 60 individuals suffering from OA at R.B.T.S. Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Muzaffarpur. Visual analogue scale for pain (Score-A-1), stiffness (Score-A-2) and loss …

Homoeopathic Management Of Non-Responsive, Nodulocystic Acne: A Case Report, Padmalaya Rath, Indu Shukla

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Nodulocystic acne is a severe form of acne that can significantly damage the skin and impact the quality of life. Although oral isotretinoin is considered an effective conventional treatment for such cases, it often fails. A case of severe facial nodulocystic acne is reported here, where allopathic treatment failed to control the condition. Homoeopathic treatment was administered, and the patient improved. Case Summary: A 16-year-old female patient presented with pustular, nodular, cystic and painful eruptions on the face, which were treated with individualised homoeopathic medicine Tarentula cubensis. The symptoms improved without any relapse. The causal attribution of …

Effectiveness Of Individualised Homoeopathic Intervention In Warts – A Case Series, Dastagiri P, Chakravarthy S.G.S, Renu Mittal

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Verruca vulgaris, also known as common warts, is benign lesions caused by the non-malignant human papillomavirus, affecting approximately 10% of the population globally. It may range from 1 mm to several cm, and are mostly seen on the extremities, followed by the face. They may be transmitted by direct or indirect contact and lead to cosmetic concerns, itching and mild to severe pain while doing activities. Conventional treatment has destructive therapies such as salicylic acid, cauterisation and cryosurgery, which induce many adverse effects from local to general. However, an individualised homoeopathic approach can be used to effectively treat these warts, …

Tinea Cruris Treated With Individualised Homoeopathic Medicine – An Evidence-Based Case Report, Yogeshwari Gupta, Arvind Sharma, Samridhi Sharma

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Tinea cruris, also commonly known as jock itch, is a skin infection caused by dermatophytes which are pathogenic fungi affecting genital, pubic, perineal and perianal areas. Tinea cruris more commonly affects men and affects adults more than children. Conventional management involves the use of topical antifungal agents and oral therapy in extensive cases. Case Summary: A case of tinea cruris in a 30-year-old male patient is reported, which was effectively treated with individualised homoeopathic medicine. Based on the totality of symptoms, the homoeopathic medicine Natrum muriaticum in 200C potency was prescribed as the first dose and improvement …

Physicochemical Standardisation Of The Homoeopathic Drug, Apis Mellifica: A Preliminary Attempt, Bibaswan Biswas, Satyajit Maity, En Sundaram, Gv Narasimha Kumar, Satish Patel

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Unlike the mainstream biomedical system, honeybees’ therapeutic use has long been well documented in the homoeopathic system. The medicine prepared from the whole honeybee, Apis mellifica, is on the Essential Drug List. Objective: An in-depth physicochemical standardisation of this homoeopathic drug is attempted. Material and Methods: In this study, first the raw drug was authenticated, and then its pharmacopoeial parameters were measured, e.g. moisture content, foreign matter, different ash values, alcohol and water-soluble extractive values. Further, the mother tincture of Apis mellifica was prepared from the authentic raw drug. The pharmacopeial parameters of in-house mother tincture …

Homoeopathic Medicines Modulate Inflammatory Functions And Adhesion Receptor Expression In Human Blood Cells: An In Vitro Study, Nibedita Dalpati, Shubham Kumar Rai, Divya Singh, Shiba Prasad Dash, Sukanti S. Sarangi, Mahabahu Nayak, Pranita P. Sarangi

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Homoeopathic medicines are used extensively for the treatment of many human diseases and are shown to affect immune cell functions. However, our understanding of the immunomodulatory effects of such medicines and associated mechanisms of action remains limited. Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of Arsenic album, Rhus toxicodendron, Hepar sulphuris and Bryonia alba on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced peripheral blood neutrophils and monocytes. Materials and Methods: In this work, neutrophils and monocytes were treated with different homoeopathic dilutions of 30C potency separately, followed by stimulation with the LPS, to examine the immunomodulatory effects of these …

A Scientific Convention On World Homoeopathy Day: ‘Homoeoparivar – Sarvajan Swasthya, One Health One Family’ – A Conference Report, Babita Rani Kondle, Divya Taneja, Subhash Kaushik

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

The Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy organised a scientific convention on World Homoeopathy Day on April 10th, 2023, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, to commemorate the 268th birth anniversary of Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann. The conference’s theme was ‘Sarvajan Swasthya Homoeoparivar – One Health, One Family’. The convention’s aim was to come together in this profession as a Family/Parivar to collate the experiences of policymakers, researchers and practitioners to create a harmonious growth of Homoeopathy and to achieve the potential that Homoeopathy reaches each household of the country as the first line of treatment.

Research Highlights, Arti Goyal, Anamika Singh

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Research Highlights

Homoeopathy For Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Case Report, Karunakara Moorthi, Susu Pertin, Radhika P

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Obsessive-compulsive disorder is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. It is characterised by unwanted and distressing thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts that aim to decrease the resulting distress. Case Summary: A 26-year-old man presented with intrusive thoughts, ritualistic acts and compulsive actions. After case taking, Calcarea carbonicum, Lycopodium, Sulphur and Tuberculinum bovinum were prescribed as and when required based on symptom presentation during the course of homoeopathic treatment. Individualised homoeopathic medicines led to a remarkable improvement in the case by relieving him of his obsessive and compulsive thoughts and enabling …

Recurrent Appendicitis Treated With The Homoeopathic Medicine Iris Tenax 30c: A Case Report, Vinitha Edavattath Ramanan, Shareena Cp

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: The non-acute variants of appendicitis include recurrent, subacute, and chronic appendicitis, which are rarely diagnosed and remain subjects of case reports. The diagnosis is complex and is based on history, clinical examination, and an ultrasonogram or computed tomography. Unlike the acute variety, a surgical emergency, these cases do not require immediate surgery. In the present case, the patient had pain in the right lower quadrant (RLQ) of the abdomen in January 2021, which was relieved with conventional medications. However, the pain recurred after 2½ months and was diagnosed as recurrent appendicitis. Case Summary: This case of recurrent appendicitis was …

Post-Partum Depression Managed With Homoeopathic Cimicifuga Racemosa In One Week Of Inpatient Treatment: A Case Report, R. Bhuvaneswari, Neethu Raj

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Post-partum depression (PPD) is a disabling psychiatric disorder that has long-term effects on the mother and the baby. Because many people do not comply with antidepressant medication, there is a great need for alternative treatment options like homoeopathy that are less harmful. Case Summary: Here, we have presented the case report of a woman with PPD, who experienced guilt, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts, restlessness and auditory hallucination. Based on repertorial totality, Cimicifuga racemosa 200C was prescribed. The case was screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. To assess the outcome of the treatment, the 17-item Hamilton depression rating scale …

Management Of Epilepsy Through Individualized Prescription Of Homoeopathic Medicine Stramonium: A Case Report, Pravin Kumar Singh, Azizul Islam Khadim

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Epilepsy can be defined as a seizure disorder that usually occurs unpredictably in the absence of any consistent provoking factors. It is a serious public health concern having a negative impact on jobs, careers, relationships, families or academic life and quality of life. Homoeopathy is successfully used for treating conditions like epilepsy. Hence, well-documented case reports demonstrating its usefulness are required. Here, we present a case of epilepsy that was managed with individualised homoeopathic medicine. Case Summary: A 40-year-old woman presented with complaints of epileptic attacks with unconsciousness for the last 5 years. The patient was treated with Stramonium …