Acne is a skin disorder, which occurs when the sebaceous glands of the skin, produce excess of the oily secretion sebum that plugs the skin pores. There are various types of acne - papular, pustular, nodular, and cystic acne. Acne occurs on the face, as well as the neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. Teenagers & young adults are more prone to developing acne due to the physiological hormonal changes that take place at that age; although, adults of any age can develop acne. When severe and full of pus so as to form cyst-like swellings, it is called cystic acne. Hidradenitis Suppurativa or Acne Conglobata is primarily a disease of occlusion (obstruction) and inflammation of the sweat glands of the groin and armpits. It develops when ducts from the sweat glands to the skin surface get blocked, leading to a red swollen area on the skin with formation of cysts, subsequent infection, and then scarring. People with acne are often embarrassed by their appearance, which may lead to lack of self-confidence, anxiety, and depression.

Mrs. Latha Janakiraman (name changed to protect identity), 31 years old, was suffering from recurrent pustules and hard abscess in both her armpits since 2003. There was pain and redness with a yellow discharge. She had taken conventional treatment for a period of two years, which had only palliated the soreness. She had also undergone an incision and drainage surgery (to drain the infected areas); however, the abscess had relapsed within four months. She suffered from continuous fever with mild to severe body pain. The constant pricking pain made her restless and disabled her from carrying out her day-to-day activities, including simple tasks such as washing or combing her own hair. Due to the constant pain and depression resulting from her condition, she quit her job. At her husband's insistence, she visited Dr. Batra's^® where the doctor, after studying her complete medical history, diagnosed her condition as Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

She was prescribed Pulsatilla 200C and within a span of one month, the redness, intensity of pain, and fever reduced. In the next four months, the abscess subsided completely. She was under observation for a period of two years and no relapse was reported.

Acne should not be suppressed by topical applications because the outward eruption that we see is a reflection of the internal disorder of the body. Homeopathy offers natural, effective remedies to treat acne. The main goal of the treatment is to control new lesions from forming, heal existing lesions, minimize the psychological embarrassment and stress, and prevent scarring. While other systems of medicine only target the acne, Homeopathy treats the root cause, i.e., by stabilizing the hormonal levels and reducing the tendency to pus or scar formation and pigmentation.

Oligospermia, a condition in which the sperm count in a man's semenis lower than the normal range, is the leading cause of infertility in men. According to WHO statistics, there are about 20 million infertile couples in India. In about 30'40% of these cases, the male partner is responsible for infertility; whereas, in 10-15% of the cases, both partners could be having some fertility problem. Oligospermiacan be caused due to various reasons such as fever, certain medications, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, which temporarily reduces the sperm count.

Following is a case of a 42-year-old man Mr. Narayanmurthy(name changed), who was suffering from Oligospermia.  He had previously consulted many specialists but none of their treatments had shown any results. Discouraged and depressed, he stopped the treatment and stopped socializing as well. After 6 years, Mr. Narayanmurthy, at a friend's suggestion, visited Dr. Batra's^® Clinic. The doctor at the clinic reviewed his case after taking a detailed history, examining the patient and evaluating his reports.

According to his reports, his sperm count was only 2 million. Also, the viability and motility of his spermatozoa were nil.  The doctor prescribed homeopathic medicines for him, asked him to follow up every month and advised him to get his semen analysis done once every 6 months.

Mr. Naryanmurthy, already impatient, got his semen analysis done in the 4^th month itself instead. Much to his delight, he found that his sperm count had increased to 30 million, 2% of the spermatozoa were alive at the end of 3 hours and their motility had increased to 5%.

This case proves right the homeopathic principle that when you treat the root cause of a disease, its effects get taken care of automatically. Homeopathic medicines should preferably be taken in the beginning itself because the more that one delays appropriate treatment, the more chronic the problem gets, which then takes longer to treat. Hence, many people who try Homeopathy as their last resort wrongly conclude that homeopathic remedies are slow to act. 

Seborrheic dermatitis is one of common causes of stubborn dandruff and occurs in all age groups. This condition primarily affects the sebaceous glands present in the skin. Some of the symptoms include small reddish-brown eruptions or red, scaly, and itchy rash on the skin along with hair loss. The condition usually affects the face and the scalp, where it causes flaking of the skin. It may be infective or inflammatory in origin and outbreaks may also be triggered by hormonal imbalances, stress, or illnesses.

Following is the case study of a girl Heena (name changed), who was brought to Dr. Batra's® Clinic by her parents as the last resort. In spite of having tried conventional treatment for many years, her problem persisted. She had thick flaky scales on the scalp, which used to fall on her eyebrows and face. She had developed intolerably itching and bleeding eruptions on her scalp along with hair loss, and her scalp smelled bad. Combing became difficult and she had to be tonsured. She used to be mocked at school by her friends and hence wanted to avoid going to school. Although a good student, she started lagging behind in her studies and her health started deteriorating. At the clinic, the doctor, after a thorough clinical history and examination, diagnosed her as a case of Seborrhoeic dermatitis. This was confirmed by a Wood’s lamp examination and Calcarea Sulph, a remedy selected on the basis of her symptoms as well as her personality was prescribed for her. The doctor also advised her to wash her hair daily with an anti-dandruff shampoo, avoid harsh soaps, and avoid scratching as far as possible. Within a few months of the treatment, there was great improvement in the itching and bleeding eruptions, and there was no foul odour any more. She regained her confidence and her grades started improving along with her health.

Homeopathy is an excellent treatment option for this condition, at all stages. Homeopathic remedies not only offer symptomatic relief without any side-effects but also treat the root cause of the problem, thereby reducing the possibility of a recurrence.

Menopause is a term that indicates the permanent cessation of menses. Natural menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 years with a mean age of incidence around 51 years worldwide. One of the most common menopausal symptoms; hot flushes, occurs as a result of dropping oestrogen levels that cause blood vessels to expand rapidly with a consequent rush of blood to the area, leading to an increase in the skin temperature.

Ms. Reshma (name changed), a 44-years-old lady with intense hot flushes, palpitations and irregular periods since three months, was referred by her friend to Dr. Batra's^®. She had earlier approached her gynaecologist who had advised Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), but the patient was apprehensive about its side effects. Based on her physical and mental symptoms, i.e., hot flushes, palpitations, mood swings, and irritability, she was prescribed the homeopathic remedy Lachesis 200C. This not only helped her to tide over the menopause crisis but also elevated her mood and brought her routine back on track.

Most often, to relieve the symptoms of menopause as well as to reduce specific health risks in menopausal and postmenopausal women, allopathic physicians often prescribe synthetic hormones like oestrogen. The biggest side effect of HRT is that it carries a very high risk of developing breast cancer and other cancers that are common among women.

Also, a recent study has found that Indian women are now attaining menopause as early as at the age of 30. It also puts them at a higher risk of being affected with osteoporosis, heart diseases, hypertension and breast cancer, says a study conducted by Bangalore's Institute for Social and Economic Change. The data for the study, which was based on the National Family Health Survey of 1998-99, collected information from a sample of more than 90,000 married women aged between 15 and 49 and covered 99% of India's population living in 26 states.

Homeopathy is the safest mode of treatment before, during, and after menopause because it restores the natural hormonal balance without the use of harmful drugs. Homeopathic treatment, when started at the right time during the course of the disease, helps to avoid complications. It also helps to provide immediate pain relief without any side-effects, besides also reducing the recurrence of the pain.  

A parathyroid tumour is a growth inside a parathyroid gland. Parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands that are located in the neck behind the thyroid. The main function of the parathyroid glands is to regulate the calcium levels in our body. When the calcium levels decrease, the parathyroid glands increase the production of Parathormone, the parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vice versa. Most parathyroid tumors are benign (non-cancerous) adenomas and almost never develop cancer. However, not removing the parathyroid tumor and leaving the calcium high for a long duration will increase the possibility of developing other cancers in the body (breast, colon, kidney, and prostate).

Mrs. Sunita Sugandhi (name changed), aged 45 years, was diagnosed with a parathyroid tumour for the past four to five months, although the condition developed almost two years back. She had previously consulted a specialist, who advised her to undergo surgery to remove the affected parathyroid gland. Fearing surgery, she opted for Homeopathy and consulted a doctor at Dr. Batra's^® Clinic. At that time, her main complaints were nausea, giddiness, vomiting, and prostration. She was unable to gulp even a sip of water without vomiting it out. Feeling extremely weak, she found it difficult to walk. Investigations revealed that her parathyroid hormone level was very high at 195 pg/ml. The doctor got her CT scan done on a light speed VCT and identified a lesion in one of the left parathyroid glands.

After a detailed case history, she was prescribed the homeopathic medicine Calc phos 200C based on her symptoms, the pathology, as well as her personality and temperament. Within a month, her nausea and vomiting improved. After six to seven months, she was generally much better, but her husband was still anxious and skeptical as her blood reports continued to show raised levels of PTH. However, her signs and symptoms were indicative of her progress in the desired direction. Finally, at the end of a year-long treatment, her PTH levels reduced to normal and a repeat CT scan showed no obvious parathyroid lesion.

This case proves right the homeopathic principle that when you treat the root cause, the results of the disease automatically vanish. Homeopathic treatment, started at the right time during the course of the disease, can help to avoid complications as well as surgery. It offers pain relief without any side-effects and also decreases the possibility of a recurrence.

Male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia is a common form of hair loss in men. Hair is lost in a well-defined pattern, beginning above both temples. Over a period of time, the hairline recedes to form a characteristic “M” shape. Hair also thins at the crown of the head. Often, a rim of hair around the sides and rear of the head is left, or sometimes the condition may progress to complete baldness. Male pattern baldness is caused by the genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), which causes them to shrink when exposed to it. This shortens their lifespan and prevents them from producing hair normally. Almost 95% men lose their hair because of this.                      

Mr. Sunil (name changed), a 34-year-old marketing executive, was suffering from hair fall since the last 1-2 years. He had almost lost 25% of his hair with balding patches at the sides and the vertex. Balding was affecting his confidence as well as his work performance. With unemployment increasing due to recession, he was apprehensive about losing his job, in which appearance and personality mattered a lot, and this added to his depression and low self esteem. He was referred to Dr. Batra's^® by one of his relatives. After a detailed case history and examination, the doctor diagnosed this condition as male pattern baldness. His lifestyle was quite hectic and he also skipped meals often. Smoking and drinking alcohol were part of his daily routine. He had been smoking as many as seven cigarettes a day for the last 2-3 years. He also informed the doctor that his father and uncles were in a similar state by the age of 40 years.

Based on his symptoms and personality, the doctor prescribed his constitutional remedy Lycopodium 200C along with a Soya rich diet. He was asked to modify his lifestyle and quit smoking if possible. Regular follow-ups saw a marked reduction in his hair fall and maintenance of his condition.

Homeopathy is the safest mode of treatment as it reduces hair fall and retards the progress of the condition without any side-effects. Research has shown that the homeopathic remedies that are useful in treating male pattern baldness naturally inhibit the action of DHT or reduce its conversion from testosterone so as to control hair loss.

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus is a disease in which the body’s immune system treats its own tissues as foreign and attacks them. The cause of lupus is unknown, and the disease usually takes one of two forms: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), which can affect any body organ; and Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), which is milder and usually affects only the skin. DLE typically presents with skin lesions localised above the neck, and the scalp, bridge of nose, cheeks, lower lip, and ears. The lesions cause disfigurement of the face and skin, which also has psychological repercussions.

Ms. Anjali (name changed), aged 23 years, was suffering from skin lesions on her face and scalp. The lesions on the scalp were covered with scaly plaques, which after detachment left an inflamed, denuded surface with hair loss. Her lesions were primarily located on the cheeks, nose, and ears and were hyperpigmented in the periphery with central atrophy, resulting in scarring.

She was referred to Dr. Batra's^® by one of her friends who was a believer in Homeopathy. When the doctor enquired about her past history, she revealed that she had suffered from herpes two years back and had been treated with strong allopathic medicines. The lesions had occurred at around the same time; and since then, she had been trying all sorts of medications and ointments, including steroids, without any result. Instead, the lesions continued to increase on her face and scalp. She had also been suffering from urticaria, a skin rash that manifests as dark red, raised, and itchy bumps, for the last 20 years. After a detailed case history and examination, the doctor diagnosed the condition as DLE. Two or three months after starting the homeopathic treatment, the lesions on her face gradually began to fade away.

Worldwide, the prevalence of SLE ranges from 17-48 cases per 1, 00,000 population. The highest prevalence of SLE occurs in persons aged 40-60 years, and is approximately 10 times higher in women than in men. In about 10% of the cases, DLE progresses into SLE. When SLE gets more severe, it is likely to affect the brain, liver, and kidneys in addition to reducing the white blood cells and blood clotting factors.

Homeopathy is the safest mode of treatment as it heals the lesions and also causes the lesions to fade away, thereby preventing the disfigurement of the face and scalp. Homeopathic treatment, when started at the right time during the course of the disease, helps to avoid complications. It also provides immediate pain relief without any side-effects, besides also reducing the probability of recurrence of the pain.  

Cholelithiasis is the presence of one or more calculi (stones) in the gallbladder, (a hollow organ found underneath the liver, which stores the digestive enzyme bile). The stones have a tendency to form in the gallbladder but can also be formed in the bile duct when the duct gets narrowed or the gall bladder is removed. This condition is fairly common and affects 11% of the general population. Risk factors include obesity, increased age and heredity. Women are twice as likely to develop gallstones.

Ms. Mangamma (name changed), 44 years old, was suffering from recurrent upper abdominal pain along with bloating, nausea and vomiting. Her pain at times incapacitated her and prevented her from carrying out her day-to-day activities. Unable to bear the pain any longer, she rushed to a Government hospital where she was diagnosed with gallstones and advised surgery. Ms. Mangamma could not afford the surgery at the time and resorted to allopathic medications that provided only temporary relief.

After having tried various treatment options in vain, she followed her friend's recommendation and visited Dr. Batra's^® Positive Health Clinic. The doctor at Dr. Batras advised an ultrasonography and the reports revealed multiple stones, the largest two measuring about 6 mm and 7 mm respectively. Apart from homeopathic medicines, she was advised dietary modifications, by the in-house nutritionist, and regular exercise to reduce her weight.

As the treatment progressed, she found a considerable reduction in the frequency and severity of her pain. Her abdominal bloating and nausea reduced, enabling her to resume her daily activities. A repeat scan after some months showed no new formation of gall stones and the size of the largest stones had reduced considerably.

A homeopathic medicine, when started at the right time during the course of the disease helps to avoid complications as well as surgery. It also helps to provide immediate pain relief without any side-effects, besides also reducing the chances of recurrence of the pain. Homeopathic medicines, thus, facilitate the dissolution of gallstones.

Congenital Epidermolysis Bullosa Disease (EB) is a very rare disorder caused by a mutation in the keratin gene. The disorder is characterized by the development of blisters following minimal pressure to the skin. Blistering often occurs during infancy in response to simply being held or handled. It is estimated that the prevalence of EB is about 1 in 100000. Often, many cases of Epidermolysis Bullosa are not accurately diagnosed and are hence not reported.

Here is a case of a 25-day-old child who was brought to Dr. Batra's^® by a young couple from Thane.

This child had multiple fluid-filled blisters all over his body including the area near his eyes. The blisters kept rupturing and discharging blood. The eye specialist also observed some superficial corneal abrasion. This condition had developed within just a few hours of the child’s birth.

The doctors at Dr. Batra's^® diagnosed the disorder as Epidermolysis Bullosa, the cause probably being the consanguineous marriage of his parents. At that time, the parents felt helpless and had lost hope as they had gone from doctor to doctor in Mumbai, albeit without any relief. The mother wept continuously as the doctor at Dr. Batra's^® recorded a detailed case history.

Based on this history and the disease symptoms, a homeopathic remedy was prescribed for the child. Since the infant also had mouth lesions that made oral medication difficult, the doctor decided to administer the medicines through the skin. A cream was prescribed, which was to be applied twice daily over the webs in between the fingers and toes. The doctor asked the parents to take three additional precautions:

1. To maintain proper hygiene for the prevention of any secondary bacterial infection
2. To use a cleansing lotion instead of soap
3. To avoid any form of mechanical injury to the skin by way of traditional massages given to newborns as the child’s skin was very fragile

Miraculously, the child started improving rapidly. Within the first month of treatment, the frequency of appearance of his blisters reduced and they started healing fast. His skin lesions started clearing up without any trace of pus or blood discharge. The parents were able to clean the child properly without the fear of rupturing the lesions. His overall development remained normal with physical and mental milestones met on time. As the mouth lesions healed, his mother was able to feed him properly. The treatment also helped him to gain weight. In 3 months, he doubled his birth weight; and thereafter, continued to grow normally.

While other systems of medicine simply suppress symptoms and treat the body in parts, Homeopathy recognizes the body as a unified whole of physical as well as psychological components and confronts the problem from deep within. Homeopathy acts upon the immune system and restorative energies of the body so that it heals itself. This is why it offers hope to many cases deemed 'incurable' by other medical systems. This case only goes to prove this fact.

Preleukemia is a condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells. This condition is also referred to as refractory anaemia with a 10-20% probability of evolving into acute leukemia.  The condition is treated by way of blood transfusions.

Here is a case of a 48-year-old male Suresh (name changed) who was suffering from a preleukemic condition (refractory anemia) since 2005. He had already undergone blood transfusion many times as it helped to maintain his haemoglobin (Hb) level. Each time that he underwent a transfusion, his Hb would rise by 2%; but by the end of the month, would drop by 2% again, bringing him back to square one. Since the prognosis was poor, he felt helpless and had lost hope of surviving for long. To make matters worse, he was also worried about the enormous expenses that he was incurring for this treatment with no lasting result. His poor response to treatment had become a source of great anxiety for his family and friends.

In February 2008, Suresh opted for treatment with Dr. Batra's^® Positive Health Clinic. When he visited the clinic for the first time, his eyes were yellow due to a high bilirubin level of 5 mg/dl, the normal range being 0.2 to 1.2 mg/dl, and his mouth was full of ulcers. He had lost his appetite and was feeling weak because of a low Hb level of 7.5 gm. The doctor began treating him without any iron supplements. His Hb level started increasing and within a few months, his bilirubin level started to fall. By October 2008, his Hb had climbed to 10.6% and continued to steadily rise as his bilirubin level reduced to 1.6 gm/dl.

Homeopathy helped Suresh to regain his lost hope and taught him to inculcate a positive attitude towards life. Homeopathic treatment, being a natural way of healing, built up his immune system to fight the disease and cured him of his preleukemic condition. Such case studies only go to prove that Homeopathy definitely heals and produces great results; however, patience is a must. In the last five years, Homeopathy has grown by more than 25% as compared to Allopathy that has only grown by 2%. Nowadays, more and more people are opting for the natural way of life, the homeopathic way!