Prostate Problems?? Common sign of old age in males!!

This is for the male friends out there..

For some days do you  feel the urge to get up and go to toilet more often?

Getting problems with the normal urination?

Can't urinate fully?

Well this can be a sign to prostate problems.. and you need to consult your doctor soon!!

Here are some Quickbites for some general information about prostate you must be curious about!!

What is prostate?

Prostate is a walnut sized gland present in males.  It is located beneath the Urinary Bladder in front of rectum. It sorrounds the Urethra (the urinary tube carrying urine from the urinary bladder to the penis). The activity of prostate gland is stimulated by male hormones mainly testosterone secreated by the testicles.

What are the functions of prostate?

Prostate gland together with the seminal vesicles (present just behind the prostate) secretes prostatic fluid in semen which provides nourishment to the sperm cells.

Why do I need to know about prostate?

A Normal male doesn’t feel any problem with normally functioning prostate.  Studies have shown after 40 years of age the prostate increases by 2.4cm³ each year(Walker, Colledge 2014).   Abnormal enlargement of prostate place pressure on the bladder and urethra. The most common prostatic problems include BHP, Prostatic cancer and prostatitis.

What is BHP?

BHP or Bening Prostatic Hyperplasia (BHP) commonly called as prostatic enlargement is a common condition affecting men over 50 years of age. It is not usually a serious life threatening problem if occuring alone.

Do I need to consult a physician for prostate problem?

You may think of having a prostatic enlargement and should consult a physician if you have:

•      Difficulty in intiating urination
•         Poor prolonged or weak or intermittent urine flow
•         Have to strain to pass urine
•        There is frequent need to urinate
•        Difficulty in full emptying of bladder
•        Wake up frequently at night to urinate
•        Develop sudden urge to urinate which may lead to urinary incontinence
•         In later stages the prostatic enlargement can lead to urine retention. It may occur as a sudden inability to micturate, bladder painfully distended. Chronic retention may lead to hydroureter, hydronephrosis, and renal failure. 
•       Other complications may include bladder stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTI may manifest as fever, chills, pains while urination, blood in urine.

How do I know if I have BHP?

The physicians may do the following tests to diagnose prostatic problems:

§  Serum PSA test

§     Trans-rectal Ultrasound. The physician may also do MRI and CECT of abdomen and pelvis to rule out serious disorder.

What is PSA test?

PSA refers to prostatic specific antigen PSA is produced in the prostate gland and released in small amount in blood. During prostatic problem the secreation of PSA increases markedly. PSA testing is done mainly to rule out prostatic problems such as Prostatic enlargement, prostate cancer and prostatitis.

What are the other related conditions to prostatic enlargement?

Symptoms of prostatic enlargement may be confused with prostatitis, prostatic cancer. You must consult the physician as soon as possible in case you have following symptoms:

•        Blood in urine/ semen
•        Painful ejaculation
•        Decrease in amount of fluid ejaculating
•         Difficulty in having erection
•      Associated pain and stiffness in lower back, hips, pelvis or thighs accompanying blood in urine

How can I reduce the risk of prostatic enlargement?

The risk of prostatic enlargement can be reduced by following ways:

§  Maintain a healthy nutritious diet rich in brightly coloured fruits and vegetables.

§  Exercise daily

§  Reduce fat  and salt intake

What is the treatment for BHP?

 If you have a prostatic problem, consult a doctor always. In case the symptoms are not yet clear the doctor may advise a period of watchful waiting.

After the symptoms are cleared and investigations show prostatic hypertrophy the physician may prescribe medications to shrink prostate or help relax muscles near prostate so that symptoms can be relieved.

Surgery – in cases of advanced pathology if patient cant get relief from anything the urologist may refer to surgery. 

                                                                    What can I do so that symptoms of prostatic enlargement don’t worsen?

Taking care of the following points may help to reduce and control symptoms of prostatic enlargement:

•        Reduce fluid intake in evening.
•        Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol.
•       Take your time while urinating.
•      Maintain a habit of going to the washroom frequently and avoid getting the bladder full.

Are there any Homeopathic medicines for treating prostatic enlargement?

Sabal serrulata, one of the homeopathic medicines is a specific remedy for prostatic enlargement and having an unquestioned value in prostatic enlargement and urinary difficulties. It acts on membrano-prostatic portion of urethra. It can be taken in cases of constant desire to pass urine at night, difficult urination and incontinence of urine.   

Other medicines having a great action in prostatic problems include Thuja, Pulsatillla, Chimaphilla umbellata, Conium maculatum, Sabal serrulata and Solidago.

Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on individualistic symptoms. It has a wide scope in treatment of prostatic disorders. It is advised to take the help of homeopathic physician for proper treatment. The physician after careful assessment of the system totality of the patient can select the most suited remedy.

What are the symptoms and risk factors of Prostatic cancer?

Prostatic cancer is the second most common cancer among men after skin cancer. Prostatic cancer is usually asymptomtic and progresses slowly.  Symptoms usually develop in later stages and may include Blood in urine/ semen, Painful ejaculation, Decrease in amount of fluid ejaculating, Difficulty in having erection, Associated pain and stiffness in lower back, hips, pelvis or thighs accompanying blood in urine

The major risk factors for prostate cancer include:

•   Age over 65 years
•   Family history of prostate cancer
•   Gentically most commonly seen among african american
• Prostatic cancer is diagnosed by tissue biopsy.

References

American Cancer Society, Inc. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/

Boericke W., (1999) Homoeopthic materia Medica,  Sabal serrulata accesed online http://www.homeoint.org/books/boericmm/s/sabal.htm

Clarke J H, (2000) A Dictionary of practical Materia Medica, ,  Sabal serrulata accesed online http://www.homeoint.org/clarke/s/sbl.htm

In Walker, B. R., In Colledge, N. R., & In Ralston, S. (2014). Kidney and Urinary Tract Diseases. In Davidson's principles and practice of medicine (21st ed., p. 512).

Munjal, Y. P., & Association of Physicians of India. (2012). Genitourinary Cancer. In API textbook of medicine (p. 1603). Mumbai: Association of Physicians of India.

NHS Choices. (2015, March 3). Benign prostate enlargement - NHS Choices. Retrieved from http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Prostate-enlargement/Pages/Introduction.aspx

NHS Choices. (2015, March 3). Benign prostate enlargement - Symptoms - NHS Choices. Retrieved from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Prostate-enlargement/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. (2016). What you need to know about prostate cancer - PCFA. Retrieved from http://www.prostate.org.au/awareness/general-information/what-you-need-to-know-about-prostate-cancer

Prostate Cancer Treatment Research Foundation. (2014). Prostate Cancer Basics | PCTRF. Retrieved from http://www.pctrf.org/prostate-cancer-basics/?gclid=CjwKEAiA79zDBRCgyf2FgeiY-CESJABzr0BM-PX732Qdf7JIY44Pu9PJ9BbE3kRTxO203jMsL6SrahoCIAXw_wcB

Prostate Care Foundation. (2017). What are the symptoms of Prostate Cancer? Prostate Cancer Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.pcf.org/c/prostate-cancer-symptoms

Pimpinella anisum

Pimpinella anisum

 (Pim- An.)

Botanical name: Pimpinella anisum Linn.

Family: Umbelliferae

Common name: Sans.: Shatapushpa; Madhurimisi, Karavee; Shatava; Shetpushpa, Eng: Anise, Sweet Fennel, Hindi: Saonf, Saurif, Sonf.

Habitat: This annual is a native of Egypt, but is cultivated in Persia, UP, Punjab, Orissa, and various other parts of the world.

Part Used: Fruit

 Inside story

·         Aniseeds have been used traditionally for its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, muscle relaxant, analgesic and anticonvulsant activity.

·         A study on Review of Pharmacological Properties and Chemical Constituents of Pimpinella anisum (Shojali, Fard 2012) revealed that aniseeds can cause gastric protection, muscle relaxant, and affect digestive system. In diabetic patients, it has hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects and reduces lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, it showed anticonvulsant effect, reduced morphine dependence, and induced conditioned place aversion in mice. Aniseed also has beneficial effects on dysmenorrhea and menopausal hot flashes in women.

·         Traditionally it has been used as a stimulant and carminative; used in cases of flatulence, flatulent colic of infants, and to remove nausea.

·         It can be compared with Illicium verum (The star Anise) which grows more plentifully than the true anise (Pimpinella Anisum) and the essential oil obtained from the former is available at much cheaper price, and is more popular in use.

Family: Umbelliferae

 Clinical

·         Digestive problems of the infants and children.⁷

·

References:

1.       Allen T.F., Encyclopedia of pure materia medica

2.       Boerricke W., Homoeopathic materia medica

3.       Clarke, J. H, A dictionary of practical materia medica

4.       K. M. Nadkarni, Dr. K. M. Nadkarni's Indian materia medica

5.     Murphy R, Homoeopathic remedy guide

6.       Shojaii A. , Fard M. A. (2012), Review of Pharmacological Properties and Chemical Constituents of Pimpinella anisum, ISRN Pharm. 2012; 2012: 510795., Published online 2012 Jul 16. doi:  10.5402/2012/510795, Accessed online 18-1-16,  at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3405664/

7.       Varma R N, Vaid I, Encylcopaedia of homoeopathic pharmcopoeia

Solanum nigrum

Solanum nigrum

(Black Nightshade)

Botanical name : Solanum Nigrum Linn.

Family: Solanaceae

Common Name: Hindi: Makoi; English: Black nightshade

Part used: Whole plant with berries including roots.

 Distribution:   India, Ceylon.  All temperate and tropical regions of the world.

Clinical

Amaurosis. Chorea. Headache. Heartburn. Hydrocephalus. Mania. Meningitis. Night-terrors. Parotitis. Peritonitis. Puerperal convulsions. Scarlatina. Stammering. Tetanus. Trismus. Tympanites. Typhoid fever. Varicosis. Vertigo. Ulcers.

Indications

Head

·         Used with success in ergotism, with tetanic spasms and stiffness of whole body, with mania.²

·         Marked action on head and eyes. ²

·         Brain irritation during dentition. ²

·          Restlessness of a violent and convulsive nature. ²

·         Vertigo; terrible headache and complete cessation of the mental faculties. ²

·         Congestive headache. ²

·         The headaches of Sol-n. are described as "frightful." They are splitting, throbbing, bursting, piercing and are worse by least movement of head, light, noise, stooping, by least movement after sitting. There is very great sensitiveness to cold air, but headache is worse in a warm room and better in open air.⁵

·         Peculiar Sensations are: Brain as if swimming. As if things moving in a circle, when stooping. As if bed turning rapidly in a circle. As if brain shaking about in skull, on moving head.³

·         Hale justly points out the close affinity of Sol. n. with Bell. - Delirium, headache, flushed face, sparkling eyes, pains coming and going suddenly, fiery rashes, burning skin and sweat.³

Eyes

·         Eyes : red; full and tense; dull and heavy; burning; very sensitive to light; sensation as if sand in them.³ Pain : over left eye; severe in supraorbital region on waking in morning; agg. motion and stooping; heavy, bruised sensation.³

Nose

·         Acute coryza; profuse, watery discharge from right nostril; left stopped up, with chilly sensation, alternating with heat²

Skin

·         A curious feature of the skin effects of the Black nightshade is that they have a tendency to blackness: "The swelling is very painful, it enlarges, becomes shiny, hard, and deep red; and in several places, quite black."  &c. "The tip of the nose, the hands, from the finger-tips to the knuckles, and the toes to the tarsal joints become quite black as if regularly dyed." Corresponding to the black appearance is a bruised feeling all over the body.³

References:

1.       Allen T.F., Encyclopedia of pure materia medica

2.       Boerricke W., Homoeopathic materia medica

3.       Clarke, J. H, A dictionary of practical materia medica

4.       K. M. Nadkarni, Dr. K. M. Nadkarni's Indian materia medica

5.     Murphy R, Homoeopathic remedy guide

6.       Shojaii A. , Fard M. A. (2012), Review of Pharmacological Properties and Chemical Constituents of Pimpinella anisum, ISRN Pharm. 2012; 2012: 510795., Published online 2012 Jul 16. doi:  10.5402/2012/510795, Accessed online 18-1-16,  at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3405664/

7.       Varma R N, Vaid I, Encylcopaedia of homoeopathic pharmcopoeia

Filipendula ulmaria

Filipendula ulmaria

Botanical name: Filipendula ulmaria

Family : Rosaceae

Common name: spiraea ulmaria ,Hardhack, Meadow-sweet, Queen-of-the-meadow, Dropwort

Habitat :  Native throughout most of Europe and Western Asia 

Part used: Root

 Inside story

·         The leaves and flowering stems are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, stomachic and tonic.

·         The flower head contains salicylic acid, from which the drug aspirin can be synthesized.

·         Combination of constituents in meadowsweet act to protect the inner lining of the stomach and intestines.

·         The herb is a valuable medicine in the treatment of diarrhoea, indeed it is considered almost specific in the treatment of children's diarrhoea.

·         It is also considered to be a useful stomachic, being used to treat hyperacidity, heartburn, gastritis and peptic ulcers, for which it is one of the most effective plant remedies

Clinical

·         Conscientiousness, morbid.

·         Convulsions.

·         Epilepsy.

·         Hydrophobia.

·         Oesophagus, stricture of.

·         Ptosis.

·         Urine, deposits in.

Indications

·         Burning and pressure in oesophagus, feels contracted but not made worse by swallowing.

·         Relieves irritation of the urinary passages; influences the prostate gland; checks gleet and prostatorrhœa; has been used for eclampsia, epilepsy, and hydrophobia.

·         Bites of mad animals.

Heat in various parts

References

1.       Boerricke W., HOMOEOPATHIC MATERIA MEDICA

2.       Clarke, J. H, A DICTIONARY OF PRACTICAL MATERIA MEDICA

3.       Practicalplants.org,. "Filipendula Ulmaria (Meadowsweet) - Practical Plants". N.p., 2016. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.

4.       Shehab, Abdulla et al. "Ammi Visnaga In Treatment Of Urolithiasis And Hypertriglyceridemia".Pharmacognosy Research 7.4 (2015): 397. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.

5.       Vanachayangkul, P. et al. "An Aqueous Extract Of Ammi Visnaga Fruits And Its Constituents Khellin And Visnagin Prevent Cell Damage Caused By Oxalate In Renal Epithelial Cells". Phytomedicine 17.8-9 (2010): 653-658. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.

Ammi visanga

Ammi visanga

Botanical name: Ammi Visnaga Lam.

Family : Apiaceae

Common name: Visnaga, Khelle, Khilla, Tooth Pickammi

Habitat : Indigeneous to Egypt, Specially found in Nile data, The Fayoum, The Mediterranean, and the near East. Cultivated widely in South America.

Part used: Fruit

Action

• Vasodilation effect
• Bronchodilatory effect
• Has been used in treatment of Angina Pectoris
• Asthma in conjunction with other drugs.

Inside story

^·          The fruits of Ammi visnaga L. have been used traditionally in Egypt to relieve pain of kidney stone passage by drinking a tea prepared from the crushed or powdered fruits of khella.

·         Khella is also used for respiratory conditions including asthma, bronchitis, cough, and whooping cough.

·          It is also used for cardiovascular disorders including hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, angina, atherosclerosis, and hypercholesterolemia.

·         It is also used for liver and gall bladder disorders, diabetes, and as a diuretic.

·         Topically, khella is used on the skin for vitiligo, psoriasis, patchy hair loss, wound healing, inflammation conditions, and poisonous bites.

References

1. Boerricke W., HOMOEOPATHIC MATERIA MEDICA

2. Clarke, J. H, A DICTIONARY OF PRACTICAL MATERIA MEDICA

3. Practicalplants.org,. "Filipendula Ulmaria (Meadowsweet) - Practical Plants". N.p., 2016. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.

4. Shehab, Abdulla et al. "Ammi Visnaga In Treatment Of Urolithiasis And Hypertriglyceridemia".Pharmacognosy Research 7.4 (2015): 397. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.

Vanachayangkul, P. et al. "An Aqueous Extract Of Ammi Visnaga Fruits And Its Constituents Khellin And Visnagin Prevent Cell Damage Caused By Oxalate In Renal Epithelial Cells". Phytomedicine 17.8-9 (2010): 653-658. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.

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drguneetw@yahoo.co.in

Urtica dioica

Urtica Dioica

• Common nettle

Urtica Urens

Urtica Urens

Common Names :

Burning nettle
Dog nettle
Dwarf nettle
Ortie brûlante
Small stinging nettle
Urtica minor

• A remedy for agalactia and lithiasis. 
• Profuse discharge from mucous surfaces. 
• Enuresis and urticaria. 
• Spleen affections. 
• Antidotes ill-effects of eating shellfish. 
• Symptoms return at the same time every year. 
• Gout and uric acid diathesis. 
• Favors elimination.

- Boericke W., Homoeopathic Materia Medica

Uva Ursi

Uva Ursi

Bearberry

Urinary symptoms most important. Cystitis, with bloody urine. Uterine hæmorrhage. Chronic vesical irritation, with pain, tenesmus, and catarrhal discharges. Burning after the discharge of slimy urine. Pyelitis. Calculous inflammation. Dyspnœa, nausea, vomiting, pulse small and irregular. Cyanosis. Urticaria without itching.

- Boericke W., Homoeopathic Materia Medica

Vaccinium Myrtillus

Whortleberry. Bilberry. N. O. Vacciniaceæ. Tincture of fresh berries.

Clinical.─Diarrhœa. Dysentery.

Dr Clarke Mentions 

"My attention was first drawn to this remedy by Dr. A. H. Croucher in an article published in the Homœopathic Review many years ago, giving cases of inveterate diarrhœa cured by it. This experience I have repeatedly confirmed. I have always used it in the Ø tincture, generally giving 5-drop doses every four hours. It is especially applicable to vaccinal, malarial, and dysenteric cases. Whortleberry is a close relative of Cranberry, and the natural order is allied to the Ericaceæ. It is a native of heathy and swampy mountainous regions."

- Boericke W., Homoeopathic Materia Medica


Macular Degeneration

- Murphy, Lotus materia medica, B Jain Publishers
- Murphy, Natures materia medica

Valeriana Officinalis

Valeriana

Excessive nervous excitability; hysterical nervous temperament ; persons in whom the intellectual faculties predominate; changeable disposition. Red parts become white. Feels light as if floating in the air. Oversensitiveness of all the senses. Sensation of great coldness in head . Sensation as if a thread were hanging down throat. Child vomits: curdled milk, in large lumps; same in stools; as soon as it has nursed, after mother has been angry. Sciatica: pain < when standing and letting foot rest on floor; when straightening out limb, during rest from previous exertion; > when walking.

- Boericke W., Homoeopathic Materia Medica

Verbascum Thapsus

Verbascum Thapsus

Mullein
(VERBASCUM)

Has a pronounced action on the inferior maxillary branch of the fifth pair of the cranial nerves; on the ear; and respiratory tract and bladder. Catarrhs, and colds, with periodical prosopalgia. Quiets nervous, and bronchial, and urinary irritation, and cough.


- Boericke W., Homoeopathic Materia Medica

Viburnum Opulus

Viburnum opulus

High Cranberry

A general remedy for cramps. Colicky pains in pelvic organs. Superconscious of internal sexual organs. Female symptoms most important. Often prevents miscarriage. False labor-pains. Spasmodic and congestive affections, dependent upon ovarian or uterine origin.

- Boericke W., Homeopathic Materia Medica

Vinca Minor

A remedy for skin affections, eczema, and especially plica polonica; also for hæmorrhages and diphtheria.

- Boericke W., Homeopathic Materia Medica