The Therapeutic Effects of Nux Vomica LM Potency on Renal Stones: A Case Report

The Therapeutic Effects of Nux Vomica LM Potency on Renal Stones: A Case Report

Abstract

 Kidney stone disease is a crystal concretion formed generally within the kidney. It is an accumulative urological disorder of human health affecting about 12 % of the world population. Stone formation is highly prevalent, with rates of upto14.8% and increasing, and a recurrence rate of up to 50% within the first 5 years of the initial stone incident. A 48-yr old female came with a complaint of radiating pain in left side abdomen and detailed case taking was done accordingly. The totality of the symptoms was erected and Nux vomica 0/1 [LM potency] water dose was prescribed. By the application of Nux vomica 0/1 in LM potency the patient was better. After a period of two weeks the patient came for a follow up visit and revealed the patient had passed a stone and Hydronephrosis was absent. Nux vomica has been found to be an efficacious remedy in the management of kidney stones. The anti -spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of nux vomica make it an effective Homoeopathic remedy for patients suffering from renal colic with complication of Hydronephrosis.

Keywords: Homoeopathy, Renal stone, Nux vomica, LM Potency.

Introduction

Kidney stones are generally stuck in the kidney. Urinary stones have been a problem for humans since 4000 BC . Preventing kidney stone recurrence remains a significant challenge for human health [5] . Kidney stones can raise the risk of chronic kidney disease ] and end-stage renal failure , cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension .The symptoms of kidney stones depend on whether they are located in the kidney, ureter, or urinary bladder[2,3,10]. Initially, stone development produces no symptoms. Stone disease symptoms may include renal colic, flank pain, haematuria, obstructive uropathy, urinary tract infections, blockage of urine flow, and hydronephrosis (dilation of the kidney). These disorders can cause nausea, vomiting, and pain due to the stone occurrence .

Globally, kidney stone disease prevalence and recurrence rates are rising. Urolithiasis affects around 12% of the global population at some point in their lives. It affects all ages, sexes, and races, but is more common in males than women aged 20-49 years. However, males have a greater lifetime recurrence rate for nephrolithiasis, whereas females’ incidence is increasing . Urolithiasis is becoming more common in industrialized and developing nations, according to recent studies. This expanding tendency is linked to lifestyle changes, including lack of physical activity and nutritional choices, as well as global warming [21]. In the Indian population, approximately 12% develop urinary stones, and out of those, 50% may experience a loss of kidney function.

Figure 1: Kidney stone locations in the urinary system

In homoeopathy, Nux vomica has been found to be an efficacious remedy in the management of kidney stones. The anti -spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of Nux Vomica make it an effective treatment for patients suffering from renal colic and associated symptoms. The drug’s action on the urinary organs often relieves suffering in spasmodic and paralytic conditions of the ureters, bladder, and urethra. Nux vomica has been identified as one of the most useful medicines in the dissolution and expulsion of calculi in a multicentre observational study conducted by the CCRH, New Delhi [25]. Dr. Hahnemann aimed to accelerate the healing process using gentle methods to minimize patient discomfort, leading to the development of the potentisation process through experiments. Firstly, the potencies were not acting rapidly enough. Secondly, they often tended to produce strong medicinal aggravations, especially among more sensitive patients. Thirdly, the period of cure took quite a long time. Fourth, the duration and frequency of remedies were difficult to ascertain correctly. So, he further experimented with potentisation. The result of that is the LM potency. He stated that “this is the most perfect method” [24,]. Nux vomica LM Potency was selected as it can be repeated at any time, action is quick, action is rapid, no aggravation and it becomes easy to select from a limited range of potencies .

Case Report  

The 47-year-old woman came with a complaint of piercing and cramping pain on the left side of the abdomen radiating to the thigh, for 1 month.  

The patient came with a complaint of piercing and cramping pain on the left side of the abdomen radiating to the thigh, for 1 month. She took allopathy, but not relief, she also experienced nausea and vomiting and frequent urination with pain. Aggravated during urination, morning and after drinking water. She was working as a housewife and had a sedentary lifestyle. 

Mental Generals 

She was very irritable and anxious about health.

Physical Generals 

Sleep disturbed because of pain.

Abdominal Examination 

Palpation revealed tenderness on the Left Lumbar and Left Iliac region 

No swelling, No rigidity 

No organomegaly

Diagnostic Assessment  

Diagnosis was made based on the clinical presentation, physical examination and lab investigation 

Diagnosis

Hydronephrosis with renal and ureteral calculous -ICD-10 code; N13.2

Differential Diagnosis

Urinary tract infection 

Pancreatitis 

Totality of Symptoms 

Irritability and anxiety

Sedentary life

Pain 3+ Piercing and cramping type 

 Left-sided abdomen pain radiating to the thigh 

Frequent and painful urination

Nausea and vomiting

<morning, after drinking water

>From rest

Lab Report – Before Treatment


Repertorisation

Therapeutic Intervention

After evaluation of the case, a repertorial totality was constructed followed by repertorisation  with the help of synthesis repertory .On the basis of the repertorial result and final consultation  with materia medica ,individualized single homoeopathic medicine Nux vomica was selected and prescribed in 0/1 LM potency in water dose in for two weeks on alternative days at bed time .

Prescription

NUX VOMICA 0/1 [LM POTENCY]

Increasing a teaspoon of water dose in alternative days at bed time.

Follow up

After 2 weeks

  • Pain reduced, No piercing and cramping pain.
  • No radiating pain 
  • No nausea and vomiting 
  • No frequent urination 

Second Prescription 

NUX VOMICA  0/2 [LM potency]

Increasing teaspoon of water dose in alternative days at bed time 

Lab Report  – After 1 month 

Conclusion 

The case responded very well to the homoeopathic medicine and speedy improvement was seen in the physical and mental planes and also Nux vomica LM potency (in water dose) effectively treated the renal stones and hydronephrosis. This medication effectively expels stones, reduces pain, and prevents recurrence.

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About the author

Dr Tintu

Dr Tintu - PG -Scholar, Paediatric Department, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore