Therapeutic effects of Nux vomica LM potency on renal stones: a case report

Dr Tintu

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 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 follow up visit revealed 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 ^[1,2,3]. Urinary stones have been a problem for humans since 4000 B .C ^[4] . Preventing kidney stone recurrence remains a significant challenge for human health ^[5] . Kidney stones can raise the risk of chronic kidney disease ^[4] and end-stage renal failure ^[2,3,5,6] , cardiovascular diseases ^[2,3,7,8], diabetes, and hypertension ^[2,3,9].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 ^[2,3,11].

Globally, kidney stone disease prevalence and recurrence rates are rising ^[12,13]. Urolithiasis affects around 12% of the global population at some point in their lives ^[14]. It affects all ages, sexes, and races ^[15,16], but is more common in males than women aged 20-49 years ^[17]. However, males have a greater lifetime recurrence rate for nephrolithiasis, whereas females’ incidence is increasing ^[18]. 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 ^[19-20], as well as global warming ^[21]. In the Indian population, approximately 12% are develop urinary stones, and out of those, 50% may experience a loss of kidney function.^[22]

In homoeopathy, Nux vomica has been found to be a 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 ^[22]. The drug’s action on the urinary organs often relieves suffering in spasmodic and paralytic conditions of the ureters, bladder, and urethra ^[22,23]. 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 ^[24,25,27].

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, since 1 month.

History of presenting complaint  

Patient came with a complaint of piercing and cramping pain on the left side of the abdomen radiating to the thigh, since 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.

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

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

Prescription
NUX VOMICA 0/1 [LM POTENCY]

Increasing 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

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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Dr Tintu
PG Scholar, Paediatric department, Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College, Mangalore.
Guide –Dr. Jyoshna Shivaprasad [Professor & HOD, Paediatrics]
Email : drirenejohn@gmail.com