S. Sheeba1*,G.S.Deepa2,Reshma Reghu3,S.Sanju4,S.S. Ramya5and Shimmal Chenthik J.P5
Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Sarada Krishna Homoeopathic Medical College (Affiliated to The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai), Kulasekharam, Kanniyakumari District, Tamilnadu, India.
Department of Physiology, Sarada Krishna Homoeopathic Medical College (Affiliated to The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai), Kulasekharam, Kanniyakumari District, Tamilnadu, India.
Department of Community Medicine, Sarada Krishna Homoeopathic Medical College (Affiliated to The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai), Kulasekharam, Kanniyakumari District, Tamilnadu, India.
Department of Forensic medicine, Sarada Krishna Homoeopathic Medical College (Affiliated to The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai), Kulasekharam, Kanniyakumari District, Tamilnadu, India
Department of Homoeopathic Pharmacy, Sarada Krishna Homoeopathic Medical College (Affiliated to The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai), Kulasekharam, Kanniyakumari District, Tamilnadu, India.
Received: 30 Oct, 2025; Accepted: 15 Nov, 2025; Published: 2 Dec, 2025
Citation: S. Sheeba, GS Deepa, and Reshma R et al. “Efficacy of Thuja Occidentalis As Intercurrent Remedy in The Management of Pcos: An Observational Study.” J Gynecol Matern Health (2025): 121. DOI: 10.59462/3068-3696.3.2.121
Copyright: © 2025 Sumeet Dwivedi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an endocrine disorder characterized by a series of hormone imbalances. The three criteria are oligo/ inoculation, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries. PCOS is a syndrome manifested by amenorrhea, hirsutism and obesity associated with enlarged polycystic ovaries. This complex disorder is characterized by excessive androgen production which interferes with growth of ovarian follicles. The cysts occur when regular change of a normal menstrual cycle is disrupted. Polycystic ovarian syndrome can be described as an oligo genic disorder in which the interaction of a number of genetic and environmental factors determine the heterogeneous and clinical. Homeopathy, only the totality of the symptoms of the individual state of each particular patient is used to cure the disease. Even in the case of well selected remedy was standstill Intercurrent remedy is given to stimulate the action of the medicine. Intercurrent prescriptions are the remedies given during the course of homoeopathic treatment for some chronic diseases for the purpose of removing any acute diseases & accelerating the mode of cure or removing any hindrances called miasmatic blocks. Most often, intercurrent remedies will be nosode and have miasmatic influences. If this can be perceived clearly in a case, then they can be used with great benefit. But not all intercurrent remedies are nosode. In fact, any remedy could be an intercurrent remedy when applied for the case. Thuja is effective in treating the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome alone or along with constitutional remedy.
Homoeopathy, Intercurrent medicine, Menstrual Irregularity, Polycystic Ovaries, Menstrual Irregularity, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome otherwise called PCOS
OR PCOD [Polycystic Ovarian Disorder] is a typical hormonal issue and a main source of female infertility around the world. PCOS is additionally called as Stein-Leventhal syndrome. [1] The three criteria for
PCOS are oligo ovulation and anovulation, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries [PCO]. [2,3]
Poly cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition
wherein females ordinarily have many numbers of
little cysts around the edge of their ovaries. Polycystic ovaries mean the ovaries containing countless blisters that are not greater than 8mm and grow a larger
number of follicles consistently than ordinary ovaries.
The growths are the egg containing follicles that don’t
grow appropriately as a result of hormone imbalance.
A few females proceed to create PCOS [Polycystic
Ovarian Syndrome] which implies they have different
indications including polycystic ovaries. PCOS might
be heredity also. Many women with polycystic ovarian syndrome have insulin resistance. Insulin levels
build up in the body and may cause higher androgen levels. [3] Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of
reproductive age, characterized by a range of symptoms including irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. This condition
often leads to significant health issues such as infertility, metabolic disturbances, and an increased risk of
cardiovascular disease. While conventional medical
treatments focus on managing symptoms through
hormonal therapies and lifestyle modifications, there
is growing interest in alternative and complementary
approaches, including homeopathy.
One such homeopathic remedy, Thuja Occidentalis,
has been traditionally used for various ailments and
is reputed for its potential benefits in managing symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances. The use
of Thuja as an intercurrent remedy—administered
between main treatments to address underlying
issues—has sparked interest in its efficacy for conditions like PCOS, where conventional treatments may
not fully address all aspects of the syndrome. This
observational study aims to explore the efficacy of
Thuja Occidentalis as an intercurrent remedy in the
management of PCOS. By examining the effects of
Thuja on various symptoms and biochemical markers associated with PCOS, this study seeks to provide insights into the potential role of this homeopathic remedy in complementing conventional treatment
strategies. The findings could contribute to a broader understanding of how homeopathy might be integrated into holistic approaches to managing complex
endocrine disorders like PCOS. Obesity can also increase insulin levels and make the symptoms worse.
The clinical features are Oligomenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, episodic menometrorrhagia with anaemia.,
central Obesity (BMI >30kg/cm), Infertility, hirsutism,
acne, seborrhoea, acanthosis Nigricans Hair- Ansyndrome characterised by the hyper androgenic, insulin resistance and acanthosis Nigricans, increased
first trimester miscarriage, androgenic alopecia, increased terminal hair growth in midline structures
including face, neck, and abdomen. Deepening of
the voice, temporal balding or musicalisation of body
habitus, decreased breast size, recurrent spontaneous abortion. [4] Moderate stomach inconvenience
during periods, skin inflammation, and over the top
skin development on neck or in armpit additionally
called as acanthosis Nigricans. Bone pain [arthralgia] and male pattern baldness [alopecia], stoppage,
flatulence, and heartburn. Polycystic ovarian disorder
(PCOS) Divided essentially into two types. [5] i.e. Insulin Resistant (IR) PCOS and Noninsulin Resistant
PCOS.
In the introduction of “The Theory of Chronic diseases” first edition, 1828 Dr. Hahnemann presented
the method of using acute & chronic incurrent remedies. It is used when a well indicated remedy fails
to give desired result. It is usually prescribed where
the indicated remedy works well for a while and then
begins to taper off. [6] It can be in the form of a nosode, a complementary, or constitutional / Polychrest
remedy. Acute Intercurrent are those remedies given
during an acute crisis in the management of a chronic
case. This acute crisis may be due to any cause (like
getting wet, severe trauma, injuries, acute miasms,
some epidemics, any exciting factor, etc.), but it is different from the clinical picture of the chronic natural
disease. [7] Chronic intercurrent are those medicines
which are usually given as anti-miasmatic remedies
in the midst of the chronic treatment for miasmatic
blocks, suppressions and obstacles to the cure. The
common Intercurrent remedies are mentioned under
the relationship of remedies in Materia Medica or in
certain repertories. [8]
Sample Collection
In this observational study, a total of 10 cases were selected, with participants ranging in age from 15 to 45 years. The selection criteria were based on the presence of strong clinical symptoms indicative of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), as confirmed by physical examination and, when necessary, diagnostic investigations. Participants were randomly included in the study to ensure a diverse representation of PCOS manifestations.
Data Collection
The data collection process involved detailed interviews with the patients and comprehensive clinical examinations. All relevant information was meticulously recorded in standardized case records, following the guidelines established by SKHMC. This standardization ensured consistency in data documentation and allowed for a thorough analysis of each case.
Treatment Procedures
To determine the appropriate homeopathic treatment,
a totality of symptoms was established for each patient. This process involved a holistic assessment of
each individual’s symptoms, personality traits, and
overall constitution, in accordance with the principles
of homeopathy. The selection of the remedy, Thuja
Occidentalis, was made by consulting the Homeopathic Materia Medica and various repertories, ensuring that the chosen treatment aligned with the patient’s unique symptom profile.
Following the administration of the remedy, patients
were closely monitored over a specified period. The
outcomes were systematically recorded and analyzed, with particular attention given to changes in
symptoms and overall health status. The inferences
drawn from these follow-up assessments provided insights into the efficacy of Thuja Occidentalis in
managing the symptoms of PCOS, contributing valuable information to the understanding of homeopathic treatment in this context. The distribution of symptoms is shown in fig:1.
In aphorism 5, deals with exciting cause and fundamental cause which is due to chronic miasm. Hahnemann says to take into consideration the total person during the course of investigating their health. Aphorism 260 deals with obstacles to cure. In order to remove such obstacles intercurrent remedies must be prescribed. Chronic intercurrent are those medicines which are usually given as anti-miasmatic remedies in the midst of the chronic treatment for miasmatic blocks, suppressions and obstacles to the cure. The communal Intercurrent therapies are stated under the affiliation of medications in Materia Medica or in convinced staging. [9,10] The intercurrent medicine, Thuja Occidentalis medicine is usually prescribed to women if they have multiple cysts within the left ovary. These cysts may not cause much inflammation, but will be quite painful. It is also prescribed in cases where a woman may get male pattern hair growth on the body. Thuja is very effective is dissolving cysts and thus can quickly correct hormonal imbalances. Thuja Occidentalis is excellent for ovarian cyst, especially left side. There is sometimes inflammation of left ovary with severe pain, at every menstrual period. The menses is scanty or retarded, too early or too short. [10]
| Sl.no | Symptoms | Before treatment | After treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Irregular menses | 11 | 1 |
| 2 | Amenorrhea | 12 | 4 |
| 3 | Menorrhagia | 15 | 3 |
| 4 | Hirsutism | 16 | 2 |
| 5 | Acanthosis Nigricans | 10 | 1 |
| 6 | Skin tags | 12 | 1 |
| 7 | Back pain | 11 | 4 |
| 8 | Lower abdominal pain | 13 | 3 |
| 9 | Weakness before menses | 18 | 1 |
| 10 | Acne | 17 | 5 |
Table 1: Distribution of Symptoms
General Indications for the use of intercurrent are poor/ slow/ inadequate/ short lasting/ superficial re-sponse to the indicated constitutional remedy, inadequate similarity, inadequate potency, inadequate repetition, genetics load, dominant miasm is active and the system depressed, morbid Constitution and Diathesis, energy reservoir- poor, indolent system, sycotic dominance, suppression [11] Dr Hahnemann explained in foot note of aphorism 94, “in chronic diseases especially the females necessary to pay attention to pregnancy, sterility, sexual desire, accouchements, miscarriage, suckling, and the state of the menstrual discharge [12] Dr. Samuel Hahnemann explains in foot note of aphorism 81 about the life style disorders i.e. some of these causes that exercise a modifying influence on the transformation of psora into chronic diseases.[13] Manifestly depends on the climate alterations, physical variations, character of the abode places, both have been neglected. So, by the diet and regimen, passions, manners, habits and customs of various kinds are should be considered. [14]
PCOS Present with different level of Symptoms like sporadic, rare periods inside 3 or 4years of beginning discharge lighter overwhelming during period, weight gain, and unnecessary hair growth to changing degrees on face, chest, and lower midriff. The striking feature of remedy administered, which derive over the guiding symptoms, common and trivial symptom progression with reduction in size of cyst. [15] But consequently, polycystic size reduced, her menses become regular, her associated symptoms are condensed toms, acne and hair growth on face are improved. Our master Dr. Hahnemann had given specific diet and mode of living for the patients who are under Homeopathic treatment for a chronic disease which hinders the cure.Distribution based on age group.
The outcome of the study conducted in 10 cases, most of the symptoms under sycosis, there by the medicine given accordingly to the patient in the basis of constitution with intercurrent remedy. The age of the patients varied from 15 years (youngest, unmarried) to 45 years (married), all of them having a large sized cyst in their left ovary apart from the associated menstrual problem and occasional pain in the abdomen. Through an outlook of patients, medicines were given according to the totality of symptoms either constitutional basis or miasmatic basis. And Thuja Occidentalis given as intercurrent medicine for the improvement of the cases. The cases were taken according to the homeopathic case taking and the totality of symptoms were framed. [16] The symptoms are then analysed and is converted into rubrics. With the help of Miasmatic reference books, miasm related to the rubrics was found out and repertorization was done afterwards [17] and the remedy which covered the maximum rubrics and the miasm was prescribed. Potencies were chosen as per the homeopathic doctrine as suggested in the “Organon of Medicine”.
| SL NO | CONSTITUTION BASIS | INTERCURRENT REMEDY (THUJA OCCIDENTALIS) | NO. OFCASES |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calcarea Carbonica | Twice in a week | 5 |
| 2 | Sepia Officinalis | Twice in a week | 3 |
| 3 | Apis Mellifica | Twice in a week | 2 |
Table 1: Analysis of patients in constitutional basis
Basis on constitution of the patient, medicines were given according to totality of the patient. Through an overlook of 10 cases 5 cases based on Calcarea Carbonica, 3 cases on Sepia Officinalis, 2 cases on Apis Mellifica has covered those symptoms. Then the patients were treated with Thuja Occidentalis as an intercurrent remedy. After giving these medicine patients were feels better mentally and physically. Thuja Occidentalis has an effect on curing irregular menses with presenting conditions of acne, skin tags, hair growth and so on. Thus, the result shows the effectiveness of Thuja Occidentalis as an intercurrent medicine for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome. The symptoms are then analyzed and converted to rubrics.
Thuja has the innate capacity to dissolve and get rid of abnormal growths anywhere in the body. Thus, it is very effective in dissolving ovarian cysts too. Most women who require Thuja have cysts in the left ovary. Apart from this, Thuja is also very effective in treating hirsutism due to PCOS. [14] Thuja Occidentalis is selected as menses has the odour of fish- brine, and stain of the menstrual blood is difficult to wash off. Spasmodic, colicky and paroxysmal pains. Acrid, painful, and with pruritus. Blood is offensive, clotted, and stringy, clots are large and dark, profuse Hyperpigmentation of the skin, and melanomas [15]. Oily skin, incapability to conceive due to hormone imbalance. Tongue usually large and flabby, taking the imprint of teeth, taste metallic or bitter, putrid, gums are soft, spongy recede from teeth and bleed easily. The discharge is mucopurulent, thin, acrid, lumpy with milk in the breasts during menses. weakness and weariness of lower limbs.
From the study it was concluded that homoeopathy
has a great role to play in the cases of Polycystic
ovarian syndrome leading to improvement in the individuals. Intercurrent prescribing by taking the whole
individual picture of the patient has a great effect in
the condition. Results were shown and tabulated in
fig:4 and table 3.98% relief were seen in the 10 patients that were taken for study. Mild relief was seen
in 2% of patients due to presence of obstacles to
cure in certain cases and the reference of this can
be found in Organon of medicine in Aphorism. 3 as
given by Dr Hahnemann [18]. Aphorism 3 states what
is to be cured, what is curative and its application and
removing obstacles. Hahnemann ends by saying that
homoeopath should treat judiciously and rationally
so that he becomes a true practitioner of healing art.
Hence the careful investigation into such obstacles
to cure is necessary, as their diseases are usually
aggravated by such noxious influences and other disease-causing errors in the diet and regimen, which
often pass unnoticed. [19,20]
For a true homeopath it becomes essential to know
about the miasm of underlying disease condition,
it will not only help in deducting the true picture of
that individual but also the evolution and prognosis of that condition. [17] Hahnemann was the first
physician to use the term “miasms. The constitutional and antimiasmatic treatment of Polycystic ovarian
syndrome are of the greatest importance. Polycystic
ovarian syndrome is in itself either of some constitutional dyscrasias or of some local exciting cause.
Homoeopathic remedies are very beneficial in the
treatment of Polycystic ovarian syndrome. Homoeopathic medicines are naturally acting and its material
content is very minute in quantity. In Homoeopathy,
medicines are selected on the basis of totality of
symptoms, either constitutional or miasmatic remedies are given. In this study, Thuja Occidentalis is
the medicines prescribed on the basis of miasmatic
approach. [20]
A dyscrasias is a sin process or something that
makes the body healthier or a disease of a defined
character; a general impairment of health; a degeneration, a faulty condition of the body; a morbid diathesis, and a predisposed condition of the state of the organism [19]. The most important contribution
of Hahnemann’s explorations into miasms is the
concept that layers of predisposition exists. [20] The
prescriber systematically peels off the layers of predisposing weaknesses by carefully prescribing each
remedy based on totality of symptoms. [21,22] Hahnemann states that homoeopathic treatment must be
continued until all the layers of predisposition have
been removed [23,24]. Out of 10 cases through this,
compiling the method of curing Polycystic ovarian
syndrome on the basis of Intercurrent remedy approach.