If you’ve ever felt trapped in a cycle of sniffles, sore throats, and relentless coughing, you’re not alone. For many, recurrent colds and coughs aren’t just seasonal annoyances, it can hamper your productivity, sleep, and overall well-being. Antibiotic resistance is growing, rendering many susceptible to infections that no longer yield to standard treatments. While reaching for antibiotics may seem like the quickest fix, overuse can backfire, weakening your body’s defenses and fueling resistance. But what if there was a way to break this cycle, strengthen your immunity, and tackle the root causes rather than just the symptoms? Today, more people are exploring gentle, personalized approaches like homeopathy that work with your body, not against it, to put you back in control of your health.

Dr. Ritula Talwar, homeopathic doctor and science expert, highlights that "homeopathy provides a means of curing recurring cough and cold by engaging with the body's natural self-curing processes instead of just suppressing symptoms." She points out that it focuses on individualized treatment, overall well-being, and immune boost, thus minimizing the use of antibiotics.

What Are The Basic Homeopathy Principles?

At its core is the principle of Similia Similibus Curentur, or "like cures like." It relies on using highly diluted substances, which induce specific symptoms in healthy people to cure similar symptoms in sick people. But what makes homeopathy even more appropriate for repeated cough and cold is the fact that it is a personalized and holistic system.

Dr. Talwar states, "No two patients are ever the same. Two individuals with chronic colds can be given entirely different treatments based on their symptoms, mental state, way of life, and overall constitution. The aim is not just to address symptoms but to boost the immune system of the body and allow long-term resistance.

This personalized methodology makes homeopathy different from the traditional medicine, which generally uses a prescription that is good for everyone. Homeopathy considers every individual as an intricate system in which the physical, mental, and emotional well-being are integrated.

Is Immunity Boosting The Focus of Recurrent Infection Treatment?

One of the key goals of homeopathy in the treatment of recurrent cough and cold is building up the immune system. Through the treatment of underlying vulnerabilities instead of just tackling the immediate symptoms, homeopathy can decrease the intensity and frequency of infections.

"Recurring coughs and colds usually point to a weak or out-of-balance immune system," Dr. Talwar points out. "Homeopathic treatments subtly encourage the body's inherent defense mechanisms to keep it battling infections more efficiently without the constant use of antibiotics."

Safety is another benefit. Homeopathic treatments are very diluted and essentially side-effect-free compared to conventional treatment, so they can be used over the long term.

Common Homeopathic Remedies for Cold and Cough

Although remedies need to be individualized, some of the homeopathic remedies are more commonly indicated for respiratory problems:

For Cold:

Allium Cepa: Watery nasal discharge, better in warm rooms.

Arsenicum Album: Scalding nasal discharge with restlessness, particularly in people who huddle for warmth.

Belladonna: Acute high fever, flushed face, and headache upon exposure to cold.

Natrum Muriaticum: Sneezing, nasal obstruction, colds induced by emotional stress.

Pulsatilla: Thick yellow-green mucus, made worse in warm rooms; usually given to moody, clingy people.

For Coughs:

Bryonia Alba: Dry, sore cough, made worse by motion.

Phosphorus: Tickly, hoarse cough, made worse by speaking or cold air.

Rumex Crispus: Dry cough elicited by cold air, scratchy throat.

Aconitum Napellus: Cough developing suddenly after exposure to cold wind.

Antimonium Tartaricum: Moist cough with thick phlegm, rattling in chest.

These treatments exemplify the homeopathic concept of treating each patient's symptoms in accordance with its unique features, as opposed to treating all colds and coughs in the same way.

Can You Use Homeopathy with Usual Allopathic Treatments?

An integrative strategy can provide the advantages of both. Homeopathy, by strengthening immunity and addressing underlying susceptibility, can decrease antibiotic dependency while at the same time effectively managing symptoms.

Dr. Talwar stresses, "For those suffering from repeated or chronic respiratory infections, homeopathy can be an addition to mainstream medicine by achieving long-term health and reducing the frequency of recurrent courses of antibiotics. But it is absolutely important to see a qualified homeopath to get proper assessment, dosing, and selection of remedies.

Even with homeopathy, serious or chronic symptoms like high fever, struggling to breathe, or chest infections—need timely care from mainstream medical experts. The trick is balance: employing homeopathy to boost immunity and treat mild-to-moderate recurrent infections but saving antibiotics for severe ones.

Homeopathy focuses on prevention in addition to healing. Taking into consideration emotional well-being, lifestyle, and individual vulnerabilities, homeopathic doctors seek to develop a robust, resilient immune system that can fend off chronic bouts of infections.

Dr. Talwar explains, "Chronic cough and cold are not necessarily an isolated condition—they're a symptom from the body, usually suggesting that the immune system is in need of support. A customized homeopathic remedy treats these imbalances at their source, allowing patients to achieve sustained health and comfort."

This patient-focused approach encourages patients to become active agents in their own health, embracing lifestyle modification, dietary changes, and stress management techniques in addition to homeopathic treatment.

Dr. Ritula Talwar, Homeopathic Physician & Scientific Support, Zeon Lifesciences Pvt Ltd

If you are on social media, you may have come across posts telling you that sunscreens are actually toxic, or videos of influencers making ‘home-made natural’ sunscreen. These have caused many people to wonder whether they are actually putting themselves more at risk by using sunscreen. Social media is filled with misinformation and to put these rumors to rest, Ashani Weeraratna, chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, spoke about sunscreen and the myths around it, answering the nagging questions in people’s head.

Everyone, no matter their skin type, needs to be concerned about skin cancer. It’s a good idea to see a dermatologist for a yearly check-up to have your skin checked. A medical expert from Johns Hopkins points out that skin cancer can even show up in places you might not expect, like on the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, or in your nail beds. This is especially true for people with darker skin, though anyone can get these types of cancers.

Is Sunscreen Toxic?

No, it's not. Despite what some people say online, there is no real proof that sunscreen is more dangerous than the sun’s UV rays. In fact, it’s much safer. If you are worried about the ingredients in chemical sunscreens, you can choose a mineral-based one that contains zinc oxide. Another option is to wear clothing with a special UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which is designed to block the sun.

Common Sunscreen Questions Answered

Does sunscreen expire?

Yes, it does. Just like food or medicine, sunscreen has a shelf life. It’s important to always check the expiration date on the bottle to make sure it will be effective.

Is SPF in makeup enough?

No. While some makeup products have SPF, they don't provide the same level of protection as a dedicated sunscreen. You should always use a separate sunscreen on its own to get the full benefits.

Are all sunscreens the same?

No, they are not. When you buy sunscreen, look for one that is "broad-spectrum." This means it protects your skin from both types of harmful UV rays: UVA and UVB. You should also choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Does bug spray affect sunscreen?

Yes. If you use bug spray that contains an ingredient called DEET, it can make your sunscreen up to 33% less effective. So, if you're using both, make sure to put on more sunscreen more often to stay protected.

Should you reapply after swimming?

Yes. You should reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes, especially after you've been in the water. Even if a product claims to be "water-resistant," water can still wash it away. Plus, water reflects sunlight, which actually increases your exposure to UV rays.

Are tanning beds safe?

No, they are not. Tanning beds are even more harmful than getting a natural tan from the sun. Think of it this way: a doctor once compared using a tanning bed to smoking cigarettes to prevent lung cancer—it just doesn't make sense and is a very bad idea for your health.

Becoming a parent is usually thought of as a natural part of life, yet for many couples, the process isn't that easy. You might have taken every test, monitored every cycle, and done every doctor's recommendation—only to be informed that everything is normal. And yet, conception still doesn't occur. This infuriating and most of the time perplexing experience has a name: unexplained infertility. In contrast to conditions in which the etiology is obvious, unexplained infertility puts couples hunting for answers in reproductive medicine's gray areas. Diagnosis is often both a blessing and a reversal—relief that nothing appears "wrong," but distress that no obvious solution exists.

For most couples, parenthood is a journey of anticipation, planning, and hope. But what is a couple to do when there are normal test results, no medical red flags found by doctors, and yet no pregnancy? This is the frustrating, emotionally draining experience of unexplained infertility—a condition which brings couples more questions than answers.

During an interview with Dr. R. Suchindra, Senior Consultant – Reproductive Medicine, Milann Fertility Hospital, Bengaluru, he states, "Unexplained infertility is when a couple fulfills all the clinical criteria for natural conception—normal ovulation, normal sperm, patent fallopian tubes, and harmonious hormones—still does not conceive after more than one year of attempting to conceive under age 35, or six months above."

This paradox, too often underemphasized in the discussion of fertility, plagues couples around the globe and is becoming a growing public health issue. Infertility itself affects approximately 10–15% of married couples in India, yet as much as 30% of those cases qualify as unexplained. And although the term may sound final, doctors point out it is really more a matter of limitations in testing than an absolute lack of causes.

Why "Unexplained" Infertility Doesn't Mean "Hopeless"?

The phrase "unexplained infertility" may sound daunting, but it's worth recognizing that it doesn't equal a guarantee of impossibility. Rather, it denotes the realm of reproductive science as of today. Physicians claim that the condition is undeservedly named. What appears to be unexplained now can, in the course of time, turn out to be due to minute hormonal variations, egg or sperm quality problems, or even molecular immune responses that current testing cannot possibly measure.

Dr. Suchindra adds that medical technology is a large contributor: "The more sophisticated the diagnostic equipment, the fewer couples are in the unexplained category. Sometimes the cause is just concealed, not missing."

This is an important point because it reinterprets unexplained infertility as an obstacle to overcome—not an impossible one.

Hidden Causes Behind Unexplained Infertility

Though there is no one explanation, studies propose a cluster of underlying factors that could be responsible:

Latent Tuberculosis (Genital TB): Especially in South Asian nations, this latent infection can destroy the endometrium or fallopian tubes without overt symptoms.

Endometriosis and Muted Hormonal Disturbances: Disorders such as endometriosis, insulin resistance, or thyroid disease are not necessarily detected through regular checks but are able to interfere with ovulation and implantation.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Autoimmune Conditions: Deficiencies in some vitamins and minerals, celiac disease, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases like lupus and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) may interfere with reproductive processes.

Cervical Mucus and Immunological Factors: In certain instances, cervical mucus has antibodies that destroy sperm, a condition referred to as immunological infertility.

Egg and Sperm Quality: Counts of eggs and sperm motility can be measured, but quality is more difficult to quantify. Unhealthy eggs or undetectable sperm defects might be undetectable in routine reports but affect conception.

All of this serves to explain why unexplained infertility is still such a difficult diagnosis—because the causes are usually hidden beneath the surface.

The Emotional Burden of an Invisible Diagnosis

For couples, a diagnosis of unexplained infertility is more than a medical diagnosis—it's a psychological odyssey. A lack of obvious explanation can be followed by cycles of self-blame, anxiety, and uncertainty. There is no one to draw a roadmap for treatment in this situation, as there might be for other conditions, and so patients can feel helpless.

Dr. Suchindra stresses, "This is usually the most difficult aspect for couples. With no cause found, they are left stuck. But here's what to understand: Many couples with unexplained infertility do end up conceiving naturally or with some assisted help."

Support, counseling, and honest communication with the healthcare providers become as crucial as treatments.

Approaches That Can Improve Chances of Conception

The lack of a definite cause doesn't imply there's no hope. Indeed, a combination of lifestyle changes, medical surveillance, and new reproductive technologies usually enhances the chances considerably.

1. The Importance of Time and Patience

On occasion, physicians will suggest a "watchful waiting" plan. Couples who are less than 35 years old can be told to keep trying naturally for several more months and monitor ovulation carefully. Research indicates that spontaneous conception is possible in a high percentage of situations once tension is minimized and timing is refined.

2. Lifestyle Changes That Enhance Fertility

Having a healthy weight, consuming a healthy diet, smoking cessation, reducing alcohol, reducing caffeine intake, and engaging in stress-reducing activities like yoga or mindfulness can provide a conducive environment for conception. While these measures don't "treat" infertility, they improve overall reproductive health.

3. Medical Treatments and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

When waiting and lifestyle modifications are not sufficient, physicians might prescribe treatments like:

Ovulation stimulation with medication to control or enhance egg release.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), wherein thawed sperm is inserted directly into the uterus when timed properly.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), which circumvents most natural obstacles by fertilizing eggs externally and transferring embryos.

All of them have varying success rates based on the couple's age, health, and duration of trying.

Reproductive medicine is developing fast. Genetic testing, artificial intelligence for embryo choice, and better understanding of immunological and metabolic causes of infertility will soon render the "unexplained" status much less frequent.

"Each year we find new layers of how the body prepares for pregnancy," Dr. Suchindra explains. "Our challenge as clinicians is to bridge that gap between what we know and what remains unknown, so couples can find clarity and hope."

Unexplained infertility can be a disquieting diagnosis, but it is not an impasse. Many couples still conceive naturally after a few months of waiting, while others succeed by adjusting their lifestyle and by using ART. What this process requires most is resilience, honest communication with the medical team, and the knowledge that reproductive science is continuously evolving.

As Dr. Suchindra stresses, "The lack of an answer today does not equate to the lack of a solution tomorrow." To couples on this journey, that message can convert doubt into potential.

‘Birds of a feather stick together’ is often used to define people who share similar traits. It is human nature to find comfort with someone who is more similar to you in certain ways like your preference of socializing, shared hobbies as well as temperaments. Having a partner who gels with you because you both are similar can be a blessing, however could it also be a set back? You may have also heard ‘we attract people who are similar to us’ however, did you know this could also apply to what mental health conditions you may suffer with?

A massive study published in the Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine, looked at the health records of over 14.8 million people and found a clear trend: people with a mental health diagnosis are more likely to marry someone who also has a similar condition. This isn't just a recent trend; it's a pattern that has been growing for decades and is seen in different cultures, from Taiwan to Nordic countries.

Do We Attract People Similar To Ourselves?

The study, which analyzed the health records of over 14.8 million people in Taiwan, Denmark, and Sweden, found that people with a mental health diagnosis are much more likely to marry someone with a similar condition. The pattern has become more common over the last several decades. The researchers have a few ideas why this happens:

Shared Understanding

It's possible that people who have gone through similar mental health challenges feel a special connection. They might feel more understood and accepted by a partner who knows firsthand what they're dealing with. This shared experience can build a strong bond.

Growing More Alike

Sometimes, partners in a long-term relationship start to become more similar over time. Because they live together and face similar challenges, their behaviors and experiences can begin to match up, a process researchers call "convergence."

Social Stigma

Unfortunately, there's still a lot of social judgment around mental illness. This can make dating and finding a partner more difficult. This reality might lead people with mental health conditions to have a smaller group of potential partners, making it more likely they'll end up with someone who also has a similar background.

Do Our Mental Health Conditions Affect Our Families?

This study also uncovered some important findings about how this trend can affect families and overall health.

Passing on Conditions

When both parents have the same mental health disorder, their children are twice as likely to develop the condition themselves. This risk is highest for conditions that are known to have a strong genetic link, such as schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder.

Physical Health Risks

Mental health issues don't just affect the mind; they can also impact the body. For example, people with depression are at a 40% higher risk of developing heart and metabolic diseases.

Strained Relationships

Previous studies have already shown that marriages where one partner has a mental health condition have a higher chance of divorce. These new findings add to that by showing that the marriage itself is often formed between two people who are already facing similar mental health challenges.