Some notes on Philosophy, Provings and Flu

I. PHILOSOPHY
1. Das ewige innere der “black box” – Oder: Uber das biologistische Selbstmissverstandnis in der Homoopathie (the eternal “black-box” – or the
biological  misundertstandiny in Homoeoopathy)
DEUTSCHMANN U. (AHZ, 237, 6/1992)
Attempts to explain the effectiveness of homoeopathic drugs basing on proofs of active substances are criticized in general, beginning from the muddled discussion about homoeopathic therapy within the medical profession. Homoeopathy history is compared with the history of a contemporary phenomenon in medicine: Hypnosis, which because of a physicalistic and spiritualistic interpretation lost its credibility since decades. The inability of the official medicine to investigate the powers of homoeopathic healing in a less reductionist manner is explained by the dogmatic separation of body and soul. The blind spots in such explanations are also clarified. Reflecting the patient-physician relationship in a case history, a hypothetic position is given that opens the possibility to understand more appropriately the phenomenon of homoeopathic therapy.
2. Medicine and Science
BERGMAN Herbert (HL, 5, 1/1992)
“Only from the natural sciences can the salvation of the medical sciences be expected” – a statement from the turn of the century from the time when soul and emotions have been sacrificed to a materialistic dogma. The author leads us through medical history to the renaissance of human qualities in our time, and to a future ‘ecological medicine.’ He shows us how the paradigms in the natural sciences went through a process of change, which so far has only had little impact on modern medicine.
3. Hormesis
ROBINSON Karl (HL, 5, 1/1992)
The Arndt-Schulz law which states that biological systems respond very differently to chemicals in different doses has been rediscovered by research biologists and renamed Hormesis. Much new experimental evidence has accumulated over the last forty years showing that biological, physiological or bio-chemical responses to a drug at a low dose may be completely opposite to that response when a larger dose is administered. This paper reports on some of that research which is thought to buttress homoeopathic theory.
4. Chaos theory and Homoeopathy
HOCK Nikolaus and GARNER Christoph (HL, 5,1/1992) In recent years Chaos theory has been increasingly used to describe different phenomena in various areas of science. Some basic aspects of this theory, which may be of importance with respect to homoeopathic principles, are discussed. Chaos theory may provide a mathematical model to explain the
findings of “sinusoidal” curves in
Is the miasms theory still valid? There are varying views on this. Dr.ORTEGA has developed a theory of chronic miasms. SANKARAN classifies the Miasms as: Acute, Psoric, Sycotic, Syphilitic, and Tuberculinic. Acute = acute threat; Psoric = struggle; Sycotic = cover-up of internal weakness, masking; Syphilitic = Breaking, no recovery possible and so change or destroy; Tuberculinic = struggle, if failure then destroy.
homoeopathic research and to demonstrate the (VITHOULKAS opines that the theory of
princple of self-similarity in Homoepathy This miasms although conceptually sound is useless
model may give a possible explanation for a for choice of remedy. He proposed to add to the
specific action of high homoeopathic potencies three classic miasma the Tuberculinic, the
far beyond the Avogadro number. Carcinomatous, as well as the more modern
5. Syndrome Shift oi – The morbid substitution miasms of Penicillin and Cortisone. = See Report
as a leading principle in Homoeopathy on George VITHOULKAS Seminar in Verona. =
DEBATS Fernand (HL, 5, 1/1992) K.S.S)
The phenomena of syndrome shift, the 7. “Familienahnlichkeit” zwischen
substitution of one disease by another, has been Prufungssymptomen in der Homoopathie
described thorugh-out medical history. Although (“Familysimilarity” between Proving
not explainable in orthodox medicine, it has Symptoms in Homoeopathy)
never been investigated thoroughly. In WEGENER, A. (ZKH, 36, 5/1992)
Homoeopathy we not only do know this In 1860 HOPPE wrote in an article that since
phenomenon but actually apply it in our the ‘prover’ could possibly have many ailments
therapeutic approach. Homoeopathy is curing which may be slumbering and the ‘proving
diseases by inducing syndrome shifts by means remedy1 may cause any or many of these
of potencies, chosen according to the law of slumbering symptoms become worse. To avoid
similars and guided by Hering’s taw of cure. confusion of such symptoms with the symptoms
6. Theory of Miasms which belong purely to the ‘proving remedy’, the SANKARAN Rajan (HL, 5,2/1992) personal symptoms of the ‘prover’ must be observed and noted before the ‘proving1, said HOPPE. In 1861 HERING, in an article in the
Homoopathischan Vierteljahrschrift, dealt thoroughly with the homoeopathic remedy provings, and said that every symptom is a product of both = the remedy and the prover. He pointed out that a remedy can only express something belonging to the prover. He demonstrated this by the resemblance of symptoms obtained by the same prover with different remedies. The author says as a further proof of HERING’s observation, HAHNEMANN’s symptoms in Cocculus and Hepar – “Serious, and though caring little about his own health, he is very anxious about the illness of others” (Symptom No.531 of the Materia Medica Pura) and “Fears about the illness of his family, especially while walking in the open air” (Symptom No.5 of the Chronic Diseases) Possibly these were HAHNEMANN’s personal symptoms (see HAHNEMANN’s “Extracts from a letter to a high-ranking Physician….”)
II. MATERIA MEDICA
1. Notes on Guao NAVARRO Jose J (HH, 17, 7/1992)
Guao is a plant that grows in Cuba. Four cases are published. Dr.Carrol DUNHAM remarks that Guao is ‘Comocladia dentate’ belonging to the same family as Rhus toxicodendron (Anacardiaceae). The article is very interesting. A reprint.
2. Taxus baccata – An experience with a new remedy KAPADIA Sarabhai (HH, 17, 8/1992)
The author draws attention to the peculiar symptom of Taxus baccata “Abdomen, rumbling, fasting, while” on the basis of which he cured such conditions as Metromenorrhagia with copious leucorrhoea, piles and fissures, osteoarthritis with high levels of uric acid, asthma with sinusitis, chronic migraine and pigmentation on face, recurrent styes, meibomian cysts.
3. Symphytum – a clinical verification MANKAD S.K. (HH, 17. 8/1992)
The author highlights the role of Symphytum in gastric/duodenal ulcers and gastralgia. He also mentions that this patient suffered, before the gastric ailment, profound grief following the death of a close relative.
4. Homoeopathic drug proving – a scientific approach
FRANK Wieland (HL, 5,1/1992)
Many attempts have been made in the past to develop a drug proving concept which should be accepted by at least a number of doctors in a country. This draft of a concept is the crystallization of a great number of discussions with many homoeopathic doctors in Europe. It is presented as a draft for discussion with the hope to finally green. Mind races and words come develop a drug proving protocol which 3ut in wrong order or  follows a clear method, serves the purpose to mispronounced. Spacey and poor get reliable symptoms for the Materia concentration. Concentration difficult Medica and is practicable. (several
A”Symosium on homoeopathic drug provers).  provingson healthy persons” was to be held Extremely anxious.  on 12 June 1992 to 14 June 1992 in Fried More easily aggravated and frustrated. rich rhods, Eastern part of Germany. 5. A Explosive anger at minor incidents – as
proving of Candida parapsilosis though their rights were  DONALD Brown, and ANDREW Lange being infringed upon.  (HL, 5,1/1992) Candida parapsilosis is a Forgetful. Unusually
common yeast-like organism that has been irritable.  implicated in human infection. It has been Vertigo  recovered from respiratory secretions, urine, Dizziness and hot flushes – butter in
gastric washings, blood, vagina, oropharynx, open air.
skin, transtracheal aspiration, stool, pleural Head
fluid, ear, and nails. In the vagina it is found Pain – frontal constriction; worse in
less frequently than Candida albicans and direct sunlight. Wakes with a
Torulopsis glabrata. headache -“banging” sensation.
A homoeopathic proving of Candida Outer edges of scalp itch.
parapsilosis was carried out between Eczema-like patches on hairlne – red,
September 10,1989 and October 2,1989 with scaly and itching. Itching of scalp, dry,
20 participants aged 25-65 years; however, flaking, ‘eddened spot along hairline.
finally after screening 16 provers (9 females “Sick” headache with frontal aching and
6 males) were chosen. mild throbbing. Eyes Itching (2)
Results/Symptomatology: Burning pain – wakes at 1 a.m. with
Mind burning eyes. Eyes bloodshot – worse
Very tired and scatter-brained Total “loss of medial to iris.
mind”; seeing red lights and thinking they Nose
were Sneezing.
Left nostril bleeding – bright red blood. Stuffiness (3 provers)
Face
Tiny, white pimples with dry skin. Lower lip burning and tingling. Lower lip: Small dry patch – flaking skin {1 x 1/2 cm). Swollen feeling around face • sensation of fine vibration.
Mouth
Burning and tingling of mouth and lower lip with a hot feeling down the oesophagus imo the stomach. Boil on buccal mucosa of left cheek. Woke with hive-like swelling of lower lip Tingling of lips immediately after taking medication. Sensitive nodules on posterior tongue bllaterlly – like an apthous ulcer.
Throat
Itching throat.
Woke at one a.m.with burning throat and thirst.
Stomach
Decreased appetite.(1) Very thirsty. Increased appetite. (3) Craves salt. (2) Craves pickles and garlic.
Abdomen
Abdominal cramping four hours after eating lunch – better with
flatulence.
Abdominal cramping five hours after lunch.
Gas and bloating after eating with heartburn.
Fullness in stomach two hours after eating – duration of 7 days, Ratulence – odorous and frequent with lower abdominal cramps. Lower left quadral abdominal pain – cramps.
Rectum: Constipation (3)
Stool: Well-formed and hard. Loose stools. Green, acidic stools.
Bladder: Increased urge to urinate, Urine Intense smelling urine. Strong-smelling urine with very dark .yellow color.
Genitalia Male: Decreased sexual desire.
Genital la Female: Itching in pubic hair – red and sore – better with bathing. Vaginal itching. Clear vaginal discharge. Fertile mucous for the entire active proving (7 days) when 1 – 2
days normal. Menses eight days late. Egg-white ieucorrhoea – dripping discharge.
Larynx and Trachea Heartburn. Esophagal reflux. Burning and tingling with hot sensation down the oesophagus.
Chest: Sensation of arrythmia with light-headed feeling. Prominent quick heartbeat which reverberates through the chest. Violent heart flutter for five seconds which caused immobilizing fear – occurred while lying on left side. Worst premenstrual breast-tenderness ever.
Extremities: Woke with hive-like swelling on the right hip. Forearms very itchy and slightly red on volar surface – worse with a wool shirt on. Itchy heel – pruritis. Two small vesicles on right arm under watch very red and itchy.
Back: Recurring, burning spot on medial border of left scapula – feels as if stung by a scorpion. Upper, lateral aspect of right scapula – point feels as if bitten but no lesion present.
Skin: Pimple-like sore on buttocks – pink and raised and sore to touch. Itching all over as if a bug or other irritant were on skin, scratching skin relieves temporarily.
6. Ginkgo Biloba D30 – A proving
SWOBODA Franz and KONIG Peter (HL, 5,1/1992) A double-blind placebo-controlled study of proving of Ginkgo biloba D30 was done in Vienna on 25 provers in two parts in 1987 AND 1989, by Franz SWOBODA and Peter KONIG. The proving symptoms confirmed the empirically known focus of GThkgo, namely the reduction in the function of the mind, e.g. forgetfulness and concentration problems, indifference, and a shying away from social contact. The abstract indicates Ginkgo as a very useful remedy, a “deep psoric”.
7. Cuprum metallicum
SMITS Tinus (HL, 5, 2/1992)
The most difficult differential of Cuprum is with Carcinocin; another is Arsenicum because of the enormous anxiety, fear of death, fastidiousess, cautiousness, amelioration from boccupation, anxious restlessness and anticipation.
The main points which can direct us to Cuprum are first of all the appearance of the patient: the combination of the blue sclera, protruding eyes and swelling around the eyes is a very strong indication. Secondly there is tension from anxiety plus anticipation, overworking, fear of failure and mental, emotional or physical suppression. They try to control everything in a rigid manner, are fastidious and have to respect the rules. They plan everything and have difficulty to adapt. Serious and cautious and do not like to take risks. Less anxious when occupied. Their anxiety for others especially for their family members has been verified many times. On physical level there is always some form of cramps or tension: migraine, epilepsy, asthma, hypertension, angina pectoris, tension in the neck and shoulders and cramps in the muscles, especially the toes. Exhaustion and prostration -‘burnt out’.
Cuprum children can be very difficult; they are not soft with aversion to touch or to be approached. They don’t have even good contact with their parents.
Twenty cases have been narrated. A ‘Synthesis of Cuprum metallicum’ has also been appended which is very valuable.
8. Graphites
SANKARAN Rajan (HL,5, 2/1992)
A vivid portrait of Graphites is drawn with the aid of the more important rubrics from the SR. It is clear that no remedy can be firmly fixed with an image; every remedy is plastic with very wide range of application often quite opposite of what one has generally understood it to be.
9. Ferrum phosphorieum – a group dream proving.
BECKER Jurgen (HL, 5, 2/1992)
Ferrum phosphorieum is a remedy poorly known. Except for its application in ‘fever’ it Is rarely prescribed. The results of this proving offer new modalities as well as a mental picture and may open new application for this interesting remedy. The method of proving itself is unconventional.
10. Syphilinum, the remedy
BIANCHINI Roberto (The Homoeopath, 12, 4/1992)
Syphilinum is not fully represented either in the Materia Medica or the Repertory. This paper focuses on the symptoms based on the Provings and Clinical experiences. A brief study of Syphilis as a disease is given. The author says that the symptomatology of AIDS resembles Syphilis to a large degree.
The study proceeds under chapters:
Generalities, Disgust, Dwarfishness, Secretivenass, The dark depressive side, Insanity, Despair and Hopelessness, The obsessive trait, Dreams, etc. in interesting detail.
Key modalities:
Syphilinum has a marked aggravation at night. This does not have to be present in every case, but will be there in most. Aggravation from sunset to sunrise.
in winter, long nights aggravate morning on waking
at seashore
extremes heat or cold
during thunderstorms Amelioration in mountains; this is a marked amelioration
slow, gentle motion which is the case with many venous
remedies (Puls.)
during the day
cold bathing,especially to the part Desires/Aversions Desire for alcohol
possible for coffee. Dr.Tinus SMITS states that in two cases
he observed strong desire tor coffee and I have observed it
in one case.
Aversion to meat; to food in general Key Physical symptoms: Bone pains; sawing; agg.at night
Salivation during sleep (Merc.)
Feels as if hot water or blood boiling in veins, agg. at night. Dwarfishness Sleeplessness Succession of abscesses; chronic abscess, fistulae Leucorrhoea profuse, running to the heels
Headache, deep crushing headache; like inverted T temple to
temple Rheumatic shoulder joint at the
insertion of deltoid agg.raising
the arm laterally Varicosities, agg. heat Epilepsy
agg. after menses
Based on CANDEGABE’s Schema here is a condensation of what I feel are the Minimum
Syndrome of Maximum Value:
Despair hopelessness
Disgust delusions of dirt, contamination
phobias Secretive hiding
Distant averse to company, far farway
feeling, estranged
Destructive anti-social, impulse to kill
Degraded low self-esteem, worthlessness
Nighttime agg. Mountains amel.
Differentials and comparisons with Aurum, Mercurius, Arsenicum and Causticum are
discussed followed by four cases. 11. Revisioning Silica
CARLYLE Julian (The Homoeopath, 12,4/1992) This is a study of 5/Y/ca, in two parts. The first part is a review of the nature of the substance itself with an attempt to understand what it stands for in nature and in the human being; external nature and internal nature. The approach is allegorical. The second part entitled ‘The Silica patient’s story’ is a documentation, using the language of the patient, of the fundamental themes and symptomatolgy of Silica derived from observaton of over 20 cases that have done well on the remedy.
The author discusses these cases under key-words and phrases used by the patients: Lack of confidence
Lack of self-esteem Fear of failure Lack of identity Avoidance of confrontation Vulnerability Worry about others
Rigidity; barriers
Feelings, emotions and selt-expression blocked Bottled up feelings; bottled up anger; cannot express feelings,
wants or desires
Maintaining control; controlling; fear of losing control Instability and changeability; fluidity; malleability; drifting; swaying. Divided; duality;torn in two; feel like two people; living in two worlds; pulled two ways; battle In me; struggle between two elements; two sides to my life, inner life and life in the world. Separated from the body; not on earth; don’t belong in this body; don’t feel actually in body;normal state is being off the grounds; cannot be in the world; never found a niche in this world. Separation between the upper and lower; problem of upper and lower; lower level is blocked off; crude side of body not integrated; somebody or something trying to get out; something inside, wild, instinctual, trying to get out; fear of lower stuff getting out; something not right inside. Refinement; perfection Isolation and separation
Abandoned; aloneness; lonelines; fear of rejection The commonest food desires in these cases were for salt, sweet, cheese, fruit. The commonest aversions were to fatty, oily foods (includig milk and butter), meat and hot spicy foods. The author also suggests following additions of rubrics:
Delusion, separated from the world, he is. Delusion, soul, body was too small for or separated from Fear, narrow place, in; claustrophobia.
12. Tarantula hispanica, Lycosa tarantula the Wolf Spider
BEDAYN Greg (The Homoeopath, 12, 4/1992)
A study of Tarantula hispanica. First he gives a brief history of the many myths and facts about the spider, about ‘Tarantism’.
The Essence of Tarantula: Perpetual restless motion linked with boundless energy; an overstimulated nervous system that is compelled to diffuse energy. It is as if there is an excess of neurotransmitters. a chemical state. The venom hyper-accelerates the nervous system.
It is a big epilepsy remedy. The key-notes: Hurry, Industrious; Music amel.; Threatening; Cunning; Feigning sickness; Hysteria. An addition is suggested: Sympathetic, worse seeing others in trouble.
The author refers to &n excellent lecture by VIKKIMENEAR which beautifully high-lighted the characteristics of Tarantula hispanica.
13. Pneumonie bei Kindern – Antimonium tartaricum
(Pneumonia in children – Antimonium tartaricum)
FREI, H. (ZKH 36,6/1992)
Two children, 4 and 6 years of age, one suffering with acute Pneumonia as a complication of an Asthamatic-bronchitis, and the other presenting with Pneumonia in measles were cured by one dose of Antimonium tartaricum 30. The leading symptoms were: a severe dyspnoea, with short and frequent breathing, and an asphyxiating cough with little expectoration, rattling on auscultation, aggravation at night, inactivity and apathy, and in one child an oversenstiveness to touch and in the other a white tongue with small round ulcers.
14. Chronische Rhinitis ■ Magnesium carbonicum (Chronic rhinits – Magnesium carbonicum) GENNEPER, T. (ZKH, 36, 5/1992)
A 35-year-old female suffering from chronic rhinitis was cured with Magnesium catbonicum chosen on the basis of particular symptoms. 15. Applying Materia Medica in
Practice
GUNAWANTE, S.M. (NJH, 1,3/1992)
The author has been preparing a book on the “Genius” of the remedies, i.e., the characteristics of the remedies. Each remedy is described under the following headings: Synopsis; Causation; Modalities; Food; Mind; Male/Female; Child;
Peculiar, uncommon, guiding symptoms,
General and Particular.
Argentum nitricum is given as a study in the above manner.
16. Argentum nitricum
TARKAS, P.I. (NJH, 1, 3/1992) A brief article on the remedy Argentum nitricum.
17. Hydrastis
TARKAS, P-l. (NJH, 1,3/1992) A brief sketch of Hydrastis canadensis.
III. THERAPEUTICS
1. Spondylosis
RAMANATHANA.N. (HH, 17,6/1992)
The author points out that excellent clinical description of cervical spondylitis is given by W.A.FRAMHOLD in the Hahnemannian Gleanings 1981 pp.670-72and the suggestion of Dulcamara because of the aggravation from cold damp weather. The author claims to have cured several cases on this modality. He gave 200 potency daily for four days. The author gives a mnemonic.
Dr. RAMANATHAN also recalls Dr.HUI BON HOA’s suggestion that a “very characteristic pain at the level of the first dorsal vertebra as if covered with bruises” for which Nux was the remedy.
(The Editor of HH adds that he could cure many cases with Spigelia 200, M, Kalmia 30 to M, Agaricus M, Theridion, Tellurium 30 to M. Refer to CLARKE, ALLEN Key Notes, for specific symptomatology i.e.the specific areas of pain and nature of pain, extention of pain, etc)
2. Ischiorectal Abscess treated by medicines
RAVIKANTI Murali (HH, 17, 6/1992)
A case of ischiorectal abscess treated by Hepar 30 to 200 and cured in three weeks. (The Editor comments that in his experience Silica M three doses on one day heals fistula or abscess right from within. He also recommends a dose of Tuberculinum M at the end to hold the cure.)
3. Gerio-psychosis
DE H.N. (HH, 17, 8/1992)
Old age psychosis is discussed and cases also given. A 63-year- old woman with Parkinson’s disease since three years was treated with Mygale lasidora 30 t.d.s. for ten days followed later by Oxytropis 30 t.d.s. and then b.d. and then Plumbum metallicum XM in ‘minim dose’.
A61-year-old woman with obsessional neurosis since her climaxis at 46 years. Lachesis 200, then Stramonium XM, then Zincum metatlicum XM.
4. Hepato-renal syndrome MISHRA S.C.(HH, 17, 8/1992)
A 55-year-old-man with hepato-renal syndrome was helped with Lycopodium 0/1,0/2 (sweating profusely between 4-5 p.m. to 7 p.m., desire for sweets, intelligent and a miser) and then his allopathic medicine was continued. Follow-up after an year: he needed a dose of Lycopodiuum 30 and continues to be well.
5. Homoeopathy in treatment of patients with fibromyoma of the uterus
POPOV A.V.(BHJ, 81, 4/1992)
The efficacy of homoeopathic treatment of patients with fibromyoma of the uterus has been studied. Eighty-four patients with various clinical manifestations of the disease were under observation. All patients revceived homoeopathic therapy only. Besides pelvic examination, real-time ultra-sonic sounding was used for evaluation of tumour volume. The period of observation varied from one to three years.
In our opinion Homoeopathy used alone is an effective method of treatment of patients with fibromyoma of the uterus. It is possible to stop the growth of a tumour and even to reduce its size, as well as to control pain and abnormal endometrial bleeding. In the course of investigation certain pattern of response to treatment were found. These require further investigation.
The most frequently used remedies in their order of frequency are: Puisatilla, Conium, Calcium fluoricum, Sepia, lodum, Sabina, Argentum nitricum, China, Ignatia, Siiicea, Calcium carbonicum, Cimicituga, Apis mellifica, Calcium iodatum, Lycopodium, Sulphur, Nux vomica.
The authors say that the frequency of use of various medicines may depend mainly on personal peculiarities and the skill of the homoeopath. The only condition of treatment is following the principle of similarity.
6. Evolution of 26 cases of bronchial asthma with homoeopathic treatment CASTELLSAGU Anna Pia I (BHJ.81, 4/1992)
This is a review of a series of asthmatic patients to evaluate the efficacy of their homoeopathic treatment and the prognostic features to take into account. Data of 26 patients suffering from bronchial asthma (BA) are analyzed, with a follow-up from 18 months to 11 years. Their evolution and special circumstances and conditions that seem to facilitate or to impede the cure under homoeopathic criteria have been considered. The effectiveness of the homoeopathic treatment (57% cured) is confirmed and a relationship between BA and vaccinations and suppressive treatments of exanthemata was detected. The percentage of patients cured with only one homoeopathic remedy was high. There were 12 adults and 14 children and that makes this study more interesting and valuable.
7. Thiosinaminum in the treatment plantar fascitis with calcaneal spur
PAIP.A. (BHJ, 81, 4/1992)
43 patients with plantar fascitis and caicaneal spurs were studied. Rhus toxicodendron has been recommended for this condition but gave disappointing results. Most patients with relatively recent symptoms responded to Thiosinaminum 3x. Patients with longer standing symptoms responded to Thiosinaminum 3x combined with Mercurius corrosivus 30c or Mercurius biniodatus 6c. After resolution of symptoms patients were treated with placebo and followed up for at least 8 months.
8. Complementary cancer care CLOVER Anne (BHJ, 81, 4/1992)
The demand for complementary cancer care (CCC) is increasing. Cancer is a systemic process and involves psychological factors. A study published in the Lancet purporting to show that CCC had a negative effect has been discredited. The role of CCC and the modalities employed, including
Homoeopathy, Acupuncture, Iscadors, Relaxation, Diet and Massage are discussed.
The author recalls HAHNEMANN’s advice that physicians should be careful observers and must constantly develop their skills. (The article is based on the Richard HUGHE’S Memorial Lecture, 14 May 1992).
9. A simple case of ankle fracture KIPNIS Sheryl R. (Simillimum, 5, 4/1992)
A 36 year-old woman, a rock climber, fractured her right foot talus, which she neglected for two days as a result of which she sufferred excruciating pains and swelling. Three days later she had an open reduction surgery on her ankle with a screw inserted. Her orthopaedist told that because of the area involved and its limited blood supply, there was a significant possibility that she would have permanent loss of sensation, poor healing and arthritis joint. He alsc said that she might be just fine.
After a montt- she consulted the homoeopath when she was still on pain medication every day, especially to sleep.
None of the common remedies for injuries seemed to fit her (taking the patient’s history and full case) and what was peculiar was that she woke up between 2-4 a.m.
Kali carbonicum 30 one daily and in the follow-up two weeks later she reported feeling -stronger and stronger every day, oedema much less, able to do isometeric exercises with her foot.
She was also surprised that she found that her energy level went on improving.
Four weeks later, she continued to make rapid progress. (KENT: “You have no idea as to what remedywill be homoeopathic in the case until you have examined all the symptoms, and then proceed to find out that which characterizes”)
10. Ailments after mortification SWOPE Harry (Simillimum, 5,4/1992)
A 71 year-old woman not well since a viral cold. For many years she had been the patient of a homoeopath who had retired recently. She felt weak and weary with aching around the chest that was better from pressure. Sensation throughout her body “as if I were plugged into a light socket. Felt “shaky”, a general trembling. Heat intolerable. Great anxiety about her health. Heart pounding from just walking across the street. H/o heart problems since being diagnosed with a heart murmur in 1949. 1969 her mother died of massive heart attack. Shortly after there was an unpleasant scene in which her brother harshly accused her of interfering in some family matters regarding finances and she felt “devastated” and she felt most hurt that none of her family members defended her. She lost weight.
She had on a number of occasions heart palpitations, which at least on one occasion required her to go to the emergency room. Her treatment there frightened her so much that she wanted to stay as far away from conventional medicine as possible. Her treatment by the retired homoeopath had relieved these symptoms when they recurred and helped with other health problems.
She refused to undergo an EKG or other conventional tests.
Ailments after mortification and heart palpitation were mainly considered and Argentum nitricum came on top, although several other confirmatory symptoms like craving for sweets were absent. Argentum nitricum 200 was prescribed.
Two days later she developed ’emergency’ call at the middle of night and there seemed to be a return of ‘old’ symptoms. Then she felt much better.
Post script: over the course several years one strange symptom recurred. She described it like being “as if I were plugged into a light socket.” Along with this she also had dizziness. In the 1992 IFH Case Conference Nancy HERRICK made some comments on Argentum metallicum that included an electric-like shock on going to sleep, dizziness, and sudden onset of symptoms. By co-incidence this patient too had an occurrence of those symptoms and she was given
Argentum metallicum 200, and she quickly felt better.
11. A menstrual disorder case GOODMAN-HERRICK Pearlyn (Simillimum, 5,4/1992)
A ‘vibrant’ woman of 43 years with severe PMS; starting nine days into the menstrual cycle her troubles would begin. Lower abdominal cramps abdominal bloating, swollen, painful breasts, total exhaustion and a ‘spacy hung-over1 feeling, all relieved by the flow which was bright-red, heavy during the first day; during menses pain in the uterus and ovaries requiring medicines. Although she has had always painful menses, the PMS began three years ago after a very stressful time.
Exhaustion on waking, but once she was on, her energy was fine in the morning and in the early afternoon and it dropped severely between 2 and 5.30. Much ameliorated with exercise and dance. Despite her fatigue she was loquacious and spoke rapidly with passionate intensity. As a child she masturbated frequently which her mother attempted to stop by shaming her. Her strong sexual energy persisted with a sense of guilt. During college she became more introspective and doing a lot of drugs, smoked marijuana and took LSD. “My college experience was drugs, sex, and rock ‘n1 roll. I have not done anything in moderation.” She was thirstless; as a child she chewed ice constantly. Although Medorrhinum was indicated, Carcinosin was chosen due to the family history of cancer.the history of parental domination, the love of and amelioration by dance, the extraversion, vitalness and expressiveness that is characteristic of Carcinosin.
Carcinosin 200 was repeated twice. She continues to do well.
12. A case saved by my daughter WARREN Don (Simillimum, 5, 4/1992)
This patient did not keep her appointment twice and it was felt by the author that she was not interested in her health; however, the patient’s daughter remarked “may be she needed you much”. A third appointment was arranged.
She had been unwell since a serious fall nine months ago. Had taken too many sleeping pills,lost her balance and fallen backwards; fractured her skull from hitting the back of her head on the bare floor, and lain unconscious for two or three days. Remained in the hospital for 30 days. She was now on long-term disability. Her tongue seemed too thick (it was thick and beefy-red) and her words jumbled together and it was difficult to understand her. Sometimes she couldn’t find the right word and would become frustrated at her inability to communicate. She had other problems with her speech. Everything seemed different since her fall. Although she lived alone she felt there was someone with her in the room. Dreams so vivid as if they were real. Felt a loss of self-control. Since the accident her short-term memory failed. Also lost her sense of balance and had an overwhelming fear of falling.
Natrum sulphuricum XM
No significant change after a week. Stramonium 30 b.i.d. About 3 weeks after she came in beaming reporting considerable improvement which began about a week before. Could walk without falling, speech was clearer and energy returning, memory improved dramatically. She still felt as if there was someone in the room but it was a “reassuring” presence, like that of her mother and it didn’t worry her. No change in the prescription.
After another three weeks she said she was again fearful of falling. Stramonium 200 q.d.Immediate improvement. About three weeks later complained of feeling weak in the legs and again fear of falling. Stramonium M q.d. Again immediate improvement, sense of smell had started to return. She was on Stramonium M q.d. for about six weeks and Neurologist’s tests showed that she was able to pass all the tests which she was earlier unable to do. Her physician was so much taken aback that he called in another doctor and repeated the tests. They both declared that she was back to normal.
13. A case of severe constipation and impetigo
NONTIETH Richard V. (Simitlimum, 5, 4/1992)
A 23-tear-old female with severe constipation – only one bowel movement in a week; she also suffered from an unidentified skin rash on her upper lip, some areas of her face, and a more severe rash that covered most of the crease on her left elbow. There was no discharge from any of the skin lesions. These conditions were since several months; had not been to a doctor for treatment.
At 12 years of ago her father left the family, and after that she was very bitter, angry, and depressed for several years. Ignatia amara 30 t.i.d. for one day. After about 36 hours she had several profuse oowel movements over a period of five hours. Rash on the upper lip improved significantly. Felt relaxed and had slept very well.
After 3 days all cf her previous symptoms returned but with less severity than before taking Ignatia. One dose of Ignatia 200 was given and all symptoms again significantly improved.
Three days later severe skin eruption on face oozing and appeared to be infected. ‘Diagnosed as impetigo. She suffered as a child severe impetigo which was treated with antibiotics. Viola tricolor 30 t.d.s. cured in three days, without in anyway interfering with the beneficial effects on the mental and emotional levels and the constipation, brought about by Ignatia.
14. Threee cases
PARSONS Phil (Simillimum, 5, 4/1992)
1. A 38-year-old female with severe periodontal disease. The teeth are literally waving in the breeze. Gums tender, swollen,bleed when brushing; Teeth sensitive to heat, cold, sweets; much salivation and loss of appetite; tongue has patches of red,sensitive spots. Burning in right patella. She used to eat dandelions (Taraxacum) as a child. Has dipsomania. Four teeth were extracted and Taraxacum 30 given. Bleeding was controlled.
2. A case of Penicillin poisoning in a 53-year-old woman with an abscessed first molar. Has a heart murmur and is taking Penicillin as a prophylactic before dental care. Feels feverish with soreness, right-sided maxillary pain, pain in back and kidney region. These were recognised, homoeopathically, as Penicillin poisoning. Penicillin 200 was given and in one minute pain in the right maxillary region was gone. Better. As Georg VITHOULKAS says she had an acquired miasm (Penicillin disase).
3.43-year-old female, attractive and pleasant person. Pain in the lower right first molar at the gum line on the facial side. Pain worse from warm liquids and food. Tongue indented and trembles. Pain right forehead in the sinus area. Pain across the kidney area in back. Has been poisoned with Penicillin.
Penicillin M. For subsequent ailments she received Rhus toxicodendron, Calacarea carbonica, Agaricus muscarius, over a period of about five years.
15. White hat and sunglasses
HERINGTON Heather (Simillimum, 5, 4/1992) A33 year-old man, gay, with AIDS diagnosed eight weeks before. An interesting personality. He came for skin allergy to sulfa-based drug that had been given to him for pneumocystic pneumonia three weeks before. Sulphur 200. He had other subsequent ailments like tumour in the speech center, seizures, herpes, headaches, itchy skin, and shingles, etc. The remedies indicated for the comditions were given. However, his end came despite the fact that he had significant improvement of his conditions when the homoeopathic remedies were given.
It is interesting that the patient prepared himself for the end and died peacefully accepting death. In this case Plumbum metallicum acted profoundly.
16. A case of recurrent vomiting MORGAN Al (Simillimum, 5, 4/1992)
An eight year-old boy with intermittent but frequent vomiting. All tests and change of diets, etc., did not produce any improvement. The boy was very athletic and popular with students, teachers, and family, gentle; confident, sensitive to rudeness, even-tempered, slightly timid; sympathetic and very affectionate; desires travel; seldom cries yet does so easily if reprimanded; restless sleep; hurried at meal-time because he wants to play
Phosphorus 200; began to improve. Later Phosphorus XM thrice for recurrence over a period of over an year. His episodes of vomiting seemed to be associated with his anger with mother for divorcing his father.
17. “Hypochondriacal Anxiety” and “Anxiety about Health”
WEBLEY Don (Simiilimum, 5,4/1992)
The author says that “hypochondriacal anxiety” is not “anxiety about health” and that therefore we would be wrong if we use the rubric “hypochondriacal anxiety” for anxiety about health, Hypochondriacal anxiety is a melancholic, depressive, state about one’s health.
18. A case of autoimmune thrombocytopaenia
SPENCE David (HL, 5, 1/1992)
A 65-year-old male with Thrombocytopaenia diagnosed in February 1988 treated with Prednisotone and Azathioprine in varying combinations with the resultant side-effects, Homoeopath ically viewed: anxious, sensitive, conscientious, like to be organised, tended to dyspepsia, late afternoon aggravation, woke early in the mornings. Six doses of Lycopodium 30 while he was still on the Prednisolone 10mg. After this his Consultant informed that it was easy for him to maintain his platelet count and his steroids could be stopped.
19. A case of mastitis GEUKENS AJfons (HL,5, 1/1992)
A 26-year-old woman who has recently given birth to a baby and was breast-feeding complained of pain in right mamma, sensitive, redness and swelling.
Associated symptoms: Photophobia, headache cervical region extending to forehead worse by motion worse walking, face intense red, congested; pulsating carotids; very cold feet. Leuc.15700.
Belladonna XM, four doses on one day and next day three doses. Allround improvement. Leuc. 9460. (See
BOERICKE, ALLEN).
20. A case of Acute Pulmonary Oedema and Anoxic Encephalopathv
GUESS George (HL, 5,1/1992)
A 67-year-old male developed while out camping, acute dyspnoea, orthopnoea, cyanosis and diaphoresis; he went into ventricular fibrillation. He remained comatose, with severely depressed respiration; admitted to hospital. He was in coma for 8 days despite treatment and improved vital organ functioning. The author was called in consultation on the eighth day. He was still on the respirator. ‘With the aid of an astute observer at the scene in the coronary care unit the following information obtained: comatose and unresponsive, cold to touch, eyes open but vacant and unresponsive; slow side to side constant nystagmus, periodic jerking
of head and head tremor, lies with head and neck hyper-extended.
Benzinum nitricum 30 t.d.s. (See KENT Rep.Eyes, motions, pendulum- like, from side to side; See CLARKE also) Within 24 hours the patient very rapidly regained consciousness; all the above symptoms vanished and his vital functioning improved considerably.
21. A case of Neurodermatitis SPRING Beat (HL, 5, 1/1992)
A 14 months-old-girl with severe neurodermatitis. Since the age of 6-7 months, eczema behind the ears, which spread all over the body except the face. Hospitalized several times due to febrile super-infections with Staphylococus aureus, subsequent stomatitis aphthosa and generalised eczema herpeticatum,predominantly of the lower body. Treated with steroids and whenever attempted to withdraw the medication there were relapses. The doctors at the hospital said that it was one of their most difficult cases.
Eczema moistening. Copious sticky secretion – the pyjamas had to be loosened with water in the morning. Offensive, rotten discharge, especially during superinfection. Extreme itching, worse night.
On the basis of the family history, personal history, character, Tuberculinum 30 one dose given. There was increased itching “like never before” and then slow but steady improvement. Tuberculinum 30 to XM was given 7 times during 1989 and since 1990 the eczema hasn’t returned. The child’s behaviour too changed and from a difficult child she became a much-loved-by–«veryone child.
There is an interesting discussion at the end of the report.
22. Epidemic cases of Whooping Cough
BAKER Jeff (HL, 5, 1/1992)
Whooping cough in the family, in the neighborhood, and the community at large is designed to push you to your limits. Although it is a childhood illness, individuals of all ages may be susceptible. Defintive diagnosis is done by nasopharyngeal culture. During the epidemic the author treated 18 cases (in Hawaii).
Two cases have been selected for narration. The first case is of a child of 19 months age which was prescribed a rare remedy, Dirca palustris. The clue to this rare remedy came from the symptoms relating to the head and central nervous system. Very rapid improvement set in. In the second case.a boy of 18 weeks was given Arsenicum 200 – a choking and gasping cough that is worse night, worse lying on his back, and espeially worse from drinking, fussiness, irritability and needed to be carried. Rapid improsvement set in. However, cough was worse lying on the left side; friction rub was evident in lower lobes and Phosphorus 200 was given and cured.
23. A case of epilepsy VISHWAKARMA Rakesh (HL, 5,2/1992)
A ten year old boy developed epileptic fits suddenly since four years and was on allopathic treatment. The attacks would recur whenever he was scolded or pulled up or frightened. The attacks came during sleep. He would get up frightened. On the basis of the total picture he was given Lachesis 200 and later M and XM without improvement. Case re-examined: the boy had witnessed few days before his attack two horror movies and got terribly frightened. He was now given Sframon/um 200three doses 12 hourly and cured.
24. A case of Psychotic Crisis POMPOSELLI Raffaella (HL.5, 2/1992)
A35 year-old girl who has been under psychiatric care for over ten years in hospitals all over Italy came down with an acute attack: biting, tearing her hair, hitting out, kicking, knocking her head against the sofa, and it took four men to restrain and carry her to the surgery. She was clenching her fists and teeth and flexing her thighs to her abdomen, giving a raging shout, keeping her eyes shut.
Stramonium 200 ten drops every two minutes and after the fourth dose she began to calm down. After 15 minutes she was normal,
25. A case of Rheumatoid Arthritis – or “The tragedy of a
salesman”
HENK Hootegem (HL, 5, 2/1992)
A 69 year-old salesman with a history of Osteomyelitis since his 49th year. His history and present nature of complaints led to the diagnosis of RA. The author argues that the data available would point to different remedies depending upon the rubrics the prescriber chooses to give priority. However, that would mean that the prescription is on random data. For chronic cases we must have an idea how the disease developed, how the disturbance came from the dynamic level into the material level.
26. A case of Whooping Cough EICHLER Karl (HL, 5, 2/1992)
A one-year-girl with Pertussis.which was well controlled with Belladonna, Drosera and Ipecacuanha. However, after about 18 days the mother of the child called and said that the child was catastrophically worse.
The child had developed 39 deg. fever and was lying weak and pale in her mother’s arms. The coughing attacks had become so worse that the child coughed so much that she became blue in the face and for a short time lost consciousness, then stiff and cramped and on coming round vomited white phlegm. After about 20-30 minutes the attacks started all over again.
Cuprum metallicum 30 and within one minute the coughing and seizure stopped, the blue discoloration disappeared as also the stiffness of the body.
27. Two cases of Dysmenorrhoea PONGRATZ J. (HL, 5, 2/1992)
In both cases there was cramping pains in the abdomen during menses and Cuprum metallicum cured.
28. Belladonna in chronic disorders CURTIN David (Simile, 2,4/1992 issued with the BHJ.81,4/1992)
BC a 9 year-old boy with tics; can’t sit still for five seconds; picks at his nose to bleeding point and it’s getting worse. Covers his nose and sniffs loudly; says he’s recharging his batteries. When he has an idea he won’t give up; goes on and on,still talking about it the next morning. He chews on things, anything. Warts on his hand recently. Has always been disruptive, difficult. Drinks so much, anything. Likes making things; clever mechanically. No interest in school. At school he clowns around the whole day. Says he will destroy what his 11 year old sister is doing. Difficult to be controlled. Fearless.
In the consulting the room the boy rocked backwards and forwards in front of a fan and grunted at it. Then he curled up in a ball and grunted and snarled like an animal. He made an extraordinary variety of noises. He started talking to the fan.
Likes dancing and loves listening to stories on tapes. Very honest. Can’t bear if someone says something that is untrue.
Belladonna M was given on 17.11.1990. Report on 3.1.1991: The first weak after the remedy he was terrible. Everything was worse, “hen began to improve. He has been fine, much more reasonable person. Sits at the table. He is a normal naughty boy now. The tics are still there but much better.
A female 55 years who has been under the psychiatrist for 32 years. She lived in a ghetto in Eastern Europe during the World War II, and lived through severe bombings and the trauma left deep marks in her mind. In 1958 she had a nervous breakdown after her first child was born; all the trauma came out during the breakdown. She was given Electroconvulsive therapy and put on tablets which gave her headaches and drowsiness. Her weight went up by six stones. Swells up with fluid. In 1944 when the Nazis were attacking she wa:; 9 years old. Almost every year she had trouble with her nerves.
On the basis of her mental and general symptoms (Ailments from fright; Delusions pursued by soldiers; Irritable, alternating with indifference; Suicidal; Spring agg.; Warm agg. Swelling puffy, oederratous; Delusions pursued by enemies) Belladonna was the onl/ indicated remedy. Belladonna M. There was good improvement after an initial aggravation for two days. Long-term follow-up not available. 29. Abusive husbands
MARK Prunella (Simile, 2, 4/1992 issued with the BHJ, 81,4/1992)
Three cases are reported by the author with the introduction: “In general practice I come across many depressed/anxious women whose main problem seems to be their husbands. These men are often physically violent and/or verbally abusive.”
Case 1: Mr.A, 55 year-old engineer. He had rushed at his wife with a knife shouting:”Let’s top ourselves, life isn’t worth living!” His presenting symptoms were suicidal depression, weepy, cannot hear injustice in the world. Suppressed rage against employers and mother. Violent verbal anger directed at wife for no reason. A:; a child had been physically abused, neglected by mother. Mother cruel to father, patient always peacemaker.
1978 father suffered brain damage following suicide attempt, died 10 years later: patient felt guilty, blamed mother. Rubrics selected: Sensitive, sympathetic, hates injustice. Suppressed anger, erupts against family, never hurts them physically. High sex drive, good sex with wife. Cares + + + welfare of family. Staphysagria XM 12 hourly for three doses. Severe aggravation fo< two weeks, then improved. After two months for return of symptoms Staphysagria M, 12 hourly.three doses. Three days minor aggravation, then improved, Antidepressants now stopped. Very well.
Case 2: Mr.B, 46 years, nursing home proprietor, with wife. Wife came on 20.4.92 badly beaten, inflicted by patient. He had been violent throughout married life, now she feared he would kill her. Couple came together on 27.4.92. He has no self confidence; dependent on wife; loquacious, rambling. Sudden, terrible, violent rages lasting 24-48 hours, triggered by trivia he saw as demeaning. Muttering in corners puffing himself up, pale face, bulging veins and eyes, sweating + + + +, hyperventilation, shouting and haranguing. Would threaten to kill her with knives, would hit her with fists or objects, demand instant sex on threat of death (tantamount to rape). Always worse night. Wept as he told me the thought of killing her was terrible, as his life would be unbearable without her. Past history: Verbally abusive
father, fearsome rages. Patient constantly belittled. Lifelong depression: antidepressants for fou years. Stramonium 200 three doses 12 hourly. 3.6.92 Stramonium XM three doses 12 hourly.
Case 3: Mr.C, 45 years, nuclear engineer. Very unhappy, obsessed by work, anxious about performance, very clever and capable, but feels inadequate. lntolerant,bad tempered at home and work. Sudden rages at home over trivia.red face,bulging eyes, smashing things, shouting, wrestling with wife, but never hurting her physically. Malicious, devastatingly hurtful remarks to wife, reducing her to despair, picks on Achilles’ heel. Pathologically jealous of wife, jealous of daughters’ boyfriends and career success. Withdraws into long sulks; almost worse than the rages. Depression, weeps, desperate at losing daughters, no friends, hobbies, cold to outsiders. Proud, difficulty admitting problems. unhappy, lonely childhood, cold, unloving parents, subject to constant criticisms. Hyoscyamus XM three doses 12 hourly. Remains well.
30. Bronchitis – A case from the Cells Seminar
VITHOULKAS Goerge (The Homoeopath, 12, 4/1992). This is an extract from VITHOULKAS 1 Celle Seminarfin 1992?) Kali carbonicum is discussed. Strong arguments are made for forbidding. Coffee while under homoeopathic medication. (See pp 178-186 ‘The Celle Seminars’, Vol.I)
31. Leistenhernie (Inguinal hernia)
GRIMME H.(AHZ, 237, 5/1992)
A five-year-old girl who developed rightsided inguinal hernia after whooping cough, who had been earlier given Tuberculinum aviare for nasal polyp which was however later surgically removed, was cured with Lycopodium.
32. Akute Infekte bei Kindern mit chronischen Krankheiten (Acute infections in children with chronic diseases)
PFEIFFER, H. (AHZ, 237, 6/1992)
The treatment of acute infections in children who are being treated homoeopathically for chronic illnesses demands the application of the similie rule with every change of the health condition. Such change in health condition may be a ‘children’s disease’, new symptoms, aggravation of known symptoms from physical or mental strains or accidents.
The basis for this is given by HAHNEMANN in paragraphs73 and 92 in his Organon, and in Part I of his Chronic Diseases. These intervening acute infections need to be treated only when absolutely necessary. The administration of an acute remedy leads to an interruption of chronic treatment, Later the similie indicated by the new symptoms should be administered and the treatment continued.
The author cites two cases of his in which such intervention had to be undertaken. In one case it was necessary to give an acute remedy after which the chronic treatment was continued with the remedy indicated by the symptoms then; in the other case the remedy for the acute condition was the same as for the chronic disease.
33. Ein Fall von Osteoporose (A case of Osteoporosis)
HOYMANN, G (AHZ, 237, 6/1992)
An unmarried, 44 year-old woman, nervous, excitable, fear of diseases, otherwise overall good to move with. She has been with Natrum muriaticum upto XM since 1986. From time to time she complained of back ache and as she had fear of Osteoporosis an x-ray was taken
which confirmed the diagnois Osteoporosis. She was full of fear and was given Vermiculite (Staufen-Pharma) in 6x and later 12x, 30x, and this was continued independent of the usual therapy (Rhus toxicodendron or Natrum muriaticum as the case may be). For about an year this therapy was continued and x-ray taken after this indicated that the remedy helped improve her condition.
 
34. Der Konstitutionsbegriff in der Hombopathie (The concept of Constitution in Homoeopathy) FURLENMEIER, M. (ZKH, 36, 5/1992)
Over the years Homoeopathy has been developing two different directions with reference to the “Constitution” and these two are further proceeding along and getting farther from the other; the homoeopaths are not able to understand the reasons for this development. One reduces the “Constitution” to the rare “pure constitution types” on the basis of the few attributes or individualities (e,g.so-called “essence”) and opines that such a patient (e.g.”coward” = Lycopodium) has only one remedy for him which is called “constitutional remedy” in high potency at large intervals for almost all ailments, life long.
The other homoeopaths on the other direction attempt to cover the symptoms and syndromes as they come up varyingly with different remedies which fit every time the symptoms/syndromes, and in this way the patient receives a different remedy every time, in quick succession.
These two diverging directions developed – although the purpose was same for both – due to wrong presumptions and conceptual obscurities.
35. Calcium carbonioum KELLER, G.v. (ZKH, 36, 5/1992)
Sometimes the improvement in a chronic case cannot be seen immediately; a case is presented where three weeks after the medication a slight cold in the head was experienced by the patient together with a quick improvement of the chronic symptoms. We should be careful in the interpretation of this kind of process; if, as is often the case in these situations, we have given a second prescription for the catarrh, the possibility of a retarded effect of the first prescription should not be overlooked.
36. MD who ruled with an iron hand PARTHASARATHY, Mrs.Vishpala (NJH, 1, 3/1992)
A 48-year-old man with complaints of flatulence,belching,empty,all-gone sensation, headache, hypertension, pouches under the eyes; dictatorial, impatient,anger from contradiction, abrupt, fastidious, ambitious, was prescribed Nux vomica -repeated – with intercurrent Carcinosin M.
37. Involuntary bow&l movements
NAGAR Rashmi (NJH, 1, 3/1992)
A7-year-old girl began to pass stools in her underwear and not know it or mind it despite her mother trying her best to change this habit. This had begun only since a month. The author says that she chose the following mental symptoms from the observation of the child in the clinic:
Obstinate, dictatorial, violent anger, irritable when spoken to, indisposed to talk and heedless and Chamomilla 200 was given four doses for three days. The child responded immediately. (The author says that since the mental symptoms were ‘strong’ she did not “care to check up if it covered involuntary stools or diarrhoea” I = K.S.S.)
38. Xerostomia in Gl tract diseases
DASTUR Burjor (MJH, 1, 3/1992)
Two cases of Xerostomia: one a lady of 39-years age, was given Lycopodium M and the other a 47 year-old man, was given Nux vomica M (In both the cases the remedies in M potency were repeated few times even three times a dayl No explanation given for such repetitions = KSS)
39. Cases of irritable bowel syndrome CHIMTHANAWAl-A Kasim (NJH, 1, 3/1992)
Two cases of irritable bowel syndrome. In both Gelsemium was an important remedy which was used in 50 millesimal scale.
40. Mind is the mirror CHATTERJEE Sujith (NJH, 1,3/1992)
A 60-year-old man with ulcerative colitis was promptly prescribed Arsenicum album M on the basis of ‘mentals’. A 36-year-old man with cirrhosis of liver made dramatic and prompt improvement with Natrum muriaticum M, prescribed on the basis of the ‘mental’ symptoms.
41. The silent attacker
SHAH Bhavna (NJH, 1, 3/1992)
A 5-year-old g rl with hyperpigmentation on the extremities resembling ecchymosis; cough; grinding teeth at night; stye on the upper lid; very short tempered, very possessive about her things; anger ending in weeping; naughty; mischievous when everyone at home were sleeping in the afternoon; loved music and to dance; new clothes; liked sour fruits and grapes; tears pictures from books.
Tarantula hispanica M.
Three-year-old buy with milk indigestion; cough and cold on taking citrus fruits; very moody; likes to play with water; hyperactive, wants to do something or the other;breaks things, bites
his nails, clothes; stubborn; short-tempered; no fear of anything; rough and rude to elders; quarrelsome, revengeful; very possessive, does not like to give his things to other children; dees not like the same food in his iunch box; always wants new things, new dishes.
Tubercullnum M.
Aone-year-old with big belly and thin extremities with dry, hacking cough (day and night); wakes up at night with cough, frightened, restless. Very stubborn, throws things in anger, pulls his own hair, wants to play in water, impatient. When hungry wants his food immediately, canine, excessive hunger, eats fast. Temper tantrums. Averse to be touched when unwell, he screams when someone approaches him; very jealous when someone goes to his mother’s lap, fear of noise; indolence after eating; craves sweets and milk; mother gets tired of thinking what to give him next to meet his voracious appetite.
Cina M, after which he passed a big round worm.
In all the three cases above the prescription was based on the basis of the mental symptoms. 42. Cancerinic state BANERJEE Subrata Kumar (NJH, 1, 3/1992) Pre-cancerous manifestations, for early diagnosis and prophylaxis through antimiasmatic, constitutional treatment. 43-Magic of China in warts
UPADHYA Sameer (NJH, 1, 3/1992)
A 28-year-old lady with multiple, small, flat warts on right hand for last two years, occasionally itching, was cured by China M. Her mental state (suicidal disposition, forsaken feeling, anxiety about future) also improved.
IV. REPERTORY
1. Mittelverwechslungen im Repertorium von KENT – Teil 25:Mercuria!is perennis
und Mercurius vivus (Remedy confusions in KENT’S Repertory – Part 25:Mercurialis perennis and Mercurius vivus) WOLF, H. (ZKH, 36,6/1992)
The following corrections have been suggested after carefully comparing the symptoms in the Encyclopaedia of Pure Materia Medica by T.F.ALLEN, the Guiding Symptoms by HERING, Materia Medica Pura by HAHNEMANN.
Correction as Mercurialis perennis instead of Mercurius vivus:
HEAD, Pain, pressing, stooping, on: p.191 Pain, shooting: p.201 Pain, shooting, Forehead: p.202 EYE, Pain, pressing, stooping agg.: p.257 Pain, pressing, reading, while: p.297 Tension, morning: 268
EXTREMITIES, Drawn, outward, the left hand, while playing the piano: p.984 Pain, pressing, Forearm: p.1110 Pain, stitching, Fingers, tips of: p.1143 SLEEP, Dreams, children, about: p.1237 Dreams, horses: p.1240 Dreams, horses, ugly: p.1240 CHILL, Afternoon, dinner, after: p.1260 (The author also suggests the following rubrics for correction as Mercurialis perennis, after the readers make further verifications)
EXTREMITIES, Pain, stitching, Fingers, nails, around:p.1143
see Symptom No.458, p.204 of the
Encyclopaedia. EXTREMITIES, Pain, stitching, Toes, tips of: p.1154 see Symptoms No.522, 523, 529, p.206 of the
Encyclopaedia Correction as Mercurius vivus instead of Mercurialis perennis RECTUM, urging, stool during: p.634.
V. VETERINARY
1. A veterinary case of Cervical Disc Herniation
PITCAIRN Richard (HL, 5, 1/1992)
A 5-year-old male coolie and springer cross dog suffered cervical disc herniation (“slipped disc”) confirmed by x-ray. Bryonia 200 prescribed on the basis of the information obtained over the telephone. No positive response after three days.
Thorough examination and case-taking revealed the remedy to be Belladonna which was given in XM potency in water with the instruction to give one dose every four hours until improvement sets in. After two doses the dog startled its owner by running into the bedroom asking to be let out to urinate! He continued to improve. After 24 hours he needed one more dose; all in all 6 doses over the next couple of weeks. Completely well.
2. Lupus Erythematosus in a three-year-old Cocker Spaniel
BLAKE Stephen R. (HT, 12, 6/1992)
A spayed female cocker spaniel which suffered from Lupus Erythematosus was healed with Pulsatilla,
3. Homoeopathy for reptiles SHAEFFER C Edgar {HT, 12, 6/1992)
This is an unusual report because it speaks of homoeopathic treatment of a chameleon in labour(!) with Pulsatilla. The baby chameleons which developed dyspnoea after excitement were given Antimonlum tartaricum and Arsenicum album.
4. Daisy’s dilemmas
DeWEESE Cyndde(HT, 12, 6/1992)
An ewe in labour was helped whenever she had ineffective labor with Carbo vegetabilis. One of the newborn, Daisy, was found sleepy and weak, went into arching and thrashing convulsions and even her eyes rolled back. Hypericum brought her out of the convulsions. It was found that Daisy was deaf and blind! Remedies listed in the KENT under Loss of vision, Hearing, impaired, were tried but of no help. The homoeopath Veterinarian, Ed SHAEFFER, was consulted by telephone; He suggested Causticum because Daisy had some diarrhoea (discharges) greenish, Causticum was given and next morning Daisy could see and hear! 5. Horses
SHAEFFER C.Edgar (HT, 12,7/1992) SHAEFFER reports of the treatment of a
horse 22 year-old, for itchy and thin coat and also a granuloma which was still producing some discharge. The horse, Traveler, had excess thirst after eating. Silica 30 once a day was given and two months later Traveler was doing well including the granuloma. (See BOERICKE and CLARKE).
VI. PHARMACOLOGY
1. Hahnemann’s LM and Water potencies DOMENICK Rochelle (HT, 12, 7/1992)
The Hahnemann Academy of North America(HANA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico,under the directorship of Robion MURPHY, ND, is currently doing clinical experiments with LM potencies and water solutions. Application of the principles found in the 6th edition of the Organon are used in chronic and acute cases, and this information is evaluated in a fair and objective manner at the HANA.
HAHNEMANN emphasizes that the dry dose is the weakest dose; giving the remedy in water makes the dose ‘strong’, There have been consistently excellent results in administering the remedy in liquid form and by succussing the remedy between each dose. The body seems to accept without aggravation, resulting in gentle, rapid and permanent restoration of health. Refer to paragraphs 247 and 248, footnotes 133 and 134, and to the Preface to Chronic Diseases. The following applies to any potency, X, C or the 50 millesimal:
A. How to make a remedy solution bottle:
1.Fill a clean amber bottle with distilled or purified water (no tap water except in emergency). For an X or C potency, 1/2 oz.dropper bottle to 4 oz. bottle may be used. For LM potency, 4 oz.bottle. The more sensitive the more the water used (8 oz.)
2.Add 10% pure ethyl alcohol (190 proof Everclear) not methyl or rubbing alcohol! If Everclear is not available, use the highest proof, least smelly, and most colorless alcohol possible.
If the solution is to to be stored, at least 20% alcohol is necessary.
3.Put one dose of the remedy into the bottle and allow to dissolve. X or C potency = 12 to 15 pills of 10 size or one or two of 35 size pills. LM potency one 10 size pill.
B. Succussing the remedy solution bottle: hold the bottle and strike the bottom of the bottle smartly against the palm of your other hand or against a soft leather bound book from a distance of about 2 feet. The remedy solution bottle should be succussed before each dose. 2-5 succussions for infants and children and hypersensitive persons; 5-10 for the average person; 10-12 for the non-reactive,
C. While the X or C may be taken directly from the succussed bottle, for the 50 millesimal ‘ dosage cup’ must be used, i.e.in an 8 oz. cup filled with 4 oz. distilled water put 1-2 teaspoonsful of the succussed remedy, stir well, and take one teaspoon from this ‘dosage cup’, The remaining water in the cup may be thrown or may be used to water the plants. A new dose should be prepared everytime required and taken similarly. D. Dosage amounts: X or C potency: 1 teaspoon 1-3 times a day, 50 millesimal: 1/4 to 1/2 for infants, 1/2-1 teaspoon older children adolescents and sensitivie persons. 1-2 teaspoonsful for the average person or as needed. May take 1 dose once a day or every other day or as needed.
E. Dose adjustments: If strong reaction occurs: take the remedy less often succus only two times use more water (8 – 20 oz) in the remedy solution bottle use the 2nd, 3rd or more dosage cups.
F. Dose repetition: In emergency may repeat the remedy every 5 minutes to one hour or as needed. In acute cases dose maybe 1-3 times daily or as needed. Chronic cases: For XorC, 1 teaspoon, 1-3 times a day, for the 50 millesimal one teaspoon every day or every other day from the dosage cup,
2. Rhus radicans und Rhus toxicodendron – Beitrag zur botanischen Klassifizierung von
Arzneipflanzen: selbst HAHNEMANN stiftete Verwirrung! [Rhus radicans and Phus toxicodendron – on the botanical classification of medicinal plants:
HAHNEMANN himself caused confusion!)
FURLENMEIER, S. (ZKH, 36, 6/1992)
Rhus radicans and Rhus todicodendron are taken as example to demonstrate how botanical inaccuracies in the literature – from the ‘proving’ to the actual medicine – lead to obscurities and consequent mistakes and failures in the therapy.
VII. RESEARCH
1. Information on Research in Homoeopathy – Where to get it?
RIGHETTI Marco (HL, 5,1/1992)
Homoeopathy began with ‘research’ – the very first was the Cinchona experiment by HAHNEMANN. Every remedy that entered into the homoeopathic Materla Medica was a result of research. However, the kind of research useful for homoeopathic therapeutics has never been in accordance with the thinking and research systems of the Allopathy. Researches on the allopathic models have little if not nil value for Homoeopathy. In this article the author furnishes the sources from where one can obtain information on the researches in Homoeopathy.
VIII. BIOGRAPHY
1. Dr.Herbert A.ROBERTS (1868-1950) DAS Kuhu(NJH, 1,3/1992) A very brief like sketch of Dr. H A ROBERTS.
IX. HISTORY
1. 160 Jahre Allgemeine Homoopathische
Zeitung – Eine Wiirdigung aus verlagshistorischer Sicht (160 years of Allgemeine Homoopathische Zeitung – an evaluation in the light of publication history) FISCHER E. (AHZ, 237, 5/1992)
The Allgemeine Homoopathische Zeitung is the oldest homoeopathic medical journal in the world. It was founded in 1832, during the lifetime of HAHNEMANN. The first number was published in July 1832, At that time there were of course, other homoeopathic journals,
foremost being the “Archlv fiir hombopathlsche Heilkunst”, known as STAPF’s Archiv, and “Annalen der hombopathischen Kllnik” by HARTLAUB and
TRINKS.
The article traces briefly the development of the journal, the different editors over the years, up-to-date. It is interesting that the journal is now in its 161st year of publication.
2. Paganinis Besuch bei Hahnemann
(PAGANINI’s visit to HAHNEMANN)
JUTTE, R. (AHZ, 237, 5/1992)
It is well-known that many famous persons consulted HAHNEMANN in Paris. With the examination and plans to print HAHNEMANN’s Case Records, details of many of these are coming to light.
Among the famous persons who were treated by HAHNEMANN while he was in Paris is the virtuoso on the violin Niccolo PAGNINI(1782-1840). The detailed case history recorded in the fifth French case journal has been studied. HAHNEMANN treated the famous musician whose short life was one of long ordeal, with Sulphur 30 and later on Pulsatitla 30. For reasons not known the treatment could not be completed.
3. Klassische Homoopathie – Ein Esay zur historischen Entwicklung und Definition (Classical Homoeopathy – an essay on the historical development and definition) SCHWEITZER, W. (AHZ, 237, 5/1992)
The author describes the historical development of the term ‘Classical Homoeopathy’ as well as the new interpretation of this term in the recent decades. He also opines that a clear and definitive clarification must be made as to ‘Classical Homoeopathy.’
4. Jahrestage der Homoopathie: zum100. Todestag von CARL GERSTER SEN.
(1814-1892): Versuch einer
Rekonstruktion der Gedenkenwelt und des geistigen Umfeldes eines homoopathischen Arztes der Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderte
(Anniversary of Homoeopathy: 100th death Anniversary of CARL GERSTER SEN.
1814-1892. An attempt at reconstruction of the ideal world and the society around during the life of a homoeopathic physician in the middle of the 19th century) WILLFAHRT, J. (ZKH, 36, 6/1992)
By examining the records of a homoeopathic physician the homoeopathic history of the period as well as the society may be obtained. The author has examined the records of Carl GERSTER(1814-1892) and typical trends of medicine in the middle of the nineteenth century can be seen. GERSTER was besides being a homoeopath, engaged with Hydrotherapy, Mesmerism and Natural therapy. His urge for theoretical foundation of practical experiences led him beyond the close borders of Homoeopathy. His way was guided by two directions, which may appear as contrasts: the new pathology and physiology on the one hand and a systematical pursuit of mesmerism on the other.
X. GENERAL
1. HAHNEMANN and today’s medicine
SPRING Beat and JUNI Peter (HL, 5, 1/1992) 11 ‘Always referring to the founder is characteristic of a sect’ Acomment, to be seriously considered Hf HAHNEMANN’sfindings prove to be correct, we must be able to verify them with our own experiences, and instead of hiding behind the “great master”, start expressing them in our own terms.
“Nevertheless, the following few examples illustrate that HAHNEMANN was an extraordinary and gifted physician and scientist of his day who deserves our respect.
“Despite being wrong in several assumptions, he was able to deduct information from accurate observatious of his patients which later were rediscovered by ‘modern medicine’. Many of his discoveries and conclusions in regard to Homoeopathy we have been able to verify in our clinical practice.”
With the above preamble the authors go on to narrate briefly the justification for the above statement. HAHNEMANN’s observations on Cholera, Hygiene, Side effects, Primary and Secondary effects, Rebound effect, Allergy and Allergen, etc. are brought before our attention so that one can easily see that HAHNEMANN was indeed far ahead of his times.
2. A pilot study of the attitudes and awareness of Homoeopathy shown by patients in three Manchester pharmacies
ALTON Sarah, KAYNE Steven (BHJ, 81, 4/1992) This pilot study was designed to determine public awareness of, and attitude to Homoeopathy by distributing questionnaire to a random sample of three pharmacies in different areas of Greater Manchester. It was found that 78% of the people had some degree of knowledge of Homoeopathy, but a significant number of these were adjudged as being from social classes A, B, and C, Attitudes did not appear to differ between those who had used Homoeopathy and those who had not, there being a positive view in general.
A need for a continuing homoeopathic education programme for prescribes and the provision of more information for potential patients was identified.
3. Homoeopathy-A pilot study of the attitudes and awareness of pharnmacy staff
in the Stoke-on-Trent area DAVIES Maurice, KAYNE Steven (BHJ, 81, 4/1992)
The survey was designed to study the attitudes of a sample of pharmacists, technicians and unqualified staff towards Homoeopathy, and their understanding of the principles involved.
The most significant findings were that the majority of those who expressed a view (i.e. excluding the “don’t know”) were favourable to Homoeopathy, but there was little understanding of the subject. Most pharmacists thought that homoeopathic medicines worked ‘by faith’. An urgent need for an education programme was demonstrated.
4. The over-the-counter market for Homoeopathy
LOCKIE A.H. (BHJ, 81, 4/1992)
There is a growing market for the over-the-counter (OTC) homoeopathic remedies in the U.K. OTC Homoeopathy market grew from £8 m to £12 m between 1988 and 1990. This compares with the European markets £230 m in France 210 m in Germany. Changes in the attitude by both consumers and the health-care professionals have contributed to growth in the UK, the report says. The potential for a huge expansion in demand for OTC Homoeopathy is further emphasized by study paper from a management consultancy entitled ‘Growing ECC market for Homoeopathy’. Another study says that Homoeopathy is becoming an increasingly important element in the European medical system.
5. Der “Genius der Arznei” bei Boenninghausen (The “Genius of the Remedy” of
BOENNINGHAUSEN)
GYPSER, K.-H.(ZKH, 36, 6/1992)
What did BOENNINGHAUSEN mean by “Genius of remedy”? We come across the word
“Genius” often in the works of BOENNINGHAUSEN in connection with a definite class of symptoms. The author traces the development of the idea of •Genius of a remedy” by BOENNINGHAUSEN.
In the Second Edition of his Organon in 1819 HAHNEMANN explained what he meant by “Genius” (paragraph 136). This passage is maintained upto the Fifth Edition and in the Sixth Edition (paragraph 130) “Genius” is replaced by “characteristic”. However, BOENNINGHAUSEN’s “Genius” is different. Attention is invited to his essay “Three Precautionary Rules of Hahnemann’,(1844)wherein he speaks of the characterise pain of Asafoetida. The author also draws attention to the Theraputic Pocket Book, and suggests the study of Materla Medica and the Therapeutic Pocket Book and ascertain the “Genius” of remedy. As example he has given the study of the remedy Asafoetida.
XI. NEWS & NOTES
1. Raffaella POMPOSELLI, Verona, Italy, reports {HL, 5, 2/1992) about the Seminar by George VITHOULKAS at Verona: In his book The Science of Homoeopathy’, VITHOULKAS says: “The symptom is the expression of the defence mechanism that tries to restore the equilibrium to the organism.” VITHOULKAS gave his definition of the value of a Symptom; the symptom should be evaluated according to four parameters:
1. The intensity of the symptom is the strength with which the patient expresses his problem
subjectively. The subtle facial expressions and gestures which can give greater emphasis to the symptom, must be noted by careful observation. The more intense a symptom the more relevant it is. The intensity of this symptom should also be equally intense in the remedy.
2. The continuity of the symptom depends on the frequency of its manifestation and therefore indicates how important it is for the defence mechanism.
3. The depth of the symptom – its hierarchical value has to be taken into account.
4. The uniqueness of the symptom: intense, profound, stable and also unique are of the greatest value in prescribing.
VITHOULKAS underlined the importance of the correct sequence in administering the remedies. He also said that he proposed to add to the three classic ‘miasms’ the miasms of Tuberculinic, the Carcinomatous as well as the modern miasms of Penicillin and Cortisone.
2. Fons Vanden BERGHE, Genk (Belgium) reports on the seminar of Vassilis GHEGAS in Greece: The seminar was attended by more than 120 participants from all over the world. (HL, 5,2/1992)
He discussed the rubric “Delusions” and the sub-rubrics. About Murex: Murex is very much like Lillium tigrinum and to a lesser degree like Sepia. In Murex the sensitivity of the genital is so much that by just washing the genital intense sexual desire may be produced, Sadness due to suppression of leucorrhoea is characteristic; melancholic after “cure” of the leucorrhoea by allopathy. Murex has empty feeling in the stomach which produces the desire to eat continuously (Sepia). If Staphysagria has been given without result and if there are strong uterine symptoms think of Murex. The combination of sadness before menses, sexual problems, and uterine problems should take your mind to Murex.
About the use of small remedies his advice is: If the patient is in homoeopathic treatment for a short time and his general energy is good it may be better to try with the small remedy that fits the special problem of the patient. He gave a lot of examples from his own experience to make this topic clear.
3. The 17th Annual Symposium on
Homoeopathic Medicine, Faculty of Homoeopathy, Midlands Branch chose for the 1992 Symposium theme, Audit (BHJ, 81, 4/1992) By studying how we use a particular medicine and how we treat various conditions with homoeopathic medicines we hope to add to our knowledge and improve our practice. The audit was done on Phosphorus. Thrombocytopenic purpura, upper or lower respiratory symptoms, anxiety, asthma, phobias, coughs, were the conditions treated with Phosphorus and of course as ‘consitutitonal’ medicine also among others.
The next audit was Migraine and Tension headache. A comparison of the medicines recommended by BOYD, BLACKIE, TYLER with the medicines that came up in this audit was done and third list compiled by repertorizing migraine and tension headache symptoms was presented by Dr.Bill RICHARDSON. While the results of migraine headache was good that of tension headache was not.
Two very interesting cases illustrating possible adverse effects of homoeopathic medicines were also presented.
4. Report by Steven KAYNE about the Second Russian Homoeopathic Congress, Moscow, May 1992 (BHJ, 81, 4/1992):
The theme of the Congress was ‘Homoeopathy and Ecology1.
A Lithuanian doctor introduced a new remedy, Aqua crystaiisata, which is made by adding ice crystals to alcohol and potentizing the resulting solution. It appeared to have a localized role and ‘activated the liquid crystals protein in the body’. Case studies were presented including the treatment of obesity, but no proving had been attempted.
After democratization within Russia, there was increased demand for unorthodox medicine including Homoeopathy; the German
Pharmacopaeia which was presently used may be replaced by Russian pharmacopaeia. Dr.ZAMARENOV presented a paper concerning the use of Mercury potencies in the treatment of Mercury poisonimg. A liquid potency was reported to have increased the urinary excretion of Mercury in poisoned patients.
Jacques BENVENISTE spoke about his current work, still to be published. In these studies both in vivo and in vitro methods were used in the further investigations on highly diluted solutions. A hypothetical mechanism of the biological effects at high dilutions was presented. This was based on the idea that in biology molecular comunication involves electro magnetic fields. A further lively debate would surely follow the publication of this study.
There were speakers about the environmental pollution in their countries.
5. (There are more journals in Homoepathy around the world in different languages to which I do not have access – yet – and therefore depend upon the ‘abstracts’ published in other journals like the British Homoeopathic Journal. Material gleaned from these abstracts are also included especially those that are of special value = K.S.S.)
The quarterly organ of the Austrian
Homoeopathic Medical Associaton – Homoopaihie In Osterreich, since 1990 – reflects the tremendous energy Austrian medical homoeopaths are putting into their work, with much thought given to the present-day situation and the needs of the future, clearly relating to the
medical situation of the day, official requirements, and the work that is being done in other German-speaking countries. Information and reports on meetings, conferences, training and further training are thus given considerable space.
6. Stevene KAYNE writes (Simile,
Vol.2,4/1992 issued with the BHJ 81, 4/1992) about what Jacques BENVENISTE had to say about the way his experiments were criticised by the Nature team:
“I saw the results with my own eyes Okay we make mistakes, but the basic threat of our work was based on hard facts. They also said I was arrogant. Peter MEDAWAR the British Nobel Laureate researcher said that humility is not a state of mind conducive to the advancement of learning and I agree with him to some extent. Those people will apologise to me some time.” When asked what kindled his interest in Homoeopathy, he said “in 1982 I thought Homoeopathy was a new sexual disease”, he joked. “I knew nothing – infact I still know little of the discipline, except in the context of considering its mechanisms as a branch of nature’s general transmission of messages through electromagnetic forces. That one of my students asked if he could carry out some homoeopathic experiments for his MD thesis and I gave permission, providing that he did not waste time. His results were interesting and I became involved in my present work from 1983.” BENVENISTE also felt that there was a publication bias in English language journals against positive results – especially ones that cannot easily be explained.”
7. The potency question by K.BIELAU, in Homoopathie in Osterriech 1991 2:109-1
(BHJ,81,4/1992): Potentized medicines are not innocuous and they can have undesirable effects. Four examples are given; e.g. Rhus toxicodendron 200 given half-hourly for 24 hours was followed by severe torticollis which was treated by different practitioners with Tarantula M and a number of unknown highpotencies and Chelidonium with the patient ultimately in hospital with jaundice. In Dr.BIELAU’s opinion we can count ourselves lucky that no one believes in the powers of potentized medicines and everyone thinks they are harmless!
He sums up his views as follows:
– Homoeopathic medicines can have undesirable effects,i.e. proving symptoms in patients.
– The higher the potency, the more persistent and deep-reaching the the effect, which may prove difficult to reverse.
– Accurate drug diagnosis based on careful history-taking and use of the repertories is the most important element, not the potency.
– LM potencies are always adequate, mostly medium high, with the 30th needed only very occasionally.
– ‘A homoeopathic prescription today and tomorrow we’ll have a cure’ merely
serves to make the practitioner feel good.
In reality we, as physicians, never heal the patient but at best provide the medicament that will stimulate the dynamics of life. PARACELSUS knew this.
8. The Editor Julian WINSTON in Homoeopathy Today, 12, 5/1992 says that he came across, in Philadelphia in an exhibition on the future of health statement introduced in the exhibit: “We are in the early stages of a revolution of biomedical science. In the past we saw illness as diseased organs.Today, scientists are beginning to study diseases at microscopic level of cells and molecules.” There was also a question of how do you think that the hospital life-supporting systems which can often keep a hospital patient for an indefinite period of time, should be used? (a) used for everyone; (b) used only if the patient has a chance of recovery; (c) the patient and his family decides. Out of 4253 votes 446 chose(c), while 964 chose
(b) and 2843 said that it should be mandatory(l)
There was also another question whether preventive medicine should be available to all Americans. Out of 3495 votes 342 said Yes, since it saves money in the long run, 3153 said No, because it would be too expensive. The Editor concludes that “these answers are from people who are coming to the ‘newest’ science museum in the City and if that is truly the state of mind of this country we are in big trouble”
(This is a sample of the confusion in which the people are=K.S.S.)
9. Acorrespondant reports on the severe adverse effects she had after a ‘swine flu vaccine’ in 1976.
She was diagnosed as suffering from ‘Guillain-Barre Syndrome’, a disease of the central nervous system and involves demyelinization of the spinal cord, the base of the brain and the peripheral and autonomic nervous system which affects the entire life force. The patient writes “some things I never imagined could happen to my body have become reality”. She narrates in detail the sufferings that she passed through, and they are terrible. She further says “The treating neurologist at the University of Miami has treated, at the request of the Government, all the victims of the swine flue vaccine (582 people). To date, there are only three of them alive and I am the only one who is mobile.” She has been treated with Homoeoathy by Saivatore WILLIAMS and her progress has been very encouraging. As on date of the letter “My balance has improved with the Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais body work. I am stronger, my stamina has increased tenfold, my balance much better, I know most of the time when I am being touched or burned without looking, and I can even type now. Some of the tingling numbness in my hands, feet and face still remains. When I had an MRI in 1989 it showed that my spinal cord has remyelinized-pretty remarkable after being demyelinized for 13 years. The treating neurologist when I told him what has was happening. said that’s impossible’.” {HT, 12,6/1992) (It is surprising that still some speak of the ‘limitations of Homoeopathy’: one should only speak of one’s own limitation = K.S.S)
10. A recent Associated Press article reported that ‘excessive use of the most widely prescribed anti-asthma drug may increase the risk of fatal asthma attack patients who used two inhalers a month-the recommended dosage is one a month-faced a risk of death or near-death that was double that of patients who used only one a month.’ (HT, 12, 6/1992)
11. In ‘A Fish Story’ Susan MYATT reports that when she found that the pet fishes in the tank were dying one by one and that at the request of the children she put one tablet of the 12 tissue salts (a combination) twice a day and soon there were no more deaths of the fishes, the fishes were healthy, and the water was sparkllngly clear! (HT, 12, 6/1992)
12. A very interesting observation from a correspondant in the HT, 12, 7/1992, Shanti MANDELKORN reports that she saw many cases of Flu and some of the most interesting were seen in children from a private school. The teachers of this school have been exceptionally severe in trying to make a point about the children’s behaviour. On the day of the upset the children had left for home not knowing whether there will be school next day, pending one of the children’s confessions to some wrongdoing. The children had come home stunned and affected. Within the next 3-4 days more than half of the kids in that class came down with the flu. This is very unusual for this school of healthy kids and health conscious parents. Gelsemium was the most beneficient remedy. “Bad news” and “chagrin” are both listed as causal factors for Gelsemium states.
13. Dr. M.S. SAXENA informs (HT,12, 7/1992) that he found the times of occurrence of great interest. At a particular time the medicine manifests its full therapeutic action. The time can vary about 15 mts. either way. For example, if the aggravation starts at 1 a.m. Arsenicum album will be the major remedy to consider. He has also observed that the symptoms of food poisoning and cholera for which this is the remedy usually develop at this hour. Others found in his practice:
8 a.m. to noon: Natrum muriaticum
11 a.m. Sulphur Noon to 12.30 p.m. Gelsemium
3 p.m.: China sulph. (if chill exists); Thuja (if no chill)
4-8 p.m.: Lycopodium
Aggravation starts just after falling asleep:
Lachesis
Every third day: Sulphur
Every two weeks: Niccoium
Every three weeks: Arsenicum album, Magnesia carbonica
Every spring: Lachesis Every
year: Urtica urens
14. Homeopatisk tidskrift, Vol.1, 1/1992, gives notes from Paul HERSCU Seminar, at Oslo and Gottenburg, March 1992. The following are from the Notes of Chris JOERGENFELT. (English translation from the Swedish by kind courtesy of
Marita BYRNE, Editor of Homeopatisk
tidskrift).
STRAMONIUM:
A relatively common remedy, majority indications in women.
Causation:
Ailments after FEAR
Meningitis; Encephalitis; also during pregnancy
Severe pain
Scare after operations; in children,Fear of separation from
parents
Emotional problems often begin at about two years of age Often symptoms from the nerve system, least touch from the hair causes a motion in that direction Different kinds of tics, twisting; biting nails. Gyratory motions of the hands Movement of head from side to side Sucking in air, involuntary
Rocking back and forth, fast, intense (Bell.,
Tarent.Tub.) Grabbing the genitals
Stammering Sleep:
Restless, or restless only during hot nights Dreams, anxious, fearful
Night terrors, terrible; wakes screaming in terror, not awake properly
Fear of dark
Teeth, grinds, in sleep
Uncovers the body or sticks feet out
Children often sleep with parents, out of fears and dreams, The fears disappear after the remedy; sometimes violent children get nightmares for some months after the remedy.
Eyes:
They don’t like bright light Pupils may be dilated May have an evil expression
They might blink a lot when stammering, or when frightened History of conjunctivitis (Med., Sulph.)
Face:
Expression, wild or frightened
Ears:
Redness, during excitement or diarrhoea Nose:
Runny, constant
Mouth: Speech stammering, when afraid, when excited or after reprimands
Respiration: Cough, constant; dry, barking, light croup;chesty, agg, morning, night. Bronchitis, constant Stomach: Desires sweets; strong thirst for ice cold drinks; chewing ice;
Appetite diminished; aversion to food. Rectum: Diarrhoea: recurrent; agg.sugar; brown, watery stool, lienteric;
soft; Difficult to toilet train because of irregular bowel
movements.
Extremities: Motion
Perspiration:
Scanty/Profuse
Skin:
Redness around anus Fever:
Might act wild, biting, kicking, rolling over the bed, etc.
Generalities:
Restless on hot days Tend to be warm-blooded Tend to get agg.from sun; also through the window.
MIND; Type t: Extroverted, intense:
Parents will be holding them, wants to break away. If let they go totally out of control
Can start talking loud to themselves – out of control Might like to interfere during the interview
{Tub.,Lach.,Verat.,Tnrent.)
Might torture, kill or injure animals
Very mischievous; malicious, fearless, violent; Tearing things apart, example: a doll
Restless, wants to go, go, go (Veraf.). If parents say they cannot go out anywhere, the child destroys everything.
Violent towards the parents and other children, also older children. When they get to 14-15-16 years, they are not concerned so much about violence Violence may be inside, so they start to shake from fear of
letting it out {Staph.)
Might play with snakes, ate. – a lack of fear
Children draw monsters and warewolves; After the remedy the violent type can become very weepy,
gentle, calm, affectionate – like Puts. Biting
Fascination about guns Doing mean thing to others No affection to father, hitting him A very wild child that never gives up. It is a constant battle of
wills,
Hates to change diapers, runs away – fights!! Delusion during fever; that rabbit is coming from the toilet Stammering; can also be only acute. Can go away slowly or
quickly
Short concentration span, runs off after some minutes “Genius as a baby, after high fever this ended”, Slowness of speech. Might not be able to say certain letters
Speech that does not improve
After the remedy very active kids can become very, very passive. It swings back to normal after a while. Parents usually state that the children become “truly more affectionate in one month.” “Plays better with other children”. “Less angry”.
Type II • Autistic state of Stramonium
Like they are in their own world, e.g. rocking back and forth,
totally withdrawn;
Wild imaginations, but do not play with other kids or mother. Lock themselves inside a room and like to talk to the spirits Something closes, stops interacting with people So shy, will not talk to you, so painfully shy Forsaken feeling: feel alone in the world, extreme sense of loneliness In this group of Stramonium there need not be any violence; after the remedy the children start to play with others. The shy, introverted type can look like Puls., Staph. The shy ones may masturbate Fears: of being/going outside, so they stay inside the house, in a closet, under the bed, etc. of being alone(3) of sudden strong/loud noise of the dark (3) of thunderstorms of being alone of ghosts of animals of all types; esp. dogs (3) of water, showers, of the ocean, of waves(3) of snakes of small places; claustrophobia of sharp instruments (A/um., Plat.) of monsters (3); have to look under the bed of shadows
They will lock everything at night
Delusions:
A sense of isolation, as alone in the world Like they did something wrong – anxiety of conscience, and somebody might just as well kill them A certain percent is fastidious about their fingers, to have them
clean, clothes to be clean Agg.
closed places Agg, being alone
Agg. stopping them from doing something Could be constipated, but much more comon is diarrhoea The fear of shining things is not so common, most common is
fear of showers, dogs and the dark Complementary – Sulph. It is more that
Sulph. looks so alike, but Stram. acts for a long, long time. They can go into Sulph. afterwards, but just as well any other remedy.
“IT’S LIKE A BIG PART OF ME HAS NEVER BEEN ALIVE -STRAM,, but you would believe Nat-m.”
If the pregnant mother gets a big fear the child can develop a Stram. state. Ear infections with antibiotics may cause develop many fears
STRAM. IS EASY TO MISTAKE WITH SULPH.
(See also Extract of Rubrics – Stramonium – in QHD,
8,4/1991).
XII. BOOKS
1. Un livre sans frontieres. Histoire et
Metamorphoses de I’ Organon de Hahnemann (A book without boundaries, History and metamorphoses of the Organon of Hahnemann), Jacques BAUR, France):
Edition Boiron S.A. 1SBN-2-85742-077-3.
Price 190 FF. In
French, no English translation available. Reviewed by Caroline A.GUBERT, (BHJ, 81, 4/1992)
“At last a logical, detailed, precise chronological list of different editions and translations of the Organon! It is an excellent reference book and of interest to every homoeopath. Firstly it can help the beginners find reasons for working on a certain edition of Organon pointing the
weaknesses and strengths, and showing which editions would complement one another. For the more competent practitioner it is a way of better understanding why homoeopaths all over the world base their knowledge on other editions and of explaining the nature of their different approaches. At a time when everything should have a global dimension, we should be grateful to Dr.Jacques BAUR for the enormous work he has done One is aware throughout that
the book is the result of painstaking and precise research into books, newspapers, and articles of the last two hundred years, in many different languages, and one is gratified to know that someone has had the patience, the ability and the tenacity to undertake the task. So much has been written about the Organon that it is very refreshing to come across not another interpretation of it, but a thorough research into its history and variations.” (S©e also ‘Book Shelf of QHD, IX, 3/1991)
2. The barefoot homoeopath, Madeleine HARLAND and Glen FINN, Clanfield; Hyden House
Limited 1991 ISBN:l-85623-00  1-5. Reviewed by Moira HOUSTON.(BHJ, 81, 4/1992) “In this
book, the authors borrow the term “barefoot” and use “barefoot homoeopathy” to refer to taking personal responsibility for one’s own health and health-care. The intention of the book is to ancourage people to take initiative in their health-care, both preventatively in lifestyle management and with first-aid treatments, naturopathic and homoeopathic. … The review of lifestyle management including diet, exercise, work, play and inner emotional health gives ideas for people to develop themselves along a particularly environmentally friendly line.. .. . In all this book has a balanced and comprehensive approach to
individual health care…. ”
3. Thorson’s Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Homoeopathy, Harald GAIER.
Thorsons 1991, pp.601 ISBN 0-7225-1823-4, reviewed Jeremy SWAYNE.{BHJ,81,4/1992)
“The book is a real ‘tour de force’. It is certainly encyclopaedic, covering every facet of homoeopathy and much of the medical and biological landscape that surrounds it…. Its scope embraces systems of medicine from Ayurvedic to Witch Doctor; medical personalities from
ARISTOTLE to WHEELER;… .. There is probably no theme that any of us might wish to explore that is not dealt with here, and copious reference throughout the material to other sources that we might wish to consult. I would like to insist that everyone involved in homoeopathy should at least browse this book, and at best should study some chunk of it in depth If we were to read this book critically, identify all the issues, and formulate the questions and protocols which are needed to clarify and resolve them, we would have definitive agenda for the next 25 years’ clinical and academic development of homoeopathy that would be absolutely daunting and thrilling. — there are sections which will extend and enrich the knowledge of even the best qualified and most experienced of us with an authority that we could not claim ourselves…”
4. The Immunisation Decision. A guide for parents. Randal NEUSTAEDTER. Berkeley, California 1990, North Atlantic Books. ISBN 1 -55643-071 -X, reviewed by John ENGLISH <BHJ,81,4/1992).
“The author rejects the standard view on the advisability of immunization. His book is really written to support parents who already share this opinion. It has two stated goals: ” to give information about the(relevant)diseases, the vaccines and their side-effects”; and to give support to those parents who choose not to immunize according to the recommended schedule”. He certainly succeeds in the latter respect. The book is well written and free enough from technical jargon for the average intelligent reader to follow without difficulty NEUSTAEDTER may well be correct in counselling caution in the introduction of new vaccines such as Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib) meningitis, where so far the efficacy is poor and the side effect profile high. Would I recommend the book to parents? Normally I am in favour of adult, responsible behaviour. , . in this instance, with you parents in a vulnerable position, I think, on balance, that they are better served by firm, well-informed, authoritative advice, and that that advice is that the currently recommended vaccines are worthwhile. So, no, I would not.”
5. Proceedings of the 1991 professional case conference. International Foundation for Homoeopathy, Seattle, USA. ISBN-0-8403-7208-6. pp.302 reviewed by David OWEN (BHJ, 81,4/1992).
A Case Conference can provide an excellent forum for experienced homoeopaths to learn from each other and to generate new educational material for those studying homoeopathy The proceedings are much more than just a souvenir copy for participants of the Conference. They are a well-presented collection of cases allowing homoeopathic observations and elucidating principles from experienced prescribers in a form which is not immediately forgotten. You don’t find immediately after reading a case, that you see this remedy walking through the door in the guise of every clinical presentation. Rather while taking or analysing the case a nugget of information comes back to youfyou can’t always remember where you heard it), but it is there for you to confirm it or not.”
6. Homoeopathy,a family handbook.
Recommended by
the BHA. London: Thorsons 1992 ISBN 0- 7225-2721-7. Pp.126, paperback, reviewed by Joan FORD. (BHJ, 81, 4/1992)
“This book is for the newcomer to homoeopathy, and as such it provides an easily readable, light-weight practical handbook.”
7. The Controlled Clinical Trial – An Analysis by Harris COULTER, Center for Empirical Research. Washington D.C. 1991. pp 165. reviewed by Lorraine TAYLOR (HL, 5,1/1992)
“…. In this book COULTER examines the issues around CCS (Case Control Study) showing how such a procedure can only be scientifically valid if it allows for and accommodates the heterogeneity of human sickness … COULTER’S doubts about the CCS are backed up by quotes from doctors and professors and example
of trials with critical comments… ”
8. Wissenschaftliche Grundlagen der Homoopathie (Scientific foundations of
Homoeopathy) by RESCH, G., GUTMANN, V, published by Barthel & Barthel Verlag, p.551. DM 96,-/english pp,498, DM 66,-. reviewed by SPRING Beat. (HL, 5, 1/1992).
“The authors, GUTMANN, a professor for inorganic chemistry and RESCH, a doctor for internal medicine, conducted chemical experiments about the process of potentialisation. They show that there is a significant difference between simple dilution and potentialisation
This is clearlya book for the scientifically orientated and is a milestone on the way to a deeper understanding of the scientific mechanisms underlying homoeopathic principles.”
9. Vassilis GHEGAS Holland Seminars, Home-Study, v.z.w., De Schom 67, B-3600, Genk. pp.180, BEF.900.- reviewed by Lorraine TAYLOR. (HL, 5,1/1992)
” … This is not therefore just another transcript of a Seminar but a life’s work which he is willing to share for the greater good of homoeopathy and humanity.”
10. Proceedings of the Professional Case Conference 1991, IFH, USA pp.302 reviewed by Lorraine TAYLOR. <HL,5,2/1992)
“It is always a pleasure to review transcript of this conference which takes place every year in America……………………………. is a collection of cases presented by some wellknown homoeopaths from Europe and America and this year Prakash VAKIL from India
presentedthe’emerging picture of
Leprominium’ – the leprosy nosode There are difficult cases and ones which we may also be confronted with in our own practice, so there is much to be learnt. The cases are well presented with details of allopathic diagnosis, prognosis and of course differential diagnosis and materia medica”
11. Small remedies seminar, Hechtel 1990 and 1991. reviewed by Lorraine TAYLOR (HL, 5, 2/1992)
“These two books are a merit to the industriousness of the Clinical Training Centre in Hechtel. Each year the Centre invites homoeopaths to present cases where a small remedy cured and these books are transcript of these seminars. In the appendix is an extensive list of symptoms of the presented remedies taken from such materia medica as CLARKE and BOERICKE and not found in the repertory Both these books are over 450 pages long and the cases show the relevant information from the videos and comments of the practitioner. They are not books one reads from cover to cover in one go the information is too overwhelming and the layout rather tiring for the eyes. However they contain a wealth of information which could help in those cases where we get stuck…”
 
12. How to use Homoeopathy, by Dr Christine HAMMOND, Element Books 1991 (2 edition) pp.148 reviewed by Lorraine TAYLOR (HL, 5, 2/1992)
“This is an expanded version of the 1988 edition and acts as a practical guide for the treatment of common ailments with Homoeopathy This is a useful reference book for those wishing to understand the basic principles of Homoeopathy and to use it for treatment of minor ailments…. ”
13. The Celle Seminars, toll by George VITHOULKAS, edited Lubda EVEREST, Ulrich Burgdorf, Gottingen.Germany 1992,
480 pages reviewed by Francis TREUHERZ
(The Homoeopath, 12,
4/1992)
“…. This book certainly shows George
VITHOULKAS as a virtuoso homoeopath with tremendous confidence and opitimism for his patients. I know that it is one of his ambitions that there should be a full video and paper records of his work and that of his colleagues and students so that the medical world may learn that homoeopathy is eff icaceous beyond the anecdotal. I do hope the next volumes show us the follow-up treatments……………………….. ”
14. The Classical Homoeopathic Lectures by Vassilis GHEGAS trans. Fons Vanden
Berghe, De Schom 67, B-3600 Genk,Belgium 1991, pp.184 800 Belgian francs reviewed by Richard WYNE. (The Homoeopath, 12, 4/1992)
“…. In this volume are the materia
medica with essences of Natrum muriaticum, and Natrum sulphricum . . . The materia medica are excellent, divided into clear sections with good headlines. They read easily, although they are not in narrative form like the VITHOULKAS Essences – but neither are they in cryptic note form as in Boericke. Characteristic symptoms have the relevant rubric and page numbers in Kent. There are also extensive differential diagnoses of the described remedies with other remedies…. The bock finishes with
eight pages of useful tips and snippets of information and an index of remedies mentioned with relevant pages (152 remedies in this volume). The book handles easily, is on easy to read type and is full of GHEGAS’ vast knowledge of practical homoeopathy.”
15. Homoeopathy for Mother and Baby, Pregnancy, birth and the post natal year, by Miranda CASTRO, Macmillan, 1992, pp.319 reviewed by Roger LICHY. (The Homoeopath, 12, 4/1992)
“Miranda CASTRO has written an excellent sequel to her best selling The Complete Homoeopathy Handbook. Her new book is primarily a do-it-yourself guide for the lay reader who wishes to help herself during pregnancy, birth and the post-natal year, It will also be useful for both students and the professional homoeopaths and should prove very popular with midwives wanting to prescribe homoeopathic remedies ”
16. History of Syphilis by Claude QUETEL translated by Judith BRADDOCK & Brian PIKE, Polity Press & Blackwells, 1992, pp.342 reviewed by Paul HUGHES. (The Homoeopath, 12,4/1992)
“This is an exhaustive study of the global evolution of syphilis, traced from its supposed historic European origin in 1495 to the present. Discussive and engaging in style, it synthesizes the clinical and therapeutic aspects with the growth of hospitals and social welfare policies which evolved in response to the increasing pandemic, with its impact in every economic and social, cultural and sexual spheres of life
Homoeopathy is given a slender token appearance, in ironic context. The History of Syphilis is broadly addressed to a scholarly readership It qualifies still as
a useful source of enlightening clinical and historical detail which promises to further illuminate the nature of chronic disease and syphilitic miasm.”
17. The Guide to OTC Homoeopathy, New Era Laboratories, Hedon Road, Marfieet, Hull HU9 NJ. 1992, pp.150 reviewed by Zofia DYMITR (The Homoeopath, 12, 4/1992)
“. . . . As practising homoeopaths we will become increasingly aware of this commercial approach to homoeopathy. We will only realistically tackle it as a profession by ensuring the public has access to sound information and education.”
18. In Serial No.3 above a review of Thorsons Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Homoeopathy by SWAYNE in the BHJ, 4/1992 has been given. Julian WINSTON in the Homoeopathy Today, 12,
6/1992 gives a different review. Dr. Julian WINSTON says that the book abounds in Neologisms, a plethora of unnecesary cross references. There are many errors, e,g. Carrol
DUNHAM died in
1877 but the book lists it as 1887; the biography of KENT is filled with inaccuracies “As it stands, Thorsons Encycloapedic Dictionary has different degrees of reliability. It certainly should not be used as a definitive reference source.” (Homoeoapthy has been gaining all over the world and therefore many publishers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, authors want to avail the opportunity and turning out material in haste. There is greater need now more than ever for genuine material from genuine homoeopaths = K.S.S.)
19. Homoeopathic Remedies for Health Professionals and Lay People by Dale BUEGEL, Blair LEWIS, Dennis CHERNIN. Himalayan International Institute, Honesdale, PA. 1991, pp.250 reviewed by Julian WINSTON (HT,12, 6/1992)
“. . . . This is an ideal book for anyone interested in prescribing for acute ailments. It will probably be the “text” used in the IFH Acute Care course. A better recommendation cannot be made.”
NOTE: The ‘Current Literature Listing’ is only a classified list with brief abstract/summary of the articles which appeared in the various homoeopathic journals, worldover. Readers should refer to the original articles for detailed study.
Full address of the Journals covered by this Quarterly Homoeopathic DIGEST (Vol.
X, No.4/1993) are given below.
1. AHZ: Allgemeine Homoopathische Zeitung, Karl F. Haug Verlag, 6900 HEIDELBERG 1, GERMANY.
2. HL: Homoeopathic Links, Homoeopathic Research & Charities, “Dinar”, 20 Station Road, Santacruz (West), BOMBAY – 400 054.
3. ZKH: Zeitschrift fur Klassische Homoopathie, Karl F. Haug Verlag, 6900 HEIDELBERG 1, GERMANY.
4. HH: Homoeopathic Heritage, B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd., 1920 Street, 10th Chuna Mandi, Pahargnj, Post Box 5775, NEW DELHI- 110 055.
5. THE HOMOEOPATH: The Journal of the Society of Homoeopath, 2, Artizan Road, NORTHAMPTON NN1 4HU, U.K.
6. NJH:NationalJournalof Homoeopathy, Milan Clinic, Saraswati Road, Santa Cruz (W), BOMBAY – 400 054.
7. BHJ: British Homoeopathic Journal, RoyalLondon,Homoeopathic Hospital,Great Ormond Street, LONDON, WC1N3HR, U.K.
8. SIMILLIMUM: The Journal of the Homoeopathic Academy of Naturapathic Physicians, 11231 SE Market Street, PORTLAND, OR 97216, U.S.A.
9. H.T.: Homoeopathy Today, National Center for Homoeopathy, 500, Massachusells Avenue, N.W. Suite 42, WASHINGTON D.C. 20005, U.S.A,
10. HOMEOPATISK TIDSKRIFT: Forum fo HOMEOPATISK LAKEKONST Svenska Akademin for Kiassik Homeopati, Folgunagagatan 84 (Itr) 116 22 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN.
 
 
 
(Excerpted from a presentation given at the Ohio Southern/Michigan/Pennsylvania
Homoeopathic Medical Societies’ Meeting in Dayton, Ohio, October, 1991.)
Abstract
Several small and unusual remedies prescribed for various clinical conditions are highlighted. Covered are such conditions as nausea of pregnancy, colds and allergic rhinitis, external otitis, urinary incontinence, postnasal catarrh, proteinuria, pre-eclampsia, influenza chronic fatigue syndrome, coughs, diabetic neuropathy, herpes; zoster, and facial neuralgia. (I have slightly condensed the article = K.S.S.)
In preparation for a presentation I gave all the Ohio/Michigan/ Pennsylvania and Southern Homoeopathic Medical Societies’
Meeting in 1990, I received my clinical practice for a period of foui months, paying special attention to smalt and unusual remedies that I found especially useful. The following is a report of my observations.
One of the problems that came up frequently was nausea, specifically nausea of pregnancy. A lot of women go through pregnancy just fine, but for some reason there is a propensity for having queasiness, nausea and vomiting. You can see the entire spectrum, ranging from squeamishness to intractable, violent vomiting. The remedies that come to mind most prominently are Ipecacuanha, Nux vomica – especially for morning sickness – and Sepia. Two of our other great remedies are Colchicum and Cocculus; both possess a very characteristic symptom – even the sight or smell of food excites nausea and vomiting, Many of these patients feel terrible during the first few months of pregnancy, and anything that we can do to help them will be appreciated, So, in addition to the indicated remedies, I advise some dietary changes: always to keep a little bit of food in the stomach.
There are two other remedies for nausea of pregnancy which you may not have encountered. One is Symphoricarpus racemosa. It has been a very important remedy for me for nausea of pregnancy. Looking back at that remedy, we find that in 1882 Dr. MOFFIT read a paper about it. He talked about Dr. BURDOCK who, years before, had investigated the remedy because he was trying to discover remedies that had not yet been incorporated into the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia. He said of the first prover, an intelligent lady, who, on feeling the marked nausea which it soon produced, said, “Doctor, this is precisely like the morning sickness that I always experienced during pregnancy.” That is how Symphoricarpus became an important remedy in morning sickness. Julian WINSTON said that in the Naturopathic Library in Toronto there is a book with a letter from KENT in which he says that Symphoricarpus in a 10M potency is as much a specific for the nausea of pregnancy as any he has ever seen.
 
Another remedy that I have found to be important in the nausea of pregnancy \s Amygdalus persica (Peach Bark). Now let me read something that comes from New, Old and Forgotton Remedies by ANSCHUTZ. He talks about a paper by Dr. EDSON in Chicago in 1890.
“Some ten years ago I had a little patient whose principle difficulty seemed that he was unable to retain anything whatsoever upon his stomach. He would vomit up promptly everything that I gave him, and I had given him everything I had ever heard of and also had some eminent counsel, but it was no go. I was literally at my ropes end. At this juncture an elderly neighbour, one of “the good old mothers” timidly suggested an infusion of Peach bark. Interesting how we get some of our remedies. After some thought I decided to find the bark, which I was fortunate to procure after a long tramp through the country and two feet of snow, I prepared an infusion; the deed was done and presto the child was cured. He gives various instances of its usefulness. It is a very good remedy for nausea of pregnancy.
These four remedies — Colchicum, Cocculus, Symphoricarpus, and Amygdalus-\ keep on hand and prescribe often.
This remids me of a story. About five or six years ago a patient of mine called and asked if I could come over. She was terribly sick with nausea of pregnancy. In fact they had moved her from the country where she lived to her parents’ house, near where I practiced, because she needed care. She had been to the regular doctor and was given injections and suppositories. Nothing was helping. She was desperate. I said I would come over after work. When I got to the house, I was led downstairs to the recreation room. Everything had been removed, and she was there prostrate on a sleeper couch. I pulled up a chair next to the bed. She looked miserable. She had a pot next to her in which to vomit. I began talking to her, taking her case with the usual questions. I noticed she turned over to look at the other side of the bed and just started to retch. Her mother was on the other side of the room talking to her. When she sat up to answer, she vomited again. What remedy do you think? Bryonia: Any movement she made caused her to vomit. So remember, you are always looking for the specific symptoms of the patient. I took out a vial of Bryonia and put a dose in water and told her to sip on it. She called the next morning and said she was already getting better. So, Individualization of the case is imperative.
With the onset of allergy season various remedies call for consideration. There is A/Hum cepa, Arsenicum album, and Euphrasia. If I had to pick one remedy for this condition, I would probably choose Sabadilla. It is a wonderful hay-fever remedy. When there is a lot of itching, especially in the palate, Wyethia is a wonderful remedy. Accompanying the itching are a sore, red, irritated pharynx and itching of the posterior nasopharyn. Another remedy that has the same deep- seated itching in the mouth, nose and ears, sometimes so intense as to drive the patient crazy, is Arundo. I learned of this remedy when, years ago, a patient came in with allergy symptoms. In her history she described a peculiar symptom of pain in the stomach “as if there were something alive”, similar to when she was pregnant. This symptom is not in KENT’S Repertory, (The symptom is in the KENT Repertory. See p.541, 554 – however Arundo is not found in these rubrics. K.S.S.) but it is in BOERlCKE’s – “as if £ fetus in the abdomen.” Arundo had both of those symptoms, and it cured her allergies. Succinic acid has been helpful to me in the past. It has all the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Another remedy is Kali sulphuricum chromico, which has sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, and nasal itching. Recently I have found this remedy to be very useful in allergies. Once again I want to remind you that we are treating the patient; consequently we try to find e. remedy to fit a patient’s constitutional nature, the deeper remedy that seems to fit the nature of the case, but, in doing so, we must not ignore the specifics.
A useful agent in my daily practice is Mullein, Verbascum. Oil of Mullein is a classical remedy for earaches. This oil can also be used for itchy scallness in the ear canal – exfoliative dermatitis in or around the ears, like Calcarea picrata, as well as after suppuration, like Calcarea sutphurica. Dr. GUSHING wrote in 1884: “My father’s house was the home for all poor tramps, as well as ministers, etc. One day he fell into the river and got water in his ears and was quite deaf fcr months. A blind man called, heard loud conversation, asked the cause, etc. then said that because of all the kindness he had received, he would tell us how to make something that would surely cure him. It was worth a thousand dollars in New York City. We made the oil of Mullein, put in his ears, and he was well in the morning …” Interesting how these things come about. In one of HERING’s books he talks about how it is an old German remedy to help ear conditions.
Another tip that I have recently found to be helpful also comes from Dr. CUSHING. Here is what he wrote: “For years we kept a bottle of it (Mullein) and travelled around town, and it did wonders for people. When I studied medicine and I was practising, I wanted to know if the Mullein was homoeopathic, and I made a proving. I developed the symptom of almost constant, but slight involuntary urination, keeping my pants wet.” I have used it recently for enuresis. There are various remedies that we use for enuresis – Causticum, Sepia, etc., various remedies that appear in the Repertory with which we have had some success in children. Mullein has this constant involuntary urination, constant dribbling. We sometimes get cases of children, more often little girls than boys, who wet their pants often during the day at school or daycare. It is not an ensy thing to cure. The Mullein in low potency homoeopathic doses has helped several of those children whom I had not been able 10 help previously. So, you might keep this remedy in mind for day time involuntary urination. I have not used it in adults yet. One other symotom of Mullein is a teasing cough at bedtime. When the patient lies down at night and starts to cough, a dry, teasing cough that is hard to stop, Mullein has proved helpful.
I had an interesting case recently, a patient who came in with a two-year history of feeling as though he were going to choke. There was a constant drip in the back of his throat, in his larynx, that was always annoying him. He had been to half-a-dozen different allopathic doctors, including ENT specialists. He had sinus surgery in the hope that it might help. One month later the symptoms returned. He had to clear the mucus out all the time. He was better talking, better eating, and worse swallowing, I gave him Lachesis initially. The sensation of his throat closing, worse from swallowing his own saliva and ameliorated by eating solids, spoke for that remedy. There was perhaps a 10% improvement. The next remedy prescribed was Arum dracontium, not Arum triphyllum. The latter remedy has clergyman’s sore throat and lots of acrid discharge from the nose. In fact, it is my prime remedy when chilldren have a dripping nose and there is redness and excoriation between the nose and upper lip. Whether the excoriation is the result of a dripping nose or a cold sore, use Arum triphyllum; it is a wonderful remedy for that characteristic. In contrast, Arum dracontium has a constant need to clear the throat, like Phosphorus, which is often useful for this symptom, if other symptoms fit. Well, after Arum dracontium this patient Improved considerably.
There are various remedies for nasal and post-nasal discharges. For thick yellow discharges, Pulsatilla, Hepar sulphuris, Kali bichromicum, and Hydrastis all have been very helpful. I remember questioning a patient last year about his discharges, and he said it was white. Most patients mean clear when they say white. So I always ask, “Do you mean like a cooked or uncooked egg white or milky white?” There are various color rubrics for discharges throughout the Repertory. For white discharges from the nose, Kali chloratum is in the highest degree. Natrum muriaticum, Kali muriaticum, Sepia and others all have white discharges, but think of Kali chloratum for white discharges in the respiratory tract. It is listed under white expectoration from the chest and is the only remedy under opaque white discharges.
The first time I learned of Kali chtoratum was from Dr. ROOD. She talked about it in toxemia of pregnancy, where there is protein in the urine, and I have used it successfully several times in this situation. I have used this remedy several times for proteinuria in children. This is more frequent in boys than girls, especially after exercise, but there are a few that will have it all the time. It is not always pathological, but you do have to be careful. I routinely send these children to the urologist to make certain there is nothing wrong with the kidneys. Then a dose of Kali chloratum will often clear the protein. Another remedy that has helped me in this same respect is Ichthyotoxin, from Eel serum. ‘Eel serum is to the kidney as Digitalis is to the heart” is a quote I recall which described this remedy’s relationship to the kidneys. When the kidney is affected primarily and there is protein in the urine, as in the nephrotic syndrome, think of Ichthyotoxin. Kali chloratum can also be used to advantage in this same way.
Another remedy I have used recently that has helped patients with constant post nasal drip is Antimonium sulphuratum auratum, the golden sulphuret of antimony, FARRINGTON talked about this in his Lesser writings, and it has helped me. For chronic nasal obstruction, I find that somewhere along the line the patient will require a dose of Calcarea carbonica. Many of these patients cannot breathe when they tie down; they get hooked on nasal drops. Calcarea carbonica over time will help them. Sanguinaria nitrica is another remedy for chronic nasal obstruction; it also has polyps in the nose. Calcarea carbonica is also a great nasal polyp remedy. Lemna minor and Sanguinaria come to mind for nasal obstruction and nasal polyps.
Flu season is already upon us. The usual Gelsemium, Eupatorium perfoliatum, and Oscilloccinum are quite helpful and find frequent use, but, of course, are insufficient to meet all cases of influenza. What remedy do you think BOERICKE is describing in the following passage?” “Epidemic influenza, especially with violent retching and greatest prostration, when Arsenicum, has failed … Tired feeling with muscular prostration, worse any exertion. Sore feeling all over, worse in afternoon. Restless at night. Difficulty getting to sleep. Tired feeling in the morning on getting up. Tired feeling in back and neck… extreme weakness… stiffness”. It is Sarcolactic acid. It has fitted many cases of influenza and has been very helpful, especially for the tiredness, muscle aches and soreness described above.
More recently many people have come in for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I have often found Phosphoric acid, Picric acid and Sarcolactic acid to be useful in helping relieve the overwhelming tiredness characteristic of this syndrome.
For gastrointestinal influenzas there are several remedies, such as Cuprum, Cuprum arsenicum and Veratrum album. Triosteum perfoliatum is a remedy I have found helpful with the symptom complex of queasiness (a little stomach upset), muscular aches and frontal headache. These cases display all kinds of mild flu symptoms;, but they do not develop a full-blown acute flu. It has really been helpful for that mild kind of upset stomach and achiness.
Here is an unusual cough remedy. I have used a remedy called Antimonium iodatum. We most often use the classical remedies for coughs – Phosphorus, Bryonia, Antimonium tartaricum etc. However, often, when the cold seems to descend straight down into the cheat and is hard to get eradicated, I use Antimonium iodatum. In my experience the cough is usually dry, the mucous seeming stuck in the airways. The iodide component seems to bring up the moisture from the lungs. It is a great expectorant, just as is the iodide, allopathically.
Here is an interesting case just recently seen in my office. The patient came with a third recurrence of the same symptom complex, the episodes recurring every two years. Each time a tremendous flu initiates the sequence. She feels achy, tired, and hoarse. Before she is very sick, she can hardly talk, with hoarseness, and she knows she is going to be bedridden for six weeks. She tried the antibiotics before without benefit. She still spent six weeks In bed. I found the remedy Populus candicans, the Balm of Gilead. Normally I would have thought of Causticum or Phosphorus, but neither remedy seemed well indicated. She took Populus and the hoarseness evaporated. All of her symptoms cleared after this remedy, and she has not relapsed since. Keep this in mind: cough with severe hoarseness (typically pains less) — Populus candicans.
Can Homoeopath help chronic disease? Forgive the rhetorical question. I have a forty year-old patient who has had diabetes since childhood. She has had various complications, one of which was a diabetic neuropathy with numbness down the left lower extremity. Her doctors said it could not be helped. 1 thought of the sciatica remedies which have pain and numbness, and I gave her Gnaphalium. After six weeks it cured that problem; the feeling in her leg returned. Another case, an elderly lady, came with the complaint of post-herpetic neuralgia of two years duration. The after-effects of shingles can cause terrible pain. The pain was over the left side of her head, face and eye. I gave her several remedies without help. Then I used Zincum valerianum. It helped within a week. I gave her one dose because I only had a 1M potency, and she got better. Another patient came in who had both shingles and tic douloureux, with terrible terrible pains. It was again on the left side, and Zincum valerianum helped her too. Whether it is just a left sided remedy, I do not know, Zincum valerianum is a good remedy to keep in mind for severe neuralgic pain in the face.
 
A patient called recently saying that he had a spasm in the stomach. “It closes off right here (pointing to the epigastrium).” “I cant eat, drink or do anything. If I do, it comes right back up. It is a terrible spasm. I just need to lie down for a while. Usually after an hour or so it goes away. I get it periodically. The spells came very close together recently.” I made note of the location of the spasm – the junction of the esophagus and the stomach, the cardiac end of the stomach. Well, why it came back to me I do not know, but I remember hearing at the NCIHH summer school of a remedy with cardiospasm. I told the patient that the next time experienced that spasm he should take… It is right there in KENT’S Repertory under the “swallowing” rubric. It is Phosphorus. When he came for the next appointment, he said that he had another attack, used the Phosphorus immediately at the beginning of the attack, and his stomach immediately opened up.
These are a few clinical observations from a few months of my practice. I hope they have been of interest.

Source: QUARTERLY HOMOEOPATHIC DIGEST, VOL. X, No. 4, DECEMBER 1993

Author: Dr. K.S.Srinivasan